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In the Know

By TIMES STAFF
Published February 4, 2007

CHALLENGER K-8 TEACHER EARNS COUNTY HONORS

Debbye Warrell, the media specialist at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics, was named Hernando County's Teacher of the Year during a program Saturday at the Hernando High Performing Arts Center. She was recognized by the Hernando County Education Foundation, which marked its 17th year honoring Hernando's top teachers. Warrell has spent 3 1/2 of her 18 years in education working in Hernando. In December, each county school chose one teacher as its representative. The nominees were observed at work and then a winner was chosen. Warrell said her mission was to get students excited about reading. "We must create a passion and excitement within ourselves so we can pass our love of reading on to our students and make it their passion," she said.

Water board, park head back to court

After three years of legal battles, Weeki Wachee Springs and the Southwest Florida Water Management District are expected to set another court date this week. Following trials, mediation, appeals and promising lawyer-less meetings, the two sides still can't work out differences that stem from a lease - Swiftmud owns the land the water park sits on - and a variety of other disagreements. After a case management meeting Jan. 29 before Hernando County Circuit Judge Richard Tombrink, it appears yet another trial will begin sometime this summer, said Weeki Wachee spokesman John Athanason. The water park and water district have been in legal battles since 2004. After months of litigation was deemed excessive, the groups went through mediation. Talks fells apart in 2005 and led back to court. In 2006, the sides met again during a disastrous public meeting, and again in May, privately without lawyers in Tampa.

Judge to be installed Friday

The investiture ceremony for Circuit Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr. will be at 3 p.m. Friday in the historic courtroom on the third floor of the old courthouse, 20 N Main St. For information, call 754-4402.

Today's picks

Forgiven Gospel Trio Concert: 10:15 a.m., Ridge Manor United Methodist Church, 34350 Cortez Blvd., Ridge Manor. 583-3770.

Four Chaplains Memorial Service: 2 p.m., Temple Beth David, 13158 Antelope St., Spring Hill. 666-0606.

Scottish Club Dinner to Honor Poet Laureate Robert Burns: 1:30 p.m., American Legion Post, 208 E Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville. $10 per person. RSVP to Chris, 796-0170.

[Last modified February 4, 2007, 07:09:00]