PAGE 8 - March 21, 2012
THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News
Retired YTS Principal Hits Mark at 82
By Doug Johnston and Barbara Brazil
The wildlife has been safe around Harvey Markham since
December of 2005, until this past January 21st, that is.
The retired educator and long time principal of Yan-
keetown School was Levy/Marion County born and raised and
Gulf Hammock was familiar stomping grounds for Markham in
his youth. Being the youngest of 8 children he was a tag-a-long
with his father, brothers and uncles on hunting trips.
These days Markham still hunts but, the cast of hunters Retired YTS Principal
has changed. Wife Mildred, sons Bobby, Rug, (Rudolph), nephew Harvey Markham may
Frank, and grandchildren Travis, Morgan, Savannah, Chase, and be 82 years old, but
Mason along with other friends usually accompany Markham on he’s still sharp enough
his trips to the woods. A few years ago on one of those trips he fell to kill an 8-point buck.
and his family believes may have slightly fractured his hip. Being
stubborn, he refused to leave the hunting camp to have it checked. Since that time he says
he sometimes “gets a catch in his come-along”.
On January 21 of this year the day didn’t start out particularly well for for Markham. The
trip to the woods of Gulf Hammock started out with a flat tire. Then, after driving a short
distance the truck began to wobble and Markham and daughter Barbara Brazil stopped just
in time to find that the lug nuts hadn’t been tightened. Another hunter stopped and helped
get the situation under control.
After spending most of the day tracking their dogs with a GPS Barbara and
An early surprise party was held for Inglis Postal Clerk Ruth Ruppert March 13 at the Inglis
Markham decided to just go sightseeing.They love the beautiful woods of Gulf Hammock.
Post Office before she took a week’s annual leave to celebrate a milestone. March 16 was
While driving Barbara mentioned that she heard a dog barking. “After determining there
the 30th anniversary of government service for Ruth who followed a 2 year Army stint with
were dogs in both directions we decided there was one dog close to us. Pop climbed out
28 years service with the U S Postal Service. Ruth is well known for her cheery helpful at-
of the truck and retrieved his gun, taking interest in the sounds of the dog. He thought the
titude and knowledgeable service to the many patrons who use the Inglis Office. Postmaster
dog was either baying or hung up. Most dogs have two collars now, one for ID and one for
Walter Rutherford presented Ruth with her 30 year pin and a letter of thanks and congratula-
GPS”. He walked toward a dry creek bed.
tions. The award was followed by a “special” chocolate cake with strawberries and then Ruth
After several minutes Barbara heard a single gunshot and the dog’s barking si-
shared some funny incidents with the group that took place over her last 28 years. Ruth
lenced. Barbara feared the worst. Markham had already stumbled once that day and hearing
started her postal career hired in Ocala with an immediate transfer to Crystal River and
the shot and sudden silence of the dog greatly concerned her. She made a mad dash in the
shortly was transferred to Inglis by then Postmaster Sally Price, who was present for the
direction her father had walked and she was stopped by the low tone of his voice, “Barb”.
party. Pictured at the party was Freda Gibson, Katherine Gibson, Cindy Osteen, Ruth Ruppert,
Her fear heightened and she hurried in the direction of his voice. Then she heard him
Marian Matchette, Janice Bell, Postmaster Walter Rutherford, Cheryl Tindol and Brandy Tylar
whistle and much to Barbara’s amazement, there stood her father with an 8-point buck.
Cribbs. Ruth’s service has been appreciated by the many friends Ruth has worked with and
The deer was one of two that grew tired of running from the dog and turned to fight its
patrons she has served. Congratulations on a job well done and best wishes looking forward
pursuer. The deer tried to hook the dog before Markham killed it.
to a day when retirement will be celebrated.
The second deer ran off with the dog running in front of it after Markham fired his
shot. Markham got a chuckle out of that and told his daughter, “all I saw was two brown
streaks ripping through the woods with the dog in front. Never seen that before”.
As Barbara said later, “ I couldn’t believe anyone, much less Pop, could walk
through a noisy dry creek bed 40 or 50 yards to find two deer fighting a dog and then kill
an 8-point buck, all at the age of 82”.
March 13, 2012 Inglis Municipal Election (unofficial)
Commission  3 Seats Open (top 3 elected)
Sherry Ely 285  Richard Kellman 320 Drinda Merritt 273
Glenda Kirkland 231  Andrew White 242
Referendum to Dissolve Inglis Police Dept.
Yes 234  No 273
Also archived at: thenewscaster.com & newscasterarchives.com
William Crow AmVets Post 447
405 E. Hwy. 40 • Inglis, FL • 352-447-4473
Upcoming Events - Open to the Public:
EVERY TUESDAY - NEW EVENT - BINGO, BINGO, BINGO! 5:00 pm until...?
SATURDAY, MARCH 31st - LIVE BAND
“CHROME”
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 8th - HAM DINNER
$8 - 2:00 pm until gone!
THURSDAY, APRIL 12th - AMVETS POST MEETING
Last Nominations for Post Officers!
SATURDAY, MAY 5th - ELECTION OF POST OFFICERS !
12:00 - 5:00 pm