Holiday beast feast [Times photo: Brian Tietz] Lucifer, the 6,000-pound hippo, waits for Santa to toss him a bread wreath Thursday at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Park volunteer Chet Scott donned the red and white suit to distribute the treats.

Jan Glidewell
The right to annoy can carry hefty price
In Miami in the late 1950s they were called "slam books," and, a quick check with my colleagues tells me, they were around for a long time and in a lot of places.

Man held in biker gang attacks
Authorities suspect the man, who they say is in the Pagan motorcycle gang, of several shootings and beatings.

Christian gathering at school questioned
A Fellowship of Christian Athletes holiday meeting at Inverness Middle raises questions. School officials defend allowing it.

Settlement offers to fix water heaters
Owners of appliances with the defective part must make claims quickly, though.

Houses lacking in flood safety
The building inspector writes to 50 people in Crystal River whose houses might need to be retrofitted to meet federal regulations.

Inverness man receives medal
The U.S. Air Force has presented Inverness resident Robert Zontini with the Airman's Medal of Valor.

Meeting set for potential foster, adoptive parents
INVERNESS -- The Department of Children and Families will have an orientation session for potential foster parents and adoptive parents at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at the department's office, 2315 U.S. 41 (Florida Avenue) N, Inverness. For information, call toll free (877) 822-1995.

Ringing in the new: Simple to sublime
If you haven't yet made plans for New Year's Eve, there are plenty of party spots from which to choose.

Sharing his personal odyssey
An exhibit of Rockwell Kent's work, at The Appleton in Ocala, is inspired by his repeated trips to remote areas.

K-Swiss tourney is scheduled for next month
The K-Swiss tennis championship will start the new year with competition in men's and women's doubles on the clay courts at Glen Lakes Country Club on Jan.6-7.

Crystal River FCA helps needy kids
CRYSTAL RIVER -- The idea came to Brent Hall in a flash.