17 Whooping cranes reach winter ground

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 29, 2008

CHASSAHOWITZKA

A flock of 17 whooping cranes completed their arduous migration from Wisconsin to Florida early Monday morning, with ultralights leading the year-old birds from their last stop in Marion County to their wintering spot in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. The birds will spend two months in the wild before instinct tells them to make the unassisted return trip to Wisconsin in the spring. The migration covered more than 1,200 miles, beginning in Wisconsin's Necedah National Wildlife Refuge on Oct 13.

SPRING HILL

YMCA launches expansion project

The Hernando County Family YMCA will kick off its major expansion from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Y, 1300 Mariner Blvd. There will be a continental breakfast sponsored by Panera Bread Co. Speakers include Sheriff Richard Nugent, County Commissioner David Russel, Chick-fil-A owner John Mitten and YMCA Board Chairman James De Luca. The expansion will bring an additional 10,500 square feet, including a larger cycling room, new teen center, activities room, new wellness center, larger kids zone/babysitting space, and social spaces. The project is expected to be completed by fall or winter.

BROOKSVILLE

Black History month activities

The Jerome Brown Community Center will have a Black History display featuring Mable Sims' African artifacts throughout February. Sims, whose African name is Lesidi Lebore, will give presentations about her trip to Africa and her artifacts from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Friday and Feb. 15 at the c, 99 Jerome Brown Place. A presentation geared toward youth will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 14. Free. For information, call 544-5498.

Today's meeting

Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board, 9 a.m., district headquarters, 2379 Broad St., south of Brooksville.

Today's pick

Hernando County Cooperative Extension to present "Integrating Green in Your Home and Landscape": 10 a.m., Forest Oaks Government Center, 7974 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Free. 754-4433.

Corrections

-The Frankie Dee New York Orchestra will perform at a dance from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 9 at the St. Jude's Knights of Columbus Hall, 10470 Spring Hill Drive. Tickets are $10. Call Mary at 596-9486 or Angelo at the K of C, 686-2650. Wrong information was listed Saturday.

-The last name of Carol Mas, a group leader for Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, was misspelled Monday.

[Last modified January 28, 2008, 20:57:34]