Controversy over track

Runners object to the closing of the Paul Hoover Track to the public

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

A number of local runners attended last week’s school board meeting to object to the Paul Hoover Track at Wakulla High School being closed to the public.
The speakers included Stan Linton, former Wakulla runner under Track Coach Paul Hoover who went on to run at FSU and later made it to Olympic trials.

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25 years of the Sopchoppy Opry

Headliner Billy Dean backed by the Southbound Band at Saturday night’s 25th anniversary show.

Story By
LINDA ANN McDONALD
Photos by GERALD BROWN

The Sopchoppy Opry celebrated its 25th anniversary to a sold out crowd of 300 plus guests on Saturday, July 26 in the historic Sopchoppy High School Auditorium. Musical headliner for this special occasion was popular singer and recording artist Billy Dean and the Opry’s own fantastic house band, Southbound Band.

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Man found not guilty of trafficking meth

Jury acquits Brian Taff after 1 day felony trial

Attorney Craig Brown and associate Thalia Mendoza with defendant Brian Taff, center. (FACEBOOK)

BY WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

After a one-day trial last week for a charge of trafficking in methamphetamine, a six-person jury returned a not guilty verdict against Brian Taff.
The trial was held on Tuesday, July 22, with Wakulla Circuit Judge Layne Smith presiding.

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Sheriff’s office raids house for drug and firearm offenses

From WCSO

On Thursday, July 24, the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Quick Reactionary Force (Q.R.F.) executed a high-risk search warrant at 43 Sue Lane in Crawfordville.
The warrant resulted in the arrest of four individuals for drug and firearm related offenses. [Sheriff Jared Miller created the Q.R.F. to address various high-risk scenarios presented to Wakulla deputies and detectives.]

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County weighs budget

Looking at continuing 7.9 mill property tax levy and possibility of increasing Public Service Tax

County commissioners passed a proclamation praising Kevin Carter of Attack One Fire Management Services for earning the designation as the Small Business Administration’s State Rural Small Business Owner of the Year.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Wakulla County Commissioners discussed the possibility of lowering property taxes this year, but seemed to acknowledge it would be unlikely as they face annual maintenance costs for the new radio system upwards of $500,000 a year.

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Books & Ladders

READING WITH FIREFIGHTERS

Edward Clark Jr. of Read Like a Hero, dressed as Spider-Man.

About a hundred people were on hand for Saturday’s Books & Ladders event for kids to read with firefighters. The event was the brainchild of Edward Clark Jr. of Read Like a Hero, dressed as Spider-Man, above and below with firefighters, as a way to connects first responders with children to encourage literacy through interactive storytelling. (Photos by Gerald Brown)

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