BillyDean to headline The Wakulla Sopchoppy Fourth of July Celebration &
ews Section B nOur 118th Year, 25th Issue Published Weekly, Read Daily Two Sections Thursday, June 20, 2013 Serving Wakullak ll County For More Thanh A Century 75 Cents
FCAT TEST SCORES Board revises Wakulla schools wetlands ordinance score superior Issue presented as property rights vs. environmental protection By AMANDA MAYOR Chairman Randy Mer- up a procedure to allow a wetlands whose surface in state, region [email protected] ritt, whose idea it was variance. waters are connected to By BETH O’DONNELL to bring the issue to the Merritt addressed the waters of the state – in Assistant Superintendent On Monday, June 17, table, prefaced the discus- public’s concerns that other words, to remove county commissioners sion with a clarifi cation to this variance would al- language relating to the Wakulla School District students placed top ten in voted in favor of moving his proposal and pointed low developers to fi ll in county’s protection of iso- the state for 18 of 20 areas tested on the 2013 Florida forward with a compre- out that the county’s com- the county’s wetlands, lated wetlands as “isolated Comprehensive Assessment Test state assessments hensive plan revision that prehensive plan specifi- producing disproportional wetlands are protected in Reading, Math, Science and the new United States allows the board to draft cally grants the board of storm water runoff, fl ood- under state jurisdiction,” History End of Course (EOC) exam. a variance procedure as it commissioners permission ing and destroying the said Merritt. Rankings are based on the percent of students applies to the county’s cur- to establish a variance pro- ecosystem. Citizens for and against who score profi cient, which is at or above grade rent wetland ordinance. cedure that grants “reason- To which Merritt con- the variance got up to level. The current policy pro- able use of residential and tended that wetlands are speak – more than 60 Wakulla students ranked number one in the re- vides for a 75-foot buffer non-residential properties governed heavily by the speaker cards were handed gion consisting of Wakulla, Leon, Calhoun, Liberty, zone, which is considered in relation to the buffer.” state and that fi lling them in. A majority of the speak- Taylor, Jefferson, Franklin, Gadsden, and Madison on a preservation or conserva- “There seems to be a simply wasn’t an option. ers opposed the proposal, nine of the areas tested and were in the top three for tion area. lot of misinformation go- “You cannot just go fi ll expressing concern for the all Reading, Math, Science and U.S. History scores. The buffer is broken ing around about what I’m in a wetland no matter unique natural habitats Wakulla ranked fi rst alone in the region on 4th, down into two parts, proposing,” Merritt began. what we say,” Merritt as- of Wakulla as well as the 6th, and 7th grade Reading, tying for fi rst in 8th where the outer 40-foot “What I’m proposing is to sured the audience. “We fi shing industry. grade Reading with Liberty County. band may only be dis- allow a variance inside the don’t have that author- Those who were for In Math, Wakulla students ranked fi rst alone in turbed by residential de- 35-foot buffer zone if and ity.” the change seemed to be the region in 6th and 7th grade, tying with Leon in velopment if absolutely only if the only option you Another part to Mer- united under one idea – an 8th grade. Wakulla also stood alone in fi rst place necessary and the 35-feet have to be able to use your ritt’s suggestion was a pro- idea which would later on 8th grade Science and on the 9th and 10th grade closest to the wetland is property is to get inside posed change in the comp prove to be the reason for Biology EOC exam. considered a “no touch” that 35-foot zone.” plan language that made a board majority vote – Turn to Page 2A and “no development” For such a case, Mer- county wetland restric- property rights. portion. ritt said, he wants to set tions apply only to those Turn to Page 3A Wakulla FCAT Results Elementary GRADE/SUB- %PROFICIENT STATE % SunsetSunset atat SpringSpring CreekCreek JECT (STATE RANK) 3rd Reading 68 (6) 57 3rd Math 66 (7) 58
4th Reading 64 (9) 60 4th Math 63 (10) 61 5th Reading 64 (11) 60
5th Math 57 (10) 55 5th Science 55 (10) 53
Middle School GRADE/SUB- %PROFICIENT STATE % JECT (STATE RANK) 6th Reading 68 (5) 59
6th Math 58 (10) 52 7th Reading 63 (9) 57 7th Math 65 (6) 55 8th Reading 65 (6) 56 8th Math 63 (5) 51 8th Science 61 (4) 47
PHOTO BY AMANDA MAYOR High School A striking springtime sunset looking over Spring Creek. Springtime ends and summer offi cially begins on Friday, June 21. GRADE/SUB- %PROFICIENT STATE % JECT (STATE RANK) 9th Reading 62 (7) 53 CITY OF SOPCHOPPY 10th Reading 56 (12) 54 8th/9th Algebra 1 75 (4) 64
Election generates controversy 9th/10th Geometry 71 (9) 64
Th ree new city commissioners elected; two incumbents swept out – 9th/10th Biology 81 (4) 67 complaints of voting irregularities 11th U.S. History 52 (5) 49 By AMANDA MAYOR leen Skipper-Mitchell and week’s News, there were been for the media calling [email protected] Commissioner Anginita complaints about the elec- and asking,” she said. Rosier were both on the tion procedures carried Supervisor of Elections On Tuesday, June 11, ballot. Skipper-Mitchell out by city offi cials. Al- Buddy Wells, who helped the city of Sopchoppy had made history in 2001, legations included the the city with the election, OBITUARIES held an election that as she was the fi rst Afri- mishandling of absentee also said that he had Michelle ‘Shelly’ Lines Day would determine the fate can American female to ballots, voter suppression received no such com- of two city commissioners be elected to any offi ce tactics and canvassing plaints. Charles Otis Houston up for re-election as well in Wakulla. Nine years board irregularities – alle- This week, on Tues- Shelly Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Revell as one open seat on the later she would be given gations that Lara Edwards day, June 18, Rosier said council. the honor of becoming says are unwarranted. she fi led an offi cial com- Sopchoppy Mayor Col- the fi rst female mayor of “It upset me to hear plaint with the Florida Sopchoppy. (and read) the allegations Division of Elections and INDEX Rosier took her own in regards to the recent that it is currently being Public Notices ...... Page 3A seat on the council in City Council election in reviewed. She added that The Opinion Page ...... Page 4A 2010. Sopchoppy,” Edwards hers wasn’t the only one Street Beat ...... Page 5A Both, however, were wrote in an email. “This fi led as, according to her, swept from offi ce in an claim is entirely unfound- other citizens also submit- Church...... Page 6A election of small margins. ed and ridiculous. We sup- ted complaints. Obituaries ...... Page 7A Skipper-Mitchell lost re- port and encourage every “All I wanted was a Community ...... Page 8A election by one lone vote citizen of Sopchoppy to fair election,” said Rosier. School ...... Page 9A and Rosier by a margin participate in our elec- “I certainly understand of 15. tions and I am confi dent and accept that in politics Sports ...... Page 10A This means that Sop- in the integrity of our there are winners and Outdoors ...... Page 11A choppy has three new electoral process.” there are losers. How- Water Ways ...... Page 12A city commissioners: Eddie Edwards wrote that ever, when individuals Boat Photos ...... Page 13A Evans, Nathan Lewis and Sopchoppy is an honest feel the need to resort to Glenn Rudd join Lara Ed- city with “good, hard- malicious tactics that not Sheriff’s Report...... Page 14A wards and Martha Hodge working people who went only violate a person’s Weekly Roundup ...... Page 15A Evans to form a brand out and voted for who civil rights but violates Natural Wakulla ...... Page 16A new board. The election they wanted.” the law in the process, it final vote results were Sopchoppy City Clerk becomes a problem that Arts & Entertainment ...... Page 1B Eddie Evans – 89; Nathan Jackie Lawhon says that affects this community as Week in Wakulla...... Page 2B Lewis – 75; Glenn Rudd no offi cial election com- a whole.” Thinking Outside the Book...... Page 5B – 66; Colleen Skipper- plaints were made to her Rosier touched on the Classifi eds ...... Page 6B Mitchell – 65; Anginita offi ce. “I would not have time she served as a city Rosier – 40. even known about the commissioner. Legal Notices ...... Page 6B As reported in last complaints if it had not Turn to Page 3A Comics ...... Page 9B Page 2A – THE WAKULLA NEWS, Thursday, June 20, 2013 www.thewakullanews.com Wakulla TDC pushes ahead without a director By AMANDA MAYOR left the council hesitant to will appear in ad form in which are slated to go up Historical Society’s Mur- Heritage Village include [email protected] commit before fi rst seek- “The Angler.” on the website, Facebook ray McLaughlin on the 6-8 annual festivals, seine ing better prices. Pending the decision a n d YouTube. society’s current outreach yard recreation and a no- Wakulla County’s Tour- The Tallahassee Demo- by county staff to install The TDC efforts. McLaughlin pre- vehicle, pedestrian only ist Development Council crat’s annual publication them, the countyounty shouldshould pplanslans to sesented a project currently atmosphere. Completion is down a director, but of “Living Here” was dis- have new gatewayateway signs iinn the works that makes a of this project will take the show must go on – cussed as well. going up soonoon as a pupush to promote the coun- anywhere from three to and it is. “This will be similar to vote by the ccouncilouncil tyty’s cultural heritage and ten years depending on The advisory council a phone book in how it’s allowed Moodyody to ththerefore boost Wakulla’s endorsement and volun- held their first meeting used,” said Moody. The spend the mmon-on- totourism. teer efforts. since Director Pam Port- council was in favor of the ey required toto According to The TDC’s meeting wood’s resignation at the idea of being stationed in pay permit McLaughlin, a dona- wrapped up with remind- end of May. With a call a publication that could be fees. tion has been made of ers to go over the proposed to order, Chairman David referred to throughout the Also about 40 acres off Zion by-laws which, according Moody got the early morn- year. They plan to promote up for Hill Church Road that to Moody, will help the ing ball rolling and the the county’s seafood re- discus- will serve as the site council achieve its goal to council seemed to hit the sources with an advertise- sion was mamakeke mormoree for the future open-air increase the precision on ground running. ment containing informa- the $10,000 vvideosideos focusinfocusingg on mmuseum called the Heri- how they operate and a With grant money tion on where and when that the TDCDC things such as the Wakulla tatage Village. reminder that the county’s to spend and future RE- to fi nd Wakulla’s seafood has available blue crab industry, scal- The village will eventu- new seafood logo will be STORE Act money hope- and contact information for county promotional loping, fl ounder gigging ally house historic homes unveiled on June 20. “We fully coming their way for those providers. videos. and more. that will be relocated to hope to see this logo go soon, the TDC discussed Other publications that According to TDC mem- An idea for a “Hook to the site, a farmstead, Na- far and wide,” said Moody. advertising dollars first. the council seemed to bers, four videos are cur- Cook” series where a short tive American and Afri- “Both in the county and Billboard purchasing op- be in favor of were “Bird rently in progress through video follows the process can American interpretive out of the county.” tions in the Panama City, Watchers Digest” and the a hired videographer. They from catching the fi sh to trails and campsites and The TDC will hold it’s Perry and Jacksonville 2014 edition of the “Travel are part of a series named preparation and cooking it other historically accu- next regular meeting on area were on the table, Guide to Florida.” “New Moon in June” and was suggested. rate aspects of Wakulla July 11. but steep monthly price Wakulla scalloping and feature the county’s fi shing The TDC also heard County. quotes from one company other seafood promotion and other marine activities a presentation from the Other plans for the
School board moves ahead Ham radio operators will hold fi eld day this weekend with automotive program Special to The News young as 15 years old, but But another facet to don’t be too surprised to the hobby is just plain New teacher contract also discussed This weekend, June 22 fi nd one that is 6. fun, be it just talking and 2, the Sportsman’s The hobby is also to others while on the By WILLIAM SNOWDEN bers and Superintendent sy Rudd, who heads the Paradise Amateur Radio known for including rock daily commute locally, or [email protected] of Schools Bobby Pearce local teachers’ union, the Club (SPARC) will hold music stars, country mu- “contesting” against other praised Super-Lube for Wakulla Classroom Teach- its annual Ham Radio sic stars, actors, etc, but ham radio operators, at- The Wakulla school working with the school ers Association, praised Field Day at the Wakulla is mostly comprised of tempting to make the board approved a lease district on the lease, and the district for its efforts Station Trail Head Park, everyday people look- most contacts with folks to take over a closed au- helping in other ways – in negotiating a new teach- which is located less than ing for a fun hobby that in other areas of the USA, tomotive repair shop for such as putting school er’s contract. one mile north of High- is rewarding, allowing as well as almost every the new automotive repair offi cials with a national Rudd praised Karen way 267/Bloxham Cutoff for meeting new people, country in the world, and vocational program set to tool company to supply Wells, the district’s hu- in Wakulla Station on Old interesting discussions, those that are ‘out of this start in the fall. the shop. man resources director, Woodville Highway. and even getting involved world’ on board the Inter- At their meeting on Pearce said that the and Randy Beech, the The park is part of in helping in the times national Space Station. Monday, June 17, school district has already saved district financial officer, the Tallahassee -St. Marks of disaster when other This year’s Field Day board members approved an estimated $30,000 from for presenting a plan that bike trail. forms of communications site is being made pos- the lease, said to be less the anticipated costs of gives teachers a “fair salary The event is held from fail, such as phone lines, sible by the DEP, Dept. than $1,000 a month, for starting the program. raise” while allowing them 2 p.m. on Saturday to cell phone towers, and of Florida Greenways and the closed shop behind At the meeting, it was to get merit bonuses. 2 p.m. on Sunday, and the internet. Trails, Wakulla County the Crawfordville Super- reported that 90 students There had been some the public is welcome Hams have helped Sheriff’s Office Emer- Lube. have signed up for the anticipated conflicts to join in on the fun, to out in emergency situa- gency Management, the School board mem- automotive repair program around the state with learn, and even get a little tions in our country and Wakulla Department of – more than can be taken teacher confl icts over the hands-on experience with around the world, in the Public Safety, and The into the class. merit pay issue. radio, talking to others at wake of hurricanes, tsu- American Red Cross. School board member Rudd and Superinten- distant stations (possibly namis, earthquakes and For more information, Wakulla Greg Thomas urged school dent Bobby Pearce said on the other side of the terrorist attacks. Hams are please contact Doug staff to make the auto- the Wakulla contract has world!). working in local public Bennight at 528-5772 or motive program like the become a model through- The hobby is for all service agencies, hospi- [email protected]. schools score very successful medical out the state – and cred- ages. It is not uncommon tals, shelters, search and You can also visit www. academy program, in that ited Beech with working to have radio operators as rescue as volunteers. arrl.org . superior in students must be competi- through the merit pay tive to be admitted. issue. state, region Pearce said he is hope- Pearce called the Wakul- ful the program will be la position “groundbreak- I would like to thank and express From Page 1A successful and the district ing.” can add more vocational What exactly is in the great appreciation to the citizens “With all of the in- programs in the future teacher contract wasn’t creased rigor and constant – welding and heating/ revealed: the school board of Sopchoppy for allowing me changes in education, our ventilation/air condition- is scheduled to vote to give school district continues to ing and cosmetology were its approval to the contract to serve them for the past 13 years, perform well,” said Super- some programs he men- in July, and teachers will intendent of Schools Bobby tioned. vote on it in August. Pearce. “Wakulla students, In another matter, Mis- with the last three as Mayor. teachers, staff, administra- The citizens gave me the distinct tors and parents are to be commended for their hard DO YOU KNOW honor of becoming the first female work. to serve the city as Mayor. “We are very pleased Thomas Clark a/k/a “Pudd” with these results,” he or The Cabinet Shop? said. WE MADE HISTORY!!! Wakulla County School If you do, please call or email District has also been I have enjoyed being a public named an Academically High Performing District 850-510-6658 servant. Thank you again and by the state for the sixth [email protected] God Bless, consecutive year based on last year’s district “A” grade, good fi nancial audit, and meeting the class size Colleen requirements. Erectile Dysfunction Individual student scores Drugs May Be Dangerous To Your Health Skipper-Mitchell have been mailed home or FREE book by doctor reveals what the are available at the child’s GUXJFRPSDQLHVGRQ·WZDQW\RXWRNQRZ Political Advertisement Paid for and approved by Colleen Skipper-Mithcell for Sopchoppy City Council school, plus they can be 'U.HYLQ+RUQVE\0'ZLOOPDLOWKH SD\ WKH SRVWDJH DQG KDQGOLQJ ,I viewed on the parent por- ILUVWPHQWKDWUHVSRQGWRWKLVDG WKHSRSXODUSLOOVGRQ¶WZRUNIRU\RX tal where parents are able DIUHHFRS\RIKLVQHZWKLUW\GROODU UHJDUGOHVV RI \RXU DJH RU PHGLFDO to view their child’s grades ERRN³$'RFWRU¶V*XLGHWR(UHFWLOH KLVWRU\ LQFOXGLQJ GLDEHWHV DQG '\VIXQFWLRQ´+H¶VVRVXUHWKLVERRN SURVWDWHFDQFHU \RXRZHLWWR\RXU at www.wakullaschooldis- ZLOO FKDQJH \RXU OLIH KH ZLOO HYHQ VHOIDQG\RXUODG\WRUHDGWKLVERRN trict.org. Frances Casey Lowe, &DOO7ROO)UHH RUwww.eddoctor.com. Attorney LOCAL ” 3our ome *own Guilday, Schwartz, Simpson, West, Hatch & Lowe, P.A. SAVINGS. 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