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Man with shotgun never found at school

By TIMES WIRES
Published February 22, 2007

HERNANDO

Hernando Elementary School was briefly locked down Wednesday after someone spotted a suspicious man with a shotgun near the school, law enforcement and school officials said. Principal Belinda Woythaler said the person never came on campus and no children were directly at risk. But the school closed the main entrance and kept children indoors as a precautionary measure. According to the Sheriff's Office, someone called the Florida Highway Patrol and reported seeing a man riding a bicycle with a shotgun along U.S. 41 and County Road 486. Six patrols canvassed the area but did not find the suspicious person. The school reopened 25 minutes later.

COUNTYWIDE

Extension, River Alliance win grants

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has awarded $5,000 community education grants to two Citrus County projects. Save the Homosassa River Alliance will use its grant to teach residents how to protect the river's watershed. The Citrus County Extension Service will spend its money to finance a newspaper insert, "Florida-friendly Living in Citrus County," for both newcomers and natives.

INVERNESS

Voter drive set for black history event

The Citrus County Supervisor of Elections Office will conduct a voter awareness and registration drive 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Park. The drive will take place during the Inverness Black History Club's Day in the Park. Election office staff will register voters, update signatures and take name, address or party affiliation changes. Call Patrick Thomas at 341-6740.

COUNTYWIDE

Residents asked to be vigilant for fires

Abnormally dry conditions continuing in Citrus and Hernando counties have prompted the Withlacoochee Forestry Center to issue a request for the public to use common sense and help avoid the possible outbreak and spread of wildfires. Report any suspicious fire by calling 911; never leave a fire unattended; burn yard waste during the morning hours and avoid burning during dry, windy conditions; clear dead vegetation within 30 feet from homes and keep gutters and roofs clear of debris; know and comply with state and county open burning laws. For information regarding burning regulations or for fire prevention tips, call the center at (352) 754-6777.

Correction

Savor the Art, a live and silent art auction sponsored by the Citrus County Art Center, is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Skyview Golf and Country Club, 2100 N Terra Vista Blvd., Citrus Hills. A different date was printed in Wednesday's Citrus Times.

[Last modified February 21, 2007, 20:03:41]