NEW EACH DAY - DAILY DEVOTIONAL
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Gary Miller's Outdoor Truths Ministry, Aug. 3, 2026
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Levy County Commission conducts
progressive workshop with
Cedar Key Commission
after regular meeting

The Levy County Board of County Commissioners sit at a table next to the Cedar Key City Commission on Tuesday afternoon. Seen here (from left) are Commission Chairman Tim Hodge, Vice Chairman Charlie Kennedy, and commissioners Johnny Hiers, Desiree Mills and Rock Meeks.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 5, 2026 at 4 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – Great day in the morning! And great day in the afternoon!
    While the first declaration is an old-fashioned, colloquial exclamation used to express surprise, astonishment, or exasperation -- when the afternoon exclamation is added, it sums up a wonderful daytime set of actions and discussions by the five members of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners in both the morning and the afternoon, with an added workshop Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 4) to put icing on a metaphorical cake of happiness and progress.

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     With 25 or so items on the morning agenda for its twice-monthly regular meeting, the Levy County Commission gave viewers plenty to see as people were able to watch and hear the meeting live via the Internet thanks to the Levy County Clerk Matt Brooks’ moving forward with a long-sought option that now has come to fruition.
     After the opening of the meeting by County Commission Chairman Tim Hodge, with Vice Chairman Charlie Kennedy and commissioners Johnny Hiers, Rock Meeks and Desiree Mills participating, the first order of business was the presentation of a proclamation declaring Aug. 4, 2026, as Ronald W. Stevens Day. 
     Attorney Stevens faithfully served the people of Levy County as the attorney of record for the Levy County Value Adjustment Board (VAB), providing knowledgeable legal support and helping ensure the fair and impartial administration of the property tax appeal process.
     Throughout his 18 years of distinguished service, Stevens provided trusted counsel, the proclamation noted.
     Stevens' legal expertise, sound judgment, and commitment to public service have earned the respect and appreciation of the Value Adjustment Board, county officials, property owners, and the people of Levy County, the proclamation noted.
     Stevens earned his juris doctor from the University of Florida’s Frederic G. Levin College of Law in 1988 and was admitted to The Florida Bar that same year. He established his law practice in Bronson in 1994, “and has spent more than 30 years serving the people of Levy County with dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to public service,” the proclamation noted.
     Among the several other various actions of the morning, the County Commission unanimously:
     ● Approved a $1,336,260 Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Financial Assistance Agreement Law Enforcement Salary Assistance (LESA) Grant Award;
     ● Approved the agreement between Levy County and the law firm of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete (which has more than 250 attorneys across 21 states and the District of Columbia), to provide county attorney services;
     ● Authorize Chairman Hodge to sign an engagement letter with KutakRock to provide Levy County with legal services in support of the Levy County Development Department, including planning and zoning, code enforcement, and the building official;
     ● Authorized County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper to enter into an agreement with Stuart McElhaney to provide interim budget officer consulting services at an hourly rate of $145, on 
an as-needed basis, with compensation limited to actual hours worked. The contractor shall report directly to and be managed by County Manager Harper;
     ● Reappointed Layce Hallman to the Central Florida Community Action Agency Board of Directors for the term Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027;
     ● Approve to appropriate and award $141,917 in opioid settlement funding to the Levy County Prevention Coalition through funds administered by the Lutheran Services Foundation; and 
     ● Approve Asphalt Paving Solutions to proceed with maintenance repairs to the Bird Creek Boat Ramp from damages occurring during Hurricane Season 2023-2024 in the amount of $233,089.30.

Workshop meeting shows progress

Joining the Levy County Commission in a workshop Tuesday are Cedar Key City Commission members (from left) Commissioner Dell Weible, Vice Mayor Mel Beckham, Commissioner Heath Davis, Commissioner Nancy Sera and Mayor Jim Wortham.


Among the people at the workshop were (from left) Cedar Key City Attorney Norm D. Fugate, Levy County Clerk and Comptroller Matt Brooks and Deputy Clerk Jennifer Watkins.


Levy County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper, always glad to see a daily news website publisher covering the news, smiles as she speaks to the group of elected and appointed county and municipal leaders.


Matt Weldon, director of Levy County Public Works, explains why the federal government agreed to fund the big cement dock in Cedar Key as long as it was at a certain height. Standing in the center background of this photo is Tom Strom, Levy County engineer.


Levy County Emergency Management Director Leatha Keene explains an aspect related to funding recovery from disasters as it applies to one Cedar Key project.


Frank E. Offerle and Mandy Offerle of the Cedar Key News are among the press corps at the government workshop in Bronson on Aug. 4. Frank’s baseball cap says, ‘Make Lying Wrong Again’ and some journalists know how this ‘make-again’ theme continues to be relevant today.

     A two-hour workshop with the entire Levy County Commission and the Cedar Key City Commission organized by County Manager Harper helped the municipal and county leaders confer about current and proposed projects in Cedar Key as county staff members provided information.
     This workshop provided an opportunity for the Levy County Commission and Cedar Key City Commission to discuss those projects.
     The current members of the City Key City Commission are Heath Davis – Seat 1 (appointed July of 2026); Nancy Sera – Seat 2; Mayor Jim Wortham – Seat 3; Dell Weible – Seat 4; and Vice Mayor Mel Beckham – Seat 5.
     As County Manager Harper opened the workshop, she mentioned there was no action to be taken at the meeting. She identified 10 projects to discuss.
     By the conclusion of the meeting, the two sets of elected or appointed leaders determined they will advise staff about directions they intend to go as the municipal and county leaders, and then staff will strive to meet those ends.
Big Dock (Cedar Key Fishing Pier) 
     The big concrete fishing pier on Dock Street has been inspected at a cost of $15,697. 
     Levy County Engineer Thomas “Tom” Strom said a funding source to complete $1.5 million rehabilitation repairs has not been identified yet.
     In May, county staff identified deterioration on the underside of the pier, Strom said. The county hired structural engineering firm Kisinger Campo & Associates to complete a comprehensive structural inspection of the pier, Strom said. That inspection showed six of the 86 precast supporting units were so deteriorated that they require replacement, he said.
     Another 30 of those 86 supporting units require repair. All of the units identified as damaged will be replaced or repaired, Strom said.
     The remaining units will be covered with a substance to reduce corrosion. By doing so, this will extend the life of those units to an estimated 40 years rather than only 20 more years, Strom said during conversation about the process.
     Once a funding source is identified, Strom said, staff will bring the project forward for the County Commission to potentially approve moving forward.
     To replace all 86 supporting slab units would be an estimated $6 million, Strom said, and therefore the replacement of six slab units and the repair of 30 units is recommended at a cost of an estimated $1.5 million.
     A complete replacement would take six to eight months, during which time the pier would be closed.
     By replacing and repairing the identified units in the plan created by Kisinger Campo & Associates, Strom said, the work will take about three or four months, and only the parts of the pier where work is happening would be closed for use by the public.
     Strom said that after repairs begin, the workers will be on barges – but they will be using access from Dock Street as well.
     There was some conversation about how this dock attracts visitors to Cedar Key and how those visitors buy gasoline, food, bait and rent rooms to spend the night on the island as they visit the dock to take pictures of the Gulf of Mexico and the island, as well as to fish.
     The current cost of engineering so far is $165,000, according to information shared before the workshop. The notice to proceed has not yet been issued by the Levy County Commission for the engineering design services.
     Vice Mayor Beckham mentioned that the city has accepted responsibility for daily maintenance of the bathrooms on the Big Dock.
Oyster ROCKS
     As noted in a story published July 18 in the daily news website, the Levy County Commission announced that construction is underway on the Oyster ROCKS – Suwannee Sound/Cedar Key Oyster Restoration Project, marking a significant milestone in the county government’s efforts to restore historic oyster reefs in Waccasassa Bay.
     Rock installation has begun within the Corrigan's Reef project area, where naturally occurring limestone is being placed to create the foundation for new oyster growth and long-term reef recovery. The project is creating a positive economic impact by employing more than 60 captains of local commercial fishing vessels, along with individuals responsible for environmental and wildlife monitoring, project oversight, and construction coordination.
     Funded through approximately $1.9 million in RESTORE Act Bucket 3 funding, the Oyster ROCKS project is designed to restore critical oyster habitat, improve water quality, enhance marine ecosystems, strengthen shoreline resilience, and support the long-term sustainability of Levy County's commercial fishing industry and historic working waterfronts.
     RESTORE Act Bucket 3 (the Spill Impact Component) dedicates 30 percent of Deepwater Horizon oil spill civil penalties to the five Gulf Coast states. Funds are distributed via a RESTORE Council formula and used for ecological/economic restoration under state-specific plans approved by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, recognized as the worst marine oil spill in United States history, began on April 20, 2010, when an explosion on the BP-leased drilling rig killed 11 workers. An uncontrolled blowout spewed an estimated 134 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 days.
     Kari Bastow is the Levy County Grants and Finance manager. Bastow researches, develops and manages grant opportunities that align with the county’s strategic goals, ensuring that all funding efforts reflect the vision and direction established by county leadership.
     This project is estimated to be complete by mid- to late August, Bastow said.
     The state agency involved as a key collaborative partner is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), alongside the Cedar Key Oystermen's Association and SWCA Environmental Consultants. Bastow and others said the FWC permitting process delayed the start of the project, but once they got past that it has moved forward well.
     The Levy County Commission has published a new project update featuring additional information about the restoration effort, project photos and the important role local commercial oystermen are playing in bringing this collaborative restoration project to life.
     To read the full update and view project photos, visit the RESTORE Act Project Updates page on the Levy County website by clicking HERE. 
     There was some conversation between the two sets of elected leaders about using RESTORE Act funds to dredge out the marina area. Some Cedar Key leaders felt the county had moved forward with seeking approval for that significant dredging project.
     There was some casual conversation about the City of Cedar Key taking over all responsibility for the big dock, or for the State of Florida to take it over as a state park, or for the federal government to accept management of the facility as part of the Lower Suwannee River and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge.
     Mayor Wortham mentioned that the annual budget for the city is just over $2 million, and that limits its ability to accept the big dock as one of its facilities – beyond the daily maintenance of the bathrooms.
Shell Mound Dredging Project 
     The project to dredge near Shell Mound was discussed. This is being paid for by a Florida Boat Improvement grant of $896,460 through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
     Matt Weldon, director of public works, parks and recreation and mosquito control, has been working to ensure public boat ramps in the Cedar Key area are not all closed at the same time. The Shell Mound dredging must be completed before that boat ramp opens, and before construction begins on the Bridge #4 Boat Ramp.
Bridge #4 Fishing Pier 
     Repair of the old timber fishing pier initially included the boat ramp and parking lot, which were damaged by hurricanes.
     The replacement of the timber fishing pier alone showed a cost of $1.1 million, and this led county staff to parse out the projects for proper funding. 
     The boat ramp restoration is awaiting the completion of the Shell Mound dredging project.
     Construction is currently anticipated to begin in September or October.
     Funding for the wooden fishing pier, the boat ramp and parking lot is through a combination of insurance proceeds and FEMA. In the meantime, fishing from that pier remains as a memory and as a hope.
George T. Lewis Airport 
     The airport at Cedar Key has a number of projects for improvements, including the potential to add lighting. This is a truly short runway that some pilots reportedly have on a “bucket list” to land and takeoff from as one of their challenges.
     There was some discussion about no commercial ventures being allowed at the airport, as well as that land being designated singularly for the use of an airport. There is a port-o-let at the site that the city maintains. Some visiting pilots would prefer better bathroom facilities. Commissioner Hiers said that he has been involved in real estate transactions long enough to know that even though property is designated for a specific use, there are work-arounds. One example of that is the state government almost changing certain state parks into golf courses,
     Another wish list for that airport is more airplane parking space, beyond the existing area, which accommodates four small planes at a time now.
     In contrast with the airport in Cedar Key, Williston Regional Airport is bigger and better.
     George T. Lewis Airport (CDK) in Cedar Key and Williston Regional Airport (X60) in Williston are both general aviation fields in Levy County. George T. Lewis is a scenic, coastal, minimal-service airstrip with a noticeably short runway, while Williston is a fully equipped regional hub with multiple long, paved runways and extensive pilot amenities.
     George T. Lewis features one single asphalt runway measuring 2,302 feet by 75 feet. It is known as one of the shortest public, paved runways in Florida.
     Williston Regional Airport features three active runways, including a major paved primary runway measuring 6,669 feet by 100 feet and a secondary paved runway measuring 5,000 feet by 60 feet, easily accommodating corporate jets and larger general aviation aircraft.
     George T. Lewis offers no on-site fuel, and no official FBO. Pilots rely on local town taxis, dining, and lodging a mile away in downtown Cedar Key.
     Williston Regional Airport functions as a high-volume, pilot-friendly stop with full FBO services, competitive self-service and full-service AvGas and Jet-A fuel, a pilot lounge, conference rooms, crew cars, and the on-site Pyper Kub Cafe. And there are hangars in the industrial part of the airport complex that are used by several interests – including the Williston Police Department, which has a digital shooting range.
     Among the other projects discussed between Cedar Key and Levy County were some endeavors where the Levy County Tourist Development Council is helping promote tourism in Cedar Key – one of the destinations in Levy County for tourists.

Levy County Supervisor of Elections
encourages voters to plan to vote early
Early voting in Levy County
is Aug. 6 through Aug. 15

Information Provided By Levy County Supervisor of Elections
Published July 29, 2026 at 10 a.m.
     BRONSON -- The Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office invites voters to take part in Early Voting for the 2026 Primary Election while celebrating America’s 250^th anniversary.
    Throughout the Early Voting period, voters and their families can enjoy special giveaways, treats, and activities designed to make participating in democracy a fun and memorable experience.
     “Voting is one of the most important responsibilities and privileges we have as citizens,” Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones said. “As our nation celebrates 250 years of history, we encourage every eligible voter to make a plan to vote early and take part in this community celebration.”
     Early Voting will be available Aug. 6 through Aug. 15, including weekends, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
     Voters are encouraged to bring family and friends and enjoy daily promotions while casting their ballots.
     Whether you’re a first-time voter, a longtime voter, a veteran, or bringing along future voters, there will be something for everyone throughout the Early Voting period.
Daily Celebration Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 6
     American Flags for the First 100 Voters “Wave Your Flag, Cast Your Vote!”
Friday, Aug. 7
     Patriotic Necklaces for the First 48 Voters “Vote with Pride – Patriotism Looks Great on You!”
Saturday, Aug. 8
     Patriotic Headbands for the First 48 Kids “Future Voters Shine Bright!”
Sunday, Aug. 9
     Popcorn from Noon to 3:00 p.m. “Pop In and Vote!”
Monday, Aug. 10
     M&Ms for the First 80 Voters “Make Your Mark—Enjoy Some M&Ms!”
Tuesday, Aug. 11
     250th Anniversary Patriotic Bracelets for the First 60 Voters “250 Years Strong – Vote On!”
Wednesday, Aug. 12
     Chocolate Chip Cookies for the First 60 Voters “Chip, Chip Hooray—You Voted Today!”
Thursday, Aug. 13
     Ice Cream Sandwiches from 2. to 5 p.m. for the First 50 Voters “Cool Treats for Civic Duty!”
Friday, Aug. 14
     Veterans Gifts for the First 50 Veterans Who Vote “Honoring Service, Celebrating Your Vote.”
Saturday, Aug. 15
     Popsicles for Kids Who Accompany Their Family to Vote “Last Chance to Vote – Cool Rewards for Future Voters!”
 

Candidate wrote law
that went into effect this month

By Jeff M. Hardison © July 27, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation on May 22 that went into effect on July 1 that is named the “Helping Abuse Victims Escape Now (HAVEN) Act.”
     HAVEN was written by a Gainesville woman who was running two years ago for election to the Florida House of Representatives, and is running again in November to be the next Florida House of Representatives member from District 22. That district includes all of Gilchrist County, all of Levy County and part of western Alachua County.
     Amy Trask (D-Gainesville) during a recent event in Chiefland mentioned that she succeeded in a major victory for survivors of domestic and dating violence and delivered one of the most significant updates to victim protections in recent Florida history – even before taking office.
     This law reflects work by both parties in the state’s Senate and House, where the legislators passed the bill with unanimously positive votes endorsing it.
     Florida Senate Minority Leader Sen. Berman (D-Boynton Beach, Dist. 26) and State Rep. Peggy Gosset-Seidman (R-Highland Beach, Dist. 91) are the top elected leaders who championed the bill, alongside a number of co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle. As noted, Trask authored the bill that the legislators all endorsed.
     Boynton Beach is in Palm Beach County, which is part of state House District 26. Highland Beach is in Palm Beach County, which is part of state Senate District 91.
     “I wrote HAVEN because leaving is often the most dangerous moment in a (domestic violence) survivor’s life, and too many Floridians are forced into an impossible choice: stay silent or risk escalating the danger,” Trask said in May press release after learning about the governor signing the law into effect. “Having experienced that fear firsthand, I know how critical it is that Florida becomes a place where survivors are supported from beginning to end — and this law moves us closer to that.”
     The new law offers protection from domestic violence to individuals who experience dating violence as well as other more traditionally accepted relationships where this form of violence may occur. It closes a gap in Florida law that advocates for better protection from domestic violence protection. Law enforcement officials have long pushed to address the issues this new law includes. It creates the framework for a 9-1-1 bypass emergency response system designed to allow survivors in dangerous situations to discreetly alert law enforcement without notifying their abuser.
     A state feasibility study is scheduled to commence, due in January 2027, to guide implementation of the technology statewide.
     HAVEN is the first legislation of its kind in the United States. It will be the first tangible mechanism for victims of dating and domestic violence, and stalking, to be able to discreetly notify police and see response without their abuser knowing. It will use a pin number or code word and a randomly generated phone number that is synced or paired with the local police databases. 
     “I wrote it last session, actually, and met with most legislators on the issue, and met with stakeholders alongside legislators such as FDLE on the bill,” Task said in May. “I brought my kids to my meetings in the Capitol, testified (with them) in committee hearings, and fought hard to help get this through.”
     Trask is the Democrat running against Republican Chad Johnson of Chiefland in the General Election in November.
     In the 2024 Primary Election to determine the Democrat candidate for the 2024 General Election, Trask lost to David Arreola, the Democrat who then narrowly lost to Johnson in that election for a two-year term in the Florida House of Representatives.
     As noted in the Nov. 5, 2024 published story titled - Matt Brooks wins race for Levy County Clerk; Brian Kramer wins State Attorney’s race; Republicans win House and Senate seats - that election showed Chad Johnson (R-Chiefland) 51,155 (56.81 percent) and David Arreola (D-Gainesville) 38,895 Votes (43.29 percent).
     As noted, in the Nov. 3 General Election Johnson and Trask are scheduled to be on the ballot in that race for Florida House of Representative member from District 22 as the Republican and the Democratic candidates respectively, according to records.

By Jeff M. Hardison © July 22, 2026 at 3:15 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TRI-COUNTY AREA – The chalk dust has settled from the previous school year in the Tri-County Area, and a primary election set for Aug. 18 will decide the winners in some School Board races.     A number of School Board members are essentially reelected unopposed -- because no candidate qualified to run against them. There were no contested Dixie County School Board races.
     HardisonInk.com owner and publisher Jeff M. Hardison sent the candidates for School Board races in Gilchrist County the following questions:
     Why do you want to be elected to the School Board?
     What makes you the most qualified person to elect? 
     Other than School Board duties, what other job will you be doing?
     What do you see as the three most important issues, ranking them from first through third for this county, and that you believe you can either completely solve or make enough of an impact to be noticed as progressing toward a positive end result?
     The first two candidates beat the deadline for submission of answers. And they were published first on July 14, 2026 at 7:45 a.m. They are Levy County School Board, District 3 -- Jaime Handlin (NP) and Tricia Horvath (NP).
     Now, from the candidates in two Gilchrist County School Board district races, their answers are shown below:

Gilchrist County School Board Dist. 3
Raymond Robbins

1. Why do you want to be elected to the School Board?
     I am seeking election to the Gilchrist County School Board because I believe my experience as both an educator and a parent can help our schools continue the strong tradition of academic excellence for which they are known. I want to help ensure that decisions are made thoughtfully and responsibly, with the best interests of students, employees, families, and the community in mind.
2. What makes you the most qualified person to elect?
     I respect anyone who is willing to step forward and serve our community. I believe, however, that my combination of professional experience in education and personal experience as a parent makes me especially qualified to serve on the School Board.
     I have worked in public education for more than 13 years, including the past five years in Gilchrist County Schools. That experience has given me a firsthand understanding of the needs and concerns of teachers, staff members, students, and families. I have also built strong relationships with employees throughout the district, which will help me listen to and represent the people who work directly with our students each day.
As a father of eight, I also understand the hopes and concerns parents have for their children. I will work to ensure that parents, employees, and community members have meaningful opportunities to be heard during the decision-making process.
3. Other than School Board duties, what other job will you be doing?
     After spending the past five years teaching in Gilchrist County Schools, I recently accepted a position as an Adult Education teacher with the Florida Department of Corrections. 
I am grateful for the opportunity to continue teaching and making a difference in the lives of others. This career change also allows me to serve on the School Board, since I could not remain employed by Gilchrist County Schools while serving as a Board member.
4. What do you see as the three most important issues, ranking them from first through third for this county, and that you believe you can either completely solve or make enough of an impact to be noticed as progressing toward a positive end result?
     The three most important issues facing Gilchrist County Schools are financial stability and transparency, teacher recruitment and retention, and stakeholder involvement.
     First, the district must continue working toward long-term financial stability through responsible budgeting, careful review of expenditures, and clear communication with the public. Transparency can also be strengthened by encouraging greater public awareness of and participation in School Board meetings.
     Second, we must improve our ability to recruit and retain high-quality teachers and staff members. This includes examining compensation, benefits, working conditions, and the support employees receive. Although small districts face financial challenges, we must continue looking for responsible ways to make Gilchrist County Schools a place where excellent educators want to work and remain.
     Third, I want to strengthen the involvement of parents, employees, and community members. The district should provide multiple ways for stakeholders to share their concerns and ideas and should demonstrate that their input is being heard and considered.

Roy Smith
Non-Responsive

Gilchrist County School Board, Dist. 5

Charlotte Kearney (NP)
Non-Responsive

D. Deen Lancaster

1. Why do you want to be elected to the School Board?
     Serving on the Gilchrist County School Board has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Since joining the Board in 2013, I’ve had the privilege of helping make decisions that affect our students, teachers, and families, and I still have the same passion for serving today that I did when I first took office.
     Gilchrist County isn’t just where I live -- it’s home. I grew up here, graduated from Gilchrist County Schools, and watched my own children graduate from the same schools. My family’s roots in this community go back to the early 1900s, so I understand what makes this county special and why it’s worth investing in.
     As a local business owner, I’ve learned the importance of listening to people, being responsible with resources, and making thoughtful decisions. Those are the same values I bring to the School Board.
     This community has given my family so much over the years. Serving on the School Board is my way of giving back. I want to continue working to provide every child with the best education possible, support our outstanding teachers and staff, and ensure our schools remain something our community can be proud of for generations to come.
2. What makes you the most qualified person to elect?
     For the past 13 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Gilchrist County School Board. During that time, I’ve never stopped learning. I’ve attended training, conventions, and seminars because I believe the people who elected me deserve a Board member who understands the laws, responsibilities, and challenges of public education. I’m proud to have earned the Florida School Boards Association’s Certified Board Member designation and to have served on two Master Boards, which required the whole Board and the Superintendent to complete extensive training as a group.
     In addition to serving on the School Board, I’ve owned and operated a local small business for many years. Running a business has taught me to be responsible, make difficult decisions, and remember that every dollar matters. I bring that same mindset when making decisions about our school district’s budget.
     One of the things I’m most proud of is that my fellow Board members have trusted me enough to elect me Chairman three different times. That tells me they value my leadership, my willingness to listen, and my ability to work with others, even when we don’t always agree.  I am the current Chairman.
     Even though this is a non-partisan race, I am the only registered Republican in this race, which is important to many voters in our county. But regardless of political party, my commitment has always been the same—to do what’s best for our students, support our teachers and staff, and be a careful steward of taxpayer dollars.
     At the end of the day, I’m not asking for your vote because I’ve held the office. I’m asking because I’ve worked hard to earn your trust, I’ve always tried to put our children and our community first, and I still have the desire and energy to continue serving the county that has been home to my family for generations.
3. Other than School Board duties, what other job will you be doing?
     Outside of my responsibilities as a School Board member, I will continue doing what I’ve done for many years—serving our community through my business, my family, and our way of life here in Gilchrist County.
     Since 2005, I have owned and operated Deen Lancaster Realty, Inc. I am a licensed Real Estate Broker and a State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping many people in our area with their real estate needs. Our office has also grown to become the largest property management company in the area, which has taught me a great deal about responsibility, communication, and taking care of people’s investments.
     When I’m not working at the office, you can often find me working on our family farm. It’s a reminder of where I come from and the values that have shaped me—hard work, commitment, and taking care of what has been entrusted to you.
     I am also the proud father of three grown children. While they may be grown, as most parents know, you never stop being a parent. There are still plenty of “Daddy duties” along the way, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
     My business, my farm, and my family all keep me connected to the people and the community I serve. They are a big part of why I care so deeply about the future of Gilchrist County and our schools.
4. What do you see as the three most important issues, ranking them from first through third for this county, and that you believe you can either completely solve or make enough of an impact to be noticed as progressing toward a positive end result?
     1. Financial Stability and Protecting Our Resources
     My number one priority is making sure we continue to be responsible stewards of the money entrusted to us by the taxpayers while also fighting for the resources our students and staff deserve.
     One of the biggest challenges facing our district is the impact of the state’s voucher program. I believe parents should have the ability to make decisions about their child’s education, but we also have to make sure public schools are not placed at an unfair disadvantage. Every student who withdraws from our District through these programs has a significant impact on our local school budget, and in a small rural district like ours, those dollars matter.
     At the same time, our teachers and staff deserve to be compensated for the important work they do. It is difficult when rising costs and funding challenges limit our ability to provide the raises they deserve. I will continue using my relationships and experience in Tallahassee to advocate for additional funding for our rural schools, while also continuing to look for areas where we can eliminate unnecessary spending and make every dollar count.
     I am proud that the Board’s and Superintendent’s efforts recently helped secure $26 million for infrastructure and facility improvements in our district. This is a tremendous opportunity to update and improve our aging facilities, and I will continue to make sure those funds are used wisely and provide the greatest benefit possible to our students and community.
     2. Enrollment Growth and Promoting Our Schools
     Our second biggest challenge is enrollment. Like many rural school districts, we have seen our numbers decline, and enrollment directly affects our funding. However, I believe one of the best ways to address this challenge is by making sure people know about all the great things happening in Gilchrist County Schools.
     We have a lot to be proud of. Our district has earned an “A” rating from the state 15 out of the last 16 years and was recently ranked #9 in the entire state. Our students are excelling in academics, career programs, extracurricular activities, and athletics.
     We recently added a state-of-the-art welding program at Bell High School, giving students valuable career skills and another reason for families to choose our schools. We have had outstanding accomplishments in FFA, including a State FFA Officer from Bell, as well as state finalists in Career Development Events and Supervised Agricultural Experiences. Our athletic programs continue to succeed as well, including a State Championship in softball and Final Four appearances in basketball and baseball.
     My goal is to help tell our story better. We need to proudly promote the success of our schools and show families inside and outside our county the opportunities available here. By increasing enrollment, we strengthen our schools and our financial position.
     3. School Safety
     The safety of our students and staff will always be one of my top priorities. As a parent and School Board member, I understand that families trust us with what matters most—their children.
     Our district has built a strong partnership with our Sheriff and local law enforcement, and we have taken important steps, including implementing our Guardian program, to help protect our schools. While I believe we are doing many things right, school safety is something we can never take for granted.
     I will continue to monitor safety concerns, listen to our law enforcement partners, and support policies and procedures that provide our students and staff with a safe environment where learning can take place.
     These issues are not problems that can be solved overnight, but they are challenges we can make progress on through leadership, accountability, and a commitment to doing what is best for Gilchrist County students and families.
 

Levy County School Board
candidates share insight

Candidates Jaime Handlin (left) and Tricia Horvath are seen on stage mere seconds before they started speaking to the crowd on July 16.

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © July 21, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CHIEFLAND – Cameron Asbell won the race for Levy County School Board (Dist. 1) and Devin Whitehead won the race for Levy County School Board (Dist. 5) after no persons chose to seek to replace either or both of them by running for office, too.
     Jaime Handlin and Tricia Horvath are the two women seeking to fill the vacancy that will come to be when Levy County School Board (Dist. 3) Member Ashley Clemenzi’s leaves office, having made the choice not to seek reelection.
     Handlin and Horvath were among the 16 candidates speaking at an event July 16 in Chiefland, and they first shared information that showed their responses published July 14, 2026, at 7:45 a.m. in HardisonInk.com to questions presented to them earlier. These two candidate were the first whole set in any race for offices in the Tri-County Area who responded to those questions.
     On July 16, these two candidates made clear, again, why they each believe they are the best person for whom the most Levy County voters should cast a ballot to choose as the winner in that political race.
     A Levy County School Board member sets district policies, oversees the annual budget, approves personnel hires, and establishes the curriculum for public schools in this county. Working with the superintendent, the five elected members ensure local schools operate according to the Florida Department of Education regulations.

Jaime Handlin
     Handlin said she is a 22-year resident of Levy County. During 18 years of her professional career in education, Handlin said, she served Levy County students as a school principal and spent her last four years as a Levy County School District administrator.
     Before becoming a principal, Handlin said, she taught children as a teacher for 10 years, including at Joyce Bullock Elementary School in Williston. 
     Handlin is currently working for a curriculum publishing company that supports Florida schools, including 24 of the state’s 67 counties. She said she chose to run for School Board because she has given to Levy County students, families and educators for the past 18 years, “and I didn’t feel that my job is done.”
     “I want to step into a role that is a little bit different in perspective,” Handlin added, “but I do have the experience and the background to apply what I have learned along the way in this role.”
     Handlin said she earned a bachelor’s degree in education and early childhood; a master’s degree in educational leadership; and completed doctorate studies at the University of Florida in 2022.

Tricia Horvath
     Horvath thanked everyone for coming to the event as she said she hopes to earn votes to become the Levy County School Board District Three member, “… which includes Yankeetown School.”
     “I’m running as a local voice for the Inglis-Yankeetown community and that’s what is something we as a community has lacked for years,” Horvath said. “I live in Inglis. I am accessible on a daily basis to the families that I would represent. I have the endorsements of the mayors of Inglis and Yankeetown.”
     Horvath said she believes she is best qualified to serve on the Levy County School Board because her experience covers nearly every side of education. She mentioned that her husband served for 30 years in the United States Air Force. From the worldwide travel for her family, including her two children, they experienced learning in public schools, charter schools and United States Department of Defense schools, she said. Horvath mentioned that she and her husband did not enroll their children in private schools because he was a non-commissioned officer and that rank of member in the military service does not earn enough to send two children to private schools.
     No matter the type of school, Horvath said she was an advocate and volunteer to help with their education. 
     “I’ve seen a lot that works,” she said, “and I have seen the stuff that doesn’t work. And when it didn’t (work), I chose to homeschool.”
     In that regard, she taught her children and other children as well, where she served in local co-ops that created curricula that served children in multiage classrooms.
     Horvath said she understands the difficult decisions and challenges faced by families who choose homeschooling as their method for children to learn.
     During the past decade, Horvath has served as a Guardian ad Litem in Hawaii, Georgia and now in the Eighth Judicial Circuit, which includes Levy County.
     In Florida, a Guardian ad Litem is a court-appointed representative tasked with investigating a case and advocating for a child’s best interests. They act as the “eyes and ears of the court,” focusing solely on the child’s wellbeing in situations like abuse, neglect, or high-conflict custody disputes, as noted in Florida law.
     “And that (service as a Guardian ad Litem) includes assuring that these children’s educational needs are being met throughout this county,” Horvath said.
     All of her experiences, Horvath said, have given her the knowledge of challenges faced by the full spectrum of children, parents, students and teachers “every single day.”
     “I’m not here for the politics of this,” Horvath said. “I’m not a politician. I am here to support and advocate for every single child in Levy County – no matter their school choice.”
     As Horvath answered a question about how she sees responsibilities on the School Board, she said each of the five members represents their district but they also vote on matters that apply to all of the students and educators in Levy County. She agrees with the established laws showing the School Board members are not to become involved with the individual daily operations at a school; however, the School Board members need to be active participants in problem solving.
     From the reduced full-time equivalent population in public schools, she said, which determines the funding for schools, the Levy County School Board needs to work as one to keep the budget above the threshold.
     “And we need to use the expertise of the people on the School Board,” Handlin said, “to help solve the problems that we can help solve; and then work together as the School Board with the District Office.”
     As Horvath answered the same question, she stressed her belief that a School Board member represents the people in their district. That person is active in their community and in their local school. 
     “They know what the challenges are at their local school,” Horvath said. “They know who the principal is and they know the things that those families need. They do also know, like Jaime said, what the other communities need. But each one of our communities has our representatives. We should come back together and be a collaborative effort to come up with the best resources and opportunities for each and every one of our schools to grow, because we do have opportunities for our schools to grow.”
     She continued, mentioning the idea of expanding vocational-technical education opportunities in Levy County.
     “I think I should bring, like, a willingness to work together with the other board members,” she said, adding, “And for each one of us to bring the best interest of our community, and to find common ground, and to move forward to help Levy County schools the best schools – and the schools that people move to this county to have their kids in our schools.”

Levy County Commission District Four
candidates participate in forum

Just before their chances to introduce themselves and answer some questions, Levy County Commission District Four candidates are seen seated on the stage at the Tommy Usher Community Center in Chiefland. They are (from left) Billy Hinote, David Sharpe and Tim Hodge.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © July 20, 2026 at 8 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CHIEFLAND – Billy Hinote, Tim Hodge and David Sharpe are three Republican Party candidates from which every voter in Levy County will be able to choose the man who takes the seat currently held by County Commission Chairman Hodge.     The winner of this race, if it is not Hodge, does not automatically become the chairman of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners. Another thing the County Commission must work on after the oath of office is administered to new members when they take office in this four-year round of public service will be the various duties such as sitting on the Tourist Development Council, the new Levy County Economic Development Advisory Board and the like.
     During an event on July 16 in the Tommy Usher Community Center in Chiefland, these three men spoke to an audience as the Chiefland City Commission sponsored a “Town Hall” to help voters know a bit more about candidates in various races. As noted, one of these three will be elected in this race via the Aug. 18 primary election.
 
Billy Hinote
     Hinote said he started fifth grade in Chiefland and graduated from Chiefland High School. Then, he attended the IBEW Local 349 Electrical Trade School in Miami. He returned to Levy County and went to work with his father as a licensed electrician. After working with his father for 10 years – 35 years ago, Hinote took over the business and has run it ever since.
     Hinote has been married for 33 years, raised three children and now has five grandchildren. 
     “I work very hard,” Hinote said, adding that if the voters choose him, “… they won’t find anybody who works any harder than me.”

Tim Hodge
     Commissioner Hodge said he has been married to his wife Sandra for 34 years, as of last month. 
     Hodge said that most of his life he has been in the logging business, although he has also laid sod and worked for a time in the Florida Department of Corrections. He mentioned that he has worked with same men for 35 years now in his logging trade.
     He said he appreciates the opportunity the voters have given him to be their Levy County commissioner. 
     This year, Hodge is sitting on five board as a County Commission member. Although he is on the canvassing board, he cannot serve due to him being a candidate seeking reelection. 
     Hodge is the Levy County elected leader on the Citrus Levy Marion CareerSource Consortium, which includes Marion County Commission Chaiman Carl Zalak III and Marion County Commissioner Janet Barek.
     He mentioned that CareerSource has helped Cedar Key significantly with the clamming industry. 
     Hodge is on the Nature Coast Oyster Alliance, which is a regional organization focused on promoting and supporting the oyster industry in the Nature Coast Area – including Cedar Key, which is known to be the clamming capital of the world. As a member of this alliance, Hodge is involved in strategic planning, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen the oyster sector, which includes growers, processors, and environmental groups.
     He is also on the Levy County Library Board, as well as being the chairman of the Levy County Transportation Disadvantaged Board. Hodge serves as the chairman of the Levy County Value Adjustment Board (VAB).
     Publisher’s Note: The VAB is an independent local panel that hears appeals from property owners who disagree with decisions made by the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office regarding property values, agricultural classifications, or tax exemptions (such as homestead exemption).The VAB is governed by Chapter 194 of the Florida Statutes. It primary duties include evaluating valuation appeals; reviewing evidence to determine if a property has been appraised at its fair market value by the property appraiser; reviewing denied exemptions; hearing cases where the Property Appraiser has denied tax exemptions or classifications (such as an agricultural exemption); and holding quasi-judicial hearings where the property owner and the Property Appraiser present their respective evidence.
     The VAB does not have any control over property taxes or the tax rates set by taxing authorities (such as the County Commission, School Board or Water Management District), nor can the VAB reduce an appraised value simply because the owner claims they cannot afford the taxes.

David Sharpe
     Sharpe started as a paramedic, who made his way through nursing school – spending 41 year as a nurse. He has been a critical care nurse; director of nursing; served in the United States Army Nurse Corps (a specialized branch of the Army Medical Department consisting now of more than 11,000 commissioned officers); and served as a state regulator.
     As he introduced himself, Sharpe said Levy County needs proactive planning. County commission members need to look ahead and serve as responsible members of government. By waiting until something becomes an urgent emergency that demands immediate attention, then the cost to resolve an issue is higher than when prevention or planning ahead would have stopped an issue from reaching a breaking point.
     Sharpe said that transparency in county government does not just mean the County Commission must abided by the mandatory minimum of following Florida Government-In-The-Sunshine Laws. Sharpe said this board of elected leaders need to be so open in their actions that there is no need for public records requests – because the information and actions leading to decisions will already be visible. 
     “Commissioners need to be very good stewards of your tax money,” Sharpe said as he introduced himself. “We need to look at it the same way we look at money on our kitchen table.”
     All three candidates were asked what they believe are the three most important issues and how they would address those issues. 
     Hinote sees data centers as an issue. The moratorium that will give the County Commission time to consider a threat assessment and to prepare for it. Prevention will be a first step.
     Hinote said he believes density of buildings in the county is another issue. He does not like the idea of changing farmlands into residential subdivisions with shopping centers. The people of Levy County, he said, prefer a county that is rural rather than urban.
     The third issue he sees, and a method to address is, will be for the people to know where the County Commission sets its priorities for expenditures and to assure that the people can easily see that information.
     Commissioner Hodge said the county has issues now. Hodge was the first to mention that if the voters chose to amend the state constitution and drastically cut revenue to counties from property taxes, then he sees the Florida Legislature being able to force counties to accept hyper-data centers, which would be a new source of revenue for county governments.
     The county budget, Hodge said, is a complex formula. There are several departments and needs all across the county. So, the budget itself can be seen as an issue. The method to address it is through the budget workshops that happen every year as the County Commission members work with department heads and others to create the plan for spending during the fiscal year.
      Sharpe said growth is the biggest issue he sees for Levy County. Accountability and transparency of the County Commission is an issue Sharpe sees. 
     One part of addressing that issue, Sharpe said, is for the county to create a job matrix for all of the positions. This will show the jobs that exist, and the cost to fill those positions. This could lead to potentially combining jobs in the advent of a massive loss in revenue from the possible property tax revisions. Also, the job matrix would show what posts could be eliminated by attrition, where a vacant job is not refilled but instead is just taken out of the list of existing positions.
     Another critical issue where the County Commission may help the people, he said, is for the government to work on helping Levy County overcome its notoriety as “a healthcare desert.”
     There is no emergency room within 50 miles, Sharpe said. He said the county needs doctors, and it needs an emergency room.
     Sharpe went on to say, too, that hyper-data centers are something that Levy County does not want. There is not enough known about them now, he said, “and we don’t want to be the experiment.”
     The candidates also provided their ideas for how to deal with the high level of monetary loss that will happen if Florida voters amend the state constitution in regard to having property tax as a revenue source for county governments, as well as giving off-the-cuff answers to how they decide when they see strong opposing opinions from constituents about matters when those opinions are expressed.

Levy County Commission District Two
candidates participate in forum

Story and Photos (except for one photo)
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 18, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. 
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CHIEFLAND -- Lincoln Cannon, a Democrat, Emily Casey, an Ecology Party member, and Wesley Langston and Matt Lemery, two Republicans, all participated in the Thursday night (July 16) event sponsored by the Chiefland City Commission in the Tommy Usher Community Center.
     Cannon, Casey, Langston and Lemery all want to be the County Commission member who replaces outgoing County Commissioner Rock Meeks. Cannon and Casey already won their primary races. Either Langston or Lemery will face those two in the three-way race in November. Each candidate had a few minutes to introduce themselves and then to answer questions.
     In Levy County, since the modification away from the “county coordinator,” the county manager oversees daily county operations, manages administrative departments (like public works, human resources, the road department, and development services, etc.), and coordinates economic and workforce development projects. The five county commissioners function as the governing body responsible for setting county policies, approving the annual budget and overseeing county services from a global perspective. They do not direct employees directly in the day-to-day operations of the county.

Lincoln Cannon

This picture of Lincoln Cannon is one obtained from the candidate earlier, when it was requested by the publisher, and is used here due to challenges that could not be overcome due to lighting of the stage at the Tommy Usher Center when the Sun is at a certain point in the sky. Later attempts that night worked better, even within this set of candidates speaking.

      Cannon said he is a lifelong resident of Levy County. A graduate of Chiefland High School, he grew up as a farmer. For the past 27 years, he has been an employee in the Levy County Road Department, where he has been the assistant road superintendent for the past six years. He believes change is needed in Levy County, and he is ready to make changes in the budget. During the introduction, he said large data centers should be kept out of Levy County.
     This candidate told listeners that he is so intent on serving the people as a member of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners he will give up his job at the Levy County Road Department, where he has worked for going on three decades, to do so.

Emily Casey

     Casey introduced herself by noting that her mother was the depot agent in the Town of Otter Creek, and then the postmaster in Gulf Hammock, where she grew up. Her father was the depot agent and postmaster in the City of Crystal River for many years, Casey added. She attended elementary school and middle school in Bronson and graduated from Chiefland High School. She went to Santa Fe Community College and then the University of Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and food science.
     From that point, Casey said, she worked for several years as an agricultural food inspector. Casey then went on to teach science and math to middle, high school and college students for 30 years. She raised a family while pursuing her passion for protecting the environment, especially in Citrus and Levy counties, she said. Among those actions, she intimated, were striving to stop two nuclear power plants as well as allowing more sand mines in these counties.
     Casey said she became a full-time caregiver; however, given that she is no longer in that role, she wants to commit to working full-time for the residents and visitors in Levy County as a member of the County Commission.

Wesley Langston

     Langston mentioned that he is a fourth-generation Levy County resident. He is seeking to be a County Commissioner because he sees Levy County as more than just his home. He sees it as his heritage from the past and as the future for himself, his children and his grandchildren. His family has worked and raised children here for generations now.
     “And that deep connection is why I care so deeply about what happens here,” Langston said. “Local government is not like business. It does not exist to earn profits. It exists to serve people and protect the public and use taxpayer dollars wisely.”
     He believes people in government should be held accountable to the people they serve. Langston promises to be a responsible steward of tax dollars. He said he will stand up for property rights, while supporting responsible growth “that protects the character of our communities.” Langston said he will support public safety, infrastructure and the services that families in Levy County depend upon every day.
     “I will work to encourage economic development and good-paying jobs,” Langston said, “while preserving the rural way of life that makes Levy County such a special place to call home.”
     He added that he plans to preserve farmlands, forests, rivers and springs.
     “The decisions we make today will shape Levy County for generations to come,” Langston said, “and I would love to be a part of it.”

Matt Lemery

     Lemery came in just in time to be seated on the stage. He apologized for coming in at the last minute; however, his cows got out and needed to be rounded up from a neighbor’s yard.
     He owns Matt’s Metal Roofing. In his job, he has seen how different municipalities and counties work with business and development. Lemery said he has reached out to all Levy County Commission department heads to learn more about day-to-day operations at that level. Lemery understands that the County Commission sets policy. In this county’s form of government, the county manager acts as the chief administrative officer for Levy County, executing the policies, ordinances, and directives set by the County Commission.
     Lemery said he is a lifelong resident who sees rural life as the preferred lifestyle in Levy County. One concept he mentioned as he introduced himself is to concentrate on growth, including population density, to be around cities and to prevent urban sprawl outside of the eight municipalities of the county.
     All four candidates were asked what they believe are the three most important issues and how they would address. Across the board, all candidates see prevention of hyperscale data centers as an issue. Another hot topic item was the potential disaster that will happen if 60 percent of the voters in November choose to amend the Florida Constitution regarding ad valorem property taxes. Without being specific, given the very few minutes to speak about three top issues and methods to address them, the single answer from the candidates was to cut budgeted services currently provided by the county government. Although there was some mention of finding other sources to add money for local government to provide the services it currently has for residents and visitors of Levy County.
     Casey mentioned that she has been attending the budget workshops and plans to attend the comprehensive growth management workshops. She encourages as many people as can schedule attendance at these meetings to attend them to see the process of how budgets are decided, and to observe how future growth in Levy County can be planned through amendments to the current comp plans. She said the County Commission wants input from the people.
     Langston, in addition to data centers and the property tax amendment, said he believes the County Commission needs to do what it can to make the area more inviting for business interests to create more jobs by development.
     The candidates also provided off-the-cuff answers to how they will decide when they see strong opposing opinions about matters when those opinions are expressed by people from the community. Some County Commission meetings include people complaining, as well as stating opinions that are not always based on truth or facts.
 

First Published Feb. 1, 2011 at 8 a.m.
     On Feb. 1, 2011, HardisonInk.com came into existence on the Internet. On All Saints Day - Nov. 1, 2011, The Christian Press section on The Life Page of HardisonInk.com started, which was about nine months after the start of the daily news website. The name "The Christian Press" was derived from an encounter a decade earlier in 2001 in St. Petersburg, when and where a man mentioned to a journalist that this particular journalist must work for "The Christian Press." Although the presumption by the man about that journalist was incorrect and misplaced, the name sounded good. And the journalist said that if he could work for The Christian Press, then that certainly would be the publication to serve.
     Since Nov. 1, 2011, The Christian Press section of this page has run daily devotionals from several individuals who contributed over the past years. There were two days in 2018 when the daily devotional did not run due to a journalist requiring emergency orthopedic surgery on broken bones in his left arm and wrist. That surgically added metal, though, makes that part of that arm even more able to withstand forces. Many daily devotionals are pulled from Strength for Service to God and Country (Whitmore & Stone © 1942; Renewed 1969 by Norman E. Nygaard; Second revised edition © 2002 Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, Providence House Publishers). The journalist who is the sole proprietor and owner of HardisonInk.com (Jeff M. Hardison) notes his appreciation for the use of those devotionals from that now-defunct publishing company, and for the many other contributors who have helped people over the past decade-plus now. Strength for Service to God and Country's daily devotionals include many from a time when the United States of America was a partner in a World War, both WWI and WWII. This journalist welcomes contributions of daily devotionals. Daily devotional authors are asked to please send only their original works to hardisonink@gmail.com. Americans are reminded that all religions, having no religion and or being a person who endorses anti-religion are all protected as part of the freedoms from government intervention, as are other benefits from being an American.
 

HOW DOES GOD HELP US?

Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8 a.m.

Read Psalm 91

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
— Psalm 91:15 (KJV)

     An American boy once studied theology at the University of Berlin. Having learned that the external world is governed by immutable laws, he had tried in vain to solve the riddle of divine aid: How can God help us? Then, one November afternoon, the wisdom he had been seeking flashed into his mind. That moment of illumination was one of the great moments in his life. If he closes his eyes today, he can still see in clear memory that little Berlin street – a fruit store, a tailor shop, a shoemaker’s window; and at the end of the street, a purple and white sign above a subway station.
     Those surroundings – and into the boy’s mind flashed this wisdom: “God helps us, not by changing our external situation, but changing our inner life. He leaves our external situation as it is, makes no effort to perform a miracle there. But into our mind, He thrusts new wisdom; within our heart He rouses new courage. This is God’s help. It is a change, not in the world without, but in the world within.
     Gradually that wisdom became the core of that boy’s religious faith. For his entire life that faith has been to him a source of unfailing strength. He is now trying to share that faith with you. For he knows, that to you as well as to him it can be “the victory that overcomes the world.”

Soldier’s Prayer (Saint Ignatius)
Teach us, good Lord,
To serve Thee as Thou deservest:
To give, and not to count the cost;
To fight, and not to heed the wounds;
To toil, and not to seek for rest;
To labor, and not to ask for any reward,
Save that of knowing that we do Thy will. Amen.

The Rev. James Gordon Gilkey Sr. (1889-1964)
South Congregational Church
Springfield, Massachusetts
Strength for Service to God and Country
(Whitmore & Stone © 1942; Renewed 1969 by Norman E. Nygaard; Second revised edition © 2002 Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, Providence House Publishers)

Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller © Aug. 3, 2026 at 6:15 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time