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Court makes progress in Couey jury selection

By TIMES WIRES
Published February 22, 2007

MIAMI

Light is visible at the end of the jury selection tunnel.

Sixteen potential jurors advanced to the second round of questioning Wednesday, the largest daily tally since jury selection for John Couey began six days ago.

The pool of potential jurors stands at 59, putting court officials within sight of their goal for 75. Those who moved forward to a second round of qualification will return Monday for more questions, specifically about the death penalty.

A total of 219 prospective jurors have been auditioned.

Circuit Judge Ric Howard said Wednesday's progress keeps the trial on schedule to begin at the end of the month. Howard started court early Wednesday, cut lunch short, limited repetitive questions and continued the session until 6 p.m.

USF ST. PETERSBURG

Regional vice chancellor to return to classroom

Amid faculty unrest over perceived threats to the independence of USF St. Petersburg, the school's chief academic officer has decided to return to a teaching position.

V. Mark Durand, who was named regional vice chancellor in 2005 after serving as founding dean of the college of arts and sciences, will return to a full-time teaching and research position in psychology in mid March.

In an e-mail to the faculty, regional chancellor Karen White called Durand "a visionary leader" who was instrumental in leading the campus' bid for separate accreditation. "Thanks to his dedication during a time of great change, Dr. Durand leaves our academic operation and campus transformed," White wrote.

Senior university adviser Blaine Brownell, a former interim dean of business, will serve as interim regional vice chancellor. White said she would consult with campus constituencies to create a search process for a permanent regional vice chancellor.

ST. PETERSBURG

Parents may check on choice applications

Beginning today, Pinellas parents who applied for a magnet, fundamental or career academy program for the next school year can call the school district's automated phone line - 501-0871 - to see if their child has been offered a seat.

Parents who have been invited to more than one program must choose which school they want their child to attend before the Feb. 28 acceptance deadline. Failure to call and accept a seat before the deadline will result in the forfeiture of any seat offered.

Go to www.pinellaschoice.org for more information.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Funeral set for victim of road rage on I-4

Funeral services have been set for the 36-year-old Land O'Lakes man killed Sunday night in a shooting on Interstate 4 after the Daytona 500.

A wake for Eric Houk will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive (State Road 54), New Port Richey.

The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes. Houk, who lived in Oakstead, was married and had three young sons.

He owned a housepainting business and coached youth soccer.

The Houk Family Assistance Fund is being established at Bank of America to help his family. Call any branch for information.

[Last modified February 22, 2007, 01:40:48]