Every once in a while someone comes along in your life that has a true impact on you and those around you. Monica Sauls is one of those individuals. ...more

March 2, 2009

With the exception of teachers and coaches, no one outside the home has probably had more influence on this county's youth than Sgt. Monica Sauls. ...more

February 8, 2009

With dancers, singers, a band, skits, laughs, cheers plus a host and plenty of special guests, this celebration had all the ingredients for a television variety show. ...more

February 6, 2009

Children's Services Council Vice Chairman Andrew Hughes said the council should be able to get involved in early intervention, prevention or helping parents in connection with the new state bullying law. ...more

November 20, 2008

Registrations are being accepted for the 8th Annual Hernando County Sheriff's Office "Run With the Sheriff — 5K Challenge" scheduled Saturday, Nov. 8. ...more

October 4, 2008

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program is back in the city's two elementary schools after it was cut by the police department. ...more

September 12, 2008

Avon and Park elementary schools might continue using the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program if a deal between the Avon Park Police Department and the Highlands County Sheriff's Office works out. ...more

August 27, 2008

Avon Elementary and Park Elementary will likely go without a Drug Abuse Resistance Education program this school year after the Avon Park Police Department decided to put its only D.A.R.E. officer on road patrol, Police Chief Matt Doughney said Monday evening. ...more

August 14, 2008

SEBRING — A growing number of adolescents are starting to turn to over-the-counter and prescription drugs for a high. "Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic across the country," said Sgt. Monica Sauls, of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. "While the use of popular gateway drugs has decreased, the number of teens abusing medication has steadily increased." Sauls points to a 2005 study used during D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) presentations that shows that 4.7 millions teens admitted taking prescription medication that was not prescribed to them. The number ranks third among drugs that teens have tried, behind only marijuana and inhalants. ...more

November 6, 2007

SEBRING — Sebring High School junior Ricki Albritton has a good excuse to miss school on Friday – she will be receiving training in Drug Abuse Resistance Education as Florida's D.A.R.E. youth representative. ...more

October 24, 2007