The LAKER
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EAST PASCO EDITION
LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
FEBRUARY 4, 2015
New library dazzles patrons Offers new technology and an airy look By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
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Some boxes are still unpacked. A few books are being catalogued before getting stacked on shelves. An item or two, such as window blinds, are on order. Outside, workmen are getting ready to pave a parking lot. Not everything is completely done yet, but the new Zephyrhills Public Library is open for business and humming with activity – in hushed tones, of course. One recent morning a KATHY STEELE/STAFF PHOTOS steady stream of people Patrons enjoy the spacious new library and its modern look with arched ceilings and large windows. walked through the front door. One inquired about a book request. Others logged onto computers. Some just wanted a quiet reading nook. So far, the library has proved quite popular. “We are getting very heavy traffic,” said Vicki Elkins, director of library and museum services. “We have people coming in that we’ve never seen at the old library.” The new structure replaces a building that was partially constructed in 1964 and partly built in 1981. That building was torn down to make way for this new one. The paved parking lot, when completed, See LIBRARY, page7A
A look at the new Zephyrhills Public Library, replacing the former structure that included portions dating back to 1964.
Riggleman benefit offers display of true community spirit By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
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B INSIDE, PAGE 1B
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 throughout 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
B.C. MANION/STAFF PHOTOS
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.
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 See BENEFIT, page7A
Want to help?
The Rotary Club of San Antonio is collecting donations through its 501(3)(c) nonprofit fund to qualify the donations as tax deductible. Funds raised will be deposited in the Rotary Club of San Antonio, FL Fund Inc., account at the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union prior to full distribution to the Rigglemans. Online donations may also be made through Go Fund Me at GoFundMe.com/jrxxpg.
Economic outlook: Steady, but modest growth By Kathy Steele
Wren is more bullish than bearish about the 2015 stock The economic outlook both nationally market, but global and locally is for modest, but steady growth, events including the according to Scott Wren, an economics exfinancial outlooks in pert for Wells Fargo Advisers, based in St. China and Europe Louis, Missouri. will affect the United Wren, who spoke to a crowd of about Scott Wren States economy 125 people at a luncheon hosted by the broadly, as well as the Pasco Economic Development Council, local level,Wren said. used two phrases to sum up the forecast for At home, Congress needs to be more the near future: “good but not great” and business-friendly, he said. “modest growth.” “I want you to go away optimistic,” Wren The luncheon on Jan. 29 concluded told his audience. “I don’t want you to be Business Development Week and was at the wildly optimistic.” Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club in San Among hopeful signs are modest but Antonio. steady economic growth of about 3 percent Its theme was Equity Strategy Outlook for 2015 and probably for another two for 2015. years, Wren said.
ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
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 can get the economy to grow by 5 percent and consistently grow by 5 percent.” At least for the next couple of years, Wren also expects inflation to remain low and wages to climb only modestly. “People aren’t gaining a lot of buying power,” he said. “I don’t expect that to change anytime soon.” Even so, consumer confidence is at an alltime high and that, he said, means people are more willing to spend on discretionary items such as furniture and automobiles, or take a cruise. Business confidence also is increasing and companies are more willing to make See ECONOMY, page7A