The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - December 5, 2007
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
Letter to the Editor:
RESPONSE to "Inglis Police Department in our pockets (with no results)" of 11-21-07
In response to the statement, "The Inglis Police Department has made our town a
Yankeetown Mayor's Report
speed trap," our Police Department is making every effort to keep our streets safe, and we will
continue to do this for the safety and protection of all our citizens. I find this statement by
A Guest Commentary by Mayor Dawn Clary
Drew White ironic, in that his father was a great proponent of curbing the speed on Highway
40. Weekly, if not daily, Mr. White called ouroffice asking that a Police Car be stationed in front
Last week the Town Council held a special meeting to hear Zoning Officer and
of his shop, before some young person was killed by a speeding driver. In fact, it wasn't
Consultant Rebecca Jetton present the details of a grant that we are being offered from the
unusual for Mr. White to supply us with a person's name or a license plate number. This type
Department of Community Affairs to work on some of our planning needs such as developing
of concern/information would be appreciated by all residents.
our capital improvements plan. The grant of $25,000 was secured through Ms. Jetton's efforts
ln response to the statement, "If you talk to Chief Bible, all he says is he cannot
and the council moved to accept the contract pending legal review.
control the tickets that his officers write." That statement is true! Is Drew suggesting that the
Councilman Doug Dame also brought forward a request to get into Southwest Florida
Chief "fix" tickets that the Officers write? That is against the law, and as Chief, I will never
Water Management District's funding cycle for support with drainage projects. Doug is
knowingly break the law or fix a ticket. Of the 770 speeding citations written in 2007, only 76
heading up the drainage committee and they have been pouring over the 1992 study of
were written for speeding over 6 to 14 miles per hour. The remaining 746 citations issued were
Yankeetown's storm water flow. In 2003, SWFMD published a list of projects that were sug-
for reckless driving, etc.
gested to mitigate the flooding at the various problem areas. One of those projects was
In addition to the above citations, the Inglis Police Department also participated in
completed, a swale/ drainage ditch at Hickory and Riverside. The next project which was
the 'Buckle Up" Campaign, along with other Florida State Police Departments.
slated for working was a drainage system at 50th street. Funding for this was declined when
In response to the statement, "Our town is being overrun with meth labs, drug
it became clear that the town could in no way meet the required schedule earlier this year. The
abuse, burglaries and child molestation, and we need a police department that will protect our
committee has now become aware that there were other projects recommended though not
children from the 'serious' crime that is going on in our town," I agree with Drew that there is
prioritized. Mr. Dame recommended that we ask for funding to consider these projects how-
a rise in this type of crime. Sixty to seventy percent of the IPD's effort is in investigating crimes
ever Ms. Jetton advised that we were not yet ready to ask for funding. The council decided
of this type, and that will continue. Because of the nature of these crimes, the length of time
to wait on entering the funding cycle. Mr. Dame also mentioned other very good ideas on
required to investigate such crimes, and the protection of the victims' rights, this category of
funding possibilities which may also be explored for other capital improvement funding.
crime is not subject to the publicity of traffic violations. This does not mean that work is not
The drainage committee consists of Doug and volunteer citizens, Ed Dawkins, Ralph
being accomplished, criminals apprehended, and less drugs on the street. CITIZENS, the IPD
Dixon, Mike Lineberger, Carl Mazzuca, Tony Photopolis, Jack Scofield, and Susan Steingress.
cannot do this alone. Your cooperation is NEEDED. Call our office if you are aware of any
Chris Fineout also works with the group. Their meetings are posted and are usually on a
activity of this type. As far as the statement made, "Can you believe four tickets at one time?,"
Monday night at the Lion's Club if you would like to support them in any way or just go to a
This is a matter of public record, and if any citizen has a question, they can call Lorraine Barber
meeting.
and view the record.
The YT Fire Department asked me to remind everyone that their homes need to be
Yes, I know that there is a personal axe to grind in some of these statements, but I do
clearly marked with their address. Apparently it has become harder, especially at night, for the
not believe they warrant further discussion. Drew is always welcome to talk to me, or to any
fire dept to locate their calls as some people have not displayed their addresses prominently.
of the officers, by appointment, to express his personal agenda.
This is extremely important in the case of medical calls as time is always of the essence in
Chief Tim Bible, Inglis Police Department
medical emergencies. It would also be helpful if people updated the address displays that
they have, to be current with the 911 address system. Call town hall if you need information on
Inglis Couple Celebrates 70th Anniversary
this.
Special Thanx this week goes to the Drainage Committee, it's a tough job and it is
Walter & Wanda Baker of Inglis observed their 70th wedding anniversary on No-
always far easier to complain of a problem then be the one tasked with solving it.
vember 28th, 2007 The Bakers have many memories of their time in Arkansas, they moved to
Hanukkah begins this week, Happy Hanukkah to those of you who observe it. Good
Inglis 10 years ago. They have two sons Bobby, Billy & one daughter Brenda . It's truly a rare
Night and Good Luck, Dawn Marie Clary, Mayor of Yankeetown
event that couples can celebrate their 50th anniversary together, but to extend beyond that
and actually see their 70th year together? It's nothing shy of amazing.
FDR was president when they met and through prosperity and hard times, they
stayed together. They are not sure what they'll do for their 75th anniversary, but they say
they're looking forward to it. Wouldn't you just love to sit with them a spell and hear the tales
they have to share?
El Ranchito
Mexican Restaurant
Now Open In Crystal River
Lunch and Dinner Served
Dine-In or Take-Out
The Best Mexican Cuisine
445 NE 1st Terrace, CRYSTAL RIVER
Crystal Terrace Shopping Center Across from Big Lots,
Yes! We have
behind Circle K, WEST side of Hwy. 19
Beer & Wine
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
MONDAY - THURSDAY
Lunch 11am-2pm  Open All Day
Lunch 11am-2pm
Dinner 5-10pm  12noon - 10pm
Dinner 5-9pm
Yankeetown Flotilla Coast Guard Auxiliary 15-2 elects new officers for 2008. Left to right Russ
Konold Yankeetown vice-flotilla commander, Division 15 Captain-elect Rosemary
OPEN SUNDAYS:
(352) 795-5251
Boennighausen, Division 15 Captain William Malone, and Yankeetown flotilla commander
12:00 N - 9:00 P M.
.
Dick Roberts. Newscaster Photo by Mike Moore
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