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FEBRUARY 4, 2015
Economic outlook: modest growth By Kathy Steele
But Wren cautioned: “Don’t get fooled into thinking we’re going to accelerate. They are truly in a dream world if they think they The economic outlook both nationally can get the economy to grow by 5 percent and locally is for modest, but steady growth, and consistently grow by 5 percent.” according to Scott Wren, an economics exAt least for the next couple of years, pert for Wells Fargo Advisers, based in St. Wren also expects inflation to remain low Louis, Missouri. and wages to climb only modestly. “People Wren, who spoke to a crowd of about Scott Wren aren’t gaining a lot of buying power,” he 125 people at a luncheon hosted by the said. “I don’t expect that to change anytime Pasco Economic Development Council, local level,Wren said. soon.” used two phrases to sum up the forecast for At home, Congress needs to be more Even so, consumer confidence is at an allthe near future: “good but not great” and business-friendly, he said. time high and that, he said, means people “modest growth.” “I want you to go away optimistic,” Wren are more willing to spend on discretionary The luncheon on Jan. 29 concluded told his audience. “I don’t want you to be items such as furniture and automobiles, or Business Development Week and was at the wildly optimistic.” take a cruise. Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club in San Among hopeful signs are modest but Business confidence also is increasing Antonio. steady economic growth of about 3 percent and companies are more willing to make Its theme was Equity Strategy Outlook for 2015 and probably for another two See ECONOMY, page7A for 2015. years, Wren said.
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Wren is more bullish than bearish about the 2015 stock market, but global events including the financial outlooks in China and Europe will affect the United States economy broadly, as well as the
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Coach Keppel exhibits grace to the end By B.C. Manion
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The impact that Joel “Kris” Kristan Keppel’s life had on those who knew him was exhibited in all sorts of ways last week in Land O’ Lakes. Keppel, a revered cross-country coach at Land O’ Lakes High, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Jan. 25. Land O’Lakes High Principal Ric Mellin notified the school’s staff and students with this recorded message: “It is with a heavy heart that I am calling this evening to inform everyone of the passing of Kris Keppel. I was informed that he passed at 4:32 p.m., this afternoon, while in hospice care. Kris Keppel spent more than two decades as the coach of the Land O’ Lakes High cross-country team, as the school’s media specialist, and as a teacher. “Mr. Keppel was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over a year ago. Despite the exhausting treatments, he continued to be a member of our staff and attend as many cross-country practices and meets as he could up until his retirement this past fall. He is survived by daughters Meredith and Morgan, and wife Dar.” Keppel’s coaching skills were widely known. He coached the boys’ cross-country team to Sunshine Athletic Conference championships in 1986, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014; and District and Regional championships in 2013. He also was nominated and became a finalist in the Brooks Running Most Inspirational Coaches of the Year competition. See KEPPEL, page7A
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Coach Kris Keppel was known for motivating athletes to push for excellence, while also being a mentor to help them with other issues in life.
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Riggleman benefit offers display of true community spirit By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
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Barbecue smoke wafted through the air, musicians sang on the stage, and women sold plants under the shade of an oak tree during a Feb. 1 fundraiser to benefit Lewis and Diane Riggleman of Dade City. A fire swept through the couple’s home days before Christmas, causing damage that’s so severe the house cannot be repaired. Fire and smoke damage ruined most of the couple’s other belongings, and their
dog, Taz and cat, Christopher, perished in the blaze. Lewis is an ornamental blacksmith and has been involved in blacksmithing in the local community for years. He has participated in many arts and crafts shows, as well as worked as a true crafts demonstrator. As owner and operator of the Ramshead Forge in San Antonio, he offers an introduction to blacksmithing as well as advanced training for more experienced students. Diane is a storyteller and craftsperson who demonstrates broom making, rope making, and other traditional crafts through-
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Donna Messenger and Susan Maesen were at the City of San Antonio Park bright and early on Feb. 1 to help sell plants at a community benefit for Diane and Lewis Riggleman.
out Florida and the Southeast. The community event at the City of San Antonio Park was an incredible outpouring of love and generosity — and a bit overwhelming, Diane Riggleman said. When she and Lewis arrived, they knew a benefit was being held in their honor, but they had no idea how many people would be there. The crowd was so big that Diane thought there were two events going on at the park. Diane Riggleman said she and her husband, initially, didn’t want people to go out of their way to help them. There are many other people who have gone through worse trials, she explained. But many people pitching in at the benefit said it was a pleasure to help the couple. In many ways, the community festival felt like a giant reunion, Diane Riggleman said. People showed up that the couple hasn’t seen in years, she said. She said she and Lewis don’t use the word “awesome” to describe things, but in this case the character of the event truly merits the description. The benefit ran from noon to 5 p.m., but volunteers began assembling hours before festivities began. They set up folding chairs so spectators could enjoy the bands playing on stage. They lugged plants to sell under the shade tree. They arranged gift baskets and auction items on tables. They prepared food to sell. Chet Taylor, owner of the Dade City Animal Clinic, spent hours slow-cooking the pulled pork that he transported to the event to be sold to help feed the hungry masses, See BENEFIT, page7A