SULLIVAN - Habitat For Humanity of Franklin County President Jim Brown said that weather has been a factor in the construction progress of two H4H homes being built near Hobart and Bland streets. “The weather has been our enemy,” said Brown recently on a hot and muggy Saturday afternoon. “The heat has been a problem lately - it just takes it out of people.” And that’s an issue for Habitat because volunteer service is the essence of the program; a program designed to put families into quality and affordable housing. During the recent severe heat wave, volunteers were losing productivity and interest in physical activity. But, Brown noted, that will pass and construction will continue towards a fall finish. Brown said that the Habitat group has received excellent support from area businesses, but could always use more help - including cash donations and manpower. Current needs include topsoil, landscape design help, and a crane. (PHOTO: Terry.....

SULLIVAN – Shortly after nightfall on the outskirts of town, the Friday night air is quiet. Maybe too quiet. Not far away, the city glows from the plethora of late-night fast-food joints, gas stations, auto dealerships and the always-restless Wal-Mart. It’s summer, school’s out, a few people are stirring –but not many. From just about any perspective, it seems like an easy, laid-back night.

Just beyond the shadow line, where town begins to meet country, Tom Cline Jr. is ready for duty. The quiet nature of the night won’t last long – experience tells him that. Cline, a reserve deputy for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, will take advantage of good weather and a relatively clear night. Unlike the brethren of the badge that work full-time plying 922 square miles of the county, Cline is the only one stopped by weather. It’s not because he’s a reserve deputy.

It’s because he’s a helicopter pilot. Cline doesn’t drive a patrol vehicle – he flies one. On this particular Friday...