The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - May 12, 2010
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
Letter to the Editor:
Thank you all for the interest in my information. I have received some questions
about the Yankeetown septic requirements and the new town water plant. In today’s letter I
would like to address the septic concerns.
In the 70’s the legislature established a service district but the Inglis and Yan-
keetown townspeople voted down the idea of a central sewer. In the 90’s the county and
the towns established a municipal services district but after investigation, the towns again
rejected the idea. There was even the possibility of a private sewage treatment facility in the
early 90’s but that effort was fruitless also. In 2008 town representatives met to discuss the
financial feasibility of a central sewer system. No tax dollars were collected by Yankeetown
for any of these efforts as was alleged in a recent “Squawk Box” column.
The current comprehensive plan has the following language regarding a central
sewer system: do an engineering study, evaluate methods of funding, use aerobic systems in
certain areas, and cooperate in formation of a special sewer district. With the exception of
the engineering study, these policies were accomplished. The engineering study was carried
in Yankeetown’s capital improvements element for many years but never funded by previous
administrations.
The proposed plan addresses central sewage issues as follows; continually watch
for sewage funding sources, work together with Inglis and Levy County for funding and
Presentation of the Yankeetown-Inglis Woman’s Club (5) $500 college scholarships took
planning, and be fiscally responsible while pursuing this. Additionally, DCA required all
place last week. Pictured: Sharon Petrovich (Education Chairman), students Alyson Williams,
new or replacement septic systems to be high performance nitrogen removal system. The
Lara Townsend, Kaci Alumbaugh, Jessica Altum, Katherine Gibson and Marty Hilliard. (WC
town has implemented a water sampling system of the Withlacoochee River for sewage
President).
contaminants. The results show no increase in contaminants as the river passes through
The Yankeetown-Inglis Woman’s Club has been giving college scholarships to lo-
Yankeetown.
cal students for almost 40 years. The student supporting program was started by deceased
Yes, Yankeetown soils are rated severe for absorption, by the current old-fashioned
life member Sara Weaver who directed the Arnold Tyler Duplicate Bridge Club under the
model. Nobody just digs a hole for their tank and field anymore. State technicians evalu-
ACBL rules, choosing to donate all funds back to the club scholarship program she founded.
ate the soil and then specify how the septic field must be built. If the existing conditions are
When the bridge club dissolved the Woman’s Club assumed the student gift project and
inadequate, you build new’ acceptable soil for your field. Notice all our elevated fields. Yes,
funds from Bingo held every Thursday night at 7PM went to scholarship funding. June
Yankeetown floods. That is the reason for prohibiting central sewage systems within the
Proffit has been in charge of the games for years. At the recent awards luncheon, the hard
coastal high hazard area [Yankeetown]. Yet IWI proposed building one in the center of
working women of the club gave away five $500 scholarships. The funds for one of those
Yankeetown near the water plant with proposed discharge rates significantly greater than the
scholarships is earned single handed by Nancy Lou Miller who raffles a basket of goodies
model used allowed. I hope this clears up the confusion. Please contact me at 447-5435 for
every Thursday night at Bingo. Student Katherine Gibson was the recipient of the Nancy
answers to questions. Chris Fineout, Yankeetown Zoning Office
Lou Miller Scholarship this year. The Woman’s Club also encourages students in the Yan-
Letter to the Editor:
keetown
This week (May 6-11) the Gainesville VA Medical Center honors the dedicated
Elementary School by rewarding students K-2, 3-5 and middle school with awards
men and women we in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) consider to be the compas-
for Best of Class and Most Improved in each of the 3 levels each semester. Last month
sionate backbone of the Veterans’ health care system – our nurses.
the Education Luncheon earned $660 which was presented to Principal Ann Hayes for her
The theme of National Nurses Week 2010 is “Nursing: Caring for a Healthier Tomorrow,”
choice of needs for the school. Teacher Tony Sturevant was there to accept the donation on
and no one puts more passion into the health care profession than VA nurses. VA is the na-
behalf of the school and had so much praise for the club that has given so much to the school
tion’s largest single employer of nurses and VA nurses lead their profession in education and
over the years. The Woman’s Club also supports the AF Knotts Public Library as well as
training, clinical responsibility and research. But their passion comes from VA’s mission –
a long list of other projects. The club is to be commended for their generosity that really
caring for our Veterans.
makes a difference in such bad economic times. The active club is open to memberships and
VA nurses are integral and equal members of our health care team of profession-
everyone is invited to Bingo and the many projects that allow this generosity to continue.
als. No health care professional is closer to the Veterans we care for than a VA nurse. Our
The Thrift Shop behind the Woman’s Club has treasures for everyone and also a loan closet
patients rely on them for their compassion and the VA relies on them for setting the highest
that is one of most unique deals in town. If you are in need of any baby or health equipment
clinical care standards. That reliance is well placed. VA’s recognition as a leader in health
you need to visit the free to locals loan closet for many items. Newscaster Photo/Sally Price.
care, patient safety and research is due in large part to its nurses.
Call The Newscaster Hotline with your opinion, leave your name
I am deeply proud to be associated with the nurses who serve Veterans at the Gainesville
with a recorded message: 352-897-0381 Dunnellon
VA Medical Center and of all of our nation’s 2.9 million nurses who work tirelessly to keep
us well and save lives around the clock every day. Thomas A. Cappello, MPH, FACHE,
R&M
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
Director, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System
Sheriff SmithJohnny Smith promoted Sullivan
Promotes Captain Evan
Rebuilt - Repaired - Resealed
Complete Auto Repairs
A/C - Brakes - Front End - Exhaust - TuneUps
Levy County Sheriff
Computer Diagnostics
Sullivan last week, making the following statement: “Effective this date,
Oil Changes While You Wait
I have promoted Captain Evan Sullivan to the rank of Major and have
4X4’s - RV’s - Trucks - Autos
appointed him to be Director of Law Enforcement.
Free Estimates
Foreign & Domestic
He will be responsible for this division with all the duties that
352-447-0704
Visa - Mastercard - Discover
pertain to this position. We will no longer have a Chief Deputy and have
Accepted
decided to go to a two Major system – one over Corrections and one over
Fax Line 447-6040
Law Enforcement.”
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Computers dot Com
Todd Sumlin
42 Hwy 19 N. - Inglis,FL - 352-447-2600
Plant Manager
Buddy & Fred's Hardware
Tim Wyland, Certified Professional Technician
is Now Doing Business
INGLIS QUARRY
Computer Sales & Service
at the New Location
10880 U.S. Hwy 19 S.
Electronics Parts & Accessories
Phone (352)447-2209
42 Hwy 19 N. Inglis
P.O. Box 519
We Recycle Computers!
Fax (352)447-0218
Inglis, FL. 34449
Food Ranch Plaza
(352)489-4153 • Plaza of Dunnellon • Next to CVS Pharmacy