Page 18 raurspay, JANUARY 31, 2008 AROUND LEVY COUNTY | LEVY COUNTY sidan 13th Annual Pee Wee Mercer Bull-Riding Benefit By KELLIE PARKIN STAFF WRITER ago at the age of ten. According to Doug Walker, owner of Diamond W Rodeo in Sarasota, a bull rider’s score is calculated by two judges. Each judge grades up to 25 points for the intensity of the bull, rapidity of turning, bucking height, and overall difficulty. Another possible 25 points per judge is based on the rider’s form and ability to control the bull. Extra points may be awarded if the rider creates more bucking by spurring the bull. In addition to bull riding, the event included a live auction and a calf scramble. A fifty/fifty raffle sent one lucky attendee home with $376. Ward’s Electronics of Williston donated two TVs, valued at approximately $700 each, that were also given away. “We’re always looking for sponsors,” said Levi Kuhn. Anyone interested in this event may contact Kuhn at (321) 443-6180 for more information. Bull-rider Jake McIntyre of Zolfo Springs took home $2,000 in prize money as approximately 1,500 spectators enjoyed the festivities Saturday night at the 13th annual Pee Wee Mercer Bull-Riding Benefit at the Williston Horseman’s Park Arena. “It’s a very important event, with a very good name attached to it,” said McIntyre. Williston resident Pee Wee Mercer was paralyzed from the neck down in a bull-riding accident in November 1995. Long-time friend Levi Kuhn has been organizing this event since its inception. Each year the benefit raises approximately $15,000 to $20,000 for Pee Wee, Kuhn said. McIntyre and fellow-rider BJ Carter described bull- riding as a brotherhood. “It’s not like any other sport. Its camaraderie — we take care of each other,” Carter said. The bulls were tough on the 25 riders that participated, eliminating 17 who were unable to ride the necessary eight seconds to receive a score. With the luck of the draw the youngest rider, fifteen-year- old Austin Clay of Sarasota, was paired with One Down —a ferocious one-horned bull who after losing his rider in six seconds proceeded to chase the horses, the clowns and everyone else still in the arena. It was only when Hollywood the Clown began singing “I want my baby-back ribs” ae One Down ran to the bullpen. Qualifying for the championship round, McIntyre and’ Carter were joined by DJ Beal, Travis Haisley, Rob Platt, Caleb Sanderson and Jason Wade. The judges ruled that Wade was fouled by the site coming’ out of the shoot, allowing for another turn on the same bull. He received a score of 86, with a point total of 161, finishing second place. Caleb Sanderson was in a close third with 160 points total. First place Jake McIntyre finished the night with Journal photo by Kellie Parkin. Bull-riders pray with crowd for safety in the evening's events... The Levy County Journal. The County’s Newspaper of Record Since 1923. chase him off. 164 points. Journal photo by Kellie Parkin. “I believe Jake was riding in the womb,” Carter said of his After losing his rider, “One Down” the bull pursues horse ; friend. McIntyre stated that he began riding bulls 17 years and rider making contact briefly before other horsemen LEVY COUNTY JOURNAT, Sot leak ducts? They could be wasting up to 1/3 of your heating and cooling costs. Journal photo by Kellie Parkin. Jake Mcintyre exhibits his style during his championship ride at the 13th annual Pee Wee Mercer Bull Riding Benefit in Williston, Saturday Jan. 26. Chiefland Chamber Hosts Amanda Douglas at Monthly Meeting By STACEY LYNN BROWN, Starr WRITER The Chiefland Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting on Fri., Jan. 25 and welcomed Amanda Douglas, the new director of the Nature Coast Business Development Council. She explained that she is analyzing what type of businesses that Levy County wants and needs, so the Council may recruit and make accommodations for such businesses. She stated that while residential growth is steady in Levy County, the infrastructure of supporting businesses needs to keep pace, and it doesn’t seem to be at this time. She stated that she is analyzing the employment rate, how far people are oe i willing to commute to work, and other factors that weigh into“) Douglas Sirsctal of Energy Check, where we ll provide you with ee sete ante ey cou ioe : the: Natura Goast Bublaces customized efficiency recommendations e Chamber also held a ribbon-cutting for the Sevent Development Council. ) Tf ie! e Heaven Day Spa & Salon and welcomes them to the Chamber. : | - fol eet eS eeernied i need a Duct Check, we'll pay half the cost of the test, plus the first $150 toward any repairs needed. To get started, visit _ savethewatts.com or call 1.866.712.3409. ‘ To find out if your duct system has leaks, your first step is to Sign up for a tree Home It’s your wallet, It's your world. Journal photos by Stacey Lynn Brown. Seventh Heaven Day Spa & Salon held their ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday. From left to right are Bob Williams, Laura Grovac, Tiffany Ross, Britni Robson, Windy Moore, Taylor Jones, Nicole Davies, Ashley . i Pendarvis, Katie Wright, Paige Brookins, Carla Cothron and Brenda Herring, owners, Christine Arnold, ©2008 Progress Energy Florida, Inc. Amy Deen, Jennifer Goodman, Georgia Arrington, Christy Johnson, Bennitt Patterson an Ben Lott.