• Carla Miller, the City’s ethics officer, received both theory and practical training while attending the “Council on Governmental Ethics Laws” conference in Chicago Dec. 7-10. Attendees were welcomed to Chicago by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich via letter on Dec. 8 and he was arrested on federal corruption charges by the Federal Bureau of Investigations the next day.
• Sun Dog Diner in Neptune Beach is marking its 20th anniversary all day today. Tonight, longtime regular the Mike Shackleford Band will play.
• The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has added an officer to its Public Information Office. Mike McCall moved over from Patrol after serving for 20 years in that division. He can be reached at 630-2133.
• According to letters to both Council President Ronnie Fussell and Mayor John Peyton, HabiJax was able to help 96 Jacksonville families achieve homeownership in 2008. The letter was from HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O’Rourke, who sent the two an annual report.
• Circuit Court Judge David Gooding will officially preside over his last adoptions Thursday when he oversees the adoption of 10 children. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in Gooding’s courtroom in the County Courthouse and the families and children will all be on hand. Gooding is being transferred out of Juvenile Court.
• Speaking of Peyton, he has received plenty of Christmas cards this year. On Friday alone he netted a dozen.
• The Blackstone building will be the home of the new law firm of Finnell, McGuinness and Nezami and it will open its doors Jan. 5.