Volusia News Now

NSBNews.net photos by Henry Frederick / Oak Hill City Commissioner Kathy Bittle, shown at far left, casts the lone vote Monday night against a formal contract with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office to provide around the clock policing. In the middle photo are Sheriff Ben Johnson and Chief Deputy Bill Lee with former Oak Hill police officer M.J. Eberhart sitting in front of them.

OAK HILL -- The City Commission approved a contract with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office tonight for around-the- clock policing, but one commissioner dissented in protest to the earlier disbanding of the police force.

NSBNews.net photos by Henry Frederick / Gary Bittle, chairman of the Burns Science and Technology Charter School in Oak Hill is all smiles on the first day of school Monday morning as the buses pull in for the first time and Principal Jan McKee greets children and their parents.

OAK HILL -- When Oak Hill City Commissioner Kathy Bittle was a little girl, she attended the Burns Elementary School. 

In one meeting; one highly anticipated, highly controversial, highly watched meeting, the future of teens everywhere in Volusia County were dramatically changed!

Principal Jan McKee leads a ribbon cutting Tuesday for the Burns Science and Technology Charter School, 160 Ridge Road in Oak Hill, which welcomes 270 k-8th grade students on Monday.

OAK HILL -- With blue skies and a large tent to provide some relief from the hot sun, upwards of 300 people were welcomed Tuesday by Principal Jan McKee to the Burns Science Technical Charter School.

DELAND -- The Friends of the Library will sell hardcover books and paperbacks in the DeLand Regional Library auditorium from 9:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9; and 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10.

A pre-sale will be open for viewing at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, and buyers can purchase books at pre-sale prices from 4 - 7:15 p.m.

Hardbacks will be sold for $1 each, large paperbacks for 50 cents, and small paperbacks and magazines for 25 cents.

Here is a graphic cutout of the weather map on the weekly Edgewater Observer's website. 

EDGEWATER -- The weekly Observer newspaper's operatives could learn a thing or two about geography. 

Their website's weather map showcases Des, Moines, Iowa. This has been the situation for several weeks.

Then again, the Observer's owners claims to be in New Smyrna Beach. The sad reality is a post office box doesn't cut it.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Longtime New Smyrna Beach Commissioner and Vice Mayor Jim Hathaway announced Tuesday his candidacy for the district 3 seat on the Volusia County Council seat held by incumbent Joie Alexander, who is not seeking re-election.

“I have spent the last 17 years of my life dedicated to common sense government, smart budgeting, and responsible growth in New Smyrna Beach,” Hathaway said. “After consulting with my family and deep consideration, I feel the time is right to bring my experience and knowledge to a broader citizenry."

Hathaway, 58, has been elected four times as a commissioner by the citizens of New Smyrna Beach, during which his peers on the commission have tabbed him as vice mayor five times. He has represented the City of New Smyrna Beach on various boards, councils, and committees through the Florida League of Cities including serving on the board of directors.

Hathaway is also the current vice president of the Volusia League of Cities and serves on its executive committee. He was formerly a trustee of the New Smyrna Beach Fire Pension Board.

Born and raised in New Smyrna Beach, Hathaway was a 1971 graduate of New Smyrna Beach High School

Rise of the Planet of the Apes 3 ½ out of 5 Stars

Haven’t we all been wondering how those apes from Planet of the Apes came to take over the Earth? Well I've got good news my friends: After years of uncertainty, it looks as though Hollywood is finally ready to start answering our questions in the latest version, the aptly called "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."

Have you been watching the program Sister Wives on TLC (Brighthouse channel 45)? It is an eye opening show which has introduced us to a polygamist family consisting of a man, his four wives and their 16 children. They did not have to do this show and out themselves.