*********ALL FOR ADC 320
o e 205 SMA U FL LIB OF FL HISTORY



SGAINESVILLE FL 32611



Vol. 99 No. 3 Thursday, January 3, 2008 500 Plus tax


I Insde Il

Stray bullet
misses man
An Okeechobee man
narrowly missed getting hit
by a." stray bullet on New
4 Year's as he-was sitting in his
home watching television.
Page 3

Briefs

Work forces
road closure
According to the
Okeechobee County Road
Maintenance Department,
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 147t1 Terrace and
N.W 151 tTerrace also.
Only emergency vehicles
will be allowed to pass the
work site.
For information, call (863)
763-3514.

Westside Christian'
Church holds revival
SWestside Christian Church
will hold a revival with Minister
Louis Hall, Evangelist on Jan.
27 29 at 6 p.m. For informa-
tionIcall (863) 467-4102.

North VFW #4423
seeks Auction items
The North VFW Post 4423
is seeking donations for an
auction to be held on Jan. 19.
We are accepting household
items, lawnmowers etc. What-
ever you would like to donate
that would be good for an auc-
tion will be accepted. We can
arrange for pickup by calling
Bill at the Post at (863) 763-
0818 or by calling David Lee at
(863) 697-9002.'

Drought Index
Current: 541
Source: Florida Division
of Forestry
Local Burn Ban: None


Lake Levels

10.24 feet
Last Year: 12.11 feet


Source: South
Florida Water
Management
District. Depth
given in feet
above sea level.


Index
Classifieds .............................. 8-9
Com ics ..................................... 5
Community Events.................. 4
O bituaries.................................. 6
O pinion............... ........................... 4
Speak Out............................. 4
Sports.................................. 10
TV ........................................... 9
W eather...................................... 2

See Page 2 for information about
how to contact the newspaper.

newszap.com
F mSP]k6 R 2Ms





A1 8 16510' 00024 5


Freeze brings fire danger


By Tonya Harden
Okeechobee News
All of Florida was under a
freeze warning, as temperatures
were expected to drop into the 20s
and teens in parts of the state.
Temperatures early Wedfies-
day fell as low as 30 degrees in
northern Florida, but forecast-
ers predicted it would get colder
Thursday.
In response to the threat to the
state's citrus industry, Gov. Charlie
Crist signed an emergency order
and relaxed trucking restrictions
to make it easier to get harvests
moved to processing centers,
With temperatures dropping,
people are bringing out their
space heaters, lighting their fire
places and covering up with heat-
ed blankets. Although all of these
methods are acceptable ways to
stay warm while the cold weather'
lasts, neglecting the importance of
careful use can be hazardous even
deadly. During the winter months


the use of these products can in- When using space heaters,
crease the risk of a house fire sub- never forget to turn them off of
stantially. '' unplug them when leaving the
Local Fire Chief Nick Hopkins house. They should also be turned
has offered a few tips to stay safe off at nightwhile everyone is sleep-
as well as warm. When using a ing. To assure the safest use of a
heater, be sure to leave ample heater, try to have an adult present
space between it and nearby ob- at all times, while a heater is in use
jects: thirty-six inches is the recom- near children.
mended amount of space to keep, The best safety precautions for
between the heater and object space heaters are to make sure
such as furniture, curtains, papers 'they are UL approved and have a
and even people. Before usihn "tip over" shut off function: This
a space heater, be sure to clean can prevent a fire should your
and vacuum the heater as well.a|. heater turn over. Like all other
possible. Even a slight build up of' electrical appliances and tools, do
dust and lint in a heater can cause'" not use a heater in a room where
a fire. Before plugging your heater water is frequently present.
into an electrical outlet, check- Do not try to use a range or
:the cord. If the cord is frayed or, oven as a heating device, the fire
cracked, have it serviced first. chief warned. Also do not use
Another potential hazard can` 'barbecue or charcoal grills, or
be a cord that, even without frays camp-stoves to provide heat in a
or cracks, that becomes hot dur- home. These items produce car-
ing use. If so; carefully unplug bon monoxide.- Carbon which is
it and have the heater serviced, an odorless, colorless gas that is
These issues are a common cause often an undetected by product of
of house fires. those items and can potentially be


OMS Dolphins: Donates to Hospice


Submitted Photo
Hospice of Okeechobee receives a generous donation from Osceola Middle School
sixth grade Dolphin students. The sixth grade "Dolphins" are with Team Leader Mrs.
Black (left), The Hamrick Home Public Relations Outreach Worker Ms. Schmiedel (cen-
ter), and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Siler-Dobbs (right). "The Dolphin students worked
hard to raise this money for Hospice of Okeechobee," stated Mrs. Black.


The Year in Review


Sept. 3,2007
Commissioners go to
school: Okeechobee County
commissioners will be going to
school 'in a few days.
At 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept.
13, the commissioners will be
learning about the administra-
tion form of government in a
workshop conducted by coun-
ty attorney John Cassels.
Recent discussion at
Okeechobee County Board of
County Commissioner meet-
ings have revealed that there
seems .to be a difference of
opinion among those board
members about how to interact
with the county administrator.

Sept. 5, 2007
Illegal homesteaders
beware: People who claim
homestead exemption in
Okeechobee County as well as
in another state should beware.
Okeechobee County Prop-
erty Appraiser Bill Sherman is
cracking down on this practice
which is illegal under Florida
law. He said that where they
suspect fraud, the Okeechobee
County Sheriff's Office (OCOS)


is asked to investigate and the
state's attorney could prosecute.
The state's attorney is currently
assisting the OCSO in develop-
ing procedures for prosecuting
homestead exemption fraud
cases.

Sept. 6, 2007
'County budget approval
near: The Okeechobee County
Board of County Commission-
ers. took the first step toward
approval of a $103 million bud-
get at the first of two required'
public hearings on Tuesday,
Sept. 4: At the conclusion of the
evening hearing commission-
ers gave tentative approval to
the budget, the millage rate and
fire and solid waste collection
assessments.

Sept. 7,2007
City budget gets initial
OK: The Okeechobee City
Council met Wednesday, Sept.
5, and approved bya 5-0 vote the
first reading of the 2007-08 fiscal
year budget with little discus-
sion. Legislation grouped cities
See Review Page 2


deadly.
Before using a fireplace, be
sure to have it properly cleaned.
Make sure the flue is completely
opened before lighting a fire.
Never add more wood than the
fireplace can sustain. Flying ashes'
and embers from an overcrowded
fireplace can ignite a fire. Make
sure that the fire is .not left lit when
the residents are sleeping or leave
the house. Cutting off the oxygen
supply to a fire is the best way td
extinguish a fire.
Electric blankets require the
same maintenance as space heat-
ers. Before using an electric blan-
ket, be sure to check the'cords
as well as the blanket where the
coils are evident. Improper use of
heating blankets can also result in
tragic accidents.
As an added safety measure'
during .the winter season is to in-
stall fire alarms and have them
checked regularly. A properly
working smoke alarm will alert
you to a fire and more than double


your chances of surviving a fire.
"In a fire, a smoke alarm could
mean the difference between life
and death," said Chief Hopkins.
Smoke alarms should be installed
in your home on every level, out-
side of each sleeping area and in
each bedroom. Alarms should be
checked and cleaned on a month-
ly basis. Having the batteries re-
placed at seasonal time changes
(April and October) bach year.
Making sure that you follow
these guidelines can prevent po-
tentially serious hazards. House
fires are a very real threat, more
especially during the cold season
when devices are used in the
home. Checking your equipment,
proper use and smoke alarms
could be the difference between
loss of property and life this sea-
soh. Don't take for granted these
tips, especially when so much is at
stake. A cold home is better than
no home.
Associated Press articles
contributed to this story.


Freeze could




hurt citrus


By Tonya Harden
Okeech6bee News
With a freeze warning is-
sued across the state Wednes-
day, local citrus companies
- "took:precautions. --.
W., e have received warn-
ings that temperatures could
be as low as. 26 degrees," said
Wes Williamson of William-
son Cattle Co. said. "We are
expecting them to be around
28 degrees." .
Knowing that if the tem-
perature remains at or below
28 degrees for more than four
hours they could sustain a
substantial loss of cr6ps, they
have taken measures to pre-
pare for the unusual tempera-
tures visiting South Florida.
In years past, the locals
swaddled their plants and


trees in warm, durable blan-
kets' but Williamson Cattle
Co. has a rouch more effective
method. They will use micro-
jet sprinklers as part of their
irrigation system which will
'warm the trees by at least one
or two degrees, the company
hopes to salvage as much
citrus as possible should the
temperatures become any
worse than 28 degrees,
"We are just coming into
the harvesting season, so we
are picking as much fruit as
we can," said Mr. Williamson.
"And' although the season
lasts until May if the fruit sus-
tains substantial damage the
fruit could fall to the ground
and wouldn't be able .to be
salvaged."
See Citrus Page 2


Labor Day Rodeo
The rodeo clown had a front row seat to the action in.the arena at the 56th annual
Okeechobee Cattlemen's Association Labor Day Rodeo. The 2007 Labor Day Rodeo
had a new location the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center. After many months of negoti-
ating, the Okeechobee Cattlemen's Association finally reached an agreement with the
Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners concerning the use of the county
facility.


;r







2 Okeechobee News, Thursday, January 3, 2008


Review
Continued From Page 1
and counties into four categories
that require a cut in their ad va-
lorem taxes. Unlike Okeechobee
County, the City of Okeechobee
will not have to deduct an extra 3
percent from their 2006-07 ad va-
lorem rate. The city does not have
to make the additional 3 percent
reduction because they are a mu-
nicipality in a community of eco-
nomic concern, as mandated by
the state in a last minute modifi-
cation to the legislation.

Sept. 8, 2007
Firemen seek new con-
tract: The Okeechobee City
Council deliberated over the
proposal from the International
Association of Firefighters (IAFF)
Union during their regular meet-
ing on Wednesday, Sept. 5. City
administrator Brian Whitehall
prepared a memo to discuss the
proposed IAFF contract that item-
ized their key concerns with the
2007-08 pact. While the council
was sympathetic to the requests
of the union', they said this was
just the "wrong time" due to re-
cent budget cuts.

Sept. 9, 2007
Board OKs $81M bud-
get: Following the final required
public hearing, the Okeechobee
County School Board approved
Resolution #08-03 and adopted,
the final millage rates for fiscal
year July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008.
The total millage rate for the new
fiscal year will be 7.712, which is
a 0.054 reduction from last year's
millage rate of 7.766.

Sept. 11, 2007
City canal project under
way: The City of Okeechobee has
now entered into a contract with
a St. Cloud company to remove
vegetation and silt from canals
located in the southeast section
of the city in Okeechobee Estates.
The City Council voted in favor
of a quote for the canal cleaning
project at their Tuesday, Aug. 7,
meeting. According to city admin-
istrator Brian Whitehall, extensive
-research was done to find a cur-
rent governmental 'piggyback'
authorization through a current
Lee County contract with TSI Di-
+ saster Recovery.Services, Inc.

Sept. 16, 2007
Teachers criticize pay
plan: A new teacher merit pay
plan that replaced the Special
Teachers are Rewarded (STAR)
program in March, is still being
criticized by teachers and Union
leaders throughout Florida. The
Merit Awards Program (MAP) was
passed by the Florida Legislature
and took the place of the STAR
program. Fourteen of Florida's 67
school districts oppose the plan
so strongly that their local teach-
ers unions have decided not to
participate in the voluntary plan,
turning down more than $24 mil-
lion for the 2007-08 school year.
Several other school. districts are
still undecided whether or not to
participate.

Sept. 17, 2007
County seeks administra-
tort The afternoon session of
the Thursday, Sept. 13 meeting
of the Okeechobee County Board
of County Commissioners shed
more heat than light on the topics
of replacement of the county ad-
ministrator and the administrative
form of government.

Sept. 21, 2007
Low water brings lawsuits:
Local industries are still feeling
the impact from the water short-
age currently affecting the Lake
Okeechobee area. With the em-
phasis being on conservation,
some businesses that rely on the
water supply are hurting includ-
ing the sugar industry. The 'rainy
season has yet to produce enough
rain to replenish the lake's water
level, and most experts agree that.
the water shortage will not be
lifted at the end of the period.
Sept. 22, 2007
Lake 'O' water situation
grim: Even though rainfall for the
Okeechobee area is about aver-


age for the year to date, it looks
like we will be facing water re-
strictions and lower lake levels for
the foreseeable future. Normal
rainfall foi the Okeechobee area
by the end of September is about
37 inches. As of Sept. 19 rainfall to
date at the Okeechobee County
Airport was 36.23 inches. How-
ever, the year to date total is offset
by the fact that July rainfall was
about twice the normal amount
and the month of August was
about half the normal amount.


Sept. 24, 2007
Viking drainage planned:
Some of the residents of the Vi-
king area could soon be seeing
better drainage.
At their board meeting on Fri-
day, Sept. 21 the Coquina Water
Control District Board of Super-
visors spent considerable time
pouring over maps and aerial
photographs setting priorities for
drainage improvements. They
looked at places where culverts
need to be set and where ditch-
es need to be cleaned. This was
a continuation of the process
that was begun at the Aug. 21
workshop meeting of when the
board looked at road repairs.
They decided at that meeting
that the first mile of One Mile
Grade was the worst road in Vi-
king and road repair would start
there. It was their purpose to re-
pair the worst roads first.

Sept. 25, 2007
OUAOKs budget, rate hike:
Customers of the Okeechobee
Utility Authority (OUA) will
soon be seeing a slight increase
in their water bills. At a special
meeting on Monday, Sept. 24,
,the OUA board of directors gave
unanimous approval to a 3.1
percent rate increase as well as
a $44,998,201 budget.
The good news is that the
rate increase is not as large as
it could have been. Earlier in the
budget process the board con-
sidered a 5 percent rate increase.
However, they reconsidered and
at their Aug. 14 meeting gave
tentative approval to the lesser
increase.

Sept. 28, 2007
County says no to OG&CC:
The Okeechobee County Board
of County Commissioners will
nob be going into the country.
club business. At their meeting
on Thursday, Sept. 27, com-
missioners said no to an offer
to take over ownership of the
Okeechobee Golf & Country
Club (OG&CC).

Sept. 30, 2007
County tackles drainage
issue: The hurricanes of 2004
and 2005 demonstrated the
need for an improved drainage
system in Okeechobee County.
The Okeechobee County Board
of County Commissioners is
taking steps toward correct-
ing that drainage problem. For
some time the engineering firm
of Craig A. Smith, in connection
with PMG Associates, has been
conducting a stormwater util-
ity feasibility study. Gene Schri-
ner of Craig A. Smith presented
the results of the study to com-
missioners at their meeting on
Thursday, Sept. 27.

Oct. 4, 2007
City denies development:
With Mayor Jim Kirk breaking
the tie, the Okeechobee City
Council denied the change in
future land use and rezoning for
the commercial development
associated with property across
from Wal-Mart at their Tuesday,
Oct. 2, meeting.
Councilmen Dowling Wat-
ford and Clayton Williams voted
against the development with
council members Lydia Jean
Williams and Lowry Markham
voting for the change.

Oct. 6, 2007
OHS students coping
with loss of friend: Life at
Okeechobee High -School was
slowly returning to normal Fri-
day following the drowning
death of a 15-year-old teen ear-
lier this week. Charles Edward
Lowe drowned Wednesday, Oct.
3, afternoon in the Taylor Creek
Canal. His body was recovered
iri atout 15 feet of water by div-
ers from the Okeechobee Coun-
ty Sheriff's Office (OCSO).

Oct. 12, 2007
Suspected grow house
raided: Two men are being
held in the Okeechobee County
Jail tinder a bond of over $1 mil-
lion each for their alleged con-
nection with an marijuana grow
house raided earlier this week in
Fort Drum by the Narcotics Task
Force. Arrested Tuesday, Oct.
9, were Andres L. Sanchez, 32;
S.W. 67th St., Miami, and Mario
Hernandez, 42, N.E. Third Drive,
Okeechobee. Both men were


charged with the felonies of traf-
ficking in marijuana, possession
of marijuana with intent to sell
and the cultivation of marijuana.
Both were also charged with the
misdemeanor of possession of
drug paraphernalia.

Oct. 13, 2007
Traffic stop yields co-
caine: Four Okeechobee men
were arrested on drug charges
after more than two pounds of
a substance believed to be co-


caine was found in their car af-
ter they were stopped for speed-
ing in a school zone Thursday
afternoon. Arrested were:
Manuel Naranjo-Oregon, 23, of
Northwest 37th Avenue; Arturo
Delgado-Almazon, 23, of North-
west 371h Avenue; Jose Luis Sala-
sar-Macedo, 25, of Northwest
Eighth Avenue; and Martin Del-
gado-Almazon, 24, of Northwest
37t" Avenue.

Oct. 16, 2007
Men get life in robbery
case: Two young men will be
spending the rest of their lives in
prison by order of Judge Sher-
wood Bauer Monday afternoon.
Willie Lewis Hullett, 26, and
Ricky Bernard Young, 26, were
convicted Sept. 26 for the beat-
ing and robbery of Jason Clark
who, at the time of the robbery,
was a pizza deliveryman for
Domino's Pizza.

Oct. 20, 2007
Woman sues store owner:
A discrimination lawsuit has
been filed in federal court on
behalf of of an Okeechobee wom-
an who was accused of stealing
lottery tickets and subsequently
fired from the local convenience"
store where she was working.
The lawsuit states that clerk Ro-
berta 'Bert' Brower was accused
of stealing 42 rolls of Florida
Lottery tickets, valued at $300
per roll. When the incident're-
portedly occurred on Thursday,
May 5, 2005, Mrs. Brower was
working at the Handy Food
Store located at 2790 U.S. 441
S. The store is owned by B&B
Corporate Holdings located in
Tampa.

Oct. 23, 2007
County to add seats
at arena: By a 4-1 vote, the
Okeechobee County Board of
County Commissioners agreed
at their Oct. 18 meeting to spend
over $362,000 for additional seat-
ing at the Okeechobee County
Agri-Civic Center. The new seats
will boost the current number
of seats from 2,457 to 4,380. The
.money will be moved from the
Capital Projects Contingency to
an appropriate project line.

Oct. 26, 2007
MRSA news causes con-
cern: Are Okeechobee residents
at risk for MRSA? The existence
,of Methicillin Resistant Staphylo:-
coccus Aureus (MRSA) cases in
Okeechobee is unknown at this
time. According to Okeechobee
County Health Department ad-
ministrator Mark Chittum, there
are no known cases in the com-
munity since MRSA is not a re-
portable disease. There are no
requirements at this time for
anyone to report its existence.

Nov. 1, 2007
Rim Canal boat ramp
planned: It's the hope of at
least one county official that
construction on a new boat
ramp on the Rim Canal at Nub-.
bin Slough will get under way
soon. All of the permits for the
project have been received by
Okeechobee County so all that's
holding up the project is the
contractor. The new boat ramp
will be put in at the end of the
Rim Canal on the north side of
Nubbin Slough.

Nov. 3, 2007
Corps reviews dike safe-
ty: Yet another report' was re-
cently released on the condition
of the Herbert Hoover Dike. On
Friday, Nov. 2 the U. S. Army
Corps of Engineers (COE) held
a telephone press conference
to announce the release of the
Herbert Hoover Dike Consen-
sus Report. This newest report
came on the heels of two-2006
reports, one commissioned by
the South Florida Water Man-
agement District and one by
COE. This latest report, for the
most part, endorsed the findings
of those previous studies. The
panel concurred with the gen-
eral rehabilitation approach of
filling in the toe ditch and quar-
ries and constructing cutoffs and
seepage berms.

Nov. 4,2007
County links are on-line:
Okeechobee County like the
rest of the country has gone on-
line. Now anyone with Internet


access can click on to www.


Citrus
Continued From Page 1
Mr. Williamson and his staff
had a long night ahead of them
on Jan. 2. He said he and his
workers wouldn't know if the
conditions were harsh enough
to need the irrigation system un-
til around midnight. However,


okeechobeecounty.com and
find court records, county laws,
meeting agendas and minutes,
property ownership records, tax
records etc.

Nov. 5, 2007
Seminole Tribe opens
Center: The Seminole Tribe
of Florida, Inc. recently' held
the grand opening of their new
Okeechobee Community Cen-
ter located at 108 N.E. Seventh
St., which will be open from 2
p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday thru
Friday initially. Chairman Mitch-
ell Cypress expressed that the
community center is a stepping
stone to many things to come
to better the Seminole tribal
students. Many other programs
besides education will be able
to'come to the center and visit
with the students in order to cre-
ate a well educated and cultured
Seminole Tribe.

Nov. 9, 2007
Road dept. hiring ques-
tioned: The Okeechobee
County Road Department made
news again thanks to comments
by County Commissioner Noel
Chandler at the Nov. 8 meeting of
the Okeechobee County Board
of County Commissioners. Dur-
ing the Nov. 8 commissioners'
comments, Mr. Chandler com-
plained about irregularities in
the road department such as the
installation of culverts that do
not meet county standards. He
urged haste in filling the vacant
position of road department
head and suggested that Tommy
Rimes be brought back.

Nov. 16, 2007
Man murdered in break-
in: An Okeechobee man was
killed in his home early Thurs-
day morning by an unknown
number of perpetrators who
had broken into his U.S. 441
S.E. home. OCSO Detective Cap-
tain Dale LaFlam said the man
was apparently shot during a
home invasion robbery and
died about three hours later at
St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm
Beach. He said he could not re-
lease the victim's natne at this
point and chose not to release
the address.

Nov. 20, 2007
Gas stations now storm
ready: By necessity, we are
learning to be more prepared for
hurricanes. According to figures
released by the- Florida Depart-
ment of Agriculture and Con-
sumer Services (FDACS), more
Okeechobee service stations are,
now prepared to cope with long
term power outages than at the
beginning of the 2007 hurricane
season.

Nov. 22, 2007
Magistrate levys code
fines: In the monthly code
magistrate hearing conducted
'Tuesday, Nov. 20, Special Magis-
trate Lois Nichols found several
properties to be in noncompli-
ance and imposed a fine on the
owner of one property.

Nov. 29, 2007
Water storage plan un-
veiled: Water mangers have
finally taken the areas north of
Lake Okeechobee into consider-
ation in the long range plan to
clean up the Everglades. About
50 interested persons gathered
at the Okeechobee County Civic
Center Tuesday night, Nov. 27 to
be informed and give their input
on an Everglades restoration
plan draft which includes the
Lake Okeechobee watershed
and the Caloosahatchee and St.
Lucie estuaries.

Nov. 30, 2007
County administrator
sought: By a simple ballot
the number of candidates for
Okeechobee County Adminis-
trator was cut from eight to five.
On Thursday afternoon, Nov.
29 recruiter Colin Baenziger
gave each member of the
Okeechobee 'County Board of
County Commissioners a bal-
lot and asked them to vote for.
at least four candidates of the
nine he had recommended for
the position. The candidates re-
ceiving the most votes would be


the safety of the fruit takes prec-
edent to a restful night's sleep.
Mr. Williamson stated that they
will take the safety measures
needed if necessary, "and if we
do suffer loss, we will salvage as
much as we can."
The good news, these tem-
peratures usually don't last long
in Florida.


invited to come to Okeechobee
for a series of interviews. The
top vote getters were: Ray Britt,
(4 votes) of Deland, finance di-
rector for the City of Palm Coast;
Kenneth Fields (5 votes) of Boca
Raton, 'former executive admin-
istrative officer for the Seminole
Tribe of Florida; Kathy Rice, (5
votes) assistant city manager of
Surprise, Arizona; John Schnei-
ger, (4 votes) of Jacksonville, for-
mer city manager of Montrose,
Colorado; and Larry-Stoever, (3
votes) of Salina, Michigan, for-
mer manager of that city.

IDec. 2, 2007
State Road 70 work de-
layed: When the Okeechobee
County Board of County Com-
missioners met on Thursday,
Nov. 29 they heard some bad
news from the Florida Depart-
ment of Transportation (FDOT)
that impacted the wish list they
are going to present to the
Okeechobee County Legisla-
tive. The bad news from FDOT
is. that it might take longer than
earlier planned for the four 'lane-
ing of S. R. 70 E. Frank Maers of
FDOT reported that there was
a shortfall in District 1 funding.
Although. nothing was deleted
from the five year plan he pre-
sented, funds had to be shifted
to later in the- five year segment.
Acquisition of right of way and


construction on the expansion
of the eastern segment of S.R.
70 to four lanes was pushed
back two years.

Dec. 3, 2007
Teen pregnacy rate high:
With the repeat teenage birth
rate in Okeechobee County sur-
passing the state average by 3.5
percent in 2006, Okeechobee
organizations are being formed
to address the teen pregnancy
issues within the community. In
2006, 20 percent of teen births
in Okeechobee County were
"repeats." These teenage moth-
ers had already had at least one
child. The state averaged of
16.5 percent for repeat teenage
births.

Dec. 4, 2007
Jury orders SFWMD to
pay: A jury of 12 unanimously
decided to direct the South
Florida Water Management Dis-
trict (SFWMD) to pay a total of
$4,385,000 to the Prescott family
as.a result of a condemnation tri-
al, with $885,000 going towards
the value of the easements and
$3,500,000 going towards sever-
ance damages to the remaining
property.

Review
Continued on Page 9


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Okeechobee News, Thursday, January 3, 2008 ;


Manslaughter charges are dropped Three charged


PBSO not happy
with state attorney's
office decision

By Naji Tobias
INI Florida
PALM BEACH COUNTY -- The
State Attorney's Office recently
dropped the manslaughter charges
that had been filed against 19-year-
old Ernie Kirk Daley, Jr. in connec-
tion with the deaths of Palm Beach
County Sheriff's Office deputies
Dorita Manuel and Jonathan Wal-
lace.
According to Paul H. Zacks, the
chief assistant state attorney, the
charges presented by the PBSO
were based on preliminary infor-
mation at the scene which turned
out to be inaccurate.
As previously reported, police
said that the defendant was the in-
dividual who drove a stolen 1990
gold' Toyota Camry in the frantic
after-hours chase on State Road
715.
The defendant was charged
on Nov. 28, with two counts of
aggravated manslaughter of a law
enforcement officer, two counts
of manslaughter by culpable neg-
ligence, one count of grand theft
auto and one count of fleeing and
eluding, causing death.
While being interviewed by the
sheriff's office at the Belle Glade
Substation, the defendant stated
that after deputies tried to stop
him, he accelerated to 85 miles per
*hour, according to the affidavit.
The defendant continued with


the interview, saying that he saw
the collision occur in the rearview
mirror and knew he ran over the
'spike strips'.
The defendant told investigators
that he felt the effects of the tire de-
flation devices on the steering and
handling of the vehicle.
Upon conclusion of the inter-
view, the affidavit showed that
while talking-about fleeing the po-
lice, the defendant was nonchalant
about the incident.
"It's every man for himself," the
defendant told investigators during
the fateful interview.
After the interview, Investigator
Troy Snelgrove determined that the
information was sufficient enough
.evidence to charge the defended in
the incident, which resulted in the
deaths of deputies Jonathan Wal-
lace and Donta Manuel.

The reversed decision
by the state attorney
Upon looking extensively into
the manslaughter charges, the
state attorney's office concluded,
however, that no high-speed flight
and pursuit occurred.
"The defendant was traveling
at about the speed limit when an
officer who had been trailing him
for some time initiated his police
lights, but not his siren," Mr. Zacks
said in the state attorney's merho-
randum. "Seeing the police lights
and knowing that he was' driving
a stolen car, the defendant sped
up a bit, but went over the stop
sticks shortly thereafter, with his


Arrest Report


i.e


in woman's beating


car coming to rest less than a mile
down the road."
The memo added that there is
a causation element to the greater
charges, which also can't be prov-
en, as it was not the defendant's
actions which were the legal cause
of the deputies' tragic deaths.
"These charges require cul-
pable, or gross, negligence on the
part of the defendant and again
also requires proof that this negli-
gence was the cause of the depu-
ties' deaths," Mr. Zacks said in the
memo. "As before, these elements
cannot be proven."
According to the state attor-
ney's office, the defendant will
remain charged with one count of
grand theft. However, the original
charge of one count for fleeing and
eluding, causing death is now just
one count of fleeing or attempting
tb elude.
The defendant is also charged
with driving with a suspended
license. In addition to the three
charges, the state attorney's office
charged the defendant with resist-
ing arrest without violence, as it
was concluded that the defendant
fled the authorities on foot after his
car was stopped.

Sheriff Bradshaw's
reaction
According to a statement pro-
vided by the sheriff's office, PBSO
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw did not agree
with the decision made by the
state attorney's office. However, in
a recent .news conference held by


the sheriff's office, the sheriff un-
derstood the outcome.
"From the very first day, we
told everybody that this was not
a chase," Sheriff Bradshawv said in
the conference. "This was a tactical
deployment. It never got to a chase
stage. It doesn't mean we like it,
but that's what the law is. We don't
make them, .but we just enforce
them and present the information
to the State Attorney's Office."
Sheriff Bradshaw believes,
however, that the defendant is still
clearly responsible for the depu-
ties' tragic deaths.
"He's at fault for stealing the
car and forcing us into the position
to try and apprehend him for steal-
ing the car;"the sheriff said. "A loop
hole in the law does not change
that. Just because I can't charge
him with manslaughter doesn't
eliminate the fact that I believe he's
at fault. I1think the people in the
community believe he's at fault."
The sheriff's office said that
Sheriff Bradshaw recently met with
Fla. Representative William Spyder
about changing the laws, which
would mean a much tougher sen-
tence for anyone who kills an of-
ficer.
The sheriff's office also said
that if House Bill 321 Murder of
Law Enforcement Officers passes
legislation, it would require a mini-
mum mandatory sentence of life
in prison for anyone who attempts
to murder a law enforcement of-
ficer.
Staff Writer Naji Tobias can be
reached at ntobias@newszap.com


The following individuals were was also charged with the mis-
arrested on felony or driving un- demeanor of petit theft. Her bond
der the influence (DUI) charges by was set at $8,500.
the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Lawrence William Brown,
Office (OCSO), the Okeechobee 49, Lake Worth, was arrested Dec.
City Police Department (OCPD), 31, by Deputy Harold Hancock on
the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), an Okeechobee County warrant
the Florida Fish, and Wildlife Con- charging him with failure to ap-
servation Commission (FWCT or pear possession of cocaine. His
the Department of Corrections bond was set at $2,000.
(DOC). Terry Alan Paxton, 58, S.E.
Stephanie. Jane Huff, 26, 32nd St., Okeechobee, was ar-
N.W 53rd Terrace, Okeechobee, rested Jan. 1, by the OCPD on a
was arrested Dec. 31, by Detective charge of driving under the influ-
John Zeigler on felony charges of ence. His bond was set at $500.
dealing in stolen property and. Jeffrey Lee Hewett, 48,
defrauding a .pawnbroker. She School Road, Ash, N.C., was ar-


rested Jan. 1, by Deputy Corporal
Paul Ferrell on charges of driving
under the ,influence and driving
while license suspended. His
bond was set at $1,000.
David Griffin, 48, Boca Raton,
was arrested Jan. 1, by Deputy
G.. Popovich on an Okeechobee
County warrant charging him
with the felonies of failure to ap-
pear -- possession of cocaine,
failure to appear -- possession
of marijuana over 20 grams and
failure to appear -- possession of
contraband in a correctional facil-
ity. He was also charged with the
misdemeanor of contempt. He is


being held without bond.
Earl Stephen Strickland, 42,
S.E. 116th Trail, Okeechobee, was
arrested Jan. 1, by Deputy M. Bo-
browski on a felony charge of
driving while license suspended
-- habitual offender. His bond was
set at $1,500.
This column lists arrests
and not convictions, unless
otherwise stated. Anyone list-
ed here who is later found in-
nocent or has had the charg-
es against them dropped is
welcome to inform this news-
paper. The information will
be confirmed and printed.


Stray bullet misses man


By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
An Okeechobee man nar-
rowly missed getting hit by a
stray bullet on New Year's as he
was sitting in his home watch-
ing television.
As Jack LaFlam was watch-
ing TV around 12:14 a.m., Tues-
day he was startled by the sound
of something hitting his roof. A
short time later he began to look
around and found a bullet lying'


on his living room floor.
According to a report by
Deputy Steven McKinley of the
Okeechobee County Sheriff's
Office (OCSO) after Mr. LaFlam
found the stray bullet he also
found a hole in his roof.
Apparently, continued the
report, someone was celebrat-
ing New Year's and fired a gun
in the air.
The report does not state the
caliber of the round, or if there
were any injuries.


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By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
A local man and two women
have been charged in the alleged
beating of another, woman with
an aluminum baseball bat.
Charged with aggravated bat-
tery in connec-
tion with the
Dec. 31 incident
were: John Sto-
ry, 46, S.R. 70 E.;
Cheryl Boyd, 39,
S.R. 70 E.; and
Stephanee Bet-
terley, 26, S.R. 70
E. All three were John
booked into the story
Okeechobee
County Jail under a bond of
$75,000 each.
An arrest report by Deputy
Joseph Hall of the Okeechobee
County Sheriff's Office (OCSO)
stated the victim in the. case was
taken to the emergency room
at Raulerson Hospital where
she was treated for a dislocate
jaw that was also swollen and
bruised, an injured lip, a bruise
under her left eye and bruising to
her lower back.
The report indicates that the
37-year-old victim claimed that
Story held her while Boyd and
Betterley kicked and punched,
her.
Apparently Story, Boyd and
Betterley were, sitting around a
table outside a mobile home on
S.R. 70 E. Betterley told the deputy
that the victim had been drinking
and wouldn't go home. She said


the victim went inside the home
and took a necklace from the
bathroom, continued the report.
When confronted, Betterley and
the victim began
to fight and Bet-
terley retrieved
the necklace
added the depu-
ty's report.
However, the
victim report-
edly told Deputy
Hall that she was Cheryl
in front of the Boyd
mobile home
talking on the phone when Story
and Boyd asked her to party with
them, but she refused.
The victim then stated that she
saw Betterley coming toward her
and the woman
then hit her in
the face with a
silver baseball
bat, said the re-
port. She was re-
portedly struck
in the face again
with the bat byStephanee
Boyd. SBeterlphanee
The report Betterley
goes on to state that when the
victim fell to the ground Story
stood on her back and held her
down while the other two wom-
en kicked and punched her.
When asked about the neck-
lace, the victim said she never
entered the mobile home, stated
Deputy Hall's report.








A PNO kehbeNw, hrdy aur ,20


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!
REPUBLICANS: The Republican Party has controlled the White
House for seven years, both the Senate and the House, and the Su-
preme Court, including appointing new conservative Justices. If they
are so anti-abortion, then why haven't they changed the law in that
period of time? I think they just like to say what conservative, right-
wing people want to hear, but know in reality there are more votes in
favor of pro-choice than the loud, vocal group that oppose it.

SERVICE: Yes with all of this talk about tips, I just wonder if these
people know the origin of the word TIPS. It comes from the old Eng-
lish first letters of a sentence "To Insure Proper Service." So in the old
days if you tipped you got better service.

TIPS: This is to the people who want tips and think that you should
get a tip for everything you do. I work in the school system; I guess the
parents need to tip me for helping their children learn. I don't expect
it. And also the people who work in the malls and grocery stores,
like the cashiers, they don't expect a tip when they check you out.
Come on people; be realistic, only waitresses deserve a tip because
they don't make any money.

TAXES: Could.somebody please explain in plain English, about
the good part of the property taxes and the bad part? I understand if
we keep it as it is the tax cap can only go to 3 percent, but if it goes
the other way with $50,000 deductions then that can raise indefinitely.
Could somebody please put it in there for us, so we can understand
what it means?


Upcoming Events

Thursday, Jan. 3
Tantie Quilters meet every Thursda'y from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
at the Historical Society Museum on U.S. 98 N. For information call
Margaret at (863) 467-8020, or Belinda at (863) 357-0166.
Family History Center meets from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; 310 S.W Sixth St.
Anyone interested in finding who your ancestors are is welcome
to attend. There is Census, IGI (International Genealogical Index),
Social Security Death Index and military information available. For
information, call Robert Massey at (863) 763-6510.
A.A. Closed big book meeting from 8 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Church
of Our Savior, 200 N.W. Third St.
Prayer group meets at 10 a.m. at the Community Center, 412
N.W Sixth St. For information, call (863) 763-5996. .
Christian Fellowship Prayer group meets at 9:30 a.m. in the
fellowship hall at 412 N.W. Sixth St. For information, call (863) 763-
5996.
Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee will meet from noon until 1
p.m. at Village Square Restaurant, 301 W South Park St. All Kiwanis
and the public are welcome. For information, contact Frank Irby at
(863) 357-1639.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly No. 47 will meet from 5 until 6:30
p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 200 N.W. Second St. Please
join us or ask questions. Call Phyllis at (863) 467-8636 or Hazel at
863) 763-4920 for information. :
SCowboys for Christ will meet at Dunklin Memorial, 407 N.W'
Third Ave. Everyone is invited. For information, call Mike Fletcher
at (863) 357-6257.
Martha's House Inc. sponsors weekly support groups for
women who are, or have been, affected by domestic violence and
abusive, relationships. The support groups are held every Thursday
at 6 p m. For information call (863). 763-2893, or call Shirlean Gra-
ham or Irene Luck at (863) 763-2893 or (863) 763-0202.
Free Adult Basic Education/GED and English as a sec-
ond language classes will meet from 7 until 9 p.m. at Sacred
Heart Catholic Church, 701 S.W. Sixth St.
Okeechobee Outreach Hope Narcotics Anonymous will
meet from 8 until 9 p.m. at the Church of Our Saviour, 200 N.W.
Third St. For information, call Hugh Lambert at (863) 763-7185.
Okeechobee Citizens Recreation Association, OCRA will
meet at 7:30 p.m. at Teen Town, 305 N.W. Second St. Anyone in-
terested may attend. For information, contact Frank Coker at (863)
467-1941.
Ongoing Caregiver Support Group Hospice of Okeechobee
and the Area Agency on Aging sponsor a caregiver support group
every Thursday at 2 p.m. Anyone who is caring for an ill family
member is welcome to join. The group is facilitated by social work-
ers and provides an opportunity for caregivers to give one another
support, information and ideas. The meetings are held at Hospice
at 411 S.E. Fourth St. For information, call (863) 467-2321.
AA. meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the First United
Methodist Church, 200 N.W. Second St. This will be an open meet-
ing.
Narcotics Anonymous meets Thursday night for a Basic Text
Meeting at 8 p.m. at the Just for Today Club of Okeechobee, 2303
Parrott Ave., The Lake Shops Suite K. For information, call (863)
634-4780.



Okeechobee News

Our Purpose...
The Okeechobee News is published by Independent Newspapers of Florida.
Independent is owned by a unique trust that enables this newspaper topur-
sue a mission of journalistic service to the citizens of the community. Since no
dividends are paid, the company is able to thrive on profit margins below
industry standards. All after-tax surpluses are reinvested in Independent's
mission of journalistic service, commitment to the ideals of the First
Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and support of the community's deliber-


ation of public issues.

We Pledge ...
* To operate this newspaper as a
public trust
* To help our community become a
better place to live and work,
through our dedication to consci-
entious journalism.
* To provide the information citizens
need to make their own intelligent
decisions about public issues.
* To report the news with honesty,
accuracy, purposeful neutrality,
fairness, objectivity, fearlessness
and compassion.
* To use our opinion pages to facili-
tate community debate, not to
dominate it with our own opinions.
* To disclose'our own conflicts of
interest or potential conflicts to our
readers.
* To correct our errors and to give
each correction to the prominence
it deserves.
* Tqoprovide a right to reply to those
we write about.
* To treat people with courtesy,
respect and compassion.


Advertising Director: Judy Kasten

News Editor: Katrina Elsken

National Advertising: Joy Parrish

Circulation Manager: Janet Madray

Independent Newspapers, Inc.
* Joe Smyth, Chairman
* Ed Dulin, President
* Torn Byrd, Vice President of
Newspaper Operations
Katrina Elsken, Executive
Editor
MEMBER
OF: oCte



Okeechobee News 2007
For More Information See
At Your Service On Page 2


Courtesy photo/Florida State Archives

Looking back ...
This photo from the Florida State Archives is from 1919. Photographer John Kunkel Small took this photo of Billy Stu-
art an6d family at Indian Prairie, west of Lake Okeechobee. Do you have an old photo to share? Email it to okeenews@
newszap.com.



Community Events


Brian Free and Assurance in Concert
Brian Free and Assurance will be in concert on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 2
p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 425 S.W. 28th St. For information
call (863) 763-7113.

Festival pageant deadline nears
Due to the change in date of the 40th annual Speckled Perch Festival,
the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce has also moved to an earlier
date, Sunday, Jan. 13, beginning at 4 p.m. the KOA Kampground. The
final deadline for applications and sponsor fees is Tuesday, Jan. 8, at
4 p.m. Applications can be picked up at the Chamber office, 55 South
Parrott Ave. There are five categories for girls: Tipy Miss, 3 year olds;
Little Miss, 4 and 5 year olds; Princess, 6 through 9 years old; Junior
Miss 10 through 13 years old; and Miss 14 through 19 years old. Cat-
egories for boys are Tiny Mister for 3 year olds and Little Mister for 4
and 5 year olds. For more information about the Speckled Perch Pag-
eant, contact the Chamber at (863) 763-6464. Remember to have your
applications and money turned in to the Chamber for the pageant by
Tuesday, Jan. 8.

Southern Gospel sing planned
Believers Fellowship Church at 300 S.W 611h Ave. will have the
Southern Gospel Group "The Hyssongs" in concert, Friday, Jan. 18, at
7 p.m. For information, please contact Phil Jones at (863) 467-0131.

Red Cross class scheduled
The Okeechobee American Red Cross will offer the following
classes in January at their branch office: Wednesday,.Jan. 9 Adult
CPR/AEit 4~3.m.,ThUrsday,.Jan. 17 -First Aid Basics at,6 p.m. Mon-
day, Jan. 23 Infant/Child CPR t1'6.p minTo register, or for more irifoir-
mation call 863-763-2488.

Scrapbooking party planned
A scrapbooking party will be held on Friday, Jan. 4, from 6 until 10
p.m. at the First Methodist Church, 200 N.W Second St. All levels of
scrap bookers are welcome. Carolyn Jones will be available to assist
you with your scrapbooking questions and supplies. Refreshments
will be served and there will be door prizes. Bring any scrapbook
pages on which you are currently working. For more.information call
Carolyn at (863) 634-1885 or Joan at (863) 467-0290.

BHR VFD plans pancake breakfast
The Buckhead Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
on Jan. 5, 2008 from 8 until 11 a.m. All you can eat Pancakes, served
with Sausage, orange juice, coffee or tea. No charge, but donations
are accepted. For information call Pat at (863) 357-1364.

Weight loss program to begin
Devotional Weight Loss Program will begin new classes on Tues-
day, Jan. 8, 2008 at 9 until 11 a.m. at His House Fellowship, 425 S.W.
28th St. Classes will continue through April. Additional information
may be obtained by calling (863) 467-6330.

Healthy Start Coalition to meet
The Board of Directors of the Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition
will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, at 11:30 a.m., in their new of-
fice, 575 S.W. 28th St. within the New Endeavors School Building. This
meeting is open to the public. For information, please contact Execu-
tive Director, Kay Begin at the Coalition office, (863) 462-5877.

Redemption Yard Sale
The Ft. Drum Community Church, 32415 Hwy 441 N., will be hold-
ing a Redemption yard sale on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 9 a.m. until 3
p.m. All monies'raised will go tojThe Voice of The Martyrs. For infor-
mation, please contact Pastor Fred Hodges at (863) 467-1733.

Author to speak at library
Historian and author, Dr. Gary Mormino, will present his program,
"The Florida Dream," based on his book, "Land of Sunshine, State of
Dreams," which describes his nearly two decades of research into the
social history of modern Florida at the Okeechobee County Library
on 'Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 at 7 p.m. This program is sponsored by the
Florida Humanities Council and is free and open to the public. The
Okeechobee Friends of the Library will provide refreshments follow-
ing the program.

Booth rentals for Winterfest
Anyone interested in renting a booth for the Winterfest 2008, in
Buckhead Ridge, please contact Pat at (863) 357-1364 or John at j863)
467-8220.

Shared Service Network to meet
The Executive Roundtable of the Shared Services Network of
Okeechobee County will conduct its monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m. on
Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 in the Board Room of the Okeechobee County
School Administration Building. This forum provides a mechanism
for dialogue and problem solving in our community though the col-
laborative efforts of our local decision makers. The public is invited to
attend. For more information, please call (863) 462-5000 Ext. 257.

Hospice plans yard sale
Hospice of Okeechobee will host a "Gigantic Yard Sale" at the Blue
Volunteer Building, next to The Hamrick Home (411 S.E. 4th Street)
on Friday, Jan. 11, at 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 12, from 8
a.m. until noon. Many new items are available. All monies raised will
go to the continuing care for our patients in The Hamrick Home and
our patients who choose to stay in their own homes. For information,
call Cathy at (863) 467-2321 or (863) 697-1995.


Miniature Equine Extravaganza set
On Jan. 12, 2008 at Paddock Farms, off Hwy 710, the Miniature
Horse Club of South Florida will sponsor an "Equine Extravagan-
za." There will be miniatures to see and touch, horse related crafts;
used horse related items for sale and also a clinic to show how to
compete in showmanship with your miniature horse. If you own
a miniature, if you would like to own a miniature or if you would
just like to know more about these great animals, come to this
event. There is no admission charge. For information, call (863)
763-6376.

Okee County Fair Pageant scheduled
The Okeechobee County Fair Association will be holding a
Okeechobee County Fair Beauty Pageant on Friday, March 7.
Competition includes three categories: personality and interview;
sports/swimwear; 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, Buckhead Ridge or Brighton Seminole Reser-
vation. The deadline to enter the competition is Satirday, Jan.' 26.
For more information contact Donny Arnold (863) 634-6464 or visit
www.okeechobeecountyfair.com.

Nutritional analysis class offered
Dr. Edward' Douglas, of Douglas Chiropractic and Fitness Cen-
ter, will be teaching a free CRA Nutritional Analysis Class on Tues-
day, Jan. 15, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at the fitness center. For information,
call (863) 763-4320.

Southern Gospel Sing .
Believers Fellowship Church at 300 S.W. 61" Ave1 will have the
Southern Gospel Group "The Hyssongs" in concert, Friday, Jan.
18, at 7 p.m. For information, please contact Phil Jones at (863)
467-0131.

AARP Drivers Safety Course set
Jan. 19, and Jan. 26, 2008 the Buckhead Ridge Baptist Church,
will hold a AARP Drivers Safety Course from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
in the Church fellowship hall. Tuition is $10 and they will take
checks only. You do not have to be a member of AARP or have
AARP Auto Insurance. All seniors 55 and over are invited. Consult
you auto insurance agent for your three year discount upon com-
pletion of this class. Please call ahead and sign up for class. For
information or to register, please call the Instructor, Mrs. D.J. Bryan
at (863) 763-0351.

BHR VFD plans Winterfest 2008
Winterfest 2008 will be held on Jan. 26, 2008. There will be a
drawing, 50/50, catfish, barbecue Chicken, cotton candy, popcorn,
crafts, music, homemade noodles and a bake sale. For informa-
tion, call Pat at (863) 357-1364 or John at (863) 467-8220.

Sign up for festival parade
The Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce is accepting applica-
tions for the Speckled Perch Parade. The parade will be held on
Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10 am. Applications are available at the Cham-
ber office. The 40th annual Speckled Perch Festival will be held
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9-10. Applications are also available for
the 40th Annual Speckled Perch Festival. The Chamber welcomes
all non-profit arts and crafts vendors and retail businesses to join
them for their event in Flagler Park. A reservation fee of $75 for
non-profit arts & crafts booths and can 4iclude bake sale items.
The fee for non-profit food booths is $171.20. A reservation fee of
$100. is required for retail booths for promotion of sale of retail
items. The fee for commercial food vendors is $ 267.50. This fee is
collected at the time your reservation is made. Rules do apply and
are available at the Chamber office. For more information, contact
the Chamber at (863) 763-6464. Remember to have your appli-
cations and money turned in to the Chamber for the pageant by
Tuesday, Jan. 8.

Discount cards aid youth activities
Communities in Schools and the Police Athletic League of
Okeechobee have discount cards available. The cards are $10 and
are good for one year at selected businesses. Cards can be pur-
chased at CarQuest, 300 N.W Park St. For information, call (863)
462-5863. Proceeds will go toward youth activities in our commu-
nity:

Advocacy group seeking members
The Florida Local Advocacy Council in this area has openings
for membership. The members of the volunteer council protect
and advocate for a better quality of life for Floridians with unique
needs. Volunteers are appointed by the governor for a four-year
term. Local meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month
in Fort Pierce. Call Penina Popper at (800) 342-0825 for informa-
tion; or, visit www.floridasac.org,

Parent education classes offered
The Okeechobee County Healthy Start Coalition will be offering
parenting education classes for infants to age 3. All pregnant women
and parents are encouraged to attend. Each participant will receive
a gift. This adults-only parenting class consists of six, one-hour class-
es. You must attend all six classes to get a certificate of completion.
We now have day and evening classes available. No child care will
be available. Call (863) 462-5877 for registration.

Career Center helps in job search
The One Stop Career Center, 209 S.W. Park St., has services avail-
able at no charge to help people in their search for the right em-
ployee or job. For more, visit their web site at www.tcjobs.org; or,
call (863) 462-5350.


Okeechobee News, Thursday, January 3, 2008


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Healthy tips for your family this New Year Health News in
l T .. -- 1 . . .


(ARA) Every New Year brings
New Year's resolutions -- most of
which are abandoned just a few
weeks, and sometimes even days,
into January! In 2008, skip resolu-
tions that call for drastic measures.
Instead, make a simple pledge that
will be a cinch to keep -- empower
your family to get healthier and
happier with easy nutrition tips
that work effortlessly with your
lifestyle.
"Families are busy -- and it can
certainly be a challenge to ensure
all are as healthy and active as they
should be," says Ellie Krieger, reg-
istered dietitian and Food Network
Host. "However, there are sev-
eral ways for families to become
healthy and fit together -- and it
can be fun! From cooking with the
children to fun, family trips that
keep everyone moving -- it's easier
than most think to improve your
health and spend quality time with
your loved ones."
The following helpful tips will
make it fun and simple for your
entire family to stay on track all
year long!
* Promise to become
healthy as a family
*Research shows families who
adopt better nutrition and fitness
habits together have higher suc-
cess rates in achieving an overall


healthier lifestyle. For example, a
good place to start is participating
in the Just One More for Healthy
Living pledge. The program en-
courages families to take simple
steps each day to yield significant
results towards a healthy lifestyle.
Families simply pledge online
(www.EatJustOneMore.com)
to add just one more serving of
fruits and vegetables, including
tomatoes daily, one more serv-
ing weekly of lean protein, such
as tuna, and 30 more minutes of
daily activity. Families can also
track .their progress online and
learn additional easy tips to main-
tain a healthy, realistic lifestyle that
works with even the busiest of
family schedules.
* Little chefs
Research shows that when
children have a role in meal plan-
ning, they are more inclined to
eat it. Get them excited about the
process. Try having the kids create
their own menu of healthy snacks
to enjoy. Additionally, keeping nu-
tritious options on hand that your
child is excited about means they
may not be as inclined to reach for
the salty or sugary snacks. A great
sweet treat to keep stashed in the
pantry is Del Monte Healthy Kids.
Fortified with vitamins A and C as
well as calcium, the peach and
fruit cocktail varieties are the first


fortified fruit cups on the market
(DelMonte.com), and provide the
essential vitamins kids need to live
happier, healthier lives.
* Teach your kids to
"Eat the. Rainbow"
every day
This is a fun way for kids -- and
adults -- to get the balanced nutri-
tion they need. Kids love to keep
track of all the "colors" they eat
during the day -- even green! Add
one additional serving of fruits
and vegetables to your family's
diet each day to pump up energy
levels. Research suggests that only
20 to 30 percent of Americans ac-
tually eat the recommended serv-
ings of fruits and veggies a day,
which the FDA now advises is 9
to 13 servings for optimal health.
Eating more fruits and vegetables
daily will not only make you feel
fuller and more energized, but the
vitamins, minerals, and fiber found
in them can help prevent heart dis-
ease, high blood pressure, certain
cancers, type 2 diabetes, and obe-
sity.
* Time to bring back
the family dinner
Studies indicate that children
who eat with their family develop
healthier habits than those who


don't. This could decrease risk of
obesity and obesity-related diseas-
es in your child's future.
* Family fun day
Get up and get moving -- as a
family. Whether it is an evening ice
skating or an extra long walk with
the family dog, incorporate more
activities into your routine. Try
making this a weekly event and
choose a different game or sport
to enjoy every week! Consider
purchasing a family membership
at the community recreation cen-
ter, YMCA or health club and plan
weekly visits. Another alternative is
to adopt a family sport. Take tennis
or golf lessons together and prac-
tice, practice, practice!
* Family vacation
While plenty of relaxation is cer-
tainly important during vacations,
one of the best ways to relieve
stress is to get up and get moving.
Plan vacations that will offer your
entire family several physical activ-
ities that are fun and challenging.
Opt for the bicycle tour instead of
hours in the car. Try hiking, canoe-
ing, or cross-country skiing instead
of going to the movies.
For more information on how
to take the pledge, and for more
quick and healthy recipes, visit
www.EatIustOneMore.com.


Obituaries


Kimberly Lorenz
Kimberly Lorenz, age 44, of.
Okeechobee died Dec. 30, 2007 at
St. Mary's Medical Center in West
Palm Beach.
She was born,
July 16, 1963 in
Lake Worth to
Gary Haight and
Donna Griffis.
She came to
Okeechobee in
1988 and she
was the owner Kimberly
of LorenzAnimal Lorenz
Foods. She loved
raising and training animals.
Mrs, Lorenz was preceded
in death by her husband, Larry


Lorenz.
She is survived by her son,
Dustin Lorenz of Okeechobee;
stepdaughter, Lisamarie Lorenz
of Okeechobee; granddaughter,
Alexis Lorenz; parents, Roy and
Donna Griffis of Covington, Ga.,
and Gary Haight of Detroit, Mich.;
brother, Ed Griffis (Sarah Nell)
of McDonough, Ga.; two sisters,
Michelle Phillips of Okeechobee
and Misty (Wes) Holden of
Okeechobee and several beloved
nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles
and cousins.
Visitation will be 4 until 7
.p.m, on Thursday, Jan. 3 at Bass
Okeechobee Chapel. Funeral ser-
vice will be held 11 a.m. on Fri-
day, Jan. 4, at Church of God, 301


N.E. Fourth Ave., Okeechobee. In-
terment will follow at Evergreen
Cemetery. Pastor Sam Vuleta will
be officiating.
Friends may sign the guest-
book at www.bassokeechobee-
funeralhome.com.
All arrangements are entrusted
to the care of Bass Okeechobee
Funeral Home and Crematory,
205 N.E. Second St. Okeechobee.

Seldon Curtis
"Jack" Fry
Seldon Curtis "Jack" Fry, age
93 of Okeechobee, died Saturday,
Dec. 29, 2007 at his residence in
Okeechobee. Born Nov. 13, 1914
in Mansfield, Mo., he had been a


lifetime resident of Clewiston.
He is preceded in death by his
wife, Mary E. Fry.
He is survived by his sons, Cur-
tis (Suzie) Fry of Lakeport, Scott
Fry of Okeechobee; daughter,
Mary Beth (George) Cooper of
Okeechobee. ' ,
There are no plans for a ser-
vice. Friends may sign the guest-
book at www.buxtonfuneral-
home.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial
contributions can be made to
Hospice of Okeechobee, P.O. Box
1548, Okeechobee, 34973.
All. arrangements are under
the direction and care of Buxton
Funeral Home and Crematory,
110 N.E. Fifth St. Okeechobee.


Hospital sponsors
Ladies Health Day
' Raulerson Hospital presents
"Ladies Only Health Day," a
luncheon on Jan. 22, 2008 from
noon until 1 p.m. at the Holiday
Inn Express. The guest speakers
for the Ladies Only Health Day
will be board certified physi-
cians, James Bradfield, M.D.
FACOG (Gynecology) and Rene
Loyola, M.D. FACS (General Sur-
gery). Dr. Bradfield-will discuss
new healthcare services offered
to women of all ages and Dr.
Loyola will discuss new "State
of the Art" surgical procedures
that are opening up regularly at
the Hospital. Reservations are
required. Please RSVP to Bill
Casian at (863) 824-2702. Only
50 seats are -available for this
event.

Red Cross offers
HIV/AIDS course
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-
tions. This is a self-study course
that includes text work and the
successful completion of a mul-
tiple choice written test. The
cost of the course is $15. Call the
local Red Cross office at (863)
763-2488 for information.


Brief


Cancer Society
seeks volunteers
The American Cancer Society
is recruiting volunteers who are
interested in making a differ-
ence in the fight against cancer.
Volunteers with the American
Cancer Society's Florida Divi-
sion participate in programs
that support research funding,
educate the community, deliver
services to patients and advo-
cate for policies that help de-
feat cancer. To get involved, call
the American Cancer Society at
(800) ACS-2345.

Health and Safety
Expo planned
The Okeechobee Family
Health and Safety Expo will be
held at the Agri-Civic Center on
Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 from 9
a.m. until 2 p.m. We are cur-
rently seeking vendors to share
health and safety related infor-
mation at the Expo. If your busi-
ness/organization is not health
related, you can still partici-
pate, call for more details. Free
admission, free parking, free
lunch, and free prizes to all who
attend. For information please
call Sharon Vinson at (863)
462-5000 Ext. 257, Angela Kelly
- Okeechobee County Health
Department (863) 462-5781 or
Donnie Arnold Okeechobee
County Fire Rescue (863) 634-
6464.


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


ERMA S


hfaliaes Wealth Care Cevnter

Skilled Long & Short Term Care Facility
Healthcare Services Include:


*Specialized Wound Care
*Full Time Medical Director
*Dialysis Support
*Alzheimer's Support Groups
*Intravenous Therapy


*Resident & Family Council Groups
*Specialized HIV Care
*Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
*24 hour Registered Nurse Staffing
*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


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.
Fellows of the Board Certified by the
American Society for American Board of ABD
Ski) Mohs Surgery Dermatology
See a Board Certified Dermatologist Everytime "


.Restoring Hope.:..ImprovingLives

Leading the way in innovative 'treatment and technologies in our fight gins a .


Board Certified Radiation Oncologists


* CyberKnifeT Robotic Radiation Surgery
* MRT IGRT HDR-Brachytherapy
* LDR-Brachytherapy Mammosite for Breast Cancer
* Seed Implants for Prostate Cancer


MostInsurance Plans Accepted* Courtesy Transportation Available
A Comprehensive Radiation Oncology Practice Offering:
REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY COMPASSIONATE CARE CLINICAL EXCELLENCE


Memorial Tribute
Remember a loved one
who has departed with a special
Memorial Tribute in this newspaper.

Your tribute can be published following the memorial services, or to
commemorate an anniversary ofyour loved one's birth or passing. You
can add a photograph of your loved one, lines from a poem or
scripture, and special art or borders -- and we'll make sure it all comes
together attractively and tastefully.


Visit www2.newszap.con/memorials for sample ads
and an online order form, or call 1-866-379-6397 toll free,


Big Lake Cancer Center
1115 N. Parrott Ave Okeechobee, FL 34972

(863) 467-9500


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5550 S US Hwy 1 Ft. Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 293-0377


I I Meclicare. I lmanimand tTmrc~y,,rsMURI ICQ[ACJ


i







Okeechobee News, Thursday, January 3, 2008 7


Service Club News


American Legion
Post #64
The American Legion Post
#64 is located at 501 S.E. Sec-
ond St. The Post phone number
is (863) 763-2950.
American Legion Post #64
is open Monday to Saturday
from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and
Sunday from 1 until 9 p.m.
Our kitchen is open and
serving a regular menu. The
hours of operation are: Monday
through Friday from 11 a.m. un-
til 3 p.m.; Wednesday, tacos and
margaritas served from 11 a.m.
until 6 p.m. with David Copper
from 3 until 6 p.m.; Sunday from
4 until 9 p.m.
Sundays: sports on big
screen TV. Quarter-pound hot
dogs, pizza and $1 draft beer
will be offered. David Copper
fgom 4 until 7 p.m.
Bingo is held every Satur-
day and Sunday night starting at
6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.
The Sons of the American
Legion steak dinner will be held
on the third Sunday of each
month from 3 until 6 p.m. The
dinner will include steak, baked
potato, salad, dessert, coffee
and tea.
Friday night dinners have
resumed. Dinners will be served
from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.
It is time to pay your dues
for the Legion and Auxiliary.

Am-Vets #2001
Am-Vets No. 2001 will hold
a regular informational meet-
ing on the first Saturday of the
month at the Buckhead Ridge
VFW Post #9528, 2002 U.S. 78
W, at 10 a.m. Applications for
new members are available.
Call Lou Eder at (863) .357-0467
or Jerry Lee Shields at (863)
467-8779 or (863) 467-2882.
Am-Vets Ladies Auxiliary
meetings are the first Saturday
of the month at 10 am. Contact
the Post at 467-2882 for informa-
tion.

Eagles Aeries #4137
Eagles Aeries #4137 is lo-
cated at 9983 U.S. 441 N. For in-


formation on events, call (863)
763-2552.
Every Tuesday bingo at I
p.m. Food will be available for
a donation.
Wednesdays: bar bingo
from 4 p.m. until ? Food will be
available.
Every Thursday: washer
toss at 1 p.m.
First and third Thursday:
Auxiliary at 6 p.m.; Aeries at 7
p.m.
Fridays: steak night (16-oz.)
starting at 5 p.m. for a $12 do-
nation. Music will be by Jimmy
Harper.
Saturdays and Sundays:
music at 7 p.m.
First and third Sunday:
breakfast cooked to order from
9 until 11 a.m. for $5 donation.

Okeechobee Masonic
Lodge #237
The Okeechobee Masonic
Lodge is located at 107 N.W.
Fifth Ave. For information about
the club and events, call Matt
Buxton at (863) 357-9992.
The Masonic Lodge holds
their meetings on the second and
fourth Monday of each month
starting at 7:30 p.m.

Order of the Eastern
Star Chapter #128
The Order of the Eastern Star
has many fun activities planned,
on the first and third Tuesday of
each month. For upcoming ac-
tivities, contact Mary Ann Holt at
(863) 634-8087.

B.H.R. Moose Lodge
The lodge is located on U.S.
78 W. in Buckhead Ridge. The
Lodge's phone number is (863)
763-2250.
Sundays: breakfast will be
served from 9 until 11 a.m.
Sundays: Karaoke with
open mic and free food at 7
p.m.
'Wednesdays: Bingo and
food, food served at 5 p.m. and
bingo starts at 6 p.m. Public is
welcome.
Thursdays: dinner will be


served from 5 until 7:15 p.m.
Call the Lodge for the menu. ,
Thursdays: karaoke night
starting at 7 p.m.
Fridays: dinner served from
5 until 7:15 p.m. Music for danc-
ing at 7:30 p.m. Call to see who
is playing.
Saturdays: dinner from 5
p.m. until 7:15 p.m. Call for the
menu.
I Saturdays: karaoke night
starting at 8 p.m.
Saturday: Jan. 19, 2008
from 3. until 7 p.m. the BHR
Moose Lodge is having a "Las
Vegas" games/membership
drive/open house. There will be
games, door prizes, snacks, auc-
tion, and lots of fun.

Moose Family
Center #1753
The Moose Family Center
#1753 is located at 156 N.W.
36th St. in Okeechobee. The
lodge during the summer will be
noon until 8 p.m., or later. For
information and meal menus,
call the Lodge at (863) 763-
4954. Guests are invited to enjoy
the activities and consider mem-
bership. The main hall is open
for activities.
Breakfast first Sunday of ev-
ery month from 8 to 11 a.m.
Every Monday evening-pool
and poker tournaments.
LOOM meets every second
Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
WOTM meets every second
and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Officers meetings, men and
women, are the first and third
Tuesday at 7 p.m.
LOOM officers meeting first
and third Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Every Thursday and Sun-
day: horseshoes at 2 p.m.
Every Thursday: $5 supper
and women's fun night. Line
dancing lessons and Moose Le-
gion bingo and lunch at 1 p.m.
Every Sunday: horseshoes
at 2 p.m.; free pool games all
day.
Bar Bingo Friday- at 6:30
p.m. Dinner $3 starts at 5:30
p.m.
Every Saturday: dinner at
5:30 p.m. for a $7 donation.


Moose Races Saturday at 2
p.m.

VFW Post #4423
The VFW North Post #4423 is
located at 300 N.W 34 St. Events
are seasonal, contact the Post
at (863) 763-0818 for informa-
tion or write the Post at P.O. Box
1137, Okeechobee Fl. 34973.
The Post opens at noon Monday
through Sunday.
Monday through Thursday:
happy hour from 4 until 6 p.m.
Mondays: .50-cent hot
dogs
Washer toss every Tuesday
starting at 1 p.m. Food will be
available. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesdays: dinner from. 4
until 6 p.m. for a donation.
Fridays: bingo starts at 1
p.m. for members and guests.
Food will be available. Karaoke
will be from 6 until 10 p.m.
Fridays: hot food by David
Lee from 5 until 8 p.m.
Saturdays: bar bingo at 1
,p.m. for members and guests.
Karaoke will be from 6 until 10
p.m. Food will be available.
Sundays: dinner will be
available from 2 until 4 p.m.,
and will be followed by karaoke
from 6 until 10 p.m.
Every third Sunday there
will be a post meeting and ladies
auxiliary meeting at 11 a.m.
The post membership drive
is under way, and the post is
striving for 100 percent. For in-
formation, contact the quarter-
master at (863) 763-0818.
Big screen TV for all
events.

VFW Post #9528
The VFW Post #9528 is locat-
ed at 2002 S.R. 78 W in Buck-
head Ridge. For information,
call (863) 467-2882. Post opens
at noon, Monday through Sun-
day.
We are taking applications
for new members for the VFW,
Ladies Auxiliary, Male Auxiliary,
AMVETS and AMVETS ladies
auxiliary.
Wednesday: Ladies Auxilia-
ry dinner and Men's Auxiliary or
AmVets. Music will be available.


Every Thursday is bar bin-
go at 12:45 p.m. Lunch will be
available.
Every Friday a steak dinner
with baked potato, salad and
rolls will be served from 5:30
until 7 p.m. for an $11 donation.
Dancing immediately follows
the dinner.
Membership meetings are
held on the second Saturday of
the month beginning at 10 a.m.
The House Committee meeting
is on the fourth Saturday.
For information, contact
Commander -Henry Zaskowski
at (863) 467-2882.
All games and special events
are shown on three televisions.
The game room has a regula-
tion-size pool table.

VFW Post #10539
The VFW will be open Mon-
day through Saturday at 10 a.m.,
and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Lounge opens at 10 a.m.
Monday through Saturday and
at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Monday: $1.50 tacos till 6
p.m.
Tuesday:' Ladies Auxiliary
Dinner 5:30 p.m. ($6)
Wednesday: bar bingo
will start at 12:45 p.m. Lunch is
available, courtesy of the Ladies
Auxiliary.
Thursday: short order food
night from 5 until 8 p.m.
Friday: fish fry, chicken fin-
gers or shrimp from 5 until 8
p.m. along with live music and
dancing.
Saturday: dollar dogs, sau-
sage dogs for $1.50 grilled or
steamed at noon. Live music
and dancing will start at 7 p.m.
*Sundays:' sports on big
screen TV.
The Ladies Auxiliary is look-
ing for any family members of
Okeechobee residents currently
serving overseas. We are for-
warding packages of needed
items to our active service per-
sonnel. For more information or
if you would like to donate items
please contact us, Cheryl Benoit
at (863) 697-2930.
The Post and Ladies Auxil-
iary meetings are held the first
Sunday of every month at noon.


Men's Auxiliary meetings are
the second Wednesday of every
month at 6:30 p.m.
Call (863) 763-2308 for the
schedule of events.

Shrine Club
The Okeechobee Shrine
Club, S.R. 78 W, members will
meet the first and third Thursday
of each month at 8 p.m. The club
is also available for weddings and
parties. For information call the
club at (863) 763-3378, or Keith at
(863) 634-2682.
Sundays: Every second Sun-
day of the month there will be
a Bike Sunday from noon until
7 p.m. There will be food, juke-
box, big screen T.V. and an Oasis
Lounge. For more information,
call the club at (863) 763-3378.

Cypress Hut
Eagles #4509
The Cypress Hut Fraternal
Order of Eagles post #4509 lo-
cated at 4701 U.S. 441 S.E. is
now open to members Monday-
Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10
p.m., Sundays from 1 to 10 p.m.
Information can be found by visit-
ing www.foe4509.com, or calling
(863) 467-1164.
Aerie meetings are at 7 p.m.
on the first and third Wednesday
of each month at the old Cypress
Hut flea market restaurant.
FOE Auxiliary meetings
are at 7 p.m. on the second
and fourth Wednesday of every
month
Breakfast is served on the
second and fourth Sunday of
each month from 9 a.m. rintil
noon.
Tuesday: food is served start-
ing at 5 p.m.
Saturday, food is served start-
ing at 2 p.m.

Moose Lodge #2417
The Moose Lodge #2417
is located' at 2 Linda Rd. BHR
Okeechobee.


Okeechobee Cancer Center
Board Certified Radiation Oncologists
David J. Harter, M.D. Alan S. Krimsley, M.D. Ronald H. Woody, M.D.


CyberbMnfeTM Robetc Radlalen Surgery
_NowM vallabIel

'Ultrasound and CT Based Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) .
Maxmmosite Breast Cancer Therapy *High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)
3-D Image Guided Therapy_*,CT/MRI Fusion Technology,


Mid.
60


We offer Courtesy Transportation, Mileage Reimbursement,
FREE Second Opinions and FREE Prostate Cancer Screenings.
Now Accepting New Patients
Okeechobee Cancer Center
301 NE 19th Drive Okeechobee
-Florida Cancer Center (863) 357-0039 Port St. Lucie Cancer CE
04 W. Midwav Roa d 1780 "T-Tillmwor fD


enter
)r


White City, FL 1231 N. Lawnwood Circle Port St. Lucie, FL
(772) 468-3222 Ft. Pierce, FL (772) 335-2115
(772) 464-8121
CARING PROFESSIONALS STATE-OF-THE-ART TREATMENT FIGHTING CANCER


a.Advertising is the

keytia


successful business!


Reach new


patients


twice a week!


7 Call us today!



'(863) 763-3134


Ricardo J. Quintero-Herencia, MD


is pleased to announce

the opening of his

private practice


Green Day Medical

Oncology & Hematology

of Fort Pierce and Okeechobee


-Specializing in evidence based medicine for the treatment of Cancer.
-Combined Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy treatment.
-Medicare/Medicaid Assignment Accepted
-Consulting and Free Second Opinions Regarding Cancer
-All insurance plans accepted and filed.
-Courtesy Transportation provided

Now Accepting New Patients
Se Habla Espaffol

1231 N. Lawnwood Circle 1006 N. Parrott Avenue


Fort Pierce, FL 34950
(772) 460-5501


Advertising in
the

Okeechobee
News
is a bright idea!
Call today
(863) 763-3134


Okeechobee, FL 34972
(863) 357-4138


rvoergerCj,
Specializing In: 4;
e Complete Adult Healthcare

.Injections for BackPain.
Complete Pain Management Prograim
S BoneDensityTestingfor Osteoporosis *
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!
1105 N. Parrott Ave. 467-1117-
CALL FOR APPOINTMENT
Office Hours: Mon., Tues Thurs. 8 AM TO 6 PM &Wed. 8 AM TO 4:30 PM


vvv v v I.Vllu vv ayXUCMI
A -..


"'"'"'"""""'







8 Okeechobee News, Thursday, January 3, 2008


A nouncements


Important Information: Please
read your ad carefully the first
day it appears. In case of an
inadvertent error, please noti-
fy us rior to the deadline 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
i"serves the right to accept or
-- reject any or 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. n 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-


BEAGLE DOG found in Little
Farms area. Call to identify
(863)763-0570


CAT Long haired, white,
Himalayan. Declawed in
front. Lost in vic. of Eagle
Bay. Call (863)763-7040






OKEECHOBEE, Sat. Jan. 5th,
8am-?, 831 NW 36th St.
STools, Hunting, Fishing,
Nascar, Lawn, HH items,
Clothing & Much Morel


Tall Guy- Secure, Profes., To
meet Attractive Gal or Friends
for Dining, Traveling, etc. Call
(863)946-3123 Lets meet


READINGA
NEWSPAPER...
makes you a more informed
and Interesting person. No
wonder newspaper readers
are more successfull


U..arage/


mpoent
Fullime 'I 'l


Full Time 'I' ll
IIy^H f~


LADES
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 CNAs
Okeechobee Health Care Facility
All shifts: Full/Part Time. Good Benefits.
Apply In Person To:
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


READING A NEWSPAPER...
leads you to the best
products and services.


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per week.
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have computer
knowledge.
Apply in person.


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

Financial


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.

READING A NEWSPAPER
HELPS YOU GET
INVOLVED IN THE
COMMUNITY


4 o wonder newspaper
readers have more funl


Elderly Care Reg. Nurse
w/35 yrs. exp. has one
opening for 24 hr. care in
nice family home. Call
Susan 863-763-2334.


READING A
NEWSPAPER...
saves you money by
providing information
about best buys.
No wonder newspaper
readers earn morel


Merchandise


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


Place Your
YARD SALE
ad today!

Get FREE signs!

Call Classifieds
877-353-2424


READING A NEWSPAPER...


Garge


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Okeechobee News, Thursday, January 3, 2008


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Rentals


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. frpm
town & 2BR/1BA. No pets.
1st & sec. Call Debbie
S863)467-2982 Mon.-Fri.,
am til 4pm.
OKEE: 3/1 on V2 ac. Renovat-
ed, laundry, C/A/heat, screen
porch, carport. $1100. + 1st,
last, sec/refs. 305-458-8659
SEASONAL, 1BR/2BA, all
new, comp. furn., waterfront
boathouse: (863)763-6809
or (765)348-8270
SPOT IN THE SUN complete-
ly furnished, dished included,
3br,3ba, carport, $1200/mo
+ sec dep. (561)714-4186
Avail Feb 1st. Can accom-
modate 2 couples.

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


TAYLOR
CREEK ISLE
Prime Waterfront
265' Sea wall
with boat dock.
Unfurnished
3br, 2ba, W/D.
$1400. per
month.
(863)697-1280



TREASURE ISLAND
CBS 3Br, 2Ba, Nice. $1150.
mo. + 1stmo. & sec. dep.
Avail Now! 863-763-3566

Time to clean out the
attic, basement and/or
garage? Advertise your
yard sale in the classi-.
fleds and make your
clean una breeze


Real Estate


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



OKEE. Beautiful, 3br, 2ba
Home & Lot. In 55+ Comm.
$127K. Neg. 863-763-8567
or 502-598-9115

When doing those chores
Is doing you In, It's time
to look for a helper In
the classfleds.


IIII*0I


Reading a newspaper
helps you understand
the world around you.
No Wonder newspaper
readers are more suc-
cessful peoplel


w
*,,,, b


LEGAL NOTICE
Public Auction will be held at Johns Tow-
ing Service storage lot located at 704
Northeast 2nd Avenue, Okeechobee.
Florida 34972 on JANUARY 18, 2008,
at 9:00 A.M. Pursuant to Floriodda Stat-
ute 713.78 for unpaid.towing and stor-
age charges. Year, make, model and
VIN are as follows.
1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager
VIN#1P4GH54L4RX121817
Terms of sale are cash, and no checks
will be accepted. Seller reserves the
right of final bid. ALL SALES ARE Fl-
NALI NO REFUNDS WILL BE, MADE!
Said automobiles will be sold In "As Is"
condition with no guarantee's.
255064 ON 01/03/08


e


Review
Continued From Page 2
Dec. 5, 2007
Courthouse may get facelift- The oldest
and most important county government building
still in use will soon be undergoing a facelift. The
Okeechobee County Board of County Commis-
sioners will be discussing renovating the court-
house at a workshop meeting Wednesday morn-
ing at 10 a.m.

Dec. 7, 2007
City tries to attract businesses: The
Okeechobee City Council voted unanimously at
their Tuesday, Dec.-4, meeting to approve the
first reading of the rezoning of the final lots in
the city block across the street from Wal-Mart to
commercial in hopes that this will encourage the
development of this area.

Dec. 14, 2007
Jury finds Brown guilty: Marion Miguel
Brown, 37, will spend the rest of his life in prison
for killing his former girlfriend Shanique Harris.
A 12-person jury found the former substitute
school teacher guilty of first degree murder, false
imprisonment and carrying a concealed firearm.
Although Circuit Judge Sherwood Bauer, Jr., has'
set Jan. 7, 2008, as Brown's sentencing date the
man's fate is sealed.

Dec. 18, 2007
Commission doesn't like choices: The
Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners
directed recruiter Colin Baenziger to re-advertise
for additional candidates at their special meeting
on Monday, Dec. 17. The purpose of the meeting
was to elect a new county administrator to re-
place former county administrator George Long,
whose contract expired in November.

Dec. 20, 2007
Dike repairs under way: Rehabilitation
work on the Herbert Hoover dike is progressing
at a rapid pace, according to the U.S. Army Corps
ofEngineers. The drought conditions affecting
the lake level and requiring water shortage re-
strictions had a silver lining, with the schedule of
repair advancing quicker than had been antici-
pated.

Dec. 22, 2007
Fighting roosters confiscated: A Fort
Pierce man arrested in Okeechobee in connec-


tion with an illegal cockfight has also been ar-
rested in Fort Pierce where he reportedly raised
roosters for fighting. According to a St. Lucie
County Sheriff's Office (SLCSO) arrest affidavit,
Juan Alcantar Mondragon, 42, Havanna Ave., was
arrested Dec. 18 and charged with 846 counts of.
possession of fighting animals (roosters). He was
booked into the St. Lucie County Jail under a
bond of $2,115,000.

Dec. 23, 2007
Don't fall for jury scam: If you get a tele-
phone call that you're going to be arrested be-
cause you didn't show up for jury duty, hang up
the phone -- it's a ruse.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investiga-
tion (FBI) there is a scam being carried out by
con artists that is known as the july scam. So far,
unsuspecting people have been conned out of
their personal information in 11 states -- includ-
ing Florida.

Dec. 29, 2007
Gas prices going up: When residents of
Okeechobee wake up on Tuesday morning, Jan.
1, not only will they wake up to a new year, they
will wake up to gas prices at least five cents high-
er than the day before in the old year.They can
thank the Okeechobee County Board of County
Commissioners for the New Year's present.
In addition to price increases because of taxes,
forecasts are for gasoline prices to escalate in the
new year in part because of increasing demand
for gasoline in China, India and the Middle East
and the political upheaval in oil producing coun-
tries such as Iraq, Iran and Nigeria.

Dec. 30, 2007
Thieves target building sites: Even though
there has been an arrest, investigators are still
looking into other cases dealing with the theft of
copper wire and copper pipe from construction
sites.
Apparently, thieves have recently learned that
good clean copper can fetch up to $3 per pound,
depending on the market that day.

Dec. 31, 2007
Home Depot to open soon: Residents of
Okeechobee' will soon have another shopping
option. Instead of driving to Fort Pierce to shop
at a Home Depot, they will be 'able to shop at the
Home Depot in Okeechobee. By Jan. 7, 2008 con-
struction should be substantially completed and
the grand opening of the store, at the intersection
of U. S. 441 S. and Charles Harvey. Highway, is
scheduled for Feb. 14.


I (SAVE MONEy ON yOUR FAVORITE GROCERY ITEMS. I
Go to newszap.com to download and print coupons online! I
Snwszap.COmI Community Links. Individual Voices. I
"--, - 9 -


"In a democracy, the highest office is that of citizens."
US Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter.


We agree. Yet" too many citizens feel powerless to influence
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Okeechobee News


Community Service Through Journalism


BH RIDGE 3/2 on Waterfront,
Lake access. Fully furnished.
$950. mo. + $950. Sec.
dep. (772)370-1095
OKEECHOBEE 2BR/1BA,
No pets. Fenced yard.
$600/mo. & $500 security.
(863)763-0648
OKEECHOBEE: Nice, 2br/1ba,
$550/mo + 1st, Last & Sec.
Dep. In town. No pets.
(863)763-6232
TAYLOR CREEK ISLES 3/2,
A/C furnished, boat dock, no
pets. Seasonal $900/mo.
Yearly $800/mo 1st & Sec.
dep (954)260-1933



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
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
OKEECHOBEE- 1/1, newly re-
modeledinside w/new roof.
In nice adult park, $5,000
(772)546-3067
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'

Public Notlices
i oIoI


IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIAL IN AND FOR
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. 2007-CA-074
A-1 FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. d/b/a
STERLING TRUST MORTGAGE COR-
PORATION, a Florida corporation,
Plaintiff
TONYA EBRIGHT AND EBRIGHT, IF ANY,
and JOHN DOE OR ANY OTHER PER-
SON IN POSSESSION; ET AL,
Defendants.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a
Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated
7/17/2007 entered in Civil Cast No.
2007-CA-074 of the Circuit Court of
the 19th Judicial Circuit in and for
Okeechobee County, Florida, wherein
A-1 FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. d/b/,a
STERLING TRUST MORTGAGE COR-
PORATION, is Plaintiff and TONYA EB-
RIGHT, EBRIGHT, UNKNOWN SPOUSE
OF TONYA EGRIGHT, IF ANY; and all
unknown parties claiming by, through
under or against the named defen-
dants, whether living or not,; and
whether said unknown parties claims
as heirs, devisees, grantees, assign-
ees, lienors, creditors, trustees, or in
any other capacity, claiming by,
through under or against the named
defendants are Defendant(s).
I will sell to the highest bidder for cash,
at 312 North West 3rd Street, Okee-
chobee, FL at 11:00 o'clock a.m. on
the 23rd day of January, 2008 the fol-
lowing described property as set forth
in said Final Judgment, to wit:
THE NORTH 1/2 OF A PARCEL OF
LAND LYING IN AND COMPRISING A
PART OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 36
SOUTH, AND RANGE 35 EAST, OKEE-
CHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
AS FOLLOWS: THE SOUTH 467 FEET
OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED
PARCEL, TO WIT: BEGINNING AT THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 2,
TOWNSHIP 36 SOUTH, RANGE 35
EAST, THENCE RUN EAST ALONG
THE NORTH SECTION LINE A DIS-
TANCE OF 2345.67 FEET, THENCE
RUN SOUTH A DISTANCE OF 660
FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING;
THENCE RUN EAST A DISTANCE OF
925 FEET; THENCE RUN SOUTH A
DISTANCE OF 1056 FEET; THENCE
RUN WEST A DISTANCE OF 925 FEET;
THENCE RUN NORTH A DISTANCE OF
1056 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGIN-
NING.
Street address: 13995 N.E. 26th
Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Any person claiming an interest in the
surplus from the sale, if any, other
than.the property owner as of the date
of the lis pendens must file a claim
within 60 days after the sale.
DATED this. 19th day of Dec., 2007.
Sharon Robertson
Clerk of Circuit Court
BY:/S/Linda F. Young
Deputy Clerk
254140 ON 12/27/07;1/3/08


ft
ab






Okeechobee News, Thursday, January 3, 2008


10 SPORTS


Local sports end



successful year


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Okeechobee High School
had a strong sports program in
the past year as the girl's softball
team made it to the state final
four, the boy's basketball team
returned to the state playoffs for
the first time in five years, and
the football team returned to the
playoffs for the first time since
2000..
The success of the varsity
girl's softball squad in 2007 was
the top local sports story. The
girls flew through the season
and then got to host three excit-
ing state playoff games at home
before reaching the state tour-
nament in Lakeland. The Cin-
derella season ended in the state
semifinals to Dade City Pasco.
Still four senior girls received
scholarships to continue their
softball careers. Kelley Smiley
and Alisha Claxton were signed
by Indian River Community Col-
lege. Kelci Breaux was signed
by Brevard Community College.
Rachel Lowe earned a scholar-
ship to Stetson University, a Divi-
sion I program.
The boy's football team was
a close second in terms of suc-
cess this year. The Brahmans
broke all kinds of records on of-
fense. Lonnie Pryor continued
to impress as he won his sec-
ond straight District 17 player
of the year award. Tim Williams
and Leshawn Henderson were
poised to sign athletic scholar-
ships to play college football.
.QB Garrett Madrigal also set
the school record for comple-
tion percentage and tied the re-
cord for touchdown passes. The
team finished 7-4 and lost in the
first round of the playoffs in an
exciting game at Dwyer High
School. Also in 2007, two play-
ers who graduated, Vantavious
Askins, and Chris Curtis signed
college scholarships. Curtis at-
tended the Citadel, while Askins
attended junior college in Min-
nesota.
The boy's basketball team
won 17 games and went to the
post season last February. They
finished as district runners up
and defeated the always tough
Glades Central to reach the post
+ season. The boys did lose in the
opening round of the playoffs
as they were blown out by the
Cocoa Tigers. In the off season
Devon Faison signed a scholar-
ship with Panama City Commu-
nity College.
Girl's basketball didn't quali-
fy for the post season, but Tierra
Allen signed a scholarship with


Broward Community College.
Severalvolleyball players also
signed scholarships in 2007.
Shaunaye Brown and Katie Bry-
an both attended Polk Commu-
nity College. Volleyball Coach
George May also retired before
the 2007 season.
Former Brahmans continued
to impress as Robbie Elsemiller
remained one of the.top closers
in college baseball at Stetson.
John Hirst was named team
Captain of the Stetson Hatter
basketball team. Codie Storey
also did a good job at junior col-
lege as he batted cleanup for his
team in Central Florida.
Youth sports also had their
share of success. Several OCRA
all star teams reached the post
season and some reached the
state tournament. Okeechobee
also hosted a state tournament
in the majors division and the
local team won two games.
The Brighton Warriors foot-
ball program, in their first sea-
son, had one team win their
conference championship and
advance to a game in the Orange
Bowl. The Pop Warner program
continued their run of success
with several teams reaching the
playoffs.
Other top sports stories of
2007 included the success of the
Cross Country Program. They
finished fifth in the state. Bryan
Suarez again led the way with
a third place finish in the state
race.
The OHS wrestling team
continued their fine tradition in
2007 as they won their district
championship.
Let's see what 2008 will
bring.


Adventure competition deadline draws near


Individuals and teams are
invited to enter into a rugged,
challenging competition on the
shores of Lake Okeechobee this
year.
The Lake Okeechobee area
of Palm Beach County has al-
ways been a wonder of nature
thanks to its unique environ-
ment. This region was a chal-
lenge for the early pioneers, and
starting January, 2008, it prom-
ises to be a challenge again, but
in a totally different way.
A series of four Lake
Okeechobee Survivor Series
Adventure races have been
announced by a subcommit-
tee of the Lake Okeechobee
Regional Economic Alliance
or LORE.
The first of the four adven-
ture races or, "Extreme Sports
at the Lake" is scheduled Jan.
20, at 8 a.m. in Pahokee. It
promises to be a challenge
for even the most experienced
adventure racer or team of
racers. This three hour event,
the shortest of the scheduled
run events, will test .the par-,
ticipants in running, biking,
and challenge tasks, all the
while encountering natural
and manmade obstacles.
The course designer, Ken-
neth Lutz, a long-time area
resident, has been secretive
about the specific details, en-
suring no one gets a pre-race
advantage. "The course has
been essentially built by na-
ture. But, we have added some
surprises that will test every
participant and every team,"
said Mr. Lutz. The only details
released by Mr. Lutz were the
starting location which is the
Pahokee Marina.
Mr. Lutz has also issued a
throw down challenge, to fire
departments and law enforce-


ment units throughout Florida.
"Florida's fire and law enforce-
ment departments love com-
petition and they are in great
physical shape. So we have a
trophy specially designed for
each. The winning team gets to
take'the trophy home until the
next face. At the end of the four
races in 2008, the teams with
the best time get the trophy and
the bragging rights under the
next Survivor Series Adventure


Races are held," he added.
These series of Adventure
Races are part of LORE's overall
mission to bring attention to the
Lake Okeechobee area and to
improve the region's economy
and tourism. Pahokee, South
Bay and Belle Glade will all host
portions of the races through-
out the series.
But, the real attraction is the
competition.
A number of sponsors have


already come on board to sup-
port the effort and more are
joining the effort weekly.
To register for the first of
the four races, teams and indi-
viduals can call the Belle Glade
Chamber of Commerce at (561)
996-2745. Competitors can also
register at active.com.
The participant fee is $40.
Previous experience in adven-
ture races is required. Partici-
pants must register by Jan. 5.


Along for the ride
Jacques and Margo Bathalon took advantage of the pretty weather on Monday afternoon,
Dec. 31, 2007 to go for a bicycle ride. Their dog, Bonnie, probably enjoyed the ride even
more since she did not have to pedal. The Bathalons are Canadians and are winter resi-
dents of Oasis Village.


Sports News

in Brief

Taylor Creek Bass
Club to meet Jan. 10
Taylor Creek Bass Club will
hold its next monthly meeting on
Jan. 10, at the Buckhead Ridge
VFW Post 9528 beginning at 7
p.m. The club holds its meetings
on the setorid Thursday of each
month with bass tournaments
being held the following week-
end. New members (especially
non-boaters) are welcome. For
more information contact Dave
Stout at (63) 467-2255.

2008 Youth Basketball
sign-ups are open
Sign-ups*for the Okeechobee
County Parks and Recreation's
Youth Basketball League will
be held through Friday, Jan. 11,
from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Regis-
tration is $30 per child and is be-
ing conducted at 640 N.W. 27th
Lane at the Okeechobee County
Sports Complex. Please call
(863) 763-6950 for additional in-
formation.

U.S.C.G.Flotilla
seeks new members
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxil-
iary Flotilla 57 in Okeechobee
is seeking new members to be-
come involved in the Auxiliary's
programs.
The Auxiliary is a volunteer
service organization composed
of men and wbmen who ac-
tively support recreational boat-
ing safety and other Coast Guard
missions.
The Auxiliary also provides
recreational boating safety sup-
port to sate and local authori-
ties.
Members could be involved
in patrols, communications,
administration, seamanship,
piloting/navigation, weather or
search and rescue.
For information, call (863)
763-0165.


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SAVE.JP TO .30


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Only in the Following Counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin,
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