Lawyers state case to save a killer's life
TAMPA -- Death row inmate Todd Mendyk never meant to kill the Spring Hill convenience clerk he kidnapped in 1987, appellate lawyers said, but was merely acting out a fantasy in which he believed raping and torturing the woman would cause her to fall in love with him.

Thomas Mould Jr., former editor, dies
Thomas Mould Jr., who died Monday of cancer at 75, once directed Hernando's Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Candidates to speak their piece on the air
Hernando's government access channel will broadcast forums prior to the Sept. 5 primary election. Policy for future programming also is being developed.

Hernando ends its burning ban
BROOKSVILLE -- Hernando County lifted its 3-month-old outdoor burning ban Tuesday, recognizing that the immediate threat of wildfires has subsided with recent rains. The latest available Keech-Byram drought index for the county was 147 and dropping, said Mike Nickerson, director of Hernando County Fire and Rescue, as he advised ending the ban. The index runs from 0 to 800, with 800 being the driest. He said the state Division of Forestry will release the county from its burning restrictions today. As a result of the county action, people now may burn yard trash, build campfires and bonfires, and do other outdoor burning as permitted by state and local laws.

County postpones lease transfer
Par Marketing of Florida wants to move its leasehold interest over to the EDC. Officials fear taxpayers may suffer.

Some people just have to complain
Editor: Re: Hernando Beach "gripers' shouldn't change area, June 22 letter to the editor:

Commission finds top fleet manager candidate too costly
The commission balks at hiring Citrus County's maintenance operations director at the negotiated salary of $51,000.

World champion Belles won't repeat
Hernando County's three teams are eliminated by West Pasco in district play.

17 county youths headed for Vegas for national event
The bowlers qualified for the USA Junior Olympic Gold National Championships, with berths on the national team and scholarship money on the line.