The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - October 17, 2012
From Dawn's Front Porch
Richard Kellman, Inglis
September 26 Inglis lost one of it’s most revered citizens suddenly
Commentary By Newscaster Contributor Dawn Clary
following surgery in Tampa. Richard T Kellman was a true gentleman and
All Politics Are Local - Besides the biggie of choosing the President of the United States
it was an honor to know him. Richard was an awesome husband, father,
in this election, there are some important amendments to the Florida State Constitution on
friend, and community leader.
the ballot. The numbering confused some because one amendment was removed when the
Richard was the son of Forrest Kellman and Gertrude Bartlett
courts decided that the language was misleading to voters, but they didn’t renumber, so you
Kellman, born and raised in Madison Wisconsin. He graduated from the
have an amendment #12 but there only 11 of the things. All 11 were put on the ballot by
University of Wisconsin in 1953 and served with both the U.S. Air Force
the members of the Florida Legislature. Some of them could have a strong impact on your
and U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1956.
local governments which could in turn affect your services but also could have a strong
Richard and his family moved to the Inglis in 1979 where he im-
impact on business, and the housing market, so it is best to study them before you make a
mediately became involved in anything that promoted the welfare of the residents or the
decision. There are a lot of good voter guides out there, the League of Women Voters puts
town. Many years you could find “Dick” on his daily runs on the roads to keep his body
out a good one and they are supposed to be non-partisan. Amendment #4 seems to be one of
healthy. Richard and wife Marilyn were an active part of the Withlacoochee Gulf Area
the hotter issues. Amendment 4 is titled, Property Tax Limitation; Property Value Decline;
Chamber of Commerce for years, always doers. The first “Park to Park Bike Path” meeting
Reduction for Non-Homestead Assessment Increases; Delay of Scheduled Appeal. One of
was held on their back porch and the goal of a bike path from the South Levy Recreation
the major points of contention for city and county governments is the proposal to cut from
Park to the “End of the Road Park” was a passion for this man who always went beyond the
10% to 5% the cap on increases for assessments of some non-homesteaded property such as
expected and made things happen. I am sure at some point a portion of this bike path will be
rental property, seasonal homes and commercial property. It would also give a homestead
dedicated to Richard.
exemption equal to 50% of the median market value of the property to first home buyers or
His love of the Town of Inglis found him with the highest number of votes in al-
people who have not owned a home in 3 years. The exemption would be phased out over
most every election. Richard served on the Planning Commission and then became a regular
five years. The argument for: would stimulate the economy and the real estate market, cre-
on the Inglis Commission where he dedicated his time to making things better for the people
ating jobs. It helps property owners in a bad economy. The argument against: would bring
he loved to serve. Richard was quiet, methodical and a soft spoken gentleman who was al-
new residents into our area that wouldn’t be paying their share of taxes but would be using
ways a joy to be around. He cruised the town like his kingdom always looking for a way to
services. Cities and counties revenue would be reduced significantly.
make things better.
Some places would be more impacted then others. As this amendment would af-
His passing leaves a void in the town government and the hearts of those who knew
fect the second home market, and Yankeetown is heavily dominated by the second home
and loved him, friends and family alike. Devoted wife Marilyn sat in the audience and sup-
market, it could improve our occupancy as many in this economy are having trouble with
ported the man she loved. He was greatly appreciated and respected for his dedication and
maintaining second homes or procuring them in the first place. Inglis seems not so much
ever-compromising spirit.
but has more business which could be helped. On the other hand, Yankeetown has kept
Richard was preceded in death by his son James and brother William of Madison
their taxes pretty low and further cuts in revenue could be a challenge. I haven’t any data on
Wisconsin. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn; His son Andrew and wife Sandi; two
what the drop in revenue for our communities would be. Whether the amendment is a good
grandchildren, Shiyal and Brandon Kellman. Also, he became close to Marilyn’s extended
or bad thing is as my Mama used to say “it depends on whose ox is being gored”.
family and the five step children will greatly miss his loving presence in their lives.
Good Night and Good Luck
There will be a Memorial Service at a later date at the Yankeetown Community
Church the Kellman’s attended. If you wanted to make a donation to the bike path in his
R&M
memory, make it to the “Park to Park Bike Path” c/o Phares 14 Hickory Ave Yankeetown FL
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Marie O. McCown, Inglis
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Marie O McCown, 85, of Inglis passed on Sunday Sept 2 after a long illness. Born
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June 25th 1927, Marie was formerly from Carlinsville, Illinois. Marie owned and managed
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the Fly-N-Inn Restaurant 11 years in Clearwater before moving to Inglis 28 years ago. She
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enjoyed the retired life and took on the duties of a housewife. Marie and husband Leland
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enjoyed eating out and visiting with family and friends. Marie was never without a big smile
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and never forgot how to treat the public from her restaurant days.
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Marie is survived by her loving husband Leland McCown, daughters Nancy Mun-
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cie (Robert), Linda Naja (Bob) and son Dan Ogen (Sherry). Her extended family are Curtis
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McCown, Melody Skaggs (Jeff), and Heather Pegano (Mike). Marie’s stylish dress, beauti-
ful smile and warm personality will be missed by all who knew her. A Memorial Service
will be held Sunday Oct 21 at 2 PM at the Inglis Community Center. All are welcomed.
Bicyclist injured in traffic crash with truck
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A crash between a pickup truck and a bicycle at 5:15 p.m., Sept. 26, resulted in
injury to the bicyclist, Tom E. King, 54, of Inglis who was transported by Bayflight to Bay-
point Regional Medical Center ER/Trauma Center with incapacitating injuries, according to
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the crash report by the Inglis Police Department.
The report stated that the details of the incident came from a witness of the crash,
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along with Mr. King, the bicyclist, and David A. Morehouse, 56, also of Inglis, who was
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driving the other vehicle involved in the crash, a 1997 Dodge 1500 pickup truck. The nar-
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rative stated that Morehouse was traveling west on County Rd. 40 at 10 to 12 mph and was
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crossing the intersection of C.R. 40 and U.S. Hwy. 19 on a green traffic light as Mr. King
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was exiting the parking lot of the Citgo gas station, peddling his bicycle in the entryway/
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driveway to the gas station parking lot. The report stated that King turned into the path of
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Morehouse’s truck in an attempt to cross Hwy. 40. The report stated that the investigation
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led the officer to believe that Mr. King failed to yield to oncoming traffic, but no citation
was issued to him.
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