Special to The Sun – Page 7

Hazardous Waste and Tire Amnesty Day is held

Posted onApril 22, 2026April 22, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Tires being unloaded at KWCB’s Hazardous Waste/Tire Amnesty on Saturday.

By TAMMIE NASON
Special to The Sun

Keep Wakulla County Beautiful’s Earth Day Responsible Disposal Event was a resounding success, drawing 389 participants to the Wakulla County Landfill for a day focused on environmental stewardship and community impact.
Held as part of the nationwide Greatest American Cleanup, the event provided residents with a free and convenient way to responsibly dispose of materials that should not be placed in regular household trash. Items collected included aluminum cans, plastic bags, household hazardous waste, off-rim tires, and sensitive documents for shredding.

Emiliano Cadena and the Power of 4-H Shooting Sports

Posted onApril 22, 2026April 22, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Special to The Sun

In Wakulla County, success in 4-H Shooting Sports is built on far more than accurate aim. It grows from discipline, mentorship, safety, and a strong community that believes in its young people. Few stories capture that spirit more clearly than the journey of Emiliano Cadena and the Wakulla County 4-H Shotgun Sharpshooters.

For Autism Acceptance Month: ‘He stims’

Posted onApril 22, 2026April 22, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

By TAMMY DASHER

She sits on the edge of her seat, across the table from me, white knuckling her purse straps. The scene was familiar – long years of sitting across a table from pre-K teachers with worried frowns, or from special educators at endless meetings, or maybe the middle school principal when the bullying was so bad.

The Old Pro: Spring has sprung, it’s time to go fishing

Posted onApril 22, 2026April 22, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

By AL HARTMAN

Hope you all are doing well. There’s a lot going on.
If you haven’t got your turkey yet there’s still some time. Season closes April 26. Where I’ve been going for years turkeys have just disappeared. Foxes, raccoons, coyotes and Florida panthers have wiped them out. Hope your area is holding some.
So time to fish. They are really out there right now. Big trout and big reds are a plenty. Keeper trout are tight, but a few nice ones pop up here and there.
I tried something I heard about that will catch nice reds. I heard that they eat small snakes. So I went to my freshwater tackle box and grabbed a pack of long black rubber bass worms. It works. Not as well as a small or a chunk of a blue crab or surf crabs, but it works.

Wakulla Academic team excels

Posted onApril 15, 2026April 15, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

The team scores second in the state

Academic team of Ronin Taylor, Gavin Mullins, Troy Thaxton, and Matthew Thaxton.

By BILL TAYLOR
Academic Team Coach

Wakulla High School has something to celebrate. The school’s Academic Team recently finished second in the state of Florida at the 2026 Commissioner’s Academic Challenge, competing against teams from school districts across the entire state.
It is the latest chapter in a proud tradition — the Wakulla Academic Team was founded by the Coastal Optimists Club more than 40 years ago, and has competed in all 39 editions of the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge since the tournament began in 1986.

Blakely Wade– Kindergartner at Medart Elementary

Posted onApril 15, 2026April 15, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Principal: Stan Ward

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Blakely is a shining example of what it means to be a model kindergarten student. Each day, she comes to school ready to learn, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a genuine love for learning. Academically, she consistently meets and exceeds expectations, eagerly participating in lessons and taking pride in her work. She shows outstanding citizenship by following classroom rules, showing kindness to her peers, and always being respectful to teachers and classmates. A natural leader, she sets a positive example for others by helping classmates, making thoughtful choices, and encouraging those around her. Her positive attitude, responsibility, and caring nature make her a true star student and a joy to have in the classroom.

Optimist Oratorical contest winners announced

Posted onApril 15, 2026April 15, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Optimist President Jo Ann Daniels, Jordan Herron, Jolene Bull, Amelia Ricks and Riversprings teacher Amanda LaTour.

Special to The Sun

On Thursday, April 2th, the Wakulla Coastal Optimist Club held their annual Oratorical Contest. The topic for the speech was: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged: My Definition of Community.”
The contest is open to students from 7th through 12th grade.

WCSO Citizens Academy is worthwhile experience

Posted onApril 15, 2026April 15, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

The Rev. Dr. Besty Goehrig with Sheriff Jared Miller at the graduation for the recent Citizens Academy.

By REV. DR. BETSY GOEHRIG

Last year I applied to attend the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Academy to get to know more about our local law enforcement agency. I have been in ministry for 45 years including 15 years as a volunteer Police Chaplain, and we have family who serve in and with law enforcement. I thought it would be interesting to learn more about WCSO.

Worm Gruntin’ art revealed

Posted onApril 8, 2026April 8, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

The festival is this Saturday in Sopchoppy

This year’s T-shirt features past Worm Gruntin’ Queens Lossie Rosier and Oleta Lawhon in artwork by Rachel Mathis.

Special to The Sun

TA-DA! Presenting the 2026 Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival T-shirt design by local artist, Rachel Mathis.
Queen Lossie and Queen Oleta! Both women represent pioneer families who devoted their lives to raising and supporting their families in the Sopchoppy area.

Small business Rural Resource Tour will be at WEI

Posted onApril 8, 2026April 8, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Local business owners can hear from federal, state and local business support organizations

Special to The Sun

Local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Wakulla and Franklin counties will have a unique opportunity on Friday, April 10 as the Florida Rural Business Resource Tour makes a stop in Crawfordville.