1~ ,~'A:?'


I-


Vol. 99 No.


* Inside

Wrestlers finish
second at districts
It was close but no cigar for
Okeechobee wrestlers Saturday
as they won three district indi-
vidual titles and came home a
close second as a team.
Ironically it was the final ath-
letic event ever to be held at the
Fort Pierce Central gym, and the
Cobras made it memorable by
winning the District 14-2A title.
Page 10

Boys end nine game
skid at senior night
Nothing has gone easily for'
Okeechobee hoops this year
and Saturday night was a case
in point. Okeechobee built an
S11 point lead in the second half
but had to struggle to hold on
for a 57-55 win over Avon Park
Saturday night.
Senior Chris Hall had 17
points, and Terrance Allen had
11 points to lead Okeechobee
to their, first win of 2008.
Page 10


KEECHOBEE


35 Monday, February 4, 2008


A sunny Sunday, is the perfect fair day


Briefs


Navigation lock
closed Monday
The S-65E navigation lock at
Lake Okeechobee and the Kis-
simmee River will be closed to
navigation as of Monday, Feb.
4, due to safety hazards caused
by low water levels in the lake.
This navigation lock, Which is
operated by the South Florida
Water Management, District,
will remain closed until wa-
ter levels in Lake Okeechobee
t- have returned to safe operating
levels.
The level of Lake
Okeechobee was at 10.07 ft.
NGVD on Friday and is expect-
ed to continue to recede until
significant rainfall occurs in the
area. Low water levels inside
the lock chamber have caused
the concrete sill at the entrance
and the manatee protection de-
vice installed in the bottom of
the lock chamber to become a
navigation hazard. Additionally,
the lakeward approach to the
navigation lock has become to
shallow for boaters to navigate
safely.
For more information con-
cerning this action, please
contact the South Florida
Water Management District
Okeechobee Service Center at
800-250-4200 or 863-462-5260.


Okeecnooee Newslionya Haroen
Up and down, round and round, that's the way the carousel goes! Even as the only rider
Alyson Pottorff, 5, still enjoyed this classic fair ride.


A new addition to the American Legion free fair, this ride is similar to bumper cars, only
it's on water. Austin Smith, 7, thought the twist to the derby like ride made it that much
more fun.


NEWQ


*********ALL FOR ADC 320
205 SMA U FL LIB OF FL HISTORY
P0 BOX 117007
GAINESVILLE FL 32611



ARC shop




'sails again


By MaryAnn Morris
Okeechobee News
After difficulties with re-
pairing their hurricane-dam-
aged building, the ARC of
Okeechobee is finally open at
403 N.W. Second Avenue, be-
hind the courthouse and judi-
cial center.
This organization exists to
help adults in Okeechobee who
have disabilities. ARC stands for
Association for Retarded Citi-
zens.
In 1967, the Okeechobee
Rehabilitation Facility, Inc. was
formed as a non-profit corpo-
ration. The all-volunteer board
recognized that no one in the
Okeechobee area was tending
the needs and rights of people
with disabilities. The "Rehab"
eventually became associated
with the Association of Retard-
ed Citizens (ARC).
ARC provides appropriate,
specialized training necessary
to prepare those with disabili-
ties to live independently, to
work at real jobs, and earn
their own money. Looking for
and finding employment can
be overwhelming to those with
disabilities.
The director, Nancy Zeigler,
has high praise for the commu-
nity.


"I think compared to .most
communities; Okeechobee
seems to be protective of its
own," she said. "Everybody
knows everybody. I will get a
call when someone recogniz-
es one of our clients out and
about, bowling or shopping at
an unusual time. Naturally, it is
fine, but people care. This is a
very protective environment.
"We serve 33 clients here at
the moment," she continued.
"While they are here with us
during the day, training, they
are paid for their work, like any
other working adult. That way,
they earn while they learn. We
have 13 clients who work in the
thrift shop at different times, but
some prefer the janitorial work.
Generally, they are with us dur-
ing the week, Monday through
Friday, but some have different
schedules.
"These are all minimum
wage jobs we would need to
fill in any case. By hiring our
own people, we provide job
training and the jobs, too," she
continued.
ARC also provides educa-
tional opportunities for the cli-
ents.
"We are partners with In-
dian River Community College
See Shop Page 2


l'rra dein budtvl


Sopyrighted Matera


Drought Index

Current: 553
Source: Florida Division
of Forestry
Local Burn Ban: None

Lake Levels

10.07 feet
Last Year: 11.64 feet



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


Bang, bang, the Lopez sisters hit the duck on the head and then each other. Isis, 4 and
Noelani, 2 immediately began to have fun with the blow up hammers they won.


Index
Classifieds 8-9
Com ics .......... ........................... 7
Community Events .................... 4
Crossword............................ 8
Opinion 4
Speak Out... 4
Sports 10
TV ..9
Weather...... .. 2
See Page 2 for information about
how to contact the newspaper.

newszap.com
Free Spec FreeiAds




I 11 1 l lJ |ll
8 16510 00024 5


How Wolff's house


became White House Plaza


By MaryAnn Morris
Okeechobee News
This is the story of a beauti-
ful house. It had been lived in
and loved. Then it was sold and
used for business. Eventually
it was purchased by a couple
who, although they do not live
there, wanted it to be beautiful
again.
Once upon a time, back in
the 1920s, there was a young
town on Lake Okeechobee in
Florida. They called the town
Okeechobee City back then.
The streets were sand. They
were dusty in the dry season,
squishy when it rained. People


Recollections
A series about Florida's
pioneers and history

.i-
!, i & ,_.,- .. .


came for new opportunities
and warm weather that brought
long growing seasons.
' Young J.O. Wolff migrated
south from his parents' home
in northern Florida.


He bought the Park Drug
Store on the south side of the
street now called Park Street
from a married couple, both
medical doctors, Roy and Anna
Darrow.
The couple had built the
two-story building on South
Park in early 1915, adjoining
Raulerson's Department Store
(now Coldwell Banker Berger
Real Estate). Part of the ground
floor housed Dr. Roy Darrow's
Park Pharmacy. Anna Darrow
practiced medicine, becoming
"Doc Anner," a legend here in
Okeechobee.
See Plaza Page 2


* UT .4,-
9~..
.


Submitted photo/Jack Wolff
Today the white house, built around 1925 stands on the west
side of Parrott Avenue, its crape myrtles are back again. In the
back, behind the big old oak tree, an office plaza wraps around,
back to the house. The look is so much like the original house;
it is hard to tell that it has just recently been completed.
-, , -. ,







Okeechobee News, Monday, February 4, 2008


Water conservation in the yard


By Audrey Driggers
Okeechobee Soil and Water
Conservation District
Often you
don't appreciate
something until
B it's gone! That
can really be
true with water.
Taken for grant-
ed when it is plentiful, its impor-
tance is truly appreciated in the
garden once it becomes scarce.
There are some things you can do
to help conserve water and make
the best use of what you have
available.
If you have not already
mulched your plants, do it!
Mulch will help limit the amount
of water that evaporates from


the soil. While organic mulches
such as grass clippings or wood
chips are preferable since they
add organic matter to the soil,
plastic mulches are useful in
limiting evaporation from the
soil. They can be laid between
rows in the vegetable garden
and will help limit moisture loss;
however, they also will limit in-
filtration.
Place your water where it will
do the most good. Sprinklers are
very inefficient for getting water
to the roots of your plants. Much
of the water lands on the leaves
and evaporates before reaching
the ground. A slow gentle wa-
tering at the base of the plants,
allowing the water to soak into
the soil, will be most efficient.
Water those plants needing


it most. Newly planted trees,
shrubs, and flowers with limited
roots systems will most likely
suffer first from drought condi-
tions. Give these plants priority if
water is scarce. Well-established
plants, especially those native to
the area, are likely to withstand
drought conditions with limited
damage.
Water in the early morning
before the heat of the day. This
limits evaporation and supplies
plants with needed moisture to
make it through the hot, sunny
day.
Consider using drip or trickle
irrigation systems. Many inex-
pensive, easy to install systems
are available that provide small
amounts of water to the base of,
individual plants. These systems


place e water where it is need-
ed most, rather than applying it
across the whole garden. Check
with your local garden center.
Collect water from down-
spouts when it rains. Roofs in-
tercept significant amounts of
rain. Collecting this runoff into
a barrel can help limit the use
of city or well water during dry
spells.
For more information on
mulching, water conservation,
and other Backyard Conserva-
tion practices, contact your lo-
cal conservation district or the
Natural Resources Conservation
Service. Or call 1-888-LAND-
CARE (toll free) for a free col-
orful Backyard Conservation
booklet and tip sheets.


Project helps schools observe Arbor Day


Fourth Grade Foresters
get young people
involved in our planet

By Audrey Driggers
Okeechobee Soil and Water
Conservation District
In January of 2008, more than
5,200 Fourth Grade Foresters all
across Florida rolled up their
sleeves and planted -a tree. The
kids became members of Fourth
Grade Foresters of Florida. The
project goal is to help revitalize a
remarkable idea--observation of
Arbor Day in America's schools.
The Okeechobee Soil and
Water Conservation District who
sponsored trees for New En-
deavor, South, Seminole, Central
and North Elementary Schools in
Okeechobee says, "The Fourth
Grade Foresters Project is a great
way to get young people involved
in conservation and saving our
planet."
"This project is made possible
because community organiza-
tions like the Okeechobee Soil


News Briefs

Okee County Fair Pageant deadline changed
The Okeechobee County Fair Association will be holding a
Okeechobee County Fair Beauty Pageant on Friday, March 7. Com-
petition includes three categories: personality and interview; sports/
swimwear; and evening gown. The pageant is open to young wom-
en who are ages 15 to 19 years old. Competitors must reside in
Okeechobee County, Buckhead Ridge or Brighton Seminole Reser-
vation. The deadline to enter the competition is Wednesday, Feb. 6.
For more information, contact Donny Arnold (863) 634-6464 or visit
www.okeechobeecountyfair.com.

Fair seeks Creative Skill and Craft entries
The Okeechobee County Fair Association is seeking adult and
youth contest participants for the upcoming, fair March 7-16, the
contests consists of quilting, sewing, painting, drawing, photogra-
phy, horticulture and woodworking. There will also be food com-
petitions such as home baking and canned goods, as well as a veg-
etable competition featuring garden vegetable, fruit and vegetable
and largest vegetable categories. You may download the entry
forms and rules at the Okeechobee County Fair Web site, www.
okeechobeecountyfair.com under the exhibits link, or pick up cop-
ies at the Okeechobee Coufity Extension Office at 458 Highway 98
North. If you have questions, please contact Dianne Spann at 634-
3327

City has opening on Utility Authority Board
The Okeechobee City Council is seeking interested applicants in
serving on the Okeechobee Utility Authority Board of Directors, as
an alternate member for a two year term. The applicants must be
residents of the City of Okeechobee and be living in the service area
of OUA. Applications may be printed from the City's web page,
www.cityofokeechobee.com or obtained from the City Clerk's Of-
fice at 55 SE 3rd Avenue, Okeechobee. You may contact us for fur-
ther information at (863) 763-3372 extension 215.


Today's Weather


Submitted photo
North Elementary was excited to get involved in the Fourth Grade Foresters project.


and Water Conservation District
who covered the cost of each of
the individually packaged ever-
green trees, so that there is no
cost to the students, the teachers,
the school, or'the taxpayer," Deb-
ra Ersch, Cofounder of the Project
stated. "It's a wonderful way for
business people and individu-
als to show their support for the
community, education and the
environment."
Fourth Grade Foresters USA


was created to provide a simple
and inexpensive way for any indi-
vidual, business or organization
to send the 4th Grade students at
an elementary school home with
a tree of their own to plant and
care for. Each fourth grader re-
ceived an individually packaged
12"-18" evergreen tree seedling
sealed in a polybag by workers
with disabilities. Each package
included information about Flor-
ida's Arbor Day, planting and care


instructions, and the name of its
sponsor.
Now in the era of global warm-
ing and air pollution, tree planting
is even more important than ever.
Trees take carbon dioxide (C02)
out of the atmosphere to help re-
duce warming and clean the air
we breathe. Planting trees is a
simple, inexpensive and easy way
to address the problem.


"Copyrighted Material


Syndicated Content -




Available from Commercial News Providers"


MaryAnn Morris/Okeechobee News
ARC Thrift Shop manager, Annette checks Okeechobee resi-
dent Helen Jones after a fruitful shopping trip in the new
building behind the courthouse and judicial center. Just look
for the yellow building.


I %J..o of j .VoI' f *,x c,,:lne.,e FhiN
The Wolff's house on Parrott Avenue is finished on this pho-
to postcard from the 1920s. Before U8 441 was widened or
paved, the house had a large, deep yard.


.10s -Os Os 10s 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s


Okeechobee Forecast

Monday: The day will be partly cloudy with highs in the lower
80's. Winds will be southeast 5 to 10 mph.
Monday night: The night will be partly cloudy with lows in the
lower 60's.
Extended Forecast
Tuesday: A partly cloudy day with highs in the lower 80's.
Tuesday night: A partly cloudy night with lows in the lower
60's.
Wednesday: There will be a slight chance of afternoon showers
throughout a partly cloudy day. The highs will be in the upper 70's.
Wednesday night: There will be considerable cloudiness with
a slight chance of evening showers. The lows will be in the upper
50's.
Thursday: It will be a partly sunny day with highs in the mid
70's.
Thursday night: The night will be partly cloudy also with lows
in the mid 50's.
Friday: It will be a partly sunny day with highs in the lower
70's.


Lotteries

MIAMI (AP) -- Here are the winning numbers selected Saturday
in the Florida Lottery:
Cash 3 1-8-2; Play 4 0-1-9-2; Lotto -- $10 million jackpot
40-41-45-37-1-17
Fantasy 5 5-10-35-1-23


MaryAnn Morris/Okeechobee News
Lots of natural light, cheerful, light yellow walls and lots of
space gives plenty of space to see the merchandise in the
ARC Thrift Shop. The thrift shop just re-opened Jan.28.


Shop
Continued From Page 1
in Okeechobee (IRCC). When we
realized that we had several cli-
ents who wanted to learn to read,
IRCC provided a masters-level
reading teacher for half days dur-
ing the week," Ms. Zeigler said.
"By partnering with IRCC we
are also eligible to apply for some
grants from the Florida Depart-
ment of Education. Sam Smith at
IRCC has been very supportive of
us. It has been so positive for our
clients," she said.
"The Okeechobee County


School Board worked with high
school kids on the junior and se-
nior level. By state law, these kids
are integrated into the regular
public school, but with individual
education plans tailored to their
abilities.
'These kids can learn skills
and become employable. They
can learn to shop, to keep up
an apartment, keep a job and
pay their bills," said Ms. Zeigler.
"People in the community often
do not realize what dependable
employees our clients are."
MaryAnn Morris may be contacted
at mmorris@newszap.com. You will
get a response.


Plaza
Continued From Page 1
J.O. Wolff, now settled, met
lovely Mariette Pavis who was
visiting with her parents. It was
here that they met, and In March
of 1922, they married.
They built a house on the west
side of Parrott Avenue (named for
one of Henry Flagler's executives,
Parrott). Their first son, Joe was
born in 1924 then in 1926, their
son Jack was born.
"People don't believe me, but I
remember being about two years
old and looking out at all the wa-
ter after the hurricane of 1928."
The family lived there until
1950 when they sold the house
and the drug store and moved
out to the end of what is now
Wolff Road on the south side of
Pizza Hut. There they went into
the beef business and a few years
later, the diary business.
J.O. and Mariette had sold the
house and land to Johnny Ed-
wards for $20,000.
"I remember us driving by that
lovely house, right on US 441;
but U.S. 441 was a two lane road
then," said Elaine Lawrence. "Mr.
& Mrs. Edwards always had crape
myrtles along the front of the
property and it was so pretty," She


said. "So when we built the plaza
and re-landscaped, I had them
put the crape myrtles back."
The Edwards' eventually sold
the white house and it had a
number of business uses, chang-
ing hands over the years.
In '1999, Ronnie and Ellaine
Lawrence bought it.
"It had been used for home
health care and needed a great
deal of restoration. It had water
damage and the original plaster
had been covered over with dry-
wall. We hired the man who we
knew had done a lot of plastering
in Okeechobee on the old hous-
es. He did a fine job. We tried a
bed and breakfast for a while, but
finally decided to rent it out to a
business. But I did not want to see
the house destroyed, so we built
the plaza on the additional prop-
erty in the back. I made sure we
kept the architecture of the lovely
white house.
"I doubt anyone will ever want
to tear it down now."
"I look at the old place and
I feel proud at what has been
done," said Jack Wolff, whose
childhood memories are in the
white house.
MaryAnn Morris may be contacted at
mmorris@newszap.com.


To Reach Us
Address:
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Okeechobee, FL 34974
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w





Okeechobee News, Monday, February 4, 2008 3


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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. Ydu 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!
MUDFEST: This weekend will once again bring in the Okeechobee
Mudfest. I think it's great that thousands of people can get together
and show off their mechanical and fabrication skills with all the differ-
ent shapes and sizes of mud vehicles. It also brings a lot of revenue to
our local hospital, liquor stores and gas stations. vo issues that are of
a major concern are the fact that if you live on or off of State Road 70
East in the general vicinity, it can take you as long as 45 minutes to get
home with the traffic back up as far as Mosquito Creek or at times even
to the Ag Center. Secondly there is a water shortage in Okeechobee
County limiting the use of our water for things such as washing your
vehicles and watering your lawn. I have no problem with the event
itself but I do in fact have issues with water use and flooding. As for
the traffic issue, it's a lot better than it originally was when the event
first started and I hope that the Sheriffs office can make it even better.
One way might be to line up all the vehicles in rows inside the gate
while they are waiting to pay their admission or bring them in a differ-
ent way such as 80th Avenue. Editor's note: When asked about
the traffic situation in regard to the Mudfest event later this
month, Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul May said they will
have deputies working as hard as they can. "There will be
a traffic problem," he said. He went on to say that the event
does not have to be permitted through the Florida Depart-
ment of Transportation. The event is, however, permitted
by Okeechobee County. Sheriff May said three to four of his
deputies will be at the site at all times during the event. Their
salaries are being paid by the Mudfest promoters, and they
will be covered by the sheriff's office insurance. As for the
use of water to create the mud, a South Florida Water Man-
agement Distict spokesperson said promoters of the event
have a commercial permit specifically for this event. They
also have a specific water allocation and can't go beyond that
amount. We were also told that they are being monitored and
have not exceeded their allocation.

MUSIC: I have a business in town, and I do play a variety of music.
Yes, I do play gospel music, for the peace it offers to me, country and
western if a rodeo is coming, classical if clients are viewing, hip-hop, if
the client enjoys that, nursery rhyme music for children. It is part of my
marketing training to work with each customer in their "world." It is a
way of relating to the persons I am working with. Just like the Chinese
play their type of music when we eat in that type of restaurant and so
do the Mexicans and Italians. I am probably not your "norm" though,
because I love to hear and play my car radio VERY loud myself. I love
life and music. I kind of feel sad for you, that you may not be listening,
instead are feeling anger towards something so beautiful as music.
Music makes me happy, and at funerals makes me sad, it holds a great
amount of power to the emotions we have as human beings.

PROGRESS: I do agree the county should/could provide us with
more ball fields. The ideal place for one? Exactly across from the Post
Office. It is a gorgeous piece of land, near the Creek, has trees, and
a low land. I drive by there ad I imagine children flying kites, picnic
benches and tables, a butterfly garden, and a water playground for
children. What could be better for tourists as.they enter town to se us
actually taking care of our land? Not full of big stores and other total
distractions of beauty. But as far as tearing down the old buildings,
why don't we tear down the Capital, Grant's tomb, the White House,
Lincoln Memorial and the Statue of Liberty while we are at it? Hey,
let's shoot our grandmothers too. They are old and in the way too,
and really expensive.

PLANNING: I thought since we now had a County Fair that the
other fair was going to be discontinued. How many fair can a work-
ing person in Okeechobee afford to attend? Another example of bad
planning is the fair, another circus in town and the battlefield re-enact-
ment all on one weekend. I think they should get the circuses to come
during our County Fair to add to it, and none of it be during Speckled
Perch weekend.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC: Regarding the Christian music in a business,
it is too bad that one person of another faith had to deny, take away,
the beautiful music that was being sung by a trio to raise money for the
Children's Miracle Network. It was all donations for a worthy cause.
How narrow minded if they were a practicing religion would believe
and beautiful music contributed to the heart and soul of people who
believe in God. The music was not offensive.

WHAT'S WRONG: We were privileged to hear some beautiful
Christian music in our local store, but us Christians were punished be-
cause one non-Christian complained that this music offended them. It
is very sad when one can dominate and take away the beautiful plea-
surable hearing of other people. What is wrong with this picture?

SHOP GONE: I just came down from up north and I always have
had a beauty shop here in Taylor Creek. I was wondering if anyone
knows where Taylor Creek beauty shop went to.

INVESTIGATION: I would like to know how come if someone
calls Department of Children and Family services and they make a
complaint against another individual, why is it that they have to in-
vestigate that complaint before they can put a case on somebody?
Somebody needs to do an investigation on Department of Children
and Family services.



Okeechobee News

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


Sometimes a marriage


needs some help


From the American
Counseling Association
No one enters a marriage ex-
pecting that the relationship won't
last. Yet, unfortunately, almost 50
percent of marriages in this country
end in divorce. An important ques-
tion is whether professional help
could reduce those numbers, es-
pecially if called upon before prob-
lems become too big to be solved.
Of course, it isn't always easy for
a couple to spot when problems
are first starting to appear. No mat-
ter how much two people love and
care about each other, there will al-
ways be rough spots and disagree-
ments as time goes by.
Disagreeing over paint color
for the living room walls is not a
problem requiring professional
help. Constant disagreements over
almost everything is an entirely dif-
ferent situation.
A common, early sign that a
marriage is drifting toward serious
trouble is when one partner feels
he or she is giving more than he or
she is receiving over an extended
period of time. It could be a job,
outside family, children, or any of a
hundred other issues that has one
person feeling he or she is carrying
the bulk of the load. And it's a prob-
lem that can poison a relationship
unless help is found.
Persistent and severe disagree-
ments are another sign of serious
problems when coupled with an
inability or unwillingness to resolve
those disagreements. While dis-
agreements can occur in any mar-
riage, it's when they're not worked
out but instead left to fester that se-
vere and permanent damage to the


Counseling

Corner

marriage can occur.
Seeking counseling for marriage
problems doesn't mean that every
marriage will be saved. There are
many situations where the couple
really is better off being apart.
But in many cases what a coun-
seling professional can do is help a
couple see the reality of their situa-
tion, and can offer help and tech-
niques to work more intelligently
toward resolving the problems they
face.
There are a variety of places
to seek professional help. Many,
though not all, clergy are trained in
helping couples through marriage
problems. Within the counseling
profession there is a counseling
specialty which has special training
in relationship and marriage coun-
seling.
If you suspect that problems in
your marriage are becoming seri-
ous, seek out counseling as soon as
possible. Seeking help does not sig-
nal the end of a marriage. Rather,
it's often the beginning of building
a stronger, healthier and longer last-
ing relationship.
"The Counseling Corner" is
provided as a public service by
the American Counseling Asso-
ciation, the nation's largest or-
ganization of counseling pro-
fessionals. Learn more about
the counseling profession at
the ACA web site, www.coun-
seling.org.


Upcoming Events

Monday, Feb. 4
A.A. meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the First United
Methodist Church, 200 N.W. Second St. This will be an open meet-
ing.
Okeechobee Model Airplane Club will meet at the Peace Lu-
theran Church, 750 N.W. 23rd Lane at 7 p.m. For information, con-
tact Robert Rosada at (863) 467-5440.
Narcotics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. for open discussion at
the Just for Today club, 2303 S. Hwy 441, Suite K. For information call
(863) 6344780.
Okeechobee Senior Singers meet at 9:30 a.m. at the
Okeechobee Presbyterian Church, 312 North Parrott Ave. Everyone
who enjoys singing is invited. For information or to schedule an ap-
pearance for your organization or group, contact Marge Skinnerat
(863) 532-0449. .. ,. i
Artful Appliquers is a recently 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. Turn left at the
Moose lodge and go around the curve just past the church. Bring a
lunch and join us for a fun day of applique. Everyone is welcome. For
more information please contact Karen Graves at (863) 763-6952.
AA meetings Buckhead Ridge Christian Church, 3 Linda Road,
holds open meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous on Monday nights
from 7 to 8 p.m. for substance abuse. They also have Al-Anon meet-
ings on Monday nights from 7 until 8 p.m. to help family and friends
of alcoholics. For information call Chris at (863) 467-5714.
Tuesday, Feb. 5
Rotary Club of Okeechobee meets each Tuesday at noon at
Golden Corral Restaurant, 700 S. Parrott Ave. The meetings are open
to the public. For information, contact Chad Rucks at (863) 763-
8999.
New AA Meeting in Basinger: There is now an AA meeting in
Basinger on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Basinger Christian Brethren
Church on 700-A, north off U.S. 98. Beginners are welcome.
Alanon meeting will be held at the Church of Our Saviour, 200
N.W Third St., at 8 p.m.
AA. Closed discussion meeting from 8 until 9 p.m. at the Church
of Our Savior, 200 N.W Third St.
Family History Center meets from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 310 S.W. Sixth St. Anyone
interested in finding who your ancestors are is welcome to attend.
There is Census, IGI (International Genealogical Index), Social Secu-
rity Death Index and military information available. For information,
call Robert Massey at (863) 763-6510.
Camera Club meetings will be every other Tuesday, from 5:30
until 6:30 p.m. Learn types and uses of film, speeds and technol-
ogy and how to see your world and capture it on film. Class is ba-
sic through extensive. Registration is $20 and each class is $10. Call
Bobbi at (863) 467-2614 for information. Some of the proceeds will
go towards Big Lake Mission's Outreach.
Gospel Sing every Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m. The public is
invited to participate with vocal and/or instrumental music. For infor-
mation, contact Douglas Chiropractic Center at (863) 763-4320.
The Widow and Widowers Support Group meets at 8:30
a.m. at the Clock Restaurant, 1111 S. Parrott Ave., for breakfast. For
information, call (863) 467-9055.
The Gathering Church Overcomers Group meets at 7:30
p.m. in the fellowship hall, 1735 S.W 24th Ave. This is a men's only
meeting. For information, call Earl at (863) 763-0139.
The Okeechobee Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. at the Golden
Corral Restaurant, 700 S. Parrott Ave. Anyone interested in becom-
ing a member is welcome. For information, contact Elder Sumner at
(863) 763-6076.
Bible study at the Living Word of Faith Church, 1902 S. Parrott
Ave., at 7 p.m. Informal and informative discussions bring many Bi-
ble truths to life. The public is invited.
Grief and Loss Support Group meets every Tuesday at 10
a.m. at the Hospice Building, 411 S.E. Fourth St. Everyone is wel-
come. For information, contact Enid Boutrin at (863) 467-2321.
Community Country Gospel will meet at 7 p.m. at the church
next to Douglas Clinic on North Park St. Any individual or group that
enjoys old time gospel music is invited to participate. For informa-
tion, contact Dr. Edward Douglas at (863) 763-4320.
A.A. meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the First United
Methodist Church, 200 N.W Second St. This will be an open meet-
ing.
The First United Methodist Church, 200 N.W Second St., will
be hosting God's Time -- a morning of free organized Christian
activities that includes play, instruction and interaction for parents
and their pre-school children. The event will be held each Tues-
day from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Child care will be provided for
infants during the class. For information, call (863) 763-4021.
Narcotics Anonymous will begin meeting every Tuesday at
noon. Meetings will be held at the Just for Today Club, 2303 U.S.
441 S.E., Suite K. For information, call (863) 634-4780.
Haven of Rest Church, 2947 S.W Third Terr., holds meetings
for persons with alcohol and drug related problems at 6 p.m. For
information call (863) 357-3053.


Community Events


OHS Scholarship drive under way
College costs continue to increase each year and the students
of Okeechobee are always in need of financial assistance. The
Okeechobee High School Scholarship Program is currently recruit-
ing to increase the amount of scholarship funds available to these
students. If you or your business would like to offer a scholarship
in your name, or if you have any questions regarding scholarship
contributions, please contact Bill R. Black at (873) 462-5025 ext.
3113. The scholarship commitment deadline is Jan. 11, 2008 so
new scholarships can be included in the scholarship booklets. If
this is not convenient for you please call and we will work out the
details.

Parenting classes offered
Free parenting classes are held every Monday from 7 until 8 p.m.
at New Endeavor High School. Classes include topics about ,chil-
dren from birth to teens. For information or to have an interpreter
available call Lori Jaquith at (863) 697-6320 or (863) 462-5000, ext.
282.

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

Free GED classes offered
Indian River Community College will be offering free adult basic
education/GED and English as a second language classes at these
locations: Dixon Hendry Center, 2229 N.W. Ninth Ave., English as
second language classes, Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until
noon, adult basic education/GED, Monday through'Thursday from
8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.; Yearling
Middle School, 925, N.W. 23 Lane, English as a second language
classes, Monday -Wednesday 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.; Everglades Ele-
mentary, 3725 S.E. Eighth St., English as a second language classes,
Tuesday and Thursday from 6 until 8 p.m.

YMS collecting printer cartridges
Yearling Middle School (YMS) is collecting empty printer and
copy toner cartridges. They are sent in for credits that go toward
school supplies to be used by all students. To donate empty printer
or toner cartridges, they can be dropped off at YMS, 925 N.W. 23rd
Lane, or at the Stichin' Post, 620 S. Parrott Ave. Or call Tracy at (863)
462-5056, or Linda at (863) 467-1484 for free pick up.

DAR offers scholarship
A $500 scholarship known as the Essie D. Millspaugh scholar-
ship is available at the high school. Applications are available from
Bill Black, Career Counselor at Okeechobee High School.

Benefit for family of Johnny Lamb
F.O.E. #4137, Hwy 441 N. is sponsoring a benefit for the family
of Johnny Lamb, who was killed in an auto accident on Dec. 7,
2007.
We are asking for items to auction. Please contact May Scaffa at
(863) 634-7318 or Patty Rucks at (863) 634-1833.
There will be a barbecue dinner of chicken or pork for a dona-
i,:.n of $7 which will start at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, at Eagles
Club on Hwy 441 North. The auction will be held' at 6 p.m. and a
drawing will be held. There will also be live music.

Benefit account for Christopher Thomas set up
David Thomas and Trish Thomas have set up a benefit account
in memory of their son Christopher "Cooter" Thomas who died
early Saturday, July 14, in an automobile accident.
The account has been established at Seacoast National Bank.
Funds will go to a 4-H scholarship in his name.
For those who would like to donate to the family, the account
information is at the bank.
If you have any questions, call Mrs. Thomas at (863) 634-5795.

Special benefit account set up
A special benefit account has been established at Seacoast Na-
tional Bank, 1409 S. Parrott Ave., for Crystal (Longen) Vandermolen
to help defray medical costs.

SFWMD offers speakers bureau
The South Florida Water Management District Okeechobee Ser-
vice Center staff members are available to meet with groups about
water resources and environmental restoration projects in the
Okeechobee, Glades and Highland County service area. Technical
experts, scientists and other specialists can tailor a presentation to
meet specific needs or answer questions regarding many water-re-
lated topics. This service is free and available by contacting Victoria
Nowlan at (863) 462-5260 or 800-250-4200, ext. 3045, or by e-mail
at vnowlan@sfwmd.gov. For more information, visit www.sfwmd.
gov or call the Okeechobee Service Center at (800) 250-4200.

Water restrictions in effect
West Palm Beach, FL The South Florida Water Management
District (SFWMD) has declared an extreme District-wide water
shortage, directly affecting more than five million South Florida
residents and thousands of farms and businesses.
Modified Phase III water shortage order, went into Jan. 15,
2008, and includes:
Residents and businesses of Okeechobee, St. Lucle, Martin,
Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Hendry and
Glades counties are limited to a one-day-per-week landscape ir-
rigation schedule with two "watering windows." Odd street ad-
dresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Mondays between
4 a.m. and 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Even street addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on
Thursday between 4 a.m. and 8: a.m. or 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Residents and businesses with more than five acres have ex-
panded irrigation hours, between midnight and 8 a.m. OR 4
p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on their designated irrigation day.
Hand-watering with one hose fitted with an automatic shut-off
nozzle is allowed for 10 minutes per day for landscape stress relief
and to prevent plant die-off.
Low-volume irrigation, including the use of drip and microjet
systems that apply water directly to plant root zones, is not restrict-
ed but should be voluntarily reduced.


Additional watering days and times will be allocated for the es-
tablishment of new lawns and landscapes.
No restrictions apply to other outside water uses, such as for car
and boat washing, pressure cleaning of paved surfaces, decorative
fountains and water-based recreation (e.g. swimming pools, water
slides).
Golf courses must reduce their allocated water use by 45 per-
cent.
The new, mandatory restrictions apply to all water from tradi-
tional sources, including water from public utilities, private wells,
canals, ponds and lakes. Users of 100-percent reclaimed water are
exempt from the restrictions but are encouraged to conserve water
voluntarily.
Because jurisdiction in certain counties is shared with other wa-
ter management districts, the SFWMD has coordinated with these
agencies to simplify implementation and enforcement.


Okeechobee News, Monday, February 4, 2008


4 OPINION


a








Okeechobee News. Monday, February 4, 2008 BUSINESS 5


Canvas Shop has a new home


By MaryAnn Morris
Okeechobee News
The Canvas Shop is tucked into
the plaza at 909 South Parrott Av-
enue. Carl and Donna Gaiser
bought the shop in fall of 2004. The
Gaisers and their very talented em-
ployee, Eddie Archibold turn out
custom awnings (Check the south
side of Park Street: Marble Slab
and Coldwell Banker Berger Real
Estate). However, they do not stop
with awnings and boat tops.
"We made a screen enclosure
for a houseboat, an entire T-top,
including the aluminum frame,
"bras" for cars, awnings for RVs,
just about anything," said Donna
Gaiser as she leafed through a pho-
to album of the company's com-,
pleted projects.
"Our awnings are custom made
to last from a laminated polyester
fabric. We use nothing but "Sun-
brella" a special, outdoor fabric for
other projects. It is a very durable
and attractive fabric."
If you stop by with a project or
a repair, take a second look at the
sewing machine that sits alongside
the layout table. At first glance, it
looks just like any sewing machine,
but this machine is all metal and
well, beefy. The thread feeding into
the machine has a muscular look,


Share your news and photos
for this column by email to
mmorris@newszap.com
too.
If you have a fifth wheel trailer
for horse shows or out of town
riding trips, look at the photo of se-
cure, enclosed storage, etc. Just ask
bring in a photo of what you want.
Bet they can sew up your project.
One Stop Career
Center has resources
Not just for "jobs and employ-


ees," The actual stated mission of
"One Stop" is to promote a bright
economic future through the co-
ordination of workforce develop-
ment activities and services." For
instance, they have places you can
sue for meetings; they can host
your Web site and help you with
web site development.
Add in, educational materials,
videos, books and teach yourself
videos for Word, Outlook, Access,
Excell and PowerPoint and other
topics useful to running a business
such as: supervision and manage-
ment techniques. If you go or call
for information, John Gurney is
the business services consultant.
You will find the One Stop Career
Center at 209 South Park Street un-
der the yellow awning or call (8630
462-5350.
Call, stop in or email your
business-related news, ques-
tions, jokes or incantations!
MaryAnnMorrisatOkeechobee
News, 107 SW 17t St. There is a
slot in the door for after hours
and weekends. Email: mmor-
ris@newszap.com, or Call me
at (863) 763-3134.


New Workers' Comp products available


Pritchards and Associates now insurance solution for work-
offers national leader FirstComp ers' compensation," said agency
Insurance Company to offer new President, Lowell Pritchard.
workers'compensation insurance "FirstComp has a strong history
for small- to mid-size businesses of serving small- and mid-sized
in South and Central Florida. businesses, and we are excited to
"Our new appointment with offer their rapid quoting and out-
FirstComp allows us to provide standing customer service to our
our customers with an additional clients."


Pritchards and Associates,
a local independent insurance
agency in the Okeechobee area
for the past 16 years, offers a wide
range of insurance services and
.products through a variety of car-
riers. For more information on
Pritchards and Associates, visit
www.pritchardsinc.com.


Building commission urges stronger

structures for coastal residents


TALLAHASSEE The Florida
Building Commission today rec-
ommended to the Legislature that
new buildings along Florida's coast
that will be insured by the state-
run Citizens Property Insurance
Corporation be built to stronger
standards than current building
codes require. The recommenda-
tions, which incorporate "Code-
Plus" standards, come in response
to the Legislature's direction for
the Commission to examine the
hurricane risks to structures built
close to the Florida coast. The pro-
posed requirements would apply
to structures built within a half-mile
of Florida's coasts beginning next
January 1.
"These buildings are exposed to
the strongest winds and pounding
surf of oncoming hurricanes, and
the risk of building damage and in-
surance claims to the state-backed
insurance provider is enormous,"
said Raul L. Rodriguez, AIA, who
serves as chairman of the Florida
Building Commission. "We consid-
ered the risks and the latest science
in developing the recommenda-


tions and concluded that state-in-
sured buildings should be required
to withstand a stronger hurricane
than those mandated by the state
code."
The Legislature last year di-
rected the Commission, which is
housed within the Department of
Community Affairs, to recommend
Code-Plus criteria for Citizens-in-
sured buildings constructed after
Jan. 1,2009, within 2,500 feet of the
coast. The Commission selected
a standard based on a 500-year
event, which can carry winds ap-
proximating the worst storms on
record, such as Hurricane Andrew.
Citizens-insured coastal buildings
would be built to withstand winds
5 to 25 mph stronger than the code
requires, depending on where the
building is located along the coast.
In addition to wind speed, the rec-
ommendations call for buildings to
be elevated I to 6 feet higher than
current requirements and to meet
the stringent wind-borne debris
protection requirements for the
High Velocity Hurricane Zone.
Wind-driven rain damage oc-


curs to building interiors when
roof coverings are blown off, win-
dows are broken or other parts of
the structure fail. These are major
causes of insurance claims. While
the damage is not necessarily life-
threatening to the occupants, it
does result in costly repairs and ren-
ovations. Estimates from Hurricane
Andrew, as an example, reflect that
water damage was responsible for
60 percent of the insured losses.
Stronger buildings and protection
from wind-borne debris would re-
duce damage and losses.
"The primary purpose of any
building code is to provide for the
safety of the occupants, and the
Florida Building Code does that
very well," said Rodriguez. "The
'Code-Plus' requirements address
occupant safety and additional
property protection in high-risk ar-
eas, which will in turn reduce insur-
ance losses."
A map illustrating Florida's
wind-borne debris region is avail-
able at http://www.dca.state.
fl.us/FBC/maps/Wind_borne_
MAP021407v2.pdf.


fl bow hwbrn h~. lax. rte





"---'-"Copyrighted Material




Syndicated Content -




Available from Commercial News Providers"
a~.0 -


Submitted photo
St. Lucie County President, Thorn Jones; Carissa Zerga, Mary Shaffer, Penny Morin and
Greg Kimmins represent Seacoast at the 2007 March of Dimes Award Breakfast.


Seacoast National Bank


recognized by March of Dimes


Seacoast National Bank was
recently honored as Corporate
Sponsor of the Year by the March
of Dimes, Treasure Coast at its an-
nual award breakfast.
The bank was commended for
its corporate contributions as the
2006-07 Treasure Coast Sponsor
for Walk America, Bikers for Ba-
bies and Prematurity Awareness
Month covering communities in
Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie and
Indian River Counties. Seacoast's
corporate contributions totaled
$17,000 and its employees raised
an additional $24,609 to support
the March of Dimes in their fight
to save babies arid to raise aware-
ness around important issues such
as .health care, premature birth,
parent education and research.
Dana McSweeney, branch
manager for Seacoast's Fort
Pierce office was also honored as
the St. Lucie County Volunteer
of the Year for her dedication as
a Walk America Team Captain,
as a vital member of the St. Lucie
County Walk America committee
and for her leadership of the St.
Lucie County WonderWalk.
"Dana is a volunteer that
brings with her the force of her
entire family. There is no mistak-
ing her commitment to moms and
babies," said Pam Crowley, March
of Dimes Treasure Coast Division
director.
McSweeney and Todd Bank,


A;


Submitted photc
Barry Oberholtzer, immediate-past-chair, March of Dimes
presents Dana McSweeney with the 2007 St. Lucie County
Volunteer of the Year award


senior vice president, commer-
cial loan officer for Seacoast
National Bank in Indian River
County were appointed to the
March of Dimes' Board of Direc-
tors in 2007.
The operating arni of Seacoast


Banking Corporation of Florida
(NASDAQ: SBCF) Seacoast
National Bank has 43 offices in
Florida and approximately $2.3
billion in assets, and is one of the
largest independent banks head-
quartered in Florida.


hdog'


Okeechobee Okeechonee
College program Second
SSeconnd tern


et m,' wrn,


Okeechobee News
m Animal facility pact OKd

pi Gr j 'l aVi Couincil to
6 ''' jie at vor


A legitimate role for the press is that of "the public's watchdog." Most
citizens can't spend the time necessary to personally observe their
public officials at work, or to determine how well public institutions
are carrying out their public mission.

But too many newspapers these days act more like "mad dogs" than
"watchdogs."


We're proud to be different. We try to carry out our "watchdog" role
as humble representatives of the public, always maintaining a courte-
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Let us know by mailing feedback@newszap.com or calling your edi-
tor.





rKEECHOBEE NEWS


Community Service Through Journalism


with manners?


BUSINESS


Okeechobee News, Monday, February 4, 2008


I


rI' i ,


rr


-








6 Okeechobee News, Monday, February 4, 2008
6+


Master Gardener Course is set


By Dan Culbert
Extension Horticulture Agent
It is good to be back here in
town. If you have noticed, the past
two weeks of this column, have
been produced by, our wonderful
Extension Program Assistant, An-
gela Sachson. I have been out of
town on a special assignnfent. Ac-
tually, I've been out of the country
Costa Rica to be more accurate.
Now before everyone gets too
excited about me being gone on
a "vacation," let me assure you
that this was not the case. It was
two weeks of work, preparing
and teaching some new partners
at EARTH University about the
Wonderful World of Master Gar-
dening. The pace of preparations
and presentations allowed me only
a glimpse of those beautiful exotic
vacation paradises that you see in
the slick travel brochures. {Yeah,
right, says our local staff.}
Over the next few month's I will
share what I did, what I saw, and
more importantly, the lessons that
I learned from visiting the "wild
west" of Costa Rica. Guanacaste
Province is hot (95 degrees F.) and
very dry (no significant rain since
November), but still supports a
varied agricultural economy (sug-
ar, rice, and lots of Brahman beef)
and is facing growing pains with
an exploding tourist economy (and
you think we have water woes).
Front row seats are now avail-
able
If you would like a front seat
to hear all about this fascinating
visit to the land of the "Ticos", you
can sign up now for our upcoming
Master Gardener course, which is
really the focus of today's column.
The deadline to apply for this train-
ing program is next Friday, Feb. 8,
and after interviews, this new crop
of volunteers will begin to sprout
on Wednesday from Feb. 20
through April 30.
This year's course promises
something old and something new.
Many horticulture Agents find that
they are teaching the same content,
year after year, to packed houses in
their county office. (I could only
hope to have that problem!) This
spring a number of the classes
will be given by, statewide experts
in their subject matter the way
all Master Gardener classes were
taught many years ago. What is
new is that these class segments
will be, broadcast over an inter-
net-based Polycom conference,
so-your classmates may be "next
+ dopr" in Fort Pierce or even up the
'pike in Pensacola!
I'm really hoping that we have
a good crowd here in Okeechobee,


Photo: Dave Marshall, UF/IFAS
Really ... this is as close as Dan got to the Pacific beach in
Costa Rica, and it only lasted for a minute!


UNIVERSITY OF

FLORIDA
IFAS EXTENSION

as the University has asked me to
make the presentation on Botany.
It will be "broadcast" all over the
Sunshine State from right here in
Okeechobee. (I guess if I can teach
Botany to 50 Costa Ricans with my
limited Spanish-speaking skills,
I can also teach it to hundreds of
Floridians from Key West to the
Panhandle just as easily!)
It's not just sitting in front of
the screen it will also be a lot of
hands on practice with the kinds of
skills and knowledge that will help
you become a better gardener. I'll
be arranging a number of field trips
to nurseries and landscapes that
will show our prospective Green
Thumbs how to solve Gardening
problems at the drop of a trowel.
The dirty little details
No previous knowledge of gar-
dening or horticulture is required
- or even assumed by class mem-
bers. We are looking for "People-
people," who have abilities in talk-
ing with other local residents about
their challenges in their Florida
Yards, and who have a passion for
plants and what makes them tick. It
is about knowing where to go, not
memorizing a bunch of facts.
At the end of the course, our
new flowering friends will be in-
vited to join our Extension team,
and are asked to provide 75 hours
of help to the community though
the UF/IFAS Extension Service. It
might be thit a new Master Gard-
ner would like to work with youth,


like Bobbie Fuller, and help set
up another 4-H Junior Master
Gardener Club.
We also need folks to answer
the many different kinds of ques-
tions about plants, bugs, weeds,
and everything else under the sun
as residents and snowbirds make
their way to the Extension office.
Many organizations are begging
to get advice from Master Gar-
deners here in Okeechobee as the
set out on landscaping projects.
And of course, Angela needs
lots of help promoting Florida
Friendly Landscaping with her
committed core of Floridian Yard
Advisors.
The class fee includes a re-
fundable deposit that is given
back when this small number of
hours is reached. It also helps
cover the cost of reference ma-
terials, refreshments, and a polo
shirt that identifies the trainees as
most knowledgeable volunteers
this side of the Suwannee River.
Please get a Sprouting Kit!
A package of information in-.
cluding the application about
the class it is available at our
office. Request one for yourself,
and grab another for that other
"great gardener" down the street
that is just waiting to be asked by
you. (We really do need a lot of
referrals to make this years class
a success please call us!) The
whole shebang is also on the Web
at http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.
edu/Master Gardeners/Sprout.
Kit.2008.doc. If necessary, we
can send it via snail mail to any
mailbox this side of Costa Rica.
If you want to see more about
our Costa Rica Class, check out
this website: http://LaFlor.fias.
ufl.edu I've placed some pho-
tos and more information on our
Okeechobee web page, http://
okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu. If you
need additional information on
Master Gardening, please email
us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu
or call us at 863-763-6469. Local
residents can stop by our office at
458 Hwy 98 North in Okeechobee,
and visit our Okeechobee County
Master Gardeners from 1 to 3
PM on Tuesday afternoons. Go
Gators!


OFC announce honor roll recipients


S; e P


The following students are
listed as honor roll recipients from
. Okeechobee Freshman Camput.
Congratulations to our students!

Gold Honor Roll
(4.0 all A's)
Cinthia Almanza, Joseph Bar-
letto, Kelsey Burnham, Victoria
Bostic, Michael Cornell, Mellissa
Floyd, Kyle Foster, Mariela Gamez,
Kristen Hall, Shawn Horvath, Luke
Joles, Celena Letcher, Melissa Lu-
jan, Kyle Lunt, Evan Mattson, Ash-
leigh McLaury, Brittany Nichols,
Isabella Penido, Emily Pickering,
Carma Rowlett, Andrew Selvey,
Jaisa Sinclar, Michael Sutton, Eliza-
beth Turner.

Silver Honor Roll
(B 3.5 or higher)
Yesenia Aguirre, Savannah
Asmussen, Tony Bowers, Jaiden
Barnhart, Kayla Born, Leanna Cot-
ton, Sarah Brewer, Lee Ann Davis,
Teresa Casas, Raybon Durrance,
Manuel Castrejon, Andrea Ed-
dings, Taylor Douglas, Benjamin


Estey, Brittany Freeman, Cristina
Garcia, Hector Hernandez, Edith
Garcia, Wesley Mims, Freder-
ick George, Katherine Ragamat,
Megan Harper, Julio Villatoro,
Amanda Harrison, Abel Amenta,
Jennifer Janez, Kayla Bailey, Trent
Johnson, Maria Baltazar, Erika Kel-
ly, Aracely Castaneda, Michael Mc-
Coin, Tony Devoss, Kaitlyn Miles,
Shenorro Edwards, Amy Rivero,
Jomar Hernandez, James Sharpe,
Ruth Howell, Wayne Watson,
Nickey Ingram, Madeline Welsh,
Autumn Lewis, Karalyn Wyman,
Juan Lugo, Emma Marshall, Mishal
Metha, Jesus Nunez, Alyssa Power,
Jodi Raulerson, Macin Raulerson,
Tadarrell Smith, Jayce Turgeon,
Michael Watson, Mark Wier.

Bronze Honor Roll
(3.0 to 3.4)
Carliegh Alderman, Mary Bar-
ber, Tony Bowers, Ashtyn Brown,
Danny Busbin, Edgar Calderon,
Scott Dailey, Annabella Delacasas,
Amber Fessl, Tommy Gipson, Is-
van Gomez, James Harfield, Mal-
lorie Jones, Ana Maria Hernandez,


Submitted photo/OFC
Seth Waugh, Alonza Palmer, and Kelsey Hammack (not pictured) Brittany Nichols.


Jose Aguilar, Shayne Burton, Joey Conroy, Marcus Martin, David Altman, Crescencio Piedra,
and Maria Baltazar.


OFC Elite 11 winning students


On Wednesday, Jan. 30
Okeechobee Freshman Campus
principal, Andy Brewer, drew
names to determine the most

-R^ w


recent Elite 11 students for the
2007-2008 School Year. The stu-
dents were entered into the draw-
ing if they received five positive


signatures in the last three weeks.
The winning students from the
class of 2011 received a book and
candy.


Okeechobee News/Katrina Elsken

In the chutes
Florida High School rodeo was in Okeechobee over the
weekend. In the bucking chutes, rodeo contestants pre-
pare for the saddle bronc event.





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Okeechobee News, Monday, February 4, 2008 7


At the Movies
The following movies are now
showing at the Brahman Theatres
Ill.
Movie times for Friday, Feb. 1,
through Thursday, Feb. 7, are as
follows:
Theatre 1 -"No Country for Old
Men" (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, Wednesday
and Thursday at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9
p.m.
Theatre 11 "Over Her Dead
Body" (PG-13) Showtimes: Fri-
day 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 Thursday at 2,
4:15, 7 and 9 p.m.
Theatre Ill "Juno" (PG-13)
" 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
Thursday at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9 p.m.
For information, call (863)
763-7202.


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Okeechobee News, Monday, February 4, 2008


A


Seeks Iit ...It's Easy!


Announcements ........ 100
Employment .......... 200
Financial ............ .300
Services....... ...... 400
Merchandise ......... .500
Agriculture ........... 800
Rentals ..... .. ..... .900
Real Estate ......... .1000
Mobile Homes ........ 2000
Recreation ........... 3000
Automobiles ......... 4000
Public Notices ........ 5000



* All personal items under
$5,000 ABSOLUTELY FREE!
* Price must be included in ad
* Private parties only
* 2 items per household per
issue


All personal items under $5,000

ABSOLUTELY FREE!










Published 3 weeks' in all of our Florida papers: Caloosa Belle, Clewiston News, Glades County Democrat,
Immokalee Bulletin, Okeechobee News and Advertiser, and The Sun
Ads will run in Wednesday daily editions and weekly publications.


inn1mi
IBM


/ www.newszap.com/classifieds


/- 1-877-353-2424 (Toil Free)

/ For Legal Ads:
legalads@newszap.com
/ For All Other Classified Ads:
classads@newszap.com


/ 1-877-353-2424 Tolal Free)

/ Mon-Fri / Mon-Fri
8a.m BpOanm pm


/ Monday
F,.doR 12ron or I iAdocj publ.caon
/ Tuesday through Friday
i I a m for cl, dof publbar;co
/ Saturday
' Thu.-.da, 1 2 no,n I Sci publcar r, ,
/ Sunday
F,-.da, 10 o ,m toi Sund, publ, aT .i


MAnnuocements!

kllIII l
Important Information: Please
read your ad carefully the first
day it appears. In case of an
inadvertent error, please noti-
fy us prior to the deadline list-
ed. We will not be responsible
for mormore than 1 incorrect
insertion, or for more than the
extent of the ad rendered val-
ueless by such errors.
Advertiser assumes responsi-
bility for all statements, names
and content of an ad, and
assumes responsibility for any
claims against Independent
Newspapers. All advertising
is subject to publisher's
approval. The publisher
-- 1 ' 11 i :.:' ',ad 10
,. -."t :l :te. I. '.:'F, I ,, ,:,,,t
accepted are subject to credit
approval. All ads must conform
to Independent Newspapers'
style and are restricted to
their proper classifications.
Some classified categories
require advance payment.
These classifications are
denoted with an asterisk *.
Independent Newspapers will
never knowingly accept any
advertisement that is illegal or
considered fraudulent, n all
cases of questionable value,
such as promises of guaran-
teed income from work-at-
home programs or other offers
to send money in advance for
a product or service we
advise you to check with the
Attorney General's Consumer
Fraud Line at 1-800-220-5424,
and/or The Better Business
Bureau, 800-464-6331 for pre-
vious complaints.
Auctions 105
Car Pool 110
Share a ride 115
Card of Thanks 120
In Memoriam 125
Found 130
Lost 135
Give Away 140
Garage!/Yard Sale 145
Personals 150
Special Notices 155
900 Numbers 160



PIT BULL PUPPY Found on
1/28/08. Vic. of NW 6th St.
Call to i identify.
(863)763-8892


MALE CAT Black, vie. of
Palm Ranch Village. Indoor
cat, Please call, help him get
home (863)763-8149


CAT Spayed, Front De-
clawed. Free to good indoor
home w/out dogs. Litter
trained. (863)227-1742


U.Gaag .


Employment 1


Employment -
Fult-Time 205
Employment -
Medical 210
Employment -
Part-Time 215
Employment
Wanted 220
Job Information 225
Job Training 227
Sales 230






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


GROWING AGENCY
Looking for
INSURANCE ACCOUNT
MANAGER
Commercial Experience and
4-40 License Preferred.
Competitive Wages & Benefits.
Fax Resume to 863-824-3179


READING A
NEWSPAPER
HELPS YOU
UNDERSTAND
THE WORLD
AROUND YOU. 8


U..rge


PLUMBERS: Experienced only.
Please call Echols Plumbing
(863)763-6461
SALES PROFESSIONAL
Local homebuilder needs
qualified Sales Professional.
Must be self-motivated &
organized w/excellent
interpersonal & presentation
skills. Flexible schedule a
must. Salary plus commission.
Call 863-763-6376
or 863-357-2700
Reading a newspaper
helps you understand
the world around you.
No wonder newspaper
readers are more suc-
cessful people!


Financial



Business
Opportunities 305
Money Lenders 310
Tax Preparation 315

'BuinessBI
!Opotuiie 00


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-athome 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.

Time to clean out the
attic, basement and/or
garage? Advertise your
yard sale In the classl-
fleds and make your
clean un a breeze


-I^pca


L- as w'fame S Ce poem


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S.
S


Syndicated Contentn




Available from Commercial News Providers"


*

0
^ a

* 0 0 *


* .


-1 *


*0
*0


a 0


Empoyen
Pul im I00


* 0
* *
* *


* *
* *
* *


* 0
* *
* 0
* 0


Empoyen
Ful imI00


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
Looking for a place to Love the earth Recycle
hang your hat? Look no your used Items by sell-
further than the classi- Ing them In the classi-
fleds. neds.


Emlyet
F ul T i e I l


* *
* 0 0
* 3 0


Empoyen
F u l T i e I l


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

Immediate Openings CNAs
Okeechobee Health Care Facility
All shifts: Full/Part Time. Good Benefits.
Apply In Person To:
406 N.W. 4th Street. (863) 357-2442
1


Emlymn
Full Tim


Emlymn
Ful Tie 111


DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
POSTING DATE: February 3, 2008
CLOSING DATE: Until filled
SALARY: $ 50,000 $ 85, 000
The Okeechobee Utility Authority is seeking a qualified appli-
cant to serve as the Director of Operations for the water treat-
ment ( 9,000 customers), wastewater treatment ( 4,200
customers) and maintenance departments. At a minimum, job
responsibilities will include: employee and customer relations,
regulatory compliance, budget preparation, monitoring, con-
struction oversight, meetings and other general administrative
duties.
The minimum qualifications for this position shall include high
school diploma and a clean Florida driver's license. Additional-
ly, a college degree in business administration, engineering or
other related field would be a definite plus.
The-applicant should be'able to provide a work history, listing
job responsibilities and years of experience at previous work
assignments which would directly relate to the expected work
assignments of this listing. Applicants are expected to provide
a salary history as the well as expected salary requirements.
A pre-employment drug screening will be required.
The Okeechobee Utility Authority offers a benefit package that
includes the standard paid time off for holidays and accrued
vacation and sick time. Additionally, various health, life and
medical insurances are offered.
Qualified applicants may send their letters of interest and re-
sumes to:
Okeechobee Utility Authority
Attn: John F. Hayford
Executive Director
100 SW 5th Avenue
Okeechobee, Florida 34974-4221
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/
DRUG FREE WORKPLACE


Services



Babysitting 405
Child Care Needed410
Child Care Offered4l15
Instruction 420
Services Offered 425
Insurance 430
Medical Services435




DEE'S MINOR REPAIR
License # 5698
& Pressure Washing
License #1126
FREE ESTIMATES
(863)467-2917
or (863)261-6425
? NEED HELP ?
CALL GEORGE CARTER
Painting, Repairs, Carpentry
FREE CONSULTATION
(863)763-4775

READING A
NEWSPAPER SAVES
TIME BY HELPING YOU
PLAN YOUR TIME
WISELY.


READING A

NEWSPAPER. .

helps you understand the
world around you.
^lW K


I

r~]


Merchandise



Air Conditioners 505
Antiques 510
Appliances 515
Appliance Parts 520
Beauty Supplies 525
Bicycles 530
Books & Magazines535
Building Materials540
Business Equipment 545
Carpets/Rugs 550
Children's Items 555
China, Glassware, Etc. 560
Clothing 565
Coins/Stamps 570
Collectibles 575
Computer/Video 580
Crafts/Supplies 585
Cruises 590
Drapes, Linens 9 Fabrics 595
Fireplace Fixture 600
Firewood 605
Furniture 610
Furs 615
Health & Reducing
Equipment 620
Heating Equipment/
Supplies 625
Household Items 630
Jewelry 635
Lamps/Lights 640
Luggage 645
Medical Items 650
Miscellaneous 655
Musical Instruments 660
Office Supplies/
Equipment 665
Pets/Supplies/
Services 670
Photography 675
Plumbing Supplies 680
Pools & Supplies 685
Restaurant
Equipment 690
Satellite 695
Sewing Machines 700
Sporting Goods 705
Stereo Equipment 710
Television/Radio 715
Tickets 720
Tools 725
Toys & Games 730
VCRs 735
Wanted to Buy 740



CHIHUAHUA PUPS AKC,
3-4lbs, all colors, 1st shots,
worming & health cert. Sire
has been DNA tested, $350
& up (863)381-9234


YARD

SALE






Place Your
YARD SALE
.. ad today

Get FREE signs!


Call Classifieds
877-353-2424


,cial Notice 0155


ISpecial Notice


ISpecial Notice


6


4





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Okeechobee News. Monday. February 4, 2008


I.pca Notice


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r~ei. Noice15


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S HBO (5:15) Movie: Wicker |Blackberry Blackberry Real Time Treatment Treatment Movie:** 1/2 Smokin' Aces (2007) (Ben Affleck)'R'
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F!fl.-.


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he Okeechobee News is currently seeking an
energetic, self motivated PART TIME circulation
assistant.

The right applicant must have:
Cash Handling Experience
Knowledge of local area or ability to read map
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Okeechobee News



READING A NEWSPAPER ...


Brand New 3 bedroom floor plans.
Concrete Block Stucco homes.
Payments as low as $795 per month.


NEW DUPLEX 3/2. $1000
per month + 1st, last &
S$5 00 s e c dep .
(863)465-0053 -
OKEE: 3/1 on % ac. Renovat-
ed, laundry, C/Aheat, screen
porch, carport. $1100. + 1st,
ast, sec/refs. 305-458-8659,
OKEECHOBEE, 3br, 2ba, with
garage. C/Air. 1st', last &
sec. 863-467-2541 or after
5 pm 863-634-9330


TAYLOR CREEK ISLES Per-
son needed to share large
home, private bath, full
house privileges. $600 mo.
includes all utilities & main-
tenance. (863)634-2354



LAKEHOUSE in Lake Placid for
Seasonal rental. Furnished
with dock. (863)465-0053

Real Estate



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




CHEVRON Gas Station, Hwy
441, across from Home Depot
C- Store, Dell, Carwash. $1.1
million. Fin avail. Broker
owner. (407)256-9081


CBS HOME 3/2/2 In gated
community. Open fir plan w/
family rm. Vaulted ceilings.
Community pool/club house.
Safe area for walks & biking.
$219,800 (863)763-7721
OKEECHOBEE 4BR, 2BA,
over 1900 sf,on 1 acre, new
paint, in/out, new flooring,
Dixie Ranch Acres,
$224,500 (321)723-6581 or
(863)763-1090
OKEECHOBEE
Zero Down. $999. mo.
4br, 2ba CBS Brand New.
Prices $139,900. 3824 NW
7th St. 561-248-3879 or
863-484-0809
TWO HOUSES 120' across
front 180' down side & 40
trees in the rear. Both are 3
Bdrm and include C/Air. Also
10 Unit Building on 60'W &
140'L (863)763-8058


TAYLOR CREEK ISLES Lake
access lot, seawall, all util.,
best buy in Isles.
(219)916-4817
How fast can your car
go? It can go even faster
when you sell It In the
classifleds.


Rentals



Apartments 905
Business Places 910
Commercial
Property 915
Condos/
Townhouses Rent920
Farm Property -
Rent 925
House Rent 930
Land Rent 935
Resort Property -
Rent . 945
Roommate 950
Rooms to Rent 955
Storage Space -
Rent 960



OKEE., Huge, Clean, 2br, 2ba
No pets, new paint & carpet.
$800/mo. 1st, last & $500
sec. dep. (772)215-0098
OKEECHOBEE- lbr efficiency,
utilities furnished, $800, 1st
& last month rent & sec dep.
(863)763-7319
Okeechobee, 2Br/1.5ba, car-
peted, ceramic tile, w/appl's
incl. dishwasher, $700 mo.
+ $700 sec. (863)763-8878
REMODELED 2br, 1ba, 2
story apt, screened porch,
very clean, no pets.
$750/mo, 1st, last & Dep.
(863)763,8391


FAMOUS RESTAURANT FOR
LEASE with build out! In Okee-
chobee. $12 per sq ft. Call
Warren at (954)682-5933



OKEECHOBEE 2 BR, 2 BA
Townhouse. W&D, Clean.
$875 mo. (863)634-9521
TAYLOR CREEK Condos -
1BR/1BA, fully furnished,
$650 mo. + $350 sec.
(863)763-6576
VILLA-2br, 2 ba,
Remodeled Kitchen, W/D,
Covered screened patio,
(863)634-3414 or 634-3251





Brand New 3/2/2
Concrete Block
Stucco homes.
$995 Down
Payments
From $895
per month



-BEST VALUE IN TOWN-
3/2, 3/1 V% or 2/1
Available, no pets, for
move in special. Call
(863)467-9800
BRAND NEW- Rent or Buy
3br/2ba, 1700 sq ft, garage,
laundry, tiled, $1000/mo.
rent. $5,000 applied to pur-
chase of $149,900 after 1
year. 3429 NW 40th Dr.
Basswood. (561)718-2822
BUY, RENT OR LEASE,
3br, 2ba, 2 gar Pool Home,
Close to everything.
Dreamcatcher Realty
863-634-4724


-~ea Noic


Copies of all court documents in this i
case, including orders, are available at
the Clerk oa thl Circuit Court's office.
You may review these documents
upon request.
You must keep thie Clerk of the Circuit
Court's office notified of your current
address. (You may file Notice of Cur-
rent Address, Florida Supreme Court
Approved Family Law Form 12,915.)
Future papers in this lawsuit will be
mailed to Ihe address on record at the
clerk's office.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family
Law Rules of Procedure, requires cer-
tain automatic disclosure of docu-
menls and information. Failure to
comply can result In sanctions, Includ-
ing dissal or striking of pleadings
Dated: 1/31/2008
SHARON ROBERTSON
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
By:/S/Heather Thomas
Deputy Clerk
259556 ON 2/4,11,18,25/08


NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE
COQUINA WATER CONTROL DISTRICT.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR COQUINA WATER CONTROL DISTRICT WILL
HOLD A MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE
ADMINISTRATION ANNEX BUILDING, OKEECHOBEE COUNTY EXTENSION OF-
FICE, SMALL CONFERENCE ROOM, 458 HIGHWAY 98 N,, OKEECHOBEE, FL, A
COPY OF THE PROPOSED AGENDA MAY BE OBTAINED UPON REQUEST FROM
THE UNDERSIGNED. IF ANY PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION BY
THE BOARD WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING;
THAT PERSON WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND FOR SUCH
PURPOSES THAT PERSON MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD
OF THE PROCEEDINGS, WHICH INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE
UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED, IS MADE. ANY PERSON WISHING
TO SPEAK AT THE MEETING MUST HAVE THEIR NAME AND TOPIC PLACED ON
THE AGENDA ONE WEEK BEFORE THE DATE OF THE MEETING. ALL PROPERTY
OWNERS WITHIN THE DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS
NEEDING A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION OR AN INTERPRETER TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE PROCEEDINGS SHOULD CONTACT THE DISTRICT'S OFFICES BY CALL-
ING (863)763-4601 AT LEAST TWO (2) DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE
MEETING.
NOTICE: COQUINA WATER CONTROL DISTRICT HAS AN ONGOING AQUATIC
SPRAYING PROGRAM, DISTRICT WIDE.
WILLARD M. BYARS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
17429 NW 242ND STREET
OKEECHOBEE, FL 34972
O863)763-4601 OR (863)634-3166
58705 ON 2/4/08
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN OF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIALCIRCUIT IN
i AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
Mobile Homes FLORIDA
CASE NO.2006-CA-203
KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE ENTERPRISES, INC
a Florida corporation
Plaintiff
Mobile Home Lots 2005
Mobile Home- Parts 2010
Mobile Homes Rent 2015 JEAN C LUSANT, and EVELYNE
Mobile Homes Sale 2020 LOUISSAINT, his wife
Defendants

Lots2005 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a
Summary Final Judgment dated Janu-
ary 22, 2008, and entered in Case No.
OKEECHOBEE 2006-CA-203 of the Circuit Court of
the 19th Judicial Circuit in and for
Rental, SE 23rd Court, Okeechobee County, Florida, wherein
For information. KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE ENTERPRISES,
(863)763-4892 or 763-5419 INC, a Florida corporation, is the Plain-
( or 763-549 lit, 'and JEAN C LOUISSAINT, and,
EVELYNE LOUISSAINT, his wife, De-
fendants, I will sell to th highest bidder
When doing those chores forcashattheOKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Is doing you In, It's time JUDICIAL CENTER, 312 N. W. 3rd
to look tor a helper In STREET, JURYROOM, SECOND
the18311 FLOOR, OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA .
the classleds. 34972, at 11:00 AM. on the 13th day
of February 2008, the following de-
oi scribed property as sel forth in said
Summary Final Judgement, to-wit:
The East 1/2 of the East 1/2 of the South
BIG 0 Park Model, 1BR/1BA, 1/2ofthe North 1/2 of Tract 9, Section
25, in the SOUTHERN COLONIZATION
w/d, pool, gated community, COMPANY, Platof Township 34
clubhouse, $695 mo. South, Range 33 East, according to
561-568-7767/253-4299 the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book
4, Pages 3 thru 3E, inclusive, public
CHOICE OF 3BR, or 2 BR, 2 record of Okeechobee County, Ronda.
ba D/W's No pets, yrly lease, ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST
starting @ $600/mo + IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF
n rANY OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY
$1000 sec. 863-763-4031 OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS
__PENDENS MUST FILE A CLIAM WITH-
M l H e IN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE.
In accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) disabled
BANK ncO'pS person, who because of their
BANK REP'S diabities need special accommoda-
MOVE TO YOUR LAND tons to participate in this proceeding
Mobile Home Angels should contact Court Administrator no
later than seven as prior ato the pro-
561-385-4694 ceeding or call 1-772-807-4370. IF
YOU ARE HEARING IMPAIRED CALL
BASINGER/LORIDA 1-800-955-8771. IF YOU ARE VOICE
Highlands Co., park model on IMPAIRED CALL 1-800-955-8770
Kissimmee River, turn key, CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT
new roof, Ig screened porch, SHARON ROBERTSON
shed with W/D. $70,000By/SNDA F YOUNG
(561)876-5775 Deputy Clerk
LONELY & CONELY
BHR MARINA 12x40, FI/Rm PostofflceDrawer 1367
20x12, Lot 31, $28000 Okeechobee, Florida34973-1367
Land rent $310 mo. on Rim am .ConeiiI
Canal, (863)824-0044 Florida Bar #96482
Attorney for Plaintiff
MH 14 x 60, Fl rm, carport, 2582530N 1/28 & 2/4/2008
nicely furnished, Cassablan- CR I T F HETH
ca #24, 2 blk Kissmee Riv, INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHE19TH
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR
Hwy 78, plus '92 Olds 4 dr OKEECHOBEECOUNTY,FLORIDA
98. $32.5K (812)480-9343 CASENO. 2007-CA-214
VANTAGE OAK 35'w/Flodria HOMEBANC MORTGAGE
CORPORATION, Plaintiff,
room, Loaded, has nearly new vs.
appl., Tile & wood firs. SARAH J. PIGOTT, et ux,, et al.,
Call (270)723-1427 Delendant(s)
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to
the Final Judgment entered in this case
now pending in said Court, the style of
which is indicated above.
I will slll to the highest and best bidder
for cash at the OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
T JUDICIAL CENTER, 312 NW 3rd
Street, Okeechobee, Florida 34972, on
Boats 3005 the 51h day of March, 2008, at 11:00
Campers/RVs 3010 a.m., the following described property
Jet Skils 3015 as set forth in said Order or Rfina Judg-
Marine Accessories 3020 meant, to-wit:
Marine Miscellaneous 3025 LOT 12 OF THE PLAT OF SUNDANCE
Motorcycles 3030 TRAILS RANCH, AS RECORDED IN
ortcy PLAT BOOK 7, PAGE 69, PUBLIC
Sport Vehicles/ATVs3035 RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA.
a/kla: 13245 NE 97th Circle,
Ca mpersR 30101 Okeechobee, FL 34972
ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST
CARRILITE '95 36' 5th Whl IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF
ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY
w/20' alum. screen porch. OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS
New tires. W&D. Full awning. PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH-
$14,000 (814)599-7720 IN 60 AYS AFTER THE SALE,
ENTERED at Okeechobee County, Flori-
da, this 23rd day of Jan., 2008.
OSHARON ROBERTSON
Public Notices As Clerk, Circuit Court



Public Notice 5005
State Public -
Legal Notice 5500



IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIALCIRCUIT IN
AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,

Division: DOMESTIC RELATIONS
Jason Taylor,

TMadeleneTaylor,
Respondent
OISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE rI
TO: Madalene Taylor
6224 NW 24th St.,
Okeechobee, FL 34972 9
YOU ARE NOTIFIED thatir action haas
been filed against you and that you are
required to serve a copy of your writ-
ten defenses, I any, to It on Jason
Taylor, whose address Is 402 NW
10li St, Okeechobee, FL 34972 o or
before March 4, 2008, and file the
original with the clerk of this Court at
Okeechobee County Judicial Center, a
Court Operations 1st Floor, 312-NW N lJ
3rd Street, Okeechobee, Floida 34972 0
before service on Petitioneoror imedi-
ately thereafter If you fail to do so, a
default may be entered against you aor
the relief demanded in tire petition.


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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 19TH
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CIVIL DIVISION
CASE NO.: 2007 CA 353
HSBC MORTGAGE SERVICES,
Plaintilf
vs.
JEFFREY JOSEPH BALOGA, metal,
Defendants
NOTICE OF ACTION
TO:
JEFFREY JOSEPH BALOGA
Last Known Address:
1423 SW 18th Terrace
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Also Attempted At:
512 Oakland Rd.
Spindale,NC 28160;
3222 Landtree Circle #8
Orlando, FL 32812-5958 and
Current Residence Unknown
TERRI BALOGA
Last Known Address:
1423 SW 18th Terrace,
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Also Attempted at:
512 Oakland Rd.
Spindale, NC 28160;
3222 Landtree Circle, #8
Orlando, FL 32812-5958 and
Current Residence Unknown
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for
Foreclosure of Mortgage on the follow-
Ing described property:
LOT B, ECHO ESTATES, ACCORDING TO
THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN
PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 46, OF THE
PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA.
has been filed against you and you are
requreed to serve a copy of your writ-
ten defenses, if any, to It, on Marshall
C. Watson, PA., Attorney (or Plaintiff,
whose address is 1800 NW 491h
STREET, SUITE 120, FT. LAUDER-
DALE, FL 333089 on or before February
27, 2008, a date which Is within thirty
(30) days after the first publication of
this Notice in the Okeechobee News
and file the original with the clerk of
this Court either before service on
Plaintiff's attorney or immediately
thereafter; otherwise a default will be
entered against you for the relief de-
manded in the complaint.
In accordance with the Americans with
Disabilites Act of 1990 (ADA) disabled
person who, because of their
disabilities need special accommoda-
tion to participate in this proceeding
should contact not later than seven (7)
days prior to the proceeding Court Ad-
ministration at 772-807-4370,
1-800-955-8771 (hearing impaired) or
1-800-955-8770 (voice impaired).
WITNESS my hand and the seal of this
Court this 23rd day of January, 2008.
Sharon Robertson
As Clerk of the Court
By: Ariene Nealis
L Deputy Clerk
258641 ON 01/28;02/04/08






Place


Emlymn


Empoyen


Empoyen


I BusinIss


Buiness I


Buiness I


I


your


I Houses Sale


I Houses Sale


863-824-6190 9 Okeechobee County
License# CBC 1253582


g1


I


men..


I







10 SPORTS


Okeechobee News, Monday, February 4, 2008


Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy IM.. .. --. I i' : I ', J ',-;:
Chris Hall is flanked by his folks, Chris Hall and Yvonne Jay Lawton was joined by his sister Shalonda Parker at .... i
Hall. senior night. James Shanks was joined by his mother, Cinda Shanks.


Boys Basketball end nine game skid at Senior Night


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee New
Nothing has gone easily for
Okeechobee hoops this year
and Saturday night was a case
in point. Okeechobee built an 11
point lead in the second half but
had to struggle to hold on for a
57-55 win over Avon Park Satur-
day night.
Senior Chris Hall had 17 points,
and Terrance Allen had 11 points
to lead Okeechobee to their first
win of 2008.
"I just played my game. It was
senior night and we were tired of
this slump. He wanted to show
teams we are ready for districts. It
was a tough game, a close game,
but we are ready to play," Hall
noted.
The district tournament is


Tuesday. Okeechobee will face
Lincoln Park in the first round at
7:30 p.m.
Okeechobee fell behind 5-0 in
the first three minutes but wasn't
discouraged. A three by Allen tied
the score at five and a dunk by
David Jeune gave Okeechobee a
10-9 lead. Jeune was given a tech-
nical foul for hanging on the rim
on this dunk. The game was tied
at 13 after one quarter.
Okeechobee put together an
excellent second quarter as they
put 22 points on the board. The
intensity on defense picked up
and they ha'd some hot shooters.
Hall had 11 points in the second
quarter. Jay Lawton, nine points,
added a lay up as did Matt Skip-
per. Okeechobee led 35-28 at the
half.
Lawton said he was ready


to play on senior night. He also
earned a rare start. "I feel pretty
good. I just kept it on a roll. I was
focusing tonight. Avon Park never
gave up, I just played the game.
and I came and was ready."
Okeechobee built a seven
point lead in the third when Law-
ton and Skipper hit short jumpers.
The lead was built to 11 points but
Avon Park got two buckets from
Alonzo Robertson, 11 points, to
cut the lead to six. Okeechobee
led 45-37 after three quarters.
A jumper by Allen gave
Okeechobee a 51-43 lead mid-
way through the fourth. Avon
Park was given a technical foul
and Bobby Spelts hit both shots
to give Okeechobee a 55-46 lead.
However, Avon Park wouldn't
give up. Avierre Conner, 11 points,
scored five points, and Robinson


had seven points inside to cut the
lead. Okeechobee also turned the
ball over three consecutive times
to help Avon Park cut the advan-
tage to 57-54.
Okeechobee had some easy
shots down the stretch but
couldn't find the range. A free
throw by Robinson pulled the
Red Devils (8-17) to within two
57-55 with 29 seconds left.
Avon Park had another chance
when Okeechobee threw away
the inbounds pass with nine sec-
onds left. They called a time out
and asked Conner to take a pos-
sible winning shot. He got a good
look from 20 feet but the shot was
just long and it bounced away as
the buzzer sounded.
"We needed this win but I'm
not happy with how the game
went," Brahman Coach Jon En-


Wrestlers finish second at districts


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
It was close but no cigar for
Okeechobee wrestlers Saturday
as they won three district indi-
vidual titles and came home a
close second as a team.
Ironically it was the final ath-
letic event ever to be held at the
Fort Pierce Central gym, and the
Cobras made it memorable .by
winning the District 14-2A title.
A new Fort Pierce Central
High School will open next fall.
Robbie Harrell at 103 pounds,
Donny Bush at 145, and Tyler
Hayes at 152 all claimed individ-
ual crowns for Okeechobee.
Okeechobee earned 148.5
points as a team while Fort
Pierce Central earned 166.5
points. Okeechobee held a slim
three point lead as they entered
the finals and consolation finals.
Each squad had nine wrestlers
qualify for the State Region 4-2A
tournament next week at Coral
Springs.
Harrell pinned his opponent
Reid Carreker of Martin County
while Bush won by decision in
his final, 6-2. Hayes won by a
quick pin. It took him 51 sec-
onds to win over Bruno Antunes
of Treasure Coast.
"This will really help me with
regional, and maybe I can go
to state again this year," Hayes
noted, "We really needed the
pin for the team points."
Hayes said he expects to see
some tough competition in the
tournament next week.
Cory Krum also reached the
final but was defeated by Alex-
ander Robinson of Port St. Luc-
ie, 12-5. Tony Bonnett took third
at 215, and Jose Medellin took
third at 189 pounds.
Kyle McGee lost in the heavy-
weight bout to Craig Carrode-
guas of Fort Pierce, 6-2.
Josh Gruber lost in the 119


Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy
Donny Bush won the district Robbie Harrell claimed the district title at 103 pounds at the
title at 145 pounds, district tournament Saturday at Fort Pierce Central.


Michael Brishke was upset in the 112 pound final to A.J
Agoo of Treasure Coast.


pound consolation bout to Har-
risonr Suggs of William T. Dw-
yer.
Michael Brishke was upset
by A.J Agoo of Treasure Coast,
6-5, in the 112 pound champion-
ship.
Bush, who claimed his third
consecutive district title; isn't
settling for just that. He wants
to move on and claim a state


championship.
"Hopefully this will make it
much easier on me, I'm happy
because it gives me a better
seed in regional. I had beat this
kid 7-2 in a dual meet but he
came out more aggressive this
time. I had to wrestle a smart
match, and a better match. I'm
thinking state championship all
the way," he said.

,i ,I i-F,


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rico noted. He was given a techni-
cal in the fourth quarter for some
of his complaints.
"I'm not happy with our play,
we made too many turnovers,
and there still are more me's than
team. It is amazing how hard
we have to work to get a win at
home. If you have a problem with
me, take it out on me don't take it
out on my players."
Jeune had eight points and 13
rebounds. James Shanks, con-
spicuously not on the floor at
crunch time, had four points, and
four steals. Matt Skipper added six
points, two assists and two steals.
Allen grabbed three rebounds for
Okeechobee.


Virgil Cooper at 13 points,
three assists and seven steals for
Avon Park. Xavier Caldwell had.
four points, six boards and two
steals. Rickey Taylor had four
points and three rebounds. Der-
rick McKenzie had four points,
six rebounds and five steals.
Teddy Allen had three points,
and six rebounds for Avon Park.
"I think the defense played
well down the stretch, but
we had an 11 point lead, they
shouldn't have come back like
that," Hall noted, "The team is
off and on sometrnes. We are a
70-80 point team every night we
need to get back to that."


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We Use Sunbrella Canvas
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We Have moved to Sun Plaza
909 S. Parrot Ave. Ste. B Okeechobee
(863) 763-7500 (863) 763-6754 (fax)
thecanvasshop@embarqmail.com
Mon Fri: 8:30am 5:00pm Sat: 9am Noon


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