A look back at 1985...

From the Voice of South Marion, February 21, 1985

The Belleview City Commission Tuesday appointed Robert Brown as the new Public Works Director for the City.
Brown has been employed by the City since 1972.
He has been Assistant Public Works Director and City Foreman for the past several years and has been the acting Director since Herman Simmons resigned.
"It's going to be a heck of a job," he quipped.
Brown and his wife Angie have a nine year old daughter, Holly.
His starting salary as Public Works Director will be $7.22 per hour.
*****
A proposed ordinance that would have allowed the new Kash and Karry Grocery Store in Belleview to sell beer and wine was rejected by the City Commission at its regular meeting Tuesday.
A state law prohibits any store located within 1,000 feet of a school or church from selling alcoholic beverages.
The ordinance would have given permission for stores located on Highways 441-301-27 or C25 to sell beer or wine even if they were within the 1,000 feet of a church or school.
In presenting the ordinance to the Commission, City Attorney Reginal Black said some stores in Belleview were already in violation of the state law and suggested the Commission adopt the ordinance to make it legal for all the stores to sell beer and wine.
Commissioner Lavern Tweedle made the motion to adopt the ordinance, but then withdrew the motion when none of the other commissioners offered a second.
*****
The engagement of Lynn Stuart to Belleview Mayor Mickey Thompson has been announced. The bride-elect is the daughter of June Naylor of Belleview. The future bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs Roy Thompson of Belleview. The ceremony is planned for July 12 at the First Baptist Church of Belleview. The bride-elect is a graduate of Santa FE Community college, Gainesville. She is employed as a nurse at Marion Community Hospital, Ocala. The future bridegroom is a graduate of Lake Weir High School and attended Central Florida Community College. He is employed by Certified Grocers of Florida and is currently serving a three year term as Mayor of Belleview.
*****
Jennifer Susan Lewis, 17, daughter of Lester and Peg Lewis of Summerfield won the American Cover Girl Competition and qualified for State Finals in June in Panama City Beach.
She has won several other trophies in Model of the Year Competitions.
*****
Two South Marion residents were injured February 15 when a kerosene heater exploded in their home.
Henry Decker, 91, received 2nd degree burns to his hand, face and fore head when he attempted to extinguish a fire caused by the explosion.
Decker was transported to Munroe Hospital by ambulance. His injuries did not appear to be serious. Elizabeth Decker was treated at scene by South Marion Fire Rescue, but did not require hospitalization.
The kerosene heater was left too close to an open fire place after it was refueled, according to a South Marion Volunteer Fire Department spokesman. Damage to the residence located on Jean Road at Cty. Hwy 484 was minor.
South Marion and Pedro Fire Departments received the call shortly before 5:00 PM.
*****
Some like it and a few don’t care, but thee are a lot of people what are really mad about the mandatory seat belt law that ‘officially’ went on the books Jan. 1.
One lady says she has started saving coins in a piggy bank to pay the $20 fine when she is caught, because she is not going to wear them.
*****
Construction to improve the intersection of US 301 and Redding Lane was scheduled to begin Jan. 5, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Contract amount is $128,682. Completion is scheduled within 65 days.
*****Early morning fires destroyed two buildings in Belleview during the holidays.
Wilson Automotive on Baseline Road was destroyed by a fire reported at 2:36 a.m. on Jan. 2.
The building was totally engulfed in flames when firemen arrived, but they were able to protect surrounding buildings.
Electrical problems are suspected as the cause of the fire, but the State Fire Marshall’s report has not been completed.
The building was owned by James Wyatt and was being rented by Jeff Wilson.
An unoccupied home on US 441 that was being renovated was destroyed by a fire Dec. 27. It was reported at 4:30 a.m.
Transients, who may have entered the building for the night to escape the cold, are believed to have started the fire.
The house was owned by Jack Seymore.
During the month of December, the South Marion Fire Department responded to 131 rescue calls and 11 fire alarms. THose calls inside the Belleview City Limits were 31 rescue and four fire alarms.
*****
Lake Wier Middle School recently held a ‘Media Mania Week’ for both students and teachers to help them get acquainted with the Media Center.
Classes took turns going to the Media Center and had race against the clock to use reference material and find the answers to a series of questions,
All students who found the right answers had their papers placed in a box. A drawing was held each day and the students whose papers were selected won prizes.
The prizes were donated by South Marion businesses.
The purpose of the program was to promote an awareness of media center materials, to promote good feeling toward the media center and to get customers into the media center.
*****
The Cut Above’s has a grand opening special on Shampoo and set at $4.50.
*****
Turn on the CBS News, pick up Newsweek or Women’s Day magazines, open one or more than 200 newspaper that carry the Washington post’s syndicated column, and you will find Jane Bryant Quinn nailing down financial issue, taking a stand, or giving advice on some aspect of Amercia’s overriding topic of intrest -- MONEY.
*****
The Belleview City Commission will hold a Public Hearing Tuesday, January 20, 1987 at 7:00 p.m. in the Belleview City Hall Commission Chambers to consider Final Passage of Ordinance 86-19.
*****
Edith Hill, now resident of Rapid City, Michigan, still has her heart in Belleview.
Last week she sent a check for $5.00 and a note to former Mayor Frank Latarche to donate the money to the “Light up Belleview” fund.
Mrs. Hill and her late husband, Mel, developed Green Oaks Manor in Belleview and were very active in civiv affairs for many years. When Mr. Hill died, she moved back to Michigan to be near her family.
*****
Lori Driscoll’s achievements in the firestone Sponsored 4-H Leadership Program won for her a State Winner’s Certificate and a Firestone paid trip to Congress which is being attended by more then 2,000 young and adults 4-Hers. Firestone has been a 4_H donor for over 40 years. Nearly 700,000 young people were enrolled in the Firestone Leadership Program during 1986.

The Lake Weir High Basketball team ends a successful regular season at home Friday when the Hurricanes host Leesburg.
Last Friday, the Canes beat Ocala Vanguard for the first time in four years.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, February 28, 1985
The Belleview City Commission hired a new Policeman and started a Police Reserve Program to train future policemen at a special meeting Monday.
Hired was Darrell A. Redden, 23, a recent graduate of the police academy.
Chief Bob Howie told the Commission that Redden had other members of his family who were officers with the Ocala Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Department.
The new reserve program will get underway immediately.
Chief Howie said he would probably start with two members in the reserve and have a maximum of five.
The reserves would volunteer about 24 hours a month and ride in patrol cars with regular police officers.
They would also be used for special events such as Founder's Day and the Christmas Parade.
Anyone interested must apply like any other City Employee. Members of the Reserve will be furnished a uniform and be paid $1.00 a month.
*****
State Representative Dick Locke of Inverness, who represents South Marion County in the State Legislature, attended Boy Scout Troop 441's Court of Honor Monday and presented the Scouts with a State Flag.
Representative Locke explained the symbols of the flag to the scouts and urged them not to do anything that would disgrace the flag.
Accepting the flag for the troop was Scoutmaster John Pennington. The meeting was held at Belleview United Methodist Church, which sponsors the Troop.
*****
The South Marion Fire Department has lost one of its members, a 1 and 1/2 year old, chocolate colored Lab. Retriever.
The dog, named "Moka" was chained outside the Fire Station on February 25, when he suddenly disappeared with chain and all.
He is owned by Mitch Graingor of Belleview who is offering a reward for his return.
*****
  Belleview American Legion Post 284 has just about completed the beautification of the American Legion grounds.
Legion officials state that the parking area has been black topped and the area well marked for orderly parking.
The Post Building is used for county, state and national elections as well as local crime watch and various other community affairs.
*****
Those readers who have been paying close attention have probably noticed some changes in the way the Voice has been put together in the past few weeks.
Actually, there really is some method to our madness.
The big change is that we are no longer using big headlines that stretch across several columns. The main reason for this is to give the paper an "Old Fashion" look to be in tune with Belleview's Centennial Celebration this year.
*****
Vista Bank donated an electric typewriter to the Belleview Library last week. The Belleview Jaycees have been aiding the Library in its drive to get a typewriter. Present were Vistas Bank Vice President Martha Perry, Jaycee Ken Nadeau and Librarian Joann Sanders.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, March 14, 1985
Dedication of the two new buildings at Lake Weir High School will be March 17 at 3:30 PM.
School Superintendent Skip Archibald will be a guest speaker.
The building will be open for inspection and refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend.
*****
On the evening of February 10 the Pedro Area Volunteer Fire Department was entered forcefully and three fire radios were taken.
The foolishness of this robbery is apparent when it is realized that these radios have fixed crystals of a wave length designated for fire service only.
They do however represent a sizable expenditure (over $1,000) for a small volunteer company with an annual budget of only $17,000 ($10,000 of which has just been spent to get a much needed tanker truck).
Our members give much of their time, day and night, responding to the needs of others in the community.
This is true of all the volunteer fire departments in the county.
For irresponsible people to rob and vandalize essential community emergency equipment is senseless.
Let us take pride in our volunteer fire departments and back them in every way possible to make our community a safer place to live.
Thomas Dann
Secretary
*****
The musical "Mame" opens a three week run Friday at 8:13 PM in the Belleview City Hall Auditorium.
The Parkview Players will give performances this Friday evening and Saturday evening and a Sunday matinee at 2:45 PM.
The cast includes Joan Krosche, Charlene Knight, Ken Noble, Don Jones, Ginny Yandle, Michael Warren, Charley Howard, Jack Downs, Brad Boyd, Larry Scavetta, Tony Cicchinelli, Duke Tombley, Len Chenette, Josse Milcius, Vita Scavetta, Eddie Conners, Cecelia Phillips, Barbara McDougal, Gayle Gibson, Cara Sanchse, Millie LaMendola and Ann Procaccini.
*****
Three fifth grade students at Belleview Elementary School designed and constructed a rocket then last week they launched it while the rest of the school looked on.
Gathered around the launching pad were Gerard Borda, Albert Schmidt, who helped the students with rocket, David Sweeting, David Banning and Mrs. Orr.
*****
George Crowley, past Commander of the Belleview VFW, visited schools around South Marion last week giving tickets for needy students to attend the Hoxie Brothers Circus which will be in Belleview March 26.
The VFW is sponsoring the Circus.
*****
Two more events have been planned to add to the activities for Belleview's Centennial Celebration.
The Belleview Kiwanis Club will sponsor a Softball Tournament and the Belleview Lions Club will have a bed race.
The Bed Race will start at 2 P.M. at the Lion's Den on Lake Lillian.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, March 21, 1985
Belleview City Commissioner Gene Hames said this week that he was optimistic that the South Marion Ambulance, currently stationed in Oklawaha, might be moved to Belleview in the next few weeks.
At a meeting last week, Hames presented his petition for the ambulance move, which now contains 1,700 signatures, to Bill Lathem, Manager of the County Ambulance Service.
Lathem said calls to Belleview were increasing and that there were almost no calls to the east of Oklawaha.
He said it took six minutes for the ambulance to travel from Oklawaha to Belleview.
*****
David DeWolf is the Director and Lee Ann Sachse is the Musical Director for "Mame", which starts its second week Friday in the Belleview City Hall Auditorium.
The Parkview Players will give performances Friday and Saturday at 8:13 PM and Sunday at 2:45 PM.
*****
George Zickler celebrated his 98th birthday at his home on Front Street in Belleview, sitting on his porch in a favorite rocking chair and talked about the 37 years he has lived in Belleview.
"I moved here from New York," he said. "But I've been here long enough now that I ought to be a cracker."
When he retired in 1948 as a mechanist, he moved to Florida on the advice of his doctor who told him the warm weather in the South would be better for his health.
"The first two winters were warm," He remembered. "Since then though, it has been as cold as the dickens".
Zickler has attended the Belleview Methodist Church and has been a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Civic League, the Eastern Star and has been an Odd Fellow since 1917.
"When I moved here, the main section of town was along the railroad tracks," he said.
"Trains would stop here everyday to deliver mail and passengers could flag down the train if they wanted to get on."
His advice to people who want to live to age 98?
"Keep away from women", he quipped, then added:
"I'm just kidding about that," he said. "I was married for 65 years before my wife died in 1973.
"If you want to live to be 98," he said, "get a good job and work at it."
"And," he added, "you just have to be lucky".
*****
The Belleview Library has had a dramatic increase in the number of books checked out in the last year.
In February 1984, 3,882 books were checked out. In February 1985, that number had increased to 5,132.
In February 1984, 210 new Library Cards were issued. In February 1985, 478 cards were issued.
Librarian Joann Thomas credited much of the increase to the new Library Hours. In 1984 we were only open 21 hours a week," she said. "Now we are open 49 hours a week. The extra hours are giving more people an opportunity to use the Library.
*****
Five South Marion teachers were nominated for the "Marion County Teacher Of The Year" Award, that was won by Chris Holyoak, PE teacher at North Marion Middle School.
South Marion teachers nominated included Martha Orr, Belleview Elementary; C. Blanche Milligan, Santos Elementary; Sam Love Jr., Lake Weir High; Elsa Tuggle, Lake Weir Middle; and Marie Valletta, Weirsdale.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, March 28, 1985
Joe Ernest, Gene Hames and Rick Tuman look over the oriental rug that will that will go to the lucky winner of the drawing on Founder's Day. Donations are being taken for $1.00 for chances to win the rug.
All proceeds will go to the Belleview Baseball Association. Ernst is manager of the Belleview Finance, where the rug is being displayed. Hames is the City Commissioner in charge of recreation and Tuman is President of the Baseball Association. Boys and girls, ages 5-14 can sign up March 30 from 10 AM to 3 PM to play in the baseball program.
Donations for a chance to win the oriental rug can be made at Belleview Finance and at other locations around Belleview.
*****
Vernon and Mary Ann Knoll of Sarasota were injured when the jeep they were riding in collided with an automobile driven by Beulah Dickason.
The jeep overturned after the collision, throwing both occupants from the vehicle. The accident, which occurred at 4 PM on Saturday, was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol.
It occurred just north of Belleview on Highway 441.
*****
Lloyd Wintermute was crowned as the TOPS member who lost the most weight during the past year as he lost 39 1/2 pounds.
He is also being honored as King of the Chapter for 1984.
*****
The Belleview Rotary Club presented Belleview's two Boy Scout Troops with checks for $200 each this week to aid their programs.
Present were project chairman Jim Weitlauf, Steve Waggoner of Troop 441, Frank Almeida Jr. of Troop 167 and Joe Gross, president of the Rotary Club.
*****
"Vision Quest" passed through South Marion last week on its journey north for the summer. The wagon train, which is operated for youths who have had problems with the law, spends each winter in Florida.
The youth drive the horse drawn wagons during the day and have school classes while they are camped.
*****
  Several promotions were announced at Vista Bank of Marion County by James Gornto, president. James Weitlauf, of the installment loan department and security officer, elevated to vice president; Betty Knoblock, now assistant vice president and cashier; Martha Perry, named vice president and manager of the Belleview main office; Pat Reedy, assistant vice president and assistant manager of the Belleview main office; Libby Tindall, bank credit card officer; and Phillip Thomas, manager of the Ocala Office, elevated to vice president.
"We're pleased to make these promotions as we position Vista for expansion in the rapidly growing Marion County area," said Gornto.
*****
Frank Brickley, manager of the Golden Corral Steak House in Belleview, received an award from the Belleview Knights of Columbus last week for his part in the Senior Citizens Program sponsored by the Knights.
Presenting the award was Victor Bazinet, Grand Knight, while father Jim MacLaughlin looked on. The award was made during the Knights' Founder's Day Dinner and Dance Saturday.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, April 4, 1985
A dropping water table that is now 4-5 feet below normal has caused the Belleview City Commission to request South Marion residents to restrict water use until further notice.
Citizens were requested to do two things to conserve water:
1. Do not wash cars.
2. Water lawns and gardens only between the hours of 7 and 10 PM.
Commissioners said they were asking for the citizens cooperation to conserve water at this time.
However if citizens do no comply with these request and if the water table continues to drop, then it may become mandatory with penalties for violators.
Commissioners asked for people both on the water system and with private wells to help conserve water.
*****
Belleview Mayor Mickey Thompson announced Tuesday the City had received a $400,000 grant from the State of Florida to go with the $800,00 grant if had received earlier from the Federal government.
Thompson said the City Could now proceed with its plans for building a second water tower in the City and expanding the water and sewer lines down Baseline Road toward Ocala.
Commissioner Paul Anderson, who had worked with Mayor Thompson to get the grant for the City, said Rep. Dick Locke had played a major role in helping the City to get the funds.
"Rep. Locke didn't forget about us after he was elected," Anderson said. "And Lt. Gov. Wayne Mixon also was a big help."
*****
  Clyde Folsom, who has been principal of Lake Weir High School for the past 12 years, may be transferred next fall to become principal of Ocala Forest High School.
The change, along with a number of others around Marion County, has been recommended by School Superintendent Skip Archibald and will be voted on by the School Board next week.
According to the reports, the new principal at Lake Weir will be Roddy Michele, who is now principal at Fort McCoy Elementary School.
*****
Leader Marie Taylor, presented a plaque to Alvina Deming last week to honor her as founder of Belleview TOPS #386, Charter Member and Officer for five years. The purpose of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is primarily to help all the overweight who are sincerely interested in losing pounds sensibly.
The group meets every Thursday at 10:30 AM in the Vista Bank meeting hall.
*****
  Kidnergarten children at Belleview Elementary School lined up to start looking for eggs during the School's Annual Easter Egg Hunt Friday. This scene will be repeated many times around South Marion this weekend.
The Belleview South Marion Chamber of Commerce hunt, which is the largest in the area, will start at 11 AM Saturday at Lake Lillian with 160 dozen eggs hidden in the park.
*****
Helen Godleweski of Belleview celebrated her 101st birthday recently and was presented a bouquet of flowers and a birthday cake from Vista Bank by Phyllis Muffet and Martha Perry.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, April 11, 1985
Lake Weir American Legion Auxiliary #286 met this week to pick Girl State delegates and hear the Amerism Essay winners.
Miss Vanissa Hensley was the Senior Americanism winner and Greg Dudley with the Junior Winner.
A covered dish dinner was served to all guest of Girl State and Essay winners.
The Girls State contestants were Dawn Baggett, Denise Brennan, Vanissia Hensley and Brenda Strausbaugh.
Elected were Denise Brennan as delegate and Dawn Baggett as alternate.
*****
Priscilla Buchalla of Belleview toured with the Belmont College Chorale this season in churches and schools throughout Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina.
Chorale will take a three week European tour in May and early June, 1985. The choir will travel to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Priscilla, a music major, is the daughter of Rodney Buchalla of Belleview and Kay Buchalla of Ocala and granddaughter of Hazel Buchalla Stormant of Belleview and Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Martin of Ocala.
*****
  Bill Vacha, a member of the administrative staff at Lake Weir High School and Clyde Folsom, principal of the school, were named as "Bosses of the Year" Tuesday by the South Marion Chapter of the American Business Women's Association.
Presenting them with their awards were ABWA President Wanita Potts and Project Chairman Vickie Smith.
*****
A proposal for the discharging of effluent from Ocala's #2 Sewage Treatment Plant into the Oklawaha River will be discussed at the Oklawaha Community Center on April 16 at 10 AM.
Dr. Ronnie Best of the Center for Wetlands, Phelps Laboratory, at the University of Florida, will be the speaker.
The discussion is sponsored by the Lake Weir Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs Committee and the Belleview and Ocklawaha Hardware Stores.
Joe Carman is chairman of the Environmental Affairs Committee.
*****
Dr. Dennis Seese, Belleview chiropractor, recently attended a four day postgraduate Seminar in Dallas.
This was the third educational Seminar of the Parker Foundation that Dr. Seese has attended.
He is a graduate of National Chiropractic College in Lombaid, Illinois. His office is on highway 441 in Belleview.
*****
Florence DeSellems, right, Master of the Marion grange in Belleview, presented a check for $100 from the Grange to Dee D. Grooms, who is treasurer of the Board of Directors of Ocala Hospice.
Mrs. Grooms spoke to the Grange Tuesday about the work of Hospice.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, April 18, 1985
The Belleview City Commission voted Tuesday to make carnivals illegal and wine legal in the City. Founder's Day Activities and School Carnivals may also be effected by the new law.
The Carnival Ordinance prohibits all carnivals and circuses from being held within 500 feet of a busy highway or 500 feet of any residence.
"In other words," Mayor Mickey Thompson noted, "this means no other carnival or circus can ever be held in Belleview."
Commissioner Lavern Tweedle, who sponsored the ordinance said, "That was my intent".
Mayor Thompson observed that the ordinance also "will knock out the planned Founder's Day activities and school Halloween carnivals".
Commissioner Tweedle had no response.
The Wine Ordinance repeals the present City Law that prohibits the sale of wine within 1000 feet of a school or church.
The new law will allow wine to be sold anywhere in the City as long as it is not consumed on the premises.
*****
Things were beginning to look up for 18 year old Stan Boileau and his wife Tina.
Stan was working regularly as a groom at a horse farm west of Belleview. Tina had started working part-time at a fats food restaurant in Ocala.
This would give Tina more time to spend with 15 month old Justin.
Life took a sudden change for Stan and his family on the evening of March 25.
Stan was returning home from work around 6 PM. As he was traveling east on Sunset Harbor Road, a pick-up truck turned left in front of him.
The motorcycle Stan was riding slammed into the truck. The truck left the scene of the accident; Stan was left in the road, seriously injured.
South Marion Fire Rescue was the first emergency unit on the scene. After evaluating Stan's injuries, EMT Fred Kain requested the Air Care Team helicopter be dispatched.
His most serious injuries were a compound fracture of the lower leg and a shattered fracture of the thigh.
In surgery, bone grafts were used to replace the shattered bone and a protective plate was inserted.
Stan spent 16 days in Orlando Regional Medical Center.
A trust Fund for the Stan Boileau family has been opened at the Belleview office of Barnett Bank.
*****
  Pat Biel looked over some exhibits being displayed at the Belleview Library during the Annual Arts and Crafts Show. The Library will have these displays through Saturday.
This is also National Library Week and the Belleview Library is hosting the Belleview Chamber of Commerce Breakfast on Thursday.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, April 25, 1985
The City of Belleview is planning a reunion of all former Mayors and City Commissioners in Belleview for a "Centennial Commission Meeting" on May 7.
City Clerk Sandi McKamey and Assistant Clerk Cricket Kelly announced the plans this week.
They said the regular meeting scheduled for that night would be kept as short as possible so the reunion would be the main order of business.
They asked that anyone who knows the address or new home of any former Mayor or Commissioner who has moved out of this area to contact the Clerk's office at City Hall.
They also would like for former Mayors and Commissioners who are planning to attend to notify City Hall.
The City is also hoping for a large turnout of City residents for the occasion. Refreshments of Apple Cider and cookies will be served.
The reunion will be taking place at the same time as a band concert in the adjoining City Hall Park and the two activities may be joined.
*****
Susan Edith Persons, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Orlyn Persons of Summerfield, has been named the 1985 Valedictorian at Lake Weir High School.
Salutatorians are Michelle Andrea Banfield, Judy Ann Hoyt and Vincent Gerard Weaver.
Graduation is scheduled for June 4 at the Lake Weir High Football Stadium. Baccalaureate Service will be held June 2 at 8:00 PM, also at the football field.
Rev. J. Donald Newman of the Summerfield Baptist Church will be the Baccalaureate speaker.
Diplomas will be presented by Principal Clyde Folsom along with South Marion School Board member Sharlene Perry and Dr. Lee Rowell, Executive Asst. Supt.
There are 312 candidates for graduation, compared with 326 last year.
Honor graduates include Erika Maria Angulo; Sheryl Ann Bass; Misty Gail Christman; Mary Ann Dann; Allan Gordon Danuff; Wayne Allison Jarrett; Kara Rae Lemons; Tracy Lee Leonard; Jeane Yvette Plant; Gail Elizabeth Scroggie; Patricia Ann Thomas; Victor Bruce Tisdale; Muneshrie Tiwari; Joel Russell Wadsworth Jr., and James Alan Zaleski.
*****
Some of the members of the Belleview Noon Lions Club spent last Saturday enlarging the platform at the City Hall Park in preparation for Founder's Week, May-4-11.
Included were Frank Almeida Sr., Richard McDonald, Danny Seese, Dennis Seese and Dave McDonald. The Lions are doing the work as a community project.
*****
Members of South Marion Fire Rescue gave aid to South Marion teenagers hurt in a car-truck crash Tuesday on Elm Drive in Silver Springs Shores.
The car, a VW, was driven by Brian Stewart, 16 of Belleview. Also in the car was his sister, Dawn Marie Stewart, 14, and Richard Bockaras, 17, of Summerfield.
All three were taken to Munroe Hospital by ambulance. The occupants of the truck, a boy and his father, Lou Wilson, also received medical treatment.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, May 2, 1985
Mike Tomb and Malena Gabhart from Belleview Elementary were award winners with their art work on display at the Belleview Library.
Their work was entered in the Ocala Municipal Art Council's All County Student Show held at the Paddock Mall, the weekend of April12-14. Mike won two first place ribbons in the drawing division and the overall best of show ribbon for elementary.
Malena won 2nd place in drawing. Both Mike and Malena are in Ms. Walter's Fifth grade class and Mrs. Pinder's art class.
*****
The Centennial Costume Ball, scheduled this Friday, May 3, will open a full week of Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the City of Belleview.
Tickets for the event are still available and reservations can be made by calling the Belleview South Marion Chamber of Commerce. Space is limited and tickets will be sold for only 300 people.
The Ball will begin at 6:30 PM at the Belleview American Legion Home. Those attending are asked to park at Lake Lillian and they will be transported to the Hall by "Lolley the Trolley".
The Ball includes a dinner of Bar-B-Cue Ribs and Chicken. There will be a live band, the "Loubill Quartet" for dancing. There will also be door prizes, a beard and moustache contest and other entertainment throughout the evening.
*****
Belleview City Attorney Reginald Black said this week that the new Ordinance passed by the City Commission prohibiting carnivals in Belleview would have no effect on the upcoming Founder's Day Celebration.
"The proposed ordinance would limit the location of commercial carnivals and circuses to areas in and around the city which would not create noise or traffic problems near residential areas," Black said.
"The ordinance would have no effect what-so-ever on festivals, celebrations of holidays or other community or civic events."
*****
Founder's Day Chairman Bill Giles received a $100 donation from Wilma Nunn and Ida Krietemeyer of the Belleview American Legion Auxiliary to help with the expenses of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Belleview.
*****
Pedro race car driver Steve Craven made his first appearance at the Marion County Speedway for the 1985 season a memorable one last week.
Craven started the race in the 12th position and took 19 laps to move up to first place and win the 20 lap race.
Mac McGragor, Belleview, who started 14th, finished 10th.
Three other South Marion drivers were entered, Brad Heath, Ronnie Freeman and Kenny Wing, but all three had to leave the race with mechanical problems.
*****
Two Lake Weir High students won awards at the District III Future Business Leaders of America competition held at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville.
Meshele Muffoletto was named Miss Future Business Leader and Tim Elliot was named Mister Future Business Leader and Who's Who in FBLA.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, May 9, 1985
The 1985 Belleview Founder's Day Celebration goes into the final weekend Friday and Saturday with the Annual Beauty Contest and Day in the park.
The Beauty Contest will be Friday night at 7:00 PM at City Hall and is sponsored by Epsilon Rho. Saturday's activities begin at 8:30 AM with a one and six mile run, an Art Show, booths, tours of Belleview and entertainment.
The Founder's Day activities are sponsored by the Belleview South Marion Chamber of Commerce.
*****
Senator Dick Langley read a proclamation passed by the Florida Senate last week honoring Belleview as it celebrates its 100th Birthday. Belleview Mayor Mickey Thompson accepted both proclamations for the City. The presentation was made at the Centennial Ball held last Friday at the American Legion Home in Belleview.
Director John Leschak directed the Lake Weir High School Music Department during the Centennial Ball Concert held Monday at the Belleview City Hall Park.
*****
Lake Weir High running backs Tyrone and Henry Roberts signed football scholarships last week with West Virginia Tech University. Standing with them is their Mother, Della Smith, and Lake Weir Coach Alex Castaneda. Tyrone plans to major in Psychology and Henry will study Social Work.
The Hurricane Football team started spring practice this week and will practice every day. Lake Weir play North Marion for two quarters at the annual Spring Jamboree at Booster Stadium on May 31.
*****
Bart and Sherry Masterson and Bill Giles and Fran Shaw were the winners in the 1890 Costume Contest during the Centennial Ball held last Friday at the American Legion Home in Belleview.
  Dressed in costumes from the 1920's at the Centennial Ball were Margie and Frank Brickey, Becky Adams, Kim Futch and Donny Shaw. Kim and Donny were picked by the judges, Rep. Dick Locke and Sen. Dick Langley, as having the winning costumes.
Dressed in 1940's costumes at the Centennial were Dr. Dennis Seese, Dennis Robson, Hilan Martin and Mayor Mickey Thompson.
Having the top 1950's costumes at the Belleview Centennial Ball were Jim and Oma MIller and Brenda and Harold Hilts.
*****
The Marion Grange last week presented a telecaptioner unit to Tracy Celeste Brewer, daughter of Curtis and Mary Brewer of Ocala. The unit receives special closed caption signals when they are broadcast by the TV station and displays these captions on the TV screen along with the regular picture.
The captions allow the viewer with hearing problems to understand the TV program without hearing the audio portion of the program. Tracy has 50% hearing loss and nerve deafness. She wears two hearing aids.
Her problem was diagnosed at age six after many visits to doctors. The school nurse at Chawtaugua Elementary School was responsible for diagnosis.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, May 16, 1985
20 candidates competed for the title of Miss Belleview Founder's Day Friday night at the City Hall Auditorium. An overflow crowd cheered their favorites and everyone had a great time, except maybe for the judges who had to pick one of the 20 to wear the crown for the next year.
The candidates were Christine Carter, Shawn Hall, Tammy Deese, Regina Radonis, Kimberly Adams, Sherry Burke, Dawn Cook, Evy Holly, Paula McCoy, Suzanne McCoy, Gail Scroggie, Lori Oglesby, Denise Brennan, Milagroa Garcia, Kimberly Tuozzola, June Brechtel, Kerry Harris, Chey Erwin, Sonja Hanshaw and Hope Pollard.
*****
Regina Radonis, a Lake Weir High School Junior who lives in Belleview, was named 1985 Miss Belleview Founder's Day.
She is Historian of the National Honor Society, a member of the Creative Writing Club, the French Club, Asimov Society and Interettes.
She is on the A Honor Roll in Advance Placement and plans to attend college after graduating from high school.
*****
The highlight of the 1985 Founder's Day Celebration, according to my 10 year son, was the appearance of the Orlando Renegade Cheerleaders.
About a dozen boys that age spent Saturday following the Cheerleaders around, getting autographs, taking pictures and watching their on stage performances with a concentration that was once only reserved for the Dukes of Hazzard and Masters of the Universe cartoons.
Most of us older males showed a little more composure but agreed that was a highlight of the day.
And to think, the Centennial Committee figured the Magic Show would be the hit of the day for the kids.
The entire Founder's Weekend went off as planned and everyone who participated or just watched seemed to have a good time.
Chairman Bill Giles and his committee had everything well organized and running smoothly.
Booth Chairman Pat Reedy had a variety of interesting booths, complete with good food.
The trolly tours os historic Belleview, organized by Louise Deegan, were filled on every trip.
The art show, chaired by Margaret Yandle and Libby Tindal had a lot of beautiful work, both in paintings and photography.
Some of the Founder's Weekend pictures are in this issue of the Voice and others will be printed next week.
In fact, with the number of pictures we took this week, we maybe printing Founder's Day pictures until next September.
Jim Waldron
*****
Junior Miss Belleview contestants included Joleene Danielle DesRosiers (winner), Melissa Renee Phillips, Tammy Marie Gardner, Tiffany Ann Perry, Aime Lenore Martin, Tammy Lynn Bearce, April Star Lereaux, Rosie Harper, Tammarie Dean Fulford, Gloria Jean Byrd and Eva Marie Dulin.
*****
Ms. Belleview Matriarch contestants included Betty Anne Meyers, Frances L. Shaw (winner), Bea Crouch and Mary Ann Smith.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, May 23, 1985
Memorial Day Services have been planned in Belleview on May 26 and 27.
The Viet Nam Veterans will have a vigil at the Viet Nam Memorial in front of City Hall during the afternoon on May 26 and there will be a candle light service after dark, around 8:30.
US Representative Buddy Mackay and Mayor Mickey Thompson are the scheduled speakers.
On May 27, Belleview American Legion Post 284 and Disabled American Veterans #85 will have a Memorial Day Service in front of City Hall.
Scheduled speakers include Mayor Thompson and County Commissioner Roy Abshier.
There will also be music, a 21 gun salute and tapes will be played.
Following the service, everyone will be invited to post 284 for refreshments.
*****
Mary Ann Dann, an honors senior at Lake Weir High School, was selected as an outstanding finalist at the 36th International Science Fair held in Shreveport, La. last week.
Her project was chosen from 618 finalists representing 334 Regional Science Fairs and 12 countries.
Her project "River Discharge Measurements With an Air Bubble Device", was judged and selected to receive several awards.
*****
Belleview Mayor Mickey Thompson reached into a sack to pull the winning name of the oriental rug at Founder's Day as Belleview Baseball Association President Rick Tuman looked on.
The rug was won by Keith Mosely of Belleview.
*****
Bill Giles was named as the Grange's Citizen of the Year last week during Founder's Day Activities.
Giles receives the award from Grange Master Florence DeSellas. In addition to other Community activities, Giles served this year as President of the Belleview Elementary School PTA and as Chairman of Belleview's Centennial.
*****
Grange Master Florence DeSellas presented a check for $100 to Terry Luhman, Executive Director of the Marion County Handicapped Association on behalf of the Grange at a recent meeting.
*****
Ed Smith, vice president of Vista Bank in Belleview, was selected as the "Marion County Boss of the Year" by the Professional Secretary's Association.
He was nominated by his secretary, Joan Yates.
*****
Steve Craven qualified to run in the Charlotte 300 Stock Car Race last weekend, but his engine went out in the warm-ups and he didn't have a chance to race.
In the time trials, Craven, of Pedro, was 22nd of 84 hopefuls trying to qualify by making the top 30.
This was the first time he had attempted to enter a major race.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, May 30, 1985
Lake Weir High School will have its Annual Graduation Ceremonies on June 4 at 8:00 PM at the Lake Weir High Football Stadium.
Diplomas will be presented by South Marion School Board member Sharlene Perry, Principal Clyde Folsom and Dr. Lee Rowell, Exec. Asst. Supt.
The valedictorian is Susan Edith Persons, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Orlyn Persons of Summerfield.
Susan attended South Marion Schools all 12 years. She was the Lake Weir High School P.R.I.D.E. nominee in Science and was the Silver Garland nominee in math. Math and science are her favorite subjects.
In her senior year, Susan was on the all A's Advanced Placement Honor Roll and during high school received awards in Honors Chemistry, Biology, Algebra III and Trigonometry.
She was a Hugh O'Brien Ambassador and had perfect school attendance during her four years of high school.
Susan served as both National Honor Society District Secretary and as Student Council Representative; was treasurer and president of the Civitan Club and Junior Class Secretary.
She plans to enter Central Florida Community College in the fall and study nursing.
Salutatorians are Michelle Banfield, Judy Hoyt and Vince Weaver.
*****
The Belleview Lions and Lioness attended the Lions State Convention. The following Lions and Lioness made the trip: Lowell Rice, Pete Fitzpatrick, Pat Dabney, Sonya Rice, Ethel Chadwick, Mary Olininger, Beth Sanford, Irene Johnson, Vi Levoich and Lillie Shoemaker.
The Belleview Lioness Club won three top awards, Top Service, Top Bulletin and Top Scrapbook.
President Sonya Rice thanked everyone who worked so hard to win the awards and pointed out Lioness Ethel Chadwick for the special job that she did.
*****
There are rumors around town that an announcement will be made shortly that a private corporation will build a 100 bed hospital in Belleview.
City Commissioner Gene Hames, who has been working with Munroe Hospital in Ocala to get an ambulance stationed in Belleview, said that he was aware of the rumors, but said he could not discuss it at the present time.
According to the reports, the hospital will offer general care, will have an emergency room, outpatient services and will employ over 200 people when it opens.
According to the plans now being made, the hospital will be ready to open in 1987.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, June 6, 1985
With the temperature in Belleview at 106 degrees last week, residents were urged by city officials to continue to conserve water.
The two most important water conservation request were:
•Do not wash cars.
•Do not wash lawns or gardens except between the hours of 7 and 10 PM.
Belleview Public Works Director Robert Brown said Tuesday that the current water level was 62 feet below ground level.
This compares to the water level being 48 feet below ground level in 1982.
Brown said that if the water level drops to 65 feet below ground level he would recommend to the City that restrictions be placed on water use.
*****
American Legion Post and Auxiliary Units from the Fourth District of the Department of Florida held their annual convention in Orlando, May 30 - June 2 at the Sheraton Towers.
Belleview American Legion Post 284 members included Charles Rose, Commander; Tom Nunn, 1st Vice Commander; and Robert Finn, second Vice Commander, as well as Harold Smith, Charles Gowie, Carl Bang and Arthur Auld.
The Belleview Post received the First Place Award from the Department of Florida for Post Site improvement. This was due largely to the efforts of Chuck Gowie, Chairman, who was in charge of making improvements to the parking lot and grounds.
Belleview American Legion Auxiliary members attending were Ida Krietemeyer, President; Wilma Nunn, 1st VP; Dorothy Finn, Muriel Auld and Helen Bang, as well as Myrtle Edmiston and Barbara Gowie.
The Unit received the "On The Beam Membership Award" as well as another membership award for having 100% paid-up membership by last November.
Another award was given to Muriel Auld, for her Public Relations report. Installation of new officers was held on Sunday Morning.
Muriel Auld of Belleview Unit 284 was installed as Fourth District President. Muriel has served her unit as president and is currently serving as Unit Secretary.
*****
Funds have been approved to build a new Post Office Building in Belleview.
Although its not really official, Belleview Post Master Jim Thomas received the news last week.
Thomas said it usually takes about two years from the time the funds are approved until the building is completed.
He said a general site area has been picked out, but the actual location is still to be determined.
According to plans already made, the new Post Office will have 19,373 square feet, 3,571 post office boxes installed and a large parking area.
By comparison, the present Post Office has 4,700 square feet and 2,000 boxes and as we all know, parking is a problem.
Belleview was selected for funding from an 11 state area in the south because of its needs.
*****
For the third time in its one hundred year history, First Baptist Church of Belleview will dedicate a new sanctuary. The first such dedication was in the late 1880's. The second sanctuary was dedicated on November 9, 1952.
On Sunday, June 9, 1985, the church will again dedicate a new sanctuary. Reverend Damon B. Walker, Pastor of the Church since August 1969, will be able to preach to a single congregation for the first time in a number of years.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, June 20, 1985
What City Officials believe is a small tornado struck in Belleview last Sunday. The roof was torn off a dugout at the Baseball Complex on Robinson Ave. and a short distance away on Robinson, a giant oak tree fell, crushing two cars.
City Commissioner Paul Anderson said city crew members came out with heavy equipment and pushed the trees off the road.
Later in the week, the limbs were cut up and hauled away.
*****
Apparently a real battle is shaping up between Belleview and Ocala to see which town will be awarded 100 new hospital beds by the state.
The Charter Medical Corp. has applied to build a 100 bed hospital in the Belleview area and if the request is not approved, the 100 beds will go as an addition to Marion Community Hospital in Ocala.
Belleview City Commissioner Gene Hames, who is helping to lead the fight for locating a hospital in Belleview, said this week he would begin circulating petitions that would ask for the 100 bed facility to be built in Belleview.
The petition points out the rapid growth in South Marion County in the past decade and that the growth is projected to continue.
It also contends that many South Marion residents are elderly and use hospitals more often.
Bill Gibson, a representative of Charter Medical, was scheduled to address the Belleview City Commission Tuesday, but was called out of town on Monday.
He has rescheduled his talk before the Commission on July 2.
Mayor Mickey Thompson said at the meeting he was optimistic that Belleview could get the new hospital.
*****
Rev. James B. Gayler is the new pastor of the Belleview Methodist Church.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Rev. Gayler has a B.A. degree from Emory University, the Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary.
Rev. Gayler received his 25 year certificate at this year's Methodist Annual Conference. He has served pastorates in Orlando, Jasper, Miami, Gainesville, Ocala and most recently at Reeves Memorial Methodist Church in Orlando.
*****
Delta Delta won first place for best booth in the Non-Commercial Division on Founder's Day. The Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy was second and Kappa Chi was third.
In the Commercial Division, P.J. Designs was first, followed by Vista Bank and Rick's Sporting Goods.
*****
The Asimov Society, an honorary science organization at Lake Weir High School, presented physics teacher Stephen Gerofsky with an electrostatic generator they purchased for the school.
Present were Judy Hoyt, Asimov treasurer; Sueanne Evans, Asimov VP; Gerofsky; and Cathy Hinckley, curriculum coordinator.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, June 27, 1985
A Marion County Ambulance will be stationed in Belleview sometime in the next few weeks.
City Commissioner Gene Hames said this week he had been notified by Munroe Regional Medical Center that Belleview Baseball Park had been selected as the site for the ambulance station.
Munroe will put a mobile home at the ball park to house the ambulance crew, which will be on duty 24 hours a day.
The ambulance will serve all of South Marion County.
The ambulance has been stationed in Oklawaha for the past two years.
The decision to make the change was caused by a large increase in the number of calls the ambulance received in the Belleview area.
*****
The drive to get a hospital in South Marion County is creating a lot of interest and excitement around town.
Almost every store has petitions and they are actively seeking signatures.
While the people in the community obviously want the hospital and the Charter Medical Corp. of Macon, Georgia is willing to build it, that's still not enough.
First, there must be a Certificate of Need which is awarded by the State HRS and that is hard to come by.
State Rep. Dick Locke, who was in South Marion Sunday for the 'Save Lake Weir" Bar-B-Cue, pointed out that both Dunnellon and Sumter County had been trying to get such a certificate for several years so those communities could have hospitals but so far had come up dry.
South Marion is a lot faster growing community then either Dunnellon or Sumter County so the odds might be better.
But it is still going to be difficult while there are empty beds at Munroe and Marion Community Hospitals.
*****
The Golden Corral Restaurant in Belleview was host for the June Sunrise Community Breakfast of the Belleview South Marion Chamber of Commerce.
Present were Golden Corral managers Frank and Margie Bickey, Florence Rutland and Chamber President Gene Scroggie.
*****
Jeff Tuman a 13 year old from Belleview, recently conducted a hospital marketing survey for his seventh grade English class at Lake Weir Middle School.
He thought up topics, wrote questions, interviewed people of all ages, and compiled the results. His teacher, Deborah Noxon, recommended he forward the survey to a local hospital.
The "A - well done" hospital survey was received recently at Munroe Regional Medical Center recently. Steve LaGrone, MRMC Director of Planning and Marketing, was so impressed with Jeff's hard work that he invited Jeff, some friends, his parents, and teacher on a VIP tour of Munroe and presented them with "Friends of MRMC" remembrances.
*****
Euydice Swick signed the petition asking for a hospital for the South Marion area while City Commissioner Gene Hames, Jan Kaylor and Virginia Richie looked on at the Clock Restaurant in Belleview.
Commissioner Hames said he estimated 2,000 people have signed the petition thus far.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, July 4, 1985
The hopes of several thousand South Marion residents for a hospital in the Belleview area went down the drain Tuesday when Charter Hospitals Inc. announced they were no longer interested in building a new hospital in Belleview.
Mayor Mickey Thompson said he received a call from Bill Gibson of Charter Hospitals and Gibson told him they were withdrawing their request.
"Gibson said it's not in the best interest of Charter Medical to build a hospital in South Marion now," Mayor Thompson told the City Commission Tuesday.
Gibson had been scheduled to address the Commission Tuesday about the proposed hospital.
Charter had applied for a "Certificate of Need" from the state for a 100 bed hospital in South Marion.
Marion Community Hospital in Ocala had also applied for a 100 bed addition to its facility there.
Observers felt the state would grant only one of the request, based on Marion County's population.
City Commissioner Gene Hames was leading a drive to promote public support for the hospital and had obtained several thousand signatures on a petition to ask the state to give Belleview the OK for the hospital.
Thompson said Gibson gave no other explanation for Charter's pullout, except to say it was "not in their interest".
*****
Mr. and Mrs. Bud McClendon will celebrate their 57th Wedding Anniversary on July 6.
They were married in Ocala in 1928 by a Justice of the Peace and have lived in Belleview all of their 57 years together.
They have two living children, Joyce Ledlow and Bud McClendon Jr., both of Belleview.
They also have 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Bud is a native of Belleview and was born just south of town near Highway 301. Verdie was born in Summerfield.
*****
The Belleview American Legion Post 284 and American Legion Auxiliary unit honored outgoing Commander Charles Rose and President Ida Krietemeyer at the Regular meeting held July 1.
The American Legion Officers were installed by Past Fourth District Commander, Al Krietemeyer.
They are: Bob Finn, Commander; Tom Nunn, First Vice Commander; Gene Voss, Second Vice Commander; Al Krietemeyer and Al Wear are serving as Post Adjutant and Finance Officer respectively. Harold Eckwahl and William Van Stone will serve as chaplain and historian.
The American Legion Auxiliary officers were installed by Muriel Auld, Fourth District President.
They are Ida Krietemeyer, President; Pat Webster, First Vice President; Wilma Nunn, second Vice President. Pat Stepherson and Dorothy Finn are Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
*****
The "Rise and Shine Cloggers" of Belleview are looking for some events where they can perform. In the last couple of months, they have performed at Belleview's Founder's Day, store grand openings and God and Country Day in Ocala.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, July 25, 1985
John Chiulli, 18, of Summerfield, is recovering at Munroe Hospital from a shark bite he suffered on Sunday.
Chiulli and three companions were diving for fish and lobsters off the coast of one of the out islands of the Grand Bahamas.
Chiulli said he had been out for 2 1/2 hours and was in about 25 feet of water when the incident occurred.
He had speared a fish using an underwater gun. As he retrieved the fish, it settled on his left arm just above his hand.
A shark swam from behind him, over his shoulder and grabbed the fish. The shark also bit chiulli's wrist in the process.
Chiulli said he was lucky because the spear gun, strapped to his arm, prevented the shark from getting his teeth all the way down.
Chiulli had to swim about a half mile to an accessible beach. He was then taken to a clinic at Governor's Harbor for emergency treatment.
It took over 100 stitches to close the wound. He was flown to Ocala in a private plane and admitted to Munroe for observation and further treatment.
*****
A few years ago I wrote a piece about the Belleview Methodist Church Softball team - of which I am a member - when we won a game after going two years without a victory.
Since then people from time to time will ask how the team is doing.
My standard answer is "You don't want to know".
Well, they're asking again and if you think you really want to know, keep reading. If not, stop here.
The 1985 season ended Saturday and our record was 0 wins, 11 losses and 1 tie (our game with Weirsdale Presbyterian was rained out after five innings with the score 5-5).
Our five year total is 4 wins, 55 losses and the tie.
Discouraged?
We strike out, pop up, drop fly balls, get caught off base, throw to the wrong base, forget to run, but we NEVER get discouraged.
In fact, with the season just over, we've already called a practice to get ready for next spring. And despite another winless season, we do feel like we're making some progress.
The Assembly of Believers, captained by Santos Assistant Principal Lamar Holder, is always one of the best softball teams in South Marion and won the Championship this year.
Three seasons ago the Assembly handed us our worst defeat ever, 26-0, in five innings.
In the last regular season game this year, we played the Assembly again and at the end of seven innings the score was tied, 3-3.
They went on to win in the eighth, 7-3, but by the way we score games, it was a milestone.
Wait'll next year.
Jim Waldron
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, August 1st, 1985
A Belleview resident, Linda Buhl Thompson, was killed Monday night when she was struck by a car while walking on Highway 441 just north of the city limits.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a car driven by Uye Elanor Delraso was southbound on the inside lane of 441 when it struck Mrs. Thompson who was crossing 441 from west to east.
When she was struck by the car, Mrs. Thompson fell across the hood of the car and then fell off when the car came to a stop 128 feet away in the medium.
The accident occurred around 10:50 PM.
The case is still under investigation by the Highway Patrol.
Mrs. Thompson, 31, had lived in Belleview for one year, moving from West Virginia.
She is survived by her father, Oscar Eric Buhl of Summerfield; Mother Louella Wydner of New Jersey; a sister, Mary Elizabeth Reedy, Summerfield; and three brothers.
*****
A Marion County Sheriff's Deputy was involved in a minor traffic accident Tuesday night and the driver of a pickup truck who caused the accident was arrested.
Deputy Todd Knodler was following the pickup truck west on C-25A. Just as Deputy Knodler turned on the flashing lights to stop the truck for traffic violations, the truck, driven by James Taylor of Oklawaha, made a sudden left turn onto SE Babb Road.
The truck turned in front of an east bound motorcycle operated by David Bruggel of Belleview.
In taking evading action, Bruggel turned his motorcycle over in the west bound lane where it skidded and hit the rear of the patrol car.
Belleview Police located the pickup at the Waffle House Restaurant and charged with violation of right of way and DUI.
Bruggel was taken to Munroe Hospital by ambulance.
*****
They said it was fixed, but it really wasn't.
It was just one of those things that happen once in a blue moon and it couldn't of happened to anyone nicer than Mr. and Mrs. Al Miller of Ocala, formally of Orange Blossom Hills.
This lovely couple (husband and wife) became the King and Queen for the evening at Orange Blossom Hills Bingo. They got to wear the "Crowns" and win quite a few extra dollars.
Something new has been added to our evening of entertainment. It's called "Reverse Bingo". This is a "warm-up game" and starts at 6:20 PM.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, August 8th, 1985
 The City of Belleview is inching closer to starting its $2 million water and sewer program that will include a new water tower, a new sewer plant and many new water lines throughout the city and surrounding area.
Bob Rogers, who is working with the City to get the grants and loans for the project, said the Farmer's Home Administration was obligated to loan the City $941,000 and that the final approval should come in about two months.
After it is approved, it will take about six weeks to put the project out on bids.
The City will get the money at 5% interest.
It will be used with the $810,000 grant from the Federal Government and a $450,000 grant from the State of Florida to complete the project.
The City is still looking for land to purchase for the new sewer plant. There are two 40 acre tracts now being considered on Baseline Road.
The new water tower will be constructed in the area of the present water tower near Lake Lillian.
Water and sewer lines will be expanded out Baseline Road to the Railroad Tracks and many existing water lines in the City Limits will be replaced with new lines.
*****
A fire at 9:25 PM Sunday destroyed a mobile home at 9229 SE 140 Place in Little Lake Weir Subdivision.
According to a fire department spokesman, the fire was caused by spilled lantern fluid which was ignited by a candle.
The structure was valued at $9,500 and the contents were valued at $6,000. The structure and contents were a total loss.
David Bowman was listed as the occupant. The structure was fully involved with the fire when the first fire units arrived on the scene. The fire department had the blaze under control soon after they arrived. However there were not in time to save the dwelling. No injuries were reported.
*****
Kash and Karry opened its new Belleview store last week. The manager is Dave Robinson, who was transferred to Belleview from Palm Harbor.
The store is 41,000 feet, which is a medium size store for Kash and Karry. It will have 110 employees, most of whom will be part time.
Officials of Kash and Karry said they felt there was enough population in the Belleview area now to support three grocery stores.
Thriftway has had a store in Belleview for 20 years and Winn Dixie opened its store six years ago.
*****
Drug Traffic in Marion County has not been curbed, but law enforcement agencies are working to take some of the profit out of the business for the dealers the Belleview Rotary Club learned Tuesday.
Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Frank Worley told the Rotarians that cocaine use was on the increase in Marion County, but marijuana traffic is about the same as in recent years.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, August 15th, 1985
South Marion Students have one more week of summer vacation before returning to classrooms for the start of the 1985-86 school year on August 26.
Principals reported for work on August 5 and teachers will report August 19 for in-service workshops, preparation and planning.
School Supt. Skip Archibald has scheduled a new school year kick-off for all school board employees on August 19 at the Ocala Jai Alai Fronton.
High school students will continue to have seven, 50 minute periods, extending their time in the classroom to meet legislative requirements.
This is the first year that Marion County seniors must have earned 24 credits to receive a regular diploma.
Other new rules include requiring students to have a 1.5 average on a 4.0 scale and passing five subjects to participate in extracurricular activities.
*****
Anita Bunce Cochrane of Ocala and Warren Gene Scroggie of Belleview were married July 27 at the First Baptist Church of Belleview.
Steve Chastain officiated.
The bride is the daughter of Frances and Broadus Bunce of Orlando.
The bridegroom is the son of Norma Scroggie of Belleview and the late Ralph Scroggie.
He is the president of the Belleview South Marion Chamber of Commerce and owner of Scroggie Realty in Belleview.
*****
A group of Lake Weir Garden property owners are unhappy with the street paving recently completed in the subdivision.
They have asked the County to withhold payment to the contractor, Ocala Paving, until their complaints have been fixed.
The cite pavement that is chipped on the edges, holes in the pavement, ditches that are too deep, the fact that some of the streets have already had to be torn up and culverts put down as part of the problem.
Their main worry however is that the roads will not last.
The property owners will be assessed for the paving in November and since they are paying for it, they would like to have a voice in the decision to pay the contractor.
County employees have been working in the area to try and fix some of the problems.
*****
A new South Marion Racing Team has produced outstanding results at the Marion Raceway in the last two weeks.
Steve Craven of Pedro, who is one of the top drivers in Central Florida, is now teamed with Ron Raimonda, who owns the car and is the chief mechanic.
The first time out, Aug. 4th, the team won the feature race at the Marion Raceway and was second in the feature last Friday behind Brad Heath of Belleview.
South Marion drivers finished 1-2-3 in the race with Heath the winner, Craven second and Kenny Wing of Belleview third.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, August 22, 1985
Lake Weir students will return to school Monday with a change of management , but no real change in policy.
Roddy Michele was named principal of the school last spring when Clyde Folsom was transferred to Ocala Forest and Michele said he planned no major changes at the school.
"Our big emphasis is going to be on motivating students," Michele said. "We are going to pay special attention to our freshman who traditionally have problems adjusting to high school."
T-Shirts with the slogan (The Class of) "89' is doing fine" have been ordered and freshman who get a 2.0 average will get a white shirt, 3.0 will get a purple shirt and 3.5 will get a collared shirt.
At the end of the year, students who have a 3.0 average will earn a "Varsity Letter" in academics.
Lake Weir High was projected to have 1,760 students, but about 125 more students have enrolled at this time.
The portable classrooms on campus have been removed and the area they occupied is now a paved parking lot.
Students will also have paved courts for outdoor basketball and racketball.
*****
Fran Shaw, the usually bright and cheerful secretary of the Belleview Chamber of Commerce and ticket agent for Greyhound Bus lines, had a long face last week, and for good reason.
Two men came in the office last week and while one distracted her, the other apparently stole her purse.
Lost was all the things a lady normally carries in her purse, plus identification and credit cards and $400 in cash that she was saving for medical reasons.
But what was even worse than losing the money, the purse contained the only picture that Fran had of her late husband.
"I always kept my purse in the bottom drawer of my desk," Fran said, recalling the theft.
"The drawer was open and anyone standing at the desk could see it. One of them kept asking me questions and I had to leave my desk to look up the answers for him."
"I thought they were both standing right behind me while I was checking the bus schedules, but when I turned back around, one of them was standing by the door," she said.
A few minutes after they left the office, she noticed the purse was gone. She ran outside but the two men had disappeared.
Police were called and are investigating, but so far have turned up nothing.
"I just wish they had thrown the purse where it could have been found," Fran said.
"I wouldn't have cared so much about the money. But there is no way I can replace that picture."
*****
Belleview City Commissioner Lavern Tweedle is in Marion Community Hospital recovering from a heart attack that struck him last week.
Family members said Wednesday the attack had been serious, but that he was showing improvement and had been moved to a regular room.
They expect him to remain in the hospital at least another week before returning home where he would need additional rest.
Tweedle has served on the City Commission for the past five years.
He is also a pharmacist at Eckherd Drugs in Belleview.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, September 5, 1985
The cost of living and dying in Belleview is going up if measures being considered by the Belleview City Commission are passed
A new budget for 1986 calls for a 23 per cent increase in property taxes for city residents.
Commissioners are also considering increasing the cost of grave sites in the City Cemetary from $200 to $350.
*****
 Mrs. Winters Baker Hames proudly announces the birth of her 20th Great Grandchild, Max Freeman Hames.
The second day of August is a pretty special day in Mrs. Hames life. Three grandsons have been born on that day: Geoffrey Scot Hames in Belleview, 1980; Bryan Wesley Law in Tye, Texas, 1983; and Max Freeman Hames in Seattle.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, September 5, 1985
The cost of living and dying in Belleview is going up if measures being considered by the Belleview City Commission are passed
A new budget for 1986 calls for a 23 percent increase in property taxes for city residents.
Commissioners are also considering increasing the cost of grave sites in the City Cemetery from $200 to $350. The increase in taxes is to help cover the loss of Federal Revenue Sharing funds, if they are taken away.
Commissioners said the tax increase would amount to 46 cents per $1,000 the property is valued.
For a $40,000 home with a $25,000 homestead exemption, it would mean an increase of $6.84.
For a business valued at $40,000 with no exemption, it would mean an increase of $18.32.
The tax increase will generate an estimated $16,000 in the city.
Commissioners also said they were expecting to receive about $70,000 less in the new year than they received in 1985 from impact fees.
The $70,00 last year came from the construction of Kash and Karry and the new K-Mart Shopping Center.
No new projects of that size are expected during 1986.
Commissioner William Cholewka recommended the increase in burial lots.
He said it was necessary to maintain the cemetery.
He said the City has sold 2,500 burial spaces, but that many of them were sold a long time ago, at a price even lower than the present cost of $200.
He said there were about 250 spaces remaining in the old cemetery.
*****
One of the strangest stories that came out of the hurricane last weekend happened in Belleview.
Saturday afternoon, a car was northbound on I-75 when a strong gust of wind came up, picked up the car, turned it around to south and set it back down in the median.
When the driver brought the car back under control, he was in the southbound lane.
He pulled off at the first exit, which was 484, and headed toward Belleview to stop and rest.
He pulled off at Belleview Elementary when he saw the Red Cross sign. He and his wife were both shaken, but unhurt, from the experience and glad to have a place to rest.
Now, for the "rest of the story": The man was a doctor from Miami, who had just left with his wife on their vacation.
In the emergency shelter at Belleview Elementary were eight heart patients, several in need of medical attention. The doctor stayed at the shelter until it closed Sunday afternoon, taking care of the 195 people staying there.
Everyone came through just fine.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, September 12, 1985
The Lake Weir High School football team opens its season at home Friday against Leesburg at 8 PM.
A rash of mistakes caused the Hurricanes to lose two quarters last week in the pre-season jamboree but Coach Alex Castaneda hopes that problem won't come up again.
"Except for the mistakes, our offense did OK," the coach said.
"When I watched the jamboree films, I saw we were doing some things well."
"In order for us to beat Leesburg, our offense will have to score some points."
The coach said the Lake Weir's defense had played well in the Jamboree despite the fact four starters were out with injuries.
"We'll have to cut out the turnovers," the coach said.
The coaches had praise for the play of Tony Woodward, David Mullins, Denny Norris, Wayne Rice and Mike Mazzurco.
*****
The Fourth Annual "Circus of the Stars" raised $150 over the Labor Day Weekend for the fight against muscular dystrophy. This is the fourth year these girls have had their fund raising circus in Belleview.
The first year the made $10, the second year they had $42 and last year they made $110.
The girls turned the money into McDonalds' Manager Michele Lawson, who gave them a free meal for their efforts. The girls include Michelle Davis, Kerry Gribosky, Ellen Gribosky, Jodie Kaynes, Kristian Keynes and Michelle Walton.
*****
Grant Houston didn't pull any punches when he explained the blackout that hit half the City of Belleview Saturday night.
"It was our fault this time," said Houston, who is manager of the Florida Power office in Oklawaha.
"We had an equipment failure. A line burned itself in two," he said. "I wish I could blame someone else, but I can't this time." About half of the City of Belleview was without power for an hour and a half, beginning around 7:45 PM.
Among those effected were the Bingo Players at the American Legion Hall in Belleview who had just started play when the lights went out.
"After an hour, we offered rain checks to come back on another night," said Tom Nunn of the Legion.
"But not a single person wanted one. They all waited the entire time for the lights to come back on."
*****
City Public Works Director Robert Brown is off his crutches after an accident two weeks ago.
Brown was clearing weeds with a machete and accidently chopped his leg.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, September 19, 1985
Walgreen's Drug Store opened Wednesday in the new K-Mart Shopping Center north of Belleview, but stores still do not have a certificate of occupancy (CO).
Belleview City Officials expressed surprise at their meeting Tuesday that Walgreens was going ahead with its opening.
The center has still not met all the legal requirements to open.
The city of Belleview had requested the County to withhold its CO until the stores had met all the obligations with the City.
However County Commissioner Roy Abshier said Wednesday that was not possible. "It would be illegal for us to withhold the CO because the shopping center has not met all the city's requirements," Abshier said.
"Once they meet all the County's requirements, we have to issue them the CO," Abshier said. However the county has not issued the K-Mart CO because the drainage retention area has not met county specifications.
"They put up a $100,000 bond and we agreed to let them open without a CO," Abshier said. "They have a certain amount of time to dig a new drainage retention area. If they don't do it in that amount of time, then the county gets the $100,000 and will dig the retention area for them."
In addition to the retention area, the shopping center has not yet received an approval of its Collection System from the Department of Environmental Regulation and has not given the City its final site plans.
"If they don't comply with City regulations, the City can cut their water off," Abshier said. "But the county can't withhold the CO."
*****
Robert Vinson was up early Saturday and by 6:30 AM he went to his mother's house to borrow an extra set of keys for his utility room at Big Ridge Acres near Belleview.
As he passed by the shed behind her house, his dog, Justin, suddenly ran to the door of the shed and began sniffing the ground, then jumped on the door.
"My first thought was that a cat must have gotten into the shed somehow," Vinson said.
As he opened the door to see what had caught the dog's attention, the early morning light revealed the outline of something lying on top of some quilts in the storage room.
It looked like a man.
Vinson reached inside and turned on the light. As it came on, a blonde haired man suddenly rose up, awaked from his sleep and stared at Vinson.
"What are you doing in here?" Vinson asked. "Just resting," the man answered. Vinson knew instantly who it was.
"As soon as I saw that blonde hair, I knew who he was," Vinson said later. The man inside was Ronald Lloyd Bailey, wanted for the murder of a 13 year old boy in Michigan and a variety of other charges.
Vinson reacted quickly, slamming the door shut and putting a lock on the door. The lock was broken though and would not close. Vinson ran back into his mother's house and explained what was going on as he dialed the Sheriff's Department.
Bailey had escaped from the shed by slamming his fist through a window in the door and taking off the lock. He ran into the nearby woods.
Finally, about 14 hours after being spotted by Vinson, Bailey came walking out of the woods near a deputy sheriff's car and said "Here I am. I'm the man you're looking for."
"Of course, now that it's over, I can think of a lot of things I should have done," Vinson said. "But at least they caught him," Vinson said. "That's the important thing."
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, October 3, 1985
The Belleview City Commission voted Tuesday night to allow the new K-Mart Shopping Center to open this week, despite the fact that the center has not yet met all the City's requirements for receiving water and sewer.
City Engineer Bob Rogers told the Commission he had received the legal documents from the Shopping Center Monday, but they were not in order and he recommended the City not accept them.
The main problem centers around the sewer lift station at the shopping center.
The center deeded the lift station to the City, but did not give the City legal access to the lift station.
"The lift station is landlocked and we have no access to it," Rogers said. He recommended that the City ask for a 10 foot right of way to the lift station.
*****
Fourth District President Muriel Auld of Belleview American Legion Auxiliary Post 284 welcomed State Legion Auxiliary President Fran Carlton to the Fourth District meeting held recently in Belleview.
Units participating were from Dunnellon, Crystal River, Beverly Hills, Hawthorne, Starke and Weirsdale. Mrs. Carlton is a resident of Palm Beach.
*****
State Senator Dick Langley, R-Clearmont, told the Chamber at the Annual Dinner last week something we always suspected, but didn't know for sure.
"The legislature passed a State Comprehensive Plan to please the press and the people," Langley said.
"But now we're going to go ahead and do what we want to anyway."
Langley filled in for Mayor Bob Martinez of Tampa, who had accepted an invitation to speak, but called new Chamber President Mark Damohn on the morning of the dinner and said he couldn't be there.
In the last 15 years, the Chamber has invited two out-of-town speakers for the Annual Dinner - Martinez and Orlando Sentinel Columnist Charlie Reese. Both have said yes, but neither showed up.
*****
The cast of "The Tender Trap" is ready for the opening curtain to go up at 8:13 Friday in the Belleview City Hall Auditorium. Members of the cast include Lisa Moorhead, Fran Benner, Ginny Yandle, Mera Brisendine, Walt Guillaume, Jack Sherouse and Gene Neff.
The play is directed by Cecelia Phillips.
*****
Lake Weir's Hurricanes made good on only one of three opportunities to score in the first half and never had a chance again as Crystal River rolled to a 24-7 win last Friday.
Lake Weir, 0-3 for the season, must now brace for the undefeated Ocala Forest Wildcats who roll into Candler Friday night.
This will be the tenth meeting between Forest and Lake Weir and Forest has won all nine of the previous games. The Wildcats will be a strong favorite to extend their string to 10 games this week.
"We're not going to surrender," Coach Alex Castaneda dryly said this week. "We're going to try and get better execution on what we've been doing."
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, October 10, 1985
Youngsters at Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary School had an impressive display last Friday when they had tied all the lengths of their paper chain together.
Links in the chain cost 1 cent each, with all money going to United Way.
When the idea first came up, teachers hoped they would have enough to reach all the way around the school.
But Friday, the 49,321 links not only easily looped the school, but was almost enough to circle the City of Weirsdale.
*****
Members of the Belleview United Methodist Church stood in front of the church wearing Centennial T-Shirts, bearing the message "Belleview United Methodist Church 1885-1985".
Members have been wearing the shirts to church the last two weeks and will wear them again Sunday as they celebrate their 100th anniversary October 13, at 10:30 AM, following Sunday School at 9:15.
The first service was held in the church in October, 1976.
Rev Jim Gaylor, the present pastor of the church, said all members, former members and friends of the church were invited to attend Sunday ad join the 100 year celebration.
*****
Dave McDonald, president of the Belleview Noon Lions Club, presented a check to Belleview Library President Betty Reeves for $100 to help operate the library during the coming year.
Mrs. Reeve's was the speaker at the Lion's Club meeting last week. She had a slide show and told the Lions about the Library and its work in the community.
The Belleview Library will celebrate its 100th Anniversary next year. It was founded in 1886, making it the sixth oldest in Florida.
Through its 100 year history, the Library has been funded by donations from Belleview businesses, clubs and individuals.
*****
Either Lake Weir or Paxton High School will win its first game of the year Friday night.
The two winless football teams will meet at Paxton's field in Jacksonville at 8:00 PM.
Paxton is 0-3 for the season and Lake Weir is 0-4 after losing to Ocala Forest, 41-0 Friday.
The Wildcats played their first string through the first and third quarters and substituted in the second and fourth periods.
"We just didn't play well," said coach Castaneda. "Our tackling was terrible."
*****
Members of the Belleview Jaycees installed iron bars in a cage they hope will contain one of the monsters who will occupy the Annual Haunted House and prevent the monster from leaping onto visitors when the house opens to brave residents on October 18.
In all, the haunted house will be home for 18 ghouls who will try and make visits as interesting as possible. The Haunted House is in the same location as last year, above Belleview Finance on Highway 441.
Jaycees working on the cage included Roger Evans, Lance Calloway, and Vince Beal.
*****

From the Voice of South Marion, October 17, 1985
Against the advice of the City Attorney, Commissioner William Cholewka refused to change his vote at a special meeting of the City Commission held last week.
Cholewka had cast the deciding vote in a 3-2 decision to rezone a lot from residential to business use at the corner of SE 113th Street and SE 55 Ave.
Cholewka owns property near the land to be rezoned and other property owners who opposed the rezoning charge that Cholewka had a conflict of interest and should not vote.
City Attorney Reginal Black advised Cholewka not to vote until he had written the Attorney General's office and asked for an opinion if it was indeed a conflict of interest.
"I had nothing to do with the sale and I have no personal gain from the sale," Cholewka said. "I don't think I have done anything wrong. My vote sands."
Voting with Cholewka to rezone the property was Mayor Mickey Thompson and Commissioner Gene Hames.
It was opposed by Paul Anderson and Lavern Tweedle.
Tweedle has returned to a hospital for further test because of a heart attack he had several weeks ago and could not be present for the meeting.
*****
  Members of the Belleview Lions Club were hard at work last week cooking chicken at the Lions-St. Pauls Octoberfest held last week at St. Paul's National Polish Catholic Church. Lions working on the project included Pete Fitzpatrick, Mike Beresky, Don Streeter, Pat Dabney, Phil Phillison, Ed Dennison, Ted Arnowicz and Carroll Foster.
*****
Over 400 people were present Sunday as the Belleview United Methodist Church celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Some of the day's activities include a dinner on the grounds, a variety of music and entertainment and talks by some of the church's former ministers.
Three of the four past ministers who are still living were present for the day, Rev. Charles Ketchum who served from 1958 to 1960, Rev. Don Dial who served from 1972 to 1981 and Rev. Duane Zoller who served from 1981 until 1985.
Lucille Walker was honored as the longest living member of the church. She joined the church in 1913.
Ed Hilliard was chairman for the Methodist Centennial.
*****
For a little while Friday night, it seemed Lake Weir might be on its way to its elusive first win of the season, but Jacksonville Paxon came back to wipe out a 7-0 Hurricane lead and nail Lake Weir with its fifth straight loss, 30-7.
Lake Weir will go to Gainesville Saturday night to meet the Gainesville High Hurricanes who were unbeaten and ranked fourth in the state before losing to class AAAAA Gainesville Bucholz last week.
*****
The Belleview Kiwanis Club Held its officer installations last week at Fiddlesticks. The new officers are Winn Reeves, treasurer; Dr. Chris McKenney, first vice president; John Charcola, President; and Phil Duval, secretary. This Kiwanis meet at noon every Wednesday at the Golden Corral. Anyone interested should contact Dr. McKenney.
*****
Kenny wing won two big victories at the Ocala Raceway in Zuber Friday night.
He won the feature race by finishing first in the night's races and also locked up the Point Championship for the season.
Steve Craven of Pedro limped along with mechanical problems and finished fourth.
*****
UNBEATEN BULLDOGS - Members of the undefeated Senior Division Belleview Bulldogs include, front row from left, Tim Ramsay, Scott Crain, Cary Stephens, Billy Williams, Herb Dision, Greg Scwartz, T.J. Ward. Second row from left Anthony Ciappetta, Mike Scroggie, G. Anderson, S. Lipira, Billy Alcott, Mike Gripple, Gimme Cook, S. Bowles, Tony Hobart. Back row from left, Coach Barry Stewart, Russ Guinn, James Rice, Troy Guinn, Al Swirferd, John Morrow, Tim Farley, Bob Harelson, Blue Lundy, and Coach Buddy Guinn.

From the Voice of South Marion, October 24, 1985
A man using a gun robbed the Dollar Store in the Winn Dixie Shopping Center in Belleview Monday.
The robbery began at 2:30 PM when the black man walked into the manager's office and pulled a gun.
He forced her to go to the cash register in the front of the store and give him the money.
The robber left the store through the back door. Apparently there were no witnesses to see if he left the store in a car or on foot.
The robbery is being investigated by the Belleview Police.
*****
The Friendship Grange held its installation of officers Monday at the Pedro Community Building.
The new officers include Shirley Hilts, Eunice Tiffany, Virginia Pierce, Wilma Teetsel, Barbara McCall, Patricia Sears, Stuart Hilts, Clifton Tiffany, master; Donald Pierce, Fred Teetsel, Melvin McCall, Harold Hilts and David Bouser.
*****
The Lake Weir Chamber of Commerce is planning a Civil War re-enactment and festival for December 7 and 8 in Oklawaha.
The program will include a parade, a ceremony at Oklawaha Cemetery, Arts & Crafts, Authentic Encampments of Confederate and Federal Troops, a Living History Program, A Blue and Gray Ball and a Mock-Battle with full dress troops.
The battle will be a reenactment of the Oklawaha River Raids during the war.
*****
Clifford Insurance in Belleview was host for the October Sunrise Community Breakfast, sponsored each month by the Belleview South Marion Chamber of Commerce.
Discussing the upcoming Christmas Parade included Postmaster Jim Thomas, Linda Clifford, of Clifford Insurance; Gene Scroggie of Scroggie Realty; and Elaine Lafrance and Reg Graff of Clifford Insurance.
*****
Students at Belleview-Santos Elementary School had a "Jog-A-Thon" last week to raise money for the Marion County United Way.
Students in grades 1-5 found sponsors who would donate to the United Way for each mile the student jogged.
*****
Gainesville High defeated the Lake Weir Hurricanes 50-0 last week, handing Lake Weir its sixth defeat this season.
Lake Weir has an open date this Friday to regroup before hosting Ocala Vanguard on November 1.
*****
The South Marion Volunteer Fire Department will have a Community Halloween Party at the South Marion Fire Station on October 31 from 7 to 9 PM.
*****
MISS LAKE WEIR CONTEST - Entries in the Miss Lake Weir Contest held a practice Sunday at the Legion - Kiwanis Beach in Weirsdale, where the contest will be held November 2. The girls include, from left, Leigh Ann Self, Stephanie Allen, Wendy Green, Shawn Hall, Nancy Webb, Debbie Downs, Lori Goldstein, Christina Ollier, Hollie Sue Hite, Cindy Miller, Hope Pollard, Karen Uptain, Aimee Berrios, Wend Matthews. The Lake Weir Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the annual Beauty pageant as part of their Fall Festival. Contestants must be 16-19 years old. Judging will be in three categories - Beauty, Poise and Personality. Sueann Evans, Last years Miss Lake Weir, Will be present to crown the new queen. Other activities for the day include a Fish Fry at the Kiwanis Beach along with live entertainment (music and dancing) and a 1986 Automobile showing from local dealers. It all begins at 10 AM on November 2.

From the Voice of South Marion, October 31, 1985
The Lake Weir Kiwanis Club will sponsor its Annual Fall Festival at Lake Weir Legion-Kiwanis Beach in the Weirsdale, November 2, beginning at 10:00 AM..
During the day a new Miss Lake Weir will be crowned.
Miss Lake Weir represents the community at a variety of events and parades.
Judging for the Miss Lake Weir Contest will be in three categories, beauty, poise and personality.
Miss Lake Weir will receive a $150 Savings Bond. The runner up will receive a $100 Savings Bond. There will be a Miss Congeniality trophy awarded, which will be voted on by the contestants themselves.
*****
A Belleview family needs help in recovering from a disaster that nearly killed two of the members.
On Father's Day of this year William McCowan and his nine year old son were driving north on Baseline Road when a car traveling south pulled into his lane, attempting to pass another car.
McCowan swerved into the ditch, but was struck almost head on by the other car anyway.
The boy escaped serious injury, but McCowan spent 10 days in the hospital with a broken leg, a broken knee and cut tendons in the other knee and a broken jaw.
The other driver was found at fault, but had no insurance. McCowan's car was a total loss.
McCowan has not been able to work since the accident. Only in the last three weeks has he began to walk again and still very unsteady. Doctors are not sure if he will ever regain full use of his legs again.
Prior to the accident, McCowan had been employed by Younce Construction for three years. Younce said McCowan was a good worker and they would be happy to hire him back if he could do the work.
Rev. Jim Gaylor of the Belleview Methodist Church has agreed to administer a fund for the McCowan Family, to help get them started again.
*****
Where does time go? It doesn't really seem like it to us, but with this issue the Voice is starting its 17th year.
A lot of issues have rolled off the press since then, 832 to be exact, but none of them are more clear in my mind than the first one.
Although native Floridians and former residents of Ocala some years before, we came to Belleview not knowing a single person, but with a feeling it was a good area to start a newspaper.
There were a lot of helping hands that first week... the late Vince Razzano at the Bank of Belleview; Maurice Tresslar, who then owned the Western Auto; Greg McWhite, who was president of the Jaycees along with operating his Chevron Station; members of the Pulaski Club; Hugh Clotfelter, who then was owner of Clotfelter Realty, Martha Pate, who was Chairman of the City Council; and a number of others.
Through the years there have been hundreds more who have helped or else you wouldn't be reading this now.
Our thoughts about a community newspaper are that it should be just that, a community newspaper, with everyone having equal access to it.
That was our goal in that first issue and that's our goal this week. And the fact that all of you have helped has made this issue possible.
Thank You,
Jim Waldron
*****
LAKE WEIR HOPEFULS - One of these five seniors will be the 1985 Homecoming Queen at Lake Weir High School. The girls from left are Nikki Peaks, Lisa Cutler, Leah Holder, Jennifer Distefano and Melanie Kelley. The new Queen will be crowned Friday night at half-time of the Lake Weir - Ocala Vanguard Football game. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, November 7, 1985
Care 1, a company which operates walk-in medical treatment clinics, announced Tuesday it was going ahead with plans to build a facility in Belleview.
The building will be located near the intersection of highway 441 and 102 Street, across from the new K-mart Shopping Center.
Dr. Webb, speaking to the Belleview City Commission Tuesday, said the building would handle up to 12 physicians and would be open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dr. Webb said their survey had found there was a shortage of doctors in the South Marion area and that there were 46,000 people within five miles of their planned location.
*****
Plans were approved, with some minor revisions, for a new subdivision in the City Limits. It is called Stonegate Estates and will be located off Summerfield Road. It will contain about 12 homes.
*****
Last week, we reported on the situation of the William McCowan family, who were trying to recover from the aftermath of a serious automobile accident that left McCowan seriously injured and unable to work.
During the past week, South Marion residents have responded with a helping hand so that the McCowan family's status has improved dramatically. The McCowans have moved into a two bedroom home, which has been provided rent-free to them for the next few months.
And they have a fund of over $300 which was donated by area residents to meet some of their most urgent needs.
"We have used some of the money to pay the electric deposit at the house," said Rev. Jim Gaylor, pastor of the Belleview Methodist Church, who is administering the fund.
"We are also going to have the gas hooked up and turned on for heat for the family this winter."
McCowan was seriously injured in an automobile accident on Father's Day. He had a long stay in the hospital, followed by another long recovery period at home. He just began to walk again three weeks ago.
"The family is very, very grateful for all the help they have received," Rev. Gaylor said.
*****
Lylene's Video Bazaar had its Grand Opening last weekend at its new store on 110th Street. Interestingly, the five most requested Videos were as follows:
1. Gone With The Wind
2. Amadeus
3. Missing In Action II
4. Ghostbusters
5. Beverly Hills Cop
*****
The City received a letter from the FBI praising the Belleview City Police and particularly Officer Les Batts, for their work in helping capture Ron Bailey in a large manhunt in Belleview two months ago.
Bailey is a suspect in several child murders in Michigan.
*****
HOMECOMING QUEEN AND MISS LAKE WEIR - Leah Holder won the Lake Weir High School Homecoming Queen Contest and Denise Brennan won the Miss Lake Weir Contest, sponsored by the Lake Weir Kiwanis Club last weekend. Leah Holder, at left with brother Jason and Dad Lamar, was crowned Friday night by Paige Cavanaugh, the 1984 Homecoming Queen. Denise was crowned by Sueann Evans, the 1984 Miss Lake Weir on Saturday afternoon at Kiwanis-Legion Beach in Weirsdale. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion-, November 14, 1985
The Kiwanis Club of Belleview will have its Second Annual Road Rally on November 23 at 10 AM. The Rally will begin at Lake Lillian in Belleview.
Each car entered must have a driver and a navigator. All speed limits must be obeyed.
Everyone is invited to enter. For more information, contact Race Chairman Win Reeves.
*****
Arthur Auld was made a "Paul Harris Fellow" Tuesday by the Belleview Rotary Club. Standing with him were Lewis Gilbert, of the Ocala Rotary Club, who presented the award and Belleview Rotary president Louis Cox.
In order for Auld to become a Paul Harris Fellow, the Belleview Rotary had to donate $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, which uses the money for world wide projects.
Auld, along with member Joe Ernest who is also a Paul Harris Fellow, founded the Belleview Rotary Club and had served as President. Auld was also a charter member of a Rotary Club in New York.
*****
Christmas Parade Chairman Bill Giles tells us that Santa is bringing his reindeer to pull him through this year's parade on December 8.
Usually Santa hitches a ride on the South Marion Fire Department's big pumper, but he'll have his own transportation this year.
*****
The Lake Weir High Band participated in the 8th Annual High School Marching Band Concert this week at Booster Stadium.
 Others performing included Dunnellon, North Marion, Vanguard, Forest and several middle schools.
*****
It was a long time coming, but the Lake Weir High Football team had its day Friday, beating New Smyrna Beach on the Barracudas Homecoming, 10-0.
Yes, it was a big upset, but no, it wasn't a fluke.
The New Smyrna Beach team was bigger, stronger and faster, but Lake Weir countered that by outhustling, outfighting and outcoaching the Cudas.
New Smyrna should have figured out that the Hurricanes meant business in the first quarter.
Twice in the first 12 minutes, New Smyrna drove inside the Lake Weir 15 yard line and both times the Lake Weir defense stopped them cold.
On the first series, New Smyrna's starting quarterback dropped back to pass and Lake Weir's Mike Harris charged through and leveled him with a crushing tackle. The Smyrna quarterback had to be helped off the field and didn't return until the final moments of the game to throw some desperation passes.
The Hurricanes had obviously shaken off the memories of the previous week's 41-0 thrashing at the hands of Vanguard and played Friday like an undefeated team.
The victory gives Lake Weir a 1-7 record. The Canes travel to Inverness Friday to meet Citrus, their oldest rival.
*****
Belleview Disabled Veterans Chapter #85 raised the Flag for the first time in front of its new building on Baseline Road last week.
Doing the honors were officer of the Day Horacio Callero and Commander Bob Melville, while other members of the Chapter looked on.
*****
Summerfield Baptist Church had a ground-breaking for its new Sanctuary following service Sunday. While the congregation looked on, Rev. Donald Newman talked about the building and said a prayer, before turning over the first shovel of dirt.
The sanctuary will seat between 450-500 people and will also contain two Sunday School rooms, a choir rehearsal room, nursery and a Pastors study. It is expected to be completed in about seven months.
*****
HAPPY HURRICANES - The Lake Weir High School football team was obviously happy Friday after defeating New Smyrna Beach, 10-0 in New Smyrna. The win was the first for Lake Weir this season and ended a 14 game losing streak that extended over two seasons. When the game was over, the team went up in the stands and cheered for the band, which performed following the game, because of the time taken up by New Smyrna's Homecoming activities. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion-, November 21, 1985
A former South Marion Resident was a victim of the floods that hit West Virginia two weeks ago.
Stacey "Schomp" Burns, her husband and two children, a boy age 4 and a girl age 8, saw the flood sweep through their home in Caldwell, WV reaching within six inches of the ceiling.
All their Furniture, clothing and other belongings were destroyed. The only appliance saved was the refrigerator.
Stacey lived and attended schools in South Marion County from 1965 to 1975. Relatives in the Belleview area said they are having a rough time recovering and any help from former friends would be appreciated.
*****
The Belleview City Commission passed a new ordinance Tuesday that would end the practice of placing tombstones at the head of graves and would add other regulations to use of the city cemetery.
In addition to prohibiting tombstones, the ordinance will prevent tombs from being placed on top of the ground and will limit to two the number of cremation urns that can be placed in one cemetery lot.
There was some confusion over which cemetery was designated by the ordinance.
The Commission apparently meant for the new regulations to apply only to the new city cemetery, but City Attorney Reginal Black said the ordinance, as passed, regulated "all cemeteries owned by the city".
The proposal must be voted on two more times before it becomes a law.
*****
Lake Weir may have broken some school passing records Friday night in Inverness, but the Canes didn't help their win and lost as Citrus rolled to a 35-17 victory.
The loss leaves Lake Weir with a 1-8 record and one game remaining on the schedule, a 8 PM date with North Marion at the Lake Weir field Friday.
Quarterback Mike Mazzzurco passed 31 times, completed 14 for 150 yards, one touchdown, one two-point conversion and had one intercepted.
Freshman split end Major Mills caught nine of the passes, including one for a touchdown and another for a two-point conversion and a total of 116 yards.
Tight end James Harris pulled in four passes for 25 yards and freshman split end Chris Armstrong caught one pass for nine yards.
Leading tacklers on the team included Tom LeWallan, Don Norris, Javier Sugrez, Steve Morson, Robbie Bleau, Wayne Rice, David Hall, and Jerry French.
*****
The Lake Weir High School Band was one of four bands that received superior ratings from all three judges at the District V Marching Festival last week.
This is the highest award a marching band can receive from the Florida and Masters Association.
The Festival was held at the Leesburg High School Stadium.
There were 22 bands from Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties performing at the festival.
Bands were evaluated in three major categories of marching, musicmanship and general effect.
*****
Vista Bank President James Gornto announced the election of Clyde Larramore as chairman and Randolph Tucker, vice chairman, of the Bank's board of directors.
*****
Elizabeth Ritchey, 24, Sanford, received minor injuries when the bicycle she was riding collided with another bicycle on an organized bike tour that passed through South Marion County last week. The accident occurred on CR 9 about one mile eat of C-25, east of Belleview.
Ritchey was a part of a group of some 500 cyclist on a week-end bike tour. The group left Sanford on Saturday morning and were to stay overnight at Central Florida Community College in Ocala. The group passed through Belleview around noon.
*****
WIZARD OF OZ - The Cast of "Wizard of Oz" is going through final rehearsals as they prepare for the play's opening on November 29 in the Belleview City Hall Auditorium. The leads in the play from left are David Rivers, Scarecrow; Ed McNeice, Lion; Susan Huff, Dorothy; and Jerry Azevedo, TIn Man. The production is directed by Michele McNeice. Sara Schmidt is the musical director. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion-, November 28, 1985
Confederate and Union Troops will camp and fight in Ocklawaha December 7-8 as the war comes to South Marion.
The battles, which will be fought near the Community Building in Ocklawaha, will be a reenactment of the "Ocklawaha River Raids" battle during the war between the states.
Confederate and Union troops will be dressed in authentic uniforms and will have camps set up near the battle area, which visitors are welcome to inspect.
Its all part of the Ocklawaha River Raid Festival being sponsored next weekend by the Lake Weir Chamber of Commerce.
Grant Houston is the general chairman.
In addition to the battle, there will be a full day of activities each day, including food and craft booths, historical programs and even a fashion show with fashions from the 1860's.
*****
Roy Thompson and Sharlene Perry were the winning Driver-Navigator in Saturday's Second Annual Belleview Kiwanis Road Rally. The winners finished the extremely difficult course in one hour, 48 minutes.
*****
The Lake Weir football team drifted about as close to victory as you can without actually winning Friday, before going down to their 9th defeat of the season.
North Marion, which ended its season with a 7-3 record, came from behind in the last 30 seconds ti administer the last rights to Lake Weir, 20-14.
Although they couldn't get the Colts stopped in the last two minutes, the Lake Weir defense played super most of the night.
Leading tacklers included Mike Tillery, Lonnie Smith, John Pawcik, Ricky Grow, Jerry French, Don Norris, who also recovered a fumble, Javier Sugrez, Mike Harris, who caused a fumble and Steve Morson.
*****
During the first six months of 1985, the South Marion Volunteer Fire Department responded to 914 calls, according to information compiled by the Florida State Fire Marshal fire reporting system.
The 914 incidents included 138 fires that have caused $955,880 in direct property losses, five civilian injuries and one firefighter injury.
The department has also responded to 661 rescue calls, 16 false alarm calls, 80 other calls as well as assisted the Fire Departments in adjoining Districts 19 times.
*****
  South Marion Volunteer Fire Department is beginning to make plans for their annual project of helping Santa Claus.
According to Chief Phil Thompson, the concern of the department at the present time is to acquire toys in good condition to distribute on Christmas Eve.
During the evening on December 24, several members of the department will leave their families and meet at the station to distribute dolls, trucks, games, etc. to children who otherwise maybe missed on Christmas morning.
To be able to help the families in need, the department needs help in collecting items to be given to children. The toys are grouped together for specific children and delivered on a fire truck. Santa Claus accompanied the group when he is available.
Any types of toys such as trucks, cars, dolls, games, crayons and coloring books can be used. Larger items such as tricycles and bicycles can also be used.
*****
Damon Walker, pastor of First Baptist Church of Belleview, congratulated Ray Testor, pastor of Pedro Baptist Church and Don Newman, pastor of First Baptist Church of Summerfield.
Pedro and Summerfield Baptist Churches received attendance awards at the Marion Baptist Association meeting Monday. First Baptist Church of Belleview was the host church.
*****
NEW CHURCH BUILDING - Members of the Building Committee at the Pedro Baptist Church check on the progress of the construction of the new "Family Life Center" which is being built behind the church on CR 42. From left is Carl Perry, Don Carter, Joe Remmington, John Proctor, Bob Hart, Dave Bailie, Herbert Oliver and Rev. Ray Teston. The building will contain facilities for a number of recreation activities including a basketball court, volleyball, racketball and others, along with a complete kitchen and storage areas. It is expected to be completed in January. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion-, December 5, 1985
The Annual Belleview Christmas Parade is scheduled to begin Sunday at 3 PM on highway 441 in Belleview.
The parade will begin across from the Belleview City Hall and continue South on 441 and end after it passes the Thriftway Shopping Center,
Parade Chairman Bill Giles said earlier this week that over 70 units were entered in the parade, including four marching bands.
*****
The Lake Weir High School Baseball Booster Club will have a Flea Market Saturday at the Vista Bank Parking lot in Belleview.
Booths will be available for rent.
*****
Businesses in Almeida Plaza were host for the November Breakfast meeting of the Belleview South-Marion Chamber of Commerce, which was held in the Body Workshop.
Present for the breakfast were Mike Reynolds of Mike's Cycles; Debbie Davis of His-N-Her Hairworks; Jackie Moser of Body Workshop; Frank Almeida of Almeida Realty; and Jim Bennett of Bennett and Associates Surveying.
*****
The Parkview Players will hold open auditions for this season's mystery "The Spiral Staircase" in the Belleview City Hall Auditorium on December 9 and 10 at 7 PM.
The play by Mel Dinelli and adapted by F. Andrew Leslie calls for four males and four females. Director Ginny Yandle welcomes anyone interested in the production to attend. Prior stage experience or membership are not prerequisites.
The Parkview Players are a community theatrical group with plenty of enthusiasm for their productions.
*****
The South Marion Fire Department is sponsoring "Big Hearted Jerry's Carnival" in Belleview.
The carnival will be set u at the Belleview Baseball Complex on Robinson Ave. It opens at 4 PM on Thursday and Friday and at noon on Saturday and 1 PM on Sunday. The carnival will feature rides for all ages, games and food.
*****
Members of the 1985 Lake Weir High School Basketball team include Darryn Lake, Anthony Brewton, Aaron Bock, Gary Repko, Tom McNicholas, Heath Clark, Coach Bill Aby, Jim Cavanaugh, Shelton Rose, Kenny McDonald, Jim Truthhill, Ed Kiss and Scott Pruitt.
*****
The City of Belleview reached a final agreement last week with Munroe Regional Hospital Ambulance Service for locating the ambulance in Belleview.
The hospital plans to move a 14x52 mobile home onto an area of the ballpark this week.
The city will furnish the site with water lines, a septic system and a power pole.
The hospital will pay all utilities, insurance and minimum water. The County will waive all permits on the site.
The hospital will also construct a fence to separate the mobile home from the rest of the park.
*****
Mayor Mickey Thompson reported that the Belleview Recreation Association is no longer in existence and therefore all leases are null and void.
Commissioners said the problem of running the park would be discussed at a future meeting.
*****
Mrs. Baxley's class at Little Friends Kindergarten had their Thanksgiving meal on Tuesday. The children brought food for the meal and they share it with one another, similar to the way the Pilgrims and Indians did at the first Thanksgiving.
*****
CHILDREN'S PARADE WINNERS - The winners in the Children's Christmas Parade last week at Lake Lillian included from left, Sammy and Samantha Willoughby, first place in pre-school; Jeffrey Brodie, first place, K-2; Kaylie Allen, first place, 3-5. The parade was sponsored by the Belleview South Marion Chamber of Commerce and Louise Deegan was the general chairman. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion-, December 12, 1985
  Alex Castaneda said this week he had no complaints or arguments with the decision to remove him as head football coach at Lake Weir High School, but he would have liked one more chance to have a winning season.
"We were building for next year," Castaneda said. "I was looking forward to it, because we have a lot of boys coming back and there is a chance for a good season."
Castaneda was relieved of his coaching duties last week by Lake Weir High Principal Roddy Michele.
"I felt like we needed to make a change," Michele said.
"I appreciate the job Alex has done, but I think we need to move forward."
Castaneda coached the Hurricanes for two full seasons after taking over from John Land with two games remaining n the 1983 schedule. He finished 3-7 in 1984 and fell to 1-9 in 1985.
"There are six starters coming back on offense and seven starters returning on defense.' Castaneda said. "Included in those returning is quarterback Mike Mazzurco, who I think could be a great quarterback and receiver Major Mills, who could be the greatest football player Lake Weir has ever had.
"I feel like we have built a good foundation at Lake Weir and I hope the next coach can have a big winner. "
*****
Eugene Duszik, an active civic leader and worker in the South Marion area for more than a dozen years, died Tuesday.
He was 73.
Mr. Duszik was active and held office in numerous organizations. He retired from Russell's Thriftway several years ago.
*****
The Belleview City Commission last week passed the second reading of a proposed ordinance to ban tombstones in the City Cemetery, but amended it to include just the new city cemetery.
Tombstones will still be permitted in the old cemetery. Markers will be limited to two inches in height on all graves.
Commissioner William Cholewka, who had proposed the ordinance, said if they were any lower than that grass would grow over them and they couldn't be found.
The Commission will vote one more time on the ordinance before it becomes law.
*****
Six new members joined the Belleview South Marion Chamber of Commerce last month.
They include Adrian Lucas Aluminum, McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Classic Cleaners, Dr. I.N. Knight and Belleview Texaco.
*****
Belleview Police are searching for the suspect in the armed robbery of the Circle K Convenience Store on Highway 441 in Belleview Saturday.
According to Belleview Police, the suspect entered the store around 10 AM and began looking at magazines.
When the clerk turned her back, the suspect moved around the counter behind her, placed an object in her back and demanded the cash.
Anyone with information about the suspect should contact the Belleview Police Department.
*****
Belleview Boy Scout Troop 167 held a Frisbee Golf Tournament last week.
The winners included Glenn Bevin, Jimmy McKenzie, Kenny Newman, Kevin Slone, Johnny McKenzie and Billy Walton. Following the tournament, the boys were treated to a cook-out at the home of Frank Almeida.
At that time trophies and frisbees were awarded to the winners.
*****
Belleview Police Officer Steve Ladd stopped a car for speeding last week and noticed two handguns inside the car in plain view.
A later search turned up a third and Ladd arrested the occupants of the car and found later that both the guns and the car had been stolen in Tallahassee.
One of the occupants of the car, Michael Lanier, had been acquitted earlier this year of beating a classmate to death with a flute.
*****
WINNER OF TV - Bea Chapman, left, of Belleview, was the winner of a Panasonic Television set which was the grand prize in a drawing held by the Belleview Chapter of Business and Professional Women last week. Presenting the TV is Jean Winstanley, vice president of the organization. Proceeds from the drawing went into the Women's Scholarship Fund. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion-, December 19, 1985
The Ocklawaha Brownie Troop #379 raised enough money from this year's calender sales to have an outing and enjoy a special function.
Instead, they bought a rocking chair with their earnings and will donate it to the Pediatrics Unit at Munroe Regional Medical Center.
"We're delighted that the Brownies are donating this chair. we'll get a lot of use from it," said Marlene Champagne, the head nurse of the pediatrics unit.
The Brownie troop, led by Lorraine Allen and Susan Wilke, will present the chair to the staff and patients of pediatrics.
*****
Ken Ergle of the Marion County Sheriff's Department told the Kiwanis Wednesday that the use of cocaine was increasing rapidly in Marion County.
In order to fight the problem, Ergle said the Sheriff was going to declare a "War" on drug dealers the first of the year.
*****
A ground breaking for the new addition to the Knights of Columbus Clubhouse took place recently.
The officers of the club and the contractor were present including E. Moncovich, R. Weakland, P. Ciampi, R. LaRiviere, C. Woolf, contractor, W. Hemmer, V. Bazinet, Belleview Mayor Mickey Thompson, R. Ciampi and V. Jarosz.
*****
In keeping with Polish Christmas tradition, St. Pauls Catholic Church in Belleview will serve the "wigilia" Christmas Supper at 6 PM on December 24 in the Fellowship Hall.
All visitors are respectfully invited to share in the Christmas celebration.
This time honored old country traditional custom calls for the sharing of the Christmas Wafer called "Oplatek" and the exchangeing of love and good wishes for the coming year, before the supper begins.
Traditional meatless dishes will be prepared by the members of the Ladies Society with the supervision of the Josephine Janusz, president of the society.
*****
Emmitta Walton entertains whenever she is needed. She is a member of the Pedro 4-H Club and an active Girl Scou and at present attends Belleview Santos School.
She performed at the Kiwanis of Lake Weir Installation of Officers Ladies Night Dinner held at the Kiwanis Lake Weir Hall recently.
She also entertained at the Deer Run Senior Citizens Center, the College Park Primary School Carnival, and at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Belleview for the Western Dance.
Future dates already scheduled include the Spanish-American Club at Marion Oaks and at the Belleview Grange for Mrs. Hayford Kimball's "Wing Ding".
*****
Yankee Picketts reloaded their rifles as they prepared for a charge against the rebels last week during the mock Civil War battle in Ocklawaha.
The Yanks stepped through the cannon smoke and passed fallen picketts as they started a charge against the Rebels.
All the while, members of the "Save Lake Weir" Association served hamburgers, hot dogs, baked potatoes and other food items last week during the festival.
*****
Belleview Boy Scouts served hot dogs and soft drinks in the Thriftway Shopping Center Parking lot during Christmas Parade last week.
*****
NEW GRANGE OFFICERS - The Marion County Grange installed its new officers for the coming year recently at the Civic League Building in Belleview. The officers include Master Florence DeSellems, Overseer Hayford Kimball, Lecturer Myrtle Sergnemartin, Steward Everitt Wade, Asst. Steward Phillip Palmer, LA Steward Winnie Palmer, Chaplain Mary Ellen Coyle, Patricia Smith, Secretary Letitia Kimball, Gate Kepper Carroll Ostrander, Ceres Lucy Cole, Pomona Rita Deegan, Flora Virginia Allan, and Executive Committee Edgar DeSellems.(Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, December 26, 1985
Gene Gallant, Marion County Fire Marshal and Gary Wimberly, chief of the Weirsdale Fire Department, appeared before the Marion County School Board last week to request that the board declare as surplus and transfer to the County Commission a portion of the Old Weirsdale School Grounds, so the county could build a new fire station for the Weirsdale Fire Department.
Wimberly said a site for a suitable location for the new fire station had not been found, and that the parcel requested was at the very northern end of the school property, with 125 foot road frontage on County Road 25.
South Marion Board member Sharlene Perry said she had gone with fire department members to look at the property and felt the request should be granted, "since that school property is not of any use to this board."
*****
The South Marion County Fire Department installed its new officers for 1986 at the group's Christmas Party held last week. The new officers include Dave Thompson, Captain and Training Officer; Fred Vyse, Captain; Phil Thompson, Chief; Jeff Gold, Lt.; Norman Ward, Assistant Chief; Troy Hawkins, Junior Fire Fighter Lt.;Jerry Pait, Lt.; Rescuse Officer Ron Bray; Sgt at Arms John Adams; and Chaplain Doug Green.
*****
Mac Reeves and Greg McWhite were in charge of buying the presents for the Belleview Kiwanis Club Christmas Party held last week.
Members received such gifts as baby bibs, mousetraps, elementary school books, Playboy centerfolds, bras, pacifiers, toilet paper and other goodies.
The highlight was when Santa (filled in for by Kim Oxendine) pulled out a live pig, which was presented to member Glen Parker. Parker has to keep the pig until he brings in a new member, and then he can pass the pig along to someone else.
*****
Dr. I.N. Knight recently opened his office in Belleview and selected South Marion County to practice medicine because it reminded him of his native West Indies.
"I like this area," he said. "And I like the people I have met here."
Dr. Knight is a graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatrist and received his MD from the University of Mexico and the University of Madrid.
He practiced medicine in Atlanta for 9 years and has been in Central Florida for 14 years. He is a member of the Spanish Seventh Day Adventist Church, an avid church worker, and enjoys playing the organ.
*****
The Lake Weir High School Pop Ensemble performed at Walt Disney World last week, doing a 25 minute Christmas mini-musical entitled "I love Christmas" on Disney's Fantasy Fair Stage.
The group had to audition to perform by sending in a video tape of some of their past performances plus a resume of their honors and awards.
Members include Rick Couch, Valerie Gonzales, Henry Graham, Eddie Hasicka, Hollie Hite, Melanie Kelley, Cynthia McElvaney, Norman Miller, Heather Omerod, Stacy Ross, Tracy Stites, Heather Thayer, Patrick Welton, Ricky Wright and director John Leschak.
*****
Mark Damon, president of the Belleview South Marion Chamber of Commerce, presented the President's Trophy to Charlene Preston of the Weirsdale Browines for their float in the Belleview Christmas Parade at the Chamber Breakfast held last week at Vista Bank.
Trophies were presented to all the float winners at the breakfast by Damon and Parade Chairman Bill Giles.
*****
SERVING BREAKFAST - Students at Lake Weir High School who are members of Pam Snyder's class in the Cane Kitchen, served breakfast to the Chamber of Commerce last week at Vista Bank. From left is Jody Hardee, Hope Pollard, Dawn Fisher, Don Norriss, Jennifer Distefano and Teresa Foster. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, January 2, 1985
The Ladies Auxiliary of Orange Blossom Hills Home-owners Association will hold its first meeting of the new year on January 6 at 10 AM.
The following new officers will be installed:
President, Emily Mudry; Vice President, Dianna Brown; Treasurer, Myrtle Edminston; Secretary, Betty Warlow; and Chaplain, Mary Douglas.
Coffee and donuts will be served, following Penny Bingo.
The Orange Blossom Hills Association meeting will be held Jan. 3 at 7 PM.
The new officers for 1986 are:
President, Robert Bremner; Vice President, Emily Mudry; Executive Vice President, Conrad Walters; Treasurer, Judith Ucasz; and Secretary, Myrtle Edmiston.
*****
The students of Becky Green gave a Christmas Music Party Saturday in the Fellowship Hall at Belleview First Baptist Church. Those who participated included Marie Delucian, Pam Parker, Becky Green, Diana Goolsby, Rachel Buice, Bobbi Jean Tweddle, Steve Tweddle and Micah Baxley.
*****
Members of the 1985-86 Junior Varisty Basketball team at Lake Weir High School include Quentin Samuel, freshman; Mike Monroe, freshman; Martin Monroe, sophomore; Jimmy Garrett, freshman; Sam Samuel, sophomore Adrion Portier, sophomore; Tom Cavanough, sophomore; Major Mills, freshman; Duane Welcome, sophomore; Kevin Mann, sophomore; Andy Marinak, sophomore; John Whittle, freshman; Keith Shrum, sophomore, and Coach Rick Dearina.
*****
Emerson Walker was named South Marion Fire Department's Fireman of the Year last week at the Department's Annual Dinner. He was presented the award by Mrs. Ed Bradell while Fire Chief Phil Thompson looked on.
*****
Members of the Boy Scout Troop 167 are looking for work they can do to raise money for a camping trip to the mountains this spring.
During the spring break and on weekends the Scouts are available to work from 9 AM to 3 PM and can do jobs either inside or outside the house.
For payment the employer is asked to make a donation toward the camping trip. For more information, call Scoutmaster Frank Almeida.
*****
The Lake Weir High School Athletic Department held its Football Banquet recently and presented trophies to the outstanding athletes.
On the varsity, Mike Tillery received the Most Consistent; Tracy Bolton for the Best Defensive Back; Jeff Jones for Best Offensive Back, and John Pawlick for Most Improved.
For the Junior Varsity Greg Hudson won the Offensive Trophy, Brian Weatherall the Defensive Trophy and Major Mills was the Most Valuable Player.
On the freshman team, Kevin Starks won the year's Offensive Trophy and K.C. Starks won the Defensive Award.
*****
Belleview Santos Elementary School celebrated Christmas with a school Christmas Parade during the last few days of school. Each grade had a marching unit and the Vanguard High School Band provided the music. Skip Archbald and Santa Claus were two guest in the parade.
*****
MAYOR SIGNS PROCLAMATION - Belleview Mayor Mickey Thompson signs a proclamation calling for the observance of Spinal Health Month in January for the City of Belleview while Dr. Dennis Seese, left, and Dr. Chris McKinney look on. The same proclamation also was signed by Governor Bob Graham for the State of Florida. Throughout January, chiropractic groups in Florida will embark on a program of public information and education concerning the spine and nervous system and provide a program for early detection of spinal problems. Dr. Seese and Dr. McKinney will conduct a Health Fair on January 11 at the Marion Oaks Community Building, beginning at 11 AM. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, January 16, 1985
Joe Register, who has been head football coach at Dunedin for the past two years, was named this week as Head Football Coach at Lake Weir High School.
Register, 33, was defensive coordinator at vanguard High School in Ocala before taking the job at Dunedin.
"I know Joe very well," said Lake Weir Principal Roddy Michele. "He's a hard worker and a good organizer and that is what it's going to take to get our football program turned around."
Michele said he was not expecting Register to perform any miracles at lake Weir.
"I'm not expecting a strong team next year, but I hope we can start building from the freshman team up," Michele said.
*****
What the Belleview Police termed as a "Family Feud" dominated much of Tuesday's Belleview City Commission meeting.
 Residents of SE 107 Place who have been calling Police to settle disputes between neighbors, brought their problems to the City Commission, but were told they would have to find a way to settle it themselves.
Commissioner Lavern Tweedle said they had not been elected to settle disputes between neighbors and suggested the residents seek the help of a minister or else hire a lawyer to settle the disputes.
Mayor Mickey Thompson urged the neighbors to each give a little in order to settle the dispute.
Commissioner Paul Anderson suggested Rev. James Varnum be contacted, since some of those involved attend Soul's Harbor Church.
Five residents of the neighborhood came and spoke against one person who they termed as the troublemaker.
Among the charges were:
• He was cursing the children in the neighborhood.
• He was calling Police over minor happenings.
• He complained about children in their own yard playing, about radios being played too loudly and about the way clothes were hung on the line.
The person who was the subject of the complaints was also present at the meeting and answered the charges. He said his wife was ill and easily upset by excessive noise.
He also said the other neighbors were allowing their pets to use his yard for their bathroom, causing a bad odor on his property.
Police Chief Bob Howie confirmed that the Police had been called numerous times and that some of the complaints were justified and some they were unable to prove.
*****
  Belleview Postmaster Jim Thomas presented a sheet of recently issued Commemorative Stamps honoring World War 1 veterans to World War veteran Arthur Dettmer.
*****
South Marion Fire Department Chief Phil Thompson and Fireman Jason Pennington loaded a box containing a turkey, toys and other items donated by K-Mart manager James Taylor.
The firemen received contributions from a number of South Marion businesses and individuals and delivered them to needy families on Christmas Eve.
*****
Robert Bostick, graduated at the top of the Class from the Police Training School in Ocala and received the Kenneth Alvareze Award as the top graudate.
It is presented to him by Belleview Police Chief Bob Howie. Bostick has just been accepted into the Belleview Police Auxiliary, along with Fred Evick and Terry Holland.
*****
A Sunday afternoon fire damaged an Orange Blossom Hills mobile home. Invovled in the fire was a 1982 mobile home owned by John Foster of Summerfield and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. John Darin.
According to witnesses, the fire started when a welding machine's sparks ignited grass. The grass fire quickly spread to the trailer, burning the insulation and under structure.
The South Marion Volunteer Fire Department was able to put the fire out quickly on arrival. Neighbors had helped keep the fire under control by using several garden hoses.
*****
POLICEMEN HONORED - Three Belleview Policemen were honored with awards presented at the Belleview City Commission meeting Tuesday. From left is Kevin Jones, who was named Officer of the year; Chief Bob Howie, who presented the awards; Officers Randy Hoff, who received an award for community relations and training; and Officer Steve Ladd, who received an award for maintaining automotive and communication equipment. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, January 23, 1985
Belleview Developer Don Harrell had the chance to tell his side of the story Tuesday at the Belleview City Commission meeting.
Harrell has been under fire at the last two meetings by residents of his subdivision, Wooded Acres, who complained to the Commission about the lack of street lights and about the drainage retention area.
Harrell was not present at either of the previous two meetings, when the Commission ordered that nothing be built on adjoining lots until the retention area was enlarged.
Harrell told the commission Tuesday there was nothing wrong with the retention area at Wooded Acres and that it was built according to the specifications of an engineer.
"It would have to rise 10 feet to flood the adjoining lots," Harrell said.
"With all the rain we had during the last couple of weeks, it came up only 4 1/2 inches.
"In the years since it has been built, it has never overflowed and we have dug it deeper several times."
About the street lights, Harrell said he built and sold the first part of the subdivision without street lights because because they were not required by the Cit at that time.
City Engineer Bob ROgers said he would prepare a list of the problems with the subdivision and present them to Harrell.
*****
Joe Register, the new head football coach at Lake Weir High School, reported to work Monday at Lake Weir. He filled a position left open when former assistant football coach Jerry Defore, resigned to take a position at Crystal River High School.
In addition to coaching football, Register will also coach the Lake Weir track Team this spring. Register, a native of Lake City, comes to Lake Weir from Dunedin whre he was head coach for two years and had records of 2-8 and 6-4.
"We lost three close games and had a chance to be 9-1 and in the playoffs" he said.
*****
The Belleview Rotary Club is taking on the project of operating the Belleview Baseball Complex for the coming season.
Member Max Holmes asked the City Commission last week for permission to bring a plan to the Commission for operating the park.
Rotary president Louis Cox said this week they were still getting ideas on what should be done.
"We hope to get the cooperation of a lot of people," said Cox. "We need the help of other civic clubs and the parents of the youngsters who are playing."
*****
Sgt. Mark T. McEuen, son of Betty McEuen of Summerfield, has been decorated with the US Air Force Commendation Medal at Williams Air Force Base.
*****
GIVING AID - Members of the South Marion Rescue and Marion County Ambulance Service apply emergency first aid to those injured in a run-a-way Wagon Trail last week. The Vision Quest Train was traveling south on 301 around 10 AM Saturday when they were passed by a farm tractor driven by K. Johnson. Some of the horses bolted, overturning one wagon, causing another wagon to hit a telephone pole and a third to run away down the ditch. Six of the teenagers in the wagon train were taken to Munroe Hospital by ambulance, but none of the injuries were said to have been serious. It was the first time in three years that the wagon teams have bolted. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, January 23, 1985
Belleview Developer Don Harrell had the chance to tell his side of the story Tuesday at the Belleview City Commission meeting.
Harrell has been under fire at the last two meetings by residents of his subdivision, Wooded Acres, who complained to the Commission about the lack of street lights and about the drainage retention area.
Harrell was not present at either of the previous two meetings, when the Commission ordered that nothing be built on adjoining lots until the retention area was enlarged.
Harrell told the commission Tuesday there was nothing wrong with the retention area at Wooded Acres and that it was built according to the specifications of an engineer.
"It would have to rise 10 feet to flood the adjoining lots," Harrell said.
"With all the rain we had during the last couple of weeks, it came up only 4 1/2 inches.
"In the years since it has been built, it has never overflowed and we have dug it deeper several times."
About the street lights, Harrell said he built and sold the first part of the subdivision without street lights because they were not required by the Cit at that time.
City Engineer Bob Rogers said he would prepare a list of the problems with the subdivision and present them to Harrell.
*****
Joe Register, the new head football coach at Lake Weir High School, reported to work Monday at Lake Weir. He filled a position left open when former assistant football coach Jerry Defore, resigned to take a position at Crystal River High School.
In addition to coaching football, Register will also coach the Lake Weir track Team this spring. Register, a native of Lake City, comes to Lake Weir from Dunedin whre he was head coach for two years and had records of 2-8 and 6-4.
"We lost three close games and had a chance to be 9-1 and in the playoffs" he said.
*****
  City Commissioner Lavern Tweedle, who has served on the Commission for four years, said Tuesday he would not be a candidate for re-election, but did not rule out running again on a future date.
Tweedle said he based his decision on a recent illness and considerations at work (he is a pharmacist at Ekherd Drugs in Belleview).
"It's not what I want to do," Tweedle said.
"But I will return".
*****
The Pioneer 4-H Club, sponsored by the Belleview Garden Club as the Rakes and Spades Youth Gardeners, was awarded the Grand National Junior Horticulture Environmental Beautification Award for their restoration of Blue Sink Cemetery.
 The group continues to work at the cemetery, doing maintenance, planting flowers and recently placed an archway over the gate, so people would know it was "Blue Sink Cemetery".
They also recently refurbished a memorial garden at Eighth Street School in Ocala.
The Club meets at Olivet Baptist Church twice a month. Officers include: President, Billy Peoples; VP, Danny Lane; Secretary, Holly Peoples; Chaplain, Lena Baughman; and Treasurer, Debbie Lane.
The Club Sponsor, Mrs. Hough, said the award was the top one in the horticulture association.
*****
Belleview Mayor Mickey Thompson presented a proclamation honoring Martin Luther King to Frank Washington.
"Belleview has always been a progressive community and it is a great honor for me to come back home and get this proclamation" said Washington.
*****
MAN DIES IN CRASH - William C. McIlhanny of Summerfield was killed in the crash of this small plane last week near Pedro. McIlhanny, 62, who lived on Sunset Harbor Road, was a native of Pennsylvania and had moved to South Marion from South Florida in 1979. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, January 30, 1985
  The Belleview City Commission Tuesday signed an agreement with Munroe Hospital to locate an ambulance in Belleview.
The ambulance, which presently is located in Oklawaha, will probably make the move to Belleview within the next two weeks.
City Commissioner Gene Hames, who has been talking with Munroe for over a year about the move, said everything was finally ready and the ambulance could move in immediately.
*****
Carroll Foster, who served eight years on the City Commission before losing his seat in 1985, announced this week he would be a candidate in the March elections.
He will seek the seat being vacated by Lavern Tweedle, who announced he would not run for re-election.
The other seat on the ballot for March is the one currentl held by Gene Hames. Hames has announced he would seek re-election.
Foster was defeated last March by William Cholewka in a close race.
"I have a deep interest in the City," Foster said.
"We are at the point where we are faced with a lot of growth, but we still want to keep our quality of life. Belleview has a good city government, and I would like to help."
*****
  Mr. Scott Benner, 25, an active member of the Parkview Players in Belleview, was killed January 26 in an automobile accident on Buick City Road.
According to the Highway Patrol Report, Benner lost control of his car on a curve, and the car spun across the road, and hit a tree.
A passenger in the car, Robert J. Reynolds, 22, survived the accident and was taken to Munroe Hospital. Mr. Benner was a native of New Jersey and had lived in South Marion for the past 10 years.
He was a graduate of Lake Weir High School and was employed as a test technician with Martin-Marietta, Inc. he was Episcopalian and had served in the US Navy.
"He was an excellent acotr and when he portrayed a character, he became that person," said Margaret Yandle, an officer in the parkview Players. "He was an excellent actor and when he portrayed a character, he became that person," said Margaret Yandle, an officer in the Parkview Players.
"He was always a willing worker and the Parkview Stage will miss him."
Scott's mother, Fran Benner, has the lead role in the Player's next production, "The Spiral Staircase", scheduled to open February 7.
In addition to his mother, Scott is survived by his fiance, Jean Dillon of Ocala; his grandmother, Fran Duszik of Summerfield; and a brother, Andrew Benner of Orlando.
*****
SKATE DAY - Stanton Weirsdale Elementary School had a "Skate Day" last week and every student in the school had a chance to roller skate in the old Weirsdale School. The Skaters were aided by members of the Lake Weir High School Key Club and after the skating they were entertained by members of the Eustis Klown Klub, while they had snacks of popcorn and soft drinks. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, February 13, 1985
  Former City Commissioner Carroll Foster and former City Clerk Becky Thopmson are candidates for the vacant seat on the Belleview City Commission in the March 4 City Elections.
*****
The Belleview Rotary Club and the City of Belleview reached an agreement Tuesday for the Rotarians to take over management of the Belleview Baseball Complex for the next 12 months.
President Louis Cox said the Rotarian planned to start work immediately and their first action would be to place an order for new lights for the park to all night baseball this season.
Under the agreement the Roatary Club will operate the recreation complex, maintain the fields and concession stands and keep all profits made during the year.
The City agreed to maintain the grounds outside the playing areas, furnish water and lights and insurance for the grounds.
'The City really appreciates the Rotary Club stepping in and taking on this project," said Mayor Mickey Thompson.
The recreation complex was built and operated by the Belleview Baseball Association. However the group disbanded after the past baseball season and turned the operation of the park over to the City.
*****
  The City of Belleview said Tuesday it would furnish water and sewer to the Post Office if it decided to build its new building on a site on Turkey Farm Road.
Real Estate Agent Gene Scroggie of Scroggie Realty asked the question of the Commission Tuesday.
He said that was one of the sites being considered for a new post office and the question of water and sewer had to be answered before postal officials could make a decision.
It is located a few hundred yards from the intersection of 441, next to Mills Bookkeeping Service.
The Post Office wanted to purchase and build on the land between the Belleview City Hall and the Golden Corrall Restaurant, but problems have all but eliminated that location.
*****
 Who committed the murder? That's the question theater goers will be pondering this week as "The Spiral Staircase" opens Friday, Febraury 7 at 8:13 PM in the Belleview City Hall Auditorium. The murder-mystery will be performed six times during this weekend and next.
Members of the cast include Fran Benner, Flip Carwell, CeCe Phillips, Ken Noble, Melissa Rollosson, Marc Shapiro, John Wetjen and Victoria Mathis.
*****
THREE CAR ACCIDENT - A three car accident resulted in $2,300 in damages last week in front of Belleview Realty on Highway 441. Sylvia Adam of Belleview was charged with a violation of the right of way in the accident that also involved cars driven by Leland Mosely of Summerfield and Ed Ward of Ocala. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, February 13, 1985
Former City Commissioner Carroll Foster and former City Clerk Becky Thompson are candidates for the vacant seat on the Belleview City Commission in the March 4 City Elections.
Present City Commissioner Gene Hames was unopposed in his bid for re-election. Commissioner Lavern Tweedle did not seek re-election.
Foster served on the commission for six years before being defeated by William Cholewka last March.
Mrs. Thompson who is seeking an elected office for the first time, worked in the City Hall office in 1972 and was named City Clerk in 1973. She resigned the position in 1974.
A native of Georgia, she moved to Belleview as a child and grew up here. She married Phillip H. Thompson and was away from Belleview during his career in the armed forces.
They returned to Belleview after 15 years when he retired from the service. Phillip is the present Fire Chief of the South Marion Fire Department.
"I have been thinking about running for some time," Mrs. Thompson said. "When Mr. Tweedle announced he was not running again, I decided this was the time."
Mrs. Thompson said she was interested in increasing the communication between City Hall and the residents, particularly the single person homes.
"We have a lot of widows and widowers who live in Belleview," she said. "I want to make sure they are not forgotten."
The election will be March 4, with just two Commission seats on the ballot. The candidates elected will serve a two year term and receive a salary of $200 per month.
*****
Ginny Yandle is the director of the play "The Spiral Staircase" currently being performed by the Parkview Players in the Belleview City Hall Auditorium.
Although this is her first time as a director, she has been an assistant director twice and appeared several times in plays. She received the best supporting actress award last season for her portrayal of Agnes Gooch in "Mame". She is a secretary at Community Radiation Therapy Center.
*****
The Lions and Lioness Clubs of Belleview will have a Flea Market, Rummage Sale and Auction March 8th and 9th, Saturday and Sunday at the Lion's Den on Lake Lillian.
*****
 The Lake Weir Kiwanis Club last week presented wall murals to Lake Weir Middle and High Schools with the theme of fighting drug abuse. Both schools indicated they would put the murals up during the next couple of weeks.
*****
Lake Weir Middle School is having its annual Science Fair and Awards Ceremony at night this year, on February 13 from 7-8 PM.
In the past it has always been held during the school day. It has also been moved from the school gym to the Media Center. The 37th Annual Big Springs Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held at the Ocala City Auditorium on February 27th and 28th.
The fair is for the top projects from schools in Marion and Sumter Counties, grades 1-6.
*****
Dr. Dennis Seese and Dr. Chris McKenney, Belleview Chiropractors, have been selected to participate in a Practice Consultants, Inc. seminar.
Dr. Seese, Dr. McKenney and staff traveled to Atlanta this past weekend to attend the first study session. Both doctors state that during the coming year, they will be making regular visits to Atlanta and they feel it will enable them to render a more complete service to their patients.
*****
The Belleview Parkview Players will continue to hold auditions for its new musical "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" at the Belleview City Hall Auditorium.
Director John Sherman welcomes anyone with a desire to participate in the theatre to try out for a part. Prior experience is not required.
*****
PLANNING CENTENNIAL - The board of directors of the Belleview Library held a meeting Monday to plan "An Afternoon with Authors" which will be March 9 at the American Legion Building in Belleview. Patrick Smith, who has been nominated three times for a Pulitzer prize, and Ernest Jernigan, are two of the authors who will speak during this afternoon. The event is part of the Library's Centennial Celebration as it celebrates its 100th Birthday this year. Discussing the project from left are Geri Martin, William Hill, Tom Dann, Pat Biel, Betsy Dalke, Betty Bickler and Betty Reeves. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, February 20, 1985
City of Belleview employees received a pay increase Tuesday that will amount to $26,395 between now and the end of the City's physical year on September 30.
The money will be divided among the employees with some receiving as little as 100 and others receiving over $1,000 in that time period.
The adjusted pay was recommended to the City Commission by the city's consulting firm, Long and co. of Ft. Lauderdale.
The increase passed on a 4-1 vote, over the objection of Commissioner Paul Anderson who wanted to table the increases for the time being.
"We have a lot of new projects going and we should keep the money in reserve," said Anderson.
Anderson also pointed out that with the increases, Belleview Employees would receive much higher wages than employees in similar size cities in Central Florida.
Commissioner Lavern Tweedle argued strongly in favor of the raises, saying it didn't matter what other cities were paying their employees. "It was never our intention to match the salaries being paid in other places," said Tweedle.
"We want to build a system of career employees for the City of Belleview and to be able to go into the job market and hire the people that we need.
"By giving the employees the raise, we are doing our best for them and can exect them to do their best for the city," said Tweedle.
Commissioner William Cholewka termed the increase a "pay adjustment" rather than a raise. "The City has 27 employees and only five have been with the City five years or more," Cholewka said.
*****
Ken Nadeau Saturday became the first member of the Belleview Jaycees to receive a Senatorship, the highest honor a Jaycee can receive.
Nadeau, who lives in Belleview, has been in the Belleview Jaycees for 8 years and during that time has held every office in the organization. He has been president of Jaycee Chapters in Belleview, Ocala, Reddick and held several offices in the state Jaycee organization.
Nadeau's award was one of several won by the Belleview Jaycees at the State Winter Conference in Jacksonville.
The Belleview Chapter won two first places and a second place in the major emphasis areas.
Chairman of the first place projects were Deanna Kirkland and Roger Evans. Paul Riley was Chairman of the second place project.
Belleview is fourth in Florida in growth, starting the year with 23 members and now having 70 on the roll. The club has a goal of 100 members by the end of the Jaycee year on April 30.
*****
Although there has been no official word, the rumors that this will be the last season for Lake Weir High Basketball Coach Bill Abbey. Lake Weir principal Roddy Michele would not comment on the situation and noted Wednesday that "it is not the right time" to discuss it.
Students at the school have said that Abbey has already confided to members of the team that he would resign at the end of the season.
The Hurricane basketball team is currently 10-13 for the season with three games left on the schedule, including arch-rival Ocala Forest Friday in the Lake Weir gym.
Lake Weir Football Coach Alex Castenda was fired at the end of the football season and been replaced by Joe Register.
This is Michele's first year as principal at Lake Weir.
*****
 Mr. Gerard E. Coulombe, who bought the first residential lot in Marion Oaks back in 1973, died this week. He was 64.
Mr. Coulombe had lived in Marion Oaks since 1974 and was very active in a number of organizations in Marion Oaks, including the Lutheran Church, the Civic Association and the Fire Department.
*****
GETTING THE BASEBALL PARK READY - Members of the Belleview Rotary Club had a "work day" Saturday at the Belleview Baseball Complex as they started to get the park ready for the start of Baseball Season. Rewiring the lights, from left, are Bob Starney, Grant Houston, Max Holmes, Joe Ernst and Arthur Auld. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, March 6, 1985
Becky Thompson became the first woman in 16 years to win a City Commission seat in Belleview as she was elected to seat 2 Tuesday.
Mrs. Thompson, who was seeking office for the first time, defeated former City Commissioner Carroll Foster, 197 to 85.
The 282 voters who turned out to cast a ballot Tuesday represented only about 23 percent of Belleview's registered voters. It was a slightly better turnout than last year's record low when only 17 percent of the voters went to the polls.
"First I want to thank God, then my family and the citizens of Belleview," Mrs. Thompson said after she was sworn in to office.
Gene Hames, who was re-elected without opposition, was also sworn into a new, two year term.
"I have enjoyed working on the Commission," Hames said. "And I feel like we have accomplished a lot."
It was over an hour and a half after the polls were closed before the results were announced because of a computer breakdown in counting the ballots.
*****
In his last action as a City Commissioner, Lavern Tweedle led a fight to stop an older home from being burned by the fire department for practice. The South Marion Fire Department had asked permission to burn the house at the request of its owners.
The house, which is located in the area behind Burger King, was damaged by fire a few weeks ago.
Tweedle said burnings of this type were strictly against City Policy and the City should either enforce the policy or change it.
Tweedle did not seek re-election and Tuesday was his last meeting. The debate on the burning took place shortly before the election results were read and Tweedle gave up his seat to Mrs. Thompson.
Mayor Mickey Thompson led the debate on the other side, arguing that the control burn would do more good than harm.
"It will help the fire department in training," the Mayor said, "And it's not something we are going to do everyday."
In making the request, Fire Chief Phil Thompson pointed out the fire department had burned another older home in the City only two weeks ago and said this was an accepted practice in other cities.
Voting with Tweedle to defeat the request was Commissioner Paul Anderson and William Cholewka.
Commissioner Gene Hames voted with Mayor Thompson to allow the controlled burn.
*****
When the Voice first started in October 1969, the subscription price was $5.00 a year and it has remained that price for the past 17 years.
During that time the price of just about everything else has gone up and we have watched our profit margin shrink little by little until we have now reached the point where there is just no profit left in selling a subscription at $5.
The new rates which will go into effect March 15, will be $8.00 for one year.
*****
 Cherish Shuff was crowned "Miss Poppy 1986" Monday by the Belleview American Legion Auxilliary. She presented the first Poppy to Mayor Mickey Thompson Tuesday and will help in the Poppy Days Sale this week-end in Belleview.
Cherish is the daughter of June Walker and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nealus Johnson of Belleview. She is a student at Lake Weir Middle School.
*****
Scott Sheffield watched as son Kyle signed up to play Little League Baseball. Registration will be held again Saturday, March 8 at the Belleview Sports Complex for baseball and softball.
The season will open April 7.
*****
City Gets $200 From Grange - Florence DeSellams, Master of the Marion Grange, presents a check for $200 to Belleview Mayor Mickey Thompson and Commissioner Gene Hames. The money is to be used for installing a power pole at the mobile home being set up at the ballpark that will house the City's ambulance. Grange members said they were grateful that the ambulance was back in Belleview and they wanted to help with the project. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, March 13, 1985
For many boys, playing professional baseball is a dream. This dream continues through high school and into college for some young men.
A few of these actually make it to professional baseball. Fewer still get all the way to the major league.
To play professional baseball has been a long time dream for Fred Samson.
Playing in his second year of College baseball, Samson is on the way to seeing his dream come true.
Fred Samson, 19, of Belleview, is playing for the Central Florida Community College Patriot Baseball Team.
He is the son of Mrs. Elmer Clark, Belleview and attends St. Theresa Catholic Church.
He played at Miami-Dade Community College last year. CFCC Assistant Coach Fred King describes Samson as one of the team leaders.
"Some of the boys really look up to Fred. he's a nice guy," said the coach.
King went on to say that Samson is a team leader at the plate. he is one of the power hitters on the team with 5 or 6 home-runs.
Attending CFCC on a baseball scholarship, Samson is a physical education major. He was on the dean's list with a 3.79 grade point average.
His first two years of high school baseball were played at Forest High School in Ocala. He then moved to Ft. Lauderdale where he played two more years at Cooper City High School, before graduating in 1984.
It was during these two years that he began thinking seriously about a baseball career.
"I had a chance to join the Detroit Tigers organization. I would have been assigned to their team in the rookie league," Samson said.
"Chris advised me to wait a few years and play college ball. Waiting these few years has helped me a lot," he said.
Chris Argo is an assistant baseball coach at the University of Florida.
*****
State Senator Karen Thurman and her legislative assistant Nora Baumeister, were in Ocala in late February for meetings with constituents.
They met with directors, members and staff of the Marion County Farm Bureau for an informal luncheon at the County office building.
*****
Michele McNeice is Molly Brown and David Rivers is Johnie Brown in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, the new production of the Parkview Players, which opens April 4 in the Belleview City Hall Auditorium.
It is Parkview's second musical of the season and will continue through April 20 with three shows each weekend.
*****
 A ten year old Belleview girl was injured late Wednesday afternoon in an accident involving a three whell motorcycle.
Tommijo Gough of SE 126 Place, was injured when she was thrown from the three wheeler operated by her brother.
According to Phil Thompson of South Marion Fire Rescue, the two youngsters were riding in an open cow pasture when the hit a very large bump.
Tommijo received a sever laceration to her upper leg as she fell from the vehicle.
Rescue and ambulance personnel drove as far as possible into the pasture but had to carry first aid equipment an additional 100 yards to where the victim was located.
She was treated at the scene and then transported to the Munroe Regional Medical Center emergency department.
*****
Talking About History - Belleview Library President Betty Reeves Shows visiting authors a display of historic materials about the Library Sunday during the "Afternoon With Authors held at the American Legion Post. From left is Patrick Smith, Hampton Dunn, Mrs. Reeves and Ernest Jernigan. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

From the Voice of South Marion, March 20, 1985
 An accident caused an accident last week as Belleview Police had to work a pair of wrecks within 5 minutes last week.
The first accident occurred at the intersection of 441 and 484 and diverted the attention of Bobby Richter, who then drove is car into the back of another car stopped at a red light.
The stopped car was driven by Herald VanHook. Richter was charged with careless driving.
In the first accident, George Taylor of Belleview was charged with careless driving after turning into the path of a car driven by August Durand of Deltona.
In a second unusual accident last week, three cars piled up in the intersection of 441 and 301, causing over $1,000 in damages.
James Bass of Fern Park was charged with careless driving after hitting a car driven by John Kohansky of Belleview and knocking it into a car driven by James W. Bickel of PA.
*****
Bill Snyder will sing a selection of Broadway songs Sunday in Solo performance at the Belleview City Hall Auditorium. A past president, actor and director of the Parkview Players, Snyder is also a former professor of music at Troy State University.
He now teaches in the Marion County School System. He is the choir master of St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Silver Springs Shores.
*****
A drive to raise $15,000 to put Christmas lights in Belleview is starting to make some headway. A donation of $4,865 by the City of Belleview has provided a third of the money and another $1,900 recently donated by businesses and donations has left Chairman Bill Giles hopeful that the money can be raised to have the lights up by this Christmas.
Giles has several ideas for raising the additional $8,235.
First he his contacting businesses to "Adopt A Pole". In the adoption, the person `pays the cost of decorating a power pole.
  Other ideas for fund raisers are containers around town so people can drop in donations and an Auction of Public Officials on Founder's Day.
In the master plan for the decorations, there will be 32 light poles decorated along 441, a 17 foot tree in front of City Hall and the City Hall Building will be outlined in lights.
*****
Due to circumstances beyond our control, I am sorry to say, that we had to cancel our POPPY DAYS on Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8 in the City of Belleview.
Let it be known, that we did have permission from all (20) places of businesses that we were scheduled to be at with out Poppies and we were at the City Commission meeting in Belleview on March 4 where Mayor Mickey Thompson had signed and sealed and read our Proclamation, stating that Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8, 1986, would be Poppy Days in the City of Belleview.
The Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, Unit 284, plus many Legionaires, started out to work early Friday morning, to distribute our Poppies, but to our surprise, there was another organization all over the City of Belleview, in most areas we were scheduled to be.
We tried to explain to them that it was Poppy Days in Belleview and why we were out with our Poppies, but they would not listen. They insisted that they were going to stay right where they were at. No way were we going to argue with these people.
A discussion was held and a decision was made to cancel our Poppy Days and re-schedule them for a future date.
I wish to thank all the places of business in Belleview, plus the legion and Auxiliary members, Mayor Mickey Thompson and Jim Waldron, the editor of the Voice of South Marion for all their support and help during Poppy Days.
For God And Country
Myrtle Edmiston
Poppy Chairman
*****
Scott's Standard Oil Station - Scott's Garage moved into its new building last week, the business's fourth location in its 42 year history in Belleview. The business was founded in 1944 by George Scott and located at the intersection of Alt. 27 and Baseline Road where the Circle K store is today. A fire destroyed the building in 1947 and Scotts moved to the location it occupied until last week, across from the present Belleview Post office. Pictured above is the oil station at its location across from the Post Office in the 1940s. (Photo from the files of The Voice of South Marion 25 Years Ago)

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