Local Sculptor Avoids Beaten Path
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A AA R OO IF NG EERF EERF LIAH NOITCEPSNI 735750CCC# esneciL esneciL 735750CCC# 42 42 EMIT TSEB TSEB EHT FO FO EHT TSEB !RENNIW !RENNIW 2020 840-0445 CC-000ZZGM Thursday, April 22, 2021 Vol. 40 No. 26 75 cents BRIEFS Former head of Annie Johnson Center Missing boy found safely A 5-year-old boy reported missing in Dunnellon the af- ternoon of April 15 was quickly found safe after a col- awaits trial over grand theft charges laborative search by local au- thorities including the FRED HIERS and accusations that he fal- lon-based charitable organi- The investigation began in S R Dunnellon Police Depart- PECIAL TO THE IVERLAND sified documents to zation also provides September 2019 when an in- ment, Marion County Fire obtain SECO utility services in Citrus vestigating Marion County Rescue, the Citrus County The former executive di- vouchers for his own County. The current Sheriff ’s Office deputy met Sheriff’s Office, City of Dun- rector of the Annie Johnson benefit, according to executive director with the head of the Marion nellon Public Works, and Family and Senior Center, his arrest report. told the Chronicle County United Way, Scot Marion County Sheriff’s Of- who is facing grand theft The Annie Johnson that Cooper no longer Quintel. fice, which provided a heli- charges, is scheduled to Family and Senior holds that position. The arresting deputy ex- copter search. begin his jury trial July 19. Center provides food He told the investigat- plained in the arrest report The Dunnellon Police De- Larry P. Cooper, 71, was assistance and helps Larry ing deputy he pro- that the United Way receives partment also thanked local arrested in February 2020, financially strapped vides part-time donations from SECO power Cooper businesses for their help, in- by Marion County Sheriff ’s families with utility finance work for the and the money is distributed cluding The Blue Gator Tiki Office deputies after a costs when SECO vouchers charity and its three em- Bar & Restaurant, Dunnel- months-long investigation are available. The Dunnel- ployees. See GRAND/Page 6 lon’s Seafood Market and the Dinner Bell Motel. The boy went missing on foot from the Dinner Bell Motel. Cleanup at the Depot Our beloved Historic Depot needs a little TLC. Do you have an hour or two to help? Local Join us Saturday, April 24, to finish painting the caboose and organizing the museum. We will meet at 10 a.m. and work until 1 p.m., or until we wear out – which- sculptor ever comes first. Please join us! Want to know more about the Dunnellon Historical So- ciety and Depot? Visit www. DunnellonDepot.com. avoids The Depot is located at 12061 South Williams Street. Greenway and Trails seeking survey respondents beaten For many of us, this past year has been full of changes. This includes how we recre- ate outdoors. As we look back on a very MATTHEW BECK/Special to the Riverland News Citrus County resident John Wilchynski is a self-taught artist and creates nauti- eventful year, the Office of cal-themed sculpture from his garage in Dunnellon. He says the creations he crafts Greenways and Trails wants path are from the many diving adventures he has taken throughout his life. to hear how you were able to continue enjoying the out- HANNAH doors. thing from flying fish SACHEWICZ and sea turtles in Barba- Did you pick up a new S R hobby around your home, like PECIAL TO THE IVERLAND dos to sailfish in Pan- gardening or birdwatching? ama. “Every piece I’ve aster diver and done usually has a story Were you unable to play team self-taught ma- sports at your local park? behind it,” Wilchynski Mrine sculpture said. Perhaps you discovered a artist John Wilchynski new park or trail not far from In Mexico, he saw a your home? has invented a unique school of blue tangs Whatever outdoor recre- method of sculpting that while diving with his ation has looked like for you combines his two loves. daughter. “I surprised this past year, OGT would “I went off the beaten her and made her a love to hear about it! After path and did it my own school of blue tangs that all, it’s your experiences way,” he explained. hangs on her wall now,” during this unique time that Wilchynski was born Wilchynski said. will help us plan for future in Gulfport, Florida, and He hopes that every recreation opportunities grew up by the water. time his daughter looks around the state! Has always loved the at the sculpture through- The survey should take ocean, but his passion out her lifetime, she’ll about 5-10 minutes and is for sculpting came later remember that moment available in English and in life. with her father. Spanish. Please visit tinyurl. Before becoming a Wilchynski is inspired com/2kx9cjtm for the survey, sculptor, he was trying by Guy Harvey and Rob- or find the link at to learn how to paint. ert Wyland, both artists https://floridadep.gov/parks/ “My painting was not and conservationists. He ogt that good,” Wilchynski also draws inspiration Concert in Citrus Springs said as he laughed. from his close friend However, he remem- and mentor, Curtis Ar- The Nature Coast Commu- bered enjoying sculpting nity Band and conductor J. nett, who is a part of the in his high school art Craig Lilly present “Women’s famed group of painters, class. Works, A Tribute to Women’s the Florida Highway- Contribution to Music,” in “I went home and men. memory of Cindy Hazzard, started working on some When Wilchynski first May 8 and May 9. simple sculptures,” he began sculpting, he at- The Saturday, May 8, con- said. “One thing led to tempted to take his fin- cert will take place at 3 p.m. another and I started ished clay molds to a at the Citrus Springs Com- doing a lot of different bronze foundry. How- munity Center (1570 W. Cit- ocean type sculptures.” ever, they were unable rus Springs Blvd.). The May He garners inspiration to help him because his 9 show will be held at the from his many ocean ad- sculpting is too intri- Citrus County Auditorium ventures. “I try to do a cate. (3610 S. Florida Ave.) in In- study of each piece be- “Being upset, I went verness at 3 p.m. fore I work on it,” home and started to All Nature Coast Commu- Wilchynski said. MATTHEW BECK/Special to the Riverland News nity Band concerts are free. He’s observed every- Wilchynski’s sculptures are creations he makes by hand. See SCULPT/Page 12 where the current public boat ramp is lo- Workshop to focus on downtown cated, could make for a “village center” and boardwalk that links the waterfront to enhancement strategies Cedar Street and the Historic District as well as U.S. 41, provid- SEAN ARNOLD is highly valued. Specifically, the presented the scope ing a gateway that RIVERLAND NEWS The meeting is from plan will serve as a and outline of the proj- would serve as a “cat- 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at conceptual guide for ect and offered ideas alyst” of investment Citizens are invited City Hall, 20750 River the City towards im- for beautifying south- into restaurants and and encouraged to at- Drive. proving streets, strat- west Dunnellon and entertainment. The tend a City of Dunnel- A $35,000 grant was egizing connections the Historic District by boat ramp ramp would lon Planning approved to fund the between the river- accentuating Dunnel- need to be relocated Commission Work- crafting of an en- front and downtown lon’s natural gifts and in such a scenario. shop May 6 for their hancement plan in areas, establishing destination potential. Metcalf used cities input into a Historical consultation with a more pedestri- Residents in the dis- such as Mount Dora District Enhancement professional planner, an-friendly options trict also received sur- and Deland as exam- Plan. Ken Metcalf, AICP. and making business veys by mail to fill out. ples. The Plan will be the The grant is part of a areas and destina- Metcalf ’s initial If any accommodations product of a Techni- continuing effort to tions more aestheti- presentation showed cal Assistance Grant meet goals set in the cally appealing and the need to find a are needed for persons awarded by the De- “Economic Develop- accessible for visitors. focal point and “gate- with disabilities at the partment of Economic ment Strategy Ses- A first meeting was way” to the City and workshop, please contact Opportunity. Public sions: 2019 Distinctly held March 17 at City suggested City Hall the Office of the City input in this process Dunnellon.” Hall, where Metcalf and Centennial Park, Clerk at 352-465-8500. 2 v Riverland News, Thursday, April 22, 2021 Tigers celebrate best tennis campaign in 15 years The Dunnellon New High School boys’ tennis team ended the year finishing fifth at its district tournament. Na- ture Coast Techni- cal School won COVID-19 the event. Tiger seniors Garrett Gomes and Ga- briel Garcia each made it to the semifinals, before losing to the even- cases rising tual champions of their flights. This year’s DHS team SEAN ARNOLD ternet access can call finished with a 6-2 RIVERLAND NEWS 352-644-2590 for assis- dual match re- tance) cord, fourth place New cases of • CVS - cvs.com/im- in the county, and COVID-19 are rising, munizations/covid-19- now fifth in the while more than one- vaccine 1-800-746-7287 district tourna- third of Marion County • Heart of Florida ment.