The Apopka Chief Newspaper

Friday, December 6, 2019
HEADLINE NEWS:

OUR POSITION:

The first war song of WWII — “Let’s Remember Pearl Harbor As We Go To Meet The Foe.”
While the 78th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor is not an anniversary of a special number, the number of years continues to grow. But we should always take time to remember the brave men and women who were attacked, just as we should remember all those who serve in our military today.

THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY: OPINION & ARTICLES OF INTEREST

‘Tis the season for holiday trash
Christine Moore, County Commissioner District 2
‘Tis the season for family, friends, and fun holiday activities. We’re consuming more these weeks as we host gatherings, spruce up our homes, share gifts, and inevitably create more trash. Please know that as we place more trash out for collection, we, in many parts of District 2, are eligible to apply for a state-funded grant to reduce the cost of bear-resistant carts. Read more on page 2A.

Holidays often stressful for families
By Melissa Byrd, Orange County School Board, District 7
Well, we are officially in the holiday season. This is a wonderful time of year where we gather together with family and friends to celebrate and carry on traditions. It can be a very special time of year that lasts in the memories of our children for years to come. As we enter this time of giving and celebrations, let us not forget about our children whose families might be struggling this time of year. Read more on page 2A.

New political publication could be named “The Trump Tabloid”
By Richard Corbeil
One great thing about being a weekly newspaper columnist is that political publications send you their issues every week, month, or every other month, according to their publishing schedule. Read more on page 2A.

What’s the difference between genius and stupidity?
Patti Bankson
It seems our government( s) suffer an infestation of dishonesty and corruption, but I now see some newcomers who understand the meaning of civil servant and truth. Read more on page 7A.

Letters to the Editor:

God is not mentioned in the US Constitution
By Richard Poole, Longwood
I read that we should take advantage of rising sea levels and learn to use it through desalinization so everyone can have drinkable water. There are over 18,000 desalinization plants in operation today. Don’t need the sea to rise to take salt out.

Police Beat: STAY INFORMED. Get the details: who, when, and why arrests were made in our community by subscribing to The Apopka Chief today.

• Christmas parade slated. The Apopka Christmas Parade will traverse the usual parade route from Third Street north along Park Avenue to Votaw Road. Traditionally, the parade lasts about two hours. Read more on the parade. Get details on page 1A.
• Two have qualified as of mid-day Thurs. As of 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, two candidates have qualified to run for office in the March 2020 city election. Find out which candidates have qualified as of Thursday.
• Police say to be aware of ‘porch pirates’.The Apopka Police Department would like to remind everyone that every holiday shopping season is prime time for package theft. Read tips on what to do during the holiday to avoid package theft. See 3A.
• Forever Wishes sets event for December 7. The sixth annual toy drive by Forever Wishes, Inc. will be held Saturday, December 7, from 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Get more details on the Forever Wishes Toy Drive on page 3A.
• Gas district hires attorney to fight state DOT work in Lake County. Read about the events and plans the Department of Transportation has that will cause a problem for the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District. See more on page 6A.
• Feds will make HIV drug available for free to some. Orange County is one of the 57 jurisdictions identified as target areas for a new national program from the U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services. Read more on page 10A.
• The original print run of “Tales of the Big Potato” by former The Apopka Chief/The Planter columnist Jack R. Christmas sold out, but the publisher has approved the book to be reprinted for availability in the Museum of the Apopkans and for online purchase. Christmas wants proceeds from the book to go to the Apopka Historical Society, which runs the museum. Learn more on page 1B.
• The Apopka Pregnancy Care Center is now accepting applications for board members and volunteers. Located at 2434 Old Dixie Highway, Apopka, since its inception in 2007, APCC recognizes the importance of having the support of the community that enables it to provide for the welfare of its clients. For more information, turn to page 2A.
• Operation Santa Claus is underway. This holiday season, the Apopka Firefighters Association is teaming up with AdventHealth Apopka and Loaves & Fishes to manage a citywide toy drive, in which donations will stay within the community. Now in its second year, Operation Santa Claus began Monday, December 2, and will run until Monday, December 16. Read more on page 5B.

Blue Darters are obviously gelling at the right time
Peery’s Extra Points, John Peery
This week, Apopka didn’t waste any time jumping on their playoff opponent
Read more on 6C.

Early season challenging for Wekiva girls
The Wekiva Mustangs are in the best possible situation a team can be entering a new season. Seven players returned from a state championship team.

Apopka High boys basketball program raising funds for its needs
Apopka Blue Darters boys basketball coach Scott Williams is looking to raise funds for the program to help keep it self-sufficient and raise it to another level both on and off the court.

Wekiva High boys basketball still learning to impove
The new boys basketball season has brought the proverbial growing pains to the Wekiva Mustangs, as no starters from last season’s team returned. More on 6C.