I just read a letter to the editor by Jerry Fennell. As most of you know, Mr. Fennell will not let candidates speak for themselves. One thing I'm sure of, Ron Grimming will not answer questions that he can be critiqued on. I was in support of Mrs. Stewart until she found that Mr. Cool was not going to run. ...more

October 8, 2008

Election Day is less than a month away, and it probably can't come soon enough for some folks. ...more

October 6, 2008

I have known Susan Benton for 14 years, in fact she and her family lived close by me in a townhouse situation for two of these years. She was an excellent wife, mother and neighbor. I have been very impressed by her record as sheriff of Highlands County and the respect she commands and deserves from other sheriffs throughout Florida. The people who hold the same office recognize her leadership abilities. As a professional business owner with a medical office in Sebring, I can feel protected, due to Sheriff Benton's innovative measures and her department's vigilance. ...more

October 3, 2008

There isn't anything more frightening to a family than to have a loved one suddenly gone missing. ...more

October 3, 2008

There was plenty of community support for the Sheriff Susan Benton Fundraiser golf tournament on Saturday at Pinecrest golf club. ...more

September 29, 2008

Billy Joe Shannon, a local Democratic activist campaigning for his party's local candidates and presidential ticket, got up about 5:30 a.m. Friday and let "Romeo," his poodle, out into his front yard on Mackerel Drive. ...more

September 28, 2008

I have watched the political landscape very closely this year, especially the sheriff's race. I have a concern for candidate Ron Grimming. First of all, he has lived in our county only two years and at the helm of the FHP lasted only four years, 1993-1997. Referred to as the first outsider when hired for this job, Grimming had the opportunity to respond to a reporter with the St. Pete Times after leaving office in regards to the criticism of his leadership. This researcher-reporter mentioned Grimming's "innovative attempts to modernize the FHP and splintering its focus, his weakening performance and his alienating of command staff." The writer gave Mr. Grimming three opportunities to respond, but he preferred not to defend this record of bringing in helicopters, community policing squadrons, a car theft hotline, taking troopers off the road and putting them in special units, angering Florida sheriffs. ...more

September 27, 2008

I don't understand Highlands County Commissioner Barbara Stewart filing a complaint with the Sebring Police Department against Sheriff Susan Benton for some kind of verbal abuse like raising your voice for emphasis? Is that a crime? ...more

September 27, 2008

Highlands County Commissioner Barbara Stewart and Sheriff Susan Benton are in the middle of a controversy that has everyone talking. Depending on whom you support, trying to figure out who is to blame is next to impossible. For people who don't have a point of view either way for either woman, both of these high-ranking public officials deserve blame for this even becoming a issue. ...more

September 26, 2008

Sebring Police released the statement on Wednesday that Commissioner Barbara Stewart typed and had notarized after she got into an argument Sept. 16 with Sheriff Susan Benton. According to Stewart, she was in her automobile and backing out when Benton's personal vehicle pulled behind her. "Thus, this auto prevented me from backing out of my space." ...more

September 24, 2008