In the know

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 16, 2008

Suspended teacher settles, will return

Suspended teacher Shawn Bingham will return to his job at Hernando High School under an agreement approved Tuesday by the School Board. Bingham, 37, was accused by the district of stealing $75 from a student's wallet Sept. 17. Surveillance video showed him picking up a wallet from a bleacher in the gym, and returning it a short while later. The tape did not show money being removed. Last week, Bingham reached a settlement with the district to accept a loss of two months' pay, the time of his suspension, as a penalty for not following district policy on handling lost items. The agreement comes in lieu of a state hearing that could have resulted in his firing. Board members Jim Malcolm and Pat Fagan voted against the settlement Tuesday, saying the penalty seemed harsh.

COUNTYWIDE

Third hopeful joins District 5 race

A third candidate has joined the race for County Commission District 5. William "Billy" Walter Healis prefiled paperwork Tuesday for the election. A Republican, Healis is the community involvement coordinator and training manager for Wal-Mart. Healis, 34, has been a resident of Hernando County since 1988. "With my background ... I felt it was about time that somebody got into office who could make the tough decisions and not just the political decisions," he said. Healis is running for the seat held by Democrat Chris Kingsley, who is seeking re-election. Another Republican, James Adkins, has also prefiled for the position.

SPRING HILL

Deadline todayfor security event

Today is the reservation deadline for West Hernando-Spring Hill Hadassah's educational symposium, "How Safe Are We?" The event will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 28 at Temple Beth David, 13158 Antelope St. Representatives from several state and federal agencies will discuss homeland security issues. Tickets are $15, which includes lunch. Call Elaine at 666-8467 or Myrna at 686-9243.

Today's meetings

Hernando County Historical Advisory Commission, 3 p.m., Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave., Brooksville.

Hernando County Fine Arts Council Art, Craft and Music Festival Committee, 5:30 p.m., Jerome Brown Community Center, 99 Jerome Brown Place, Brooksville.

Today's picks

Art reception at City Hall Art Gallery: 5 to 7 p.m., 201 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Free. 544-5407.

Florida Classic Clusters AKC All-Breed Dog Show: 8 a.m. to 5, p.m., Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road. $5 per vehicle.

[Last modified January 15, 2008, 22:12:16]