Shopper cuts holdup short
In her purse, the woman hid a gun -- just the thing to stop a man threatening Wal-Mart employees.

Authorities seek clues to identify human skull
Missing person cases are reviewed after a girl makes the find near the Hernando-Citrus line.

Republican lawyer enters House District 44 race
Sabato DeVito says the incumbent sponsored an irresponsible bill, the one allowing motorcyclists to ride without helmets.

Fire chief finds figures don't jibe
SPRING HILL -- When county commissioners suggested Tuesday that the Spring Hill Fire and Rescue District tighten its belt, Chief Michael Morgan went straight for his calculator.

County, fire district debating tax cut idea
Hernando wants the Spring Hill fire commission, which has a surplus, to lower its rate.

Planet Bubba not county's only source of noise pollution
Editor: I am not an advocate of the Planet Bubba night club, nor am I siding with the disgruntled residents who have allegedly endured sleepless nights due to the noise produced from the club. But I do think this sudden rush to outlaw and censor escalated musical decibels and, more precisely, "heavy bass-like music," is extremely myopic of the Hernando County Commission.

Hartley in running as state's best in softball
Miss Softball will be named from a list of six finalists at a June 24 awards banquet in Orlando.

Eagles coach livid over losing job
Bill Horvath, accusing principal Dot Dodge of "political assassination," is out as girls soccer coach despite winning a district title and John Bifulco is back.

Commission news
BROOKSVILLE -- The Hernando County Commission is taking a tough stand on its share of the District 5 Medical Examiner's Office. Commissioners refused to pay a flat fee for administrative services provided by Lake County, instead requesting a detailed cost list to analyze first. Then, commissioners said, they gladly would pay their share along with Citrus, Sumter, Marion and Lake counties. They also insisted that they would pay only for services rendered, adding that the costs must be clearly explained and justified. In past years, Hernando officials tried unsuccessfully to get explanations for the medical examiner's charges and spending. Last year, Hernando's share of the budget was $161,379. "We definitely are getting more involved," Commissioner Chris Kingsley said.