Local singer-songwriter Randall Smith will release a new CD later this month.  

Smith was recently a winner on The Square, sponsored by WJCT, Jacksonville’s public broadcasting company. As his award, a WJCT producer created a video that captured a story of his love of music and his creativity for new songs.  In his interview filming, Smith was able to debut several of his new songs. The video can now be viewed on WJCT’s PBS.org – The Square Videos.

His latest three songs published are “Wonder of My World,” “I Should’ve Listened” and “I Finally Settled Down,” which happens to be the title of his new album release. These, along with seven of his other original songs, are now available on iTunes and CDBaby.

Smith has been a favorite performer for several years at many benefit and public venues throughout Nassau County.  His love of music and writing abilities are evident by the songs he publishes.

He gives credit and thanks to longtime friends John Crisp, publisher; Barry Fisher, musician and Buster Morganstern, his producer.

To purchase the CD, email Smith at rsfishingman@windstream.net or leave a request/comment on his website, www.randallsmithmusic.com.  Albums are $15 each.

On April 22, Nassau County 4-H members competed in district events, winning several awards in the public speaking, demonstrations and share-the-fun divisions. 

Nassau County youth who qualify at the county level compete at this event alongside youth from Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam counties. This year Nassau County sent five youth to compete at the event held in Duval County. 

Trinity Bryant, Gabe Kawchak and Caleb Bryant all competed in share-the-fun talent competition at the junior or intermediate level. Trinity won a blue ribbon for her ukulele solo while Gabe won a red ribbon for his karate demonstration and Caleb won a red ribbon for his bass clarinet solo.

Izzy Frazier and Zachary Hutchinson competed in the senior level demonstration competition. Izzy shared how to groom a show chicken and Zach spoke about chicken breeds. Izzy and Zach both received blue ribbons for their performances and are eligible to move on to the state competition in Gainesville this summer. 

If you would like to find out how to get youth involved in these programs, call 904-530-6353.

The Hilliard Middle-Senior High School Wind Ensemble garnered a first place trophy and earned a superior rating in the open class category in Orlando last week. 

The band won a previous superior under band director William Hazlett when it competed during Orlando Fest in 2014. 

For this year’s Music USA Festivals, 23 students competed in Soundstage No. 33, placing highest against other middle and high school bands across the nation. Music Festivals USA is a non-profit organization “promoting education through quality evaluation,” according to its website. 

The HMSHS band is comprised of 70 members, including color guard. 

During an after-school practice session, students played “Folk Song Suite,” “Moscow 1941” and “British Eighth March.” Guest conductor Buddy Ball, a retired band director from a different school district, worked with students alongside Hazlett. 

Following rehearsal, students talked about the music festival.  

“It was fun,” Trinity Jordan said. 

As a percussionist, Jordan plays xylophone, cymbals, triangle and drums. She has noticed the advancement in her skill sets overall since joining the band in seventh grade. 

“I’ve improved a lot – more than when I started out,” Jordan said. 

The band has held a steady membership since Hazlett’s arrival in 2013. 

“In the last two years the retention rate is 80 percent or so,” Hazlett said. “They sat through an almost two-and-a-half hour rehearsal and were still happy.” 

Sophomore Calem Cauley plays drums. This was his third trip to the music festival. Despite the competition, he doesn’t allow the pressure to affect him. 

“We saw new people,” he said. “You just go and play.”

Abigayle Noble has played flute since sixth grade. 

“It was nice to play somewhere different,” the junior said. 

Senior drum major and first-chair clarinetist Makayla Cauley participated in the competition with brother Calem. 

Cauley was recommended to receive a $30,500 academic and talent scholarship when she attends Jacksonville University’s College of Music in August. 

As her high school career winds down, Cauley looks forward to the challenges of university life.

“I’m excited to move on and experience new things,” she said. 

Cauley is one of three seniors who will leave the band at the school year’s end. 

“I’m very proud of her accomplishment,” Hazlett said. 

For now, she’ll keep giving her younger brother tips for success. 

“We work together,” Cauley said, adding that she encourages Calem, “to have a good attitude and support other members.” 

In a separate competition, first chair alto saxophonist Amelia Underwood will advance to national competition held in Anaheim, Calif. The Assemblies of God church denomination will host the youth event Aug. 7-11. Underwood attends Hilliard First Assembly of God. She and five other teens, including Jacob Hinson, Isabella Comer, Benjamin Sharpe and sisters Bailey and Logan Crawford competed in a fine arts competition in Orlando Friday. 

Underwood played “How Great Thou Art.” 

“It was definitely an honor to be chosen and I was not expecting it,” she said Monday afternoon. 

The freshman joined the HMSHS band four years ago. 

The Nassau County Record sponsors a contest every Railroad Day. The West Nassau Historical Soci-
ety and Record collabora-ted to develop the Hobo Writing Contest. Children had to write stories that included hobos and related to Callahan. The top four winners received a variety of prizes, including a giftcard for first place, sacks of candy, cash prizes, railroad caps, coffee cups and hobo bandanas. Here are the top four entries, typed exactly as the children wrote them. Congratulations to all the entrants on a job well done!

First Place

Caden McDuffie 

Ms. Whitaker’s class

Hobos

Hey, my name is Ace Hardware Jake. 

That’s what people from Callahan call me. That’s what I prefer. I know what your thinking, what a name! My name has a story I have never really told. This is where it all began. I was 15 and my parents were in and out of Jail, and I was in and out of foster care. I went in 20 foster homes in one year! That’s when the foster program decided to send me to a very strict boot camp. … I came up with a plan, my plan was to perfect and easy. I was going to head out of town. I went at 10 O’ Clock that night to the train station to leave for California. Then all of a sudden something went wrong. The train stopped, lights were every where, walky talkies were going off every second. What was happening had nothing to do with me! It was a leak in a gas tank. 

The gas tank had a little shed in it, that said on a sign Gas tank, It turned out I was the one who had to be in that shed. I opened the door jumped out landed in the woods. I ran as fast as i could, being hit everywhere by thorns, roots, and stems off of trees! I ran for what felt like forever. I stopped by a store. Went inside and got water, the owner gave me some money. Lots of people there were nice to me. I carved a cross into a pole next to the store called Ace hardware, where the owner gave me money. I continued my journey to wherever it took me. I landed in a deadly town with a lot of bad people! I dont want to say much of what happened, but all I have to say is I got abused and I carved a cross with a X and ran and landed in a city called Callahan, it looked really familr it had a cross carved into a pole. It took me awhile to remember the place. How I remembered it was a life changer. 

I went to the Ace hardware that had a cross on the pole. I met a guy who said hey … an that’s when it hit me. We talked for hours and hours, all of a sudden he asked me a question. I said “yes”! I traveled around the world building Ace Hardwares! I owned 20 Ace Hardwares. My favorite Hardware is the one In Callahan, florida! I still travel around the whole world because its what I like to do, but I have made a couple important decision’s. I am selling Ace Hardware to my friend train hopper Leroy! Also I am staying in Callahan with my family. That’s why I prefer Ace Hardware Jake! Think about 5 years no phone, not much food, and no body to be with you. 

Clap, Claping, Whistling, Yelling, Crying. A story to be told by a 50 year old man, who spent 5 years being a hobo to beign a multi millionare. Hey, Train Hopper Leroy. Who’s this? This is my friend Big Brave Lockhart…

Second Place

Emma Murphy

Ms. Whitaker’s class

Thud! Stiff Leg Sam is jumping off the train again!

 Stiff Leg Sam was one of the best hobos Callahan ever had! Stiff Leg Sam was born September 12, 1905. As a child, he loved to travel, but his parents never had the money. His mother was unemployed, and his father worked long hours on the railroad, making little wages.

His father always told him to spread kindness, no matter what, and that’s exactly what he did. He still had the urge to travel, so he became a sailor. He loved the sea, but he still didn’t feel right. Then, he saw a hobo hop off a train. He didn’t think anything of it, until two days later, when he saw the hobo hop back on the train. 

Stiff Leg Sam couldn’t believe that guy left town so quickly and then it hit him. What if he became a hobo and got to travel that frequently? He ran home and grabbed all of his things. Then, he ran back out to try and catch the next train. Once he got on, he waited anxiously to get to the next town. 

After that day, Stiff Leg Sam became a happy and proud hobo. He traveled cities after cities, towns after towns, and countries after countries. On one particular day, he stopped at a small town called Callahan. He thought it was a good place to rest, so he decided to spend a couple nights and catch a cow crate the morning he left. As soon as he got into Callahan, he was awestruck. He loved the people, the scenery, and everything about it! There wasn’t a lot of easy marks, so he would usually have to cover up with the moon. That is, until he came to Tanye’s Café. 

Tanye’s Café was run by a nice lady named Tanye.  She was Callahan’s sweet heart, and everybody loved her. When Stiff Leg Sam came to Tanye’s Café, he knew it would be a cozy place to rest. He asked Tanye for food and shelter, and she gladly gave it to him. She knew she couldn’t let the man starve or get a cold. Stiff Leg Sam and Tanye became instant friends, since he came back to her café every day he was in Callahan. She would always make him breakfast. He would tell her stories of his travels. One day, Stiff Leg Sam woke up, and didn’t see breakfast on the table. He looked for Tanye everywhere, and eventually found her. She had fallen extremely ill, and needed emergency medical attention. The nearest hospital was miles away, and the train only ran at six O’ clock. Stiff Leg Sam remembered all the kindness Tanye gave him, and knew he had to pay it back. So he ran as fast as he could, not taking any breaks, to the hospital. He rounded up all the doctors, and ran as fast as he could all the way back. They had all made it just in time. Stiff Leg Sam was declared a hero. He decided to stay a little longer to keep an eye on Tanye. After she was better, Stiff Leg Sam knew that it was time for him to go. Taney begged him to stay, but he told her his dream was to travel and he wanted to stick with being a hobo. He did make her a promise, though, that he would come and visit every month. She agreed, and Sam left. Sam kept his promise to Tanye and he visited Callahan every month. Stiff Leg Sam became a hobo-hero. Most importantly, he became a hobo that was very much loved. The End

Third Place

Trinity Banks

Mrs. DeAngelo’s class 

Bobo Billy

How do you do? My name is Bobo Billy if you were to ask me where I lived I would say everywhere. Your also probably wondering want kind of person has a name like Bobo Billy. Well it’s what I named myself because I always have a bow on me and the name just kinda stuck. “Howdy!” someone yelled from across the road. “Oh, hello Dreamer Dave.” “Whatcha doing?” Asked Dreamer Dave “Just laying here admiring my banjo.” “Well have fun Ill be goin’ now.” “Bye Bye, see ya again.” Anyways, back to my story. I always have to find a flop. I bet your also wondering how did I become a hobo? Well, before I was hopping trains I had a nice family. A wife and a daughter, but I liked to travel and my family did not so they moved and left little ol’ me there. Then I lost my job and continued to travel but … by trains. Oh and the reason I always carry bows on me is because my daughter loved them! She was always wearing them. So I carry ones she left for me to remember her. 

“Cho Cho!!!” the train roared loudly. Well that my train. (Bobo hopped on the train) I always hop on the accommodation car, because I think thats the least place to get caught. We Woo! I had some bullets yesterday and me tell you, they did not agre with my stomach. Well this train is a cannonball!! (Bobo hopped off the train in the middle of Callahan) Well this is a nice town. “How do you do shoe?” he said to a shoe on the side of the road. “Of course you can’t answer me! You’re a shoe!” (Bobo chuckles) I see some hobos! There near a jungle though. I don’t like jungles much. I like places that have been abandoned, cause you have peace, quiet, and no rain!! “Hey why don’t you join us?” Another bo from the jungle said. “I’’ll pass I don’t like jungles.” Said Bobo Billy “Okay then suit yourself then.” Said the other bo. Well im of to find a abbandon house!” 

(Bobo Billy walked in neighborhoods looking for houses) There is no broken down houses in this dang town. (Bobo looks and sees Spring Lakes) Well this is mighty lookin’ fancy neighborhood. Too fancy for me. I might just go to a jungle. It will be the most easiest to go to, and I might meet some other bo’s. (Bobo heads to a jungle) “Howdy” said another hobo. “How do you do?” said Bobo Billy. “Nice.” said the other hobo. “Well” I’m going to hit the sack” (Bobo went to sleep) “Morning.” Said Bobo Billy. Oh there all gone…Well im going to hop on that train. (Bobo Billy hopped on the train) You will always know its me I have a bow on my hand. I’ll be back don’t worry, Just look at the trains.

Fourth Place

Taylor West 

Mrs. DeAngelo’s class 

Baseball Hobo

Have you ever herd of a Hobo or seen a Hobo well a hodo is a person that hopes on a train with no ticket. Hobo are know as a train hopper.

Now this Hobo also know as the Baseball Hobo. He got his name because any time he got to play baseball, watch baseball, he would take the offer no matter the risk. One day some baseball player hit it out of the park. He was heading toward the train  track next to the stadium. Luckly the ball landed right in front of him so he picked it up and put it in his bindle stick. On his way to the train track he looked in a garbage can and found an old baseball glove someone through a way. 

Now the baseball Hobo was heading to Challhan Flordia. The hobo got off at Ace hardware but the owner saw him and called the police So he had to run he ran to Tomas Creek Road then he started to walk to Baldwin and found a baseball field with a team plating on it and had to watch there practice. So he watched till there practice ended he snuck in to sleep so he wrote easy mark with his chalk then fell asleep. 

The next day they came back to practice and he watched that practice. After there practice he followed one of the cars home. The next day the kid came out with a ball and a glove he was at his jungle. When he saw the kid come out with the glove and ball and he went over to the kids house. With the glove he found and asked to play catch. They played for hours. They played catch and hit.

The next day the kid came outside but he didn’t see the hobo the night before he decide he wanted to travel back to Kentuck but the Baseball hobo left his bando for him to rember him by.

With tight musicianship and solid percussion, BandontheRun keeps the hits coming. 

The rock ’n’ roll band has a 10-year history, playing in a variety of venues from Brunswick, Ga. to St. Augustine Beach. 

Jeff Wade sings and plays bass guitar with Bonn Arenas on electric guitar and vocals. Alternating drummers Vic Marini and David Lanier appear with the cover band depending on the audience. 

Each drummer leads with varying styles, according to Wade, saying, “When people ask me, ‘What kind of music do you play?’ I ask them, ‘What kind of music do you want to hear?’ That’s BandontheRun in a nutshell.”

Shawna Rowell often drops in to perform with the band, providing a female perspective with her sets. She is not an official band member, but enjoys singing rock standards that vary from Janis Joplin to Pat Benetar. 

“At 90 percent of our gigs, Shawna’s going to be there,” Wade said. 

The goal is to perform feel-good tunes to add to celebrations, including weddings, parties and public events such as the Gate River Run or Sounds on Centre. 

“It should be something that everyone knows and recognizes and also something that people can sing and dance to – something that evokes positive feelings,” Wade said, adding later, “Our song list covers everything from Johnny Cash to Godsmack,” 

BOTR delivers classic rock and popular music that most generations can enjoy from baby boomers to Gen-X. 

The three men bring close harmonies to whatever they perform. 

“We all three sing together and, to me, that’s the majestic part of it,” Arenas said. “When we harmonize, that’s what separates us from a lot of other bands. We each get a turn to sing the songs we pick personally. Everyone sings a different song. We try to feed off the crowd. If we see the younger kids or the college kids, we try to drive them crazy. They get up and jump around.” 

Lanier has played percussion with Wade for more than 20 years.

“I usually do the more classic and oldies and the ’50s and ’60’s genre of music,” he said. “The fact is, I’ve played with Jeff for decades. We were in other groups together. That’s where we get our familiarity of our style. I know exactly the way he’s going.”

Lanier began playing percussion in middle school, serving as the band’s section leader and lead percussionist. He underscored the importance of bass and percussion in a band’s sound quality.

“If the bass player and the drummer aren’t together … the harmony just kind of falls in line with the melody accompanying the beat,” Lanier said. “The rhythm section keeps the heartbeat of the band.” 

Marini shares drumming duties. He joined the band in 2011. He opted to cut back as the number of shows began to grow from 150 to 200 per year. 

“It was just crazy, crazy, crazy,” Marini said. 

His vocal and percussion styles lean toward the 1990s and 2000s, delivering songs from bands like Blink 182, Green Day and Fuel.

“The music appeals to the 20s and 30s age group,” Marini said. “That’s what I do with the band. I bring that edge to it.”

He enjoys playing to a packed house, watching the crowd from the drummer’s seat.

“We’re playing material that people relate to and music that soothes the soul,” Marini said.

He believes that music relieves pressure from the daily grind.

“As stressful as the world is today, you can give them a release,” Marini said. “It takes all that pressure off them.”

BOTR has no plans to stop any time soon, as they collectively cruise into their 40s, 50s and 60s. 

“My philosophy is we don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing,” Marini said. 

Arenas performs out of his passion for music. 

“They say the secret to happiness is doing something that you love to do,” he said. “The secret to success is doing what you love to do and getting paid to do it.” 

Wade joked that in the band’s early days, talk revolved around women and good times – not anymore.

“Now we brag about our credit scores and our grandkids,” Wade said. “Right now (Arenas has) got me by about 20 points.” 

On that same note, Lanier said, “We’re old guys just having a good time enjoying our craft and the love of music.” 

Florida and Georgia residents are reaching out to firefighters with an outpouring of donations. Meanwhile, the region continues to lack rain, as meteorologists say is normal for this time of year.

As hundreds of volunteer and paid personnel battle the West Mims Fire, businesses, residents and churches donate meals, water, toiletries and money to aid efforts. 

By 5 p.m. Monday, fire and smoke loomed near Highway 94 just 3 miles west of St. George.  

Bryceville’s Roscoe Lynn and Linda Clemons unloaded paper products Monday afternoon at St. George Church of God as heavy smoke permeated the small community. 

The couple has assisted firefighters with donations from the start of the fire April 6. It has already consumed more than 133,744 acres and was only 12 percent contained as of Tuesday.  

“We just get such enjoyment helping others,” Clemons said. 

Other donors continued to drop off water and additional items throughout the day and night. 

Georgia resident Tommy Harris told the Record that church members from Folkston United Methodist Church delivered enough food to the St. George Church of God for at least 350 firefighters. Since Sunday, breakfast and lunch had also been provided at the St. George Church of God as volunteers and paid personnel from across the United States and multiple counties in Georgia have converged to assist.

Toombs County, Ga. volunteer Scotty Sanders stopped by the church to eat during a 48-hour shift. The construction business owner had planned to go home for a few days and return Friday to again battle the fire. He collected donated items that were stacked on nearby tables.

“I feel blessed,” he said. “It shows you people care.” 

After seeing the fire’s effects on social media, Sanders chose to leave his home and business and donate his time. 

“They’ve got lives and family just like I do, so that’s why I came out here,” Sanders said. “If it happened at my house or county, I’d want them to come help me. I just want to do the Lord’s work.” 

St. George Church of God Pastor Grady Allbritton said the church would provide food and remain a donation drop-off site for as long as permitted. Packaged food and snacks, prepared meals, socks, bottled water, Gatorade, paper products and toiletries for firefighters are accepted. Call 912-843-2285 or 912-843-2450 before dropping off items. Brandies Ace Hardware in Callahan began accepting donated items Monday. Hilliard’s Hagan Ace Hardware and Hagan Ace Hardware in Glen St. Mary are also participating. 

Hundreds of cases of water, numerous toiletries and other items have poured in, but the one key ingredient still missing is a wet forecast. Dry weather continues to persist in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

Thunderstorms may arrive Saturday, according to Matt Zibura, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.

“We only have a shot of rain in the next seven days after that,” he said. 

Average temperatures in this region at this time of year are typically in the high 80s during the day and the low 60s at night.

“Usually it’s fairly dry in April and May,” Zibura said. “The rainfall picks up in June when we get daily sea breeze thunderstorms.”

Fire officials have said the West Mims Fire could continue to burn through November without any major precipitation.

The fire forced the closure of St. George Elementary School, with classes suspended through Friday as a mandatory evacuation was initiated in the community Saturday. 

St. George residents who attend Bethune Middle and Charlton County High school were excused from school, as bus transportation was not provided south of Ruth Perry Road, according to a Charlton County Board of Education press release Monday. 

Superintendent Dr. John D. Lairsey said he does not plan to have the children make up the missed days. Classes are scheduled to resume Monday. Official updates from the Charlton County school system are on the district website at www.charlton.k12.ga.us. 

The SGE campus was utilized as a staging area as heavy trucks parked alongside Monday. The Camden Recreation Center opened its doors as a shelter for evacuees. The site is located at 1050 Wildcat Lane in Kingsland, Ga.  

Firefighters from the Southern Area Red Team issued an update Monday evening, informing residents that the fire had crossed Highway 94 just east of Blitch Road late that night. 

“The initial breach was narrow. With daylight, the heat from (Sunday’s) activity created the perfect launching pad for early fire advances ahead of northwest winds. By late (Monday) afternoon, the fire had consumed an additional 7,000 acres. The estimated contour of the fire along and south of Highway 94 is a bulge about (5.5) miles long and (2 to 2.5-miles deep). At times, the fire was moving with two heads causing some observers to think there were two different fires. It burned with such intensity that it produced 100 to 150-foot flame lengths and crossed the railroad tracks, but will not likely hold on that perimeter,” according to the online update. 

A DC-10 equipped with a retardant delivery system to extinguish flames arrived Tuesday from Phoenix via Chattanooga, Tenn. 

Several residents posted videos and photos of the fire as it raged, burning trees and debris in its path.  The Nassau Board of County Commissioners issued a burn ban in Nassau County through May 15. Burn bans have also been issued in Baker and Clay counties in Florida. Charlton, Camden and surrounding counties in Georgia affected by the fire are also under a burn ban. 

Carson Copher lives in a small world filled with an abundance of love and care.

Nearly 4 years old, Carson has vision, hearing and health issues that require him to receive special medical care to meet his needs. Parents Christian and Kayla Copher and sister Cambri, 18 months, comprise Carson’s immediate family. Carson has had medical needs since birth. 

“Unfortunately we don’t have a diagnosis or a prognosis,” Kayla wrote via email. “We know which chromosomes are affected; however, there is no other documented case of his abnormalities. We basically just take every situation and try and work with it the best we can. 

“We try and live in the moment the best we can – and we know that it could end at any time.”

Despite the uncertainty, Kayla nurtures her family with resolve. 

“For Carson I want him to feel happiness and love every single day,” the Callahan mom wrote. “I want his happy little world to stay happy. That is my goal for him every day. Cambri is a little more tricky – my goal for her is to also keep her happy little world happy, but I also have to teach her how to live in an unfair world where her brother has special needs. I have to make her aware of his needs without burdening her with them. I let her do everything she wants to help take care of her brother, but she doesn’t have to do anything.”

Carson is included in family activities whenever possible. 

“We incorporate Carson into reading time and movie nights and everything that we can,” Kayla wrote. “But we also have just Cambri time. It is her time to get away from Carson. Just like Christian and I need breaks, I think she does too. Whether it be at the zoo, or just to get ice cream, we make it a point to get her away from Carson so she can be one-on-one with us.”

Christian doesn’t hesitate when it comes to caring for his son as he and Kayla move forward, not knowing what lies ahead for Carson.  

“The most challenging part of being a special needs parent is moving past the ‘let’s fix it,’ phase,” he wrote. “As a man especially, when I encounter a problem my first thought is, ‘How can I fix it?’ Having a child with special needs definitely changes that outlook because there are some things (like in Carson’s case) that can’t be fixed.”

Kayla writes a blog, “You Are My Sunshine” which details aspects of Carson’s medical journey as well as her struggles or successes as a mom. The critical care nurse works at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. She and her husband team up to enlarge Carson’s world when he’s unable to explore.

When Carson was hospitalized during Easter, she modified his hospital crib into an oversized Easter basket filled with plastic grass. The bed was large enough to accommodate Carson and Cambri. 

Still, the young mom doesn’t always feel equal to the tasks she faces on a daily basis. 

“Balancing my duties to my children and my husband is my biggest struggle,” she notes. “Carson relies on someone else for literally everything. Providing for Carson’s needs is one of my main priorities every day. However, my relationship with my husband comes first. We are a team. Every decision that is made in our household is made together. Our marriage is the foundation that our parenting is built from. He keeps me in check and I do the same for him. As special needs parents we grieve and celebrate together every single day. That’s not a relationship that I could ever have with anyone else.”

Kayla also doesn’t buy into the myth that all of life’s duties can become balanced.

“My biggest struggle with balancing everything is myself,” she wrote. “I’m my own worst critic. I feel guilty one day for not taking Cambri to do something because Carson can’t go. Other days I feel guilty for taking Cambri to do something that Carson can’t do. Sometimes I feel guilty for going to work instead of spending every precious day with Carson that I can. And then at times, I feel guilty for always feeling guilty. The truth is there is no such thing as a balance. We are always teetering on a balance beam – and really I just do what I can to keep myself from falling off that day.”

Nevertheless, she and her family deal with the stressors of Carson’s care.

“I have learned that the stress associated with special needs parenting is different than other types of stress,” Kayla wrote. “It’s not something that you can dwell on. As special needs parents we are constantly living in stress and that’s OK. We plan our lives around the unknowns related to Carson’s health. That’s stressful, but it’s part of the job. 

“When we get bad news or find ourselves in a less than favorable situation, we take that stress and we put it away or get mad or cry or do whatever we have to do in that moment to deal with it and we move on. We welcome the next chapter of our story with all that it entails and we move forward. Dwelling on the stressors of special needs parenting only hinders my ability to parent.” 

Despite his condition, Carson exhibits typical behaviors that most parents will recognize. 

“Let’s just be honest. Carson is the boss of the family,” Kayla wrote. “He controls the TV, the thermostat and oftentimes the plans for the day. He is very sweet and will give you the absolute biggest grin. Don’t let him fool you though, he’ll give you the stink eye and scream at you if you change his channel.”

Christian expressed his love for his little boy.

“Even though Carson may have disabilities, he is still able to light up a room with his smile,” he wrote. “It’s little moments like that, that will make you proud to be a parent – regardless of what handicaps your life.”

Kayla encourages parents of children with special needs to never give up. 

“I would tell other special needs couples that your situation never gets easier,” she wrote. “Oftentimes parents secretly wish they could change their special needs child – though everyone thinks it’s terrible to say out loud. The truth is, though, your child isn’t the one that needs to change. It’s you – and you will. You will learn and grow and become an expert on all things your child and you will be amazing at it. 

“Just don’t forget to put that same effort into your marriage. Special needs parents have a nauseating divorce rate. Step one in avoiding that is to be aware that you are in a situation that is going to require a lot of open communication – to prevent bitterness and – quite frankly, insanity.”

Follow the Copher family blog at https://you-are-my-sunshine.com.

A Hilliard man died in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday evening.

John Joseph Ryan, 65, was driving a 2007 Toyota Tundra southbound on County Road 121 north of Po Road in Hilliard at 6:30 p.m. when, for unknown reasons, his truck veered off the roadway and crashed into a creek, according to a media release from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Ryan died at the scene.

Hilliard Middle-Senior High School seniors eyed education, employment and military career plans.

Seniors celebrated their goals by signing certificates based on their college and career goals Monday with approximately $1.12 million in scholarships.

Forty-nine seniors plan to attend colleges and universities across the nation including Briley Angle and Tyler Salis. They will attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga.

Matthew Holland will play football for Elon University while Nokia Thompson will attend Florida A&M University. Attending Florida State College at Jacksonville are Ryane Allen, Brook Brandt, Deanna Cagle, Chloe Doser and Kaylee Hair. Also attending FSCJ are Samantha Holcombe, Rayanne Stokes, Patrick Tuggles, Kayla Roswan, Brooke Swanson and Shelby Whitley.

Kaycie Dziedzicki and Hannah Simpkins will attend Florida State University while Georgia Southern University will welcome Grace Franklin and Aimee Knight. Makayla Cauley will attend Jacksonville University while Raquez Alderman, Lorenzo Morgan and Mei Hui Wu plan to study at Johnson and Wales.

Hattie Baldwin and Kearsten Holley will play softball at St. Johns River State College while Amanda Holcombe will attend Savannah College of Art and Design.

South Georgia State College will welcome Cynthia Rogers while Tallahassee Community College will welcome Landon Howard.

Forrest Barrera, Scout Chaires, Robert Gentry, Gavin Millan and Jacob Waters will attend the University of Florida.

Alexis Barber and Taylor Edwards plan to attend the University of North Florida while Ethan Bulford will study at Upper Iowa University.

Armani Scott and Brandon Wilkes plan to play football for Webber International University in Babson Park.

Several seniors will serve the U.S. Armed Forces including Sydney Robinette. She plans to enlist in the Air National Guard.

Dalton Denmark, Brandon Graham, Kevin Marshall, Justin Reed, Dillon Rozar, David Shamahs, Peter Street, Kent Tyson and Daniel Vroman plan to join the U.S. Army while Walker Burnette will join the Marines.

The Class of 2017 will cross the stage in the University of North Florida Arena in Jacksonville Saturday, May 20. Commencement begins at 6:30 p.m.

West Nassau High School seniors celebrated college and career goals with an academic signing ceremony May 10. 

The annual event hosted by Advanced Via Individual Determination instructors and students spotlighted the Class of 2017. Ninety-three seniors signed certificates noting their intention to enter higher learning institutions or military service. Approximately $1.08 million in scholarships have been tallied so far, according to the WNHS guidance department Tuesday morning. 

Former WNHS assistant principal and current Secondary Education Director Dr. Cynthia Grooms was the keynote speaker. 

“I’m sure all of you have overcome obstacles to be here,” she said, adding that every parent and adult was proud of the students’ accomplishments. 

Grooms said that institutions “asked for you and they wanted you” and that the U.S. is “stronger, better and brighter” as they prepare to enter society as young adults. 

Matthew Cuthrell and Ben Hart plan to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. 

William Dryden will enlist in the U.S. Army while Caralyn Bell, Marvin Fowler and Russell Koch plan to serve in the U.S. Navy. 

College of Coastal Georgia will welcome Cheyenne Norton while Columbia College will welcome Hailey Wills. 

Alyssa Silverman plans to attend Daytona State College and Kyle Harris will study at East Carolina State University. Caitlyn Tompkins will attend Flagler College. 

Several students will attend Florida State College at Jacksonville. They include Kolby Anderson, Kristina Barnes, Jordan Barrs, Emily Bickford, Emma Brinson, Marco Reid Coppola, Courtney Cox and Shelby Crews. Also planning to attend FSCJ are Charles Diaz, Jacob Driggers, Elizabeth Dunham, William Epps, Chas Harrison, Alyssa Hygema, Devan Jackson, Emily Johnson, Michael Keane and Kimberly Kelly. Henrietta Lamb, Kelsey Lee, Luke Lucero, Lindsey Manning, Asheley Mattson, Tabitha McGlashing, Allen Melton, Zach Morgan, Camryn Murray, Britney Musselwhite and Cheyann Newman also plan to attend FSCJ. 

Dianna Phillips, Cynthia Pittman, Jenna Porter, Victoria Price, Alexandra Propper, Jason Rapoza Jr., Kelsy Raulerson, Clay Taylor, Madison Taylor, Joseph Vargas, Kayla Willis and Bryce Woods plan to attend FSCJ as well. 

Attending Florida State University will be Zach Chancey and Cory Pine while Nisha Patel heads to Florida Polytechnic University. 

Sierra Black, Katlynne Forshee, Haley Hursey, Mackenzie Padgett and Mackenzie Salinger plan to attend Jacksonville University. 

Keylan Joslyn and Eric Thomas Jr. plan to attend J-Tech Institute while Rebecca Kurlin eyes Kaiser University in West Palm Beach. 

Aaron Conrique plans to attend Pennsylvania State University while Shelby Caldwell, Malachi Cherry, Raven Haley, Nasha Peeples and Evalis Wong-Arocho will attend Santa Fe Community College. 

Amelia Olive will play softball for Shorter University while Ariel McCullough will play softball for St. Johns River State College. Haley Bedford plans to attend Southeastern University. 

Mason Garrick heads to Tallahassee Community College while Makayla Dorner will attend the University of Florida. 

The University of Central Florida will welcome Lexxie Jones, Bailey Sharkey, Caimin Shuman and Justin Smith while Skyler McCue will attend the University of West Florida. 

Bryan Carter, Kody Courson, Caitlan Disbrow, Gavin Geoghagan, Alyson Higginbotham and Blake Hodges will attend the University of North Florida. Also attending UNF are Gavin Jaques, Amber Karst, Kimberly Kaneer, Charles Lebus, Erin McClellan, Austin Painter and Bailea Tomlinson. 

WNHS will honor the Class of 2017 with commencement at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Monday, May 22 at 7 p.m. 

Lilly Marlette of Callahan sizes up a blouse during River Road Baptist Church’s annual clothes giveaway Friday morning while Misty Boyette shops for household items for her St. George, Ga. home. Starting in January, church members collected clothing, shoes, purses and other items for the two-day giveaway. A total of more than 430 shoppers visited, with the remaining items donated to the Coalition for the Congolese People to be sent to those in need in Africa. 

West Nassau High School Air Force JROTC Cadet Taison Mullins receives the H.L. Hunley Award at the JROTC’s awards ceremony May 13. The Sons of Confederate Veterans present the award, which honors the memory of the courage and valor of the eight-man crew of the H.L. Hunley submarine. Making the presentation on behalf of the Gen. Joseph Finegan Camp 745 is Kim Hoffecker. 

Two deputy-involved shootings occurred in the past three days, each resulting in the suspect’s death.

The latest occurred at 54134 Bea Road in Callahan at 9:50 p.m. Sunday. Jeremy Austin Lindsey, 27, died after refusing to comply with a deputy's order to put his gun down.

"The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls to the 911 Call Center of shots being fired, and screaming coming from a residence on Bea Road in Callahan," Sheriff Bill Leeper said. "During one of the calls to 911, gunshots could be heard in the background. NCSO received several calls to the area from different residents stating that the subject was firing a weapon. Deputies arrived at 9:46 p.m. After arrival the deputy confronted the armed individual who pointed the firearm at the deputy and the deputy fired at the subject to protect himself. The result was a fatal gunshot wound to the subject. (The Florida Department of Law Enforcement) was notified and responded to investigate the deputy involved shooting."'

The deputy, whose name has not been released, joined the NCSO Feb. 29, 2016.

Another deputy stopped a road rage incident by firing his weapon Friday afternoon in Fernandina Beach. The suspect allegedly hit a vehicle then kept driving. The vehicle that was hit followed the man to the end of O’Neil-Scott Road, where the suspect drove his vehicle into theirs a second time.

A deputy reportedly arrived and ordered the man to exit his vehicle. Instead, the man drove toward the deputy, who shot him.

FDLE is also investigating that incident.

No further details about either of the suspects were available.

The West Mims Fire that began inside the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge no longer shows signs of smolder or smoke.

The fire is 99 percent contained, Supervisor Refuge Ranger Susie Heisey said Monday afternoon.

“For the past nine days there has been absolutely no observable smoke or smoldering,” Heisey said.

Consistent showers have reduced the workforce assigned to the fire. About 15 to 20 U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees are doing suppression repair to the existing fire lines with the goal to break down berms and put the land back to its original state as much as possible.

At its peak in mid-May, as many as 1,700 firefighters and volunteers were utilized to battle the wildfire, which had consumed at least 152,515 acres by June 11, according to the latest online update at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5153.

The lightning-induced fire started about 7 miles east of Fargo, Ga. within the wildlife refuge April 6.

In the early days of the fire, refuge officials had said it would take tropical storm rains to douse the fire enough for containment. A fire containment date of Nov. 1 was issued.

In recent weeks, steady rains and thunderstorms have descended on areas of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, causing the fire to end earlier than expected.

“Luckily we’ve quelled the wildfire threat,” said Jacksonville Weather Service Meteorologist Andrew Sashy. “Luckily we’ve had rainfall hit that area.”

Parts of the fire area have received 12 inches of rain in the past six to eight weeks, according to Heisey. “Fire potential is low because of the rain,” she added.

Even if lightning were to again strike, increased humidity has decreased the threat of fire significantly.

As for the nature of the West Mims Fire, Heisey said it was fast moving and wind-driven.

“Just as quickly as it came up, it diminished,” she said. “None of us were expecting a prolonged rain event.”

As dry, shifting winds caused the fire’s rapid movement, firefighters also shifted coverage areas to battle the fire. Relative humidity, usually in the 40-plus percent range, was at 15 or 18 percent, contributing to the fire’s spread, according to Heisey.

“That was very unusual and created some extreme fire behavior,” she added.

The fire has since become a reference point for all involved.

“Each time is a learning experience. And you hopefully carry forward those lessons,” Heisey said. “We plan to continue to study what worked and didn’t work.”

Other plans include maintaining communication to private landowners, wildlife officials, state entities and local fire departments.

Although nothing of an adverse nature transpired from a communications aspect, Heisey said, “You can never communicate too much. Hopefully that’s something we can continue to do and do well.”

Starting this week, overnight camping reservations returned.

Heisey urged residents to revisit the refuge to observe wildlife and the natural surroundings.

“The swamp water level is still below average,” she said. “The water is rain-fed and (the swamp) is in need of more. We hope to get more rain to fill the water levels.”

Callahan Station 5 volunteers recently received new life saving equipment and gear to assist emergency response efforts.

The Callahan Town Council welcomed the extricating tool also known as the “Jaws of Life,” Monday night. Frank Bondra, Holmatro Rescue Equipment’s southeastern regional manager was on hand for a demonstration that occurred in the fire station’s bay.

The equipment and four sets of forestry gear were purchased via a 50-50 grant through the Florida Forest Service.

The cost for all items is approximately $19,625. The town paid half the cost. The town’s former extrication tool was about 20 years old and was ineffective in cutting through vehicles.

Fire Commissioner Ken Bass expressed his support for the unpaid firefighters.

“I’m very proud of these volunteers,” he said. “They do a great job. They’re a great bunch of guys.”

Earlier that night, Callahan contractor Ken Greene sought to resolve an ownership issue for a retention pond, a lift station and a 4-acre plat associated with Branch Creek subdivision. Greene was the contractor on the subdivision project.

Several years ago the deed was recorded into public record, but the town council did not vote to take ownership of maintaining the aspects of the subdivision’s infrastructure. Greene sought the return of the deed so that he can then turn the acreage’s ownership over to his son, he said.

Town Attorney Jeb Branham suggested that property be replatted. Since the town council does not have any ownership of Brandy Branch, the council did not have anything to deed back to Greene.

The retention pond is already the responsibility of the homeowners association. The 4 acres should also go to the HOA as well, according to Branham.

Meanwhile, conveyance of the lift station would be possible through a resolution. The attorney said that he may be able to find Branch Creek’s conveyance all in one document showing that the town council did not vote to accept the acreage, pond and lift station. He will get back in touch with Greene accordingly.

Before the meeting’s close, Councilman Marty Fontes suggested updates to the town’s alcohol ordinance concerning how distances are determined, whether door-to-door or by property lines.

Alcoholic beverages may not be sold within 500 feet of any established schools, churches, day care centers or publicly owned parks, according to the town’s code. The question about distance came up when a representative of Safe Way Discount Beverage sought a variance, which the town council denied because the store is located 477 feet from Crossroads Family Worship Center. Branham said the town council had already made the decision of how to determine distances in 2008. Councilwoman Kathy Smith suggested that nothing be changed.

During Monday’s discussion, Branham said, “We’ve had this for (nine) years. We’ve only had one problem.”

He added later, “What we don’t want to do is solve a problem and make a problem for someone else.”

Within the ordinance, distances between establishments are based on normal pedestrian travel because it was easier to measure than using a circumference of distance, according to Branham.

Town Manager Mike Williams and Branham will review the ordinance.

“We’ll have them look into it and see what we’ve got,” Bass said.

A brief discussion ensued when Councilwoman Janet Shaw said that she has noticed several abandoned vehicles parked within the town’s limits, which is not allowed.

“I’ve been seeing lots of them,” she said. “I’ll get with Mr. (Gary) Garver. There’s lots of them going on.”

Garver, who serves as Callahan’s code enforcement officer, will also review several ordinances within the town’s code to determine if any are in need of language updates or clarifications, town officials said.

Rainy conditions have affected outdoor activities at the pool in Hilliard.

Hilliard Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Malucci teaches swim classes. 

The regular class schedule was extended due to frequent afternoon thunderstorms that halt swim time in the pool. 

“It just closes down if it’s too heavy,” Malucci said. “The main thing is thunder and lightning. If we see it, we close down for 30 minutes or longer.”

The pool is considered safe to reopen when there hasn’t been thunder or lightning for 30 minutes. If either again occurs, then the 30-minute wait time starts again. 

Mom Jessica Felch said showers have adjusted son Mason’s swim lessons.

“We missed two days because of the rain,” she said Friday. “We’re going to make them up next week.” 

Mason Felch and Garrett Steele attend 40-minute swim lessons Monday through Friday. They’re offered in two-week sections that may be extended if necessary to assist students. 

“They love it,” Jessica Felch said. “They’ll be sad when it’s over, but it gives them the foundation and coverage – it takes the fear away.” 

As of May 16 rains have fallen consistently in Nassau, with 11 of 15 days with rain since June 1, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Andrew Sashy. 

“Most of the days have seen rain of more than 1 inch,” he said, adding most of the rain occurs between 2 and 5 p.m. 

Area residents are likely to experience higher than normal rain chances this week.

“We typically don’t see that higher number in June,” Sashy said. “Typically we see it into July, August and September.” 

Portions of Nassau County have generally received 8 to 12 inches of rain, while parts of Yulee and Fernandina Beach have experienced 15 to 17 inches. 

Despite the weather, swim classes, a Silver Sneakers class and open pool sessions have resulted in morning fun for participants of all ages. 

Malucci takes the rain in stride, as do the summer employees who work poolside.

Lifeguard Jacob Wesson said it has rained about two or three days out of the week, keeping residents away until the weather clears. 

“It really just depends on the day,” he said. “After it rains, then once it gets hot, people show up.” 

He plans to work the remainder of the summer before heading back to Hilliard Middle-Senior High School for his senior year. 

He especially likes one perk that goes with the job. 

“Being able to get in the water after a hot day and cool down, basically,” he said. 

Working as the parks and recreation director gives Malucci pool time and brings back memories of his childhood.

“I learned to swim in a community pool,” he said. “I didn’t have a pool.” 

He said the Hilliard pool provides summer activities for all, adding, “It helps bring the family together too, because it’s not expensive and it gets them outside.” 

Construction moves forward in Hilliard with a groundbreaking ceremony for C.W. Hilliard American Legion Post 401. 

Department, district, unit and post representatives met June 19 to mark the groundbreaking at 7540 Henry Smith Rd.   

The facility should be completed as early as September. 

David Taylor of Taylor Construction of Hilliard, Inc. is lead contractor. 

Post 401 Commander Hugh Harris said the new building would accommodate additional services and activities. The building will be 3,000 square feet.

“Our main thing is serving the veterans in the area and reaching out to all the veterans groups in western Nassau,” Harris said. 

He expressed additional concern about the suicide rates among fellow veterans in general. Harris, fellow members and the ladies’ auxiliary members plan to increase outreach to veterans and their families. 

“That’s the reason to have a post home they can visit and have someone to talk to,” Harris said. 

Although post members are not “under duress” to leave the current site, according to Harris, “We’re coming to an end of a segment of our lease.” He added that members opted to leave to further growth and widen post activities. 

Auxiliary Chaplain Patsy York said the women plan to make the post even more family-oriented. 

“Cooking is going to be a lot easier,” she said. “We’ll be able to invite more women that may be more comfortable in the new building.” 

Auxiliary President Laurie Carr echoed the future goals of including additional outreach. The auxiliary has 23 members who work in conjunction with 92 legion members. 

“I would really love to be involved with the community as well as have the community involved with us,” she said. “We’d like to do more for the veterans out there. We’re doing some things (and) we’d like to do more.” 

AmVets Commander Gary Garver looks forward to accessing the new building. Plans include adding a military flag display and ample parking. Garver offered to provide at least three new flagpoles at his chapter’s expense.  

“We’re just glad to be here,” he said of the groundbreaking. “We’re glad to see this get off the ground. We’re looking forward to having a long relationship with our brothers.” 

Hilliard Mayor Cris McConnell attended the ceremony along with Town Clerk Lisa Purvis and Hilliard Town Councilman Jack Bailey. 

McConnell praised the event, saying, “What a beautiful day to have a groundbreaking for the American Legion Post 401.” 

Hilliard businessman Bobby Franklin thanked McConnell and Purvis for their help, including Bailey and Councilman Jared Wollitz, who supported the legion with an affirmative vote in allowing alcohol sales. 

Franklin had approached the council about allowing the sale of spirits, beer and wine when he announced construction plans in early March. The council initially voted 3-2 against the sale of alcohol, with Council President John Beasley and councilmen Kenny Sims and Lee Pickett dissenting. 

After a few changes to the existing ordinance concerning private clubs, the council voted to approve only the sale of beer and wine for the new post. 

“I forgive the other three councilmen,” Franklin joked at the ceremony, adding that the new non-smoking site will be state of the art and include a new kitchen. 

After the groundbreaking, refreshments were served at the Post’s current building on U.S. 1 North.  

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office recently became the fifth law enforcement agency in Florida to hold accreditation in three divisions.

On June 20, the jail and detention facility was reaccredited for the third time by the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission. On June 21, the NCSO Law Enforcement Operations was reaccredited for the second time by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. And on June 22, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Division obtained initial accreditation by the Florida Police Accreditation Coalition at the Florida Accreditation Commission Conference in Orlando. 

Sheriff Bill Leeper accepted the three-year accreditation certifications on behalf of the NCSO. 

“Maintaining accreditation status ensures the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office meets the highest professional standards set by the commission,” said Leeper. “As sheriff of Nassau County, I will continue to work tirelessly to meet and exceed the high standards set by FCAC, CFA and FPAC to provide the citizens of Nassau County with professional, accountable, effective and efficient public safety services.” 

Assessment teams from FCAC, CFA and FPAC conducted independent, intensive and thorough inspections of NCSO operations and gave the NCSO high praise in the final report. 

 “We must operate under accepted and contemporary standards, and be ready for those unexpected problems. A professional law enforcement agency cannot have questionable practices,” Leeper said. “We must perform well, be trained well, practice sound ethics and have supervisory oversight of our operations and personnel, always remembering that excellence in policing is not granted on easy terms.”