Special to The Sun – Page 9

How Mobile Response Teams alleviate mental health crises

Posted onFebruary 11, 2026February 11, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

By JOSHUA PRATER
Special to The Sun

“I don’t know what to do,” the 17-year-old boy muttered over the phone. “I know that I don’t feel safe, but I don’t know how I’ll live without her.”
I was familiar with the young caller and knew he lives with bipolar disorder. This was not his first time calling MRT; he called frequently at night, but this time was noticeably different.
Through the boy’s fear-filled voice, I knew he needed someone to talk to, someone he could trust. That’s my role as a Mobile Response Team (MRT) counselor for Apalachee Center.

Wakulla finishes regular season strong

Posted onFebruary 11, 2026February 11, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Brady Jackson vs David Moen. WRESTLING PHOTOS BY JENNIFER THAXTON

By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

The Wakulla wrestling team closed out their regular season at the Ippolito Memorial Tournament held at Brandon High School. The War Eagles had a strong showing despite missing four wrestlers from their roster. No. 9 Brandon (2A) won the tournament with 274.5 points, followed by No. 7 Harmony (3A) with 200 points, No. 7 Aubrey Rogers (1A) in third, with 183 points, and Wakulla with 182.5 points for a fourth place finish.

Sopchoppy man pleads guilty to federal charges of armed trafficking of methamphetamine

Posted onFebruary 4, 2026February 4, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

From U.S. Attorney’s Office

Howard Neil Martin, 46, of Sopchoppy, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts: possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking offense; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Lady War Eagles compete at Lady Trojan Invitational

Posted onFebruary 4, 2026February 4, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

The Lady War Eagles wrestlers at the Lady Trojan Invitational.

By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

On January 31st, the Lady War Eagle wrestlers competed in the Lady Trojan Invitational at Lincoln High School. The tournament served as a preview of the upcoming FHSAA District 1 Championship which will be held on February 14th in Niceville. Of the 25 teams in the district, 14 were represented on Saturday in Tallahassee.

Man charged with animal cruelty

Posted onFebruary 4, 2026February 4, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

From the Sheriff’s Office

Ellis Oaks Jr., 59, was arrested on Jan. 23 and charged with animal cruelty under Florida Statute § 828.12 in connection with the death of a dog named “Bear.”
The investigation began on Jan. 15 when deputies with the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and Wakulla Animal Services responded to a report of possible animal cruelty involving Bear, who was owned by Oaks, at a residence in Wakulla County.

Celebrating outdoors

Posted onJanuary 28, 2026January 27, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

WILDLIFE, HERITAGE, OUTDOORS FESTIVAL

On Saturday, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge hosted the Wildlife, Heritage, Outdoors Festival.

Longleaf pine planting at Wakulla Springs

Posted onJanuary 28, 2026January 27, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Foundation, state parks and Bass Pro officials at the Wakulla Springs tree planting.

Special to The Sun

Surrounded by iconic natural communities near one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, the Florida State Parks Foundation today joined the Florida Park Service and Tallahassee’s Bass Pro Shops store to celebrate an unprecedented milestone for tree and ecosystem restoration in Florida.

Teen crashes stolen truck

Posted onJanuary 28, 2026January 27, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Staff Report

A 15-year-old boy in a stolen Toyota pickup collided with an SUV while being pursued by law enforcement last week, and the truck rolled into a utility pole and took out a chainlink fence, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
The wreck happened on Wednesday, Jan. 21, off Spring Creek Highway around 7 a.m.

Student of the Week

Posted onJanuary 28, 2026January 27, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Malayne Scribner – 8th grader at Wakulla Middle School

Principal: Amy Bryan
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Wakulla Middle School is pleased to nominate Malayne Scribner for the Wakulla Sun’s Student of the Week. Malayne joined our school mid-year and immediately made a lasting impression. She quickly fit in with her peers and became an integral part of the Wildcat community. Malayne brought her positive energy to the basketball team, where her enthusiasm and team spirit have been invaluable. In the classroom, she is an active participant—always volunteering ideas, collaborating with classmates, and even taking time to tutor others. Her kindness, leadership, and dedication make her a truly wonderful person and an outstanding role model for her peers. Malayne is an asset to WMS and has adjusted well to being a successful Wildcat!

STUDENT OF THE WEEK FEATURES A DIFFERENT SCHOOL EACH WEEK.

Arbor Day Celebration featured children’s art

Posted onJanuary 28, 2026January 28, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun