The drive for perfect attendance [Times photo: Ron Thompson] Attending class every day pays off in a big way for Lecanto High School junior James Willet as he wins a Jeep Liberty Sport.

City, merchants spar over holiday event
Inverness officials balk on approving a permit for the Uncle Sam Jam because of a potential conflict with downtown renovations. Merchants call the decision unfair.

Man gets life in prison for sex with minors
The 20-year-old Homosassa man pleaded guilty to having sex with a 14-year-old girl and three 13-year-olds.

Citrus digest
Alexander named chief of Inverness police

School works to hang onto its own reins
The Academy of Environmental Science, a charter school, will try to persuade the School Board that district officials should not be in charge of the school's operations.

Council seeks deal on wall at Walgreens
The drugstore's wall was rebuilt last year but still encroaches on city of Inverness property. The builder and the city's staff will confer.

Burn ban in place because of dry, windy conditions
LECANTO -- Due to extremely dry and windy conditions, Citrus County residents have been placed under a burn ban until further notice, county public safety director Charles Poliseno said.

Plebe life beckons Crystal River student
After Annapolis and five years in the service, Christopher Grillo hopes to work in business.

Bears catcher changes college commitment
Central senior Shauna Dampier decides to play for Div. II North Florida instead of NAIA team.

Crystal River not retaining coach
Norris Lightsey is out after 10 years in charge of girls basketball program.

Crystal River High School tribute
Honor graduates -- Crystal River High School Class of 2002

5 graduates appreciate small school's spirit
Their plans range from attending several Christian colleges in the Southeast to joining the Air Force.

Elementary students dish it up
Parents and educators enjoy a meal at a restaurant run by third-graders.

Teacher's tall tale adds drama to class
A different take on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is just what the teacher ordered for this group of students.

Newsmakers
IPS SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS: Inverness Primary School announces its school science fair winners.

Class notes
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Students seeking an opportunity for community service are welcome at the West Coast Community Center, 8940 W Veteran's Drive, Homosassa. During the summer, volunteers are needed to help deliver programs and activities to the community of Citrus County. For information, call 795-3831.

Say it
Students from Bonnie Warner's Homosassa Elementary School exceptional student education class were asked: "What did you learn from the Coast Guard members during their visit to your school?"

Students step up to make event a success
INVERNESS -- ComeUnity Montessori School students began months ago to prepare for their Spring Fling Thing, held May 9. They practiced dance steps weekly. They learned basic etiquette. They learned to waltz.