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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, the High Springs Community School (HSCS) students in grades 6-8 were able to cast their vote for President in a mock election.

After a month of informational preparation presented in each of the Social Studies classes in the 5-minute bell ringers, students were allowed to register to vote, received a voter registration card, and then, on Election Day, they presented their voter registration card and received a ballot. Students then proceeded to an official voter booth, cast their vote and finally receiving an official “I VOTED” sticker. The 5-minute bell ringers provided unbiased information on the election process in brief.

Information from the very first presidential election, to the history of voting, the primaries and caucuses were explored. Also covered were the history of the two main political parties, their symbols, and beliefs, party conventions and what happens during the campaigns.

Students also learned about the difference between the popular vote and the Electoral College, who can be President and Vice President and what to consider when choosing a candidate to support.

And finally, students learned what positions are in a Presidential Cabinet, what happens after an election, what a Lame Duck is, and what happens on Inauguration Day.

The administration and staff at HSCS played a key role in supporting this educational opportunity, with special thanks extended to the Social Studies team for grades 6-8, led by Jennifer Buckner and including Vito Montauk and Bill McMahan. Former teachers Jackie Michael and Terri Burley were also recognized for their contributions to making the program a success.

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Author Terri Burley is a former teacher of 30 years at High Springs Community School and a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) whose main purpose is to install a love of country, patriotism, and to inform the public on the importance of voting.

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission met on Oct. 24, 2024, approving three resolutions and an interlocal agreement with Alachua County. An unexpected addition was made at the beginning of the meeting, when an Interlocal Agreement for debris removal between the City and Alachua County was added to the agenda. This agreement, along with the resolutions, received unanimous approval. Commissioner Bryan Williams was absent.

The Interlocal Agreement, which was previously discussed and approved, allows Alachua County to provide debris removal services for the City of High Springs. Although FEMA earlier raised concerns over the High Springs cleanup under the county's contract with the service provider, Alachua County agreed to carry out the cleanup at no charge to the city, ensuring compliance with FEMA regulations.

In other City business, three resolutions were approved. The first authorized Alachua County to continue providing 9-1-1 Emergency Addressing Services to the City, with High Springs City Manager Jeremy Marshall authorized to execute the agreement.

The second resolution extended the work of the City’s lobbyist, Andrew Clee, who has represented High Springs in Tallahassee. City Manager Marshall remarked that his work as a lobbyist on behalf of the City in order to gain approval of a $1 million legislative appropriation for the police department was an example of his work. Ultimately, the legislative appropriation was vetoed by the governor.

The third resolution involved an addendum with Paul Stressing Associates, Inc. to specifically address the terms, scope and findings of fact in support of the Priest Theater Project. A list of fees for different tasks was included in the addendum. This is the first addendum to the original contract with this company.

The Manager Marshall also requested the upcoming Nov. 12 organizational meeting to begin at 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Andrew Miller shared that the City Clerk will accept nominations for the City Employee of the Year from both the public and the Commission.

Lasharda Lisi, FEMA's Intergovernmental Congressional Specialist, attended the City Commission meeting to detail FEMA’s range of support services available to residents affected by hurricanes. FEMA offers several forms of assistance, including serious needs assistance, transitional sheltering, and displacement assistance.

Residents seeking help can access services through disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or text 43362 with their zip code for direct assistance.

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ALACHUA – Main Street in Alachua was transformed into a spine-tingling tribute to Tim Burton’s classic movie “Beetlejuice” for this year’s Alachua Chamber of Commerce Scarecrow Row, drawing thousands of visitors to experience the creatively eerie decorations and celebrate the spirit of Halloween.

With a unified theme, this year’s event encouraged businesses, organizations, and community groups to craft scarecrows inspired by the iconic 1988 film, resulting in an array of imaginative and ghostly displays. Residents and visitors strolled along Main Street enjoying the spooky sights throughout October and especially during Trick or Treat on Main Street held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.

After much anticipation, scarecrow display winners were announced, each entry earning praise for their attention to detail and creativity in bringing the Beetlejuice theme to life.

First Place: Alachua Business League

The Alachua Business League claimed first place with a standoutdisplay that included a scarecrow dressed as Beetlejuice himself, sporting his famous black-and-white striped suit, messy green hair, and a mischievous grin. The display captivated both fans of the movie and those new to its charm, winning over the judges.

Second Place: Optimal Station

Optimal Station took second place with their hauntingly funny “Soul Vending” machine complete with a giant and chilling sandworm emerging from the vending window.

Third Place: City of Alachua

The City of Alachua’s entry, “Maitlands’ Haunted House,” took third place, capturing the spooky charm of the Maitlands’ haunted house from the film.

The Alachua Chamber of Commerce reported a record number scarecrow display participants this year that added a new level of excitement to the annual Scarecrow Row tradition. Organizers were thrilled with the community’s participation and praised the creativity on display. “The creativity and detail in each display were amazing,” said Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari. “It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages enjoying this community event.

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ALACHUA ‒ Alachua County Public Schools is inviting all families with school-aged children to the district’s upcoming Magnet Showcase, where they can explore a range of academic and career tech magnet programs for students from elementary through high school. For the first time, all district magnet programs will be represented in one event, allowing families to gather information on options across multiple grade levels.

The Showcase will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center at 4870 Celebration Point Avenue in Gainesville. This larger venue was selected to accommodate the expanded list of programs and anticipated attendance.

During the event, families will have the chance to speak with program representatives, including current students, to learn about program offerings, application deadlines, and the application process. “This is a great opportunity for families to see the variety of options available in one place,” said Shannon Ritter, director of the district’s career tech programs. “I think students and families will be amazed at the many diverse opportunities available in this district for students at all grade levels and with a wide range of interests.”

Magnet programs are open to any student, including those who are not currently enrolled in the district, regardless of their zoned school or residence. Students accepted into a program and living more than two miles from the site will have access to transportation.

For more details, including a list of magnet programs by school, visit the district’s website at sbac.edu/magnets. The site will be updated soon with application timelines, open house schedules, and additional information. Families will be able to apply for up to three programs through a single application process.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A High Springs man is facing an unprecedented 2,065 felony charges after allegedly orchestrating an extensive identity theft scheme that defrauded his former colleague, a first responder, and others out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Nicholas Reed Wilson, 44, was arrested Monday, Oct. 28, and charged with 2,023 counts of fraudulent use of a first responder’s identity, along with 40 additional felonies, including organized fraud and racketeering.

The investigation began after the victim, who previously worked with Wilson at SEI & Company, discovered an American Express credit card account opened in his name without his consent. Using the victim’s personal information, Wilson allegedly opened four credit cards tied to the account, incurring over $347,000 in charges. Records from American Express reportedly show 2,023 unauthorized transactions across these cards, including 78 on a card issued in the victim's name that he claims he never possessed.

The victim, a former law enforcement officer and designated first responder, told deputies he began receiving calls from American Express in 2023 about unpaid debts, sparking concerns of identity theft. He linked the account to Wilson, who, as President and Treasurer of SEI & Company, allegedly had access to his personal information. SEI & Company, where both men had worked, dissolved in 2023, yet Wilson purportedly retained his authority over the company’s business dealings.

Upon investigation, deputies found that although the victim’s name, birthdate, and Social Security number were used to open the credit card account, Wilson’s phone number and email address were listed as contact information. Additionally, two other individuals tied to SEI & Company had also received cards under the same account. One of these individuals, a woman who was issued a card by Wilson, claimed she was instructed to use it for both personal and business expenses, assuming it was a legitimate company account. She has since filed separate fraud charges against Wilson, alleging he used her information without permission to open a business account with Sherwin Williams, leaving her with a debt of nearly $187,000.

The second individual associated with the account stated that he used the card for business expenses but could not recall who provided it to him.

Wilson has a history of financial misconduct, including a deferred prosecution agreement from a 2018 charge related to a false financial document, as well as six lawsuits filed against him and SEI & Company for unpaid debt. When deputies reached Wilson by phone, he reportedly claimed the American Express issue was "resolved" and that the victim had agreed to the account. However, Wilson could not produce any contract verifying this claim and declined further questions after his arrest.

Alachua County Judge Meshon Rawls set Wilson’s bail at $100,000 for the organized fraud and racketeering charges, with an additional $50,000 for charges linked to the second victim. Wilson was released on his own recognizance for the remaining 2,061 charges.

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ALACHUA ‒The City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department saw a lively weekend filled with sports, youth programs, and community events.

As early voting continued at the Legacy Multipurpose Center, the 399 Recreation & Sports squeezed in “Shoot for Success” Basketball Camp, a free event sponsored by the Children’s Trust of Alachua County. Young athletes learned shooting fundamentals from guest Coach “O,” lead shooting coach for The Rock School National Team, while participants received t-shirts and lunch.

Nearby at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex, the Alachua Raiders Football & Cheer teams competed fiercely against the St. Augustine Wildcats at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex – Malphurs Football Field. As all teams made the number 1 seed in their respective divisions, they continued their progress against the Saint Augustine Wildcats as they prepare for the Regional Playoffs this coming Saturday at the City of Alachua’s Legacy Multipurpose Fields.

Santa Fe Youth Soccer also hosted games, bringing excitement as teams near the end of the Fall Season with playoffs on the horizon. Meanwhile, Santa Fe Babe Ruth Softball partnered with RADD Sports to host a 120-team travel softball tournament for high school athletes, drawing teams from across the country, including California, Texas, and Georgia.

Looking ahead, Alachua will host the North Florida Regional Football Playoffs and Santa Fe Youth Soccer’s final regular season games this weekend at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex and Legacy Park this Saturday Nov. 2 and 3, promising another round of thrilling community activities.

Registration is now open for the 399 Sports Winter 2024/2025 Basketball League, with a deadline of Dec. 2.

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