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Teachers: health cost increases would shrink paychecks E-mail
Written by Mike Anderson   
Thursday, 09 May 2013 14:58
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Fearing the havoc that an anticipated increase in health care costs as high as 30 percent or more would have on their household budgets, Baker County teachers made an unusual public plea to the school board for across-the-board pay raises this week.

The president of the teacher union, Westside Elementary School teacher Angela Callahan, led a small contingent of classroom instructors to the board meeting on the evening of May 6 to discuss their concerns.

“What we’re hearing is the increase could be 32 to 35 percent,” Mrs. Callahan said, standing in the Olustee Volunteer Fire Station where the meeting was held. “That is a catastrophic decrease to our salaries.”

With $860 in “take home pay” every two weeks, she said, such an additional burden would be “catastrophic on me and my family.”

She said her premium, which covers health insurance for herself and her children, is about $500 monthly. If premiums are hiked an additional 30 percent she would have to fork over another $150 a month in the coming school year. She then hinted that more teachers may decide to leave the profession they love because they can’t afford to stay in it.

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‘Classic nor’easter’ drenches county E-mail
Written by Joel Addington   
Thursday, 09 May 2013 14:56
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County firefighters saw a large oak tree that was uprooted on May 3 and fell across N. Clinton Ave. in Glen.

County firefighters saw a large oak tree that was uprooted on May 3 and fell across N. Clinton Ave. in Glen.

The nor’easter that swept over the southeast last week dropped 4.5 inches in the Macclenny area during a three-day period beginning about mid-day Wednesday, according to readings from the Ag Center weather station.

The tower there clocked wind gusts up to 18 mph on Friday, May 3, and wind speeds averaged about 4 mph during the storm.

Robert Fletcher, the county’s road department director, said there was only one road officially closed by the county, Tiger Lakes Road, due to the storm, but no homes were located there.

He said others roads were left “rough and bumpy,” which is typical of heavy rainfall on dirt surfaces.

“We didn’t have anything major,” said Mr. Fletcher. “But we’ll be working the graders overtime for a few days to give these school buses some relief.”

Last Updated on Thursday, 09 May 2013 15:22
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Authorities capture fugitive near Ocean Pond E-mail
Written by Joel Addington   
Thursday, 09 May 2013 12:00
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The Baker County Sheriff's Office and K-9 search teams from Baker Correctional Institution helped capture a fugitive wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service for social security fraud.

Casey Whitt of Virginia was located near Ocean Pond and fled from deputies on foot the morning of May 8 before the search dogs were dispatched.

Shortlly thereafter, the man was captured.

Last Updated on Thursday, 09 May 2013 12:12
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DO YOU LACK HEALTH INSURANCE? THEN LET'S TALK ...
The Press is seeking to interview small business owners or workers in Baker County who lack health insurance today but will have to obtain it next year or face the fine under Obamacare. If you'd like to share you story with our readers, please contact Joel Addington at reporter@bakercountypress.com or 259-2400.

 
BORED? CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR
There's plenty to do this month. Click here to see some of the events happening around the county. Become a registered user at www.bakercountypress.com and start posting your own events. They won't appear immediately, but once we approve them (in short order), everyone can see!

 

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What kinds of charities do you tend to support?

First responders - 12.5%
Military - 15.6%
Health or disease-related causes - 18.8%
Youth charities - 37.5%
Help for seniors/the elderly - 12.5%
Anything with a 5K - 3.1%

Total votes: 32
The voting for this poll has ended on: 22 May 2013 - 00:00

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