PAGE 3 - January 6,2010
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Viet Nam Veteran Honored
Town of Inglis 2009 Annual Report January 4, 2010
We hope all the residents of Inglis had a merry Christmas, had happy holidays and will
by Inglis VFW Post
enjoy a healthy and happy new year.
Inglis, like probably every other community these days, worries about how the econ-
omy will impact our town. Unlike many other communities, Inglis has not had to lay off any
David Finley of VFW Post 8698 on Hwy 40 W Inglis got recognition Sunday
employees. So far, through good financial management, we’ve been able to maintain, and even
January 3 at the VFW luncheon for the 40th anniversary of his Navy Seal team patrol boat
improve, quality of life in Inglis.
being blown up by enemy fire in Vietnam. The men were either injured or killed on the
Life in Inglis improved for the children, with the completion of our playground behind
fiberglass boat similar to a Boston Whaler when it was sunk. Dave was near the end of his
Town Hall, which includes a basketball court and picnic area. Most of the funding for this project
2nd tour (68-69-70) serving as a “River Rat” that patrolled the brown water of the shallow
came from a grant we applied for, and received, from the DEP - a government agency, and very
rivers and waterways of Vietnam. Dave said in the attack he was severely injured, treated
generous donations from people, businesses, and the donation of property by Capitol City Bank.
in Vietnam, and was soon back in the field with stitches still in him. A graduate of Dunnel-
That area will be expanded, in the future, to include an exercise area for older children and adults.
lon High School (1966), Dave volunteered for the Navy and was trained in California and
The Community Center, behind Town Hall, was redecorated and outfitted with new
Washington for the mission he was assigned. Dave’s parents, Bud and Gayle Finley, owned
tables and chairs, landscaped, and exterior lighting was installed. It is used extensively. It has an
and operated the Yankeetown Izaak Walton Lodge for 20 years, selling the historic lodge
efficient kitchen and is an economical and attractive alternative to having events in expensive
about 1970 where Dave grew up with his family.
catering halls.
Our recreation Department, RABAC, has enthusiastically organized and run many
great events for the enjoyment of all. The Easter celebration was praised, and everyone especially
enjoyed our annual 4th of July celebration and fireworks. Thanks to Bill Bachschmidt, DAB
Constructors, for making the fireworks possible with his financial contribution.
The Community Center is the site of a new Emergency Management Center, to prepare
Inglis to smoothly handle any emergency, hurricane, etc., that might happen. This will avoid the
chaos we’ve all seen happening on TV, in other communities, following disastrous events.
Commissioner Drinda Merritt has organized interesting classes at the Community Cen-
ter. There’s a writing class, and Commissioner Merritt personally teaches quilting classes and a
computer instruction course - all free of charge. There are computers at the Community Center
for these classes, most donated by a generous, anonymous benefactor, and the rest donated by the
Police Department.
The Police Department was able to donate their old computers, because the Police
Department aggressively pursued and received grants to purchase new computers, enabling the
Inglis Police Department to operate much more efficiently in the area of documenting and main-
taining records.
The Police Department was very busy, successfully shutting down five crystal metham-
phetamine labs in Inglis. And we have two K-9 units on the job, now, to assist our officers. These
dogs are very well trained and handled by our officers.
Kudos to the Inglis Police Department for running the wonderful “Shop with a Cop”
program that was nicely spotlighted by “The Newscaster.”
The Inglis Police Department has a very good relationship with neighboring police
departments and is involved in cooperative projects - all to improve the safety and security and
quality of life for Inglis. Check out the new Inglis Police Department web site. It’s very informa-
tive.
Castaways Bar north of Crystal River is owned and managed by Dave and his wife. Dave’s
The Inglis Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department continues to provide us with peace of
three injury scars are a constant reminder of his part in a war that affected a lot of our men
mind. And they pursued, and received, grants to purchase new equipment, get firefighters very
and their families by either death or injury. The mental injury is something that does not show
cutting-edge training and improve the fire department building to facilitate quick response. Be-
but is there forever in the minds of many that served our country in one way or another. If
cause they are so well trained, they responded to 259 emergency calls, without a single injury
you see a Veteran, be sure and thank them for their part in insuring our freedoms. Photo and
to any station member. They currently have pending applications for grants they are pursuing,
story by Sally Price
totaling $755,000. Also, a Certificate of Compliance was received by the Inglis Volunteer Fire-
Do Not Call List for Cell Phone Numbers
Rescue Department from the National Fire Reporting System.
The Inglis Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department enjoys an excellent relationship and spir-
The FTC is releasing all cell numbers to telemarketing companies. If you get sales
it of cooperation with Yankeetown Fire Rescue and South Levy County volunteers. We’re very
calls, you will be charged for these calls. Imagine that? YOU have to PAY to hear a
proud of our Inglis Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department.
telemarketer's sales pitch!
We’re also proud of the improvements in our water supply through the efforts of our
To be placed on the National DO NOT CALL List, call 888-382-1222 from the phone
Public Works - Water Department and Maintenance Department, in obtaining, installing and
number you want to register. Your number will be blocked for five years. Again, you must
maintaining new equipment. Most of the iron, which was problematic, has been removed. They
call from the phone number you want blocked.
prudently solved a problem, without burdening Inglis, by finding and purchasing a used 10,000
R&M
gallon pressure vessel storage tank, after first having it examined by an engineer and judged to be
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
in perfect condition. The cost to Inglis was $3000; the value of the tank is between $34,000 and
Rebuilt - Repaired - Resealed
$37,000. The town water plant has passed all DEP compliance inspections.
Complete Auto Repairs
Thanks to Inglis Maintenance Department for maintaining our parks, playgrounds, ball
A/C - Brakes - Front End - Exhaust - TuneUps
parks and public buildings. They also maintain and repair their own equipment. They spread 33
Computer Diagnostics
tons of stone on our roads and continuously try to eliminate storm water accumulations.
Oil Changes While You Wait
Inglis Planning commission completed an amended Comprehensive Plan. A “Comp”
4X4’s - RV’s - Trucks - Autos
Plan is an outline of the town’s plan of action and aims for the future. It is important, because
Free Estimates
Foreign & Domestic
it needs to be approved by the State of Florida. Also, the Planning Commission and the Town
Commission approved three commercial projects that have been proposed. They also readjusted
352-447-0704
Visa - Mastercard - Discover
the zoning east of Route 19 to reflect actual land use.
Accepted
Overall, it was a very good year for Inglis. We have a lot to be thankful for, here in
Fax Line 447-6040
Inglis, and a lot of good things to look forward to.
Bill Lake,Mayor, Town of Inglis
Buddy & Fred's Hardware
Enviro Group of Florida, Inc.
Todd Sumlin
Wood Products Division • 50-Years Experience
517 Hwy 40 W - Inglis,FL - 352-447-2600
Plant Manager
Inglis,FL • (352) 447-3894
BuddyAndFreds.com
Custom Woodworking, Your Plans or Ours!
Established 1983
Solid Hardwoods & Cabinet-Grade Veneers
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm & Sat 8am-2pm
INGLIS QUARRY
Pet Caskets
R.V. Accessories
Vanities
10880 U.S. Hwy 19 S.
Furniture Repair
Bookcases
Phone (352)447-2209
R.V. Sewer Part - Paint - Keys - Garden - Patio
P.O. Box 519
Chest of Drawers
Cedar Chests
Plumbing - Electrical - Nuts - Bolts - Tools
Fax (352)447-0218
Inglis, FL. 34449
Entertainment Centers
Gun Cabinets
Stainless - LP Gas Heaters - Thermacell - Case Knives
Antique Repair & Refinishing
Kitchen Cabinets
Leatherman Tools - Unique Tank Chemicals