Vernon Eugene “Vern” Sullivan, born July 17, 1959, in Clewiston, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, in his hometown, surrounded by loving care. Vern’s gentle spirit and unwavering kindness leave a profound legacy in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.
A lifelong resident of Clewiston, Vern built a life rich in love and connection. He is remembered not only for his steadfast nature but also for the quiet warmth with which he treated family, friends, and neighbors alike. Through the changing seasons of his life, he remained deeply devoted to his loved ones, always putting their happiness and well-being before his own.
Vern is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Sullivan, whose partnership with him was marked by enduring devotion and shared joy. He is also survived by his sons, Jacob Sullivan and Vernon Matthew Sullivan, whose lives were shaped and guided by his strong example and caring heart. Vern’s legacy of love lives on through his grandchildren: Scarlett, Jaxson, and Violet Sullivan, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to his later years and will carry his gentle lessons forward.
Among those who mourn his passing are his sisters, Janice Busbee, Patsy Davis, Deborah Mullis, and Patty Mitten, as well as his brother, Kevin Moore. Each shared a unique and cherished bond with Vernon, supporting one another in times of both laughter and adversity.
Vern follows in rest his mother, Mary Alice Moore, and his father, Lester Eugene Sullivan, whose values and lessons shaped Vern into the man he became. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, John Dutton and Rusty Dutton, whom he remembered fondly.
Those who knew Vern will remember his steadfast faith, his enduring compassion, and the way he brought peace to those around him. His presence was a source of strength to his family, and his integrity and kindness enriched his community immeasurably.
A Celebration of Life to honor Vernon Eugene Sullivan will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Clewiston, located at 102 East Ventura Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440. Family, friends, and all who were touched by Vern’s life are invited to gather and remember a man whose legacy is marked by love and dignity.
Vern’s journey on earth has come to a close, but the warmth of his memory and the lessons of his life remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
--
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Jerry K. Cross.
Jerry was born January 26, 1939 and passed away on June 20, 2026.
Family and friends are invited to join us in celebrating Jerry's life on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Ortona Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning promptly at 11:00 a.m.
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn Cross; his son, Donnie Crawford; his grandchildren, CL, Jodi, Thomas, Tyler, Blake, Bryson; nine great grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who will cherish his memory and legacy. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Mims and son-in-law, Preston Mims.
We appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time as we gather to honor and remember a life well lived.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
July 4 Weekend Free State Park Admission
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites residents and visitors to rediscover the Sunshine State’s natural beauty and renowned recreation. In the spirit of independence and our shared American heritage, Florida State Parks will waive admission fees from Friday, July 3, 2026, through Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Florida’s award-winning state parks offer unrivaled outdoor recreation opportunities across a vast range of landscapes, from caverns to wetlands to springs to beaches. Visitors will find activities for everyone, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, swimming, paddling and horseback riding. Cultural and historical resources include forts, battlefields, archaeological sites and historic landmarks.
Florida’s state park system is the only four-time winner of the NRPA’s National Gold Medal Award, highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting precious natural resources while maximizing public access and environmental stewardship. Florida State Parks are also essential to local economies and communities throughout the state, forming the beating heart of Florida’s ecotourism industry and cultural identity. In the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks welcomed over 28 million visitors and contributed an estimated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact.
Please note: Free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. All other fees, including overnight accommodations, special events, concessions and rentals from park vendors, will remain in effect.
Find your park and plan your visit at FloridaStateParks.org. To learn more about Florida’s role in America’s 250th anniversary, visit America250FL.com.
Florida’s award-winning state parks offer unrivaled outdoor recreation opportunities across a vast range of landscapes, from caverns to wetlands to springs to beaches. Visitors will find activities for everyone, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, swimming, paddling and horseback riding. Cultural and historical resources include forts, battlefields, archaeological sites and historic landmarks.
Florida’s state park system is the only four-time winner of the NRPA’s National Gold Medal Award, highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting precious natural resources while maximizing public access and environmental stewardship. Florida State Parks are also essential to local economies and communities throughout the state, forming the beating heart of Florida’s ecotourism industry and cultural identity. In the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks welcomed over 28 million visitors and contributed an estimated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact.
Please note: Free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. All other fees, including overnight accommodations, special events, concessions and rentals from park vendors, will remain in effect.
Find your park and plan your visit at FloridaStateParks.org. To learn more about Florida’s role in America’s 250th anniversary, visit America250FL.com.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Court Rules Against Government As SNAP Bans Candy And Soda
On June 22, 2026, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, is 68 page Judgement ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) overstepped its legal authority by approving waivers that allowed states to ban the use of SNAP food stamps for sugary drinks and candy. [1]
Case Details & Implications:
Case Details & Implications:
The Ruling: U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson granted summary judgment to SNAP recipients, vacating the USDA's approval of "food restriction" waivers that had been enacted in five states: Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
The Background:
The waivers were a major policy push of the administration’s "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, aiming to curb the purchase of unhealthy foods like soda and candy.
Legal Rationale:
Judge Jackson ruled that the USDA lacked the authority under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to unilaterally change or waive the federal definition of "food". The court also found that the USDA failed to adhere to mandatory public notice and comment requirements.
Next Steps:
The decision immediately blocks the five states from enforcing these specific restrictions and creates significant legal obstacles for similar junk-food bans implemented in roughly two dozen other states across the country. [1, 4, 8]
For further details on the scope of the decision, you can view the full National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) Press Release or read the Bloomberg Law summary of the case. [9]
[1] https://www.facebook.com/CatawbaCountyNewsAndWeather/posts/-federal-judge-blocks-snap-soda-and-candy-restrictions-in-five-states-ruling-cou/1592781686189560/
[2] https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/snap-recipients-win-bid-to-void-purchase-limits-on-soda-candy
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/us/politics/judge-ruling-food-stamps-sugary-drinks.html
[4] https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/73c172b9_federal_judge_blocks/
[5] https://www.facebook.com/thehodgetwins/posts/%EF%B8%8F-judge-blocks-trump-era-snap-restrictionson-june-22-judge-jackson-blocked-the-t/1634506891365225/
[6] https://www.facebook.com/thehodgetwins/posts/%EF%B8%8F-judge-blocks-trump-era-snap-restrictionson-june-22-judge-amy-berman-jackson-bl/1634506891365225/
[7] https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5935279-judge-blocks-soda-snap-ban/
[8] https://www.just-food.com/news/judge-throws-out-us-bid-to-ban-use-of-snap-benefits-on-junk-food/
[9] https://myfox8.com/news/federal-judge-blocks-bans-on-snap-use-for-soda/
[1] https://www.facebook.com/CatawbaCountyNewsAndWeather/posts/-federal-judge-blocks-snap-soda-and-candy-restrictions-in-five-states-ruling-cou/1592781686189560/
[2] https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/snap-recipients-win-bid-to-void-purchase-limits-on-soda-candy
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/us/politics/judge-ruling-food-stamps-sugary-drinks.html
[4] https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/73c172b9_federal_judge_blocks/
[5] https://www.facebook.com/thehodgetwins/posts/%EF%B8%8F-judge-blocks-trump-era-snap-restrictionson-june-22-judge-jackson-blocked-the-t/1634506891365225/
[6] https://www.facebook.com/thehodgetwins/posts/%EF%B8%8F-judge-blocks-trump-era-snap-restrictionson-june-22-judge-amy-berman-jackson-bl/1634506891365225/
[7] https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5935279-judge-blocks-soda-snap-ban/
[8] https://www.just-food.com/news/judge-throws-out-us-bid-to-ban-use-of-snap-benefits-on-junk-food/
[9] https://myfox8.com/news/federal-judge-blocks-bans-on-snap-use-for-soda/
Monday, June 22, 2026
A Lodge Called Folkestone by Bob Kranich
The Dream, The Challenge, The People
by Bob Kranich
(Excerpt 24)
“The Lodge Called Folkestone”. You may wonder why the first half of the book is about my many adventures throughout the USA. Well, this first part explains just why my interests changed from hot rodding cars to backpacking. How the idea of a lodge came about, and just how the lodge came to be in North Carolina and next to the Smoky Mountain National Park, Deep Campground to be exact.
Following are our experiences and adventures over the next five months, in some sort of order as they happened.
The first thing Irene set out to do was a kind of a light makeover of the house. She had me buy shutters to go on the inside of the breakfast nook. I took up some old linoleum, and painted the floor in the nook. I also made a large still life acrylic painting of hiking and camping items to go up in the living room. This was such a quaint old house. It had the one piece porcelain sink with drainboard in the kitchen. There was also a period antique pie safe in the kitchen.
The first people we were to meet were Doc and Granny Gibby. They lived in the middle house of the three, our next door neighbors. We never did meet the people in the farthest house. Since it was early spring, Doc was out in his garden. It seems like it is kind of a contest, to see just who can get their gardens up and growing first without them freezing. Doc was a tall and thin man. He looked frail but there he was, running a rototiller. I found out later that those things can make a man out of you, or they will just wear you out!
I went over and introduced myself. He took us in and introduced us to Granny. Later in the summer, when the gardens began to bring forth their harvest, Irene helped Granny can vegetables and make jams. This was how she learned to make the great jams she served later at Folkestone Lodge.
We found out from the Gibbys that they were forced to move out of their mountain farms twice by the federal government. They were born and raised way west of Bryson City, up Hazel Creek, in a small mountain town called Proctor. When the TVA dammed up the Little Tennessee River with the Fontana Dam, the waters were going to cover the town, so they were bought out and forced to move. Next, they bought a small farm just outside of Bryson City. And guess what? The big interstate Highway 74 came right through their farm, and they were again bought out and forced to move. So, here they are on Deep Creek, and Granny said that she wouldn’t be surprised if a big highway comes right along the creek and through their home again!
One thing I noticed that really made an impression on me is that around lunchtime, and again in the evening, Doc would be out on their front porch in his rocker, reading the Bible.
Right behind us was a barn-looking garage of about four-car size, two wide and two deep, and a small trailer by the east Deep Creek Road. I saw a guy moving about over there, and I went over to investigate and introduce myself. The fellow was an older man of average height and build, Gordon Shuler. The Shuler name was definitely local and mountain. He had a brother living on the west Deep Creek Road near the RC Cola plant, and a son living in Asheville.
Gordon was retired, but had worked all his life for the Bryson City water works. Gordon was working in his garage barn. He was making a step-up for his pickup truck, so his missus could get up and in. I watched him and helped a bit. I actually think that Gordon invented the first after market add-on modern pickup truck step. He made this when you couldn’t buy them in any auto store. How about that for a mountain guy? An invention of necessity. I had to go get Irene, and she met Gordon, and then we both met Gordon’s missus.
The house on the other side of us had a married couple with three elementary school age children, two girls and a boy. It also included four hound dogs. Bob and Linda Jenkins' mother lived on a lot in a trailer right behind them on the east Deep Creek Road, on the corner. Jenkins was also a local mountain name.
A couple of things that I remember about the Jenkins. When my birthday came in July, somehow Linda found out, and brought over a rhubarb pie for my present. She apologized for not having any money to buy a store bought gift, but had made me this pie. I said she didn’t have to worry. This great pie was all mine! Another was, Bob drove an old Jeep station wagon. The last memory was, one time someone asked Bob what was his favorite pastime, and he answered, “Hunting with old Smoky there,” as he pointed to one of his hound dogs.
Across from the Jenkins’ house, was a small house right on the creek. Wentford Cagle and his wife lived there. Wentford worked at the small RC plant I mentioned before. The Cagle name is also a mountain name. Wentford was a real Smoky mountain man. He invited Irene and me to go on a day hike with him. On a Saturday, we three, and another man, went up into the Deep Creek National Park Campground, and parked our cars. We hiked up Deep Creek to Indian Creek. We continued up Indian Creek to the Sunkota Ridge Trail. We took this trail up and over the Sunkota Ridge, and down to a location called Jenkins Place on Deep Creek. We hiked back to the Deep Creek Campground and our cars. This was about a five mile hike. Coming out on Deep Creek, and as we crossed a wooden vehicle bridge, we came to a place where water was flowing out of a pipe stuck into a rock cliff. Wentford said, “Let’s get a drink here.” He exclaimed, “Now, that’s good water, boys! Just taste it. Can’t get that in the big city.”
A little farther down the trail we met a young couple. After talking a bit, we found out that they were going to camp on up the trail at the Jenkins Place. We said good by and continued on. That’s when Wentford said, “Wouldn’t you like to see their eyes when that old screech owl makes its sound tonight in their camp? Why, I bet their hair stands straight up!”
One day, I got this idea. I needed to plant a garden, something like Doc Gibby had. I didn’t think that I should dig up Al’s yard, but I had seen a place that maybe I could get permission to use. There was a field with no house on it, at the intersection where we had made our turn onto East Deep Creek Circle from Deep Creek Road. I asked Gordon Shuler if he knew who owned it, because we could see it from his property, and I could point it out. He said that was called Lackey Hill. He was pretty sure that it belonged to Johnnie Shuler, no relative of his, but the Johnnie Shuler of Shuler’s Furniture Store. It was downtown at this end of Everett Street.
I drove down there, and walked in. Later, I realized that Shuler’s Furniture Store was a kind of legend in its own time. Johnnie's father and mother owned and ran a small mountain hill farm on the lower end of West Deep Creek Road across from the RC plant. It was one of those hills where the cows had to have two legs shorter on one side to stand up straight as they grazed on the hill. Johnnie also had a younger brother who had a backhoe and worked for himself. Consequently, everyone knew these Schulers.
As I walked in, I saw three people standing around a desk. One of them must have just told a joke, for the man sitting at the desk was laughing. “Ha...ha...ha. Oh come on over, young man. May I help you?” the man at the desk asked.
“Yes sir, I’m looking for Johnnie Shuler.”
“You're looking at him. I’m Johnnie,” as he extended his hand.
One thing I noticed that really made an impression on me is that around lunchtime, and again in the evening, Doc would be out on their front porch in his rocker, reading the Bible.
Right behind us was a barn-looking garage of about four-car size, two wide and two deep, and a small trailer by the east Deep Creek Road. I saw a guy moving about over there, and I went over to investigate and introduce myself. The fellow was an older man of average height and build, Gordon Shuler. The Shuler name was definitely local and mountain. He had a brother living on the west Deep Creek Road near the RC Cola plant, and a son living in Asheville.
Gordon was retired, but had worked all his life for the Bryson City water works. Gordon was working in his garage barn. He was making a step-up for his pickup truck, so his missus could get up and in. I watched him and helped a bit. I actually think that Gordon invented the first after market add-on modern pickup truck step. He made this when you couldn’t buy them in any auto store. How about that for a mountain guy? An invention of necessity. I had to go get Irene, and she met Gordon, and then we both met Gordon’s missus.
The house on the other side of us had a married couple with three elementary school age children, two girls and a boy. It also included four hound dogs. Bob and Linda Jenkins' mother lived on a lot in a trailer right behind them on the east Deep Creek Road, on the corner. Jenkins was also a local mountain name.
A couple of things that I remember about the Jenkins. When my birthday came in July, somehow Linda found out, and brought over a rhubarb pie for my present. She apologized for not having any money to buy a store bought gift, but had made me this pie. I said she didn’t have to worry. This great pie was all mine! Another was, Bob drove an old Jeep station wagon. The last memory was, one time someone asked Bob what was his favorite pastime, and he answered, “Hunting with old Smoky there,” as he pointed to one of his hound dogs.
Across from the Jenkins’ house, was a small house right on the creek. Wentford Cagle and his wife lived there. Wentford worked at the small RC plant I mentioned before. The Cagle name is also a mountain name. Wentford was a real Smoky mountain man. He invited Irene and me to go on a day hike with him. On a Saturday, we three, and another man, went up into the Deep Creek National Park Campground, and parked our cars. We hiked up Deep Creek to Indian Creek. We continued up Indian Creek to the Sunkota Ridge Trail. We took this trail up and over the Sunkota Ridge, and down to a location called Jenkins Place on Deep Creek. We hiked back to the Deep Creek Campground and our cars. This was about a five mile hike. Coming out on Deep Creek, and as we crossed a wooden vehicle bridge, we came to a place where water was flowing out of a pipe stuck into a rock cliff. Wentford said, “Let’s get a drink here.” He exclaimed, “Now, that’s good water, boys! Just taste it. Can’t get that in the big city.”
A little farther down the trail we met a young couple. After talking a bit, we found out that they were going to camp on up the trail at the Jenkins Place. We said good by and continued on. That’s when Wentford said, “Wouldn’t you like to see their eyes when that old screech owl makes its sound tonight in their camp? Why, I bet their hair stands straight up!”
One day, I got this idea. I needed to plant a garden, something like Doc Gibby had. I didn’t think that I should dig up Al’s yard, but I had seen a place that maybe I could get permission to use. There was a field with no house on it, at the intersection where we had made our turn onto East Deep Creek Circle from Deep Creek Road. I asked Gordon Shuler if he knew who owned it, because we could see it from his property, and I could point it out. He said that was called Lackey Hill. He was pretty sure that it belonged to Johnnie Shuler, no relative of his, but the Johnnie Shuler of Shuler’s Furniture Store. It was downtown at this end of Everett Street.
I drove down there, and walked in. Later, I realized that Shuler’s Furniture Store was a kind of legend in its own time. Johnnie's father and mother owned and ran a small mountain hill farm on the lower end of West Deep Creek Road across from the RC plant. It was one of those hills where the cows had to have two legs shorter on one side to stand up straight as they grazed on the hill. Johnnie also had a younger brother who had a backhoe and worked for himself. Consequently, everyone knew these Schulers.
As I walked in, I saw three people standing around a desk. One of them must have just told a joke, for the man sitting at the desk was laughing. “Ha...ha...ha. Oh come on over, young man. May I help you?” the man at the desk asked.
“Yes sir, I’m looking for Johnnie Shuler.”
“You're looking at him. I’m Johnnie,” as he extended his hand.
From The Author:
This is a new book. It is about the Lodge I built in the Smoky Mountains, near Bryson City, and Deep Creek campground, North Carolina. Having been from Florida, I know that a lot of Floridians love to visit the Smoky Mountains National Park. Therefore hopefully you will enjoy my story of the building of “A Lodge Called Folkestone”.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Donald Latham Found Dead In Caloosahatchee River At LaBelle
BODY FOUND FLOATING IN CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER NEAR STATE ROAD 29 DRAWBRIDGE
LABELLE, FL. -- At Approximately 11:45am, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office received a call from an individual who stated they saw what appeared to be a body in the Caloosahatchee River. Deputies were able to locate and move the body toward the river bank.
Detectives are on scene. This remains an ongoing investigation and updates will be provided as they are made available.
UPDATE: 06/20/2026. 4: 10PM
Detectives on scene have been able to identify the man found earlier in the waters of the CALOOSAHATCHEE River. There are no signs of foul play and detectives are attempting to locate next of kin.
Updates will be provided as they are made available.
LABELLE, FL. -- At Approximately 11:45am, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office received a call from an individual who stated they saw what appeared to be a body in the Caloosahatchee River. Deputies were able to locate and move the body toward the river bank.
Detectives are on scene. This remains an ongoing investigation and updates will be provided as they are made available.
UPDATE: 06/20/2026. 4: 10PM
Detectives on scene have been able to identify the man found earlier in the waters of the CALOOSAHATCHEE River. There are no signs of foul play and detectives are attempting to locate next of kin.
Updates will be provided as they are made available.
UPDATE: Hendry County Detectives have identified the man located in the CALOOSAHATCHEE River Saturday as 47 year old Donald Andrew Latham. At this time Lathem appeared to be homeless.
He was released from jail on Friday, June 19, 2026, where he was incarcerated on a disorderly intoxication arrest from Clewiston PD.
Victim was last seen on State Road 80 and State Road 29 approximately an hour before being located in the water. Witnesses reported Latham went under the bridge took off his clothes and went swimming for unknown reasons. Witnesses observed Lathem swimming in the river and did not appear to be in distress at the time.
The cause of death is pending toxicology reports from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
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