200 gather for Chamber banquet

By Carrie A. Mizell

Rain or shine, Kathy Weaver makes sure that every student at Bell Elementary School knows they’re special. On Thursday, Jan. 19 the school guidance counselor was stunned to learn just how special the community thinks she is.
If being named the 2011 Citizen of the Year is any indication, Weaver is one popular lady.
“She has touched so many lives,” said Christie McElroy, who presented Weaver with the Citizen of the Year Award. “Mother Theresa said, ‘Intense love does not measure; it gives.’ The recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award exemplifies this quote daily to everyone she encounters.”
Weaver and her husband, Marvin Weaver moved their young family to Gilchrist County in 1979 when Marvin was hired as county extension agent.

Christie McElroy introduced Kathy Weaver, the 2011 Gilchrist County Citizen of the Year.

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Gray announces candidacy for County Commissioner, District 3

To the citizens of Gilchrist County:
My name is Todd Gray, and it is my hope that you will consider allowing me to serve as your next County Commissioner for District 3. As a local business owner and community volunteer, I feel my experience will bring something new to the Board of County Commissioners. I am 42 years old and have been married to my wife Cindy for 22 years. We have eight children, ranging in age from 20 years down to 2, and they continue to be our pride and joy. We are active members of the Fanning Springs Community Church.
While operating Gray Construction Services for the past ten years, I have had the pleasure of working with many private business owners as well as county, city, and town governments spread throughout North Central Florida. While not perfect, we have worked hard to provide our customers with a level of service that is unmatched in our industry. It is this attitude of service that I hope to bring to the residents and taxpayers of Gilchrist County. Making tough decisions is not something I take lightly, but it is required on a daily basis to succeed in good or bad economic times. As your commissioner I will strive to provide leadership that represents what is best for the whole of Gilchrist County, and not any specific group or special interest.

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Robert Rankin announces candidacy for Superintendent of Schools

To the residents of Gilchrist County:
I, Robert “Rob” G. Rankin would like to announce my candidacy for Superintendent of Schools. For over the past 20 years I have worked as a classroom teacher, school-based administrator, and presently as a school board member which gives me vast insight and experience into the operation, curriculum, budget, and policies of our school district.
I am a 1982 graduate of Bell High School, hold a Bachelor’s degree from University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. I have been a state Certified School Board Member since 2008 and served as the Chairman of the Gilchrist County School Board in 2011.
I have been married to Natalie Shepherd Rankin for 26 years and we have three children: Reese, Faith and Rhett, who attend our schools in Gilchrist County.

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