WTBH 91.5 FM

05/12/2025

Remembering Squire Parsons…

Remembering Squire Parsons
April 4, 1948 - May 5, 2025

The Southern Gospel Music community is mourning the passing of singer/songwriter Squire Parsons. Mr. Parsons was 77 years old.

Born April 4, 1948, Squire Parsons, Jr. began singing Southern Gospel music professionally when he joined West Virginia’s Calvarymen Quartet in 1969. By 1975, Mr. Parsons had joined The Kingsmen, serving as the quartet’s baritone vocalist for most of his tenure there. During his time with The Kingsmen, Mr. Parsons’ voice was heard on several songs that have gone on to become classics—“It Made News In Heaven,” “Hello Mama,” “The Lovely Name Of Jesus,” “I’ve Got A Reservation,” “Master Of The Sea,” “Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet,” and numerous others.

Following his departure from The Kingsmen in 1979, Mr. Parsons began focusing on a solo ministry and songwriting, and it was during this time that the Gospel music community was introduced to even more songs that touched the hearts and lives of people around the world. “Sweet Beulah Land,” “He Came To Me,” “The Broken Rose,” “The Greatest Of All Miracles,” “I’m Not Giving Up,” “I Sing Because,” and “I Call It Home” are just a few of the songs that Mr. Parsons shared with the world. Mr. Parsons was also ordained as a minister in 1979 at his home church, Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina.

In additional to a solo ministry, Mr. Parsons was responsible for two groups that served Gospel music well: Squire Parsons & Redeemed (1984-1991) and The Squire Parsons Trio (1995-2009). During the year 1992, The Squire Parsons Quartet made limited appearances with a line-up that included Ernie Phillips, Arthur Rice, Joe Fowler, and Mr. Parsons.

During Mr. Parsons’ professional singing career, he was honored numerous times for his contributions to Gospel music. The readers of Singing News Magazine presented Mr. Parsons the award for Favorite Baritone(1986-1987), Favorite Male Singer (1988), and Favorite Songwriter (1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995). His song, “Sweet Beulah Land” was voted Song Of The Year in 1981. Mr. Parsons was inducted in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and he was also inducted in the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2000 as a former member of The Kingsmen.

Though he continued to make limited appearances in his home area of Asheville, North Carolina, Mr. Parsons retired from traveling in 2019 due to health concerns. Even while facing several serious health issues in his mid-to-late 70s, Mr. Parsons’ powerful voice could often be heard during regular services and revivals at Trinity Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The Parsons family appreciates your prayers.

01/20/2025

RIVERSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CLOSURES

Due to winter weather advisories for our area, all Gilchrist County schools including Riverside will be CLOSED on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025. All scheduled sports events and extra curricular activities are also canceled for Wednesday.

We are already scheduled to be off Tuesday, Jan. 21st. We will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 23rd.

01/20/2025

GILCHRIST COUNTY SCHOOL CLOSURES

Schools will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21st, but due to winter weather advisories for our area, all Gilchrist County schools and the district office will be CLOSED on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025. All scheduled sports events and extra curricular activities are also canceled for Wednesday.

11/12/2024

11/05/2024

Today is Election Day! 🇺🇸

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ⏰

You must vote in your assigned polling place. 📍

Don't know where that is? No problem, we've got you covered. Call 352-486-5163 or visit https://www.votelevy.gov/Find-Your-Precinct

10/21/2024

If you’re confused about Amendment 4– the abortion amendment-listen to the doctors in this press conference. Search out the truth, don’t listen to the lies! VOTE NO on  AMENDMENT 4

10/11/2024

Thank you Central Florida Electric Cooperative, Inc.

⚡ Restoration Update Following Hurricane Milton

We were fortunate to have been mostly spared by the wrath of Hurricane Milton this time, especially as so many of our members are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. As of this update, we are dealing with 51 total outages across our service area, affecting approximately 1,809 members.

Here’s the breakdown by county:
📍 Dixie County: 12 members affected
📍 Gilchrist County: 359 members affected
📍 Levy County: 1,017 members affected
📍 Alachua County: 418 members affected
📍 Marion County: 3 members affected

Emergency crews worked through the night and during the storm to restore power wherever possible. Since the sun came up this morning, all crews have been diligently working to assess the damage and ramp up restoration efforts. The outages we are experiencing are primarily due to fallen trees and limbs. Many trees, already weakened and saturated from Hurricane Helene, remain prone to falling, causing additional outages.

With the help of your hometown CFEC crews, as well as outside support, we are on track to have power restored to all members who can safely receive it by 8 p.m. tonight, October 10.

We sincerely thank our members for their continued patience as we've weathered these challenges together. We are committed to working until every member is restored and will continue to rebuild our communities in the coming months.

Stay safe, and we will keep you updated as we progress.

10/11/2024

NEED HELP AT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS?

10/10/2024

For any obstructions on County Roads, please contact the County Road Department. 352-486-5124.

10/10/2024

⚠️ Downed Power Lines - Safety First! ⚠️

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, there are likely downed power lines and trees on lines across the area. Reporting these hazards is critical to ensuring the safety of everyone and organizing restoration efforts.

🔌 How to Report Downed Power Lines:

📞 Call us at (800) 227-1302 and follow the prompts to "Report an Outage." You can ask the automated system to "Report damages" and it will allow you to leave a message. This message goes directly to our CFEC dispatchers.

💻 Or, report online at www.cfec.com/outage-center/report-an-outage. There is a field to include details about any fallen lines or poles. This helps us pinpoint exact locations and prioritize repairs to keep everyone safe.

⚠️ Safety Tips for Downed Power Lines:
Even if downed lines look harmless, assume they are live and dangerous.

🟢 Stay far away from any fallen line or trees on lines, and report them immediately.

🟢 Shuffle away from the line with small steps, keeping your feet close to the ground.

🟢 If someone is in contact with a downed line, do not touch them. Call 911.

🟢 Avoid water near downed lines and never use objects like brooms or sticks to move them.

🟢 Stay inside your vehicle if it’s in contact with a line. Honk for help, but don’t leave the car.

Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure your safety and restore service. We’re all in this together, and we’re committed to getting your power back as quickly as possible.