Bob Germaine has fulfilled his goal in life: rising to the top. "I started working here when I was 21 years old," said Germaine, 57, who is currently one of two top directors under incumbent Clerk of Courts Luke Brooker. ...more

November 5, 2008

After a race that was occasionally punishing but ultimately rewarding, incumbent Sheriff Susan Benton won her bid for a second term. ...more

November 5, 2008

Soon, all those campaign signs and candidates at civic meetings will be gone. ...more

November 4, 2008

Early voting is hectic in every state where the practice is allowed. Highlands County is no exception. It's impressive to see so many people taking time out of their day to cast a ballot for what might be the most important presidential vote in modern history. We hope that trend continues through Election Day on Tuesday. ...more

November 2, 2008

For more than 30 years, Highlands County has had a policy of excess or unneeded fill material collected by the Road and Bridge Department being hauled to and dumped on private property with the written consent of the owners, according to two former top county officials. ...more

November 1, 2008

Once again Ms. Mary Wilson's statements are being called into question. You can't change facts. In regards to Mr. Strenth's letter where he refers to Mary's brochure as a "complete fabrication" when it comes to the figure for Mr. Germaine's compensation over the next four years if elected. ...more

October 28, 2008

A landlord and his two friends who were accused by a tenant on May 26 of entering his mobile home and beating him, had the charges against them dropped, according to the clerk of courts office on Thursday. ...more

October 26, 2008

I would like to offer my personal observations on the upcoming Clerk of Courts race between Bob Germaine and Mary Wilson. In criticism of Bob Germaine, Mary Wilson has publicly stated that Bob Germaine, if elected, would be "double dipping" because he would be receiving his pension and his salary as clerk of courts at the same time. Nothing to my knowledge precludes Bob from seeking public office while concurrently drawing a pension. Many have done so in the past. Should Bob Germaine be denied the opportunity to seek public office because he has dedicated the last 36 years of his life working for the clerk of courts office, and as a result, he receives a pension? For that matter, should any retired state or county employee, myself included, who receives a pension through the Florida Career Service Retirement System, be denied an opportunity to seek public office? I think the answer is obvious. ...more

October 26, 2008

Two words that describe character are integrity and reputation. In these political times, some may say that it is difficult to find a candidate with one, if not both, of these characteristics. It is with personal knowledge that I attribute these characteristics to Mr. Bob Germaine. ...more

October 25, 2008

Today I found a brochure from Mary Wilson in my mailbox. I was somewhat baffled because I have been driving around with a giant Bob Germaine For Clerk sign in the bed of my truck for several months now. I took a look at it and I was flabbergasted at the statement on the inside cover. ...more

October 25, 2008