HNS REPORTS---FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2010
CHILD PORN DEFENDANT GUILTY ON ALL 125 COUNTS
A Hernando County circuit court jury spent less than an hour Friday afternoon considering testimony and the 125 images of child pornography the four men and two women viewed earlier in the day before returning guilty verdicts on all 125 child porn counts against a former Spring Hill resident. The images came from a CD turned over to authorities by the ex-girlfriend of 49-year old Joe Edwin Rogers, who was accused of possessing the images.
Rogers now faces up to 42 years in prison for 125 counts based on each separate image. Judge Jack Springstead set August 19 for sentencing. Rogers' attorney argued that the defendant never intended to possess the CD, which he said Rogers thought had been thrown out. The defense noted that the girlfriend waited two years to notify authorities after finding the disc in their Lake in the Woods home in 2007 and acted only after a contentious child custody battle had begun. Rogers claimed in a recorded conversation with the woman that he accidentally downloaded one illegal image and intended to record legal pornography and family pictures on the disc, which contained more than 23,000 images in all.
Because of the length of the Rogers trial, the scheduled trial of Adrian House for robbery in the Boyett's Grove shooting two years ago was postponed to August 23.
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SPRING HILL FIRE DISTRICT, FIREFIGHTERS AGREE ON NEW CONTRACT
Hernando News Source has been told that administrators for the Spring Hill Fire and Rescue District and negotiators for the firefighters union local have reached agreement on a new contract for the firefighters. The agreement is tentative until approved next month by the Fire Board. Union efforts to save jobs in the face of declining property tax revenue have apparently led to a freeze on step increases, and each employee will reportedly pay more for health care. The agreement also includes provisions for no double time for at least state holidays, but it appears that rehabilitation to the district's Station 2 will still go forward.
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STABINS RESPONDS TO NEW COMMENTS FROM COUNTY JUDGE
County Commissioner Jeff Stabins says several judges were in a meeting with top county administrative staff as recently as last Spring when they raised a number of problems with implementing a inmate monitoring program. Stabins commented Friday after County Judge Don Scaglione used his strongest language yet when he reacted to a media report on the controversy and blasted Stabins for the second time in a week on the issue. Stabins first drew Scaglione's ire Tuesday when he said in a County Board meeting that the ankle-bracelet program never got off the ground because of inaction by judges. Scaglione came to the meeting later and said the judges had no money or authority to implement the program, and that the county had failed to move forward.
Friday morning the judge said Stabins' view of the issue in the latest media report was "outlandish" and suggested that Stabins' comments bordered on "misfeasance" given what he says is a lack of understanding. The spontaneous comments came at the end of criminal first appearances when Scaglione noticed a reporter in the courtroom.
But Stabins told Hernando News Source that his understanding is based on county administrative staff reporting to him on the negative views of judges at the Spring meeting regarding the monitoring program. Earlier in the week, Scaglione had said he wasn't aware of any meetings.
The public feud comes in the wake of resolution of jail budget issues. Commissioners were told Tuesday that the sheriff's proposed budget was higher than last year's jail budget because he left out the assumed savings from implementing the program, which never happened.
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NUGENT PICKS UP HUCKABEE ENDORSEMENT
The Rich Nugent Congressional campaign announced Friday that former Presidential candidate, Arkansas Governor and Fox News host Mike Huckabee has announced his endorsement of Sheriff Nugent to represent Florida’s 5th District.
Nugent said he was "proud to share the same conservative principles thatGovernor Huckabee does. We both believe strongly in the sanctity oflife, traditional marriage (between one man and one woman) and therights of all Americansto keep and bear firearms.
"I’m honored by what Governor Huckabee said of me in his endorsement."
Huckabee said in the endorsement on his blog site that “Rich has selflessly served his country and community for more than four decades . . . Sheriff Nugent will use his law enforcement experience to ensure that the borders are sealed and the immigration laws are strengthened and dutifully enforced – and Rich will never support amnesty for those who have entered our country illegally.”
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BROOKSVILLE MANAGER'S EVALUATION ON CITY 'S MONDAY AGENDA
Brooksville City Manager Jennene Norman-Vacha will be the focus of city council discussion Monday night when members discuss an evaluation of her performance. Last year Vice-Mayor Richard Lewis voiced his disapproval of Norman-Vacha for the way she handled a question about use of city vehicles and her general interaction with employees. Lewis was the only council member who had those concerns, but all members agreed that Norman-Vacha's contract provisions for regular evaluations had not been followed.
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CITY STAFF RECOMMENDS NEW RED-LIGHT CAMERA VENDOR
Two weeks after a Brooksville council decision to re-start the red-light camera program, Police Chief George Turner is recommending a contract for a new vendor. According to Turner's memo, Sensys Amereica has been chosen as the best bidder to continue the camera program. They would take over from ATS, the firm that put up the cameras but couldn't strike a deal with the city under terms of the new state law that reduces city and vendor revenue from camera violations. Turner says Sensys uses "military grade radar" in addition to the cameras and "provides the most technologically advanced photo red light system in the world."
The proposed contract would guarantee Sensys a minimum monthly payment of $4,500 or 50% of monthly collections, whichever is less. If half of collections is less than $4,500 Sensys would recoup any shortfall in later months with better revenue. The agreement would also commit the city to pay costs of a vendor "public relations campaign."
The contract is up for city council action at Monday night's meeting.
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CHILD ABUSE PROBED AFTER TODDLER INGESTS SUSPECT'S DRUG
Authorities said 36-year old Anthony B. Florestal of 1300 Sylvia Avenue in Spring Hill is under investigation for child abuse but so far has been charged only with possession of a controlled substance. An arrest affidavit says Florestal possessed unprescribed sticks of Fentanyl, which is described by federal authorities as a powerful synthetic opiate analgesic similar to but more potent than morphine which is used to treat severe cancer pain. The affidavit said Florestal hid the drug after a two year old child reportedly ingested some of the substance and had to be rushed to Spring Hill Regional Hospital for treatment. He was arrested early Thursday. At the suspect's first appearance in court Friday morning, authorities said he faces a probe by the state Department of Children and Families as well as the criminal child abuse investigation. The condition of the child was not immediately available.
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NON-CITIZEN FACES DEPORTATION AFTER FELONY DOMESTIC INCIDENT
A Spring Hill man accused of felony domestic battery by strangulation learned Friday at his first court appearance that he may face deportation over the incident. An arrest affidavit says 44-year old Paul Kortor of 6173 Ken Lock Avenue went to the victim's home and allegedly escalated a verbal argument by choking the victim and placing her in a headlock. The affidavit says the victim's minor injuries included scratches on her face and ear. The suspect was taken into custody near Elgin Blvd. and Birchwood Road early Thursday morning and reportedly denied the allegations. He told County Judge Don Scaglione that he was not a citizen, and authorities said they would await a report from federal immigration officials while holding Kortor at the Hernando County Jail.
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BROOKSVILLE MAN CHARGED IN KNIFE ASSAULT
A 51-year old Brooksville man was arrested Thursday on an aggravated assault charge after he allegedly displayed a hunting knife to a woman in his home and then tossed it in her direction. The woman told deputies that Anthony Wade Carpenter of 27324 Lost Dog Lane told her he bought the food in the house and it was her job to cook it. That's when she says he pulled the knife and threw it toward her. She said it stuck in a coffee table. Deputies said in an arrest affidavit that they found several marks in the table that supported her story, and Carpenter was taken into custody and transported to the Hernando County Jail.
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HERNANDO TEA PARTIERS SET SATURDAY MEEETING
The Hernando County Tea Party will be having a general meeting at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Spring Hill Branch Library. A local spokesperson says the meeting is open to the public and will last for an hour. The meeting agenda includes recent changes to the HCTP's organizational structure.
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CROOKS ON CAMERA---SPRINGSTEAD HIGH CAR BURGLARS
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If you recognize these subjects, notify District 2 Deputy Szatkowski. If you wish to remain anonymous or be eligible for a reward, call the Hernando County Crime Stoppers toll free number 1-866-990-8477 or you may email your tip by clicking below.
http://www.hernandosheriff.org/Tips/ You may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.
WEEKEND EVENTS FROM NATURALLY HERNANDO.ORG
Friday, July 30, 2010 - Saturday, July 31, 2010
GHOST TOUR
| 8:00-10:00pm MAY-STRINGER HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 601 Museum Court,Brooksville. Must be minimum 16 yrs. of age to participate. Digital recorders, cameras, EMF meters, cameras and recording devices are welcomed. Reservations Required. $20.00 per person. |
www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.org
Saturday, July 31, 2010
4-H CLUB HO-DOWN
| Doors open: 5:00pm HERNANDO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, 6436 Broad Street (US-41 South), Brooksville. The "Jolly Ranchers" Ho-down dinner, dance and barn auction, along with a silent auction, a "Kiddie Corral" with games, food and supervision for young children. Donation: Adults - $10.00; Children - $5.00. |
jollyranchers4h.webs.com/
Saturday, July 31, 2010
HERNANDO AERO-MODELERS RACES
| 8:30am-noon HERNANDO AERO MODELERS FIELD, US-98 (Ponce de Leon Blvd.- near Brooksville Cemex), Brooksville. Radio-controlled model aircraft races. Admission and parking is free. |
Saturday, July 31, 2010
HERNANDO HAS TALENT - FINALS COMPETITION
| 7:30pm Location: STAGE WEST COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Fifteen named finalists compete to win the first "Hernando Has Talent" contest. Tickets: $10.00 per person. |
www.tampabay.com/hernando
The absentee ballot says "Authority for Spring hill fire rescue and emergency medical services to levy ad valorem taxes. Shall the Spring Hill Independent Fire District be authorized to levy property taxes up to 2.5 mills on jurisdiction lands to provide fire and rescue services?" Will this statement limit the fire board's taxing authority to the 2.5 mills? Does voting yes give the Spring Hill Fire Board taxing authority above and beyond the 2.5 mills? If so the public needs to get on Annie D. williams to let the voting public the total picture of the Spring Hill Fire and Rescue Referendum.
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Please check this site over the weekend. We're going to present the facts about the referendum and what it means. But on your questions...a "yes" vote limits the fire board to 2.5 mills, and the reference to "lands" is intended to preclude taxation of tangible personal property. A 'no" vote leads to several different possible alternatives, including a potential higher tax cap from another Florida statute, reversion to the old MSTU cap of 2.75, or a possible 2.5 mill limit on County commissioners levying tax under the MSTU. Like we said, check back this weekend for a full rundown.
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It appears that the SHFR District and Union Local have reached agreement on the Union Contract, subject to Fire Board approval of course. The Union appears to have come to the table with the serious intention of saving jobs and they appear to have done that. Step increases have been frozen, each employee will pay more for health care, no double time for at least 3 stat holidays, however the rehab to Stn.2 is still a go. It will be interesting to see how the BoFC votes on this contract.
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If the Hukster had his head on right and not go buy SI $$$$ witch hes suposed to hate all he needs to do is look at the debate vidios
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