Brief rain a refreshment, not relief [Times photo: Ron Thompson] HOMOSASSA -- The glorious sound of rain returned to Citrus County on Monday, as raindrops beat the arid ground in short-lived spurts that failed to lower the risk of wildfire.

Helping children a way of life Neal Weiss, 55, is retiring as the district's director of exceptional student education. Longtime teacher files to run for School Board CRYSTAL RIVER -- Crystal River native and longtime teacher Virginia Bryant has filed paperwork to become the first challenger for the District 2 School Board seat held by Carl Hansen.

Futures beckon top scholars
LECANTO -- Lecanto High School's Class of 2000 has two valedictorians and two salutatorians. Graduating at the top are Claire Wilker and Pamela-Jean Michelle Humphries. The salutatorians are Swati Patel and Gary Becker.

A time for remembering
BEVERLY HILLS -- Although rain drove away some spectators, organizers still managed to stage the traditional Memorial Day ceremony Monday at Fero Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

I honestly can't hide my purple truck pride
Afriend of mine used to collect combinations of words that nobody had ever heard before -- things like "Please remove the polka-dot umbrella from behind the elephant's ear," or Bill Clinton admitting that he wasn't entirely truthful.

Woman killed on U.S. 19 was from Homosassa
The Florida Highway Patrol has identified the woman who was hit and killed May 20 on U.S. 19 as Linda Darlene Cinko, 40, of 2500 S Pine Ridge, Homosassa.

County will post bid information on Internet
INVERNESS -- The County Commission has decided to give businesses easier access to bid information by posting it on the Internet.

Rookie wins Hobby Stock special
Richie Smith holds off division points leader Chris Hooker in the 30-lap event for his second victory and fourth top-five finish.