News Briefs

+ Napier trial delayed to December
The owners of Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary will stand trial Dec. 1.

The postponement was decided Monday during the couple’s previously scheduled hearing.

Authorities arrested Alan and Sheree Napier, owners of the rescue, in June, following a raid of their East County property in February. At that time, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confiscated more than 300 dogs, cats, horses, pigs and other animals.

The Napiers were charged with 15 counts of aggravated animal cruelty in April. Additional charges of scheming to defraud and unlawful solicitation of funds were added in June, at the time of the couple’s arrest.

+ School district hopes to secure safety director
After a lawsuit and the decision not to bring unarmed community officers to area elementary schools, school security is back on the Manatee County School District’s agenda.

In hopes of expanding its security team beyond the school resource officers who occupy middle and high schools within the county, the district is seeking to fill its newest security position — director of safety and security.

The district started conducting interviews about two weeks ago and hasn’t announced a decision yet.

The director of safety and security will hold a range of responsibilities, which include updating safety and security manuals and conducting training for school staff, parents and students, conducting security planning sessions with school resource officers and overseeing background checks of school volunteers.

The director will report to Deputy Superintendent of Operations Don Hall. The district will determine salary and hours of employment at a later date.

+ County searches for local history buffs
Manatee County is seeking history enthusiasts who hold an appreciation of community heritage and structures within the Bradenton area.

The county is now accepting applications for the Historic Preservation Board. To qualify, applicants must live in Manatee County. Oct. 31 is the deadline for applications, which can be found at mymanatee.org/advisory_boards.

For more information, call Bobbi Roy at 748-4501, ext. 6878, or email [email protected].

+ Correction
To accommodate a record number of subscription sales, the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) moved its 2015 “Music Mondays” series from Holley Hall to Church of the Palms. Pianist Charlie Albright, who was highlighted in the Oct. 9 Diversions cover story, will perform at 10:30 a.m. March 2, at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.

Meetings & agendas
Early voting for the Nov. 4 general election— 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 through Nov. 1. Visit votemanatee.com for polling locations.

Manatee County School District Meeting —  starts at 5:45 p.m. Oct. 28, at the School Support Center, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County School District Workshop — 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 28, at the School Support Center, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton