Hit and run driver gets 15 years

Posted onAuthorWilliam Snowden

Alfreda Nelson ran over a 9-year-old boy and left scene, sentenced to maximum

Alfreda Nelson

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The woman who hit a 9-year-old boy with her car and then left the scene was sentenced last week to 15 years in state prison, the maximum sentence for the charge of leaving the scene of an accident with serious injury, a second degree felony.
The courtroom was packed on Thursday, March 26, for the sentencing hearing of Alfreda Nelson as the case drew widespread attention last year over the concern for the boy, Sawyer Crawley, who suffered traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident.

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JQC recommends public reprimand for Judge Smith

Posted onAuthorWilliam Snowden

In frustration, the judge told attorneys at a hearing he should have the bailiff shoot them

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

A panel at the Judicial Qualifications Commission issued its findings and recommendations that Wakulla Circuit Judge Layne Smith violated judicial canons with some intemperate remarks he made in court to attorneys during a contentious hearing back in September, and recommended he face a public reprimand.

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Posing at the park

Posted onAuthorLynda Kinsey

PROM PICTURES

Juniors Ella Yost, Anarosa Callejas, Kendra Green and Heaven Taylor pose at the gazebo. (Photos by Lynda Kinsey)

Wakulla High’s prom was held Friday night at Wakulla Springs, but earlier in the evening lots of students went to Azalea Park for a beautiful backdrop for photos.

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Local man killed in Bahamas

Posted onAuthorStaff Report

Cody Castillo and wife Makayla in a screenshot from her GoFundMe.

Staff Report

Cody Castillo was looking forward to flying back to his Crawfordville home last week after working in the Bahamas. He and and wife Makayla were looking forward to welcoming their first child into the world in August.
Castillo never made it back home, and was fatally shot while abroad, according to reports. A GoFundMe was started to support his family and notice was sent to local media outlets which included a link to Daily Mail news story about Castillo being shot by a Bahamian policeman during a bar fight.

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Crawfordville man injured in crash

Posted onAuthorStaff Report

An SUV that rolled on U.S. Highway 319 on March 24. The driver was airlifted to TMH with serious injuries.

Staff Report

A 34-year-old Crawfordville man was injured when he rolled his SUV while traveling on U.S. Highway 319 in Franklin County south of Sopchopppy, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
He reportedly suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Ambulance to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, FHP reported.

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Sydney Baker – 12th grader, Wakulla High School

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

Sydney Baker – 12th grader, Wakulla High School

Principal: Michele Falk

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Wakulla High School proudly recognizes senior Sydney Baker as Student of the Week for her outstanding leadership and dedication to excellence. As president of the National Honor Society, Sydney leads a student-driven organization that has grown to over 175 members this year, setting a remarkable standard for involvement and achievement. She has been an exemplary leader, spearheading fundraising efforts that have raised more than $5,000 to support NHS scholarships. Sydney’s contagious energy and commitment to building school spirit have left a lasting mark on campus, most notably through her organization of a highly successful, school-wide Spring Carnival. Beyond her leadership accomplishments, she truly embodies the NHS pillars of character, service, and scholarship in everything she does. Sydney’s future is bright as she prepares to attend Florida State University’s College of Engineering beginning this summer. Wakulla High is proud to celebrate her many achievements.

Wakulla High junior Mattie Harrell named Sunshine State Scholar

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

Junior Mattie Harrell represents Wakulla Schools among the state’s highest-performing students.

Special to The Sun

Wakulla High School proudly recognizes junior Mattie Harrell as this year’s Sunshine State Scholar, an honor that celebrates Florida’s top students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Sunshine State Scholars Program, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education, highlights one outstanding senior from each district who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in STEM fields. Mattie represents Wakulla County Schools among the state’s highest-performing students.

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Chamber luncheon

Posted onAuthorLynda Kinsey

The Tallahassee State College Wakulla Environmental Institute hosted Wakulla Chamber of Commerce members and guests for a monthly luncheon, held on Wednesday, March 25, this one catered by Hamaknockers Barbecue. At left, Rene Millender of Capital City Bank gets her lunch and a hug from Mary Wallace, who serves as mistress of ceremonies for the luncheons. The events provide an opportunity for businesspeople to socialize, have some lunch, and maybe win a door prize. (Photo by Lynda Kinsey)

Ask Judge Smith: What’s in a name?

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

By JUDGE LAYNE SMITH

Most people have read or heard the assertion, “Your name is Mudd!” As a boy, I assumed that the “Mudd” being referred to was a mixture of dirt and water. I thought it was the equivalent of calling someone a dirty dog. If I had paid closer attention, I would have noticed that “Mudd” is a surname. Do you know where the saying comes from? Here goes!

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