Just because the smoke has cleared here in Highlands County doesn't mean that competitive barbecuing has come to an end in the area. In fact there is one going on in Wauchula today. And last week by far the largest Florida state contest was held up in Lakeland. At our 12 Hours of BBQ contest there were a total of 42 teams. In Lakeland they had almost 60 professional teams, 80 backyard teams and around 20 kiddie teams. That's a lot of smokin' going on, and a lot of barbecue enthusiasts. And, of course, during this time of our political cycle where there's a crowd of more than three people there is a candidate trying to garner just one more vote. Last Saturday in Lakeland was no exception. Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee siezed the opportunity to shake a few hands. Through the sea of people attending the cook-off I saw some TV cameras and boom mikes and went to see what was going on. It was Huckabee who was the focus of their attention. Since there weren't any more than maybe 20 non-media people around him I elbowed my way to the front of the group. I got to shake his hand and exchange a few pleasantries. What I didn't share with him however was the fact that I had already taken advantage of Joe Campbell's convenient offer to beat the rush and voted early at the county building. ...more

February 2, 2008

SEBRING — The public can learn more about the pros and cons of an elected versus appointed superintendent of schools today at a 6 p.m. workshop in the Highlands County Commission Chambers. The public's opinion on the issue will also be heard by the School Board. County Supervisor of Elections Joe Campbell has been invited to speak on the election process in changing to an appointed superintendent. If Campbell is attending to matters with the recent election, School Board Attorney John McClure will cover the process in making the change. ...more

January 31, 2008

SEBRING — With the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries going off today, partisan voters in Highlands County and all of Florida have two questions to answer: u Who do they want to become their party's nominee, and u Do they want to approve a constitutional amendment that makes Save Our Homes portable while doubling the homestead exemption for homeowners whose house's assessed value is at least $75,000? The Supervisor of Elections Office reported that 6,672 voted early, while 898 absentee ballots were received by Saturday, well above what supervisor Joe Campbell said he predicted. Campbell declined to provide an estimate for today's turnout. As far as presidential candidates go, former Massachusetts governor and Republican candidate Mitt Romney is Sebring builder James Matthews' pick. ...more

January 29, 2008

Thousands of people in Highlands County, apparently in record numbers, took advantage of early voting and cast their ballots. That's good because it reduces the number of people who show up on election day, which reduces congestion at the precincts. The Presidential Preference Primary Election is Tuesday. Democrats and Republicans are choosing their party's nominee. All citizens can vote for or against a constitutional amendment for a property tax cut. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. ...more

January 27, 2008

SEBRING — Luke Brooker isn't, but Bob Germaine is. The sheriff is, and so are all the other constitutional officers. Germaine called a press conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday to announce he'll seek the clerk of courts seat being vacated by Brooker. Germaine, 57, said if he's elected, he won't be a one-term clerk. He's been working in the office for 36 years and is Brooker's chief deputy on the criminal courts side. "I help people every day," Germaine said to the 20 people gathered in the supervisor of elections office when he announced. "I don't feel like I've done anything if I don't help someone." ...more

January 3, 2008

SEBRING — Highlands County voters will have lots of decisions to make in 2008. On Jan. 29, the primary will give Democrats and Republicans the opportunity to choose their presidential nominee. At the same time, voters can decide whether to lower their own taxes. The deadline to register to vote in the primary is Dec. 31, said Norma Stokes, assistant supervisor of elections. Early voting for the primary starts on Jan. 14. Voters can go to the libraries in Lake Placid and Avon Park, or at the Highlands County Government Center in Sebring. The last day to call for an absentee ballot to be mailed to the voter's home is Jan. 23, Stokes said. ...more

December 28, 2007

AVON PARK — Sharon Schuler retained the mayor's seat and Al Hinson will take over Doug Eason's city council position after both won by comfortable margins in the official count. ...more

November 7, 2007

AVON PARK — After nearly 100 voters climbed up the steps of City Hall for the early elections last week, Avon Park's two polls are now prepped for a combined crowd to reach into four figures as the city elects a mayor and a new councilman. Mayor Sharon Schuler will try to hold on to the mayor's office, facing challenges from RCMA Technology Director Ed Dickerson, Local Advocacy Council Chairman Gonzalo Lezama and former Mayor Gordon Marshall. Avon Park Air Force Range mechanic Paul Miller, retired pastor James Rahenkamp, middle school teacher Al Hinson and Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Michael Shirey are running for a council seat being vacated by Doug Eason, who chose not to seek re-election. ...more

November 6, 2007

AVON PARK — Early voting for Avon Park's mayor and for one council seat begins Monday, making it the first time in the city's history that it is holding early voting for local offices. Voters will pick between four mayoral candidates and four contestants for Councilman Doug Eason's seat, which he is vacating. Mayor Sharon Schuler is up against RCMA Technology Director Ed Dickerson, Local Advocacy Council Chairman Gonzalo Lezama and former Mayor Gordon Marshall. ...more

October 28, 2007