Recreation study

Report finds countyโ€™s facilities are actually under-utilized

Joseph Williams, center, is 106 years old, and was honored at last weekโ€™s county commission meeting as one of the last of Wakullaโ€™s World War II vets. He received a standing ovation.

BY WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

A report presented to county commissioners by Pros Consulting last week said the countyโ€™s recreation facilities โ€“ including the Medart Rec Park, and the gym at the community center โ€“ are under-utilized.

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Judge Smith apologizes for remarks

Wakulla Circuit Judge
Layne Smith

BY WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

In a highly contentious hearing last month, Wakulla Circuit Judge Layne Smith told the lawyers in the case that he should order the courtroom bailiff to draw his gun and shoot all three.

Crawfordville attorney
David Kemp

โ€œI really donโ€™t want him to do that,โ€ the judge said. โ€œBut, guys, for crying out loud, what is this, the Keystone Cops, just not very funny?โ€

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War Eagles beat Baker Co., 13-7

War Eagle Jordan Barnes scores in overtime to give Wakulla the win. He scored touchdowns in both overtimes. PHOTOS BY KEN FIELDS

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

It was probably the most exciting four quarters of scoreless football you could watch.
Then, for the second week in a row, Wakulla went to double overtime โ€“ but this time, the Wakulla War Eagles came out on top, 13-7 for the win โ€“ and the crown as district champion.

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Sahar recognized

The Wakulla County Public Libraryโ€™s Rebecca Sahar, in front right, was recognized as the county employee of the quarter at the county commission meeting on Monday, Oct. 20. Sahar has been with the library for more than 10 years. She was joined by Library Director Linda Oaks, front left. (Photo by William Snowden)

Judge recuses from one case, denies for other

Wakulla Circuit Judge Layne Smith has been asked to recuse himself from cases with attorneys David Kemp and Stephen Webster

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Two attorneys have asked that Wakulla Circuit Judge Layne Smith recuse himself from all their cases after the judge became frustrated in a civil hearing and made some intemperate remarks.
Attorneys David Kemp of Crawfordville and Stephen Webster of Tallahassee filed a motion for Judge Smith to recuse himself from the civil case, claiming his courtroom comments back on Sept. 23 showed bias towards them.
The civil cases deal with a series of probate cases with Lowell Raker Jr., represented by Kemp and Webster, suing Linda Vause, a countersuit by Vause against Raker, and the estate of Janie Glover Raker.

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County commission debates impact fees

Eagle Scout Declan Walsh was presented with a certificate of appreciation at the Oct. 6 county commission meeting for his project at Mashes Sands with an enclosed outdoor shower. Parks Director Cody Solburg presented Walsh with the certificate.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

County commissioners heard a presentation from consultants at Kimley-Horn and debated impact fees, ultimately voting 5-0 to accept the report presented but not to move forward with the second step for a rate study.

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