|
]KEECHOBEE
Vol. 99 No. 13 Sunday, January 13, 2008
NEWQ
*********ALL FOR ADC 320
205 SMA U FL LIB OF FL HISTORY
P0 BOX 117007
GAINESVILLE FL 32611
Amendment may cost millions
By Chauna Aguilar
Okeechobee News
The Okeechobee County
School System could lose approx-
imately $3.7 million over the next
five years in tax revenue with the
new version of the proposed con-
stitutional amendment concern-
ing property tax exemptions.
Superintendent of Schools,
Dr. Patricia Cooper said that, "if
the property tax amendment is
passed the school board would
lose $400,000 in funding the first
year.
As apparent by these numbers,
if passed the proposed legislation
would affect the school system
dramatically.
When asked about where
these cuts are going to take place,
Dr. Cooper responded that, "We
have no plans at this point. The
school board is taking a wait and
see attitude. If it passes, then we
will tackle it."
The amount of cuts in the bud-
get will all be made in the operat-
ing budget, which contains such
items as salaries, personnelT and
daily operating issues. This would
come at a dire time in the Florida
schools due to the increased re-
quirements that are going into ef-
fect with the class-size reduction
amendment which was passed i .-
2002.
According to the Florida De-
partment of Education '.web-
site, the State Constitution was
amended in Nov. 2002 which
requires establishing, by the be-
ginning of the 2010-2011 school
year, the maximum number of
students in core-curricula courses
assigned to a teacher in each of
the following three grade group-
ings: pre-kindergarten through
third grade, 18 students; fourth
grade through eighth grade, 22
students; and ninth grade through
twelfth grade, 25 students.
This has required schools to
expend funds on additional staff
and facilities to accommodate the
smaller class sizes now required
by the constitution. An increase in
expense and a decrease in funds
will make this transition period to
smaller class sizes dramatically
difficult.
The numbers do not remain
the same either. It is expected that
in 2009, the Okeechobee School
system will lose $600,000; 2010,.
$700,000; 2011, $900,000; 2012,
$1.1 million.
While the school system re-
ceives funds on a state level and
a local level, the state support
is provided primarily by legisla-
tive appropriations. The major-
ity of state support is distributed
to schools throughout the state
under the provisions of the Flor-
ida Education Finance Program
(FEFP) which allocates funds
based on the number of indi-
vidual students participating in a
particular educational program
rather than upon the number of
teachers or classrooms.
FEFP funds are primarily gen-
erated by multiplying the num-
ber of full-time equivalent (FTE)
students in each of the funded
education programs and by cost
See Schools Page 2
Inside
Breast Cancer
Walk results
American Cancer Making
Strides Against Breast Cancer
walk was held in Flagler Park on
Oct. 20, 2007. The final figures
are now in and the total col-
lected for Okeechobee County
is $32,000.
The top fundraising team was
Raulerson Hospital lead by team
captain Crystal Waldrop com-
ing in at a whopping $8,130.00!
Raulerson was also the present-
ing sponsor for the walk.
Page 3
CES students are
reading for success!
All of Central Elementary stu-
dents are becoming avid read-
ers. Their love for reading in
part is due to a unique reading
system,. 100 Book Challenge.
100 Book Challenge is a uni-
fied system for .independent
reading. 100 Book Challenge
combines six essential com-
ponents to involve the entire
school community-students,
parents, teachers, and adminis-
trators-to achieve measurable
results in reading test scores for
every child, regardless of cur-
rent status.
Page 6
Drought Index
Current: 561
Source: Florida Division
of Forestry
Local Burn Ban: None
Lake Levels
10.13 feet
Last Year: 12.02 feet
Source: South Florida Water
Management District. Depth
given in feet above sea level
Index
Classifieds .........................10, 11
Com ics ..... .......... ....................... 9
Community Events.................... 4
Crossword..............8.................. 8
Schools ................................... 6
Speak Out ............................. 4
Sports........................................ 7
TV .............................................. 8
Weather .................. 2
See Page 2 for information about
how to contact the newspaper.
newszap.com
ftub Rue As
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8 "1 651 0 0 0 02 5' 2
At the circus: Children of all
Okeechobee News/Chuauna Aguilar
Local children participated in the circus act tug of war wherethe "strongest man" of the circus (the center little guy)
allowed two boys (left to right) Luis Rodriguez, 8, Bias Aguilar, a9, nd two girls Rebecca Brashears, 7, and Lindsey
Sampson, 10, to pull on the rope as he held on with all his strength. The remaining AnastasiniEuropean Big Top
Extravaganza Circus shows will be on and Sunday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The Anastasini European Big Top Extravaganza Circus
Spectacular is back in town until Sunday, Jan. 13. One
event is a dog show that is made up of real "pound pup-
An alligator was center stage during a portion of the An- pies" which were saved from dog pounds across the
astasini European Big Top Extravaganza Circus where a country. The remaining shows will be on Saturday, Jan.
performer gave the alligator the "Kiss of Death" during 12, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m.
the show on Thursday, Jan. 10. and 6 p.m.
Officials
watch
homestead
for fraud
By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
As voters prepare to vote on
the homestead exemption issue
later this month, some county
officials fear an increase in at-
tempts to declare the exemption
on home sites in Florida as well
as other states.
Homestead fraud occurs when
a person who has filed for the ex-
emption or is currently receiving
the exemption is found to not be
a permanent resident of a county
or is, not in good faith, residing on
the property on which they have
According to the Okeechobee
Count Property Appraiser's web
site, if a property owner has inten-
tionally cheated on their home-
stead exemption they will have a
tax lien placed against, their prop-
erties, be back-taxed for up to 10
years, be required to pay a size-
able penalty -- 50 percent of the
unpaid taxes for each year -- and
pay interest at a rate of 15 percent
per year.
Mickey Bandi, a senior apprais-
er with the Okeechobee County
Property Appraiser's Office, said
that if the amendment passes,
he thinks his office will see an in-
crease in the attempts to commit
homestead exemption fraud.
"I don't think it will make it
easier, but I think it will increase
the attempts," he said. "I think
we'll see more because anytime
you make the benefit greater you
will see an opportunity to commit
fraud."
He said many larger counties
are hiring former law enforce-
ment officers to work homestead
fraud cases. Mr. Bandi said coun-
See Fraud Page 2
Okeechobee County Teacher
of the Year selection to begin
By Chauna Aguilar
Okeechobee News
The Okeechobee County
School Teachers of the Year
gathered at the school board
office to take part in a reception
with the selection committee
and to gather together to recog-
nize them on their accomplish-
ment.
Our Okeechobee County
Teachers of the Year from
each school are: Okeechobee
High School, Bill Black; New
Endeavor High School, Dawn
Nichols; Okeechobee Fresh-
man Campus, Brian Dryden;
Osceola Middle School, Dianne
Leko; Yearling Middle School,
Melinda Gray; Central Elemen-
tary,, Judy Mix; Everglades Ele-
mentary, Heather Hawk; North
Elementary, Elizabeth Stanley;
Seminole Elementary, Erin El-
linger; South Elementary, Karen
Carrier; and Exceptional Child
Education, Shanda Altman.
According to the Florida De-
partment of Education website,
this program recognizes and
honors the contributions of
outstanding classroom teach-
ers who have demonstrated a
superior capacity to inspire a
love of learning in students of
all backgrounds and abilities. -
Nomination packets are sent
to district superintendents at the
beginning of each school year.
Selection processes may differ
by district, but Okeechobee
accepts nominations from in-
dividual schools within their
district and then require the
candidates to undergo a more
strenuous selection process.
Only one teacher may be
nominated by a district to the
See Teacher Page 2
Okeechobee News/Chauna Aguilar
The Teachers of the Year for the 2007-08 school year (left to
right-front row) Judy Mix, Dawn Nichols, Dianne Leko, Karen
Carrier, Melinda Gray, (left to right-back row) Brian Dryden, Eliz-
abeth Stanley, Erin Ellinger, Bill Black, Shanda Altman, Heather
Hawk, met at the Okeechobee County School Board office for a
reception and to meet the selection committee.
2 Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008
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Schools
Continued From Page 1
factors to obtain weighte4.,f,,
Weighted FTEs are then multi-
plied by a base student allocation
and by a district cost differential
in the major calculation to deter-
mine the base funding from state
and local FEFP funds. There are
also other allocations within the
FEFP as well.
According to the Florida De-
partmentofEducation2007-08sta-.
tistical report, the state funds ap-
propriated to finance the 2007-08
Teacher
Continued From Page 1
state and Only the superintendent
may submit the nomination. All
full-time, public school classroom
teachers, grades pre-K through
12, adult education teachers,
postsecondary vocational/techni-
cal education teachers, guidance
counselors, media specialists, and
department chairpersons who ac-
tively engage in classroom teach-
ing are eligible for nomination.
School personnel whose major
responsibilities are administrative
or supervisory are ineligible.
Each Florida District Teacher
of the Year receives an award
check of $500 from the depart-
ment. The Florida Teacher of the
Year receives an award check of
$2,500 from the Department of
Education. The Florida Teacher of
the Year also serves as the Christa
McAuliffe Ambassador for Educa-
tion.
In this role, they serve as a
goodwill ambassador represent-
ing the Department of Educa-
tion and teachers throughout the
state. The Teacher of the Year may
conduct workshops, address fel-
low teachers, parents, and busi-
ness and community leaders at
conferences and meetings, and
talk to student groups about ca-
reers in education. The ambas-
stdor is on sabbatical leave from
Fraud
Continued From Page 1
ties such as Indian River County
are finding that about 1 percent
of their homestead exemption
applications are fraudulent.
In Okeechobee County, he
said there are 8,000 properties
that have been granted the ex-
emption.
"In order to prosecute, we
must prove they were knowl-
edgeable in committing the
fraud," he said. "If it's a case of
not knowing, then we don't turn
it over to the sheriff's office. If
they know, then we turn it over
FEFP a total of $9,851,444,784. An port comes almost entirely from
appropriation of $9,713,096,636 property taxes levied by Florida's
from the state's general revenue 67 counties, each of which con-.
fund accounts for 98.60 percent stitutes a school district. Each
o.,poyipgn. The remainder of the school board iingin
FEFP appropriation consists of the state'Tallocatin funds for
an :ap rOpriation of $138,348,148 the crrienrtbprationof schools
from the principal state. school must levy the mileage set for its re-
trust fund. Although taxes from quired local effort from property
a number of sources are depos- taxes.
ited in the general revenue fund, Budgeted revenues from local
the predominant tax source is the taxes are determined by applying
sales tax. millage levies to 95 percent of the
In addition, funds are appro- taxable value of property. Due to
priated to meet other needs by this process is where the schools
means of categorical programs. will lose funding due to the lower
Local revenue for school sup- dollar amount collected in prop-
erty taxes.
The newly proposed consti-
tutional amendment will appear
on all ballots during the Jan. 29,
primary ele tio~.While theayer .
is $240, this will cost local educa-
tion approximately $400,000 in
the first year.
Every citizen will have to make
that choice on whether they want
to take advantage of a possible
tax reduction or a reduction in
the quality of our schools.
Post your opinions in the Public
Issues Forum at www.newszap.com.
Reporter Chauna Aguilar may be
reached at cagullar@newszap.com.
UKeecnooee News/unauna Agunar
These individuals (left to right) Lonnie Steiert, 07-08 Teacher of the Year; Jenny Pung, Com-
munity Representative; Kelly Raulerson, Community Representative; David Williams, School
Board Member; and Lt. Mary Anne Dana, Community Representative, (not pictured) comprise
the selection committee for the Teacher of the Year 2007-08 selection process.
his/her school district during this
year of service. The Department
reimburses the district for the
teacher's salary and benefits.
to the sheriff's office."
So far the Okeechobee County
Sheriff's Office has investigated
and arrested a man for trying
to declare homestead exemp-
tion on property in Okeechobee
County as well as on his home in
Kentucky.
"It's not that hard," said
Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul
May of investigating such cases.
"You pull the records from the
county you think they claimed
homestead exemption in anoth-
er state and pull records here that
they've signed. You're not going
to have to interview a lot of wit-
nesses -- it will be all paper trail."
Sheriff May added that the in-
Last years Okeechobee Coun-
ty District Teacher of the Year was
Yolanda Steiert from Central El-
ementary School.
dividual can be criminally pros-
ecuted in both stAtes, and if such
a case is brought to his attention
his office will investigate it.
Mr. Bandi indicated that one
thing his office is doing is care-
fully explaining the law to those
claiming the exemption. He
added that they are also keeping
a wary eye on all new applica-
tions.
"We make sure we explain to
them that homestead in Florida
is better than in a lot of states,
but they must relinquish their
homestead in one of the states,"
he said. "We're starting to inves-
tigate all of our new homesteads.
The state is better at supplying
Post your opinions in the Public
Issues Forum at www.newszap.com.
Reporter Chauna Aguilar may be
reached at cagullar@newszap.com.
duplicate Social Security num-
bers."
On Tuesday, Jan. 29, voters
in Florida will have the opportu-
nity to vote on how homestead
exemptions are assessed. They
can choose to keep their cur-
rent exemption and their current
Save Our Homes cap, or choose
the Super Homestead Exemption
and give up Save Our Homes.
Nobody can guarantee which
option is best for homeowners
or guarantee that the option will
prove accurate over time.
For more information, contact
the Okeechobee County Property
Appraiser's Office at (863) 763-
4422.
Lotteries
Miami (AP) Here are the winning numbers selected Friday in
the Florida Lottery: Cash 3 8-9-8, Play 4 9-1-1-6, Mega Money 7-
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AIR4 [ M
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.. .. .....
Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008 3
HMaking Strides Against
WBreast Cancer Walk results
American Cancer Making
Strides Against Breast Cancer
walk was held in Flagler Park on
Oct. 20, 2007. The final figures are
now in and the total collected for
Okeechobee County is $32,000.
The top fundraising team was
Raulerson Hospital lead by team
captain Crystal Waldrop coming
in at a whopping $8,130.00! Raul-
erson was also the presenting
sponsor for the walk.
Walkers met at Flagler Park at
8:30 a.m. for a continental break-
fast and began the walk at 9 a.m.
There were approximately 300
walkers.
Sponsors for this years walk
were: Raulerson Hospital, Sea-
coast National Bank, National
City Bank, Paradise Land Ser-
vices, LLC, Syfrett Feed Company,
INC. All About you Caregivers,
Okeechobee Title Company, Dan-
iels Plumbing, Beef 'O0' Brady's,
Okeechobee Abstract & Title,
Publix, RJ Gators, U-Save, Golden
Corral & Winn Dixie.
Thank you to all of our spon-
sors!
Submitted Photos
Making Strides Committee is: Debbie Caldwell- New Team Chair, Patti Mullins-Co-Chair, Car-
rie Heineman-Chair, Mike Radebaugh-Logistics Chair, Shannon Martin-ACS Staff, Teresa
Chandler-Media Chair, Billy English-Logistics Chair, gathered together with many others at
the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 20, 2007.
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4 OPINION Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008
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
discussions currently taking place. Thanks for participating!
HOME DEPOT: Every day when I drive by Home Depot, I find my-
self looking forward to it opening. I love Home Depot garden centers.
They always seem to have the best selection of potted herbs. It's hard
to find those anywhere else for an affordable price. The grocery stores
have them sometimes, but for about triple the price of Home Depot.
For my part, the new Home Depot won't cost any store in town any of
my business it will just save me the trip to Fort Pierce.
WITCHCRAFT: I realize that Witchcraft is still a touchy subject with
those of the Christian based southern bible belt faith but if we stay si-
lent the ignorance will remain the same, ignorance and that's just not
acceptable. We live in this great nation of diversified cultures and peo-
ple and we need to just respect each other and join hands in Harmony
for a better tomorrow to make this a better place for our children and
there children. We are a melting pot of people and many are not of the
main stream religions so with that said lets please, can't we just all get
along? I love to educate people, I am passionate about education and
it's my privilege to teach those whom ask. There's a huge difference
between teaching people willing to learn then to stuff pamphlets into
my doors and telling me I need to be saved or I'll burn in hell.
JUDGING RELIGIONS: I am a firm believer that everyone is en-
titled to practice any faith they choose. And to be able to practice it
without persecution. What I don't agree with is the way those calling in
seem to judge other religions. You toot and hoot how others, especially
Christians, are so negative. Well I hate to be the one to tell you, but your
spitting and spewing is just as ugly as theirs and yes, braggadocios is a
word. You see, with that cute little quip of yours you have shown who
is being sarcastic.
DEFINE WITCH: To all of the so called witches and pagans that
have been calling into speak out. Look in Websters New World Dic-
tionary and find the definitions of each.
JUDGMENT: This is directed to the pagan/witch. That call-in that I
made regarding that we don't care about your religion and that we are
the majority in this country, we being Christians. In what way did I ever
offend you? In what way did I ever put a judgment on you? I did not put
judgment on you. I was just defending my own religion. Furthermore I
did not call you names and you called me ill-minded. Just look at how
you treat us and you expect us to treat you better. Two wrongs do not
make a right. You said that I would be judged, but if you do not believe
in my religion how could you make that statement? I don't care if you
are a witch or a pagan, that is your prerogative. Like you said, it's a free
country. Just don't put my religion down.
CLEAN IT UP: Lets all get out in Okeechobee and get it look-
ing good. From what I read in the paper that code enforcements are
getting property owners to clean up there properties everywhere in
Okeechobee except in the Southeast section. Let's get the whole town
looking good.
HOSPICE CONFUSION: This is a comment on the recent article
about the Hospice confusion. Yes the thrift store is a part of Big Lake
Hospice. As to the money and where it goes, you can call Treasure
Coast Hospice in Stuart and get that information. Yes, Hospice of
Okeechobee has a residence, they have yard sales; however, to have a
residence or another building for Hospice patients, you have to petition
to the State of Florida and get a certificate of need.
DCF: Yes, I have been a lifetime resident of Okeechobee and I was
just wondering if anybody else has had problems with children and
family services. Tallahassee needs to start an investigation on them,
I don't understand how a mother can do everything that the depart-.
ment of Family and Services asks from her and has never had any drug
charges or any arrest charges or any other reason to lose her child. And
+ why-the Department of Children and Families continuously'gives her a
run around on everything. I thought that was a program to help you
get your child back.
COME SEE ME: I would like to comment about the dog in Four
Seasons. I live in Four Seasons and my dog has a shed, a bed and is
well fed.
CHEAPSKATES: This is about cheapskates. How cheap can you
get that you have to sneak your trash over, into the neighbors' so that
you wont have to pay for trash pick up. That is pretty bad. Editor's
note: Since Okeechobee has countywide mandatory garbage
pickup, all property owners are paying for trash pick up on
the tax bill. The city residents also have mandatory pickup.
BARACK OBAMA: Who is Barack Obama? Very interesting and
something that should be considered in your choice. This is very scary
to think of what lies ahead of us, here in our own United States. We
checked this out on www.snopes.com. Check for yourself. Barack
Hussein Obama will not recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor will he
show any reverence for our flag. While others place their hands over
their hearts, Obama turns his back to the flag and slouches. Let us all
remain alert concerning Obama's expected Presidential Candidacy.
Community Events
Sunday, Jan. 13
Church plans Homecoming Day
Sunday, Jan. 13 is Homecoming Day at Brighton Baptist Church,
24050 SR 70 W. There will be plenty of good singing, good preach-
ing, good fellowship and good food. Sunday school begins at 9:45
a.m. and worship is at 10:45 a.m. Brother Cecil Burns will be the
featured speaker during the morning service. For information call
(863) 763-3063.
Okeechobee News
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At YourS
!chobee News 2007
e Information See
Service On Page 2
Letters to the Editor
Amendment would increase homestead exemption
The following information on
the proposed amendment to the
Florida Constitution came from
the Florida League of Women
Voters.
AMENDMENT # 1 -
PROPERTY TAXES
Reference: Article VII, Sec-
tions 3, 4, and 6, and Article
XII, Section 27
Ballot Summary: This revision
proposes changes to the State
Constitution relating to property
taxation. With respect to home-
stead property, this revision: (1)
increases the homestead exemp-
tion except for school district
taxes and (2) allows homestead
property owners to transfer up to
$500,000 of their Save-Our-Homes
benefits to their next homestead.
With respect to non-homestead
property, this revision (3) provides
a $25,000 exemption for tangible
personal property and (4) limits
assessment increases for speci-
fied non-homestead real property
except for school district taxes.
Sponsor: The Florida Legisla-
ture
Background: This amendment
was placed on the ballot by the
Florida Legislature at a special
session in October 2007, after
a Florida court struck down the
Legislature's earlier proposal for
property tax cutbacks. This Joint
Resolution proposes changes to
the following sections of Article
VII (Finance and Taxation) of
the Florida Constitution: Section
3 (Taxes; exemptions); Section
4 (Taxation; assessments); and
Section 6 (Homestead Exemp-
tions). It also adds a new Section
27 (Property tax exemptions and
limitations on property tax assess-
ments) to Article XII (Schedule).
PRO:
Adds a new $25,000 home-
Upcoming Events'
Sunday Jan. 13
A.A. meeting from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Church of Our
Saviour, 200 N.W. Third St. It will be an open step meeting.
A.A. open 12 step meeting from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the
Church of Our Savior, 200 N.W Third St.
Narcotics Anonymous woman's step study meeting at 7,
p.m. at the Just for Today club, 2303 S. Hwy 441, Suite K. For more
information please call (863) 634-4780.
Monday Jan. 14
A.A. meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the First Unit-
ed Methodist Church, 200 N.W Second St. This will be an open
meeting.
VFW #10539 Ladies Auxiliary lunch and bingo will start at
noon at the Post, 3912 U.S. 441 S.E. Auxiliary members and their
guests are invited. Please R.S.VP. to (863) 763-2308.
Okeechobee Senior Singers 'meet at 9:30 a.m. at the
Okeechobee Presbyterian Church, 312 North Parrott Ave. Every-
one who enjoys singing is invited. For information or to sched-
ule an appearance for your organization or group, contact Marge
Skinner at (863) 532-0449. )
The Genealogical Society of Okeechobee will meet at
1:30 p.m. at the Okeechobee County Public Library, 206 S.W. 16th
St. This meeting is open to anyone interested in tracing his or her
ancestry. The annual membership is $10 per person, and $12 for
a family. For information, call Eve at (863) 467-2674; or, visit their
web site at http://www.rootsweb.com/-flgso.
Narcotics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. for open discussion
at the Just for Today club, 2303 S. Hwy 441, Suite K. For informa-
tion, call (863) 634-4780.
O.C.R.A. meets at Peace Lutheran Church, 750 N.W 23rd Lane
at 7p.m .......
S AttfulAppliqiers is arec-itly formed chapter in Okeechobee.
This chapter meets at the Turtle Cove Clubhouse, 10 Linda Road,
Okeechobee on Mondays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Karen Graves,
Chapter leader would like to extend a warm welcome to any in-
terested persons to come by and see what they are about. For
information call (863) 763-6952.
Nicotine Anonymous (NICA)is starting a new club with
meetings to be held at the Just For Today club, 2303 U.S. Hwy 441
S.E., Suite K, on Mondays from 8:30 until 9:30 p.m. For informa-
tion, call Steve Condit Sr. at (863) 801-3110.
AA meetings Buckhead Ridge Christian Church, 3 Linda
Road, holds open meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous on Mon-
day nights from 7 to 8 p.m. for substance abuse. They also have
Al-Anon meetings on Monday nights from 7 until 8 p.m. to help
family and friends of alcoholics. For information call Chris at (863)
467-5714.
Community Events
Sunday, Jan. 13
Church host revival
The First United Methodist Church, 200 N.W Second St. will be
hosting revival services, Sunday, Jan. 13 -16 with Rev. Rick Size-
more, Senior Minister of Dwelling Place Christian Fellowship in
Christianburg, Va. Services will be Sunday at 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m.
and 6:30 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday
at 7 p.m. For information call (863) 763-4021.
Holy Ghost Revival planned
The Vineyard of Okeechobee, 1060 N.W 113th Drive, will have
a Holy Ghost Revival with Evangelist Eddie Mirelez on Jan. 13,- 16
at 7 p.m. For information call Pastor Robyn Spradlin at (863) 697-
2503 or (863) 763-8183.
Ken Apple Family to be in concert
The Ken Apple Family will be at the Okeechobee Church of the
Nazarene, 425 S.W 281h St., at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 13. For informa-
tion call (863) 763-3159.
Speckled Perch Pageant planned
On Jan. 13, the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce Speckled
Perch beauty pageant will be held at 4 p.m. at the KOA convention
-center. Applications are available at Chamber of Commerce office.
For more information, call (863)763-6464.
Faith, Family and Freedom
Andrew Phipps will be at New Testament Baptist Church on
Sunday, Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss how America was built on
Faith Family and Freedom. For more information please call (863)
763-6682 or visit the churches website at www.ntbcokeechobee.
com.
Tuesday, Jan. 15
Main Street plans mixer
Okeechobee Main Street will hold their mixer on Tuesday, Jan.
15, at the Waldau Studio of Graphic Design, 111 N.E. Second St.
from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is invited where you can. socialize, net-
work and enjoy light refreshments. For more information contact
OKMS at (863) 357-MAIN.
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.
stead exemption applicable only
to county property taxes (not
school taxes).
Allows homestead property
owners to apply up to $500,000
in existing Save Our Homes tax
savings to a new homestead.
Provides businesses with a
new $25,000 tax exemption on
tangible personal property.
Limits county property tax
assessment increases on non-
homestead real property to 10
percent per year (this is not ap-
plicable to school taxes).
May help stimulate sales of
real property by allowing home-
stead property owners to transfer
Save Our Homes tax savings to a
new homestead.
CON:
Cities and counties will lose
$9.6 billion in tax money over the
next 5 years.
Public schools will lose $2.8
billion in tax money over the next
5 years.
Making Save Our Homes
portable extends the present.
inequality in property tax as-
sessments between homestead
owners and owners of non-
homestead property.
The tax breaks will apply to
all homeowners, even those who
can afford to pay.
Counties may raise devel-
oper impact fees or other taxes
or fees to pay for cuts in property
taxes.
May be unconstitutional be-
cause it treats long-time home-
stead owners differently from
new arrivals to Florida.
Changes state property
taxes while the constitutionally
mandated Florida Taxation and
Budget Reform Commission are
still working on its once in twenty
years study of the taxation sys-
tem.
Community Events
Sons of the American Revolution Essay contest
The Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution, would
like to invite all high school students to participate in the annual
George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. The contest is open
to all high school students and runs during the fall months, all
entries should be in to the state co-coordinator by Jan. 15, 2008.
The essay contest consist of a 800 to 1200 word original essay
on the American Revolution, the Constitution or any participant
in the events leading up to the Revolution and its aftermath. Any
student wishing to enter the contest can find further information
by accessing the web site at sar-essay@hotmail.com or Hall Rie-
idger, Publicity Chairman FLSSAR, at (772) 336-0926:
Top Broadway Composers discussed
Presented by Ian Nairnsey at the Okeechobee Library, Broad-
way Music Authority Ian Nairnsey will present Top Broadway
Composers at the Okeechobee Library beginning Jan. 15 with a
program on Rodgers and Hammerstein. Mr. Nairnsey brings a
wealth of music and backstage information on Broadway mu-
sicals. The programs will begin at 7 p.m. in the Okeechobee Li-
brary Meeting Room. They are free and open to the public. 1.
"Rodgers and Hammerstein In A Minor Key" on Tuesday, Jan.
15- 2. "John Mercer" on Jan. 22.-3. "Bob Merrill" on Jan. 29, 4.
"Frank Loesser on February 5th. 5. "Jerome Kern Part 1" .Feb.
12, 6. "Jerome Kern Part.!!" Feb. 19. For information call Jan
Fehrman at (863) 357-9980.
Wednesday, Jan. 16
Main Street plans membership luncheon
On Wednesday, Jan. 16, Okeechobee Main Street will hold
their membership luncheon at the Brahl a Bull Restaurnt, 2504
U,S. 441 South at noon.. The public is welcome to coe, ,see what
OKMS is doing for our community. r
Thursday, Jan. 17
VFW #9528 holds garage sale.
The VFW Post 9528 will hold a garage sale on Friday, Jan. 17
and Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Post home on 78 West in BHR. Dona-
tions of items to the sale are needed. Please drop off at the post
home on Hwy 78 West, or call for local pickup on Jan. 15 & 16.
For pickup call between noon and 4 p.m. at the Post home (863)
467-2882 or Frank at (863) 467-0840.
Airboat Association to meet
The Lake Okeechobee Airboat Association will hold its
monthly meeting 'at Beef 0' Brady's on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 6
p.m. Election of officers for 2008 and final preparation for the
Speckled Perch Festival are the primary agenda items. All mem-
bers are encouraged to be present. 2008 membership dues can
be paid at the meeting or mailed to P. 0. Box 30, Okeechobee,
FL 34973-0300.
Monthly coffee klatch scheduled
The Chamber of Commerce Coffee Klatch will be Jan. 17, at 8
a.m. It will be sponsored by March of Dimes Lakeview Builders,
200 N.W. Fifth St.
Airboat Association to meet
The Lake Okeechobee Airboat Association will hold its
monthly meeting at Beef 0' Brady's on Thursday,. Jan. 17, at 6
p.m. Election of officers for 2008 and final preparation for the
Speckled Perch Festival are the primary agenda items. All mem-
bers are encouraged to be present. 2008 membership dues can
be paid at the meeting or mailed to P. 0. Box 30, Okeechobee,
FL 34973-0300.
Okeechobee News/Chauna Augilar
Juggling and balancing
Juggling and balancing ranged from the smallest balls to
very large steel bar cube which was twisted and turned
around this Anastasini circus performer. The remaining
Anastasini European Big Top Extravaganza Circus shows
will be on Sunday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008
4 OPINION
Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008 5
Crop insurance deadline nears
GAINESVILLE -- Producers in
need of insurance coverage for
Spring and Fall annually planted
crops under the Noninsured Crop
Assistance Program (NAP) have
until Jan. 31 to apply for certain
crops for which the catastrophic
level of insurance is not regularly
available, said Kevin L. Kelley,
State Executive Director for the
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA):
"Crop insurance is an important
risk management tool for farmers,
but it's not available for all crops.
That's why NAP is so important,"
said Kelley.
NAP is a federally funded pro-
gram that provides financial assis-
tance to producers of non-insur-
Rucks
chosen for
scholarship
The Florida Federation of Fairs
& Livestock Shows, Inc., is an
organization whose members
are Florida Chartered Fairs and
Livestock Shows or any other
associates related to the fair and
livestock show business. The
Florida Federation of Fairs Schol-
arship Committee is pleased to
announce that the Federation will
be presenting two $1000 schol-
arships this year. The Federation
would like to thank Staat's &
Co. for co-sponsoring this year's
Scholarship Award.
The Selection Committee
spoke highly of all the applicants
and wants to be sure to congrat-
ulate all the youth that applied
- you are all winners.
The Federation scholarships
are awarded to qualifying FFA
and/or 4-H graduating seniors
who are planning their post-high
school education. Each applicant
must have exhibited his/her proj-
ect in a County Fair or at the State
Fair within the last two years and
must be submitted by their fair. A
minimum 3.0 GPA is required and
each applicant must exhibit the
goals of which he/she is capable.
This year, for the first time, the
Okeechobee County Fair solicited
applicants from Okeechobee's
graduating seniors in FFA and 4-H.
Four applicants were received but
only one could be submitted to
the Federation. The Okeechobee
County Fair Scholarship commit-
tee had a very difficult decision
and were very impressed by the
young people's qualifications and
accomplishments.
The Okeechobee County Fair
entry, Lindsey Rucks is one of the
two scholarships winners. She
was selected to receive this honor
from a pool of very capable ap-
plicants from the entire state of
Florida.
Lindsey will be recognized
and presented with her scholar-
ship at the Annual Banquet dur-
ing the Florida Federation of Fairs
Convention to be held in May at
the Innisbrook Resort in Palm
Harbor. Okeechobee County Fair
President Linda Syfrett, Treasurer
Terry. Burroughs, Secretary Di-
anne Spann and board member
Robbi Sumner will attend the
event.
Livestock
Market Report
Jan. 7 and Jan. 8, 2008
Cows
Breaking $47.00 $56.00
Cutter $44.00 $54.00
Canner $36.00 $47.00
Bulls
1000-1500 $56.00 $60.00
1500-2000 $63.50 $68.50
Calves
Cows
Strs
Hfrs
Bulls
Yrlngs
Mix
Total
Med #1
150-200
200-250
250-300
300-350
350-400
400-450
450-500
550-600
600-650
Med #2
150-200
200-250
250-300
300-350
350-400
400-450
Monday
438
98
2
3
25
29
33
628
Steers
135-190
140-142
130-135
127-132
119-130
112-120
109-116
97-109
89-97
Steers
135-137
120-135
115-130
104-122
95-115
85-112
Tuesday
1043
289
5
13
54
66
23
1493
Hfrs
117-135
115-123
105-113
103-113
94-105
88-98
86-90
80-84
Hfrs
107-120
95-115
92-106
87-96
85-94
Happy New Yearl We started back about
where we left off, price wise. Kinda thought
calves would have been higher but they
weren't. Cows and bulls sold good, about
steady to a little higher. I think everybody
was just trying to get back to work should
be better next week. Phyllis Canter, Lake
Placid topped the cow market with a high
of 1.90. Bar Crescentss. Okeechobee and
Adams Ranch, Ft. Pierce topped the cow
market with a high of 57.00. Brood cow
sale March 7, call Robert Burney at 634-
2045 for information if interested in selling
or buying.
Todd
able crops when low yields, loss
of inventory or prevented planting
occurs because of natural disas-
ters. "Producers must apply for
coverage before disaster strikes,"
said Kelley. "Like regular crop
insurance, once an application
period closes, the opportunity to
obtain coverage is gone."
NAP applications for coverage
of eligible crops must be filed, and
service fees paid, by Jan. 31, the
application closing date. Produc-
ers should contact their local FSA
Office for specific crop application
sales closing dates.
NAP coverage requires a ser-
vice fee of $100 per crop, per pro-
ducer with a $300 cap per county.
Out-of-pocket expenses will not
exceed $900 for any producer,
even if production occurs in more
than three counties. Service fees
may be waived for eligible limited
resource producers.
Crops eligible for NAP coverage
are those for which crop insurance
is not available, and include fruits
and vegetables, aquaculture, pe-
cans, turfgrass and forage crops.
Application closing dates vary by
crop, and producers should con-
tact their local Farm Service Agen-
cy county office for details.
More information on NAP and
additional disaster assistance pro-
grams is available online at: http://
www.fsa.usda.gov/
* One Coupon per visit Must Present Coupon to server when ordering
Not valid after date noted on coupon or with any other offer
i2 SENIOR DINNERS En y
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Ex 113151 sai sires: $ 19
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-ver
"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
the flow of events.
We give people a voice. Our Speak Out column is just one
example. We consider it an extension of the secret ballot and
a return of the values of the American Revolution.
How are we doing?
Let us know by emailing feedback@newszap.com or calling
your editor.
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Invest in yourself, the best
investment you 'f ever make!
Bottle baby
This Jersey bull was caught enjoying a bottle of milk for
his supper just a few days after being born.
Okeechobee News/Chauna Augilar
Aerial fantasy
These three Anastasini family performers captivated the
crowd through their aerial fantasy routine which took
place at the very top of the circus tent with no safety har-
nesses or nets to protect them. The remaining Anastasini
European Big Top Extravaganza Circus shows'will be on
Saturday, Jan. 12, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday,
Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
6 Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008
Craft urges members to vote 'no' Yearling Middle School News
Kiwanis members
learn about upcoming
amendment
By Chauna Aguilar
Okeechobee News
Kiwanis members heard from
St. Lucie County Commissioner
Chris Craft on Thursday, Jan. 10,
where he strived to explain why
citizens of Florida should vote
"no" against the proposed consti-
tutional amendment concerning
property tax exemptions.
According to Mr. Craft, there
are four major components to the
proposed amendment: doubling
the homestead exemption up
to $50,000; instituting Save Our
Homes portability; extending tan-
gible personal property exemp-
tion up to $25,000; and imple-
menting a 10 percent assessment
cap for non-homestead property.
He stated that statewide, the
homeowner will save an average
of $240 a year from the proposed
increased homestead exemption,
which is equal to 67 cents per
day.
Regarding the Florida taxing
system, "It's broken, weall admit
it's broken," stated Mr. Craft.
The question is -- does this
really fix anything? Mr. Craft ex-
plained that the taxing problems
in Florida were caused by the
Save Our Homes Act which was
passed when 60 percent of the
electoral voters approved this
amendment which resulted in
unintended consequences which
led to the current unequal taxing
situation in Florida.
Through that act, the taxing
burden was shifted to non-home-
stead properties and created a
gap on the real value of property
to the assessed value of property.
St. Lucie County Commis-
sioner Craft explained that while
some savings will be seen by the
everyday citizen, these cuts have
to come from somewhere. By
cutting the amount of tax revenue
that the cities, counties and ul-
timately the state receives this is
cutting the budgets of the services
that they provide to the citizens.
"Government is an extension
1 Chauna Aguilar/OKeecnODee News
St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Craft (center) spoke
to local Kiwanis members concerning the upcoming consti-
tutional revision that will be on the Jan. 29, primary voting
session.
of you ... the services have to be
paid for," stated Mr. Craft. Gov-
ernment entities are already ex-
periencing their first round of cuts
that are guaranteed to be much
more substantial if this amend-
ment passes as proposed.
Mr. Craft went on to explain
the Save Our Homes portabil-
ity and what that means for local
government. The new proposed
exemptions would allow people
who are currently benefiting from
the Save Our Homes homestead
exemption to move to another lo-
cation in the state and take their
benefit with them.
This will hurt the county that
they relocate to, because they will
then be receiving a lower amount
of tax revenue because they will
maintain the gap that was created
between the real property value
and the assessed property value.
According to Mr. Craft, this will
give ektra benefits to people that
don't really need it.
Commissioner Craft men-
tioned a statement of House of
Representatives (D-81) that "it's
not perfect," in regards to the pro-
posed amendment.
Mr. Craft feels that "you better
make sure that it is perfect before
you change the constitution." Mr.
Craft went on to say that "the
Constitution of Florida is the sec-
ond most precious document in
government; only second to the
United States Constitution."
Before you make changes to
such an important document, he
said, one should make sure that
the changes that are implement-
ed actually fix the problems and
not just compound the issues that
are already there.
He urged the Kiwanis mem-
bers to vote "no."
"Send the amendment back
to them again and demand that
they allow local officials a seat at
the table," Mr. Craft urged. "Gov-
ernment officials such as city and
county administrators/managers
and finance managers who have
knowledge of budgeting process-
es should be involved."
Mr. Craft went on to express
that we need economists making
the rules when it comes to econ-
omy issues. It took the top econ-
omist in the state two months
to come up with the formula to
explain the effects of the previous
super-homestead exemption. It
only took legislation two weeks
to develop the new plan.
Savings for the citizens are ap-
parent with the 'new proposal,
but what local services are they
willing to receive less of for that
savings.
Post your opinions in the Public
Issues Forum at www.newszap.com.
Reporter Chauna Aguilar may be
reached at caguilar@newszap.com.
CES students reading for success!
All of Central Elementary stu-
_ debts are becoming avid readers.
Their love for reading in part is
due to a unique reading system,
100 Book Challenge.
100 Book Challenge is a uni-
fied system for independent read-
ing. 100 Book Challenge com-
bines six essential components to
involve the entire school commu-
nity-students, parents, teachers,
and administrators-to achieve
measurable results in reading test
scores for every child, regardless
of current status.
100 Book Challenge is a system
designed to get all of our students
into the habit of successful inde-
pendent reading every day. This
habit requires access to the right
books, at the right times, with the
right kinds of social supports. 100
Book Challenge gets students,
their families and their teachers to
develop the avid. reading lifestyle
for the rewards it brings.
The leveling system uses a
phonics, vocabulary, and com-
prehension infrastructure, cata-
logued on Skills Cards to support
student, teacher and parent learn-
ing. As students read for pleasure,
their teachers and parents learn to
help them master the sophisticat-
ed reader response frameworks
required by our high-stakes test-
ing.
Mr. Randy Paulson, Central El-
ementary Principal, and the rest
of the teaching staff can often
be seen sharing a story concept
or conferencing to determine a
student's basic comprehension of
a story during the 100 Book Chal-
lenge reading block time. Cen-
tral's students are encouraged to
read because after all "Readers
are leader".
Central .Elementary results
have been nothing short of phe-
nomenal. When students who
haven't enjoyed reading and
haven't done much of it in the
past, begin to read by the hour,
they make extraordinary prog-
ress-rapidly. At the core of our,
philosophy is the basic premise
that reading is m6ore'than a set
of skills, it's a lifestyle. 100 Book
Challenge teaches the avid reader
lifestyle, creating lifelong learners,
one book at a time.
Mrs. S. Nipper's Red Bear Class
celebrates reading for 25 hours as
an entire class.
Mrs. J. Jones and McDevitt's
Second Grade Class displays their
love for reading.
While all of all of Central's
students are developing a love of
reading, two special classes have
read for over 25 hours. Let's give
a big shout out to Mrs. Nipper's
Red Bear Kindergarten class and
Mrs. J. Jones and McDevitt's Sec-
ond Grade Class! No doubt the
rest of Central's Pride will be join-
ing these two classes during the
New Year, so stay tuned as we cel-
ebrate other Central Elementary
classes who will soon be reaching
the 25 hour achievement mark in
the very near future. Keep reading-
"Leader."
Okeechobee County Middle Schools Menus
January 14-18
Monday
Burrito w/Salsa
Ravioli w/ Meat Sauce
Garlic Bread Sticks
Chicken Ceasar Salad
Ham Sandwich Grab & Go
Seasoned Green Beans
Chilled Peaches
Fruit Juice, 6 oz
Fresh Fruit
Tossed Salad
Milk Variety
Tuesday
Nacho Supreme
Deli Turkey on Bun (rev)
Tuna Salad Plate
Ham Sandwich Grab & Go
Broccoli Florets w/Lemon
Fruit Cocktail
Fruit Juice, 6 oz
Fresh Fruit
Tossed Salad
Milk Variety
Wednesday
Chili Con Came & Beans
Chedder Goldfish
Ham & Cheese Sub
Deli Turkey Grab & Go
Santa Fe Chicken Salad
Golden Yellow Corn
Fruit w/ Gelatin
Fresh Fruit
Fruit Juice, 6 oz
Tossed Salad
Milk Variety
Thursday
Turkey Taco w/salad
Hamburger
Ham Sandwich Grab & Go
Cottage Cheese and Fruit
Salad
Potato Triangles
Applesauce
Fresh Fruit
Fruit Juice, 6 oz
Tossed Salad
Milk Variety
Friday
Cheese Stuffed Crust
Pepperoni Stuffed Crust
Pizza
Baked Potato, Chili/Chez
Ham Sandwich Grab & Go
Yogurt Fruit & Cheese Plate
Baby Carrots w/dressing
Mandarin Orange Sections
Fruit Juice, 6 oz
Fresh Fruit
Tossed Salad
Milk Variety
Submitted Photo/YMS
Students at Yearling Middle School are achieving excellence everyday. Students of the Week
are (front row) Kim Markham, Jerice McDonald, Brianne Furphy, Shiloh Anuez, Julianne
Meives, (back row) Joseph Thornton Ashton Armstrong Ciara Bond
Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Mrs. Melin-
da Gray for being selected by her
peers as Yearling Middle Schools'
Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Gray
teaches Eighth Grade Science at
Yearling
Report Cards
Report cards will go home
with students on Monday, Jan. 14,
Please take time to go over the re-
port card with your son/daughter.
According to Okeechobee
County Schools' Pupil Progres-
sion, students in seventh or eighth
grade must pass five out of their
six classes to meet promotion re-
quirements.
The following Middle School
requirements for students enter-
ing sixth and seventh grade this
year to be promoted from middle
school to high school include suc-
cessful completion of: 3 year-long
courses in English, 3 year-long
courses in Mathematics, 3 year-
long courses in Science, 3 year-
long courses in Social Studies,
and. 1 course in career and educa-
tion planning.
A student must earn a passing
grade in three of the four nine-
weeks grading periods to "pass"
a class for eighth grade or "earn a
credit" for sixth or seventh grade
Information Hotline
Yearling Middle School offers
an Information Hotline to assist
students and parents. Parents and
students are able to call the Infor-
mation Hotline at 462-5066 and
listen to their work assignments
for the day or week. Please call
our school office if the Informa-
tion Hotline seems incorrect.
School Advisory
Committee (SAC)
Yearling Middle Schools'
School Advisory Committee will
be on Tuesday, Jan.. 22 at 3:45 to
discuss progress with the School
Improvement Plan.
Anyone interested in attending
the meeting is welcome.
Out of Field
The state requires that we re-
port all out-of-field teachers. The
following teachers are certified
teachers teaching out of their field
of certification. Drema Brewer-
Guidance, John Ferguson-ESE,
Mary Lammers-ESE/Reading,
Jonathan S. Sanders, M.D., J.D.
Tim loannides, M.D.
Mohs Surgery Diseases of Skin, Hair & Nails
Theresa Moats-Platt-ESE/Science,
Erin Morrow-ESE/Elem. Ed., Mark
Phillips-Reading, Beth Walker-
ESE/Reading.
School Websites
All Okeechobee County
Schools will post information on
the County web site (ocsb.okee.
k12.fl.us/web.nso. Yearling Mid-
dle School will again be posting
information on the worldwide
web. Information on the website
will include: monthly newsletters,
school calendar, sports schedules
and upcoming events.
Publix FCAT night
Yearling Middle School will be
teaming up with Publix for FCAT
Math Night. The FCAT Math Night
will take place on Jan. 29 from 6
- 7 p.m. at the Publix in the North
Lake Plaza: All YMS students are
invited to participate.
Parents and students will work
together to solve FCAT style prob-
lems with real world relevance
and application. Questions will
involve items throughout the su-
permarket.
The event will give our students
an excellent practice opportunity
and will help parents understand
the difficulty of some of the FCAT
Math questions.
For further information con-
cerning the FCAT Math Night,
please contact Mrs. Brewer at
462-5056. We hope to see you
there!
Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Yearling
Spelling Bee Champions Irfah
Chaudhary, Jacqueline O'Conner,
and Maritza Hernandez! The
County Spelling Bee will be held
at North Elementary School Feb.
1 at 9 a.m. We wish 'our champi-
ons the best of luck!
Memorial Tribute
; Remember a loved one
S" 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.com/nVmemorials for sample ads
and an online order form, or call 1-866-379-6397 toll free.
Ted Schiff, M.D. and Dwayne Montie, D.O. lead the Water's
Edge Dermatology team of skin care professionals. They will
provide you with high quality medical and cosmetic skin care
services in a personal and caring environment.
Adult and Pediatric Dermatology
Acne Psoriasis Eczema
Skin, Hair & Nail Disorders
MOHS Skin Cancer Surgery
Skin Allergies and Rashes
Laser Vein Treatments
Botox JuvedermTM
Radiesse Thermage
Removal of:
Hair Moles Tattoos
Warts Brown Spots Skin Tags
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME
MEDICARE AND
MOST INSURANCE
ACCEPTED.
OKEECHOBEE
301 NE 19th Drive
467-6767
CLEWISTON
542 W. Sagamore Ave.
Building E, Hospital Annex
983-2948
www.wederm.com
O Fellows of the Board Certified by the R^
American Society for American Board of ABD
S i Mohs Surgery Dermatology '
See a Board Certified Dermatologist Everytime
Medicae, Humna, an Emplyers Mtual*acepte
V ERO:BACH KEECOBE
772778772 83-67-55
115*5h anSt. 0*124U*Hgha* 41,N
Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008 7
Consider-George
and Charley's Hope
By Daniel Shube
This weekend, the PGA TOUR
wrapped up in Hawaii and will
head stateside for the 49th An-
nual Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.
Comedian George Lopez will
once again host the event. Char-
ismatic Charley Hoffman will be
* the defending champion.
When recently asked about
hosting the Hope, George Lo-
pez said, "You know, all I talked
about was promoting golf and
promoting the Hope and bring-
ing it back to where it was when
Bob had it and it was flying really
high. You know, unfortunately a
lot of those guys are gone, but I
think there's a whole new list of
guys that I brought last year with
Ray Romano who had never
played, Andy (Garcia) had never
played; Clint Eastwood came
back after a 14-year layoff. And
Jimmy Kimmel played, and An-
thony Anderson, and (Oscar) de
la Hoya was back and the pros.
I think the younger generations
of pros are more receptive to
playing in the celebrity rotation.
I saw Justin Rose at the Dunhill
Cup and he crossed over a cou-
ple of fairways to come and tell
me that he was going to make
a point of starting a year at the
Bob Hope. So Charley won and
it was a great playoff with (Jeff)
Quinney and I think we are go-
ing to have one of those fantastic
finishes again (in 2008). It is just
a great week of golf and celeb-
rity golf has been synonymous
with the PGA tour, but there are
just a couple of events left. So
if I can promote it and keep it
kind of hanging on and keep it
a little more fun, that is my sole
intent."
Which celebrities will be
playing this year? According to
the host, Mr. Lopez, "Sam Jack-
son wasn't sure he was going
to play and his movie just got
pushed. So you know there is
a writer's strike unfortunately.
So I think that is a benefit to
the tournament a little bit. Chris
O'Donnell is coming. I think
Clint (Eastwood) really does not
make up his mind until the night
before. So I think Clint is going
to come back. Smokey Robin-
soAQs a huge fan of golf and he's
cuin A ,Cheech (Marin) is
coming."'
Defending Champion, Char-
ley Hoffman responded to his
fast start last year at the Hope
said, "Last year, the Hope was
the first tournament 1 played in;
I also skipped Sony last year just
to get ready for the Hope know-
ing that I'd have four rounds to
play no matter if I played good
or bad because of the format
of five rounds. So I was using it
more as a preparation for San
Diego where I grew up. I was
just trying to get ready for that
tournament and I happened to
win. I mean, it was obviously a
great start to the year. Can't re-
ally start the year any better than
Fairways and
Highways
by Daniel Shube
winning. So everything after that
was not quite as good because
I didn't win, but it obviously
opened up a lot of doors for me
to play in other tournaments like
the World Golf Championship
and the PGA Championship."
On his goals for 2008, Mr.
Hoffman said, "My main goal for
2008 is to make the Ryder Cup
team and obviously I assume
winning would come with that.
So I'll try to win somewhere
early and hopefully on the West
Coast where I'm from. That's
usually where I play my best golf
because I'm familiar with all the
golf courses. So hopefully get a
win here early again if not the
Hope, San Diego, LA, or some-
thing like that and just try to
give myself as many points as I
can go towards that Ryder Cup.
He is also looking forward
to the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines
"I've visited it just before Christ-
mas and played a few holes
out there. They've done some
changes since last week added
a few bunkers, moved a couple
of fairways, added some tees. It
has changed dramatically over
the last five to seven years."
Mr. Hoffman was asked which
celebrities he would like to play
with and responded, "I assume
I'm playing with George one day
and maybe ... I've never played
with Samuel Jackson and I know
he's a big fan of the game and
he's always out playing those
Pro-Am's. I know they're all
good guys and fun guys to hang
out with. They all love to play the
game of golf just as much as I
do.
As for the new PGA drug
policy, Mr. Hoffman said, ""If
Bud Light's not on the banned
list, I'm going to be all right."
Watch the 49th Annual Bob
Hope Chrysler Classic, hosted by
George Lopez, Jan. 14 20 on
The Golf Channel.
Sports News
in Brief
Little League Baseball
Softball Sign-ups
Okeechobee Little League
baseball and softball sign-ups are
set for Jan. 19-20 and Jan. 26 and
27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at
Beef O'Brady's.
January 11, 12 & 13
Waterway Marina Stuart Harbor Marina
Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group Marina
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10 AM 6 PM SUNDAY 10 AM 4 PM
ADMISSION ONLY $10.00 CHILDREN UNDER 10 FREE
FREE PARKING, SHUTTLE BUSES & WATER TAXI FROM DOWNTOWN STUART
NORTH DIXIE HIGHWAY NORTH SIDE OF ST. LUCIE RIVER WEST OF ROOSEVELT BRIDGE
Produced and Managed by: 70AM Owned by:
Show Information: 772-692-7599 www.miatc.com www.allsportsproductions.net
FEATURING SWIMSUIT AND
FASHION SHOWS
WITH FISHING SEMINARS .
PRESENTED -
ANCHOR'S AWEIGH MARINE
I I
& Cor
C
c-
oIT
Cr'
e.
@ Indian liver Community College
OFFERING FREE OSHA
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TRAINING!
Reduce your Worker's Compensation insurance rates by
training your employees!
Employees can earn a 1 0-hour OSHA card and
College credit
Act fast free seats are limited!
Class will be held February 9, 7 am. to 8 p.m. in Okeechobee
*This program is designed for private sector employees. Call to see if you are
eligible. Classes are funded by the Susan Harwood grant.
!:,-a*^ ;^ -^ .g ~ yi,-(*..^^ i4 I
o callthegnia ATolu *E Pr d1-8888-283-1177
3209 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, Florida 34981 .,1-888-283-11 77 www.ircc.edu/ccti
- Buy it/Sell it Classifieds
- Advertising Opportunities
0 Get A Free Link To Your Website
- Page Banners & Tiles
- Sponsored Links! I
I IIt
I
------ -- ___- -----~--~c~
tk
_ orate
inig instt"
SOkeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008
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sm -
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Community Events
You can be a volunteer mentor
Help encourage a high school student to reach his or her full po-
tential and become a volunteer mentor for the President's Challenge
to SOAR/Take Stock in Children Scholarship program. It's a proven
life-changing program that provides four-year college scholarships to
deserving ninth graders in local communities. The mentor meets with
the student one hour per week at his/her school. Volunteer opportuni-
ties are available in Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee
counties. Please call the Indian River Community College Foundation
at (772) 462-4786.
Halfway House needs volunteers
Eckerd Intensive Halfway House, 800 N.E.72nd Circle N., is looking
for volunteers to work with our adolescent boys. If you have any free
time or talents you would like to share, call Josh Stoddard at (863)
357-0047.
Church offers lending library
You are invited to become a patron of the Family Church Lending
Library at the First United Methodist Church, 200 N.W Second. St. En-
tertain or educate yourself, using 486 audiocassettes, including audio
books, plus Christian romances and 575 videos. Prepare a paper on
comparative religion, a book report, programs for men, women or
children, a craft project or a Sunday school lesson. We use the Dewey
Decimal System, the same as school and public libraries. As a pri-
vate library we can and do preview our media. Currently, the library is
staffed Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and Wednesday eve-
ning from 6 until. 8 p.m. Contact Doris Entry at (863) 467-1548.
- -. Narconon helps with drug addiction
Do you need help with drug addiction? If so, call Narconon at 1-
S 800-556-8885.
At the Movies
The following movies are now
showing at the Brahman The-
atres III.
Movie times for Friday, Jan. 11,
through Thursday, Jan. 17, are as
follows:
Theatre I -"National Treasure:
Book of Secrets" (PG) Show-
times: Friday at 7 and 9:15 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday at 2, 4:15, 7
and 9:15 p.m. Monday at 3 and
7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9:15
p.m.
Theatre II "Alvin and the
Chipmunks" (PG) Showtimes:
Friday at 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9
p.m.. Monday at 3 and 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs-
day at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9 p.m.
Theatre III "Charlie Wilson's
War" (R) Showtimes: Friday at 7
and 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9 p.m., Monday
at 3 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednes-
day and Thursday at 2, 4:15, 7
and 9 p.m.
Tickets are $5.50 for adults;
children 12 and under are $4.50;
senior citizens are $4.50 for all
movies; and, matinees are $4.
For information, call (863)
763-7202.
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10 Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008
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approval, The publisher
reserves'the right to accept or
--- reWertan6y 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. In all
cases of questionable value,
such as promises of guaran-
teed income from work-at-
home programs or other offers
to send money in advance for
a product or service we
advise you to check with the
Attorney General's Consumer
Fraud Line at 1-800-220-5424,
and/or The Better Business
Bureau, 800-464-6331 for pre-
vious complaints.
DACHSHUND found off of
Hwy. 70 near Post Office.
Call to ID. (863)824-0828
EmIo ment
DRIVER
FULL TIME, BENEFITS,
GREAT PAY
Delivering propane,
maintaining equipment &
provide great customer
service. CDL B Hazmat.
Ferrellgas, 204 SW 7th Ave,
Okeechobee (863)763-7557
FAX (863)763-5206
-SALES MANAGER-
Local building company seeks
Sales Manager. Must have
proficient computer skills in-
cluding C.A.D. Minimum 10
years construction Industry ex-
perience. Excellent interper-
sonal and presentation skills.
Strong written and verbal
skills. Financing and estimat-
ing knowledge a plus.
Send resume to PRO. Box 991,
Okeechobee, FL 34973.
Ur.
Place Your
YARD SALE
ad today!
Get FREE signs!
Call Classifieds
877-353-2424
I .Be i NaIoai
Management
Opportunities
*Immediate Openings*
Relief Managers
& 3rd Shift Managers
Starting Pay: $11.00/hr.
with potential to make $50k
Full Benefit Package
Monthly Bonus
Unlimited Growth Potential
AIlShills
Sales Associate
Opportunities!
Starting Pay: $9.00/hr.
Advancement Opportunities
Scholarship Program
Weekly Pay Checks
Benefits Package
APPLY NOW!
CALL 24 HOURS A DAY!
Management Applicants Call:
S1-866-639-4473
Associate Applicants Call:
1-877-622-6222
www.racetrac.com
EOE
Palm Terrace of Clewiston
Maintenance Director
Full Time Position to oversee
maint dept., as well as
hskping & laundry for
skilled nursing facility.
Previous exp. preferred.
Apply in person to
301 S. Gloria St.,
or fax resumes to
(863)983-6698.
EOE
Professional Sales Executive
position available for a busy
new home sales business.
Sales experience a plus. No
real estate license required.
Salary plus commission.
Cal (863)763-6376
or (863)357-2700.
WAITRESS & COOK: Apply in
person,after 2pm @ Pizza
Heaven 208 South Parrot Ave.
863-763-9299
Time to clean out the
attic, basement and/op
garage? Advertise your
yard sale In the classi-
fleds and make your
clean un a breeze
MTe i. i I
NURSES
Palm Terrace of
Clewiston
is now hiring:
ADON
Full Time
Must be a RN Assist with
overall management of the
nursing dept. assist in
ensuring quality nursing care.
Must be flexible and a team
player. Long term care
experience preferred.
Wound Care
Full Time, LPN or RN
Assist in ensuring quality care
for all patients with wounds,
must be team player and
flexible.
Please submit your
application to:
Palm Terrace of Clewiston
301 South Gloria Street
Clewiston, FL 33440
PH: 863-983-5123.
Fax your resume to:
863-983-6698
EOE
Palm Terrace of
Clewiston
is now hiring:
CNAs
All shifts available Full Time
and Part-Time positions.
Please apply in person:
Palm Terrace of Clewiston
301 S. Gloria St.,
Clewiston, FL 33440
Ph: 863-983-5123
EOE
Palm Terrace of Clewiston
NURSES
Great starting wages!
LPNs: $23/hour
RNs: $30/hour
RN or LPN, Full time shifts
avail. 7 am 7 pm &
7 pm -7 am. Assist with Unit
Managers to work on special
projects for facility in
addition to regular duties.
Apply in person to
301 S. Gloria St,
or call 863-983-5123.
EOE
How do you find a Job In
today's competitive
market? In the employ-
ment section of the clas-
lsfleds
FTi me I
Employmni
IFu~ll Tim
(This position is for both our Big
Cypress and Brighton Reservations)
Prepares HS students for college.
Meets with school counselors to monitor
students' progress. Maintains ongoing
comm. with college drop-outs. Assists
Educ. Dept in all educational activities.
MS in Education or Bachelor's degree
with 3-5 years exp. in education or
academic advising. Excellent English;,
written and oral communication skills.
Proficient utilizing MS software &
add-ins. Travel required to schools
and other reservations. Flex work
schedule & evenings, weekends &
holidays as necessary. Valid FL Driver's
license. Fax resumes to 954-967-3477
Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc., a leader in alter-
native treatment programs for youth-at-risk, is
seeking a Registered Nurse and a Health Servic-
es Manager for our program in Okeechobee, FL.
The RN position req. a current FL license, 2 yrs
of nursing exp., preferably with children/adoles-
cents. Must have MS Word and Excel skills, and
a valid driver's license. The Health Services
Manger req. a min. of 3 yrs nursing exp., lyr in
an administrative or supervisory role. (M.S. may
be substituted for one year of req. exp.) Must
possess organizational, budgeting, writing, and
communication skills. Must have exp. in medical
practices, procedures and regulations, health
care management, adolescent health care needs.
ACA, DJJ, and Florida Statutes as related to job
responsibilities. EOE, M/W/D/V,
Drug Free Workplace.
Send resume to
M Kekahuna
fax: 727-442-5911
or recruiting@eckerd.org
og a nwa rr? G etO r t
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
Eoe
ml
Medical
Eipme
The Okeechobee County Health Department
currently has an opening for a
Senior Registered Nurse
The State of Florida offers a competitive salary and a wide array of benefit and retirement options.
Monday-Friday Work Schedule: Day Hours (8AM-5PM Core Hours), NO WEEKEND SCHEDULE;
9 Paid Holidays, 1 Personal Holiday per year; Paid Time Off Earned Monthly: Annual &
Sick Leave; Retirement Plan, Deferred Compensation, Direct Deposit, Jury Duty and Bereavement
Leave, and other Administrative Leave Available; Tuition Waiver Program available upon
immediate hire for State Universities and Community Colleges; Educational Leave with
Pay Opportunity and Nursing Student Load Forgiveness Program Available.
View the job announcement and apply online at
https://peoplefirst.mvflorida.com/Ioqon.htm
Requisition # 64062553-51235579-200800104153344
Date Closes 01/21/08
For assistance with'the People First website, you may contactthe applicant'customer service:
v. via telephone at 1-877-562-7287, TTY users call 1-866-221-0268
EEO/AA/VP Employer Drug Testing, Background screening and fingerprinting required.
Thinking about new carpets?
tLet one of our professionals help you!(
* FLORIDA FLOORS & MORE
513 S.W Park Street (863) 763-7131
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.
Services
Child Care Needed410
Child Care Offered415
Instruction 420
Services Offered425
Insurance 430
Medical Services435
Elderly Care Reg. Nurse
w/35 yrs. exp. has one
opening for 24 hr. care in
nice family home. Call
Susan 863-763-2334.
Merchandise
I H nd mn
One man's trash Is anoth-
er man's treasure. 1urn
your trash to treasure
with an ad in the classi-
fieds.
4)
0
-STORAGE SHEDS-
Why Rent When
You Can Own?
We Finance Everyonel
All Size Sheds Available
800-330-8106
LIVINGROOM SET- Hunter
green; 5 pc. Must go! $500
neg. Call Kristina before 5:30
pm 863-357-0391 Okee
AKC YORKIES 1 female
$600, 3 males $500 ea,
(863)467-4337
CHIPOO PUPPIES (2) Tiny
toy males, white. Shots/vet
health cert. $300 cash only.
(863)357-0037.
TV ANTENNA TOWER 75ft,
Rohn, Guyed 12" Triangular
welded galvanized base +
7/1 Oft +5 ft top, you dis-
mantle and move, $1000
(863)634-7040
Rentals
DUPLEX 3 BR, 1 BA, $850
mo. 1st & sec. to move in.
No pets. Call (863)634-9899
IMMACULANT 2 BR, 1/ BA,
2 Story apt. Washer/Dryer.
Fenced. Patio. $750 1st,
last, sec. (863)634-3313
OKEECHOBEE- furnished effi-
ciency, 1br, $150 /wk, You
pay own utilities
(863)467-4253
BASSWOOD 2 BR, 1 BA,
$900 mo. 1st & sec. to
move in. No pets. Call
(863)634-9899
BASSWOOD New house in
good location, 3br, 2ba
w/garage, $1200/mo, 33rd
Rd (561)379-9417 or
(561)683-9754
BRAND NEW 4/2 $1095.
mo., 1st. & sec. No pets
863-484-0809
BRAND NEW, 3BR's/2BA's,
lots of tile, garage, $1200.
Lawrence Associates,
1-800-543-2495.
BRAND NEW- Rent or Buy
3br/2ba, 1700 sq ft, garage,
laundry, tiled, $1100/mo.
rent. 100% applied to pur-
chase of $168,500 after 1
year. 3429 NW 40th Dr.
Basswood. (561)718-2822
BUY, RENT OR LEASE
1310 SW 5th Ave.
3/2/2 Pool Home. Close to
everything. DreamCatcher
Realty (863)357-5900
BY B-15 2br, 1ba CBS on 4
lots, enclosed patio, W/D,
Storage shed. Near boat ramp.
$875 mo (786) 201-0306
DIXIE RANCH ACRES 3br,
2ba, $1000 / mo
(800)543-2495
DIXIE RANCH ESTATES -
NEW! 3 BR, 2 BA, new tile,
doors & paint, W/D. $900/mo
+ elec, + $900 sec dep. Pets
okay. (561596-1344 or
(561)596-1476
MOVE IN SPECIAL
3BR/1.5BA, 15 min. from
town & 2BR/1BA. No pets.
1st & sec. Call Debbie
(863)467-2982 Mon.-Fri.,
8am til 4pm.
OKEE: 3/1 on 1/2 ac. Renovat-
ed, laundry, C/A/heat, screen
porch, carport. $1100. + 1st,
last, sec/rets. 305-458-8659
OKEECHOBEE 2br, 1ba
House on 1 acre. W/D hook
up. Carport, Tile flooring.
$150. mo. (863)467-8797
OKEECHOBEE 3/2 on 20
acres, 15 minutes North of
town. $1 500/mo
(863)447-0352
r-*Y CASTLE
CASTLE The Parenting
CASTLE Professionals
Support our fight for the prevention of child abuse
Call 772-465-6011
I arge
I Home Impro
I Home Impro
Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008
Truck Battery Sale
I St. Lucie Battery & Tire I
I 198 US Hwy 98N Okeechobee I
L 63) 357-2431 www.slbt.com
OKEECHOBEE: 3br, 2ba, 819
SE 10th St. Must have refer-
ences. Call 863-763-2416 or
863-447-0925
OKEECHOBEE ESTATES -
3BR/2BA, pool, fireplace.
1401 SE 8th Dr. 1st & sec.
Call to see (863)885-1347
TAYLOR
CREEK
Prime Waterfront
265' Sea wall
with boat dock.
Unfurnished
3br, 2ba, W/D.
$1400. per
month.
(863)697-1280
TAYLOR ISLES 3/2/2 CBS
home, w/bsmt, dock, EZ
terms, avail. Jan. 1, $900
mo. (772)475-6194
TREASURE ISLAND 2/2/1,
custom kit., covered boat
slip good credit a must,
$900 mo. 239-465-1105
WATERFRONT Treasure Is-
land 2 br, 1 ba MH $590/mo,
1 Rm. Cottage, $450/mo. All
req. 1st., last & sec. & Include
city w a t e r.
(561)346-4692/346-4646
Shop here first
The classified ads
L;i7
Business Places -
Sale 1005
Commercial
Property Sale 1010
Condos/,
Townhouses Sale 1015
Farms Sale 1020
Houses Sale 1025
Hunting Property 1030
Investment:al 1035-
Property Sale 1035
Land -Sale 1040
Lots Sale 1045
Open House 1050
Out of State -
Property Sale 1055
Property Inspection1 060
Real Estate Wanteds1065
Resort Property -
Warehouse Space 1075
Waterfront Property 1080
TEN UNIT BUILDING 8 Units
Occupied w/tenants. On
70W x 140L lot. $175,000 or
best offer (863)763-8058
BANK SHORT SALE
3/2 Waterfront, $129,000 or
best offer. All offers consid-
ered. The Real Estate Co.
(954)326-2.083
LAKE PORT 2 BR, 1 BA
Screened porch, deck, barn,
work shop, boat shed. Call
for info. (863)634-3399
NEW HOME ON YOUR LOT!
Features 3BRs/2BAs, Ig. LR,
garage, $118k, includes per-
mit fees. Lawrence Asso-
ciates 1-800-543-2495
OKEECHOBEE
Zero Down. $999. mo.
4br, 2ba CBS Brand New.
Prices $139,900. 3824 NW
7th St. 561-248-3879 or
863-484-0809
SEMINOLE COVE
Lot #47, 28'x48' Palm Harbor,
3br w/walk in closets, 2ba
28'x20' carport, 12'x15' porch,
Furnished w/W/D, Ready to
move in! (863)357-2794
TAYLOR ISLES WOW! CBS
3/2/2 No offer refused! Try
$129k. Appraised at $205k
239-465-1105
Earn some extra cash.
Seg your used Items In
the classifleds
BLUE CYPRESS Golf & RV, 2
waterfront lots, large pads,
pool & clubhouse, 9 hole
golf course, (239)945-7666
OKEE. Beautiful 3br, 2ba
Home & Lot. In 55+ Comm.
$127K. Neg. 863-763-8567
or 502-598-9115
On Taylor Creek, 55+ park,
furnished 2/1 mobile home,
Fla. rm., long carport, 2
sheds, Ig. covered dock &
boat slip, w/lift, Must See to
Appreciate!. $35,000.'
(863)447-9524
Mobile Homes
Mobile Home -Lots 2005
Mobile Home Parts 2010
Mobile Homes,- Rent 2015
Mobile Homes Sale'2020,
OKEECHOBEE
Rental, SE 23rd Court,
For information.
(863)763-4892 or 763-5419
DOUBLEWIDE 3br, 2ba, sits
on 5 acres, well fenced.
$1000 rth. 1st, last & $500
sec dep. 954-261-1268
LAKE OKEECHOBEE Avail
immed, 3 month min, 55+
comm. Great fishing! Call
Scott at (412)874-3125
Manufactured Homes (Rent)
Rent or Rent To Own
14 Available
EZ Approval
863-983-3016
MH -1 br, 1 ba. $600/mo for
1 person, $700/mo for 2
people, includes all utils +
cable. 1st mo + $200 sec.
(863)763-2098/610-1386/
763-4880 Elliebob Shores-
828 Hwy 441 SE
OKEECHOBEE 2BR/1BA,
No pets. Fenced yard.
$600/mo. & $500 security.
(863)763-0648
TREASURE ISLAND, 3br, 2ba
Lake access, quiet area,
$650/mo., 1st, last & sec.
dep. (561)743-4331
BANK REPO'S
MOVE TO YOUR LAND
Mobile Home Angels
561-385-4694
For The Best Price on all
Homes of Merit and Scotbilt
Homes. Call (863)675-8888
or (863)673-4325
Inventory Liquidation Sale
Models in stock sold cheap.
Negotiate your best price in
years. We also have lots
avail. Call (863)675-4442 or
(863)673-4325
Liquidacion de ventas, Todos
los models tienen que saler.
Tambien tenemos tereno dis-
po'neble. Liamee al
863)675-4442/
(863)612-6511
Manufactured Home
(For Sale)
Statewide Sales
Save Thousands
NEW & USED
Delivered & Set
800-330-8106
Manufactured Homes (Own)
SALE! SALE! SALE!
All Homes In Stock
Massive Markdowns
Financing Available
863-983-3016
OAK PARK
2 BR, Furnished 2 sheds.
$19,500.
(863)763-4662
NEW 3 BR / 2 BA Doublewide
$39,900 includes set up &
A/C. Very easy financing
avail. Call (863)675-8888 or
(863)673-4325
Nueva casa manufacturada de
3/2banos a solo $39,900
Incluyendo instalacion com-
pleta y aire centrol. Para mas
nmformacion. Liamee a
863)675-4949 o
863)612-6511
OKEECHOBEE Furnished
2br, 2ba, Covered carport.
150'x70' lot on SE 58th Dr.
$55K w/$5K down Owner
Financing 10yr. Mortgage
$600 mo. (863)467-6688
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
PARK MODEL 4 yrs old, like
new, w/ bay window, furnished
Stevens, 78 West. Immed .occ.
$19K. 859-582-6943
TRADE IN'S WANTED
No Money Down... with your
old homes equity. Very easy
financing. Low prices on all
New 3 & 4 Bdrm. Homes.
Call (863)675-8888 or
(863)673-4325
TRAILER, 35', w/Ig. Florida
room, in adult park, priced to
sell, $5,000. (863)467-6965
Join an the people who
say, "I sold It In the clas-
simleds."
Recreation
millnm
AIR BOAT 13 ft, Stephull
w/300 lycoming upstack fuel
injected, 3 blade carbon fiber
prop. (561)719-1534
BASS BOAT '96, Stratos,
w/70hp Johnson outboard.
Very good cond. Like new.
$5250 Neg. (863)467-2153
CHAPARRAL '88 19 ft, only
50 hrs, 5.7 Mere Cruiser,
mint, loaded, bow rider.
$6500 (954)868-6518
When doing those chores
Is doing you In, It's time
to look for a helper In
tie classfleds.-
GULFSTREAM CONQUEST '03
- 29.5 ft, excellent condition.
$9500 (954)298-0730 any-
time.
TRAVEL TRAILER '06 39 ft, 2
br, Irg full bath, c/a, awning,
self contained or park model,
2 slide outs, sleeps 6, used
once. Will deliver. $20,000
or best offer. (610)805-3616
Moie Hm
BELLANCA, '47
14-13-2, Cruisair Senior
704 SMOH, w/new Top OH,
$30,000 or best offer/trade.
(863)674-0898 or
.(863)517-1019.
Most common water restriction questions answered
The South Florida Water Man-
agement District provided these
"frequently asked questions" and
answers regarding the water re-
strictions.
For residential users
When can residents water
the lawn?
Beginning Jan. 15, 2008, resi-
dents in Okeechobee, St. Lucie,
Martin, Palm Beach, Broward,
Miami-Dade, Monroe, Hendry
and Glades counties, may irrigate
one day 'a week. Residents may
choose from one of two "water-
ing windows" on their designated
irrigation day. You may not water
during both time periods.
On properties less than 5 acres
in size, residents with an odd
numbered address (ending in 1, 3,
5, 7, 9) lawn watering is permitted
on Mondays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.
OR from 4-p.m. to 8 p.m.
SOn properties less than 5 acres
in size, retide'r with an even
numbered address (ending in 0, 2,
4, 6, 8*) lawn watering is permit-
ted on Thursdays from 4 a.m. to 8
a.m. OR from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On properties more than 5
acres in size, residents with an
odd numbered address (ending
in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) lawn watering is
permitted on Mondays from 12
a.m. to 8 a.m. OR from 4 p.m. to
11:59 p.m.
On properties more than 5
acres in size, residents with an
even numbered address (ending
in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8*) lawn watering is
permitted on Thursdays from 12
a.m. to 8 a.m. OR from 4 p.m. to
11:59 p.m.
*Residents without a num-
bered street address, and those
entities that irrigate both odd and
even addresses, should follow the
Thursday schedule.
How are these restrictions
different from previous water
restrictions?
Residents can choose to water
in the morning or in the evening
on their designated irrigation day
for no more than four hours. Pre-
vious restrictions allowed a total
of eight irrigation hours a week
divided over two days.
Is anyone automatically
exempted from these restric-
tions?
Yes. Because 100 percent of
the water used by the Town of
Highland Beach in Palm Beach
County is drawn from the Florid-
ian Aquifer, these customers are
exempt from current restrictions.
Users of 100-percent reclaimed
water are also exempt from these
restrictions.
Do these restrictions apply
to South Florida residents us-
ing 100 percent reuse or re-
claimed water for irrigation?
No, but conservation of all
water resources is encouraged.
Water reclaimed from waste wa-
ter sewage treatment plants is not
meant for drinking and is used al-
most exclusively for irrigation. It is
usually transferred through purple
pipes.
How does restricting land-
scape irrigation help address
the water shortage?
Landscape irrigation accounts
for up to half of all household
water consumption in Florida.
It is critical for everyone's health
and safety that enough water be
available for public use through-
out Florida's extended dry season.
From November through May,
water demands increase as the
cooler, dry weather attracts winter
visitors and announces the arrival
of brush fire season. Restricting
the days and times that water is
used for irrigation will reduce the
demand on one of our most pre-
cious natural resources.
Why wasn't the weekend
selected for lawn irrigation?
Because a heavy demand for
water is expected on irrigation
days, some water utilities could
face service strains if irrigation was
allowed on back-to-back days.
When can I water my new-
ly planted landscaping and
sod?
For residents of Broward, Col-
lier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin,
Okeechobee, Miami-Dade, Mon-
roe, Palm Beach and St. Lucie
counties, new plantings, sod or
landscaping in place for 30 days
or less can be watered:
From 2 a.m. to 8 a.m., Mon-
days, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays, Saturdays and Sun-
days, on properties less than five
acres in size. Irrigation is not per-
mitted on Fridays.
From 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
on properties more than five acres
in size. Irrigation is not permitted
on Fridays.
New plantings, sod or land-
scaping in place for 31 to 60 days
can be watered:
From 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mon-
days, Wednesdays, Thursdays and
Saturdays, on properties less than
five acres in size., Irrigation is not
permitted on Tuesdays or Fridays.
From 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thurs-
days and Saturdays, on properties
more than five acres in size. Irriga-
tion is not permitted on Tuesdays
or Fridays.
These rules permit new land-
scape watering only. Homeown-
ers should keep documentation
on any new landscaping, such
as a dated receipt of purchase, in
case they are required to provide
proof of the installation date.
I water my lawn from a
well, canal, pond or surface
lake. Do these restrictions ap-
ply to me?
Yes. Surface and groundwater
sources are connected. Water in
lakes and canals helps to protect
private and public wells from salt-
water intrusion, and helps store
rainfall to recharge wells and
aquifers.
Can I hand-water my lawn?
Yes. You can hand water
stressed plants and existing instal-
lations for 10 minutes per day us-
ing a single hose with an attached
automatic shut off nozzle. New
installations are not subject to this
10-minute rule, although volun-
tary watering reductions are en-
couraged.
What other low-volume wa-
tering methods are allowed?
Drip, bubble and micro-jet sys-
tems that apply water directly to
root plant zones may be used any
time. However, a voluntary reduc-
tion in use is encouraged and any
low-volume system should not
produce water runoff. Watering
'cans are also low-volume and can
be used anytime.
When can I wash my car or
boat?
Anytime. Vehicle washing is
not restricted. When washing
a car, best water conservation
practices are to park it over a non-
paved or porous surface to limit
water runoff; and always attach
an automatic shut-off nozzle to
your hose. Best water conserva-
tion practices are to limit boat
rinsing to 15 minutes after it has
been in saltwater.
My organization is sched-
uling a fundraising car wash.
Do we need to apply for a
variance?
No. There are no restrictions
on vehicle washing. Best water'
conservation practices are to al-
ways attach automatic shut-off
.nozzles to hoses and, if possible,
channel runoff water to a grassy
area or porous surface.
When can I use a pressure
washer?
Anytime. Pressure washing is
not restricted. Best water conser-
vation practices are to use low-
volume equipment that produces
water pressure of 1,000 pounds
per square inch to 4,000 pounds
per square inch. Channel runoff
water onto the grass or another
non-paved surface.
Is there some way I can get
permission to change my wa-
tering day or times?,
Yes. You may apply for a vari-
ance from water restrictions.
However, you must demonstrate
a hardship in complying with the
restrictions and certify that you
will implement an alternative
method for achieving the target
cutbacks. The application form is
online. For more information, visit
www.sfwmd.gov or call (800)
432-2045.
What happens if I don't fol-
low these restrictions?
Water restrictions are manda-
tory and will be enforced by local
government through law enforce-
ment or zoning and code enforce-
ment agencies. Residential fines
vary by municipality, but typically
range from $25 to $125 for a first
offense. Notices of violation is-
sued by the SFWMD are subject to
Florida State Statutes, which allow
the District to seek civil penalties
of up to $10,000 per offense per
day.
How can I report violations
of water restrictions?
You may report violations to
law enforcement or zoning and
code enforcement agencies. Both
have the authority to issue warn-
ings and citations that can lead to
fines. If you choose to notify your
local law enforcement agency,
please call their non-emergency
number. '
For other water users
What are the restrictions
for golf courses?
Golf courses must reduce their
allocated water use by 45 percent,
but are not restricted to watering
at certain days or times. Best wa-
ter conservation practices for golf
courses limit watering to early
mornings or evenings to reduce
water loss through evaporation.
Permit holders must report their
weekly water usage at https://
my.sfwmd.gov/watershortage
Does the 45 percent water
use reduction rule apply to all
golf courses within the South
Florida Water Management
District boundaries, even if
the county where the course
is located is divided by an-
other water management dis-
trict?
Yes. Although some residential
users in divided counties are fol-
lowing restrictions established by
neighboring water management
districts, the 45 percent water use
reduction rule applies to any golf
course with a South Florida Wa-
ter Management District permit.
This includes courses in Broward,
Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hen-
dry, Highlands, Lee, Miami-Dade,
Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Or-
ange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk
and St. Lucie counties.
What are the restrictions
for agriculture?
Agricultural water users may
not use overhead irrigation from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., unless it is for
stress reduction of field grown cit-
rus nursery stock. Such stress re-
duction watering is allowed daily
for 10 minutes per irrigation zone
from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and
from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Agricultural users in the Lake
Okeechobee Service Area and the
Indian Prairie Basin are subject to
separate Phase III orders currently
in place in these areas.
What are the restrictions
for plant nurseries?
Nursery owners may operate
overhead irrigation systems seven
days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
for inside, and from 7 p.m. to 5
a.m. for outside plants. For con-
tainerized nursery stock, stress
reduction watering is permitted
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for 10 min-
utes per irrigation zone.
No irrigation is allowed on
days with sufficient rainfall. Users
shall install a rainfall cut-off switch
or similar measuring device to
determine when there has been
enough rain to stop irrigation.
Are plant nurseries within the
South Florida Water Management
District boundaries required to
follow these restrictions if they are
located in a county divided by an-
other water management district?
Yes. Although some residential
water users in divided counties
are following restrictions estab-
lished by neighboring water man-
agement districts, all plant nurser-
ies within the South Florida Water
Management District must follow
these restrictions.
What are the restrictions
for tennis courts, sports turf
and other athletic facilities?
To maintain safe playing field
conditions, sports turf can be wa-
tered for 20 minutes anytime be-
tween 11 p.m. on the preceding
day to 7 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thurs-
days and Sundays. For example:
watering can occur between 11:30
p.m. and 11:50 p.m. on Monday
.night, or from 6 a.m. to 6:20 a.m.
on Tuesday morning.
Infields can be watered twice
,daily, once before 9 a.m. and once
after 4 p.m. for up to 10 minutes.
No irrigation is allowed if there
has been sufficient rainfall prior to
scheduled irrigation. Users shall
install a rainfall cut-off switch or
similar measuring device to de-
termine when there has been
enough rain to stop irrigation.
Sprigged or seeded turf areas
can be watered for 10 minutes per
zone from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.,
1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
to 4 p.m., for the first sixty days af-
ter planting.
Clay or Har-Tru tennis courts
may be watered for up to 10 min-
utes daily at 10 a.m. AND 10 p.m.
Surrounding facilities and land-
scaping must be irrigated accord-
ing to standard water restrictions.
Related issues
What is saltwater intrusion
and how is it related to water
restrictions?
Saltwater intrusion happens
when saltwater from the sea
flows beneath the land surface
into freshwater aquifers. It is a
natural process that occurs in
most coastal areas, but, one that
can contaminate water used for
SFWMD to refurbish four Lake Okeechobee pump stations
Effort will improve
water supply and
flood control
West Palm Beach -- The Gov-
erning Board of the South Flor-
ida Water Management District
(SFWMD) today approved two
contracts totaling more than $7
million for refurbishing and up-
grading four major pump stations
along the northwestern border of
Lake Okeechobee.
The projects will enhance
the operational readiness of the
pump stations known as S-127,
S-129, S-131 and S-133 ensuring
Sthe integrity of the District's flood
control and water supply sys-
tems, particularly in Glades and
Okeechobee counties.
"As custodians of one of the
largest water management sys-
tems in the world, we have a re-
sponsibility to quickly adopt the
most current and environmentally
sound water management tech-
nologies," said Eric Buermann,
chairman of the SFWMD Govern-
ing Board. "Although they have
been impeccably maintained, all
four of these pump stations were
placed in service 40 years ago.
These upgrades will greatly mod-
ernize them and improve their op-
erational efficiency."
The four pump stations will be
reconditioned and their oil-lubed
pump bearings upgraded to envi-
ronmentally friendly, water-lubri-
cated bearings. Water-lubricating
systems needed for each of the
five pumps at each station also
will be installed. In addition, the
manual hoist at each pump sta-
tion will be replaced with a new
electrically operated hoist system.
Under a $4,027,000 contract
with Interlaken, Inc., work at
pump stations S-129 and S-131
also will consist of re-powering
the five pumps at each site by re-
placing diesel engine drivers with
electronically controlled diesel
engines and installing automated
control systems.
Under a $3,221,000 contract
with Douglas N. Higgins, Inc.,
work at pump stations S-127 and
S-133.also will include inspection
of gear reducers and shafts and
reinstallation with new seals and
gaskets, as well as the addition of
exhaust silencers on each diesel
engine's exhaust system.
Work under both contracts is
expected to be completed within
the next two years.
drinking. Water restrictions help to
ensure that there is enough fresh-
water remaining in the system to
prevent the inland flow of salt wa-
ter. A graphic showing saltwater
intrusion is online at: Saltwater
Intrusion Management.
If we're in a water short-
age, why is the South Florida
Water Management District
releasing freshwater from
coastal canals into the sea?
The South Florida Water Man-
agement District is storing as
much water as possible, but there
are limits in a system that was
designed for flood control. Many
communities, particularly east of
1-95, quickly flood following sud-
den rainfall. Even if it doesn't look
as if your neighborhood is in dan-
ger of flooding, communities up-
stream or downstream may need
flood relief that can only happen
if water levels in canals are low
enough to accommodate runoff
The South Florida Water Manage-
ment District is always exploring
options to reduce the amount of
water released to tide, but this is
a normal part of critical flood con-
trol efforts.
Don't pond fountains and
decorative fountains waste
water? Should they be turned
off during the water short-
age?
Communities, businesses and
homeowners are not prohibited
from running their decorative
fountains, but best water con-
servation practices call for these
features should be in good repair,
re-circulate water and not spray
water outside of the basin. Pond
fountains are often needed to pro-
mote oxygen circulation in the
water.
Okeechobee News/
Chauna Augilar
At the circus
Anastasini performer
showed her skills by hula
hooping 30 hula hoops at
one time. The remaining
Anastasini European Big
Top Extravaganza Circus
shows will be on Sunday,
Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. and 6
p.m.
Save money on your
favorite grocery items.
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L - - - ,,,j
WINNEBAGO JOURNEY '03,
34,400 mi. Cat diesel,
Allison 6 spd. Auto, Non
smokers/No animals.
Loaded. 4 yr/40,000 mi. left
on ext. warranty. Can be seen
in Okeechobee area.
814-282-8256
HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTS-
TER 1994 1200 CC. 8,800
mls. Lots of Chrome & Ex-
tra's. $8,000. 863-634-2925
Automobiles
'L1'|'111
12 Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008
Use caution
when its
'To Good
to Be True'
TALLAHASSEE -- Attorney
General Bill McCollum has issued
a consumer advisory warning
Floridians about potentially mis-
leading auto advertisements. The
Attorney General cautioned con-
sumers who may be buying au-
tomobiles during any new year's
sales to watch out for advertise-
ments that may not be entirely
accurate and high pressure sales
tactics or scams that may unfairly
ensnare consumers in unfavor-
able purchase agreements. Com-
mon misrepresentations include
promises that dealers will pay off
a consumer's lease or loan and
claims that consumers can be pre-
approved for any vehicle of their
choosing.
"Floridians who may be trying
to take advantage of sales during
the first month of the New Year
should be wary of any deal that
sounds too good to be true," said
Attorney General McCollum. "Buy-
ing an automobile is an important
and often carefully planned deci-
sion and it is imperative that con-
sumers are not preyed upon by
unscrupulous advertising or sales-
people who are more concerned
about making a sale than looking
out for the customer's best inter-
ests."
The "We'll pay off your loan
OR lease no matter how much
you still owe!" claim is deceptive
because consumers rarely realize
that if the dealer pays off the debt,
the consumer will then owe that
debt to the dealer and will often
receive a steeply de-valued price
for their trade-in vehicle. Leases
and loans are contracts and can-
not be dissolved without steep
penalties, which are also assumed
by the dealer and charged back to
the consumer. To mask the higher
total cost, dealers may extend the
term of the new loan to keep pay-
ments low, but will ultimately ben-
efit from the end cost. To avoid get-
ting caught in this trap, consumers
should wait to trade in their auto-
mobile until they owe less than the
vehicle's value.
The pre-approval sale is anoth-
er potentially misleading device
that specifically targets individu-
als concerned about their credit
score and the impact it could have
gn financing options. Consumers
+ often receive advertisements let-
ting them know they have been
pre-approved for a loan amount.
A dealer can then manipulate the
cons iQpurchasing which-
e1.r ovides the best
bnalerbecause the
con h6 or she has
nt? p 'io aning.. options.
A oertising gim-
rick is~the "Super Sale," which
dccurs when an auto dealership
hires a third party sales team to
conduct the entire sale. The out-
side company, typically increases
the cost of each.vehicle and then
calculates new,; lower payments
based on the longest possible
term with a deceptively low and
enticing down payment. There
is no real discount available and
consumers may even end up pay-
ing more than necessary for the
vehicle.
To encourage consumers to
make wise decisions when pur-
chasing a new or used automo-
bile, the Attorney General offered
the following suggestions:
Be cautious of extremely low
monthly payments, as these may
indicate a longer payment term. If
possible, focus on the full price of
the automobile.
Pay attention to the actual
terms of the sale rather than the
"deal" being offered by the deal-
ership. Ask questions about any
terms that seem excessive or un-
necessary.
Salespeople may offer vari-
ous incentives (cash back, "cus-
tomer loyalty" discounts, special
financing deals, etc.) that can be
worth several thousand dollars off
the new car price. Compare incen-
tives and use them as a negotiating
tool if possible.
,* Do research on how much
your trade-in is worth. Some sales-
people may try to lower the actual
value of the trade-in during nego-
tiations.
Do not make an emotional
care purchase or let a dealer know
you are purchasing a car because
you absolutely must.
Know your credit score and
what kind of financing options
should be provided to you be-
cause of your score. Avoid giving
this information to a salesperson
before a price is agreed upon.
neslBi
Congressman hears concerns
By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
Congressman Tim Mahoney
held a town hall meeting in
Okeechobee Thursday afternoon
and following the meeting he
spoke with reporters.
The crowd of about 25 people
voiced a wide range of concerns.
One of those concerns was in-
surance rates. Mr. Mahoney said
he has been working to lower the
cost of homeowners insurance.
He introduced the Homeown-
ers Defense Act of 2007 that was
designed to increase access and
affordability of insurance. The leg-
islation passed the U. S. House of
Representative last November.
"Our bill will absolutely lower
rates," he asserted.,
He said that Florida is getting
rid of good insurance companies
and bad insurance companies
were coming in.
He has also introduced legisla-
tion to lower property taxes. The
Homeowners Property Tax Relief
Act along with the Property Tax
Relief Act, according to Mr. Ma-
honey, will reduce taxes on Flo-
ridian's by providing that state and
local property taxes be deducted
from federal tax.
Another concern of the meet-
ing was the cost of prescription
drugs and the fact that insurance
companies require the use of more
expensive brand name drugs over
cheaper generic drugs.
Local druggist Steve Nelson
said there needs to be more uni-
formity and simplification among
insurance companies.
"I'm not a pharmacist, I'm an
insurance clerk," Mr. Nelson said.
Mr. Mahoney spoke at length
about his promotion of cellulosic
ethanol which is made from non-
Okeechobee News/Pete Gawda
Congressman Tim Mahoney responds to a question from
... ... .. n n i y- A......_ __-S- n--n-I -
one of his constituents at a to\
Okeechobee on Thursday after
food products such as citrus pulp
and peel and sugarcane byprod-
ucts rather than corn.
Mr. Mahoney has been working
to make Florida a leader in bio-fuel
and alternative energy production
by promoting research funding
for cellulsoic ethanol. This would
be a tremendous boost to Florida
agriculture.
He said when corn is used to
produce ethanol, it raises the price
of corn for cattle feed, hurting
Florida cattlemen.
"Florida is the nation's largest
biomass producing states and this
bill mandates the oil industry to
blend cellulosic ethanol into the
gas that.fuels our cars and trucks,"
he said in a press release.
Mr. Mahoney would like to see
cellullosic ethanol blended into
gasoline beginning in 2009.
He said he has been working
with Dr. Edwin Massey, president
of Indian River Community Col-
lege to promote courses training
wn nall type meeting neld in
noon, Jan. 11.
our young people in this new in- All
dustry.
"The number one concern I
have in Congress is making sure
we give our kids an opportunity
to grow up and live and work in
Okeechobee," he asserted. 4
Mr. Mahoney expressed con-
cern that if the lake is not protect-
ed Okeechobee would become a
bedroom community. He said the
area needs to grow but not at the
expense of the environment.
"Okeechobee can be one of/
the top sport fishing areas in the
world," he said.
Mr. Mahoney is in favor of
working with cattlemen to pre-
serve the environment rather than
having government agencies buy
up the land. He said that cattle-
men are much better managers of
the land than South Florida Water
Management District.
Post your opinions in the Public
Issues Forum at www.newszap.com.
Reporter Pete Gawda may be reached
at pgawda@newszap.com.
newszap.comr
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I
Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008 ,s
IRCC presents Michael Parker's 'Who's in Bed with the Butler?'
The Indian River Commu- Join in the hilarious romp cept for the $22 million-dollar the yacht, art and cars have all located in the McAlpin Fine Fine Arts Center Box Office to-
nity College McAlpin Main- and find out who's who when yacht, the $25 million-dollar vanished. Arts Center lobby at the IRCC day at 462-4750 or toll-free at
stage Production Series pres- it comes to the Butler's busi- art collection, and a collection Performances of "Who's in Main Campus at 3209 Virginia 1-800-220-9915 to reserve your
ents "Who's in Bed with the ness. The farce begins after of priceless antique automo- Bed with the Butler?" at the Avenue in Fort Pierce, Monday seats, as shows sell out quick-
Butler?" A comedic American a California billionaire be- biles. Of course, Constance McAlpin Fine Arts Center are through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 ly. This performance replaces
farce by Michael Parker. Shows queaths all of his assets to wants it all, and she arrives to on Feb. 7-9 at 8 p.m. and Feb. p.m., or by phone with VISA, "Exact Center of the Universe"
begin on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 8 Constance, his only daughter. contest the will with her law- 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12. Pur- MasterCard, Discover or Amer- in the 2007-2008 Mainstage se-
p.m. That is, he bequeaths all ex- yer in tow only to learn that chase tickets at the box office ican Express. Call the McAlpin ries.
77..777.7............................l., I 1 11 `7
Local student donates locks
Yearling Middle School student, Dwyatt Hadley, 15 is in
the chair at Barneys Barber shop, where he donated 11
inches of his hair to Locks of Love on Monday, Jan. 7.
Births~
Fred Michael Hill, Jr.
FredI Hill and Brittany Dillon
of Okeechobee are proud to an-
nounce the birth of their son, Fred
Michael Hill, Jr.
He was born on Sept. 18, 2007
at Lawnwood in Ft. Pierce. He
weighed 7 lbs 10.9 ounces and
was 19 inches long at birth.
Maternal grandparents are
Teresa and Eddie Wopdham of
Okeechobee.
Paternal grandparents are Cin-
dy and Steve Hill.
Great grandparents are Hel-
en Hill and the Late Fred Hill of
Okeechobee; Doris Woodham;
and Bill and Nancy Schambers, of
Indiana.
Choviohoya
Huff Weimann
Crystal Huff Wiemann and
James Lee Weimann of Brighton,
are proud to announce the birth
of their son, Choviohoya Huff
Weimann.
He was born Jan. 1, 2008 at
Highlands Regional Medical Cen-
ter. He weighed 8 lbs. 8 ounces
and was 21 /4 inches long at
birth.
Maternal grandparents are
Frank Huff Jr., and Alice Smith.
Emily Lucille Weimann is the
baby's aunt.
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A
14 Okeechobee News, Sunday, January 13, 2008
51ThL
U
4I
Fr0
II
* ''.
1''1=.Ii .,,J
S2doors, 4 doors, Convertibles, Hatchbacks, sports cars, luxury cars, truckswith regular cabs,
crew cabs, full sized, 4x4s, duallys, super dutys, minivans, fullsized, cargo vans, and so much more.
Trucidoads of cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs from around the region have been
purchased for what may be the largest automotive sales event in the area's history!
ECIAL LENDERS WILL BE ON-SITE WITH MILLIONS IN PR A
CREDIT TO ASSIST IN THE SUCCESS OF THIS SALE.
Credit Problems? Payoff Too High?
Want Lower Payments Bankruptcy/Divorce?
Currently in a Lease? Interest Rate Too High?
Bring your trade, title and/or payment book. Be prepared to take immediate delivery. Extra sales
and finance staff will be on hand to assist you with your purchase and special finance needs.
SELLOFF LOCATION:
TREASURE COAST AUTO MALL
4405 S. U.S. Hwyl o*,Ft. Pierce, FL 1/2 mile North of Midway
8 -O8 -!OOS
5 DAYS ONLY:
Wednesday. Jan. 9th
Thursday. Jan. 10th
Friday, Jan. 1'th
Saturday. Jan. 1:h
Sunday. Jan. 131th
D
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