LAKE PLACID — "You don't train cats. They train you." That's how Judy Eastwood, the president of the American Cat Fanciers Association, summarized the experiences of dozens of cat breeders who assembled at the American Legion Post 25 Saturday and Sunday. Approximately, 50 contestants and more than 130 cats from places as far as Wisconsin packed the post for the "Mardi Gras Cat Show." Through all the breeding, feeding, grooming, pampering and travel expenses, they compete only for ribbons and plaques. And some make a lifestyle out of it. ...more

February 18, 2008

County commissioners today will discuss approving a contract for David Hamilton, the board's choice for county administrator. ...more

February 5, 2008

SEBRING — Teachers seeking affordable housing have a new option with the School Board of Highlands County approving an agreement with a local developer. The school district will help get the word out about Las Villas Phase 2, an affordable housing development on Kenilworth Boulevard, east of Sebring High School. Project developer Caribbean Realestate Developers has qualified for a grant to provide workforce housing for personnel considered essential to the county. Teachers are considered essential personnel. "The bottom line is you have the opportunity to provide $50,000, maybe even $70,000 off the purchase of a villa for a teacher," school district teacher recruiter Sean Rego said at a recent school board meeting. The housing agreement requires no monetary responsibility of the school district. ...more

February 4, 2008

County commissioners have made no secret they want Larry Jennings as their county administrator. ...more

January 16, 2008

What Has County Come To? So, the witch hunt actually begins. Interim County Administrator Larry Jennings has suspended 10-year veteran Human Resources Director Barbara Dupre for five days without pay for making "unsubstantiated accusations" against Diane Rowden. Unsubstantiated. Not disproved. I thought we had freedom of speech in this country? We may never find out who truly is responsible for breaking into Barbara's office, but I bet Jay Rowden could shed some light on this. Barbara Dupre can no longer participate in the selection of our next county administrator, just as Diane Rowden wanted in the first place. Isn't it strange how that worked out? By the way, what is Jay Rowden's position within the Democratic Party? ...more

January 16, 2008

The Hernando County School Board voted 3-2 Tuesday to approve the settlement agreement reached last week by district officials and suspended Hernando High School teacher Shawn Bingham. ...more

January 16, 2008

The Hernando County School Board voted 3-2 Tuesday to approve the settlement agreement reached last week by district officials and suspended Hernando High School teacher Shawn Bingham. ...more

January 15, 2008

It is abundantly clear that Hernando County Human Resources Director Barbara Dupre has failed to uphold the integrity of the position she now holds. ...more

January 12, 2008

Human Resources Director Barbara Dupre has been suspended without pay for five days and given a stern warning that any further misconduct will result in her termination. ...more

January 12, 2008

With no pay for five days; and final warning for county HR Director. ...more

January 11, 2008