School Board approves spending plan, tax rate
The district finished this fiscal year with a surplus of more than $7-million.

Bush: No probe of King required
Claims that State Attorney Brad King mishandled a 1995 case don't warrant an investigation, his office concludes.

Some officials call for end or reduction of garbage tax
The county will pay off its landfill mortgage with $4-million to spare.

Family settles with truckers, ending suit
Proceeds are expected to exceed $60,000 each for the mother and son killed in a collision in June 1999.

Campaign material at school removed
CRYSTAL RIVER -- Workers at Rock Crusher Elementary School on Monday discovered that someone had stuffed staff mailboxes over the weekend with literature and bumper stickers supporting David Hickey for school superintendent. Hickey, the Crystal River Middle School principal, is running against teacher Chris Becker in the Democratic primary Sept. 5. "As soon as I heard about it, I had them removed," said principal Nancy Simon. District policy prohibits political activities at schools and Simon said she planned to remind the staff of that.

Lecanto student makes national honor roll
LECANTO -- The U.S. Achievement Academy has announced the recognition of Thomas G. Maher, 14, as a U.S. National Honor Roll Award winner. He is a freshman at Lecanto High School and will appear in the nationally published U.S. Achievement Academy Official Yearbook.

Hernando Beach reopened for swimmers
HERNANDO -- Hernando Beach has been reopened for public bathing after the latest water quality tests have met acceptable guidelines, the Citrus County Health Department announced this week. Water levels have increased because of recent rains, and that has reduced muck levels. The department will continue to monitor water quality. For information, call 527-5295.

Groups make pleas for county money
INVERNESS -- They tried to appeal to the county's pocketbook, saying a small investment in preventive programs now would save the county more money down the road.

League meetings are scheduled for seniors
Seniors looking to compete in a local bowling league will have two outlets for competition this fall.