The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - May 11, 2011
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Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
The Newscaster does not publish anonymous letters or commentaries. We receive letters from
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Yankeetown Mayor's Report
current address. Letters can be mailed, faxed or emailed and not accepted at the Newscaster Classi-
fieds drop box. Emailed letters may be delayed while verification takes place. Emailed letters must be
A Guest Commentary by Yankeetown Mayor Dawn Clary
received from the author's valid email address. Comments can be left on our comment line at 352-388-
1668. You must leave your name and phone number for verification.The limit is 400 words, no excep-
Tarmac Questions – I am sure that by this time everyone is aware of the County
tions. For more information see page 2.
Commissions vote to approve the special exception for the Tarmac mine north of town. There
To the Editor:
have been many citizens who have asked if there are any plans on Yankeetown’s part to pur-
Re: Thanks for attending the Levy Co. Fair
sue this further. At this time the YT Council has not looked at any further action from the
town on this issue. The issue may be reviewed on a future agenda. If you are interested, the
On behalf of the entire Levy County Fair Association, we want to sincerely thank
power point presentation given at the County Commission hearing by Dr. Rains, our ecol-
all those citizens of Levy County (and elsewhere) who helped make the 2011 Levy County
ogy expert, has been received at the town hall. If you would like to peruse it, stop by and get
Fair such a success. As an organization with no paid staff, we especially appreciated all of
a copy. The DHI report has also been received should anyone wish to look at it. It was nice
those who so cheerfully volunteered to provide exhibits, demonstrations, and much hands-
of citizens to stay until 2:30 AM to in an attempt to participate in the democratic process.
on skill and experience in helping out wherever needed! Truly Levy County’s citizens
Apology- My sincerest apology to the Coast Guard Auxiliary for not making their Safe
make living here such a wonderful experience. It’s only with the help of so many fine
Boating Proclamation ceremony. I usually attend that ceremony which is always very nice
people that the 2011 Fair was so successful.
but this year due to a development at the very last minute, I was unable to attend. I really
Sincerely,
appreciate all that you guys do and Yankeetown does totally support your proclamation.
Jim Smith, Executive Director
Another Goodbye - Last week, Chris Fineout resigned his position as Floodplain
Letter to the Editor:
Manager, effective May 11th. Chris resigned from the Zoning Official position, which was
Re: The Two Story Outhouse (Tarmac Commission Vote)
filled by Kurt Woerner, but stayed on as the flood expert and was still in charge of the Com-
If you have every used a computer and received emails, you may have seen a photo
munity Rating System (CRS). While some people may not be unaware of this, Chris has
of a two story outhouse. It’s a normal looking structure except for one thing. The top sec-
diligently worked on the CRS program until we have achieved a 20 percent discount on our
tion is for politicians and directly under that, is the facility’s for the voter. Of coarse there is
insurance because of our rating. He is another historic figure in Yankeetown’s struggle to
no plumbing, just a hole above and below the voters. You can well imagine what happens
keep the town going in 2006. He took over the ZO position at a time when it was a really
inside when a politician is seated above a voter. Tuesday night, May 3rd. the voting public
tough spot and took guts to jump in there. The fact that he had little experience drew very
saw that facility in action.
harsh criticism but he was a quick study and performed admirably. He has put in long hours
Three of the Board of Levy County Commissioners voted to pass a special ex-
it took to help get the Comprehensive Plan overhaul accomplished. It was a help to have
ception for the Kings Road Mine (Tarmac). By doing so, those three Commissioners have
him around even on a limited basis. Chris has been a great asset to the town, we will miss
violated their own special zoning regulations. The zoning regulations clearly states that
him. Take a bow. Good Night and Good Luck
no exception shall be considered until ALL permits have been approved. This was clearly
related to the board members by numerous witnesses, under oath. Tarmac is still waiting for
the U. S. Corps of Engineers to complete the environmental impact study.
The three Commissioners (Danny Steven, Chad Johnson and Ryan Bell) rationale
for passing the exception, the board has been performing this same action in the past. Vio-
lating the zoning regulations the board put in place. Something the rest of us must follow
to the T. The only Commissioner who gave a rational, responsible and legal opinion on this
exception was Commissioner Marsha Drew.
Commissioner Drew stated there was no rush and the only legal, responsible action
to be taken by the board was to wait until all of the information had been submitted. The
other three Commissioners rationale for passing the exception, historically the county has
done it this way in the past. Historically the Commissioners have been violating the zoning
regulations they established. Commissioner Johnson stated that he knew there was going
to be law suits over this, involving the county. Brilliant, the county is now going to have to
defend itself in court, using tax payer monies, against its own citizens, who paid those tax
revenue monies. Well, in this last election the citizens wanted change and exchanged two
faces for two new ones,but that’s all that has changed. It’s business as usual in our county
seat.
Noel K. Desmond, Chiefland
Guided Birding Walk for the Visually Impaired
Having a passion for a particular place, lovely bird songs, a quiet pond, stirs in
most of us the drive to share, to bring others to this part of the Earth that is so precious. The
Friends of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge plan to do that very thing – share
Wes McQueen of Fanning Springs was presented with Career Firefighter of the Year Fire Ser-
the Refuge and the songs of its winged-ones with the visually impaired at no charge.
vice Award at the State Capitol on May 2, 2011. McQueen is a nine year veteran of Gainesville
Monday, May 16th, the Friends of the Lower Suwannee Refuge will host a birding
Fire Rescue and received his award from CFO Jeff Atwater for saving the life of a 72 year old
walk for visually impaired individuals. We’ll meet at 8:00 AM at the River Trail parking
woman from a house fire. Wes grew up in Fanning Springs where he was an active member of
area located off CR 347, just south of Fowlers Bluff. Turn at the Lower Suwannee Refuge
Fanning Springs Fire Rescue before attending the State Fire College in Ocala then hired as a
“River Trail and Offices” sign; the trail is a quarter mile down on the right.
firefighter for Gainesville’s Fire Rescue. Wes is the son of Ron and Carol McQueen of Fanning
Bring a friend or family member for this special event. There will be Refuge staff,
Springs.
members from the Friends Group and co-hosts, Lions Clubs to provide assistance as well.
Read past Newscasters online
For more information or to leave your reservation information, call Refuge Ranger
at (493-0238, ex 223) or Jay Bushnell (493-1807). Please RSVP to hold your spot and to
go to: http://www.newscasterarchives.com
provide us with a phone number in case weather prevents the walk.
Captains Cove Outfitters
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39 W. Highway 40 - Inglis, Florida
Plant Manager
(352) 447-5610, 283-0492 or 283-0493
www.CaptainsCoveOutfitters.com
Tim Wyland, Certified Professional Technician
Bait • Ice • Tackle
INGLIS QUARRY
Computer Sales & Service
10880 U.S. Hwy 19 S.
Authorized Heritage Kayak Dealer
Electronics Parts & Accessories
Phone (352)447-2209
P.O. Box 519
Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere
We Recycle Computers!
Fax (352)447-0218
Inglis, FL. 34449
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(352)489-4153 • Plaza of Dunnellon • Next to CVS Pharmacy
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