WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1,2010 U SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK PAGE 13A Suwannee's share of Race to the Top: $1 million Continued From Page 1A teachers union was initially hesitant to get on board for the program, were rea- sons for concern. Though those are no longer specific worries, there are still more layers of the RTTT program un- folding as the race moves on, another district official explained. "There's still some question because in addition to the district receiving funds, money provided to the Florida Depart- ment of Education will inherently benefit the districts," said Vickie Music, chief fi- nancial officer for Suwannee County Schools. Therefore, the potential exists for Suwannee County to benefit, not just monetarily, but also from special services provided under the umbrella of the RTTT. What's the Scope? Currently, participating districts, in- cluding Suwannee, are each in the process of presenting their own individ- ual scopes of work to the state. The scopes are extensive explanations of how the districts intend to improve their low- est performing schools, reward the best teachers largely based on a merit pay system and increase the academic achievement of students through new programs and technologies. The state, similarly, was required to provide its own scope of work to officials in Washington, D.C. "The district is comprising a scope of work, which will model the state's plan," said Music. "Locally, questions lie in how success- ful the district can negotiate its plan (scope of work) between (itself) and its employees. It will have to be a plan that encompasses all stakeholders." If district administrators are unable to come to agreement with all stakeholders, especially teachers, regarding the scope of work, the district's chance in the com- petition could still be cut short, Music said. She emphasized that there is little time for sitting on the fence. "Meetings between the district and its stakeholders will begin immediately," she said. At the end of the the day, one thing re- mains the same. Unchanged is the fact that Florida is set to receive $700 million in grant funds, 50 percent ($350 million) of which will be doled out to participating school districts statewide. The $992,216.46 intended for Suwannee, is expected to be allocated at roughly $250,000 per year for four years, Music added. Local Wal-Mart to get a new look By Carnell Hawthorne Jr. carnell.hawthorne @gaflnews.com Anyone who has shopped at Wal-Mart in Live Oak lately may have noticed some major changes taking place. On Aug. 8, the store at 6868 US 129 began an ex- tensive renovation and re- model, according to a company news release. Taking a cue from cus- tomer feedback, the com- pany's higher-ups decided it was time to perform a major facelift on the store, which has been a staple in the Live Oak community since 1998. "The store will receive a full remodel from the in- side out and will represent the latest in Wal-Mart's store design and customer experience," according to store officials. The new design will feature a cleaner, brighter look with wider aisles, low-profile shelving, a bright interior paint scheme, new lighting and easy-to-read signage all geared at helping cus- tomers find the products they need more quickly. "We are excited to bring an improved shopping ex- perience to our cus- tomers," said Live Oak Store Manager Julie Ja- cobs. "We listened to our customers and are re- designing the store to make shopping at Wal- Mart even easier." In addition to the new design, the store's update will include a new floor plan and product assort- ment. The aim is to align the store's layout with the products customers pur- chase the most, officials said. Though shopping at Wal-Mart in the interim may seem somewhat chal- lenging, store employees and management are doing everything they can to make the experience a pleasant one, according to one manager. "We're making sure that we're greeting all of our customers and asking them if they need help finding ;mii\iliii-.." said Leondra Howard, shift manager on duty Monday morning. As a convenience to customers, the store has remained open during the remodel, including all de- FURNITURE SHOWPLACE ITrlh,.h.,rh Sleep Distributors US 90 West (Next To 84 Lumber) Lake City, 386-752-9303M apartments and services. Maps of the new layout are provided at the en- trance and directional sig- nage will be located throughout the store, offi- cials said. As an added courtesy, the majority of construction and moving is performed during the overnight hours. The completion date of the remodel is set for mid- October and will be fol- lowed by the store's grand-reopening on On Oct. 22. Anyone with fur- ther questions or concerns is asked to call 386-330- 2488. Hatch Bend Baptist Church will host their annual Homecoming ser- vices on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010. Sunday School 9:45-10:30, worship to begin at 10:45 with singing. Guest singer with be Gail Moore and speaker will be Rev. Bruce Sullivan. There will also be singing VALDOSTA SYMPHONY ORCH & Pianist Elizabeth Pridgen Sun, Sept. 26- 3 PM DRACULA Dance Alive National Ballet Sat, Oct. 23 - 7 PM BITS 'N PIECES PUPPET THEATRE The Ugly Duckling Thurs, Nov. 4-6:30 PM LARRY MCWILLIAMS "Gala Evening with Friends" Sat, Nov. 20 - 7 PM GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS Tues, Jan. 18-7 PM THE LOWE FAMILY High Energy Variety Show Thurs, Feb. 3 - 7 PM LINDA DAVIS Grammy Award Winner Friday, March 25 - 7 PM SEASON PASSES ON SALE NOW! $55 Reserved | $45 Open Seating WWW.NFCC.EDU A - -B COURTS Eight receive 'hard time' in Live Oak By Carnell Hawthorne Jr. carnell.hawthorne@gaflnews.com Eight people were sentenced to prison Aug. 24 in felony violation of probation proceedings held at the Suwannee County Courthouse under Third Circuit Judges Julian E. Collins and Paul Bryan. John Nicholas Reppert, 22, of 1780 South Walker Avenue, Live Oak, was sentenced to four years in prison for violation of proba- tion under a previous charge of driving under the influence caus- ing serious bodily injury. According to court records, Reppert admitted violating his probation, received jail credit for time served, and was assessed $250 in attorney's fees. Kelie Jean Branham, 42, of 4590 East Behind Bar, Live Oak, was sentenced to three years in prison on a count of trafficking a controlled substance. She was handed five years of drug offender probation on that count and four others including: a drug offense within 1,000 feet of a church; the sale, delivery and pur- chase of a controlled substance; and two counts of possession of a controlled substance with the in- tent to sell or deliver, all counts to run consecutively. Branham received jail credit and a 2-year suspension of her li- cense. In addition, she was or- dered to pay over $51,500 in court costs and fees with a civil lien ad- ministered in the amount of $49,500. A fine of $500 was later assessed. Jerry Lee Fields, 57, of 409 McGee Street, Live Oak, was sen- tenced to 24 months in prison on one count each of the sale of co- caine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship and possession of a controlled substance with the in- tent to sell or deliver, both counts to run consecutively. Fields re- ceived 427 days of jail credit, and must serve 60 months of drug of- fender probation consecutive to his prison sentence. Judge Bryan issued a suspen- sion of Fields' driver's license for two years and ordered the 57- year-old to pay over $1,400 in court costs and fees. Joel Lee Smith, 30, of 13093 177th Road, Live Oak, was sen- tenced to prison in two separate cases Aug. 24. In one case, Smith admitted vi- olation of probation and was sen- tenced to 15 months in prison on a count of grand theft. He was or- dered to pay over $250 in attor- ney's fees. In a second case, Smith also ad- mitted violation of probation and was sentenced to 15 months in prison on a count of cocaine pos- session to run concurrently with the case mentioned above. Smith received jail credit for time served on two other counts -- one for dri- ving with a suspended license and another for possession of drug paraphernalia. His license in this case was ordered to be suspended for two years, and he was as- sessed $250 in attorney's fees. Michael Lee Benoit, 27, of 248 SW Susan Circle Apt. 7, Lake City, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for violating probation under an existing charge of deal- ing in stolen property. Benoit ad- mitted his violation and received 69 days' jail credit. He was ordered to pay $250 in attorney's fees and given permis- sion to be transported to St. Lucie County. Victor Lee Carnahan, 54, of 13869 Pleasant Valley Drive, Jacksonville, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for violating pro- bation under an existing count of the sale of a controlled substance. Carnahan received jail credit and must undergo an additional 30 months of drug offender proba- tion. His license was ordered sus- pended for two years and his pre- vious punishments were reim- posed as a result of his violation. He must pay $250 in attorney's fees. David Hunter Gettinger, 25, of 3109 West Horatio Street Apt. 17, Tampa, was sentenced to one year and a day for violating probation regarding a previous charge of possession of cannabis with the intent to sell. Gettinger received jail credit and was ordered to pay $100 in attorney's fees. Cassius Rudolph Rossin, 41, was sentenced to one year in prison for violating probation on a previous count of grand theft III (specified property). Rossin ad- mitted violation, received jail credit and was ordered to $250 in attorney's fees. John Nicholas Reppert Kelie Jean Branham Jerry Lee Fields ^ *' Joel Lee Smith Michael Lee Benoit Victor Lee Carnahan David Hunter Gettinger cl., Cassius Rudolph Rossin Carroll Family Reunion The Carroll Family reunion will be held Sept. 18, at Philadelphia Baptist Church Recreation hall, from 5 p.m. until. Come and bring a covered dish and your favorite dessert. Paper goods and drinks will be provided. Come early and let's catch up on the family news. Call 386-776-1325 or 386-294-1168. from several church members. Lunch will follow in the fellowship hall. Bring a covered dish and join us in worship, food and fellowship. No evening service. For more in- formation call Bro. Paul Coleman at the church, 935-0943 or email at hbbc @ windstream.net. Hatch Bend Baptist Church Homecoming Old Florida Company / Auction House 152 W Main St., Mayo, Fl A Auction - Thursday, September 9 - 7pm Preview 6pm New and high quality items that include: Gold Jewelry, Pearl Jewelry, Loose Gemstones & Diamonds, Authentic ATOCHA Spanish Shipwreck Treasure Coins, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Sarah Coventry & Fashion Jewelry, Furniture, Lamps, Antiques, Collectables & Giftware, Ceramics, Silver-plate Servers, Brass & Glass, Original Framed Oil Paintings, House Wares, Brand Name Beauty Products, Lenox China, Jewel T Autumn Leaf China, Universal Cattail China, Longaberger Baskets, Tools & "Guy Stuff' Are You New to Auctions? Easy Bidding Instructions! Come on out. It's guaranteed fun! Comfortable Seating - Cold A/C - FREE Snacks & Drinks - Door Prizes "Some New, Some Nearly, Some Not So..." Linda Kay Partney - Auctioneer AU3 912/AB2778 I will be conducting auctions several times a month on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. 10% Buyers Premium All Sales Subject to Sellers Approval Call 305-849-3993 for more info WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 PAGE 13A * SUWANNEE DEMOCRAT/LIVE OAK