[Times photo: Janel Schroeder] Teens find a friendly ear, with fur Schwettman students who behave in class and are polite can earn points that they can later cash in for "puppy time."

May 31, 2000

Funds for state park, dredging escape veto
County representatives are happy, even though the governor rejects some Pasco projects.

Officials: Indictments target drug family
Authorities say members of the Clemente family moved thousands of pounds of marijuana and methamphetamine.

Veto lets county hone fee formula
The fee on new homes to pay for school construction now may rise to $1,700. Builders pledge to fight it.

Officials give city manager priorities
The move comes a week after a Dade City commissioner calls for Doug Drymon's firing.

Domestic violence program gets state funds
The budget item, vetoed last year, will pay for four detectives, a supervisor and a clerk trained to focus on children.

Dade City plant's capacity questioned
DADE CITY -- A sewer spat between the city and state regulators appeared to be resolved this spring after two years and plans for nearly $3-million in upgrades.

Malpractice lawsuit is settled
An agreement is reached during mediation in the case involving mental health counselor Marvin W. Kassed.

Woman sentenced to 2 1/2 years for DUI
DADE CITY -- A Zephyrhills woman who drove drunk on New Year's Eve, then slipped out of her handcuffs and led police on a woodland chase before she was recaptured, agreed to a 21/2-year prison sentence Tuesday.

Tennis star's retiring matches Y plans
A dinner will recognize Jim Courier's achievements and raise funds for a YMCA. "It's a double whammy," an organizer says.

Sports
All-star game on, coach says
The rosters aren't set, but River Ridge coach Jack Homko said the game for county seniors will be played tonight.

Pirate signs with K-State
DADE CITY -- To her great relief, the Sarah James sweepstakes ended Tuesday afternoon.

Pasco promotes JV coach to varsity
DADE CITY -- Bittersweet pretty much sums up Christine Webb's feelings as she assumes command of Pasco's volleyball program.

Hernando teacher uses Evert for inspiration
David Katcher had never played tennis until he saw Chris Evert win her first Wimbledon title in 1974. Then the teenager became enamored with both Evert and tennis.

Letters
As rains cease, so should development
Editor: The current severe drought in this area should pose a real challenge to the County Commission. Obviously, the present population creates a demand for water that exceeds the amount that can be reliably supplied.