County commissioners will start 2010 by figuring out the top issues facing them in the new year. ...more

December 27, 2009

The days of 2009 may be dwindling to a precious few, but there is still time for taxpayers to check over this year's finances and possibly save themselves some money when they file their tax returns in the spring. ...more

December 27, 2009

The news story regarding the school district financial rating was interesting. I really liked the statement made by the Asst. Superintendent of Business Operations Mike Averyt, "What hurts the most was the legislature when they took our millage away." I have news for you Mr. Averyt, the legislature didn't take your money, that money belongs to the taxpayers. As a taxpayer, I don't feel overly compelled to ever see that money restored until some of the fat is cut out of the Highlands County School District. ...more

December 27, 2009

George Forte intends to mark the bubble next to "no" if a penny sales tax turns up on the November ballot. ...more

December 23, 2009

This administration and the legislators in the majority have prepared a "pay in advance" tax plant to bank deficits, guaranteed by the passage of universal health care. Universal health care will begin in 2014, and taxes to fund it will begin in 2010. ...more

December 22, 2009

It's the holiday season, but it's not a cheery time for Floridians with disabilities and their families. The state is in the process of reviewing individual "cost plans" - a process that likely will result in painful service reductions for many of Florida's most vulnerable citizens. ...more

December 20, 2009

County administrator Pat Bean survived her annual evaluation today with her job intact but at the end of what one commissioner called a "short rope" that could be jerked if she doesn't improve her performance. Commissioner Mark Sharpe received no support for a motion he made to fire Bean and fill her position by a coalition of her assistant county administrators until the job could be filled permanently. ...more

December 16, 2009

Twenty years ago, Shirley Grimes wished for a home that "no one could take away from her." ...more

December 10, 2009

Please tell me this was a typo: Judge Michael Andrews approved paying $125 a day to a make-up artist so that an accused criminal's tattoos can be covered up. ...more

December 10, 2009

I am outraged by Ron Smith's comment ("Agency spends $20,000 on food," front page, Nov. 24) regarding the excessive catering bills for the working lunches: "I think you're nitpicking, end of subject." I have had working lunches in my lifetime, but they never came anywhere near $155.94, even with the tip included. ...more

November 27, 2009