20 YEARS AGO
Long-time Havana pastor and community leader William Maxwell, 86, died January 8 at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. A native of Bradfordville, he was pastor and member of Pilgrim Rest M.B. Chuch in Havana. “He was one of the greatest men to live and serve the community and county, said Havana Town Councilman Vernell Ross. “He did it in may ways: religous, political, social, economic.”
Florida’s senior senator, Bill Nelson, met with community leaders in Quincy to answer questions about U.S. policies during a multi-city sweep of North Florida. Big from the first was the question of America’s new immigration barriers. Nelson called immigration one of the thorniest issues facing the country, one with two sides: first, the issue of securing our borders, and second, the importance of illegal immigrants to our workforce.
30 YEARS AGO
A circuit court ruled that Midway police officers did have jurisdiction on I-10 to make arrests. The court ruled a police officer had the right to arrest a driver for DUI on I-10 inside the Midway city limits.
Susan Butler, daughter of Mrs. Dot McAleenan of Quincy, earned a 1995 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching – an honor which also brought her school, Bay County’s Rutherford High School, a $7,500 National Science Foundation grant.
40 YEARS AGO
A group of concerned citizens vocally opposed a school-based health clinic at Shanks High School in Quincy, claiming the clinic condoned teenage sex by providing contraceptives, gynecological examinations, counseling about sexuality, sex education, pregnancy testing and prenatal care, pediatric care for infants and adolescents, and possibly a free day care for children of students.
The Town of Havana’s placement of its Christmas decorations drew criticism and charges of racial discrimination for the second year in a row at the Town Council meeting. Town Manager Cecil Trippe defended the placement, explaining there was inadequate clearance on the shorter utility poles along that section of U.S. 27.
50 YEARS AGO
Circuit Court Judge Hugh M. Taylor turned down a request that the results of September’s jai-alai referendum in Gadsden County be set aside. The suit claimed the wording of the referendum on the ballot did not properly inform voters that allowing jai-alai would also allow legalized gambling.
Petrolane Incorporated announced the appointment of James R. Stevenson as manager of the Havana district of the company’s LP-gas division. Stevenson was also manager of the Dothan and Enterprise, AL, and Colquitt and Camilla, GA districts.
60 YEARS AGO
A $100,000 suit attacking Florida prison segregation laws and charging Gadsden County officials with “conspiracy” to deny equal protection and treatment was filed in U.S. District Court by CORE attorney John D. Due, Jr. on behalf of James Fortson and “all others similarly situated.” Fortson was the son of Rev. W.H. Fortson, president of the Havana chapter of the NAACP.
Bill T. Rogers, assistant coach and teacher at Quincy High School, was selected to fill the head coach and teacher vacancy in the school that was created by the transfer of Carlos E. Deason to the position of director of the Adult Education Program.
70 YEARS AGO
A total of 265 high quality cattle were slated to be shown by FFA and 4-H Club members and commercial cattlemen at the upcoming West Florida Fat Cattle Show and Sale in Quincy, making it the biggest in the twelve-year history of the event.
Friends of Ruth “Sug” Staggers missed her efficient service and happy disposition when they visited the Havana Post Office, as she resigned her position and moved with her daughter, Pat, to Tampa.
J.H. Hyatt, principal of Havana High School, was installed as president of the Kiwanis Club. Billy Miller was installed as vice-president and W.L. Williams as secretary.