The Week in Words

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 9, 2008

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Editor's note: The following is a recap of the week's news events , in the words of the newsmakers.

"Stuff like this brings all the memories back and we start crying all over again."

Larry Decker of Spring Hill, at the dedication ceremony of Sgt. Lea Mills Boulevard in Masaryktown. Decker's stepson, Army Spc. Cody Grater, was killed in Iraq last year.

 

"The biggest problem we have are the type of tops that the girls wear."

Sue Stoops, principal of Challenger K-8 school, on the problem of students who are pushing the limits of the school's dress code. Superintendent Wayne Alexander is considering a "universal dress code" that may call for uniforms for elementary and middle school students.

 

 "I don't like the school taking the authority away from the child and the mother and I."

Larry Scott, of Challenger's School Advisory Committee, who opposes the idea of school uniforms.

 

"I think all the stars are getting in a line right now."

Jay Rowden, chairman of the local Democratic Party, on the possibility of a Democratic challenger prevailing in this year's election against incumbent U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite.

 

"We realize that we're not going to please everybody. No one wants transmission lines near them."

Gail Simpson, of Progress Energy, on the utility's proposal to run new power lines through parts of Hernando County.

 

"This is a significant moment in history."

Brooksville City Manager Jennene Norman-Vacha, on the agreement transferring dispatch duties from the city to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

 

"I'm not happy with it, but there's nothing we can do about it."

Ronald Gossett, Brooksville's dispatch supervisor, who was not in favor of the transfer.

 

"It's the greatest joy to open this school. It's the pinnacle of a career."

Dominick Ferello, principal of the soon-to-open Explorer K-8 school off Northcliffe Boulevard.

 

"He got away lucky."

Heather Glenny, spokeswoman for the Florida Highway Patrol, on Trooper David Frye, who was dragged for 30 feet along a road after a suspect tried to drive off with the trooper trying to stop him.

 

"Matt's my buddy. He's my friend. He's my hero and I'm not going to give up on him."

Keith Maupin, on his son, Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin, left, missing and presumed captured in Iraq. Maupin was addressing a number of veterans groups in Hernando and Pasco counties.