MARION COUNTY, Florida (January 4, 2017)- The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)
Citizens Academy and Partnership (CAP) program, a free 13-week educational course about the operations of the Sheriff’s Office, is currently accepting applications for classes beginning in January 2018. During the program, MCSO staff will highlight all units within the Sheriff’s Office, giving citizens an in-depth understanding of what the agency is doing for the community. Each week will focus on a different aspect of the agency, personnel, equipment, policies, and procedures.
- The Villages Mulberry Recreation Center (8445 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages, FL 32159) will host a class on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, January 23, 2018. This class is open to the public.
(NewsUSA) – It’s not just you.As a nation, America is getting older – with another 10,000 Boomers turning 65 every day. And whether you like to admit it or not – and who does? – odds are you’re probably already experiencing at least some of the same nagging health issues you once thought only happened to your parents.What’s also likely, assuming you’re one of the nation’s 100 million chronic pain sufferers, is that you’re seeking a safer alternative to opioids after being scared off by news headlines of people becoming addicted and even dying from them. Read on to see if drug-free chiropractic care may be right for what ails you.* Back and neck pain. It’s the primary reason older Americans visit doctors of chiropractic every year. Continue reading
MARION COUNTY, Florida (December 27, 2017) – On Wednesday, December 27, 2017, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives arrested Billy Dee Johnson, (DOB:04/06/1978) for the Second Degree Murder of Alfred Jackson Jr., (DOB: 08/13/1952) and Attempted Second Degree Murder of Eclinton Thomas Jr., (DOB: 06/26/1963).
On Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at approximately 6:30 a.m., MCSO deputies were dispatched to a home located at 3105 Northeast 162nd Place in Citra in reference to a disturbance. When deputies arrived on scene, they located Alfred Jackson Jr. and Eclinton Thomas Jr. with multiple stab wounds. Jackson was pronounced deceased at the scene and Thomas was transported to the hospital and is listed in critical condition. Billy Johnson was located with minor lacerations and transported to the hospital for treatment. Continue reading
MARION COUNTY, Florida (December 26, 2017)- Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives are currently investigating a homicide and attempted homicide that occurred this morning in Citra. At approximately 6:30 a.m., on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, MCSO deputies were dispatched to a home located at 3105 Northeast 162nd Place in Citra in reference to a disturbance. When deputies arrived on scene, they located one male deceased inside the home and two other men wounded. Both wounded individuals were transported to the hospital.
At this time, MCSO Major Crimes detectives are actively investigating the incident and we will release more information as it becomes available. The identity of the victims will not be released until their next-of-kin have been notified. Continue reading
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit wrapped up a two-month operation yesterday evening that targeted illegal gambling establishments throughout the county. During the investigation, which detectives dubbed Operation Jackpot, detectives obtained search warrants for 10 business and made 4 arrests on various charges.
The investigation was initiated after receiving multiple citizen complaints about several of the businesses possibly being illegal gambling establishments, as well as similar tips received through Central Florida CRIMELINE.
As the investigation progressed, detectives were able to establish that all 10 locations were engaging in illegal gambling activities, and as a result, search warrants for each location were obtained. Continue reading
Birding is the fastest growing new activity and January is peak birding time in central Florida so join Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society for a field trip and start 2018 off right. On Friday, January 5, 2018, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm they will be doing Golf Cart Birding with the Villages Birding Club which is free. On Sunday, January 14, 2018, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm they will be going to Circle B Reserve Birding and the cost is $10 for members and $15 for non members. Both trips will have expert guides and everyone is welcome no matter what your level of experience. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, cameras, hats, water, snacks and wear comfortable hiking clothes and shoes. Email rayesm105@aol.com or call/text 609-553-0757 for details to register in advance.
Jo Foster, left, and her daughter-in-law, Pam Foster, unveil the bronze plaque commemorating the dedication of the E. L. Foster, Jr. Volunteer Services Program at a celebration at Hospice of Marion County on December 5, 2017.
The Volunteer Services Program at Hospice of Marion County (HMC) has been aptly named for a former mayor and staunch supporter of philanthropic efforts in Ocala. E. L. Foster, Jr. who served as mayor from 1995-2002 was also on the HMC Board of Directors from 2003-2005. A longtime financial supporter of HMC, Foster’s legacy as a volunteer will live on among HMC’s 700 volunteers, who provide patient support, fundraising and administrative assistance to the area’s only non-profit hospice.
His wife Jo says the recognition is a tribute to her husband’s philosophy of giving back: “In the early days of Hospice of Marion County, we were on the giving end. In E.L.’s last days, we were on the receiving end. We came full circle and I can tell you it is a wonderful organization. E. L. loved Hospice of Marion County.” Foster died last year at the age of 82. Continue reading
The National Grange, headquartered in Washington DC has issued a charter for a new chapter of their Fraternal organization here in Florida. Named Tri County Grange #215 of Florida, it has been established in Lake County.
Barbara Borderieux, State Master/President recently presented the charter to Howard Sechler of Leesburg, who will serve as Master/President of the local group.
The Grange is a Fraternal organization, founded after the Civil War, in 1867, as a non profit, non partisan group with an agricultural base in history. The National Fraternity has just celebrated their 150th year in December. The Grange is part of nearly 2,000 hometowns across the United States, and is the first national organization to give full voice and vote to women 50 years before Congress adopted the same. It stresses family values and community service in their activities and events. They have a strong legislative voice and each year contribute many volunteer hours to worthwhile projects. Continue reading
The Marion County Genealogical Society will meet Thursday January 18, 2018 at 2 PM at the Marion County Public Library located at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala. A brief business meeting will be followed by the January program Understanding and Using Your Autosomal DNA Test Results” by Drew Smith. For further information, contact Joel Swanson at (352)897-0840 or president@mcgsocala.org.
Art Meadows spoke at the Ocala Business Leaders breakfast about custom Jewelry. Pictured from left: Debbie Blando, Art Meadows and Leine Cheek.
