Special to The Sun – Page 2

Youth Leadership Summit invites teens to connect

Posted onSeptember 10, 2026September 10, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Special to The Sun

For one day this fall, the UF/IFAS Extension facility in Crawfordville will become a hands-on leadership lab where young people can test ideas, practice new skills and discover how their voices can strengthen their communities. The 2026 Big Bend Youth Leadership Summit will welcome all Wakulla County youth ages 11 to 18 on Oct. 12. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate.

Chamber luncheon held at Wakulla Springs Lodge

Posted onSeptember 10, 2026September 10, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Chamber members and guests serve themselves on the terrace on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Wakulla defeats Lincoln

Posted onSeptember 10, 2026September 10, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Top Row – Coach Andrews, Taylor Mercer, Zoe Balkcom, Parker Stubbs, Amariyah Donaldson, Renny Langford, Makenna Pedicord, Ayla Miller, Coach Strickland. Bottom Row – Paisley Swanson, Mia Withers, Kinley Lawhon, Mackenzie Hurley, Hailey Carroll. PHOTOS BY PERRY DISSMORE

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Wakulla Lady War Eagles volleyball team defeated Lincoln 3 games to 0, 25-14, 25-16, 25-17.

– Perry Dissmore

Animal shelter is a no-kill shelter

Posted onSeptember 2, 2026September 2, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Siblings Taco and Pickle came to the shelter severely malnourished and have since been restored to a healthy weight.

By NICOLE CASE
Correspondent

The Wakulla County Animal Shelter, a longstanding pillar of the community since its construction in a 1993 partnership between the Wakulla Humane Society & Wakulla County, stands strong amid recent budget cuts.
A testament to this is its recent recognition by the Best Friends Animal Society as a no-kill shelter, a status it has upheld for the past 6 years— that is, the shelter has an annual adoption rate of 90% or higher.

Student of the Week

Posted onSeptember 2, 2026September 2, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Kate Shields – 4th grader at Medart Elementary

Principal: Stan Ward

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: We are proud to recognize Kate Shields as our Sun Student of the Week! Kate is a hard worker who always gives her best and approaches each day with a positive attitude. She is kind, helpful, and always willing to lend a hand to others. Kate is a wonderful friend, a great role model, and a shining example of how a Mustang should represent our school. We are so proud of Kate and all that she brings to our school community!

STUDENT OF THE WEEK FEATURES A DIFFERENT SCHOOL EACH WEEK.

A new 4-H year begins in Wakulla

Posted onSeptember 2, 2026September 2, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

More than 200 people attended the 4-H Open House on Saturday.

By RACHEL PIENTA
4-H Director

At the Wakulla 4-H Open House, the new club year did not begin with a speech. It began with music, conversation, curious questions and the unmistakable energy of young people discovering what they might try next.

Fire Chief Lamarche will retire

Posted onAugust 26, 2026August 26, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Fire Chief Louis Lamarche in a file photo from September 2024 when he was featured in the Wakulla Neighbor.

Special to The Sun

Wakulla County Fire Chief Louis Lamarche has announced his plans to retire in June 2027, concluding a distinguished career in public safety that began more than two decades ago and has been marked by steady leadership, operational improvements, and an unwavering commitment to the residents of Wakulla County.

WRESTLING

Posted onAugust 26, 2026August 26, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

State champion has a nice ‘ring’ to it

Kendal Haynie shows her ring earned as state champion in wrestling at halftime of the Wakulla v. Gadsden football game. Joining her are Coach Tommy Haynie, Principal Michele Falk, and Coach Jon Sanchez.

By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

The title “Kendal Haynie, 2026 State Champion” has a nice ring to it and now her copious collection of awards does too.

Color Guard

Posted onAugust 26, 2026August 26, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

With the cancellation of last week’s preseason game, we didn’t have a photo of this Color Guard for the Football section.

Two athletes from Sunchaser CrossFit earn recognition

Posted onAugust 19, 2026August 19, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Victory Thayer, 11. finished first at the Atlantic Coast Classic.

Special to The Sun

Sunchaser CrossFit in Crawfordville is proud to recognize two athletes whose recent accomplishments demonstrate that dedication, perseverance and hard work can lead to success at any age.