Relive the top news events of 2000 through year-end coverage from the staff of the St. Petersburg Times. Stories Story of the year For weeks, the Inverness Senior Softball All-Stars made a statement with their play.

Jan Glidewell

Citrus presses on with WWII memorial
The county's 9,000 World War II veterans deserve some recognition as part of a statewide memorial effort, officials say.

Noteworthy news, oddball occasions
From out-of-control emus to the antics of an eccentric ex-judge, from Y2K bugs that didn't appear to a business-recruiting group that did show up and probably wishes it hadn't, the Year 2000 had it all. Here is a look at the oddball events that made headlines this year. And they say nothing ever happens in Citrus County!

A ticket to paradise lost: Chapter 7
Our story so far: The four surviving Lottery winners have returned from the sheriff's station after several hours of interrogation. As they manage a fitful night's sleep, a raccoon threatens to ruin everything by burying their prize, a Lottery ticket worth $13-million, inside the sign to their RV park.

New year holiday closings
The following closings will be in effect in observance of the New Year holiday. Most businesses will resume normal hours on Tuesday. If in doubt, call the office in question.

Increases in Medicare aid local health care
Over the next five years, hospitals are expected to receive $14-billion more than they would have before recent changes.

Editor's column tone could drive a wedge between neighbors
Editor: The Citrus Times (Courses Over Par in Water Use, Dec. 24) has performed a valuable service in reminding us of the amount of water that goes into maintaining golf courses. At a time when two years of unprecedented drought conditions place severe demands on Citrus County's freshwater reserves, we are all called upon to use water sparingly and equitably.

If you have talent, contact the Citrus County fair
INVERNESS -- The Citrus County Fair Association is looking for talent for the county fair from March 19-24. To reserve a performance time, call 726-2993 by Jan. 19.