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Chain of emails reveals rising tempers

Editor’s note: Here are excerpts of emails between County Commission Chairman Joe Meek, Citrus County Hospital Board Chairwoman Debbie Ressler, and attorneys for both agencies. The emails are not printed in their entirety. The Chronicle obtained the emails through public records requests of both Meek and Ressler.

April 26
From: Joe Meek
To: Debbie Ressler

Budget request turns testy

It was a seemingly harmless request for budget information.

Citrus County Commission Chairman Joe Meek sent an email in April to Debbie Ressler, chairwoman of the Citrus County Hospital Board.

In it, Meek asked a series of questions related to the CCHB’s spending since 2008. Meek wanted to know about the money spent on attorney’s fees — how much was requested by Citrus Memorial Health Foundation and the amount the CCHB provided the hospital.

No overtime won’t work

Since 1938, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act has required hourly workers be paid time-and-a-half for anything over 40 hours per week. This may now be in trouble since the Republican-controlled House of Representatives has passed the “Working Families Flexibility Act” as part of their “Making Life Work” agenda. 

Born out of tragedy, center offers victims respite

BEVERLY HILLS — Jessie’s Place has been variously described as a one-stop shop and a haven to offer respite for children affected by tumult. It is a place where children can begin to heal.

The support center has emerged as the place in the county where children facing another form of trauma — sex abuse — go to get examined, interviewed and made to feel safe.

Always read the fine print

Early in the year our homeowners’ insurance renewal arrived. When my wife opened the envelope, read the total billing amount, and let out a shriek, I said, “Let me see that bill.”

Plaza on track with upgrades, renovations

INVERNESS — Despite tenants moving out of the Tompkins Street Plaza in Inverness in recent months, the remaining businesses and the plaza itself are alive and well and getting prepared for upgrades and renovations.

“We’ve had people come in and say they’ve heard rumors that everyone’s closing or leaving the plaza, but we’re not going anywhere,” said Kimberly Spreckner, owner of the Hen House.

In uptick of child sexual abuse, a silver lining

For the past several years, the number of violent crimes reported across the nation — rape among them — has declined.

And while Citrus County’s crime numbers mostly mirror the national trend, in one subcategory — sexual crimes against children — reports have been mostly trending upward.

It's a bad time to lose good people

THE ISSUE: Change in leadership.
OUR OPINION: Loss of knowledge will hurt county.

Citrus County government is about to go through a significant change, and the impact should not be lost on citizens.

County administrator Brad Thorpe announced his resignation last week. The veteran county leader and one-time county commissioner is ready to retire.

Boys tennis: Overhead smash

Lecanto’s Rishi Gurnani, Crystal River’s Matt Allen and Citrus’ Kyle Everett were the top dogs for their boys tennis teams in 2013.

Each advanced to at least the semifinals of their district tournaments and had some stout battles during the regular season. Read the capsules for more on each of these athletes.

The winner will be announced at the Chronicle sports banquet on Thursday, May 30, at the College of Central Florida in Lecanto.

YMCA sponsoring Father’s Day essay contest

The YMCA is holding its second Father’s Day Essay Contest. This year’s theme is “The Best Dad Ever.” Essays are being accepted through June 12. 

Prizes will be awarded in three categories: ages 5 to 7, ages 8 to 10 and ages 11 to 12. First-, second- and third-place prizes are awarded in each age group.

* Grand prize — Charter Fishing Trip for 2 (half day trip).