Okeechobe(


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205 SMA U FL LIB OF FL HISTORY
PO BOX 117007
GAINESVILLE FL 32611 .
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Vol. 99 No. 1 Tuesday, January 1, 2008 500 Plus tax


inside

Horse riding 'mishap
has tragic ending
A local woman and busi-
ness owner has died as a result
of injuries she received after be-
ing thrown from her horse.
Kimberly Ann. Lorenz, 44, of
Fort Drum died Sunday night
in a West Palm Beach hospital
after her quarter horse 'Little
Man' became frightened and
began running along N,W 98"'
Street at a full gallop.
Page 2'

Briefs


Work forces
road closure
AccordingtotheOkeechobee
County Road Maintenance De-
partment, N.W. 149th Terrace
will be closed to all traffic on
Jan. 3, 2008, from 9 a.m. until
2 p.m. due to work being done
on a drainage pipe.
The road will be closed from
about one-fourth mile north of
N.W. 56th St. The closure will
affect N.W. 147"' Terrace and
N.W.-151st Terrace also.
Only emergency vehicles
will be allowed to pass the
work site.
For information, call (863)
763-3514.

County Fair
Pageant is set
The Okeechobee County
Fair Association will be. hold-
ing a Okeechobee County
Fair Beauty Pageant on Friday,
March 7. Competition includes
three categories: personal-
ity and interview; sports/swim-
wear; and evening gown.
The pageant is open to young
women who are 17 years old
by the date of the pageant and
not 22 years old before Jan. 1,
2009. Competitors must reside
in Okeechobee County, Buck-
head Ridge or Brighton Semi-
nole Reservation. The deadline
to enter the competition is Sat-
urday, Jan. 26. For more infor-
mation, contact Donny Arnold
(863) 634-6464 or visit www.
okeechobeecountyfair.com.

Drought Index
Current: 535
Source: Florida Division
of Forestry
Local Burn Ban: None


Lake Levels

10.28 feet
Last Year: 12.09 feet
Source: South
Florida Water
Management
District. Depth
given in feet
above sea level.


Index
Classifieds ................... .......... 5
Com ics .................................. 8
.Community Events.................. 4
Crossword..................................5
Obituaries..................................
Opinion.............................4..... 4
Speak Out................................. 4
TV ........................................... 6
W eather.................................... 2
See Page 2 for information about
how to contact the newspaper.

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2007: The Year in Review


Okeechobee News/Katrina Elsken/File photo
DROUGHT: This photo from March 2007 shows the lake bed starting to dry out as the lake shrunk. Summer rains did
little to help the big lake, which began the "dry" season at about only 10.5 feet above sea level, nearly five feet lower
than the historic average.


Drought, fires, impact fees


2007 was a busy year for
Okeechobee residents. While
area residents were relieved to
get through'a hurricane season
without a major storm, the lack
of rainfall was a growing con-
cern as the drought worsens.
Local governmental boards
'were often in the news, as the
county commission opted to
find. a new county administra-
torand both the city and county
struggled with impact fee is-
sues. Some of the page one
stories included:

Jan. 3, 2007
Search nets suspected
pot, cocaine: Just three days
before he was to be sentenced
in an Okeechobee court on
drug possession charges, Sime-
on Leon Washington was again
arrested on drug charges.

Jan. 4,2007
City says OK to impact
fees: New businesses and resi-
.dential homes within the City of
Okeechobee will have impact
fees imposed in the near future.

Jan. 5,2007
Wrong arrest leads to
deportation: When Margarito
Tinajero learned that his twin
brother Santiago had been ar-
rested, he went to law enforce-
ment and told them they had
the wrong man in hopes that


Submitted photo/ Jessica Dorrance
A fire consumed about 65 acres Friday evening, July 20'
in a wooded area at the intersection of U. S. 441 N. and
Cemetery Road. The fire was called in at about 6:30 p.m.
and was extinguished in two to three hours. Units from
Okeechobee County Fire/Rescue, City of Okeechobee
Fire Department and the Division of Forestry including a
bulldozer and helicopter responded.


Santiago, would be released and
not deported to Mexico.

Jan. 6,2007
Angler hurt when boat
hits riprap: 'Long-time pro
bass angler Patrick Hailstones
of Cincinnati, Ohio, was injured
Thursday morning on Lake
Okeechobee while competing
in the FLW Stren Series four-day
bass tournament.

Jan. 9,2007
County to discuss lease:
The highlight of the Tues-


day, Jan. 9, meeting of the
Okeechobee County Board of
County Commissioners will be
a discussion about a proposal
from the Okeechobee County
Cattlemen's Association to lease
the facility for exclusive rodeo
use.

Jan. 12, 2007
VisionQuest escapees
hail from N. Florida: The
identities of two escapees from
the VisionQuest facility on U.S.
441 N. have been released, by
the Okeechobee County Sher-


iff's Office (OCSO).

Jan.13,2007
ACLU files motion against
OHS: The American Civil Libr-
ties Union of Florida (ACLU)'filed
a motion for preliminary injunc-
lion in federal court Thursday
on behalf of the Okeechobee
Gay-Straight Alliance.

Jan. 14,2007
Citizens oppose housing
issue: Citizens from the south-
west section of town gathered
at Oakview Baptist Church on
Thursday, Jan. 11, to discuss
their opposition to a proposed
housing development on 30.02
acres in the southwest section
of the city between Southwest
Sixth and Second Streets.

Jan. 17,2007
OUA ponders special
charges: In the near future,
Okeechobee Utility Authority
(OUA) may be able to assess
property owners along the route
of new sewer or water lines for
the cost of construction.

Jan. 18,2007
OCSO vows to take ac-.
tion on ATV laws:. Due to a
high volume of complaints, the
Okeechobee County Sheriff's
Office (OCSO) is going to start
See Review Page 2


Neighbor


uses a


machete


to break


up party

By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
. A seasonal migrant work-
er has been booked into the
Okeechobee County Jail after
he allegedly
went after
some party
goers with a
machete be-
cause they
were report-
edly keeping
him awake.
Guadalupe Guadalupe
Bernardo-Her-Gnardope
nandez, 25 Bernardo-
N.W Fourth Hernandez
St., was arrested Dec. 29,,and
charged with three counts of ag-
gravated battery with a deadly
weapon. He was booked into
the county jail under a bond of
$10,000.
An arrest report by Detective
Willy Post of the Okeechobee
County Sheriff' Office (OCSO)
indicates that Bernardo-Hernan-
dez was trying to sleep because
he had to get up at 5 a.m. the
next day and go to work, but
the partying by neighbors was
keeping him awake.
Bernardo-Hernandez, said
the report, lives in an area on
N.W Fourth St. known as Doc's
Trailer Park.
The seasonal worker appar-
ently .became enraged ove,r the' +
noise from the party and around
1:15 a.m., with a 22-inch rusty
field machete in his hand, ran
out of his mobile home and be-
gan swinging it at those partying
outside a mobile home next to
his.
Detective Post stated in his re-
port that Bernardo-Hernandez,
with the machete in his hand,
first began running toward two
women while swinging the ma-
chete.
He then turned his attention
to Favian Sanchez-Pedraza, 21.
As Bernardo-Hernandez
swung the machete at Sanchez-
Pedraza, the victim put his right
hand in the air to block the
blow. The machete struck the
beer bottle and cut it in half. The
man sustained only a minor cut
to his right hand, added Detec-
tive Post.
Another woman then
grabbed Bernardo-Hernandez
by the shirt, but the man pulled
away and returned to his mo-
bile home.
Detective Post's report goes
on to say that he was told that
Bernardo-Hernandez was re-
portedly living in the mobile
home illegally.
The detective went on to
say that the Mexican national
has been a seasonal resident of
Okeechobee the past two har-
vest seasons.


Fire tragedy lurks during holidays


By MaryAnn Morris
Okeechobee News'
As the drought literally quite
literally deepens, the soil dries
deeper and deeper with no rain
but plenty of sun and wind.
As the holiday season winds
up this week, we, our winter.
visitors need to remember the
wildfires of last year.
There is no indication that
this year will be any different.
Keep ATVs and other off-road
vehicles on trails and out of.
dry brush. Engine sparks can
light dry grass. Be careful with


fireworks. Be sure you have
a large, mowed area where
sparks can land safely. Discard
any electric holiday decorations
of questionable safety so-you
are not tempted to use them
again next year,
For open land to burn in
Florida is part of the natural
wet/dry cycle that in temperate
climate becomes winter (dry)
and summer (wet).
"Every two to five years the
open prairies and pine flat-
woods will naturally burn,"
says Dale Armstrong, Senior
Forester at the Okeechobee


District of the Florida Division
of Forestry. Mr. Armstrong cov-
ers six counties: Okeechobee,
Highlands; Indian River, Martin,
St:'Lucie, and Glades Counties.
"There are things all Florid-
ians should know and practice
here, where fire is a natural part
of life," he continued.
During the dry season
(winter, if you wish), there is
little rain, little humidity in the
air and windy/breezy days.,
All of this makes for dry land.
The sandy soil, with no rain,
See Fire Page 2


Okeechobee News/Pete Gawda/File photo
The fireman in the center of the picture is setting fires ahead
of the fire that burned 65 acres of woods Friday evening, July
20, 2007.


-------







2 Okeechobee News, Tuesday, January 1, 2008


Horse riding mishap has tragic ending


By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
A local woman and business
owner has died as a result of in-
juries she received after being
thrown from her horse.
Kimberly Ann Lorenz, 44, ol
Fort Drum died Sunday night ir
a West Palm Beach hospital after
her quarter horse, 'Little Man,' be-
came frightened and began run-
ning along N.W. 98th Street at a
full gallop, and she was thrown.
Detective Ted Van Deman ol
the Okeechobee County Sheriffs


Office said the 1,100-pound geld-
ing was described as an "excit-
able horse." He went on to say
that Mrs. Lorenz had the animal
out for an "exercise ride" when
the accident occurred.
He said the woman was a
f knowledgeable rider.
"Mrs. Lorenz fell off while try-
ing to gain control of her horse,"
said the detective of the 1 p.m. ac-
cident. "It was a horrible, horrible
accident."
Detective Van Deman said
f Mrs. Lorenz, who owned Lorenz
s Animal Foods, Inc., was treated at


the scene by emergency person-
nel from the Okeechobee County
Fire/Rescue Department then tak-
en to Raulerson Hospital. From
there, she was flown to St. Mary's
Hospital where she died around 7
p.m. on Dec. 30.
Mrs. Lorenz had owned Little
Man for about six months, said
the detective. He went on to say
that the horse, which stands 15
hands high, was used for barrel
racing.
Detective Van Deman said
when the woman was thrown
from the horse she landed on


the back of her head. He said she
fractured her skull and broke her
neck when she landed on the
paved road.
Little Man was just one of the
horses owned by Mrs. Lorenz,
who the detective described as
being an avid horse lover.
The OCSO detective said Mrs.
Lorenz, a widow, leaves behind a
15-year-old son. The teen is cur-
rently staying with family mem-
bers. Her husband, David Larry,
died about three years ago, said
Detective Van Deman.


UMake or Newr rar' rLbk cs r


News Briefs

Lipizzaner Stallions to visit
The "World Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions proudly presents their
381" Anniversary presentation of the "Dancing White Stallions."
Over the years, more than 26 million people throughout North and
South America, Europe, Australia and Hawaii have seen this inter-
nationally acclaimed spectacle. The Lipizzaner Stallions are truly
a great experience to be enjoyed by the entire family. They will
perform two shows only on Jan. 12, 2008 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the
Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center. Tickets are available at Eli's
Western Wear, 907 W.North Park St., and Tickets.com. or you can
charge by phone at (800) 882-8258. For more information you can
go online to lipizzaner.com and co.okeechobee.FL.us. Tickets will
go on sale on Dec. 13.


Local court cases now online


Sharon Robertson,- Okeechobee County clerk of circuit
court, has announced that the clerk's office web site now offers
Okeechobee County court cases on line.
lo The information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The site provides the ability to perform a person or case search
in a variety of wrays. Visit www.clerk.co.okeechobee.fl.us for the
-. index and progress dockets of Okeechobee County public record
- court cases.
Questions should be directed to Sharon Robertson at www.
clerk@clerk.co.okeechobee.fl.us.

Library offers free computer classes
The Okeechobee County Public Libraryis offering free com-
puter classes on varied computer topics such as using Microsoft
. Word, Email, and Computer Basics. Registration is required.
Please call the Library at 763-3536 for information and to register.
for a class.


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Fire
Continued From Page 1
dries out deeper and deeper and
deeper. Native plants, adapted to
the wet/dry season cycles are not
growing, many are not green at
all.
These conditions turn ordinary
grasses and unmowed pastures,
woods and unkempt vacant build-


Review
Continued From Page 1
cracking down on the illegal op-
eration of ATVs in Okeechobee
County.

Jan. 19,2007
Utilities forced to payup: Be-
cause of'our property appraiser'.s
persistence in going after the big
guys, the county coffers are now
fuller than they would otherwise
be. Okeechobee County Property
Appraiser Bill Sherman dared to
tackle the three largest taxpayers in
the county, Florida Power & Light
(FP&L), Embarq and Gulfstream
Natural-Gas System. He said large
corporations have people on their
payrolls whose job is to see they
pay the lowest tax possible.

Jan. 20, 2007
Adults-only business de-
nied: The City Planning Board/
Board of Adjustment and Appeals
meeting on Thursday, Jan. 18, was
packed beyond maximum occu-
pancy for the issue concerning a
proposed adult entertainment es-
tablishment.

Jan. 24,2007
Harris is back in prison:
A former Okeechobee man con-
victed in the March 1995 shooting
death of Elizabeth Faye Hatfield
is back in prison. Ryan C. Harris,
30, was sent back to prison after
being convicted of having sexual
relations with a 16-year-old boy,
said Assistant State Attorney Jackie
Fulford in a telephone interview
Tuesday, Jan. 23, from her Talla-
hassee office.

Jan. 25,2007
Planners OK Ranch plan:
Plans are under way for a unique
subdivision that could impact the
county in ways unanticipated up
to now. At their meeting Tuesday,
Jan. 23, the Okeechobee County
Planning Board/Board of Adjust-
ments and Appeals recommend-
ed preliminary plat approval for
the proposed 202-lot subdivision
called The Ranch.

Jan. 26,2007
Concrete plant starts hir-
ing: Royal Concrete Concepts is in
the process of building their plant
off of U.S. 98 that is scheduled to
be open in the second quarter of
2007. The plant will open 300 jobs
right away, of which some will
come from out of town in the be-


ing lots into dry tinder. A spark
from a vehicle, machine, or em-
bers from trash fires, fanned by
the breeze can flare and travel.
Florida's ecology depends on
fire to sweep clean the soil so
seeds of new plants can sprout to
provide forage for the deer, rabbits
and other animals that depend on
nature to feed them. When there
is food, they come and keep Flori-
da's ecology diverse and healthy.


ginning due to previous training at
the company's West Palm Beach
Plant.

Jan. 28,2007
County urged to OK fees:
A wide variety of topics including
economic matters and impact fees
were dealtwith bythe Okeechobee
County Board of County Commis-
sioners. The. commissioners also
discussed the Okeechobee County
Fair, Okeechobee Main Street and
a list of priorities occupied at their
bimonthly meeting held Thursday,
Jan. 25.

Jan. 30, 2007 '
Man charged with shoot-
ing, into eatery: A local man is
being held without bond in the
Okeechobee County Jail after he
allegedly fired one shot from a .357
magnum revolver into a down-
town Okeechobee restaurant.

Feb. 7, 2007
Board to look at impact
fees: impact fees, drainage, the
old jail and adult entertainment are
among the topics the Okeechobee
County Board of County Commis-
sioners will be discussing at their
meeting on Thursday, Feb. 8. One
of the items to be discussed deals
with school impact fees. The board
will consider an interlocal agree-
ment with the City of Okeechobee
and the Okeechobee County
School Board to provide for col-
lection and expenditure of school
impact fees. The school board has
already adopted impact fees that
would .'require developers to pay
for the impact their development
would have on the school system.
These impact fees would be incor-
porated into the resolution. Ac-
cording to proposed figures, a de-
veloper would pay an impact fee
of $3,384 for a single-family house,
$1,977 for a multi-family unit and
$2,366 for a mobile home.

Feb. 9,2007
County ponders subdivi-
sion: Many times the Okeechobee
County Board of County Com-
missioners routinely grants zon-
ing changes and preliminary plat
approvals by a unanimous vote
with little discussion. That was
not the case at their meeting on
Thursday, Feb. 8. Even though
the Okeechobee County Plan-
ning Board/Board of Adjustments
and Appeals had recommended
preliminary plat approval for The
Ranch, a proposed 202 lot subdi-
vision in the northeastern part of
the county, commissioners did not


Before Florida became so
populated, thousands, perhaps
millions of acres naturally burned
each year, but more and more
acreage is bounded by houses,
and less and less acreage burns
naturally.
'.'This has allowed the under-
brush to become high and thick,
to the point of being almost im-
penetrable. Without, a great deal
of awareness, alertness, and cart


heed their recommendation.

Feb. 16, 2007
Local man charged with
drugtrafficking: An Okeechobee
man has been booked into the
Okeechobee County Jail under
a bond of $600,000 following his
arrest on charges that include traf-
ficking in cocaine. Stephan. Lee
Batton, 30, N.W 93rd Court, was
arrested Feb. 12 on Okeechobee
County warrants. The warrants
charged him with two counts of
trafficking in cocaine 28 grams or
more, two counts sale of cocaine
and two counts of possession of
cocaine with intent to sell.

Feb. 19, 2007
Magistrate to consider low-
ering fine: As the new system for
hearing code violations goes into
its third month, things seem to
be going smoothly. When special
magistrate Bill Selmi conducts his
monthly hearing on Tuesday, Feb.
20, he is scheduled to hear 11 new
violation cases, consider imposing
fines on five cases and rule on the
reduction of one fine.

Feb.20,2007
City likely to approve new
projects: The Okeechobee City
Council will meet Tuesday, Feb.
20, to finalize several ordinances
including two developments that
have received final approval from
the Department of Community Af-
fairs (DCA). One, of the two com-
prehensive plan amendments was
submitted by Craig Hackl concern-
ing just over 21 acres on S.R. 70 E.,
which is located across the high-
way from the U.S. Post Office. The
second Cycle I 2007 Comprehen-
sive Plan amendment comes from
property owner Frank Altobello,
trustee for CBC Management Cor-
poration, concerning a large scale
land use plan amendment for a
proposed fishing village.

Feb. 21,2007
Commission to discuss by-
pass road: At their meeting to-
morrow, the Okeechobee County
Board of County Commissioners
will be taking up two much-dis-
cussed topics a bypass road
and impact fees. For some time,
there has been discussion about
a bypass road around the City of
Okeechobee.. Motorist traveling
through the county on the state
highways currently have to go
through a bottleneck in down-
town Okeechobee. Now, perhaps
a possible solution to that problem
will be revealed.


it can be a hazard to lives and
property," said Mr. Armstrong.
Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Mar-
tin, Highlands, Indian River, and
Glades are Division 16 of the Flor-
ida Department of Forestry. To
Report a wildfire, call (863) 462-
5160; for a Burn Authorization,
call (863)462-5163.
MaryAnn Morris can be contacted at
mmorris@newszdpacom


Feb. 24, 2007
Board upholds deputy's fir-
ing: By a 3-0 vote, an Okeechobee
County Sheriff's Office (OCSO)
appeals board voted to uphold
Sheriff Paul May's firing of former
deputy Kenneth Sarros. Sarros; 30,
and former deputy Eddie Baker,
were fired Jan. 26, 2007, amid
allegations they had sex with a
22-year-old Okeechobee woman
at her home while they were on
duty.

Feb. 25, 2007
Cops warn parents of
MySpace risks:. Law enforce-
ment agencies are attempting to
educate parents and other con-
cerned citizens of the risks in-
volved with their children's use of
the highly popular internet social
networking site, MySpace.com.

Feb. 27,2007
City Fire Dept. gets ladder
truck: The City of Okeechobee is
proud to announce the award of a
grant-funded fire ladder truck from
the City of Pinellas Park.

Feb.28, 2007
Salvation Army honors vol-
unteers: For the past 10 years, an
army has invaded Okeechobee
during the weeks between
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sal-
vation Army volunteers have been
ringing their bells in front of local
businesses soliciting contribu-
tions. This past Saturday evening,
Feb. 24, Augie Carlino, Salvation
Army service extension director
from Tampa and Kip Gardner,
chairman of the Christmas kettle
program hosted a dinner at the
Okeechobee Masonic Lodge hon-
oring the 2006 bell ringers.

March 1, 2007
School Board OKs bonus
plan: Outstanding Okeechobee
teachers will now'receive a bonus
under a recently approved con-
troversial program. Pending final
approval of the school system's
bonus plan by the Florida Depart-
ment of Education, the top 25 per-
cent of Okeechobee teachers will
be receiving a 5 percent bonus.

March 2, 2007
Union claims STAR bonus
plan unfair: A legal battle may
be on the horizon between the
Okeechobee County School Board
and the Okeechobee County Edu-
cation Association (OCEA), the
See Review Page 3


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Lotteries

MIAMI (AP) Here are the numbers selected Sunday in the
Florida Lottery: Cash 3: 8-3-6; Play 4: 0-5-2-3; Fantasy 5: 7-18-
1-17-23.







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Okeechobee News, Tuesday, January 1, 2008


Review
Continued From Page 2
union that represents teacher
over what the union considers ur
fair labor practices.

March 6, 2007
Coalition studies Lake Plan
The latest meeting of the Count
Coalition for Responsible Managf
ment of Lake Okeechobee, the S
Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estua
ies and Lake Worth Lagoon wa
calmer than some previous gatt
erings.
Even though record low rair
fall amounts are currently causin
low lake levels, considerable di,
cussion centered on Plan Six --
proposal being studied by the L
S. Army.Corps of Engineers (COE
that would send excess lake wa
ter into, the Everglades Agricultur
Area (EAA) for treatment before it
release to the Everglades.

March 7,2007
Lakeport man sentence(
on child porn charges: FOR
MYERS -- A former Lakeport ma
was sentenced to 50 years in fec
eral prison Monday following hi
guilty plea on various child poi
nography charges.
Michael James Tyler, 35, is cui
rently being held in federal custod
and is awaiting his assignment to
federal penitentiary. Assistant U.S
Attorney Yolande Viacava, wh,
prosecuted the case, said Tuesda
she was not sure when that as
signment would be made

March 9,2007
Sex offender gets 30 years
Convicted sex offender Robei
Robedeau tried to argue that h
removed his GPS tracking devic
and fled Okeechobee County be
cause he was being attacked b
law enforcement and the media.
However, Circuit Court Judg
John M. Harris wasn't buying tha
claim and Thursday, March 8, sen
tenced Robedeau to 30 years i
prison for violating his probation.

March 10, 2007
27 suspected pot plant
found in van: An Okeechobe
man was arrested and booke
into the Okeechobee County Ja
earlier this week following a rot
tine traffic stop and 27 suspecte
marijuana plants were found i:
his vehicle. Arrested Wednesday
March 7, was Kevin Doyle Cassidy
N.E. 28th Ave. He was booked int
the county jail on, a charge of pos
session of a controlled substance
His bond was set at $10,000.

March 11,2007
Drought causes fire dan
gers: Florida's 2006-07 dry season
has brought drought condition
and increasing dangers ofwildfires
From Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, there wer
604 wildfires in Florida and 58,35,
acres have burned. That's slightly
more 91 square miles burned. Ii
that time, only 1.94 inches of rail
of rain fell, according to the Soutl
Florida Water Management Dis
trict (SFWMD), which is less thai
half of the normal rainfall for thi
time of year.

March 14,2007
Builder seeks zoning
change in Blue Heron: Th
City Planning Board/Board of Ad
justment and Appeals will discus
a new development that woulh
renovate the Blue Heron Go]
and Country Club, as well as adc
many housing options and pos
sible traffic issues as well, during
their March 15 meeting. City Plan
ner Jim LaRue is recommendin.
denial of the proposed develop
ment for both the future land us.
change and the rezoning due t4
the inconsistency with the city'
comprehensive plan.

March 15,2007
Gays: OHS did not protec
us: In the aftermath ofOkeechobe
County School Superintendent D]
Patricia Cooper's decision to den
the formation of a school-based
Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), an
her statement that those student
wanting to form the GSA had beei
offered counseling and protec
tion from harassment, five forme
Okeechobee High School student
have come forward with stories c
sexual harassment, name calling
vandalism and lack of school in
tervention or protection.

March 16,2007
Leaders of local gangs ar
rested: Three reputed local gan
members were arrested Wednes


day afternoon and booked inti
the Oke'echobee County Jail oi
a number of felony charges tha
allegedly stem from retaliation
toward a victim from one of thei
prior crimes.

March 20,2007
Attorney fights GSA lawsuit
The Okeechobee County Schoc
Board is well within their rights tc
refuse to recognize the Gay Straigh
Alliance (GSA) that is trying to forn
at Okeechobee High School. Tha
is the opinion of St. Petersburg at


torney David Gibbs who has been
retained by. the School Board in
the lawsuit brought against them
by the American Civil Liberties
s, Union on behalf of the GSA.

March 23, 2007
Agri center rules change:
At their meeting on Thursday,
i: May 22, the Okeechobee County
y Board of County Commissioners
'- changed their policy on use of the
t. Okeechobee County Agri-Civic
r- Center. In a change of policy, com-
s missioners voted unanimously to
let the Okeechobee Jaycees use
the Okeechobee County Agri-
Civic Center free of charge for a
g Fourth of July fireworks display. In
s- past years, they have used county
a owned Okee-Tantie Campground
. and Marina free of charge for fire-
Sworks displays. Previously comrn-
a- missioners had decreed that only
e the youth livestock show and high
ts school graduation would use the
facility for free.

March 26,2007
d Planning board to elect
,T new officers: The Okeechobee
County Planning Board/Board of
n Adjustments and Appeals will be
s electing a chairperson and first
r- and second vice chair when they
meet Tuesday, March 27.

y March 29, 2007
a State appeals judge's rul-
S. ing in Varnum case: A former
o Okeechobee mobile home dealer
y is free on bond after a circuit court
s- judge dismissed 29 grand theft
charges against him. Michael A.
Varnum, 56, must still face a felony
charge of tax fraud. He posted the
$10,000 bond on that charge and
A was released from the Okeechobee
e County Jail on March 12.
e
, March 30,2007
y Gang member arrested on
assault charge: A known mem-
e ber of a local street gang called
at the Gangster Satan Disciples
I- (GSD) has been jailed again for
n the' second time this month, said
a detective from the Okeechobee
County Sheriff's Office (OCSO).
Jesus Torres, 20, N.W 35th Ave.,
Okeechobee, was arrested by De-
s tective Brad Stark on Wednesday,
e March 28, and charged with aggra-
d vated assault with a firearm. His
il bond has been set at $50,000.
i-
n March 31, 2007
Y, Car strikes home; woman
Y, injured: An apparent domes-
3 tic situation that went from bad
-, to worse Friday morning ended
. when a car struck the .corner of
a house went into a dry drainage
ditch then caught fire.
According to Corporal Brian
Hagan of the Okeechobee County
- Sheriff's Office (OCSO) the driver,
n Patricia Lynn Platt, was airlifted to
s Orlando Regional Hospital with
s. burns to her body. It was not
e known if she had sustained any
5 other injuries. He also could not
Y comment on the degree of her
n burns or how much of her body
n had been burnt.
h
n" April 1, 2007
s Easter bunnies need spe-
cial care: Planning to surprise a
child with a real, live Easter bun-
ny? ,
Make sure the child and the
g household is prepared for the re-
e sponsibility, advised Sheryl Heater,
1- 4-H leader for the Absolutely Split-
s ting Hares Rabbit Club. She said
d rabbits do riot make good pets for
If very young children.
d
- April 2,2007
g .
I- Prom dresses are still avail-
g able: In response to concerns
)- heard from her own daughter's
e high school age friends, Pam Ches-
o ley decided to organize a "prom
s dress rescue" to help girls who
want to attend their high school
prom but cannot afford to buy a
prom dress.
While the citizens of
t Okeechobee made an outstand-
e ing response of donating approxi-
r. mately 200 dresses, there are many
Y dresses still available for girls who
d could use them.
d
SApril 3,2007
- Council will discuss new
r code process: Topping to-
s night's meeting agenda for the
f Okeechobee City Council will be
, a discussion on changing code
- enforcement proceedings from a
board to a magistrate process.
The Council is also slated to
discuss proposed land revisions
to the Planned Unit Development
- (PUD) language of the land devel-
g opment regulations with the city's
- planning board.
o


n April 4, 2007
it
n Tighter* water edicts ex-
r pected: The South Florida Water
Management District (SFWMD)
will be recommending that their
governing board approve tighter
water restrictions for the area due
t: to a continuing drought.
)l This announcement was made
o during a media conference call
it Tuesday, March 3. The govern-
i ing board will consider the rec-
at ommendation when they meet
t- Thursday, April 12. If they approve


the measure, the new restriction with little discussion, lost no time
will go in place Friday, April 13. in implementing them.


April 5, 2007
City keeps code process:
The Okeechobee City Council
chose to revisit the decisive op-
tion of changing the code enforce-
ment process from a board to a
magistrate system at their meeting
3 on Tuesday, April 3. The Council
* suggested that the City Code En-
forcement Board meet with the
Code Enforcement Officers Fred
Sterling and Fire Chief Herb Smith
to discuss concerns and ideas on
how to make the current process
i better.
S While Councilman Clayton
( Williams made a motion to switch
I to the magistrate system, the mo-
tion died for a lack of a second.

April 6,2007
Drought hurting farmers:
As the drought continues, area
livestock are feeling the effects.
Water managers, in a tele-
phone press conference Tuesday,
t April 3, said that agricultural users
in the Lake Okeechobee Service
f Area will be required to reduce
their water consumption by 45
t percent.

April 7, 2007
Judge: OHS must let club
meet: The Gay Straight Alliance
has been granted a preliminary
r injunction by U.S. District -Court
* Judge K. Michael Moore ordering
t Okeechobee High School to of-
t ficially recognize and allow equal
access to the controversial club,
according to a press release issued
* Friday by the American Civil Liber-
ties Union of Florida.
The decision requires the
school to "grant official recogni-
tion and grant all privileges given
to other clubs at the school."

April 8,2007
Use caution around alliga-
; tors: Recently stranded boaters
called the Okeechobee County
Sheriff's Office (OCSO) for help.
The boat was stuck on a sandbar
in shallow water. The fisherman
and his friends could have easily
walked to shore, except for one
problem they were surrounded
by alligators.
The water was too shallow for
the OCSO boats to reach the boat-
ers, so a member of the OCSO
Search and Rescue Auxiliary used
his own airboat to rescue the
men.

April 9, 2007
Wildfire danger is high: As
the drought continues on South
Florida, the danger of wildfire in-
creases.
"Probably our biggest concern
in the Evdrglades are muck fires,"
said Steve Coughlin, wildlife biolo-
gist with the Florida Fish and Wild-
t life Conservation Commission
(FWC). He explained that the soil
f in the Everglades' conservation ar-
eas is highly organic. When it dries
out, the muck can easily catch fire,
he said.

April 10,2007
ATVs blamed for grass fires:
. As the South Florida drought con-
tinues, Division of Forestry (DOF)
officials are busy fighting fires and
warning the public. Current condi-
tions dry grass, high winds, low
humidity increase the danger of
wildfires. All it takes is one spark
for thousands of acres to go up in
r flames,
"The biggest problem in
Okeechobee is with the four-
wheelers,'" said Forest Ranger
John Phillips. "They either take
the spark arrestor out to get a little'
more horsepower, or they don't
take care of them and the spark ar-
restor doesn't work."

April 11, 2007
OUA explores loan options:
The financial situation for the ex-
Spansion of the Okeechobee Utility
Authority (OUA) wastewater treat-
ment plant looks much brighter
after the Tuesday, April 10, meet-
ing of the authority's board of di-
rectors.
Tuesday's discussion focused
on the possibility of using a state
revolving fund (SRF) loan. The SRF
program offers more flexibility, es-
pecially if a loan could be secured
for a 30-year period rather than for
20 years.

April 12,2007
First-ever fair a success:
The first ever Okeechobee County
Fair was a success and should be
back bigger and better next year.
There were some obstacles to
overcome, but overall, Linda Sy-
frett, president of the Okeechobee
County Fair Association, was
pleased with the results.of the fair.


SApril 13,2007
County OK's impact' fees:
In 90 days, the cost of new homes
in the county will be going up
thanks to action taken at the
Thursday, April 12, meeting of
the Okeechobee County Board of
County Commissioners.
The board received the long
delayed final report on impact fees
from consultant Walter Keller and,


April 14,2007
Impact fees will help fund
capital projects: Like it or not,
people constructing new buildings
of any type -- except for agricultural
use -- in Okeechobee County will
soon be paying impact fees.
Impact fees are an effort to
combat growing pains by forcing
a developer to pay a prorated por-
tion of the cost of the impact to the
infrastructure caused by his devel-
opment.

April 15, 2007
Fees help pay for impact:
In the future, new residents to the
unincorporated area of the county
will be expected to pay for the in-
crease on the infrastructure their
new house, apartment or other
new building will cause. .
If a resident builds.a single fam-
ily site-built home or moves a new
mobile home onto a single family
lot, he would pay $1,177 for road
impact fees, a $74 EMS impact fee,
a $170 fire impact fee and a $369
corrections impact fee for a total of
$1,790.

April 16, 2007
Cityimp'act fees undecided:
It must be noted that, at this time,
all city impact fees are only pro-
posed. The city has not received
the final report from consultant
Walter Keller. Therefore, city fig-
ures are subject to change.
County and school impact fee
schedules have already been final-
ized and approved.

April 17, 2007
Teen alcohol use soars: Ac-
cording to the 2006 Florida Youth
Substance Abuse survey, binge
drinking in Okeechobee County is
6.8 percent higher than state aver-
age.
The Florida Youth Substance
Abuse survey is the tool that the
governor's office, the state Depart-
ment of Education and the De-
partment of Children and Families
sanction as the most reliable tool
to gauge statewide teen alcohol
consumption, binge drinking, cig-
arette smoking, marijuana smok-
ing and use of illicit drugs (other
than marijuana).

April 18, 2007
Poll: booze use up locally:
The results of the 2006 Florida
Youth Substance Abuse Survey
indicate that Okeechobee County
youth placed higher in four of five
substance abuse categories than
the state average.


The report stated that
Okeechobee's youth alcohol con-
sumption was higher than Martin,
St. Lucie, Indian River and Bre-
vard Counties. It also stated that
Okeechobee was 5 percentage
points higher than the state aver-
age.

April 19, 2007
City OKs impact fees pact:
The Okeechobee City Council met
Tuesday, April 17, and approved
an interlocal agreement with the
Okeechobee County School Board
and Okeechobee County to collect
impact fees.
The Council approved the in-
terlocal agreement presented by
the Okeechobee County School
Board that involves that board,
the county and the city in order
to implement the collection and
other issues in accordance with
the Okeechobee County school
impact fee ordinance.

April 20, 2007
Va. Tech massacre touches
everyone: In a Presidential Proc-
lamation, George W Bush has or-
dered all flags of the United States
to be flown at falf-staff until sun-
set on Sunday, April 22, as a mark
of respect for the victims of the
shootings at Virginia Tech Univer-
"sity.
In keeping with the presidential
order, local government agencies,
schools and businesses dropped
their flags as a sign of respect for
the 32 victims of the Virginia Tech
shootings.
"It was a very unfortunate in-
cident," said Ken Kenworthy, as-
sistant superintendent of schools
for Okeechobee County. "It was
ironic that we were right in the
middle of security checks at all of
our schools when this tragedy oc-
curred."


April 21, 2007
Impact fees vary by coun-
ty: Newly imposed impact fees
in Okeechobee County may be a
mixed blessing. The county's im-
pact fees are higher than some
counties, yet lower than others.
Professionals disagree as 'to
the effect impact fees will have on
housing sales. While impact fees
will help pay for capital improve-
ment projects, they could have
a negative effect on the housing
business.

April 25, 2007
16 arrested in OCSO oper-
ation: A four-day Highway Inter-
diction Operation in Okeechobee
County ended late last week after
16 arrests were made, and over 6
pounds of heroin was seized. The
unique operation began Tuesday,
April 17, and ended Friday, April 20,
after. 12 law enforcement officers
had made 205 traffic stops; issued
101 citations, of which nine were
criminal notices to appear; and,
seized approximately 21 pounds
of marijuana. The marijuana had
an estimated value of $81,800.

April 28, 2007
County, cattlemen near ac-
cord: The Okeechobee County
Cattlemen's Association appears
to be closer to reaching an agree-
ment for use of the Okeechobee
County Agri-Civic Center for their
rodeos. The cattlemen met with
the Okeechobee County Board of
County Commissioners in a work-
shop session to discuss that issue
on Thursday, April 26. Since the
evening meeting was a workshop,
no official action could be taken.
For more Year in Review,
see the next edition of this
newspaper.


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Okeechobee News, Tuesday, January 1, 2008


A PINION


-T - - -


Speak Out
Speak Out has moved online, where it is quicker and
easier to share your ideas and converse with others. Go to
www.newszap.com, click on the community name and your
local or state Public Forum. There, you can create new topics
or comment on existing topics. You can also e-mail comments
to okeenews@newszap.com or call. 863-467-2033, but online
comments get posted faster and not all phone calls can be
printed. What follows is a sampling of some of the discus-
sions currently taking place. Thanks for participating!
TRUCKS: To the one who wrote in about the big trucks, there are
bad drivers in all kinds of vehicles, not just big trucks. I feel the ones
driving the big trucks are usually more experienced drivers and have
more to watch out for because they are big, and parking is harder,
but I have seen many more accidents involving small cars then big
trucks by far. I personally would much rather be in a big truck for
safety.

WASTE BINS: Does anyone know what the process is to get one
of those green waste bins that we see around in the city? My wife and
I just moved into the city and we see those things and know nothing
about them, we don't know if we're "supposed" to use them or if
we need to go somewhere and pay to get one or what, so, if anyone
knows and could help we would be very grateful!

GET A LIFE: I can't believe some of the things people will gripe
about at times. Is it that bad, that you have to call Speak Out about a
dog that is barking? Ha, ha. A dog barking yeah, that will shock and
amaze people. I know you have had an animal or your kids. Some
dogs need more attention than others do. Is it an evbry night thing,
for 45 minutes? Well then maybe, you should approach the owners
in a nice way, to let them know your concern. There are muzzles and
aids to train a dog not to bank for the heck of it. However, it's rare.
The dog probably saw a wild animal, stranger hanging out nearby,
etc. Those are time-consuming areas, which might cause the dog
to bark. I can't tell you how many times I asked myself, "what are
the dogs barking at now?" Once a person had broken into my car,
strangers walking by the house, there was a pit-bull that I was trying
to keep out of the yard, trying to get in. Each time you go outside Courtesy photo/Florida Photo Archives
to see what the commotion is about to either hush the dog or see Courtesy photo/Florida Photo Archives
what's going. Any.other time, why would I go outside? Think of it Looking back ...
as a blessing to those people. You must not have animAls; it might
be good for your heart. Start small though, like a hamster or gerbil. This photo from the 1950s from the Florida State Archives shows the Battle of Okeechobee stone marker by the side of
Best of Luck! the road. It marked the site of the Battle of Okeechobee, seven miles southeast of Okeechobee. Do you have an old photo
to share, email it to okeenews@newszap.com.
ANIMALS: Anytime a dog or any other animal is making noise
day and night, it could be a sign that something is wrong. If a dog
is chained up and neglected, it might bark and bark all day just try Upcoming Events Community Events
ing to get a little attention. Often that is the case with dogs that bark Upcoming_ EventsCommunity_________
nonstop. They need attention. In my neighborhood there was a goat
thit was tied up and was constantly bleating or whatever you call Tuesday Jan. 1 Happy New Years 7 Red Cross class scheduled
the sound a goat makes. To me, that was as disturbing as any dog Rotary Club of Okeechobee meets each Tuesday at noon The Okeechobee American Red Cross will offer the following
barking. at Golden Corral Restaurant, 700 S. Parrott Ave. The meetings are classes in January at their branch office: Wednesday, Jan. 9 Adult
open to the public. For information, contact Chad Rucks at (863) CPR/AED at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 First Aid Basics at 6 p.m.
WITCHES: Yes, I have been reading in Speak Out about the 763-8999. Monday, Jan. 23 Infant/Child CPR at 6 p.m. To register, or for more
witches calling in; I would have never believed that there are so New AA Meeting in Basinger: There is now an AA meeting in information call 863-763-2488.
many witches here in Okeechobee. I wonder if they have a code Basinger on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Basinger Christian Breth-
here set up where they meet with one another, it would be interest- ren Church on 700-A, north off U.S. 98. Beginners are welcome. Brian Free and Assurance in Concert
ing to take a census to see just how many witches there are. I am not Alanon meeting will be held at the Church of Our Saviour, 200 Brian Free and Assurance will be in concert on Sunday, Jan
a witch. I am a Christian. I was just wondering if there is or what is N.W Third St., at 8 p.m. Bri an Free and Assurance ill be in concert on Sunday, Jan.
the difference. Are there really these so-called white witches and the A.A. Closed discussion meeting from 8 until 9 p.m. at the Church at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 425 S.W 28th St..For
other witches? Could anybody give me this information? of Our Savior, 200 N.W. Third St.
Family History Center meets from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at
BELIEF: To the taller that responded he or she doesn't believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; 310 S.W. Sixth St. Scrapbooking party planned
+ witches, that's fine if you don't believe in us. I don't believe in your Anyone interested in finding who your ancestors are is welcome A scrapbooking party will be held on Friday, Jan. 4, from6 until 10
God therefore I don't need nor have asked for his help. I'm doing to attend. There is Census, IGI (International Genealogical Index), p.m. at the First Methodist Church, 200 N.W Second St. All levels of
just fine on the path I have chosen. As the previous post states all Social Security Death Index and military information available. For scrap bookers are welcome. Carolyn Jones will be available to assist
we ask as that you and many other Christians in the area respect information, call Robert Massey at (863) 763-6510. you with your scrapbooking questions and supplies. Refreshments
that we exist and if you don't want to understand our religion, that's Camera Club meetings will be every other Tuesday, from 5:30 will be served and there will be door prizes. Bring anriy scrapbook
'fine too, then leave us alone to our beliefs. We don't need Christian until 6:30 p.m. Learn types and uses of film, speeds and technology pages on which you are currently working. For more information
e tn ave us e t e an and how to see your world and capture it on film. Class'is basic call Carolyn at (863) 634-1885 or Joan at (863) 467-0290.
crusaders trying to "save us." We are at peace with who we are and through extensive. Registration is $20 and each class is $10. Call
through- extensive. Registration is $20 and each class is $10. Call
what we represent. We should all be able to coexist no matter what Bobbi at (863) 467-2614 for information. Some of the proceeds will BHR VFD plans pancake breakfast
our religious beliefs are. What is important is who we are and how go towards Big Lake Mission's Outreach. The Buckhead Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakl
we treat one another. Blessed Be. Gospel Sing every Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m. The public is fast on Jan. 5, 2008 from 8 until 11 a.m. All you can eat Pancakes,
invited to participate with vocal and/or instrumental music. For in- served with Sausage, orange juice, coffee or tea. No charge, but do-
BARKING: It's interesting to read all the comments being made formation, contact Douglas Chiropractic Center at (863) 763-4320. nations are accepted. For information call Pat at (863) 357-1364.
about the barking dog problem and the fact that some readers think The Widow and Widowers Support Group meets at 8:30
it is cruel to have a dog "de6iarked." Let's set the record straight. a.m. at the Clock Restaurant, 1111 S. Parrott Ave., for breakfast. For Weight loss program to begin
Debarking a dog does NOT remove the vocal cords when done by information, call (863) 467-9055.
a competent vet. Not does it entirely stop the dog from barking. It The Gathering Church Overcomers Group meets at 7:30 Devotional Weight Loss Program will begin new classes on Tues-
does however remove the shrill high tones, which startle and an- p.m. in the fellowship hall, 1735 S.W 24th Ave. This is a men's only day,28 SJan. 8,These classes wt 9 untill continue thris Hough April. Additional infor-lowship, 425 S.W
noy people. The procedure used by my vet was to.remove a small meeting: For information, call Earl at (863) 763-0139. 28mation Thesay be obtained by cnalinueg (863)through April. Additional infor-
amount of tissue from the back of the vocal cord. It is not a cheap The Okeechobee Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. at the Golden
operation. I have had two Shiba-Inus debarked, one of which is an Corral Restaurant; 700 S. Parrott Ave. Anyone interested in becom- Healthy Start Coalition to meet
AKC champion. Unless you have heard a Shiba's shrill screaming ing a member is welcome. For information, contact Elder Sumner e
bark you have no idea how piercing the bark can be. The dog can at (863) 763-6076. The Board of Directors of the Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition
still produce a lower tonewoof and alert its owner to its wants and Bible study at the Living Word of Faith Church, 1902 S. Parrott will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, at 11:30 a.m., in their new
needs. Life for both the dogs and my family and neighbors were Ave., at 7 p.m. Informal and informative discussions bring many office, 575 S.W.. 28th St. within the New Endeavors School Building.
greatlyenhanced bo "debarking. However, that being said, I find it Bible truths to life. The public is invited. This meeting is open to the public. For information, please contact
greatly thate peopdebarkein" However tb that bngsiIdt Grief and Loss Support Group meets every Tuesday at 10 Executive Director, Kay Begin at the Coalition office, (863) 462-
interesting that people write in complaining about barking dogs that a.m. at the Hospice Building, 411 S.Et Fourth St. Everyone is wel 5877.
can be controlled by proper owner training and care, or are alerting come. For information, contact Enid Boutrin at (863) 467-2321.
their owners to the fact that something is amiss. Why is it they have Community Country Gospel will meet at 7 p.m. at the church Author to speak at library
nothing to say about the idiots who run their car sub woofers at max next to Douglas Clinic on North Park St. Any individual or group Historian and author, Dr. Gary Mormino, will present his program,
during the evening hours caring less about who they are keeping that enjoys old time gospel music is invited to participate. For infor- "The Florida Dream," based on his book, "Land of Sunshine, State
awake. mation, contact Dr. Edward Douglas at (863) 763-4320. of Dreams," which describes his nearly two decades of research into
A.A. meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the First United the social history of modern Florida at the Okeechobee County Li-
Methodist Church, 200 N.W. Second St. This will be an open meet- brary on Friday, Jan. 11,2008 at 7 p.m. This program is sponsored by

O keechob ee N eW S The Okeechobee Friends of the Library will provide refreshments
Wednesday Jan. 2 following the program.
Our Purpose... Martha's House support groups meet each Wednesday. Span-
The Okeechobee News is published by Independent Newspapers of Florida. ish groups meet from 7 until 8 p.m. at the Okeechobee Christian Booth rentals for Winterfest
Independent is owned by a unique trust that enables this newspaper to pur- Church, 3055 S.E. 18th Terrace. Ana Romero is the group facilitator. Anyone interested in renting a booth for the Winterfest 2008, in
sue a mission of journalistic service to the citizens of the community. Since no Another group meets in the Okeechobee County Health Depart- Buckhead Ridge, please contact Pat at (863) 357-1364 or John at
dividends are paid, the company is able to thrive on profit margins below ment, 1798 N.W. Ninth Ave., from 5 until 6 p.m. with Irene Luck as (863) 467-8220.
industry standards. All after-tax surpluses are reinvested in Independent's the group facilitator. There is another meeting from 6 until 7 p.m.
sminmet of joe UnCanls tiice, commitmen tot the ideals oy the lirbs with Shirlean Graham as the facilitator. For information, call (863) Shared Service Network to meet
action of public issues. keechobee Jaycees will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Ameri- The Executive Roundtable of the Shared Services Network of

We Pledge Advertising Director: Judy Kasten can Legion Post #64, 510 S.E. Second St. The Jaycees would like on Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in the Board Room of the Okeechobee
To operate this newspaper as a to welcome all energetic young people between the ages of 21 and County School Administration Building. This forum provides a
public trust News Editor: Katrina Elsken 39, who are interested in working towards the betterment of our mechanism for dialogue and problem solving in our community
To help our community become a community. For information, call Margaret Bowers at (863) 763- though the collaborative efforts of our local decision makers. The
better place to live and work, National Advertisin: Joy Parrish 7399. public is invited to attend. For more information, please call (863)
through our dedication to consci- A.A. meeting from noon until 1 p.m. at. the First United Method- 462-5000 Ext. 257.
entious journalism. ist Church 200 N.W. Second St. It's an open meeting.
To provide the information citizens Circulation Manager: Janet Madray A.A. meeting from 8, until 9 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Hospice plans ard sale
need to make their own intelligent dsChurch, 701 S.W. Sixth St. It will be a closed discussion.
decisions about public issues. Independent Newspapers, Inc N.A. meeting at 8 p.m. at the Just For Today Club of Okeechobee, Hospice of Okeechobee will host a "Gigantic Yard Sale" at the
To report the news with honesty, -. Joe Smyth, Chairman 2303 Parrott Ave., The Lakes Shops Suite K. For information call Blue Volunteer Building, next to The Hamrick Home (411 S.E. 4th
accuracy, purposeful neutrality, Ed Dulin, President (03 634 4'780 Street) on Friday, Jan. 11, at 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 12,


fairness, objectivity, fearlessness Tom Byrd, Vice President ofMoose Lodge Bingo and food, food served at 5 p.m. and bingo from 8 a.m. until noon. Many new items are available. All monies
and compassion. Newspaper Operations startMoose Lodat 6 p.m. For information call (863) 763-2250. Public is we- raised will go to the continuing.care for our patients in The Hamrick
To use our opinion pages to facili- Katrina Elsken, Executive starts at 6 p.m. For information call (863) 763-2250. Public is wel- Home and our patients who choose to stay in their own homes. For
tate community debate, not to Editor come. information, call Cathy at (863) 467-2321 or (863) 697-1995.
dominate it with our own' opinions.
To disclose our own conflicts of MEMBER Miniature Equine Extravaganza set
readers.t Com m unity Events On Jan. 12, 2008 at Paddock Farms, off Hwy 710, the Miniature
* To correct our errors and to give Horse Club of South Florida will sponsor an "Equine Extravaganza."
each correction to the prominence a f There will be miniatures to see and touch, horse related crafts; used
it deserves. Nutritional analysis class offered horse related items for sale and also a clinic to show how to com-
* To provide a right to reply to those @ Okeechobee News 2007 Dr. Edward Douglas, of Douglas Chiropractic and Fitness Center, pete in showmanship with your miniature horse. If you own a min-
To treat eople wte abouith courtesy, For More Information See will be teaching a free CRA Nutritional Analysis Class on Tuesday, iature, if you would like to own a miniature or if you would just like
respect and compassion. At Your Service On Page 2 Jan. 15, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at the fitness center. For information, call to know more about these great animals, come to this event. There
(36Q' '763 AQ4 is nn o admission chare For information call (863) 763-6376


I lb I lu ur I libv ut I lulqr I I I itluill t-, Okjo) itio1 o I U. I


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Okeechobee News, Tuesday, January 1, 2008


CATEGORIES.


Announcements



Important Information: Please
read your ad carefully the first
day it appears. In case of an
inadvertent error, please noti-
fy us prior to the eadline list-
ed. We will not be responsible
for more than 1 incorrect
insertion, or for more than the
extent of the ad rendered val-
ueless by such errors.
Advertiser assumes responsi-
bility for all statements, names
and content of an ad, and
assumes responsibility for any
claims against Independent
Newspapers. All advertising
is subject to publisher's
approval. The publisher
reserves the right to accept or
reject anyor all copy, and to
insert above.the copy the word
"advertisement". All ads
accepted are subject to credit
approval. All ads must conform
to Independent Newspapers'
style and are restricted to
their proper classifications.
Some classified categories
require advance payment.
These classifications are
denoted with an asterisk *.
Independent Newspapers will
never knowingly accept any
advertisement that is illegal or
considered fraudulent. In all
cases of questionable value,
such as promises of-guaran-
teed income from work-at-
home programs or other offers
to send money in advance for
a product or service we
advise you to check with the
Attorney General's Consumer
Fraud Line at 1-800-220-5424,
and/or The Better Business
Bureau, 800-464-6331 for pre-
,,,r,,, COMnlaints.


CAT -. Long haired, white,
Himalayan. Declawed in
front. Lost in vic. of Eagle
Bay. Call (863)763-7040
How do you find a Job In
today's competitive
market? In the employ-
ment section of the clas-
silfeds


CLEAN UP
Will pick up your junk!
Heavy & Farm Equipment-will
pay CASH. Call Michael @
(863)634-4780
The Classified Center will
be closed today,
January 1st, in
observance of the holiday.
Happy Holidays!!

omeat



Employment -
Full Timen.,t -205.
Medical 210
EnIployment -
PartTime 215
Employment
Wanted 220
Job Information 225
Job Training 227
Sales 230



TRADES
LAWN MAINT Jup/TEQ.
Good Driv/rec. $500. wkly
+ Bonuses + 0/T &
.Holidays pd. (561)746-1929
or 301-4527


IUGaag .


Full Time (Sat A Must)
Customer Service/Sales
Energetic
Self Motivated
Professional -
Appearance
Bi-Lingual
a PLUS


A/C SERV TECH needed.
Dependable, lean DL, Good
Pay, Benefits, 401K, Min
3 yrs exp. EOE DFW.
Experienced need only apply.
Call (863)763-8391
Shop from a gift catalog
that's updated regulaly:
the classified.

financial



Business
Opportunit ies 305
Money Lenders 310
Tax Preparation 315




NOTICE
Independent Newspapers will
never accept any advertise-
ment that is illegal or con-
sidered fraudulent. In all
,cases of questionable val-
ue, such as promises of
guaranteed income from .
work-at-home programs if
it sounds too good to be
true, chances are that it is.
If you have questions or
doubts about any ad on
these pages, we advise that
before responding or send-
ing money ahead of time,
you check with the Better
Business Bureau at
772-878-2010 for previous
complaints.
Some 800 and 900 telephone
numbers may require an
extra charge, as well as
long distance toll costs. We
will do our best to alert our
reader of these charges in
the ads, but occasionally
we may not be aware of the
charges. Therefore, if you
call a number out of your
area, use caution.


U.Gaag .


Merchandise

[1-1111 1 ]


WASHERn- KENMORE, White.
Less than 2 yrs. old. Exc.
cond. Asking $175 REFRIG-
ERATOR'- GE, Black, Side
By Side. Good condition.
$300 Call (863)634-0779


AMERICAN BULLDOG PUP-
PIES 4 males & 3 females,
$300 each, vaccines &
health cert's. (863)824-6175
RED BONE COON HOUND
PUPS UKC, Purple ribbon
bred, Health cert. included.
$300 each. (863)467-4149


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Wanted: Bedliner for Ford
Ranger Shortbed, fair condi-
tion. (863)675-3032


READING A
NEWSPAPER,...

saves you money by
providing information
about best buys.

No wonder newspaper
readers earn morel


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Rentals



Apartments 905
Business Places 910
ommercial
Property', 915
Conos! ds
Townhouses Rent920
Ftrm Property-
Rent 925
House Refntt 930
Land- LRets, Re d935
Resort Property -'
Rent 945
Roommate 950
Rooms to Rent 955
Storage Space -
Rent 960



Oak Lake Apts., Remodeled
2br, 1'/ ba, 2 Story, Washer
Dryer. Patio. $800 mo., 1st,
last + sec. (863)634-3313
Find It faster. Selln it soon-
er in the classifleds


* *


* *


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* *


BEAUTIFUL
SAMANTHA'S GARDEN
APARTMENTS
In Town, 2br/2ba, $900
mo. + $600. sec. dep.
Includes Washer & Dryer
(863)634-5780 or
(863)467-9250


BRAND NEW 4/2 $1095.
mo., 1st. & sec. No pets
863-484-0809
.Charming Country Cottage,
3BR/1.5BA, 15 min. from
town & 2BR/1BA. No pets.
1st & sec. Call Debbie
S863)467-2982 Mon.-Fri.,
am til 4pm.
OKEE: 3/1 on 2 ac. Renovat-
ed, laundry,-C/A/heat, screen
f orch; carport. $1100. + 1st,
ast, sec/refs. 305-458-8659
SEASONAL, 1BR/2BA, all
new, comp. furn., waterfront
boathouse. (863)763-6809
or (765)348-8270


* *0


1 0


* 0


-TAYLOR CREEK: Furnished,
3/2/1 G/Air & Heat, Water-
front. $1000 mo. Annual /
$1300 mo., (863)634-0584
TWO NEW WATERFRONT
COTTAGES w/private docks.
1 BR + loft $975. & 2 BR +
loft $1275. Call Century21
Horizon @ 863-467-2100


READING A
NEWSPAPER...
makes you a more informed
and interesting person. No
wonder newspaper readers
are more successful


Emloyen
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Emlymn
Ful Tie 101


GLADES
Electric Cooperative, Inc.
-
Glades Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Moore Haven
Safety & Training Coordinator

Glades Electric Cooperative is seeking
applicants for the position of Safety &
Training Coordinator. We seek an individual
with strong oral, written and organizational
skills, and a professional demeanor. Also
necessary is a minimum of 5 years' experience
in the electric utility industry. We offer an
excellent salary commensurate with experience
and an outstanding benefit package.
Employee Applications may be obtained,
at any GEC Office. Resumes may be e-mailed
to ybradley(@gladesec.com or faxed
to (863)946-6266. GEC is an Equal
Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer
and a Drug Free Workplace.


Start a new career in the much needed field of
nursing as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Complete the
Hospitality Assistant course / training at Okeechobee
Healthcare Facility and become a CNA in 4 weeks. Next
class begins soon. Instructor RN/experienced teacher has
a very high CNA exam passing rate. Qualified CNAs are
then eligible for LPN training. Good benefits.
Apply In Person For Further Details:
406 N.W. 4th Street (863) 357-2442

Immediate Openings All Shifts
Full Time/Part Time RN's & LPN's
Apply In Person To:
Okeechobee Health Care Facility
1646 Hwy. 441 North

Immediate Openings CNAs
Okeechobee Health Care Facility
All shifts: Full/Part Time. Good Benefits.
Apply In Person To:
406 N. W. 4th Street. (863) 357-2442


Real Estate



BusinessPlaceis-
Sale 1005
Commercial
Property Sale 1010
Condos/
Townrhouses Sale1015
Farms Sale 1020
Houses Sale 1025
Hunting Property 1030
Investment
Property Sale 1035
Land -Sale 1040
Lots- Sale 1045
Open House 1050
Out of State-
Property Sale 1055
Property Inspection1060
Real Estate Wanted1065
Resort Property 1
Sale 1070
Warehouse Space 1075
Waterfront Property 1080



OKEECHOBEE- 3/1, CBS, Un-
der appraisal. $169,900. Oak
/tile/marble, Space to add
masterbath, 24 x13 en-
closed Fla. room & more!!
Grab flyer!! 309 SW 10th
Ave. (863)357-0391

Shop here first
The classified ads

Need a few more bucks to
purchase something
deer? Pick up some
extra bucks when you
sell your used Items In
the classlfelds.


1 ll20 i


OKEECHOBEE
Rental, SE 23rd Court,
For information.
(863)763-4892 or 763-5419



BH RIDGE 3/2 on Waterfront,
Lake access. Fully furnished.
$950. mo. + $950. Sec.
dep. (772)370-1095
OKEECHOBEE 2 BR, 2 BA,
Fully furnished. No pets.
$700 mo. 1st & sec. S.E.
58th Dr. (863)467-6688
OKEECHOBEE 2BR/1BA,
No pets. Fenced yard.
$600/mo. & $500 security.
(863)763-0648



BANK REPO'S
MOVE TO YOUR LAND
Mobile Home Angels
561-385-4694
MOB. HOME- 61', all new on
river, w/dock, 2/3 br, screen
room, extras, $35,000. Must
see inside (863)255-4935


Lo D"- Cepoe e


* --


YARD

SALE






Place Your
YARD SALE
ad today!

Get FREE signs!


Call Classifieds
877-353-2424


-ii





6 Okeechobee News, Tuesday, January 1, 2008
i____I


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* Copyrighted.Material "



-- Syndicated Content .


Available from Commercial News Providers"


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OAK PARK 2 BR, All furniture
stays including 2 sheds.
$22,500. (863)763-4662
OKEE 2br, shed, Fla Room,
CA/Heat, W/D, carport, In
Adult park, $10,000
(863)763-7927
PALM HARBOR HOMES
4/2 Tile Floor, Energy Package
Deluxe loaded, over
2,200 sq.ft.
30th Anniversary Sale Special
Save $15,000.
Call for FREE Color Brochures
800-622-2832
SKYLINE '92, 28x60 DW,
3BR, 2BA, 2LR's. $25K/best
offer. Must move.
(863)634-9148 Iv msg
Earn some extra cash.
Sell your used Items In
the classifeds


Recreation


Boats 3005
Campers/RVs 3010
Jet Skiis 30 1 5
Marine Accessories 3020
Marine Miscellaneous 3025
Motorcycles! : 3030
Sport Vehicls/ATVs 3035


AIRBOAT 4 cyl 150 w/ 520
.jugs New 12x7 hull, New
Slick bottom. $8500 Call
863-634-2158.
One man's trash is anoth-
er man's treasure. Turn
your trash to treasure
with an ad in the classl-
fleds.


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Public Notices


Public Notice 5005
State Public -
I.egalNotice 5500


NOTICE OF SECOND/
FINAL CERTIFICATION OF TAX ROLL
Pursuant to Section 193.122, Florida
Statutes, W.C. Sherman, Property Ap-
praiser of Okeechobee County hereby
gives notice that the 2007 Tax Roll for
Okeechobee County was recertified to
the Tax Collector on the 28th day of
December 2007 for the collection of
Taxes.
254871 ON 1/1/08
Love the earth Recycle
your used Items by sell-
Ing them In the classi-
fleds.


mw-


I


Ted Schiff, M.D. and the professional staff at
Water's Edge Dermatology will treat you with all the
care and expertise you expect.
Adult and Pediatric Dermatology
Diseases of the Shin, Hair and Nails
Surgery of the Shin, Shin Cancer Treatment
MOHS Shin Cancer Surgery
New patients are welcome
Medicare and most
insurance accepted.










DAVID A. SIGALOW, M.D.
BOARD CERTIFIED IN UROLOGY

ADULT & PEDIATRIC UROLOGY
BLADDER & KIDNEY INFECTIONS
IMPOTENCE/IMPLANTS
NO SCALPEL VASECTOMY
215 N.E. 19th Dr. Okeechobee (863) 763-0217


<- '&I1Aes Heaith C.re Center

Skilled Long & Short Term Care Facility
Healthcare Services Include:
*Specialized Wound Care *Resident & Family Council Groups
*Full Time Medical Director *Specialized HIV Care
*Dialysis Support *Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
*Alzheimer's Support Groups *24 hour Registered Nurse Staffing
* Intravenous Therapy -Therapeutic Activities
230 South Barfield Highway
Pahokee, Florida 33476-1834
PHONE: 561-924-5561
FAX: 561-924-9466
Other facilities in Gainesville & Bradenton Visit our website at www.floridacare.net


Big Lake Cancer Center
1115 N. Parrott Ave Okeechobee, FL 34972
(863) 467-9500

* Most Insurance Plans Accepted *
A Comprehensive Radiation
REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY COMPASSION


r~T*


Jonathan S. Sanders, M.D., J.D.

Tim loannides, M.D.
Mohs Surgery Diseases of Skin, Hair & Nails

Jonathan S. Sanders, M.D., J.D.
,G Fellows of the Board Certified by the
American Society for American Board of {ni ABD _
Mohs Surgery Dermatology *'
'See aBoard Certified Dermatologist Evenjtime z


sts


Coastal Cyber Knife &
Radiation Oncology
5550 S US Hwy 1 Ft. Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 293-0377
Courtesy Transportation Available
Oncology Practice Offering:
NATE CARE CLINICAL EXCELLENCE


I. Notice


* -
*


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READING A
NEWSPAPER
HELPS YOU
UNDERSTAND
THE WORLD
AROUND YOU. j


Every Day You Can Fly

Around the World.

Each and every day, events are happening
around the world. And every ddy, keeping up
with the world by reading a newspaper is like flying
around the globe in search of knowledge. Knowledge
is power. Have no fear, the newspaper is here.


It all starts with newspapers.

www.newspaperlinks.com
THIS MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THIS NEWSPAPER AND THE NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA`
DISNEY


SWilliam Crook, MD

Julie Santelli, MD

Board Certified Radiation Oncologi

* CyberKnifeT Robotic Radiation Surgery
* IMRT IGRT HDR-Brachytherapy

* LDR-Brachytherapy Mammosite for Breast Cancer
* Seed Implants for Prostate Cancer


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Okeechobee News, Tuesday, January 1, 2008 _


Health News in Brief


Obituaries


Red Cross chapter
schedules classes
The Okeecholbee American
Red Cross will offer the following
classes in January at their branch
office: Wednesday, Jan. 9 Adul
CPR/AED at 6 p.m. Thursday
Jan. 17 First Aid Basics at 6 p.m
Monday, Jan. 23 Infant/Chili
CPR at 6 p.m. To register, or fo
more information call 863-763
2488.

Hospital sponsors
Ladies Health Day
Raulerson Hospital will. pres
ent "Ladies Only Health Day,"
luncheon, on Jan: 22, 2008 front
noon until 1 p.m. at the Holida'
Inn Express. The guest speak
ers for the Ladies Only Healtl
Day will be board certified phy
sicians, James Bradfield, M.D
FACOG (Gynecology) and Rene
Loyola, M.D. FACS (General Sur
gery). Dr. Bradfield will discus
new healthcare services offere
to women of all ages and Di
Loyola will discuss new "Stat
of the Art" surgical procedure
that are opening up regularly a
the Hospital. Reservations ar
required. Please RSVP to Bill Ca
sian at (863) 824-2702. Only 5i
seats are available for this event

Diabetes Support
Group at Hospital
Raulerson Hospital offers
monthly Diabetes Support Groul
which meets on the second
Thursday of each month in thi
hospital cafeteria at 2 p.m. If yoi
have any questions please cal
the program coordinator, Wanda
Haas, R.N., B.A., C.D.E., C.P.T., a
763-5093".

Health and Safety
Expo planned
The. Okeechobee Famil
Health and Safety Expo will be
held at the Agri-Civic Center on
Saturday, Jan? 26, 2008 front
9 a.m. until 2 p.m. We are cur
rently seeking vendors to shari
health and safety related infor


mation at the Expo. If your busi-
ness/organization is not health
related, you can still participate,
n call for more details. Free admis-
g sion, free parking, free lunch, and
h free prizes to all who attend. For
t information please call Sharon
Vinson at (863) 462-5000 Ext.
i' 257, Angela Kelly Okeechobee
d County Health Department (863)
r 462-5781 or Donnie Arnold -
- Okeechobee County Fire Rescue
(863) 634-6464.

Freedom from
Smoking classes open
3- The Okeechobee County
a Health Department (OCHD) of-
n fers a Tobacco Prevention and
y Education Program for the com-
- munity.
h The purpose of the program is to
- reduce adult and youth tobacco
. use, and provide tobacco re-
e sources to residents,, businesses
r- and community organizations
s in the county. Freedom from
d Smoking classes will be held ev-
r. ery Tuesday at the Okeechobee
e County Public Library, 206 S.W
s 16t" St., from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m.
For information, call (863)
t 462-5781.
-e
0 Depression support
group forming
Depending on Christ is a new
support group forming for wom-
en suffering from depression.
Once the group is organized it
will meet every Thursday. For in-
P formation, call (772) 597-0463.

u Red Cross offers
a HIV/AIDS course
.t The American Red Cross-
Okeechobee Branch offers a ba-
sic HIV/AIDs instruction course
that complies with Florida em-
ployment requirements for indi-
viduals working in various voca-
y tions. This is a self-study course
e that includes text work and the
n successful completion of a mul-
n tiple choice written test. The cost
-- of the course is $15. Call the lo-
e cal Red Cross office at (863) 763-
r- 2488 for information.


Lester Bratt
Lester Bratt, age 89 of Lakeport
died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 in Raul-
erson Hospital. Born Jan. 6, 1918
in Ohio he had been a resident of
Lakeport for the past 10 years and
enjoyed poker and fishing.
He is survived by his wife,
Ruth of Lakeport; daughter, Carol
Tatgenhorse of Ohio; three grand-
children and one brother, Edwin
Bratt of California.
There are no plans for a ser-'
vice at this time.
All arrangements are under
the direction and care of Buxton
Funeral Home and Crematory,
110 N.E. Fifth St. Okeechobee.

Peary Aristotle
"Doc" Schelter
Peary Aristotle "Doc" Schel-
ter, age 84, of Okeechobee died
Dec. 27, 2007. Mr. Schelter was
born May 9, 1923 to the-late Louis
John and Nancy Virginia (Tucker)
Schelter of Rome N.Y. Mr. Schelter
was born in Shawnee, Okla., but
grew up in Rome, N.Y. He proudly
served his country In WWII and
the Korean War serving in North
Africa, Japan, England and Ko-
rea. Mr. Schelter retired, from the
service at the rank of Lieutenant
Cornel, USAF and was a B17 pi-
lot.-He came to Okeechobee in
1976 from Burkburnett, Texas.
"Doc" was a Ham Radio Opera-
tor, a 32nd degree mason, loved
fishing, hunting and being with
his family.
Mr. Shelter is survived by his
wife Kathleen Wainwright Schel-
ter whom he married 58 years
ago on March 5, 1949 in Bosier
City La. He is also survived by his
children; Barbara Rae Harris of
Baton Rouge, La., Ann Alexan-
der of Okeechobee, Larry Schel-
ter' of Gold Beach, Ore., Debbie
(Jeff) Clemons of Okeechobee,
and Steven (Stephanie) Schelter
of Burkburnett, Texas; grandchil-
dren, Linda (Pat) Wasiloski, Su-
san Montgomery, Sarah Harris,
Sharon Southall, Julie (George)
Turner, Jennifer (Sam) Graves,
Elizabeth (Devin) Maxwell, Kit
Clemons, Sam (Kristi) Clemons,
Casey (Adrienne) Clemons, Wes
(Trish) Schelter, and Breut Schel-
ter. In addition, he is survived by
18 great-grandchildren; brother,
Louis J. (Edna) Schelter, Jr.; and


nephew, Mark David Schelter.
A graveside service with full
military honors was held Monday,
Dec. 31, 2007 at the Jena Ceme-
tery, Jena, La. and was under the
direction of Hixoh Brothers Fu-
neral Home, Jena, La.
Friends may sign the guest-
book at www.bassokeechobee-
funeralhome.com.
All local arrangements are en-
trusted to the loving care of Bass
Okeechobee Funeral Home and
Crematory, 205 N.E. 2nd Street,
Okeechobee.

Master Sergeant
Larry Edward Vivrette
Master Ser Sergeant Larry Edward
Vivrette, age 73 of Moore Haven,
died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007 at his
residence. Born March, 19, 1934
in Nashville, Tenn., he served 21
years in the United States Army
and was a Master Sergeant serv-
ing 3 tours in Vietnam. He was a
member of the Lake Port Chris-
tian Church and a life member of
the Buckhead Ridge VFW.
He is cherished by his wife
Barbara K. Vivrette; sons, William
Greear of Evansville, Ind., Adam
(Lana) Greear of Phoenix, Ariz.;
daughters, Vicki (Darvin) Halwes
of New Orleans, La., Tamera Faith
of Evansville, Ind., Cassandra
Watkins of Evansville, Ind.; broth-
ers, James Blackburn of Evans-
ville, Ind., Richard Blackburn of
Castle Rock, Wash.; sisters, Wan-
da Rheinhart of Evansville, Ind.,
and Nancy Hartford of Colum-
bus, Ga. In addition, he is cher-
ished by nine grandchildren, four
great grandchildren, and a host
of friends throughout the United
States, Europe, and Asia.
A memorial service will be'
held Jan. 12, 2008.at the Lake Port
Church of Christ at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations may be made to the
American Cancer Society and the
Lakeport Garden Club. His mem-
ories will always be remembered
by everyone who had the privi-
lege of knowing him.
All arrangements are under
the direction and care of Buxton
Funeral Home and Crematory,
110 N.E. Fifth St. Okeechobee.

Wiliam L. Maines
William L. Maines, age 77 of


Lorida, died Saturday, Dec. 29,
2007 in Lawnwood Medical Cen-
ter. Born Oct. 24,
1930 in Wayne
County, Ind., he
served in the
United States
Navy for four
years and served
in Korea. He had
been a resident *
of Lorida for the William L.
past 30 years Maines
and was past
Worship Master in Milton, Ind.,
and was an Officer of the Eastern
Star.
He is preceded in death by
brothers, Budd, Buford, and sis-
ter, Gwen.
He is survived by his wife of 56
years, Coleen of Lorida; son, Ste-
phen (Robbin) Maines; daugh-
ter, Sue Ann (Dwayne) Leach of
Lorida; granddaughter, Stephanie
Maines of Lorida; grandsons, Ste-
phen Hull and Gage Leach both
of Lorida; sisters, Geraldine Tash
of Polk County, Jeanne Hughes
of Warren Robins; Georgia and
brother, Jack (Judy) Maines of
San Antonio, Texas.
The family will be accepting
friends from 5 until 6 p.m. and a
memorial service will be held at
6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008
in the Buxton Funeral Homrne Cha-
pel.
In lieu of flowers memorial
contributions can be made to
the family in care of Buxton Fu-
neral Home, 110 N.E. Fifth St.
Okeechobee, 34972.


All arrangements are under
the direction and care of Buxton
Funeral Home and Crematory.

Michael Wayne Fish
Michael Wayne Fish age 44, of
Okeechobee died Saturday, Dec.
29, 2007 in Lawnwood Medical
Center, Ft. Pierce. Born Sept. 5,
1963 in Los Angeles, Calif., he had
been a resident of Okeechobee
for the past 16 years and was a
member of the Sand Creek Bap-
tist Church of Wetumka, Okla.
He is preceded in death by his
father, Andrew Fish and brother,
Jeffrey Fish.
He is survived by his wife Mi-
chelle Fish of Brighton; son, An-
drew Fish of Brighton; daughters,
Trisha Fish of Norman, Okla.,
Michaela Fish and Cheyenne Fish
of Brighton. In addition he is sur-
vived by his mother, Emma Fish;
brother, Emery Fish; sisters, Jen-
nifer Fish, Andrea Bert, Cheryl
Fish all of Brighton; two grand-
children and a host of nieces and
nephews.
Family will receive friends,
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008 from 1 un-
til 5 p.m. in the Buxton Funeral
Home Chapel. Interment will be
in the Scott Fish Family Cemetery
in Wetumka, Okla. Friends may
sign the guestbook at www.bux-
tonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under
the direction and care of Buxton
Funeral Home and Crematory,
110 N.E. Fifth St. Okeechobee.


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8 Okeechobee News, Tuesday, January 1, 2008


Blondie


Wizard of Id


Today

in History

By The Associated Press
Today is Tuesday, Jan. 1, the
first day of leap year 2008. There
are 365 days left in the year.
Today's Highlight in His-
tory:
Two hundred years ago, on Jan.
1, 1808, a law prohibiting the im-
portation of slaves into the United
States went into effect.
On this date:
In 1863, President Lincoln
signed the Emancipation Procla-
mation, declaring that slaves in
rebel states were free.
In 1892, the Ellis Island Immi-
grant Station in New York formally
opened.
In 1898, New York City was
consolidated into five boroughs.
In 1901, the Commonwealth of
Australia was proclaimed.
In 1953, country singer Hank
Williams died of hr irp
whi Avai lal
In 1969, Floei Castro ieu LuoDan
revolutionaries to victory over Ful-
gencio Batista.
In 1984, the breakup of AT&T
took place as the telecommuni-
cations giant was divested of its
22 Bell System companies under
terms of an antitrust agreement.
In 1994, the North American
Free Trade Agreement went. into
effect.
In 1997, Kofi Annan assumed
the title of United Nations secre-
tary-general.
In 1999, the euro, the new
single currency of. 11 European
countries (later 13), officially came
into existence with the start of'the
New Year. (The euro became legal
tender on this date in 2002.)
Ten years ago: A new anti-
smoking law went into effect in
California, prohibiting people from
lighting up in bars. The Michigan
Wolverines beat Washington State
21-16 in the Rose Bowl; Florida
State downed Ohio State 31-14 ini
the Sugar Bowl.
Five years ago: More than
-two dozen surgeons stopped
working in West Virginia to protest
the high cost of malpractice insur-
ance. Brazil's first elected leftist
president, Luiz Inacio Lula da.-Sil-
va, took office. Oklahoma romped
past Washington State 34-14 in the
Rose Bowl; Georgia defeated Flor-
ida State 26-13 in the Sugar Bowl;
Notre Dame saw its sixth straight
bowl loss, losing to North Carolina
State 28-6 in the Gator Bowl.
One year ago: President Bush
and first lady Laura Bush joined
thousands of other mourners in
paying respects to former Presi-
dent Ford. An Indonesian Boeing
737 jetliner crashed, killing all 102
people on board. Ban Ki-moon be-
came the 8th U.N. secretary-gener-
al. Grand Ole Opry star Del Reeves
died at age 74. Denver Broncos
cornerback Darrent Williams
was killed in a drive-by shooting;
he was 24. The 9th-r.anked Boise
State Broncos completed a perfect
season with a 43-42 overtime vic-
tory over No. 7 Oklahoma in the
Fiesta Bowl. Southern California
beat Michigan 32-18 in the Rose
Bowl.
Today's Birthdays: Author
J.D. Salinger is 89. Former Sen. Er-
nest Hollings, D-S.C., is 86. Actor Ty
Hardin is 78. Actor Frank Langella
is 70. Rock singer-musician Coun-
try Joe McDonald is 66. Writer-co-
median Don Novello is 65. Actor
Rick Hurst is 62. Country singer
Steve Ripley (The Tractors) is 58.
Rapper Grandmaster Flash is 50.
Actress Ren Woods is 50. Actress
Dedee Pfeiffer is 44. Actress Em-
beth Davidtz is 42. Country singer
Brian Flynn (Flynnville Train) is 42.
Actor Morris Chestnut is 39. Actor
Verne Troyer is 39.
Thought for Today: "To most
of us the future seems unsure. But
then it always has been; and we
who have seen great changes must
have great hopes." John Mase-
field, English poet (1878-1967).


Garfield


Dear Abby.
T SECOND ) .. N IIc 'S "Tp-
; WAT? .A.^NO -ope, ru
OPENINGLO Take small steps
LL. SEE YOU


N to big changes

DEAR READERS: The new tions.
2 ...X year has arrived, and with it our And now, Dear Readers, I would
i chance for a new beginning. This like to share an item that was sent
is the day we discard destructive to me by I.J. Bhatia, a reader who
old habits for healthy new ones. lives in New Delhi, India:
With that in mind, I am sharing DEAR ABBY: This year, no
Dear Abby's often-requested list of resolutions, only some guidelines.
New Year's resolutions which The Holy Vedas say: "Man has
SH- AVE f I TROUORT \ were adapted by my .mother, subjected himself to thousands of
Yo (niU / J Pauline Phillips, from the original self-inflicted bondages. 'Wisdom
LdEV O W I credo of AI-Anon. comes to a man who lives accord-
/MY JUST FOR TODAY: I will live ing to the true eternal laws of ta-
"-" through this day only. I will not ture."
i',' brood about yesterday or obsess The following prayer of Saint
"A about tomorrow. I will not set far- Francis contains a powerful mes-
reaching goals or try to overcome sage:
X all of my problems at once. "Lord, make me an instrument
I know that I can do something, of your peace;
for 24 hours that would over- "Where there is hatred, let me
Si- whelm me if I had to keep it up for sow love;
a lifetime. "Where there is injury, pardon;
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be "Where there is doubt, faith;
happy. I will not dwell on thoughts "Where there is despair, hope;
that depress me. If my mind fills "Where there is' darkness,
with clouds, I will chase them light;
r HOW'P 5H ( POIN01 A away and fill it with sunshine. "Where there is sadness, joy;
SBNP THE \ CL-AN ANP JUST FOR TODAY: I will accept "O Divine Master, grant that I
3 COUCH, JERK what is. I will face reality. I will cor- may not as much seek to be con-
ANYWAY? WITH IT rect those things I can correct and soled as to console;
Accept those I cannot. "To be loved as to love.
-. /JUST FOR TODAY: I will im- "For it is in giving that we are
O prove my mind. I will read some- pardoned;
04 thing that requires effort, thought "It is in dying that we are born
0 and concentration. I will not be a to eternal life."
-' mental loafer. And so, Dear Readers, may this
JUST FOR TODAY: I will make a New Year bring with it peace and
conscious effort to be agreeable. I joy. LOVE, ABBY
will be kind and courteous to those Editor's note: Dear Abby is
JniversalP~ss.Syndicate who cross my path, and I'll not written by Abigail Van Buren, also
speak ill o "thers. I 'ill improve knodin as Jeanne Phillips, and
te M r .R I softly, and was founded by her mother, Pau-
Sleone.else line Phillips. Write Dear Abby at
L I www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box
T HER 5 A WAlRN 1 mu or , ... efrain from 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
|LO g improving anybody but myself.
Cni l im 0 nOR TODAY: I will do Good advice for everyone
S positive to improve my teens to seniors is in "The
|l d ,I-. I|l I I Lm a smoker, I'll quit. If I. Anger in All of Us and How to Deal
..... ,, .eight, I will eat healthful- With It." To order, send a busi-
-'l | ly if onlv rt for today. And not ness-size, self-addressed enve-
1-1" lr i -. t hat ni c rho ) moneyy order
merca NewsRrovders to: Dear
eerVVP, lh.. IVPid" ooklet, PO. Box
\V g JUST FOR TODAY: I will gather 44t, Mount iviorris.L 61054-0447.
Sthe courage to do what is right and (Postage is included.)
I take responsibility for my own ac- 2008 Universal Press Syndicate

Close to Home


Peanuts


Pickles


The Last Word in Astrology


By Eugenia Last
*ARIES (March 21-April 19):
Look for a creative venue that will allow
you to make extra cash: an interesting
investment, business or even a partner
who has cash to put behind you. Get
everything in writing before you pro-
ceed.
*TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
Bring in the new year with people of dis-
tinction. It's who you meet that will de-
termine the possibilities that lie ahead.
Comment about your concerns, plans
and ideas and you will be able to set up
meetings for later in the month.
*GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Look
for any excuse to discuss your future
with someone you trust or who has ex-
perience. You'll be in fast forward with
your mind moving a mile a minute with
ideas. Be affectionate with the one you
favor most.
*CANCER (June 21-July 22):
Avoid anyone who is being overindul-
gent today. Criticism will not be taken
lightly and could lead to a feud. Ob-
serve what's going on and weigh your


options. You may want to make a cou-
ple of changes.
*LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Have
fun remembering days gone by with
someone you respect, love and cher-
ish. An adventure is in the stars, so don't
hesitate to try new things. Give back as
much as you get.
*VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept, 22): It's a
new year and a new you. Rid yourself of
all the things that just aren't working for
you. There is so much to take advan-
tage of but you have to be free and clear
of the past.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Over-
indulgent people will cause trouble for
you. Travel to visit friends or relatives
with whom you want to bring in the new
year, rather than sitting at home. Don't
let someone else's emotional confusion
get to you.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Don't let a bragger make you feel as if
you aren't doing as well as you should.
With precision, timing and a big push,
you can turn all your hard work into
something worthwhile. Good fortune is
heading your direction.
*SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.


21): Take a serious look at your situa-
tion and your health. If you haven't been
taking good care of yourself, make it
your resolution to start now. Exercise,
diet and good habits coupled With a
little hard work and strategy will correct
any misdeeds of the past.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
Don't count on getting any sympathy
if you are complaining about your life.
Someone is always worse off and you
will be reminded of that. A good idea will
develop if you talk to friends and family.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
It's time to make a few personal chang-
es that will be sure to grab the attention
of the people around you. A fresh, clean
look will bring back your youthful image.
A chance to come into money is looking
positive.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You
may not feel the same Way you used to
about some of the people in your life.
Size up your situation and prepare to
decrease the clutter. You need more
time and space to do the things you've
always dreamed about.
2007 UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE


"You want the long, skinny rug in the hallway
for a scarf?! What on earth are you
talking about?"

Wonderword
HOW TO PIAY: All the words listed below appear in the puzzle horizon-
tally, vertically, diagonally, even backward. Find them and CIRCLE THEIR
LEITERS ONLY. DO NOT CIRCLE THE WORD. The leftover letters spell
the Wonderword.


RUSSIAN LEADERS


RSSA LC


Solution:. 9 letters


A THER I N E Y


UN IO N I
NO V GO0 R
I V. E TAT
TMEORU
U P A I P E
S D. A R K I
B(ERXR

L MON T U
E W D I Y
0 POO R N
N E I C D N


T I T R Z S
E D E E A S


TAL INWL


O V I


S H R P R,E V M I


2008 Universal Press Syndicate


S C
P A
A R
L C
L O
OM
C E
I D
L-Y
B N
U A
P S


E T N E E T
L I T A R Y


www.wonderword.com


Boris, Call, Capital, Catherine, Class, Collapse, Coup, Crown,
Czar, Dark, Democracy, Dynasty; Elizabeth; Exile, Grand, Gulag,
Hope, Ivan, Kiev, Lenin, Leonid, Line, Marx, Military, Nicholas,
Novgorod, Party, Period, Peter, Poor, Power, Putin, Republic,
Romanov, Ruler, Soviet, Stalin, State, Supreme, Union, Votes,
Workers, Yeltsin, Yuri
Yesterday's Answer: Twelve
Treasury 4 is available to order by sending check or money order for $10.95 plus $3.25 postage and handling ($14.20 total, U.S.
funds only) for the first volume, $ .50 p&h for each additional volume, to Universal Press Syndicate, Attn: Wondervoid, 4520 Main
St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111 or call toll-free, 1-800-255-6734, ext. 6688. Order online at upuzzles.corn.


I


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