HNS REPORTS---MARCH 1, 2010



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KALISZ PROCESSED INTO HERNANDO COUNTY JAIL

Murder suspect John Kalisz was processed into the Hernando County Jail Monday in preparation for his Tuesday arraignment.  The Sheriff's Office provided the booking photo shortly after Kalisz arrived at the jail.  Though Tuesday's appearance in Judge Jack Springstead's circuit court room will be the first time for Kalisz inside a courtroom since the two local murders he's been indicted for, it's not technically his first appearance.  That was provided by County Judge Don Scaglione in an ambulance last month.  Kalisz was shot in the face by Dixie County deputies in the shootout that took the life of one of the officers.  He was allegedly fleeing the scene of a double murder in Hernando County in January in which two women were killed and two others seriously wounded.
Kalisz had been continuing his recovery in the Hillsborough County Jail infirmary until he was medically cleared Monday for transport to Hernando County.

CITY LOOKS AT S. BROOKSVILLE, FIRE ASSESSMENTS

The Brooksville City Council gets its chance to weigh in on South Brooksville redevelopment Monday night.  The same resolution approved by the county last week pledging action this summer on an interlocal agreement for funding is on the city agenda.  It calls for action by June on the pact to seek state and federal grant and loan funds to begin upgrading water and sewer lines in the long-neglected African American community.
The council also considers an ordinance that would allow fire rescue assessments in the city.  It wouldn't immediately impose any assessments, but it would give the council the ability to do so by passing a resolution to include assessments on property tax bills.
The city will also act on the first reading of ordinances that annex two parcels of property east of Jasmine Drive and south of Mondon Hill road.  And council members will get an update on the latest plans for remaking an old mining structure at the Quarry golf course into an enrichment center and storm shelter.
The city of Brooksville has apparently found a tenant for the empty space on the third floor of City Hall.  The Children's Home Society of Florida is willing to pay $5,000 a month for a five-year lease of the space vacated last year by the Hernando County Property Appraiser's office.  A letter of intent to proceed with a lease is on the Monday night council agenda as well.

MIXED BAG IN FEBRUARY PERMIT, FORECLOSURE STATS

There's a mix of good news and bad news in the building permit and foreclosure filings statistics for February.  There seems to be a mini-boom for single family building permits.  There were 21 new single family dwelling permits issued in February, seven more than in January and two more than in December, the first month of the county's experiment in half-off impact fees for new homes.  It's also more than the 15 permits issued in February of last year.
Foreclosure stats from the clerk's office for February show an increase in new cases from the previous month.  The 251 cases are well above January's 235, but also below the level from February of last year, when 282 foreclosures were filed.  Taken together the monthly foreclosure statistics for this year and last year don't seem to show any significant trends.



GAS PRICES ON THE RISE

Gas prices are edging up again.  Tampa Bay's prices are up eight cents in the last week, according to figures from Auto Club South.  The state as a whole is paying an average six cents more this week than last week.  Officials say lingering winter weather and possible impact of the Chilean earthquake seem to be contributing to the price hike.

COUNTY SEEKS CENSUS RESPONSE, NOTES HELP CENTERS

Hernando County government has announced that centers for assistance with the U.S. Census questionnaire will be open later this month.  The county media release says Hernando County residents will receive the 2010 Census questionnaires in their mailboxes within the next couple of weeks.  Some residents in the more remote areas of the county may be counted in person by a census taker.
The release says the mailed questionnaire is one of the shortest census forms in U.S. Census history, asking10 questions and taking about 10 minutes to complete. 
Questionnaire Assistance Centers in Hernando County are scheduled as follows:

Withlacoochee Bicentennial Hall
March 19 thru April 17
Tuesday thru Saturday
11am - 2pm

Hernando County Airport
March 19 thru April 23
Monday thru Friday
11am - 2pm

Hernando County Government Center
March 19 thru April 23
Monday thru Friday
11am - 2pm



MAN TRYING TO STAY WARM GETS RIDE TO COUNTY JAIL

A man trying to keep warm Saturday was arrested on charges of commercial burglary and possession of burglary tools.  A sheriff's report says 49-year old Timothy St. Clair was found inside a Ridge Manor daycare business and listed his address as "Transient".  He reportedly told deputies he entered the building by prying open the front door with a pocket knife and then turned on the heat.  He was found by a supervisor of the center and booked into the Hernando County Jail on a $6,000 bond.

MASARYKTOWN MAN ACCUSED OF ROBBERY, DRUG TRAFFICKING

Sheriff's deputies arrested 25-year old Ronald Whitmarsh of 212 Broad Street in Masaryktown over the weekend on a warrant charging that he stole almost $800 in a strong arm robbery.  When he was taken into custody, deputies said they found more than 40 oxycodone tablets, other controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.  Whitmarsh was charged with robbery, possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia, and trafficking in drugs.  He was booked into the Hernando County Jail on a total bond of $66,000.

IT'S DEADLINE DAY FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FILERS

Monday is the deadline for filing for homestead exemption with the Property Appraiser's office.  Property owners who were using a home in Hernando County as a  permanent and primary residence on January 1, 2010, could reduce the assessed value of  homestead property by up to $50,000, resulting in a tax savings of about $600 annually.  There may be other exemptions available.
The Property Appraiser's office says applications submitted after March 1 will be for the 2011 Tax Year.  Owners with exemptions in prior years are usually automatically renewed, but if the property's status has changed, a new application may be needed.  The appraiser's office reminds residents of its new location on the fourth floor of the Government Center in Brooksville.



JEWELRY MISSING FROM SPRING HILL HOME, GRAND THEFT CHARGED

A 20-year old man has been charged with grand theft in connection with six pieces of jewelry that turned up missing from the Spring Hill home he shared with his girlfriend and her mother.  Jonathan Murphy was identified as the culprit by the mother, but Murphy claimed in a statement to deputies that his girlfriend's mother gave him the jewelry to pawn to help pay bills.  A sheriff's report says the missing jewelry items were valued at about $1500 and were pawned for a fraction of their value.  Murphy was also charged with dealing in stolen property and defrauding a pawnbroker.

FELONY RETAIL THEFT CHARGED IN $1,300 SHOPLIFTING CASE

A Spring Hill man who allegedly tried to steal $1.300 worth of merchandise from the Cortez Boulevard Wal-Mart in the early morning hours last Friday was chased by a sheriff's deputy to a nearby home and arrested.  A sheriff's report says 37-year old Jeramy Peal had keys in his possession to unlock various store cases and security devices.  A female companion reportedly paid for a few items while Peal left the store without paying for various clothing items, tools and electronics.

WHO WANTS TO BE A MASTER GARDENER?

The County Extension Service is asking again for volunteers to sign up for the Master Gardener program. The program is open to anyone with a strong interest in gardening, a willingness to learn, a desire to share wise gardening practices with others and the time to volunteer. No prior Florida gardening experience required.
The first step is to come to one of the mandatory "get acquainted" sessions to learn more about this volunteer program. Sessions are held at 1653 Blaise Dr. in Brooksville. Choose to attend either Friday, March 5, 2010 at 2:00pm or Friday, March 12th at 9:30am.  Registration is requested for these free informational sessions, and more information is available by calling 754-4433.
After completing in-depth training, Master Gardeners must volunteer to maintain their status. Volunteer opportunities are varied. Training starts Friday, April 9 and runs for 12 consecutive weeks covering such diverse gardening topics as: garden pest management, proper pruning, composting, vegetable gardening, citrus, etc. Cost of the training covers all reference books and materials and is $135. The cost for couples wishing to share materials is $150. The training will be a combined effort of Hernando and Pasco County with classes alternating between the Hernando County and Pasco County Extension offices.


SHERIFF'S CRIME STOPPERS STAGE FASHION SHOW

The Hernando County Crime Stoppers presents the 2nd Annual “Woman’s” Dinner Fashion Show on Thursday evening, March 4th, 5:30pm-9:00pm at the Brookridge Community Clubhouse in Brooksville, Florida.
This fashion show “is not just another fashion show.”  The show will feature brave men who will dress up as female fashion models and strut the famous catwalk displaying  their own creative fashion design style and music. At the end of the show, two models will be crowned “WoMan Fashion Model of 2010.”  A panel of judges from the local community including Pat Crowley from the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will select one model while the audience will vote for their favorite model.  Awards will also be presented to the model with the Most Unique Fashion, Best Catwalk and Ms. Photogenic.  
Tickets are $20 per person and will include dinner by John Mason Catering and the fashion show. Proceeds from this fundraising event will go to the Hernando County Crime Stoppers, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the safety of all citizens in Hernando County by assisting law enforcement agencies and  providing them with information which may lead to the arrest of criminals and the recovery of stolen property. For further information, contact Dave Mickelson at 352-428-7508. To purchase tickets call 352-346-5914 in Spring Hill or 352-796-8200 in Brooksville.

Posted by Hernando News Source at February 28, 2010
Categories: uncategorized
 

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