[Times photo: Dan McDuffie] Matt Harden is one of Wesley Chapel High's strongest and most imposing athletes.

April 19, 2000

Civil trial does not withdraw shadow
Acquitted of murder, Jonathan Dye Jones hoped suing the Sheriff's Office would get rid of lingering doubts about his innocence and win him millions. It did neither.

Harden stands above crowd
The Wesley Chapel junior discus thrower has the winning touch.

Design rules draw critics
A design group is proposed to rule on redevelopment plans in Dade City's downtown.

Ex-ballplayer makes pitch for kids
Jim "Mudcat" Grant is organizing a fundraiser for the Lacoochee Boys and Girls Club. A celebrity golf tournament and auction are among the events planned.

County bans open flames
Violators face penalties of up to $500 or 60 days in jail for setting bonfires and campfires, burning trash or yard debris or setting off fireworks.

GOP official may not seek top spot
Now that the county Republican Party chairman has been deposed, Bill Bunting says there are many possible candidates to take the reins.

Foes stand up to new highway
The county deems the road a vital east-west route, but activists say it will ruin the environment.

Ballerina balanced in life, on stage
The teen will receive a ballet fellowship, is first in her high school class, tutors younger students and is part of a Greek folk dance group.

Police seek facts about woman's death in lake
SAN ANTONIO -- Investigators on Tuesday still were trying to piece together the facts about the death of a Zephyrhills woman who was found floating in Lake Iola Sunday afternoon.

Suspect judged unfit for trial in killing
DADE CITY -- A judge sent a man charged with murder to a state mental hospital Tuesday, ruling he is mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Manager agrees to leave golf course
After vowing to fight an eviction order, Nancy Lester says she will vacate the Zephyrhills City Golf Course by mid-May.

Teen injured during robbery attempt at mall
PORT RICHEY -- A Coral Springs teenager who went to the Gulf View Square mall to see a movie and hang out was beaten up by three men who tried to steal the teen's pager, authorities said.

Sports
Born to be a hurdler
Hudson High junior Erica Schultz hopes to set another school record and return to the state meet.

Sprinter Bingham bided his time
River Ridge's multitalented Jason Bingham has proved to be one of the county's best no matter the sport, football or soccer.

School news
Down-to-earth lessons
With Earth Day approaching on Saturday, students throughout the county have been focusing on the environment. Programs abound to adopt an endangered species, purchase a slice of rain forest or simply pick up some trash on school grounds.

Parenting should be child's play
Playing is how toddlers learn, Janet Carrol says. She facilitates the Mommy and Me program at the New Port Richey library teaching mothers how to play.

Projects give seniors a taste of real world
Students at Gulf and River Ridge high schools have been toiling to complete their works. As graduation approaches, those efforts come to fruition.

Letters
Candidates should be clear on desalination stance
Re: County Commission hopefuls toss around ideas for future, April 14.