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DELAND -- An armed standoff near DeLand ended peacefully this morning after Volusia County Sheriff's negotiators convinced James Fry to walk out ofhis house after he had threatened his wife with a gun, Volusia Sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught said.

Deputies responded to 102 Kendra Ave. about 3:45 a.m. when Fry's wife, Lisa, called from a neighbor's house saying that James had fired a handgun in
their bedroom and then pointed the gun at her. No one was injured during the incident.

DELAND -- Bowl a perfect game withot picking up a bowl. The DeLand Area Public Library will begin a free weekly Nintendo Wii bowling program for adults at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, in the library auditorium, said Pat Kuehn, Volusia County spokeswoman.

Beginner and experienced Wii bowlers are invited join in the learning and friendly competition. The Wii video game system involves mild exercise because users must move their bodies to produce the desired effect on the television screen.

EDGEWATER -- In 2003, Edgewater Fire-Rescue, in conjunction with Edgewater Fire-Rescue Association, began to expand its Operation Caring program. For many years, both organizations had been active in providing food and toys to children and families during the holiday season through the Operation Santa program.

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The whole world of finance is agog about the $50 billion Ponzi scheme carried out by Bernard Madoff on Wall Street.

Madoff’s scheme is alleged to have bilked many big time financial players such as Real Estate magnate Mort Zuckerman and Foundation for Humanity director Ellie Wiesel.

For those not familiar with a Ponzi scheme, it consists of an organized plan that promises to pay unusually large “dividends.”

DELTONA -- An armed home invasion in Deltona resulted in several shots being fired early this morning, Volusia Sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught reported.

 TALLAHASSEE -- The Speaker of the Florida House, Ray Sansom, announced council and committee assignments for members, including Sate Rep. Dorothy L. Hukill (R-Port Orange) as chairwoman of the Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee.

ORANGE CITY -- Two men armed with guns burst in through the front door of a home near Orange City Thursday night, but were chased off by a resident who was
also armed, Volusia County Sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught said.

The suspects never made any demands during their short stay.Instead, they fled empty-handed back out the front door. No one was
injured during the brief encounter. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is hoping that a reward of up to $12,000 will prompt anyone with
knowledge about this or any other home invasion in the county to come forward, Haught said.

DEBARY -- U.S. Highway 17-92 in DeBary will be closed for two hours on Sunday due to the city's annual Christmas parade, said Volusia County Sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson.

The temporary road closure will be in effect starting at 2:30 p.m., between Highbanks Road and Dirksen Drive. Signs will be posted to assist motorists through the parade
detour. During the closure, vehicle traffic will be re-routed as follows:

# Southbound Thru Traffic, From 17-92 -- eastbound on Saxon Boulevard to I-4, west on I-4 to the Dirksen Drive exit, west on Dirksen Drive to 17-92, south on 17-92;

ORANGE CITY -- It’s time to get in the swing of things with Volusia County’s adult winter softball leagues at Emory L. Bennett Veterans Memorial Park in Orange City, beginning Jan. 12, said Volusia County spokeswoman Pat Kuehn.

The fee for this league, which consists of 10 - 12 games, is $375 for co-ed teams and $450 for men’s teams. Co-ed teams will play Monday nights, and men’s teams will play Tuesday and Thursday nights. The league will follow ISA rules with various modifications.