Top Stories this week: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 Mark Koenigs listens last week to testimony at his trial for the shooting of Holmes Beach businesswoman Sue Normand at her Island store. Islander Photos: Courtesy Bradenton Herald, photographer Brian Blanco Sue Normand explains to the jury during the trial how she saw a flash of light and felt a burning in her hip after she was shot by Mark Koenigs Dec. 5, 2007. Koenigs convicted of Normand shooting by Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter A six-member jury on Aug. 8 convicted Mark Koenigs, 55, of the Dec. 5, 2007, shooting of Island resident Sue Normand, owner of the Island Mail and More on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach and the chair of the city’s planning commission. Full Story... No problems with Anna Maria budget by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Anna Maria city commissioners breezed through their Aug. 7 budget workshop, praising the city staff for its preparation and the detailed format of the spending plan. Full Story... NewsManatee.com A paperless news source on the Internet for crime and public safety reports, news and information, marked its sixth anniversary by inviting friends, law enforcement and other media to a celebration Aug. 6 in Bradenton. The event was a surprise for publisher Mike Quinn, second from left, who also received a volunteer service award for the not-for-profit Web site venture, and a letter from President George W. Bush, stating in part, "Through your service to others, you demonstrate the outstanding character of America and help strengthen our country." Pictured are, from left, Kevin Murphy, NewsManatee Inc. vice president-treasurer; president Quinn; photographer Craig Herbert; and vice president-secretary Carole Law Atkins. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy Sandbar finally gets site-plan approval by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter It may have taken a bit more time and money than Sandbar Restaurant owner Ed Chiles expected, but a renovation project begun by the restaurant four years ago received final site-plan approval Aug. 5 from the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board. Full Story... Anna Maria stormwater project: costs recede as fees rise by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Sometimes, less is more. Full Story... Von Hahmann advances in Chesney's star quest Eric von Hahmann of Cortez won the first stage of Kenny Chesney's Next Big Star competition Aug. 9 at Dallas Bull, a Tampa club, and he will now open the Chesney show at the Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa Aug. 29 before a crowd of 20,000-plus fans. That appearance can lead to a tour of shows in September and an audition for Sony BMG records. Watch out for this rising Manatee County country music star. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy AME principal looks forward to a 'great year' by Diana Bogan. Islander Reporter Anna Maria School principal Tom Levengood said he is looking forward to a great school year as his staff returns to work refreshed from summer break. Full Story... Man commits suicide at Coquina Beach A Manatee County man committed suicide on Coquina Beach around 9:25 a.m., Aug. 5, near the trolley turnaround at the main concession stand, moments after stepping off the trolley to Longboat Key. Full Story... Final public meeting before bridge closure set for Sept. 18 by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Islanders and anyone who uses the Anna Maria Island Bridge will get their last chance to hear and be heard Sept. 18, just 11 days before the Florida Department of Transportation will close the bridge for a planned 45-day period as part of the $9.2 million bridge rehabilitation project. Full Story... Complaint to Bradenton Beach adjustment continued by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter The Bradenton Beach Board of Adjustment at its Aug. 6 meeting planned to continue a hearing it had begun July 16, when it couldn’t act because it lacked a quorum. Full Story... TECO late to the Bradenton Beach starting gate by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Tampa Electric Company officials have been planning to construct a natural gas pipeline from the mainland to Anna Maria Island for the past year and have already received approval from Manatee County. Full Story... Buchanan says money available for Island by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter “I’m in love” with Anna Maria Island, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Bradenton, told the Aug. 6 meeting of the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials held at Anna Maria City Hall. Full Story... Orchid thieves steal last remaining items from Davis fire by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Kent and “Pa” Davis of Holmes Beach thought they had at least salvaged a cherished collection of orchid plants from the April 17 fire that destroyed their home on 58th Street. Full Story... County commission candidates have variety of support by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter Both candidates for the Manatee County Commission seat for District 7, which includes Anna Maria Island, have the financial backing of a number of significant business leaders and elected officials. Full Story... Early voting begins Early voting for the Aug. 26 primary began Monday, Aug. 11, at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 118, Bradenton. Full Story... Insurance: Big changes for wind-only policyholderss by Molly McCartney. Islander Reporter Memo to the hundreds of Anna Maria Island residents who have wind-only coverage with the state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corporation: Full Story... My summer vacation: A close encounter with a nesting turtle By Joe McClash. Special to The Islander I have been sailing, diving, kayaking, fishing, skiing and boating these waters for years. But every once in a while you share an experience that makes you say, “Wow!” Full Story... Thieves target metal on fire hydrants By Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter With the price of copper climbing to five times what it was in 2003, thieves have begun targeting metal objects, particularly the brass bolt used to anchor a fire hydrant. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Full Story...