The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - December 26, 2007
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
Highway Chase Spans Marion
and Levy Counties
Yankeetown Mayor's Report
A Guest Commentary by Mayor Dawn Clary
Williston_ On December 21, 2007 at 9:56 P.M. Larry Ray Griffis led Marion County and Levy
County Deputies on a 31 minute pursuit. The defendant was subse-
For Christmas, Yankeetown has received some good bids to build our new water
quently arrested in Marion County for several charges.
plant. The award of the contract to the successful bidder will be held at the Lion's Club on
The Marion County Sheriff's Office was involved in a pursuit
December 28th at 3:00 pm. The town's engineering firm, Mittauer & Associates, will review
and requested assistance when the defendant entered Levy County. Levy
the bids and make their recommendation as to the firm to build the plant. Construction is
County Sheriff's Office Deputy Kevin Kinik (K-9 Deputy) and Deputy
scheduled to begin in January, and is planned to take a year to build. It is projected to cost
David Rodriquez assisted in the pursuit. Upon entering Levy County the
approximately 4.6 million dollars, 85 percent of that has been graciously granted to us by the
defendant attempted to ram Deputy Kink and had to take evasive actions
good people of the state of Florida.
to avoid the assault. The defendant then turned around and went back
Councilman Norm Shannahan and our zoning officer/consultant Rebecca Jetton are
into Marion County. Levy County Deputy David Rodriquez assisted in
working on our Five-Year schedule of Capital Improvements. The plan at this time consists
the pursuit and deployed stop sticks and deflated the defendant's tires at
of the water plant and the Withlacoochee Gulf Pathways Park/Preserve. We are also looking
NW 160 Ave and CR-318. Griffis continued to evade Deputies and drove
into some possible additions of drainage projects. The WG Park is under going improvements
on a horse farm and attempted to drive through a fence when he got stuck. Larry Ray Griffis
such as an observation tower, hiking paths and dock. The Felburn Foundation had also
The Marion County Deputy was assaulted by the defendant when he
donated money to continue their goal of conversion of the house on the property to a
rammed his patrol car. No injuries were sustained by Deputies or the
museum.
defendant.
Switching gears, I would like to respond to a statement made in an article printed in
Griffis was arrested by Marion County Sheriff's Office for aggravated battery on a
the Gainesville Sun on December 16th by James Sherwood representing Izaak Walton Inves-
law enforcement officer, felony fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, possession of
tors LLC, concerning their proposed development. Sherwood stated "the group originally
cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief and driving while license sus-
offered incentives like water and sewer plants for the whole town". I am unaware of any such
pended.
offer. The developments proposed water needs were added into the town's existing grant for
The Levy County Sheriff's Office has filed charges for aggravated assault on a
a new water plant immediately upon the announcement of their project. As far as sewer plants
Police Officer and the defendant will be extradited back to Levy County when Marion County
go, they have never offered to supply a plant or distribution system for the whole town. They
charges are disposed of. Griffis' last known address is listed as 5317 NW 15 Place Ocala.
have offered to give the town the package plant proposed for their development stating that
Inglis Commissioner Resigns, Then Rescinds
the town could use it as a giant lift station incase a centralized sewage system were ever to
become available. However should the town take over the responsibility of their package
In a letter the Inglis Mayor Carolyn Risher, dated December 12, 2007 Inglis commis-
plant, we would have to maintain and operate it until a central system became available if ever.
sioner Bill Lake tendered his resignation stating: "please accept this letter as my officially
From sitting through the agendas of the previous administration it appeared to me that they
resigning my position as commission of the town of Inglis. It has been a pleasure to work with
would really like for Yankeetown to help them build their system by applying for a grant
you and the fine people of the town of Inglis."
through the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development OTTED.
Several days later in a hand written note at the bottom of the original letter Lake
The Cherokee Indians observed the Winter solstice last week. This week Kwanza
rescinded his resignation stating: "he has given thought to this and because of the physical
begins. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Special THANX to everyone who has do-
pain he was in at the time, he would like to rescind his resignation and continue his term." Lake
nated their time AND ENERGY, over the past year to help make Yankeetown a success. One
has been under treatment for a broken shoulder and receiving pain medication, according to
year ago things were kinda tough, but so many have jumped in to help, Yankeetown would
town clerk Sally McCranie.
not have made it without you all.
Holiday Donations and Gifts
The quote of the day comes from Harry, the lead designer on our water plant "We
designed it, we bid it, and now we're gonna build it". Good Night and Good Luck, Dawn Marie
Holiday trimmings, parties, gifts, families and friends surround us. This season often
Clary, Mayor of Yankeetown.
awakens our gift giving spirit. Many charities receive a major portion of their annual dona-
tions during this time. We are ready to share and make a difference. Although most of us give
Read The Newscaster online
with our hearts, be sure to investigate the charity before you donate. With so many charitable
groups competing for our donated dollars you want to know that your monies are used for
log on to: newscasterarchives.com
their intended purposes. A charity should have a clear mission and plans in place to achieve
these goals. Adopt A Rescued Pet, Inc, PO Box 1613, Homosassa Springs, FL, 34447, is a
   El Ranchito
corporation registered with the Florida Department of State since May 2004. The IRS desig-
nates us a public charity under section 501(C)(3) and our Florida solicitation authorization is
   Mexican Restaurant
CH17557. We are an all-volunteer organization relying on donations to support our mission.
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