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Vol. 100 No. 147 Wednesday, December 9, 2009


50 Plus tax


Christmas greetings: Band boosters fundraiser
-'lliMH W wbesamn4mesk


Index
Classifieds .................... .......... 17-19
Community Events.......................6.....
Obituaries.............................. 6
O pinion... ...................................... 5
S peak O ut ........................................ 4
S ports ........... ............................ 16
W weather ....................................... 5
Lake Levels

13.65 feet
Last Year: 14.18 feet

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Source: South Florida Water
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in feet above sea level.
See page 4 for information about
how to contact this newspaper.

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Holiday Stroll in the Park
Everglades Elementary School's entry in the annual Holiday Stroll in the Park giant holiday
card event won ribbons for Best Theme and Best School as well as taking the Best in Show
award. Raulerson Hospital's card was second place in Best Theme, Quality Air Condition-
ing was third. Seminole Elementary's cowboy card was second in the Best School category;
Seminole Elementary's Palm Trees card was third. The cards, on display in Flagler Park in
downtown Okeechobee, are an annual fundraiser for the Okeechobee High School Band
Boosters.
(ILeft) A giant holiday card
|" sponsored by Jim Davis
Electric took the Holiday
Stroll in the Park Committee
Award. To make the display
even more attractive, the
card's sponsor installed the
landscaping plants. (Below)
The annual event attracts
more entries each year.


S.U


R Bar area


residents


protest


power line
By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
A power line under construc-
tion on state owned land is draw-
ing protests from some private
landowners.
Several residents of R Bar Es-
tates expressed their opposition
to a power line Glades Electric
Cooperative is putting in on the
southern edge of OUAs waste-
water treatment plant property.
Glades Electric plans for the line to
run parallel and adjacent to Cem-
etery Road, directly across the road
from the subdivision. The power
line easement has been clear cut,
destroying what the R Bar Estates
residents claim was a required
vegetative buffer to screen their
subdivision from OUAs spray field.
See R-Bar Page 2


This power line easement,
along the southern edge of
the OUA wastewater treat-
ment plant property, has been
cleared of trees that R Bar
Estates residents claim were
planted 26 years ago as part of
a required vegetative buffer.


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Okeechobee News December 9, 2009


R-Bar
Continued From Page 1
The treatment plant was built by the City
of Okeechobee in 1984. When OUA was
formed in 1995, the utility took over the
plant. The land where the plant is located is
owned by the state and is leased by OUA.
The deed for this land, as with many state
owned lands, is held by the Lands Division
of the Department of Environmental Protec-
tion (DEP).
"The city actually planted tress," claimed
Dale Barrett. "There was a vegetative buffer
and it was to be maintained."
Bob Riedel presented a statements from
L.C. Fortner, former executive director of
OUA and a long time employee of the City
of Okeechobee prior to that, and former
county commissioner Jim Lashley recalling
a required vegetative buffer. Mr. Fortner also
recalled planting trees for the buffer.
Mr. Riedel also presented a final order
dated July 10, 1984 from the Department of
Environmental Regulation, the forerunner of
DEP It dealt with objections of R Bar Estates
residents to the wastewater treatment plant
being built by the City of Okeechobee.
The final order states: "Trees and other
vegetation at the property boundaries will
eliminate any aerosol drift which may oc-
cur."
The agreement goes on state "There is a
buffer of 200 feet from the edge of the spray-
field to the property boundary."
There was some discussion as to whether
or not this referred to a vegetative buffer.
"The final order says that we have a veg-
etative barrier than needs to be maintained,"


asserted Mr. Barrett. "The trees should be re-
planted and the power line moved."
"Who gave permission to cut the trees
down?" he asked.
Board chairman Frank Irby replied that it
was the property owner when they granted
the easement.
Mr. Riedel stated that Glades Electric
claims to have OUA consent.
He also presented a copy of the ease-
ment agreement between DEP and Glades
Electric. It required the consent of OUA.
Board attorney Tom Conley said this was
the first time he has seen this particular doc-
ument.
"All of this is catching the board by sur-
prise," stated Mr. Conley." This board has no
intention of violating a previous city agree-
ment. "What do you want from OUA?"
"We want our trees back," stated Mr.
Reidel. His goal was to get Glades Electric to
move their line further north.
Mr. Conley said he was not aware of con-
sent given to Glades Electric for anything
other than removing and replacing the pe-
rimeter fence.
"I don't have the answer, but I think I
know some of the issues," stated board
member Devon Maxwell, who is an attor-
ney. "Now that it's done, can we stop the
power line and replant trees?"
Mr. Conley said he will contact Glades
Electric.
John Hayford, OUA's executive director,
will be going to Tallahassee on other busi-
ness with DEP and will talk with the lands
division on this matter.
Post your opinions in the Public Issues Forum at
www.newszap.com. Reporter Pete Gawda can
be reached at pgawda@newszap.com.


OUA discusses lobbyists,

surface water & rate schedule


By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
At at time when it seems prices are go-
ing up, the Okeechobee Utility Authority
(OUA) Board of Directors got a price re-
duction.
At their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8 the
board renewed its contract with Craig A.
Smith, Inc, Governmental Services Divi-
sion. The annual retainer was reduced
from $45,000 to $36,000. The utility has
been using the lobbying services of Craig
A. Smith on the state level since 2003.
In a related matter, the board discussed
but took no action on a proposal from Jim
Davenport of Alcalde and Fay of Washing-
ton, DC to represent OUA on the national
level with respect to funding opportunities
and legislative activity. The monthly retainer
requested was $5,000. Staff was requested
to advertise for requests for proposals from
other lobbying firms.
In an unrelated matter, the board lis-
tened to a presentation by representatives
of Grove Land Utilities, LLC. This organiza-
tion has applied to the Florida Public Ser-
vice Commission to operate a utility system
exclusively to provide water in bulk quan-
tities for agricultural use and surface wa-
ter cleansing for the extensive properties
of Evans Groves in Okeechobee, St. Lucie
and Indian River Counties. Since this could
affect the county in general, staff was di-


reacted to set up a workshop with the OUA
board, city and county staff and representa-
tives of Grove Land Utilities to discuss the
proposed project.
The board made some "housekeeping
changes" in the rate schedule which re-
sulted in no monetary changes but assist-
ed staff to implement previously approved
administrative policies relating to accrued
guaranteed revenue charges, reconnec-
tions and returned checks.
In other action, the board:
received the finance report for the pe-
riod ending Nov. 30;
approved payment of an invoice in the
amount of $2,595.52 to Metzger & Williard,
Inc, for work completed on the Cemetery
Road Wastewater Treatment Plant expan-
sion project;
approved payment of $8,630.09 to
Metzger & Willard, Inc. for engineering,
design and permitting work being done on
the Treasure Island Sewer System-South
project;
approved payment of $9,676.54 to
Metzger & Willard, Inc. for engineering,
design and permitting work being done on
the Treasure Island Sewer System-North
project; and,
approved an addendum to the 66 acre
lease agreement with Pearce Cattle Com-
pany which renews the original lease by 60
months.


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December 9, 2009


I .1 -f T 4 .I -L I


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Smith given 30-year prison stint in death of child


By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
"I hope you will give me a lenient sen-
tence. I am not a child killer."
Jeremy Smith's request Monday, Dec. 7,
did little to change Circuit Court Judge Law-
rence Mirman's mind.
"This is a killing of an absolutely defense-
less small child," said Judge Mirman to the
man standing before him in his county-jail-
issued orange jump suit. "Given the horrific
nature of this crime, I really don't find any
mitigators."
And with that, he sentenced Smith to 30
years in prison. Judge Mirman also agreed
with the state and declared Smith, 30, to be
a habitual violent offender (HVO) and guilty
of being a prison release reoffender (PRR).
The HVO classification carries a minimum/
mandatory sentence of 10 years, while the
PRR designation carries a minimum/manda-


tory sentence of 15 years.
All of the sentences will run concurrent-
ly.
Smith will also receive credit for the 1,392
days he has already served in the Okeecho-
bee County Jail.
In November, Smith was found guilty by
a six-member jury of killing 14-month-old
Xavian Leach on Jan. 12, 2006. He was origi-
nally charged with second-degree murder.
Smith and Leann Leach, Xavian's moth-
er, had rented a room at the Traveler's Inn
Motel, 601 N. Parrott Ave., on Jan. 11, 2006.
Ms. Leach testified at trial that she and Smith
smoked marijuana laced with cocaine that
night.
The next day, Ms. Leach had Smith stay
with Xavian while she went to pick up a
food order at Zippy's Wings. When she re-
turned to the motel a short time later, Smith
came running out of the room telling her
something was wrong with Xavian. She im-


Okeechobee Arrest Report


The following individuals were arrested
on felony or driving under the influence
(DUI) charges by the Okeechobee County
Sheriff's Office (OCSO), the Okeechobee
City Police Department (OCPD), the Florida
Highway Patrol (FHP), the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
or the Department of Corrections (DOC).
Kelly Michelle Hart, 30, Wanewright
Way, Avon Park, was arrested Dec. 2 by Offi-
cer Lawrence Parzygnat on a charge of driv-
ing under the influence. Her bond was set
at $750.
Roger Evan Lloyd, 61, Linda Road,
Buckhead Ridge, was arrested Dec. 2 by
Deputy Thomas Kitchen on a charge of driv-
ing under the influence. His bond was set
at $500.
Jeffery Wayne Brooks, 49, S.E. 25th
Drive, Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 2 by
Deputy Cpl. Aric Majere on an Okeechobee
County warrant charging him with failure to
appear driving under the influence. He is
being held without bond.
Maggie Lara, 37, S.E. 11th Ave.,
Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 2 by Deputy
Cpl. Aric Majere on an Okeechobee County
warrant charging her with failure to return
leased property more than $300. Her bond
was set at $1,000.
Martin Casselton, 21, U.S. 98 N.,
Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 2 by DOC's

Benefit dinner planned

Cypress Hut Eagles 4509 will be spon-
soring the second Snowball King and
Queen Dinner on Dec. 12, at 5 p.m. We
are proud to announce are King Tommy
Peters and Queen Pam Rubinger. Dinner
will be Beef Brisket, Turkey, Red Pota-
toes, Corn on the Cob, roll and dessert
for a donation of $8. All donations for the
dinner will go to the District 7 Snowball
Charities; such as Diabetes, Kidney, Child
Abuse and Cancer. Please come to sup-
port our King and Queen to make their
day a huge success, if you have any ques-
tions please contact Lorraine Watson at
863-467-1154.


Melissa Spencer on charges of violation of
probation robbery and violation of proba-
tion felony battery. He is being held with-
out bond.
Gabriel Rosalez Garnica, 22, Highland
Blvd., Lake Placid, was arrested Dec. 6 by
Deputy John Ashby on charges of driving
under the influence and no valid driver's li-
cense. His bond was set at $750.
David Hartzke, 30, N.E. 26th Ave.,
Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 6 by Deputy
Steven McKinley on a charge of driving un-
der the influence. His bond was set at $500.
Melissa Maria Vivar, 24, N.E. 28th Lane,
Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 6 by Deputy
Justin Akins on an Okeechobee County war-
rant charging her with cruelty to animals.
Her bond was set at $5,000.
Steven Wayne Wood, 58, N.E. Seventh
Lane, Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 7
by Deputy Joseph Hall on an Okeechobee
County warrant charging him with violation
of probation driving under the influence
with serious bodily damage. He is being
held without bond.
This column lists arrests and not convic-
tions, unless otherwise stated. Anyone listed
here who is later found innocent or has had
the charges against them dropped is wel-
come to inform this newspaper. The infor-
mation will be confirmed and printed.




Gabriel E.
Breuer, M.D.
Cardiology
Electrophysiology
Cardiovascular diseases
SElectrophysiology studies
Cardiac Catheterization
SImplantation of cardiac devices


mediately took her unresponsive child to
Raulerson Hospital.
He was later transferred to St. Mary's
Hospital in West Palm Beach where he died
Jan. 20.
Xavian had suffered a fractured occipi-
tal bone and a subdural hematoma, which
was described at trial as a large bruise to the
brain.
"As law enforcement officers we see
some horrific things, but this was the worst
that I have ever seen," Detective Bill Saum,
of the Okeechobee City Police Department
(OCPD), told Judge Mirman on Monday.
"We had to be at the autopsy and see those
injuries. Knowing that another human being
did that to a 14-month old child just simply
does not compute.
"We will never, ever forget what hap-
pened to that child," said the law enforce-
ment veteran of 28 years.
Smith's defense attorney Shari Vrod pro-
posed to the jury last month that Xavian sus-
tained the injuries in a fall from the motel-
room bed.


However, Assistant State Attorney Ashley
Albright told that same jury that the bed was
only 25 inches in height.
At Monday's sentencing hearing, Mr. Al-
bright asked that Smith receive a sentence of
30 years and offered a very brief argument to
bolster his request.
"The real reason we're here is because a
14-month-old child lost his life at the hands
of Jeremy Smith," Mr. Albright told the
judge.
Judge Mirman paid heed to that state-
ment and added that Smith presented a dan-
ger to the community.
"That danger is reflected in what he did
in this case," said Judge Mirman.
Because of Smith's arrest record and con-
victions for robbery and cocaine possession,
Judge Mirman ruled that he be declared a
violent habitual offender. He was also de-
clared a prison release reoffender because
he was arrested on a felony charge within
three years of his release from prison.


Woman battered with Christmas tree


By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee
A local woman received a 2-inch lacera-
tion to her scalp when she was hit with a
Christmas tree while trying to break up a
fight between a man and woman.
Raudel Carlos Slone, 23, N.W Seventh
St., Okeechobee, was arrested at the scene
Monday, Dec. 7, and charged with one
count of felony domestic battery. He was
also charged with one count of misde-
meanor battery.
Slone was booked into the Okeechobee
County Jail under a bond of $3,500.
According to an arrest report by Deputy
Matthew Hurst, of the Okeechobee County
Sheriff's Office (OCSO), when he arrived
at the scene he found Slone sitting on the
steps of the home. The deputy stated that
Slone "... was very intoxicated and smelled
of alcohol."
When he entered the home, Deputy
Hurst encountered the two women who
told him when they arrived at the home
they saw pieces of a broken chair in the
road and a Christmas tree in the front
yard.


The women then confronted Slone, who
punched the first victim in the mouth, stat-
ed the report. The second victim stepped
in to help and Slone allegedly picked up
the Christmas tree and hit her on top of the
head.
Deputy Hurst's report goes on to state
that Slone then turned his attention back to
the first victim, at which time he pinned her
to a table and punched her several times.
The deputy indicated in his report that her
face was bruised and her lip was cut.
The second woman, having recovered
from being hit by the tree, again stepped in
to help the other woman. Slone, stated the
deputy, grabbed the second woman by the
throat and slammed her to the ground.
After an unspecified period of time the
two women joined forces and pushed
5-foot-9, 110-pound, Slone out the front
door, where he reportedly passed out on
the steps, the report stated.
Deputy Hurst goes on to state that when
he later asked Slone what happened, the
man said he could not remember.


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December 9, 2009


Okeechobee News




4 Okeechobee News


OPINION


Public Forum/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 com-
munity name and your local or state
Public Forum. There, you can create
new topics or comment on existing
topics. What follows is a sampling of
some of the discussions currently tak-
ing place. Thanks for participating!

Decorations
SIn past years OPD has had several cases
of Christmas decoration thefts. Please mark
your decorations in some fashion. Use per-
manent markers, better yet use paint pens
or engravers. For more information, call the
Okeechobee City Police at 863-763-5521.

Marijuana
In response to the comments about
the prescription pill overdoses, I say legalize
marijuana. I know its a drug but I know you
can't OD on it. I'd rather have my kid puff
than take some pill made with potential side
affects. I'm guessing there are parents out
there that allow a drink or two with their kid.
Heck back in the day, the teenagers drank
whiskey as grown-ups. So here is my cam-
paign on drugs: LEGALIZE MARIJUANA.
Result, overseas drugs won't be covered up
with a marijuana make-over. Deficit will be
a thing of the past and the people who voted
for Obama will come to their senses through
a visible cloud of smoke that will put a real
smile on your face.

Teen suicides
Parents, teaching right and wrong won't
prevent suicide. To prevent suicide, parents
need to be educated about teenage depres-
sion, learn the signs to watch for and get the
kids help before it gets that far.
Dig into the lives of your children. Shine
a light for them.

Community theatre
We attended the Okeechobee Com-
munity Theater's presentation of "It's a
Wonderful Life" tonight. Another excellent
job by this hard-working group. We laughed
and cried, cheered and applauded. They re-
ceived a standing ovation. It's a shame that
the house is not sold out for every perfor-
mance. Next up, "Smoke on the Mountain,"
a gospel music comedy, the first two week-
ends of March.


A letter to the president
Dear Mr. President, First I want to say
I know that all the things that were wrong
when you took over are not your doing. I un-
derstand why health care was a number one
thing to take care of. What your mother had
to endure. I also understood the stimulus to
get America back to work. What I don't un-
derstand is why you don't do anything for
Social Security. You must know that there are
many who receive checks that they cannot
live on, an estimated 50 million Americans
who receive a check that they cannot sup-
port themselves on. These folks are consum-
ers who cannot consume because they have
no money. They don't go out to eat. They
don't build homes. They don't buy goods. It
seems to me if you wanted to boost Amer-
ica's economy, you would raise the mini-
mum amount of these checks to the cost of
living of today. This I think would boost the
economy. The 50 million folks who had no
money to spend would be spending money,
creating jobs. This would put America back
to work.

Remember Pearl Harbor
The Utah (a Florida Class Battleship)
was moored off Ford Island in Berth F-11
that morning, having returned from under-
way training the night before. The attack on
Pearl would last for several hours, but for
the Utah it would only last moments. Dur-
ing Morning Colors (08:00) she was struck
by a torpedo and immediately began to list
to port. At 0812, the mooring lines snapped
and the Utah rolled over on her beam ends.
Of Utah's complement (1,041 officers and
men), 30 officers and 431 enlisted men sur-
vived the ship's loss; six officers and 52 men
died. Four of the latter were recovered and
interred ashore, as are 7 Unknowns from
Utah. The rest remain with her to this day. In
1972, a memorial in honor of the crew of the
Utah was dedicated on the northwest shore
of Ford Island, adjacent to the ship's wreck.

Random acts of kindness
Here's a challenge for the Advent sea-
son. As you prepare for the celebration of
our Saviour's birth, every day try to do some-
thing for someone else. Hold the door open
for someone at the store. Help someone in
a wheelchair get things off the top shelves.
Smile. Throw your loose change in the Sal-
vation Army bucket. Just do one random act
of kindness every day. It can make a big dif-
ference.


kEECHOBEE NEWS
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University requires
students learn fitness
Lincoln University (the oldest African-
American college in America) is the first in
the U.S. to
take a coer-
cive stance
in the battle
against
America's
obesity epi-
demic. It has
told its stu-
dents that
they must
all take a
test to check
their weight status. Those whose results
classify them as being obese will only be al-
lowed to graduate if they take a fitness class
designed to teach them healthy living. The
policy was introduced, with the approval
of the college's entire 105-strong faculty, in
2005. But it is now coming to a head as the
first students who entered the university un-
der the scheme approach graduation. Under
the policy, all students must be tested for
their Body Mass Index, or BMI, a recognized
indication of a person's health status based
on their height and weight. If a student has a
BMI of more than 30-one widely used defi-
nition of obesity-and a waist measurement
of more than 35 inches for women and 40
inches for men, they are obliged to take a
one-term Fitness for Life class. The course
includes walking, cycling, aerobics and les-
sons in healthy diet. Students who fail to take
it will not graduate, no matter how good
their academic performance has been.
I can see it being feasible to have a class
to help teach people how to live a healthier
life. But I can't fathom the Idea of making
it mandatory for graduating. It wasn't the
size of their body that got them that far. It
was their minds and hard work and sacrifice
that got them there. And they don't deserve
to have that special day taken away from
them.
I think it would make more sense to
require all students to take a one-semester
fitness class as a requirement for graduation.
Just because you are skinny does not mean
you are healthy.


Additional copies of the newspaper are available for
50 cents Wednesday and Friday and 75 cents for
Sunday at the office. Home delivery subscriptions
are available at $18.00 for three months.
Okeechobee News
USPS 406-160
Published 3 times a week: Sunday, Wednesday and
Friday by Independent Newspapers, Inc.
107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite D Okeechobee, FL 34974
Periodicals Postage Paid at Okeechobee, FL 34974
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Okeechobee News
Circulation Administration
PO Box 7011 Dover, DE 19903

Staff
Advertising Director: Judy Kasten
Editor: Katrina Elsken
Circulation Manager: Janet Madray
Publisher: Tom Byrd


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

We Pledge...
* To operate this newspaper as a public trust
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live and work, through our dedication to
conscientious journalism.
* To provide the information citizens need to make
their own intelligent decisions about public issues.


Prescription pills
The problem with prescription pill ad-
diction is getting worse all of the time. Local
officials need to be tougher on the doctors
who are so quick to write a prescription.
Instead of finding out what is really wrong
or suggesting alternatives for treatment, they
just want to write a prescription and send the
patient on his way. That is how many people
are getting hooked on pain pills. And also
why the strong pain pills are in the homes
and the kids are finding them and stealing
them from their parents and grandparents
and getting hooked too. The cops should
be able to easily find out which doctors are
quick to write a script. It seems everyone in
town knows.

Panther
I was glad to read in the paper that the
woman who was bitten by the panther will
be all right. And I want to commend her
for volunteering to take rabies shots so that
the panther will not be killed. Obviously the
panther does not have rabies if it has been
in the same enclo-
sure for 15 years
and has had vac-
cinations every
year. But the state
health department
does not recognize
the vaccinations
for wild animals
and would have
required the cat be killed and the brain tis-
sue examined for rabies had the woman not
volunteered to just go ahead and have the
shots.


Thank you for putting the information
about the HINI shots in the paper. I hope
they have a lot of help there on Saturday be-
cause I have the feeling that there will be a
long line of people wanting to get the shots.
Also, please remind people to download the
consent form from the web site and print it
out and fill it out to save time.
Now the H N 1 shots are available to the
general public, the question is still whether
it is better to have the vaccination and run
the risk of side effects or skip the vaccina-
tion and run the risk of contracting the H N 1
flu. We have to decide before Saturday. I still
don't know what to do.


* To report the news with honesty, accuracy,
purposeful neutrality, fairness, objectivity,
fearlessness and compassion.
* To use our opinion pages to facilitate community
debate, not to dominate itwith our own opinions.
* To disclose our own conflicts of interest or
potential conflicts to our readers.
* To correct our errors and to give each correction
the prominence it deserves.
* To provide a right to reply to those we write about.
* To treat people with courtesy, respect and compassion.
MEMBER
OF: ,


Wednesday, December 9, 2009




December 9, 2009


Okeechobee News


Letter to the editor 1 11 .-


Thanks to our neighbors
and friends

Bill and I would like to say thank you to
our family for such a wonderful "Thanksgiv-
ing Day." Thanks to our neighbors and the
many friends we met in the last twelve years
living here in Okeechobee. What a great
place to live.
So many of you cooked and donated
items, that it would be almost impossible to
name you all, butwe really need to recognize
the following: Sheriff Paul May, Undersheriff
Noel Stephens, Sgt. Larry Lanier, Dept. John
Borzillo, Trustees, Staffords Beauty Salon,
Angie, Barbara, Tammy, Heather, Dalton.
Doug and Sandy Vest, Pogey's Family Res-


taurant, Frank Coker, Okeechobee TDC.
Publix Kevin Folsom, James Meat Dept.,
Sylvia, Produce Dept. Hideaway Drive Thru,
Rusty and family. Taylor Creek Bass Club
members: Bill Seitz and Dave Stout. All
Clean Services. Steve, Janis Floyd. Thanks
for the music. Mike Frost, Rodney Mellette,
Jamie Mellette, Brian Hays, Barb and Mac
McAdams, Madeline and George Dupont,
James and Jo Robinson, and to each and ev-
ery one of you who brought a covered dish
to share.
Let's all remember our troops as they
help make days such as these possible. Bless
each and every one of you and know you all
hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you
for the memories.
Bill and Charlie Hays


Community Calendar


WEDNESDAY
Martha's House support groups meet each
Wednesday. Spanish groups meet from 7 until 8
p.m. at the Okeechobee Christian Church, 3055
S.E. 18th Terrace. Ana Romero is the group fa-
cilitator. Another group meets in the Okeechobee
County Health Department, 1798 N.W. Ninth
Ave., from 5 until 6 p.m. with Irene Luck as the
group facilitator. There is another meeting from 6
until 7 p.m. with Shirlean Graham as the facilita-
tor. For information, call 863-763-2893.
A.A. meeting from noon until 1 p.m. at the
First United Methodist Church of Our 200 N.W.
Second St. It's an open meeting.
A.A. meeting from 8 until 9 p.m. at the Sacred
Heart Catholic Church, 701 S.W. Sixth St. It will
be a closed discussion.
Bingo at the Buckhead Ridge Moose Lodge.
Food will be served at 5 p.m. and bingo starts at
6 p.m. Public is welcome.
Ministerial Association meets the sec-
ond Wednesday of every month at noon at the
Clock restaurant. All area ministers are invited to
attend.
THURSDAY
Okeechobee Stitchin' meets every Thursday
from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Okeechobee
Presbyterian Church, 312 North Parrott Ave.
Bring your sewing project and machine and join
in on the fun. All types of sewing is welcome. For
more information call Corry Geissinger at 863-
467-2231.
A.A. Closed big book meeting from 8 p.m.
until 9 p.m. at Church of Our Savior, 200 N.W.
Third St.
Tantie Quilters meet every Thursday from 9
a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Historical Society Museum
on U.S. 98 N. For information call Margaret at
863-467-8020, or Marie at 863-357-0868.
New Beginnings Narcotics Anonymous
has moved to 103 S.W. Second Ave. at 7 p.m.
For information, call Monika at 801-3244 or Rocy
at 610-0975.
Family History Center is open from 1 until 5
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. For information, call The Family History
Center at 863-763-6510 or Richard Smith at 863-
261-5706 for special appointments.
Prayer Group meets at 10 a.m. at the
Community Center located at 412 N.W. Sixth St.


For information, call 863-763-5996.
Christian Fellowship Prayer group meets at
9:30 a.m. at the fellowship hall at 412 N.W. Sixth
St. For information, call 863-763-5996.
Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee will meet from
noon until 1 p.m. at the American Legion Post 64
501 SE Second St. All Kiwanis and the public are
welcome. For information, contact Frank Irby at
863-357-1639.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly No. 47 will meet
from 5 until 6:30 p.m. at the United Methodist
Church, 200 N.W. Second St. Please join us or
ask questions. Call Phyllis at 863-467-8636, or
Hazel at 863-763-4920 for information.
Cowboys for Christ will meet at Dunklin
Memorial, 407 N.W. Second Ave. Everyone is in-
vited. For information, call Mike Fletcher at 863-
357-6257.
Martha's House Inc. sponsors weekly sup-
port groups for women who are, or have been,
affected by domestic violence and abusive re-
lationships. The support groups are held every
Thursday at 6 p.m. For information call 863-763-
2893, or call Shirlean Graham or Irene Luck at
863-763-2893 or 863-763-0202.
Free Adult Basic Education/GED and
English as a second language classes are avail-
able at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 701 S.W.
Sixth St., from 7 until 9 p.m.
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 meeting.
Hand & Hand Ministries of Palmdale meets
the second Thursday of each month in the com-
munity club house on the corner of Fifth and
Main at 6 p.m. for food and fellowship and gos-
pel music and the word at 7 p.m. For information
call 863-612-0640.
Taylor Creek Bass Club will hold meet at the
Buckhead Ridge VFW Post #9528 at 7 p.m. The
club meets the second Thursday each month
with bass tournaments held the following week-
end. For information call Dave Stout at 863-467-
2255.
Ongoing Caregiver Support Group Hospice
of Okeechobee and the Area Agency on Aging
sponsor a caregiver support group every
Thursday at 2 p.m. Anyone who is caring for an ill
family member is welcome to join. The meetings
are held at Hospice at 411 S.E. Fourth St. For in-
formation, call 863-467-2321.


Lotteries
Florida Lottery -Here are the numbers selected Monday: Cash 3: 0-5-2; Play 4: 9-7-8 4;
Fantasy 5: 08-25-31-32-34; Mega Money: 10-34-36 43, MB 11; Florida Lotto: 7-13-24-29-36-37 X4;
Powerball: 27-39 41-44-58, PB 17, X 3. Numbers drawn Tuesday, Cash 3: 6-0-5; Play 4: 7-8-2-7.


UKeechobee News/Linda bridges

Guest speaker
Rotarian John Macchia-Seacoast National Bank welcomed Gary Ritter-SFWMD
Service Center Director & Lead Environmental Scientist who spoke about ongo-
ing projects. Topics included the low lake level, drought conditions, preserving
water quality and more. For more information about Rotary, call 863-763-1120.


Okeechobee Forecast

Today: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Areas of fog before 7am. Other-
wise, partly cloudy, with a high near 85. South southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South
southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Extended Forecast
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Calm
wind becoming west between 5 and 10 mph. Night: 30% chance of showers, Low 58.


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Churches plan special holiday events _t


By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
Okeechobee Presbyterian Church,
312 N. Parrott Ave., will hold their annual
cookie sale on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8
a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall.
For more information call 863-357-0465.
Buckhead Ridge Baptist Church,
1731 Hunter Road, will host Stan Shuman in
concert on Sunday, Dec. 13. Stan Shuman is
from Cocoa and is an internationally known
singer/song writer. He was formerly with
Jerry and the Singing Goffs and is currently
with Danny Funderburk and Mercy's Way.
Stan has written for The Kingsmen, Gold
City, The Anchormen and many more!
Believers Fellowship Church, 300 SW
6th Ave., will host a "Very Merry Christmas
Youth Rally" on Friday, Dec. 11 from 7-9
p.m. All young people in middle and high
school are invited to attend. There will be
awesome activities, great food, music and
guest speaker Tom Pasquarela will round
out this fun filled evening. For information,
call Micki at 863-467-6654.
Oakview Baptist Church, 677 SW
32nd St., will present a Christmas musical
celebration "The Meaning of Christmas"
on Sunday Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. and again at 6
p.m. The one hour musical will focus on the
experiences of the major characters of the
Christmas story. Our drama participants are
under the directions of Jacque Hayes. Chil-
dren's choir is under the direction of Wendy
Reister and Adult Choir led by Steve Murray.
Nursery is provided for infants through kin-
dergarten.
The Theater Troupe of First United
Methodist Church, 200 NW Second St.,
will present a musical comedy "You Can't
Cancel Christmas!" on Sunday, Dec. 13 at
6 p.m. The play is free, but space is limited.

March of Dimes

Fla. seeks grant

applicants
The March of Dimes Florida Chapter is seek
ing proposals for grant projects in Florida that
will address unmet maternal health needs for
high risk women. "These grants address sig
nificant maternal health issues for women who
have already had a baby in the NICU, or who
have experienced the death of a baby," said
Valerie Browne-Krimsley, RN, Ph.D., March of
Dimes Program Services Committee Chair.
Forms and instructions for the 2010 grant
program are available on our web site, mar
chofdimes.com/florida. Completed applications
are due no later than Dec.14. Please contact
lreeves@marchofdimes.com for more infor
mation. These grants are one way the March of
Dimes pursues its mission to give every baby a
healthy start, according to Dr.Browne-Krimsley.
"We are grateful that our successful fundraising
efforts, such as March for Babies, make it pos
sible for us to support new efforts to help more
babies to be born healthy in Florida."
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary
health agency whose mission is to improve the
health of babies by I'. i,,.-: birth defects,
premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded
in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of
research, community services, education, and
advocacy to save babies. For more informa
tion, visit the March of Dimes Web site at mar
chofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web
site at nacersano.org.


For more information contact the church of-
fice at 763-4021.
The annual celebration of "Christmas
Around the World" will be celebrated out-
doors on Sunday, Dec. 20, on the grounds
of Sacred Heart Catholic Church from
5 until 7 p.m. There will be a live nativity
pageant and performances by different cul-
tural groups, culminating in the appearance


of Santa Claus with gifts for all the children
present. The following cultural groups will
take part in this year's celebration: Irish
Dancers, Filipino performers, Mexican danc-
ers, Ecuadorian Troubador, Chobee Steelers
Band.
The Okeechobee News welcomes news
from area churches for this column. E-mail
okeenews@newszap.com.


Places of


Worship


Obituaries


Frederick B. 'Mac' MacGregor Jr.
OKEECHOBEE -Frederick B. "Mac" MacGre-
gor Jr., died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at his resi-
dence in ( i., i, ,- I
Born Nov. 10, 1931, in Troy, N.Y, Mr. MacGre-
gor led a life of service to his family, friends and
country.
While in the mili-
tary, his tours of duty
included Korea, Ja-
pan, Guam, Viet-
nam, Germany and
numerous stateside
assignments as Chief ,
of Munitions Mainte-
nance in the U.S. Air
Force.
A highly decorated
and honored vete-
ran, "Mac"
was never one to be idle, even in re-
tirement. He volunteered his time and superb
organizational skills to several causes. He was a
32nd degree Mason, a former Post Commander
of VFW #10539, and member of American Le-
gion Post 64 and the Moose Lodge.
He was married for 54 years and is survived by
the love of his life, Pearl L. (Gertsch) MacGre-
gor. They shared the ups and downs of a mo-
bile military life for 30 years before retiring first
in Rathdrum, Idaho, and then moving to Okee-
chobee, Florida, in 1996.
He is also survived by one daughter, Katherine
(Kathy) Hogan and husband Scott of New Port,
Washington; and son, Frerderick B. MacGregor
III (Rick) and wife Susie of Lake Worth, Florida;
and two grandsons, James Frederick Kasch, and
Jeffrey Adam Kasch who both joined the Air
Force and deeply honored their grandfather. He
is also survived by three great-grandchildren,
Bryce, Tyler and Payton Kasch. In addition he is
survived by four sisters, Margaret Smith, Marian
Ray, Kay Costello, and Patricia Brauer, all of
New York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may
be made to the VFW Operation Uplink. He truly
knew how much a phone call meant to families
while serving overseas. Contributions may be
sent to: Pres. Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Post
#10539 3912 Hwy 441 SE, Okeechobee, FL
34974.
Friends may call at the Buxton Funeral Home
on Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 4 p.m. until service
time at 6 p.m. Internment, with military honors,
will take place on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at 2
p.m. at the South Florida National Cemetary in
Lake Worth, Fl.
Online condolences may be made at
www.buxtonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the direction and
care of the Buxton Funeral Home, 110 NE 5th
Street, ('i., . ,i Florida.


Georgene Marie Potter, 69
OKEECHOBEE -Georgene Marie Potter, age
69, of ('i.... i ,l- I died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009,
in the Hamrick Home.
Born June 25, 1940, in Flint, Mich., she had
been a resident since 1980.
She was preceded in death by her husband,
Lloyd Potter.
She is survived by her sons, Ricky Stephan
(Amy) of Newport News, Va., and Randy Ste-
phan (Cindy) of Cadillac, Mich.; daughter, Rox-
anne McElroy (Travis) of ('i .i. ii.., ., nine
grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; special
friend, Irvin; and four stepchildren, Bob, Barb,
Bruce, and Brian.
There will be no public services or visitation.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may
be made to Hospice of ('i.... ii ,, P.O. Box
1548, ( .. . i Florida 34973
All arrangements are under the direction and
care of the Buxton Funeral Home and Cremato-
ry, 110 NE 5th Street, Okeechobee, Fl
34972.0n-line condolences may be made at
www.buxtonfuneralhome.com.

Florine May Rhymes, 77
OKEECHOBEE Florine May Rhymes, age
77, of Okeechobee, passed away Nov. 3, 2009,
at St. Lucie Medical Center.
Born July 15, 1932, in LaBelle, to the late Ros-
sie "Tony" and Ivy May she was a homemaker of
the Brethren faith. She enjoyed yard work, gar-
dening, reading and cooking. She was a mem-
ber of the Brethren Church in Bassinger.
She was a beloved wife to Herman Rhymes;
mother to Jody Rhymes and Judy Stacy all of
(,'i., i Il. ,I grandmother of three grandsons.
She is also survived by a host of nieces and
nephews.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec.
19, at Grace Brethren Church with Pastor Jim
Waters officiating.


,



with
-an-
Online Guestbook
All Obituaries now include Online Guestbooks
where family and friends can share reflections,
remembrances and condolences.


James 'Bill' William King, 60
OKEECHOBEE -James "Bill" William King,
age 60, of ( ii.... il... died Friday, Dec. 4,
2009, in Raulerson Hospital.
Born July 3, 1949, in Mt. Nebo, WVa., he had
been a resident since 1965.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mag-
gie Jordan; stepdad Walt Jordan; father, Law-
rence King; brother, Morris Allen King "Bub";
and sister, Madeline Gwinn.
He is survived by his son, David King; daugh-
ter, Jamey King, both of Okeechobee; mother of
the children, Beth Eldridge of ( .... i .. II
brother, Robert "Bob" King (Mary Ellen) of
Okeechobee; sisters, Hilda Osborne (Don) of
Mt. Nebo, WVa., and Pat Rose (Jim) of Sum-
mersville, WVa.
There are no public services or visitation.
All arrangements are under the direction and
care of the Buxton Funeral Home and Cremato-
ry, 110 NE 5th Street, ( i .... i.. Fl. On-line
condolences may be made at www.buxtonfu-
neralhome.com.
Kenneth
'Squirrel' James
Richbourg, 25
Kenneth "Squirrel"
James Richbourg, age
25, of Okeechobee, died
Friday, Nov. 27, 2009.
Born March 3, 1984, in Ft. Lauderdale,
he had been a lifetime resident of
Okeechobee. He enjoyed computers,
music and singing.
He was preceded in death by his grand-
father, Pete Richbourg and grandmother
Christine "Tina" Hammond. He is sur-
vived by his wife, Elizabeth Richbourg;
mother, Narry Kratovil; brother, Jeffory
Williams; sister, Heather Richbourg;
nephew, Devon Richbourg; grandmoth-
ers, Nell Richbourg; uncle, Wayne
Richbourg, all of Okeechobee; aunt,
Donna Lightsey of Ft. Pierce; and father,
Randy (Anita) Richbourg of Clewiston.
Also survived by his grandfather, Edwin H.
Hammond and a host of aunts, uncles
and cousins all of Massachusetts.
The family received friends on Friday,
Dec. 4, in the Buxton Funeral Home
Chapel. All arrangements were under the
direction and care of the Buxton Funeral
Home and Crematory, 110 NE 5th Street,
Okeechobee. On-line condolences may
be sent to www.buxtonfuneralhome.com.


Okeechobee News


December 9, 2009





December 9, 2009 Okeechobee News


Grants help fund summer programs for kids


Children Services Council will once
again offer creative groups an opportunity to
have a quality summer program for children
and youth of Okeechobee.
Any agency or group who has always had
an idea for a great summer activity, but never
had the means to carry it out, can apply to
the Children's Services Council for a special
summer project. This is the program's fourth
year; last year over 700 children participated
in at least one summer activity.
The major goal is to provide a summer
program a maximum of nine weeks for chil-
dren and youth ages 4-18. These funds are
not for one day events. The project must


detail who is going to be served, where the
program will be located and the activities
the program will provide. Programs must be
for Okeechobee County children and can-
not discriminate due to race or religion. If an
agency already receives a Childrens Services
Council grant, the summer project must be
written to enhance or expand the existing
program. It cannot be the current program.
The project application are now avail-
able. Call Cathleen Blair or Cheryl Sutton at
the CSC office at 863-462-5000, ext. 255. The
completed application must be returned to
the Children's Services Council office at 700


S.W Second Ave., Room 304 by 3 p.m. on
Thursday, January 28, 2010. Decisions will
be made for funding at the CSC meeting on
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010.


H1N1 flu clinic Saturday


By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
The H1N1 vaccine is finally available to
the general public. Most of the people in
high risk groups have already received the
rationed vaccine, according to Okeechobee
County Health Department officials.
There will be a drive-thru vaccination
clinic for all person 10 years of age and older
at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center
on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This clinic is free. Consent forms and
vaccine information can be found at www.
okeechobeeeoc.com. Those participating in
Saturday's clinic are asked to use the S.R.
710 entrance.
Frank Krupa, health department adminis-
trator, said there is plenty of vaccine for Sat-
urday's clinic. He anticipated running out of
time before the clinic runs out of vaccine.
In the future, when vaccine is received,
Mr. Krupa said it will be available to the gen-
eral public.
However, there is still one more special
risk vaccination clinic scheduled for Monday,
Dec. 14. On that date, the health department
will vaccinate children 6 months to ten years
of age by appointment only. Please call 863
462 5819 for an appointment.
Yesterday the health department began
the second round of H1N1 vaccinations to
children under 10 years of age. Those chil-
dren under age 10 from North and Central
Elementary schools who received their first
H1N1 vaccination in November were vac-
cinated Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Osceola Middle
School.
Children under age 10 from the other el-
ementary schools and private schools who
already received their first vaccination will
be able to receive the second vaccination at
Osceola Middle School, 825 SW 28th St., be-
tween 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. today, Dec. 9, from
4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

OHS Drama presents Jack vs Jill

The Okeechobee High School Drama
Club will present "Jack vs Jill," a comedy
by Dustin Robert Blankman on Friday,
Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12, both at 7
p.m. Tickets for the show are just $5 for
adults and only $3 for students. For ques-
tions, please call Miss Raulerson at 863-
462-5025 ext 8011.


Those coming for vaccinations are asked
to use the Seventh Avenue bus entrance.
Children under 10 years of age should
have two vaccinations against H1N1. During
the first vaccination series Nov. 3-5, 756 el-
ementary school children were vaccinated.
The Health Department stresses that this
second vaccination is very important for
children under age 10 to ensure proper im-
munity from the H 1N flu virus. As with the
drive through clinic consent forms and vac-
cine information statements can be found at
www.okeechobeeeoc.com.
Post your opinions in the Public Issues Forum
at www.newszap.com. Reporter Pete Gawda can
be reached at pgawda@newszapcom.


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special to me UKeecnoDee News/i;tU

Food for Families
Central Elementary was the num-
ber one school for raising the most
food items for this great commu-
nity project. A big "Thank You" to
all the students, parents and staff
for their generous donations. Cen-
tral collected a total of 2,213 food
items which totaled 2,340 pounds
of food. Way to go Central!


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December 9, 2009


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Okeechobee News December 9, 2009


Comprehensive and Conect
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a Evaluation &
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of the Berger Clinic
has relocated as of
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Okeechobee Medical Park
1713 Hwy 441 North, Suite D
(863) 467-1117
(on the south side of the OLD rodeo grounds
across the street from the hospital)



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kEECHOBEE NEWS


We Love to Care!
Family Owned & Operated, OHFC has been
Providing Care to Elderly Citizens of Okeechobee
and Surrounding Counties since December 1984
* Available 24 Hours/7 Days a Week
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Suite A

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WI: Glaaes H1eth Care Ceter
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* Specialized Wound
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Other facilities in Gainesville & Bradenton


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Okeechobee News


December 9, 2009





December 9, 2009 Okeechobee News


CL


Gabriel
Guerrero, M.D.








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Okeechobee News December 9, 2009


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KING HOUSE
Buffet & Chinese Restaurant
SURROUNDINGS: HOUR
Oriental decor with a relaxed Monday through
feeling and friendly service. 11 am. to 10


*ALL YOU CAN EAT
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& DINNER BUFFET

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Crablegs, Oysters, Crab Meat,
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Spare Ribs

*LOCATION:
3399 S. Hwy. 441, Okeechobee
In the Publix Shopping Center


Shrimp F'est
itart;na at S'7_-qq


S:
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Friday and Saturday,
11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

*PHONE:
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t. .- __ ft W


Specializes in Szechuan,
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6 BUFFET BARS *
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Lunch: $679
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raft Beer

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atarti t 9 QQ


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3. Chicken Tenders
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4. Grilled Pork Chops N
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6. Roast Turkey Breast
ad & Puddinq or ice cream


Early Dinner Platter
Served with 2 sides, hushpuppies, and
your choice of either Fried, Seared, or
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Fish Filet $7.50, Dolphin $8.50
Shrimp $9, Catfish $8, Clams $8


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---- --- -- --


Okeechobee News


December 9, 2009




December 9, 2009 Okeechobee News 11


Special to the Okeechobee News/SES
Students of the Month
Students of the Month for November at South Elementary School are: Joy
Whipple, Marvin Roberts, Juliana Sheldon, Britney Whipple, Hunter Ells-
worth, Brianna Leonard, Faith Pritchett, Matthew Huddleston, Sarah Nichols,
Saira Sandoval, Minh Thy Nguyen, Damion Garcia, and Cody Wheatley.


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3CASS







Okeechobee Police Dept. steps up Zero Tolerance enforcement


By Sgt. Victoria Williams
Special to the Okeechobee News
The Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee and
Steve Nelson, owner of Okeechobee Dis-
count Drugs, have pitched in to help the
Okeechobee City Police Department (OCPD)
step up its enforcement of the state's Zero
Tolerance Law.
Because of those efforts, the OCPD will
purchase three portable breath test (PBT)
units aimed at curbing accidents due to un-
derage drivers who are under the influence.
The Zero Tolerance Law permits officers
to stop any person under the age of 21 for
the purpose of conducting a breath test if the
officer knows the person is driving a vehicle


and has a measurable breath alcohol.
An under 21 driver with a blood alcohol
level of 0.02 percent or higher can have their
driving privileges suspended for one year.
Also, if the under 21 driver refuses to take
a breath test their driving privileges can be
suspended for one year.
These penalties are administrative rather
than criminal, which means the driver will
not have a criminal record. The goal of the
law is to save lives and give underage drivers
a second chance without having a criminal
record.
Florida enacted the Zero Tolerance Law
in 2001. In the three years prior to its passing,
Florida traffic crash reports show that drink-
ing drivers under the age of 21 were involved


in 4,804 accidents. In that same three-year
period, 234 underage drinking drivers were
involved in fatality crashes.
Research indicates that states with Zero
Tolerance laws have recorded significant
drops in the number of motor vehicle acci-
dents involving underage drinking drivers.
While the BAC (blood alcohol concentra-
tion) levels may vary, all 50 states and the
District of Columbia have a Zero Tolerance
Law in place.
The PBT devices will be carried in the of-
ficer's patrol cars and will be readily avail-
able should they stop an underage driver
who is suspected of drinking. The OCPD
hopes enforcement of the Zero Tolerance


Law will remove underage drinking drivers
from the streets.
OCPD officers are planning a presentation
to explain the law to students at Okeecho-
bee High School.
Kiwanis Club president Jim Vensel re-
cently presented OCPD Chief Denny Davis
with a check to purchase a PBT unit for the
department's enforcement of the Zero Toler-
ance Law.

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Special to the Okeechobee News/Toni Doyle
Grand opening
Okeechobee Main Street members and City Council Officials were on hand
to celebrate the grand opening of the Bearshop Exchange located at 116
S.W. Fourth Avenue. After 20 years of collecting, John and Rosemary Gur-
ney are fulfilling their dream of opening an Antique and Collectibles store.
Along with a large variety of antiques and collectibles their specialty is Ted-
dy Bears and other plush animals from world-class manufacturers such as
Steiff, Schucco, Raikes and many more. Call the Bearshop Exchange at 863-
467-1217. Back row: City Councilmen Clayton Williams and Lowry Markham,
Owner John Gurney, OKMS Treasurer Terry Burroughs, City Administrator
Brian Whitehall and OKMS Vice President Kathleen Shatto. In the front row
are: OKMS President Maureen Burroughs, Owner Rosemary Gurney, City
Councilman Dowling Watford and OKMS Executive Director Toni Doyle.




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Okeechobee News


December 9, 2009






Holiday Happenings ...


Window decorating contest
judging Saturday
Okeechobee Main Street's Holiday Win-
dow Decorating Contest is under way! Call
863-357-6246 and register your business's
decorated window to be judged on Satur-
day, Dec. 12 after the Christmas Parade.
Windows must be lighted for night judging.
The winner will have their name engraved
on the First Place Plaque and will get to hang
it in their business for the year.

Santa at City Hall Park
Santa will be available for pictures in City
Hall Park on Dec. 9-10 and 14-15, from 6
until 8 p.m.

Christmas Parade Saturday
The Chamber of Commerce annual light-
ed Christmas parade will be held on Dec.
12, at 5:30 p.m. along with craft show in Fla-
gler Parks #2 and 3.

Pictures with Santa
The Kiwanis Santa will be available for
photos in Flagler Park #4 on Dec. 12, 16-
19, and 21-23 from 6 until 8 p.m.


Holiday craft fair in BHR
Buckhead Ridge Women of the Moose
will host a craft fair on Dec. 12. Reserve
table for choice of indoor or outdoor space.
Food, fun, attendance prizes will be avail-
able. Advertising provided. New Destash-
ers Swap or sale of unused craft supplies,
fabrics, tools, patterns. Clean out your craft
stash call Bonnie at 863-357-1556 or San-
doone at 863-357-0060.

Annual toy drive under way
The Big Lake Missions Outreach is spon-
soring their 15th annual Christmas toy drive
for the underprivileged children in Okeecho-
bee County. They are celebrating 15 years
of proven ministry, reaching out to the poor
and needy in Okeechobee. They are in need
of gifts and toys for children one day to teen.
They will accept gift certificates, checks
made payable to BIG LAKE MISSIONS OUT-
REACH and cash. Volunteers will then pur-
chase the items needed. Receipts and pick-
up are available if needed. Also, foods are
always accepted through Dec. 21. For more
information call 863-763-5725 or 863-697-
6433.


Pet photos with Santa
Have your child and a pet sit with Santa
for a photo on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10
a.m. until 2 p.m. Photos are just $5 donation
and proceeds from the photos will benefit
all the pets dogs and cats at the Humane
Society Pet Rescue of Okeechobee. Come
visit our booth in Park #3 booth #339 and
bring your pet! For more information, please
call 863-357-1104.

Children's Christmas party
On Sunday, Dec. 20, from 2-4 p.m. the Fra-
ternal Order of Eagles #4137 will hold their
Children's Christmas party. Children must
be on sign-up sheet by Sunday, Dec. 13 to
receive a gift from Santa. Refreshments will
be provided. For further information, call
863-763-2552.

Christmas dinner dance
Join the Fraternal Order of Eagles #4137
for a steak night at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec.
18, and share the spirit of the holidays with
us. Entertainment is by the Harpers. At 9985
Hwy. 441 North, Okeechobee. For further in-
formation, call 863-763-2552.

Santa to ride on firetruck
Spot Santa on a fire truck in the N.W and
N.E. section of the city on Dec. 17, S.W sec-
tion on Dec. 18 and the S.E. section on Dec.
19.


Christmas Cantata planned
The Okeechobee Community choir, in its
1 1th year under the direction of Sandy Perry,
will begin for the presentation of the Christ-
mas Cantata, "A New Birth A New Begin-
ning" and other seasonal favorites. Last year,
65 singers representing 19 local churches
participated. The cantata will be presented
the weekend before Christmas, Dec. 18
and 19 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. Free
tickets are required for admission and are
available at Okeechobee Health Care Facil-
ity, 1646 U.S. 441 N. For more information,
call Sandy at 863-634-7714.

Christmas boat parade planned
The Okeechobee Yatchette Club and
Butch's Redneck Yatch Club will hold their
annual boat parade on Sat., Dec. 19. The
public is welcome. Decorate your boats and
meet on Taylor Creek at Hwy. 70 by Burger
King between 5:30 and 6 p.m. The parade
begins at 6 p.m. and goes down Taylor
Creek to the rim canal and left to Butch's
Fish Camp. There will be prizes for the best
decorated boats. For information, call Arnie
Whelpley at 863-634-4777.

Legion hosts Santa
Come one, come all. Veterans and their
children are invited to visit Santa at the
American Legion Post 64 from noon to 4
p.m. for dinner and toys on Dec. 19. Toys for
veterans will be available Dec. 19-24. Open
registration to qualified veterans, both male
and female, will be held during Santa's visit.
VA. Reps will be on hand as well, from Palm
Beach VA. Hospital. For more information
call 863-763-2950.


Special to the Okeechobee News/Teresa Chandler
Letters to Santa
Seacoast National Bank welcomes children of all ages to drop off letters to
Santa at our branches. Simply place your letter in the mailbox provided in
the lobby and you will receive a response letter from Santa! Deadline to drop
off letters is Dec. 18. For more information, please call 863-467-4663.


SBCARsb)OP %xcbA7T)q
Featuring Teddy Bears and Plush Animals
from World Class Manufacturers such as:
Steiff Gund R. John Wright Raikes
Mixed throughout the store is a large variety of Antiques
and Collectibles including:
China Knives Pocket Watches Hess Trucks
Figurines Quilts Linens and Much More.



II H J116 S l e, Okehe


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CICLASSIFIEDS


December 9, 2009


Okeechobee News








Okeechobee Post Office expects Christmas rush


H.la ll i


Postmaster Mark Pinson (left) poses with rural letter carriers. The mailing sea-
son is kicking into high gear at the local post office this month.


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Nothing can interfere with the delivery of
mail, not even the sluggish economy.
Okeechobee's post office expects a vigor-
ous and busy Holiday season this year de-
spite the economic woes that face the com-
munity.


"We'll be busy as usual," Postmaster
Mark Pinson said, "I expect the package vol-
ume to be quite heavy this year."
The US Postal Service has promoted their
flat rate priority box program in advertise-
ments nation wide. He said a lot of people
like the fact that if they can fit their items in-
side the box, it ships.
Pinson said the Postal Service has been


County code enforcement tough job


By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
One area of county government that some-
times gets a bad rap is code enforcement.
However, an examination of the facts reveals
that, under the circumstances, that reputation
might be unwarranted.
The over 770 square miles of the county,
excluding the city, is covered by one code en-
forcement officer, 15 year veteran Beth Albert.
In the past the county had three code enforce-
ment officers. The economy has caused two
vacant positions to go unfilled.
"We can only make do with what we
have," said deputy county administrator Jim
Threewitts. He said that safety and health is-
sues take top priority. Any complaints received
are evaluated according that criteria.
When rental property is involved, Mr.
Threewitts said the tenant and the owner are
both cited. He said often times a telephone
call to the landlord will clear up the problem.
A few years ago code violations were ad-
judicated by a volunteer board. The process


was streamlined when the county went to the
special magistrate system. Instead of a board
deliberating, one person makes a decision
which results in a more consistent ruling.
Mr. Threewitts said more than half of code
violations are settled without having to resort
to appearing before the special magistrate.
The idea is to use common sense and try to
work with landowners.
The county has another tool for settling
code violations, issuing a citation to appear
before the county judge. According to Mr.
Threewitts, that method is used for viola-
tions of a one-time occurrence that cannot
be done. For example, a vendor selling goods
without a license could be issued a citation to
appear in court since the act of illegal selling
cannot be undone.
While the idea behind code enforce-
ment is to have properties cleaned up rather
than making money for the county, the cur-
rent budget projects receiving $115,000 in
fines. The county has allocated an additional
$60,000 for operation of the code enforce-
ment system.


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Postmaster Mark Pinson and Supervisor Melissa Potawsky pose with city letter
carriers as they brace for the annual Christmas rush.


hurting financially. He mentioned people
and businesses aren't mailing as much.
They have done some things to cut costs
by adding new equipment, automation, not
filling vacancies caused by retirements, and
consolidating postal routes.
Pinson said no employees have been laid
off in Okeechobee. He said the local office
always enjoys the holiday season, "The em-
ployees are all ready for the rush. I think they
look forward to it. It keeps them busy. We
like delivering packages because we know
there are Christmas presents in them and
we know that brings joy to people. We all
enjoy this time of year. Its hectic but we get
through it."


The busiest mailing day of the year this
year will be Monday, Dec. 14. He predicted
830 million packages, cards and letters will
be mailed. The busiest delivery day of the
year will be Wednesday, Dec. 16.
His advice is to mail your Christmas cards
and gifts as soon as possible, "The sooner
the better, that is the only advice I can give."
Pinson noted there is another mailing op-
tion for Okeechobee this year. The contract
postal unit at Mid Florida Hardware has all
the services the main post office provides.
They also have expanded hours on week-
ends. The facility is open Saturday from 8
a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m.


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Okeechobee News


December 9, 2009





December 9, 2009 Okeechobee News


OHS girls hoops lose in overtime


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Okeechobee High School's Lady Brah-
mans Basketball Team suffered their tough-
est loss of the year Monday night as they fell
in overtime, 59-50 to the Lady Panthers of
Fort Pierce Westwood.
Okeechobee had a seven point lead with
just over a minute left but couldn't hold the
lead.
With three starters on the bench fouled
out, Westwood outscored Okeechobee 11-2
in the overtime period.


"We really shouldn't have gone into
overtime. If we hit some free throws at the
end they couldn't have beat us," Brahmans
Coach Tony Sherlock said. "They fouled us,
and put us at the free throw line and we
didn't make the shots."
Sherlock said his team wasn't as patient
as he'd like on offense either. Okeechobee
threw a number of errant passes where the
player wasn't seeing the floor properly. A
number of passes went out of bounds or
were thrown to Westwood players.
Sherlock also mentioned four mystery
points that Westwood was given that they


might not have actually scored during reg-
ulation. He said he would not appeal the
decision to the Florida High School Athletic
Association.
Monica Koger led Okeechobee (6-3) with
15 points. Essence Williams had 11 points
and seven rebounds. Keighly Stewart had
five steals and five assists. Jewel Buck had
11 points and seven rebounds.
Okeechobee traveled to Lincoln Park on
Wednesday night and host South Fork on
Thursday night.
Varsity game time is 7 p.m.


Lady Brahmans soccer team defeats Lady Panthers


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
The Okeechobee High School Girls Team
soccer got a much needed win Monday
when they defeated Fort Pierce Westwood
4-1 in a District 14-4A match in Fort Pierce.
Junior Tiffany McGee fired three goals
into the Lady Panther net to lead Okeecho-
bee to their second win of the season. Em-
ily Raulerson sophh) also had a goal for
Okeechobee.


Megan Clements had five saves in the
Brahman net. The girls also got assists from
Crystal Garcia, Jaiden Barnhart and Cyntia
DuQue.
Okeechobee (2-4, 1-2 in district), domi-
nated from start to finish and put a smile
on the face of their coach Julie Bohannon.
"We went out there and played a really good
game. We took a lot of shots on goal, and
played better on offense."
Bohannon said recent rains made the


Westwood field very slow and filled with
mud. She noted the girls had a rough time
dealing with mud on their cleats.
"I was impressed with how we passed
the ball. I told them to work on their pass-
ing, rather than just fire the ball at the net all
the time. It was a morale builder. It felt good
for the girls to walk away with a win under
our belts."
Bohannon added that the girls got off
to a better start and were able to play a full
game. She had been concerned with the
slow starts the team has had in the past few
matches.
Okeechobee traveled to Port St. Lucie on
Tuesday. The girls hosted Dreyfoos School of
the Arts on Wednesday at 4 p.m.


IT'S ABOUT RESPECT
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By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Okeechobee County Fire Rescue reports
show a candle might have sparked a fire last
week that damaged two homes on SE 25th
Drive.
Paramedic Olie Hedrick said $40,000 in
damage was done to a home at 4015 SE 25th
Drive An adjoining trailer at 4031 SE 25th
Drive, and a vehicle parked on that property
were also damaged. The estimate for dam-
age on the adjacent property was $6,000.
Fire crews responded around 1:40 p.m.
on Dec. 4 and found the residence fully in-
volved. Three units and 12 firemen and vol-
unteers attacked the fire from the west and


the south side of the structure and had the
flames under control within minutes. A small
shed on the property was also destroyed.
The neighbor's trailer received exposure
damage to the exterior and minor damage
to the interior, Hedrick said.
The American Red Cross came to the
assistance of the residents, Eddie Cihocky,
and the neighbor Eugene Stone, the report
added.
Hedrick's report said the candle might
have ignited an electric wire. The report said
the fire was unintentional. The State Fire
Marshall will determine the actual cause.

The Law Office Of
Gerald Lefebvre
Personal Injury Trial Attorney
Voted a "Super Lawyer" by his
peers in 2007, according to the
Florida Super Lawyers Magazine
Awarded an "AV" Peer Review
Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
(highest rating)
State and Nationally Board Certified
^ Civil Trial Lawyer Certified
Circuit Civil Mediator

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4kEECHOBEE NEWS


No injuries in fire that


damaged two homes


December 9, 2009


Okeechobee News





Okeechobee News December 9, 2009


Wrestling team ready


to host annual classic


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Okeechobee High School wrestlers ap-
pear to be rounding into form as the team
finished third at the Sharks Invitational in
Sebastian River on Saturday.
There were 12 teams from around
South Florida taking part in the prestigious
tournament. Okeechobee won their pool
as they defeated Titusville 42-39, Vero
Beach 42-28, and University 56-21. In the
championship round Okeechobee lost to
Fort Pierce 58-23 and Viera 51-21.
Lionel Ruiz had a great day as he won
all five matches he competed in. Josh
Gruber and Donald Bryan both won four
matches Saturday.


Okeechobee is now 5-3 on the sea-
son.
The next home match will be the Big
Lake Classic on Saturday, Dec. 12. There
will be ten teams competing in the 16th
annual tournament.
The JV team finished first at a tourna-
ment in November at Fort Pierce Cen-
tral. Jose Banuelos, Ryan Hagan, Vance
Wilkerson, Lionel Ruiz, and Jonathon
Kemp all won their weight divisions.
John Kamykowski, Julio Torres, Emanuel
Castaneda, Seth Crum, and Saul Garcia
all finished as runners up in their weight
classes. Mitchell Dean, Cruz Garcia and
Brant Harden finished third in their weight
class and Daniel Jansen finished fourth.


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Okeechobee High Sophomore Mar-
cos Fonseca led a youth movement for
Okeechobee in the second half as they
defeated Fort Pierce Westwood 4-0 in a
District 14-4A soccer match Monday in Fort
Pierce.
Eddie Guerrero, Adrian Leon, Erick Gar-
cia and Fonseca poured in goals in the sec-
ond half as the Brahmans won their sec-
ond match in six decisions. Okeechobee is
now 2-2 in the district.
"We were very flat in the first half,"
Brahmans Coach Lonnie Sears said, "We
made a lot of mistakes so I decided to put
in younger players, and we played a lot bet-
ter."
Sears said the team did a better job of
following instructions in the second half
and that is why their performance im-
proved.
Augustin Leon and Cristhan Toribio had


assists for Okeechobee.
The Brahman defense also played well
as goal keeper Gustavo Garcia was rarely
tested. He had only one save in the Brah-
man net.
"We are a deep team with a lot of tal-
ented players and we're still trying to get
our best starting lineup on the field," Sears
said, "Last year it took us to the last game
to get the right combination."
Sears noted that the team might have
struggled early because they haven't been
able to practice in a few days due to rain
and inclement weather.
"Traditionally we've never been a good
Monday team. A lot of the kids work hard
on the weekend, and we were a little rusty
tonight," he added.
The boys traveled to Martin County on
Wednesday. The Brahmans host Covenant
Christian of Melbourne on Friday night at
6 p.m.


Boys victorious at Lake Placid


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Aaron Suarez had 20 points to lead three
players in double figures as Okeechobee
High School Boys Basketball Team won for
the second time on the road this week, 64-
56, at Lake Placid Thursday night.
Duelle Gore had 11 points and 15 re-
bounds and Deforest Shanks had 10 points
for Okeechobee. Matt Skipper and Ricky Ni-
eto both had eight points for the Brahmans
(2-1).
"We managed our possessions much
better down the stretch tonight and did what
we were supposed to do," Brahmans Coach
Bryan Van Camp said, "We put in a good
effort. Our defensive effort wasn't great in
the first half, but in the second half we really
stepped up our effort."
Van Camp said Suarez has meant a lot to
the Brahmans offense as he comes off the
bench to play significant minutes at point
guard. The Coach praised the senior for his
hustle, his execution, and his calm demean-
or. Suarez didn't have a single turnover in

Parks and Rec

announce youth

basketball sign ups
Sign-ups for the 2010 Youth Basket-
ball League will begin Monday, Dec. 14
through Friday, Jan. 8, for youth ages
9-14. Registration is conducted at the
Recreation Department on 640 N.W 27th
Lane (Sports Complex Office) Mon. Fri.
between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. A copy of the
child's birth certificate is required at regis-
tration, along with a fee of $40 per player.
For more information, call the Recreation
Department at 863-763-6950.


RUNNINGWATER
| TotwFoon.
T jNfgOy-


significant minutes Thursday night.
"Any time a kid gives you that kind of pro-
duction it's a huge benefit," he added.
Okeechobee led 31-30 at the break, and
led by nine as they entered the fourth quar-
ter.
Lake Placid was a different team than the
one that Okeechobee faced just two weeks
ago in the Beef O'Brady's Tip Off Classic. A
number of football players returned to the
team and Lake Placid had five new players
Thursday night. There was also a vocal, par-
tisan home crowd for the team.
Okeechobee returns home on Tuesday
night to face Suncoast in a district contest.
The Brahman JV lost by six points to Lake
Placid to fall to (2-1) on the year.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Brian H. Mallonee
Board Certified Criminial Trial Lawyer

Now Accepting
Felony Cases
in Okeechobee
County


(772) 464-1991
Main office Ft. Pierce t
www.stluciecriminallaw.com
cuS


Aetna, and United Healtcare.
RGg INUANE ------ -


Available 2417


MATT KENSETH,
Daytona 500 champion (2009)


Fact Book: http://specialsections.newszap.com/SS/Page.aspx?&secid=65039&pagenum=1
Medical Directory: http://specialsections.newszap.com/SS/Page.aspx?&secid=59786&pagenum=1
Meet Your Local Merchants :http://specialsections.newszap.com/SS/Page.aspx?&secid=56360&pagenum=1
School Information Guide :http://specialsections.newszap.com/SS/Page.aspx?&secid=68371&pagenum=1


UNSTOPPABLE.
MATT KENSETH IS
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Fueled by light,
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Fr,..inh Owned & Operated Since 1996
1416 S. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee
(863) 357-3795


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Okeechobee News


December 9, 2009




December 9, 2009


Okeechobee News


Submit Your ree Online Classified Ad Today at WWWNEWSIARCOM Clikk on Classifieds Absolutely FREE!
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Huge Yard Sale!
Thurs., Fri., Sat., & Sun.
12/10, 11, 12 &13
8am-?, 2027 SE 27th St.
Huge Sale Lot's & Lot's
of Items too Numerous
to List!
Reading a newspaper
helps you understand
the world around you.
No wonder newspaper
readers are more suc-
cessful people!
Yard Sale: Sat 12th 8-4;
614 SE 8th Avenue.
Okeechobee Estates.
Something for everyone -
Christmas items, sports,
clothes, glassware.
863-467-8272
863-447-0760
When doing those chores
is doing you in, it's time
to look for a helper in
the classified.


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V Ready to Start Your Own

Business and Earn Extra Income?

Call Ora about the
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or email ochester@bellsouth.net
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JAFRA: 53 Years Strong
www.myjafra.com/ochester A
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Seeking Creative Individual to
Lead Kitchen at a
New Restaurant in Okeechobee
Knowledge of local market
Demonstrate ability to deal with food
vendors and food/supplies ordering
Ability to schedule staff and control labor
Ability to train all kitchen positions
Emphasis on quality food, freshness
and presentation
Emphasis on kitchen security and safety
Above all: the ability to maintain a clean
and orderly kitchen with emphasis on
Public Health
Salary: DOE
Emi .*.ur to eareasda.- *
or ax o 83-471.10 S O


Local Restaurant seeking
quality, professional
Managers &
Bartenders. Fax
resume to 863-357-6737
or email to:
okeerestaurant(hotmail com
Shop here first!
The classified ads


Need a few more bucks
to purchase something
deer? Pick up some
extra bucks when you
sell your used items in
the classifeids.


RAULERSON HOSPITAL
a 100-bed acute care facility located
in Okeechobee provides a full range of
both inpatient and outpatient proce-
dures. Currently has openings for
Dedicated, Caring, Professional Reg-
isted Nurses to fill the following open
positions.
*Med/Surg RN
(FT Nights) Pediatric experience
preferred.
*ED Charge Nurse (Days) must have 2 years ED
experience, ACLS/PALS required and TNCC within 6
mo.
*ICU RN ( FT- Nights)
*OR RN Circulator (FT-Days)
*OR RN Recovery Room (PRN-Days) requires call
and one year experience
*Risk/Quality Coordinator (PT/PRN) 5yrs acute
clinical experience required. Background must in-
clude Quality, Patient Satisfaction or Risk Mgmt.
Please log onto www.raulersonhospital.com and
complete an online employment application.



Reading a newspaper

helps you get more

out of life.



No wonder newspaper
readers have more fun!


How do you find a job
in today's competi-
tive market? In the
employment section
of the classified


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another man's treas-
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to treasure with an
ad in the classified.


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NOTICE
Independent Newspapers
will never accept any ad-
vertisement that is illegal
or considered fraudulent.
In all cases of ques-
tionable value, 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 ad-
vise that before respond-
ing or sending money
ahead of time, you check
with the Better Business
Bureau at 772-878-2010
for previous complaints.
Some 800 and 900 tele-
phone numbers may re-
quire 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.


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CLEARING & HAULING
Dump Truck, Back Hoe
& Bobcat Services...
by Jason Summerford
(863)634-7771

Buying a car? Look in
the classified. Selling
a car? Look in the
classified.


Mme dp lcoa Employme


BEAUTIFUL REMOD-
ELED, 1679 NW 6th
St., 2 BR, 1 BA.
$625/mo + 1st & sec
(863)357-0348 or
(863)610-0567
CBS 3/1 w/utility
room. $800 mo. 1st,
last + $400 sec. dep.
req'd. (561)743-0192
DIXIE RANCH ACRES -
2 Bdrm. Duplex. No
pets. $500 mo + $400
sec. dep. includes wa-
ter, garbage & lawn
(863)610-0001
OAK PARK 1601 SW
34th Terrace, 3br, all
appls, $850/mo. $600
sec. No pets,
(863)610-0001
TREASURE ISLAND -
2/2, CBS, waterfront,
lake access, tiled floors,
screened patio, all appls,
$850/mo No deposit.
(954)610-5345


Employment
Medical


JACK'S TOP SOIL I
Fill Dirt/Shell Rock
& Bob Cat work.
Call 863-467-47341

Love the earth Recycle
your used items by
selling them in the
classified.





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go to
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WANTED- Pasture for
Horse boarding.
(863)634-5264

m,


For more listings,
go to
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Basswood 2/1,
$650/mo, $650 sec.
Small pets allowed. Call
(863)697-1623
IN TOWN 2/2 very
clean, w/d, lawn maint
included, $800 + $300
sec. (863) 634-3572
ON RIM CANAL: newly
furn., lbr/dr, screened
porch, $125/week
(772)359-1640
VIKING/PRAIRIE Effi-
ciency. Very clean!
$500/mo. Incl. utils. No
pets. Call 561-329-8205




TAYLOR CREEK CON-
DO: 1BR, 1BA, Pool,
Laundry, water & elec
incld Furn/or unfurn,
very clean $775 mo +
sec dep 863-824-0981


go to
www.newszap.com



BASSWOOD HOUSE
FOR SALE: New ICF
Construction, 3BR, 2
BA, Oversized garage,
fenced, metal roof, im-
pact windows, tank less
water heater, owner fi-
nancing. Call for apt.
(863)357-1124 or cell
(863)447-1556
CBS 4/2 + efficiency,
completely remodeled,
in ground pool, fenced,
metal roof, .48 acres,
2,000 + s.f., 20X30
steel shed, $149,900
(561)801-3002
LakePort Home. 3/2
on rim canal; Large lot
250' x 170' on peninsula;
2 out buildings; pole barn
30' x 40' w/dock.
$225,000
Call 863-697-8944.





18 Okeechobee News December 9, 2009


REDUCED! Treasure
Island 2 Mobile Homes
on waterfront lot w/
dock. Owner financing.
$65,000 (239)340-4770

Your new home could be
in today's paper. Have
you looked for it?







For more listings,
go to
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2 bd 1 bath Good neigh-
borhood, fenced back
yard, lease with option;
$650 p/mo 863-634-3451

For Rent: 2 Bedroom, 1
bath Nice Park $400 per
month. 812-989-3022

FOR RENT: 2/1 apt.
Newly remodeled. 12
miles north of Okeecho-
bee on beautiful ranch.
Water, trash & lawn
maintenance included.
NO PETS! M-F
$499/mo. Call
(863)467-2982





DW MH renovated,
4BR/2.5BA, 1800 sq. ft.,
fenced 1/2 acre lot,
screened porch, shed,
Pioneer Estate area,
$89,000. Bank finance
avail. (863)610-1600

For Sale: Travel Trailer
w/2 pop outs.30' Two
out buildings. Backs up
to pasture, Lot rent $220.
Appt. Only. $8500.
863-467-2589

OKEECHOBEE Park
Model 40x12, w/Fla Rm,
direct Lake access (no
locks), $42000
(863)763-2221







For more listings,
go to
www.newszap.com





1991 Jaguar XJ6. Load-
ed. Runs Sweet. 116,000
miles. Needs minor paint
job. 863-447-0796 or
863-447-3421. $2,995
Neg.

2001 White Pontiac
Grand Prix Auto, Air. Ex-
ec. condition. $1950
812-989-3022





For Sale: Utility trailer 6'
x 12' Tandem axles
(Heavy duty two loading
ramps) 863-634-9604.


For more listings,
go to
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^^^^^^H


For more listings,
go to
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^^^^^X^


REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) 6000000322
WATERFOWL FOOD ABUNDANCE STUDY IN THE
KISSIMMEE RIVER PHASE 1 RESTORATION AREA PALM BEACH,
OKEECHOBEE, POLK AND HIGHLANDS COUNTIES FLORIDA
The South Flonda Water Management Distnct will receive sealed proposals
through the Procurement Office, B-1 Bldg., 3301 Gun Club Road, West
Palm Beach, Ronda 33406, for the Waterfowl Food Abundance Study on
Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. local time, at which timely submit-
ted proposals will be opened and publicly read. The purpose of this Re-
quest for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals from qualified respondents
who are capable of conducting a study of waterfowl food items in the Kis-
simmee River floodplain.
All proposals must conform to the instructions in the Request for Proposals
(RFP). Interested respondents may obtain a copy of the complete RFP at
the above referenced address, by calling (561) 682-2715, or by calling the
24-hour BID HOTLINE 800-472-5290. The public is invited to attend the
proposal opening. Information on the status of this solicitation can be ob-
taied at our web site www.sfwmd.gov
340406 ON 12/9/09

PUBLIC NOTICE
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will hold its Regu-
ar Session on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at the Health De-
partment Auditorium, 1728 NW 9th Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida.
Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board of County
Commissioners with respect to any matter considered at this meebng will
need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purposes, he or she
will need to ensure that a verbatim record of such proceedings is made,
which record shall include the testimony and evidence upon which the ap-
peal is to be based.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilites Act (ADA) and Florida
Statute 286.26, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to
parbclpate in this proceeding should contact Paula Poskon, no later than
two (2) working days prior to the proceeding at 863-763-4559 or
863-763-2131, ext. 2111. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call TDD
1-800-222-3448 (voice) or 1-888-447-5620 (TTY).
Calif Betts Jr., Chairman
Board of County Commissioners
Dkeechobee County, Florida
Sharon Robertson, Clerk
Board of County Commissioners
Dkeechobee County, Florida
341115 ON 12/09/09


Opportunities with SFWMD Await Businesses
Session to provide information on upcoming
Prequalified Vendor Solicitation
West Palm Beach, FL The South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD) is hosting series of informational sessions for businesses inter-
ested in learning about the District's upcoming solicitation for CONTRAC-
TOR PRE-QUALIFICATION; SOUTH FLORIDA WATER
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
The sessions will give business owners and executives the opportunity to in-
teract with contract specialists and project manager to discuss the upcom-
ng solicitation. Each session will be held at the following locations /dates /
times:
* December 14th from 10:00-11:00 a.m.: Clewiston Field Station, 2425
Hookers Point Road, Clewiston, Florida 33440, (863) 983-1431
* December 17th from 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Miami Field Station, 9001
NW 58th Street, Miami, FL 33178(305) 513-3420
* December 18th from 2:00-3:00 p.m.: SFWMD Headquarters, Storch
Room, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 (561)686-8800
The purpose of the upcoming solicitation will be to obtain qualification and
expenence information from firms in order to pre-qualify contractors for ma-
lor construction work in support of South Florida Water Management Dis-
rict Programs. Once qualified, contractors will be provided the opportunity
to bid on construction projects throughout the Sout Florida area. Estimated
values of these projects will range from $500,000 to $200,000,000. Con-
tractors will be considered qualified by meebng a set of minimum require-
ments, as will be specified in the upcoming solicitation. Qualified
contractors will then be categorized by project size (estimated contract val-
ue) and primary type of constucton work. This solicitation will add
frms to the previously established Qualified Contactors List. If a
frm is currently pre-qualified with the District, that firm will not
need to pre-qualiy again unless applying for additional categories.
To learn more about the sessions, please visit www.sfwmd.gov or call Cathy
Richards at (561) 682-2813.
341023 ON 12/09/09 & CGS 12/10/09


One man's trash is
another man's treas-
ure. Turn your trash
to treasure with an
ad in the classified.


Need a few more bucks
to purchase something
deer? Pick up some
extra bucks when you
sell your used items in
the classifeids.


Your next job could be
in today's classified.
Did you look for it?


Earn some extra cash.
Sell your used items
in the classified


How do you find a job
in today's competi-
tive market? In the
employment section
of the classified

Time to clean out the
attic, basement and/or
garage? Advertise your
yard sale in the classi-
fieds and make your
clean up a breeze!


Your new car could be
in today's paper. Have
you looked for it?


The classified are the
most successful sales-
person in town.


IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO.: 2009-CP-225
IN RE: ESTATE OF
MARTHA ANN HAWTHORNE a.k.a
MARTHA A. HAWTHORNE
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
(Summary Administration)
TO ALL PERSONS HAVING
CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST
THE ABOVE ESTATE
You are hereby notified that an Or-
der of Summary Administration has
been entered in the estate of MAR-
THA ANN HAWTHORNE a.k.a.
MARTHA A. HAWTHORNE, de-
ceased, File Number 200-CP-225 by
the Circuit Court for Okeechobee
County, Flonda, Probate Division,
the address of which is 312 NW 3rd
Street, Okeechobee, Ronda 34972;
that the decedent's date of death
was February 24, 2008; that the to
tal value of the estate if $0.00 and
that the names and addresses of
those to whom it has been assigned
by such order are:
NAME:
Destie L. Hawthorne
ADDRESS:
16615 NW 32nd Avenue
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
NAME:
Ronald Lee Hawthorne
ADDRESS:
16615 NW 32nd Avenue
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE
NOTIFIED THAT:
Al other creditors of the estate of
the decedent and persons having
claims or demands against dece-
dent's estate of the decedent other
than those for whom provision for
full payment was made in the Order
of Summary Administration must file
their claims with this court WITHIN
3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF
THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF
THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED
WITH BE FOREVER BARRED
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME
PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY
CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS
OR MORE AFTER THE DECE-
DENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS
BARRED
The date of first publication of this
Notice is December 9, 2009
Person Giving Notice
Destie L. Hawthorne
16615 NW 32nd Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Attorney for Personal Representative
Kevin H. Hendnckson, Esq.
Attomey for Per Rep.
310 South Second Street
Fort Pierce, Rorda 34950
(772)461-0558
Flonda Bar No. 618454
341136 ON 12/6,13/2009

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
File No.: 47-2009-CP-000230
IN RE: ESTATE OF
DONALD LEE PIPPIN, SR.
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of
Donald Lee Pippin, Sr, deceased,
whose date of death was September
10, 2009, is pending in the Circuit
Court for Okeechobee County, Hon-
da, Probate Division, the address of
which is 312 Northwest 3rd Street,
Okeechobee, Honda 34972. The
names and addresses of the person-
al representative and the personal
representative's attomey are set
forth below.
Al creditors of the decedent and
other persons having claims or de-
mands against decedent's estate on
whom a copy of this notice is re-
quired to be served must file their
claims with this court. WITHIN THE
LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE
TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION
OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AF-
TER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A
COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent
and other persons having claims or
demands against decedent's estate
must file their claims with this court
WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE
DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION
OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN
THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN
SECTION 733.702 OF TIIE FLORIDA
PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER
BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME
PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY
CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR
MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S
DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publicabon of this
notice is December 4th, 2009.
Attomey for
Personal Representative:
PAIGE HAMMOND WOLPERT
Attomey for Rebecca L. Fowler
Ronda Bar No. 023213
Shuflield, Lowman & Wilson, PA.
1000 Legion Place, Suite 1700
Post Office Box 1010
Orlando, Florida 32802-1010
Telephone: (407) 581-9800
Fax: (407) 581-9801
Personal Representative:
Rebecca L. Fowler
2026 Southeast 31st Street
Okeechobee, Flonda 34974
341158 ON 12/09,16/09

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO. 2009-CP-226
In re: Estate of
FRANCIS PORTER LANSDOWN
Deceased
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of
FRANCES PORTER LANSDOWN, de-
ceased, date of death October 16,
2009, is pending in the Circuit Court
for Okeechobee County, Flonda, Pro-
bate Division, the address of which
is 312 N.W 3rd Street, Suite 101,
Okeechobee, Ronda 34972. The
personal representative's and the
personal representative's attomey
names are set forth below.
Al creditors of the decedent and
other persons having claims or de-
mands against decedent's estate on
whom a copy of this notice is re-
uired to be served must file their
claims with this court WITHIN THE
LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE
TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICA-
TION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30
DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SER-
VICE OF A COPY OF THIS NO-
TICE ON THEM.
Al other creditors of the decedent
and persons having claims or de-
mands against the estate of the de-
cedent must file their claims with
this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AF-
TER THE DATE OF THE FIRST
PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITH-
IN THE TIME PERIOD SET
FORTH IN THE FLORIDA STAT-
UTES WILL BE FOREVER
BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME
PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE.
ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2)
YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DE-
CEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS
BARRED.
The first publication of this notice
is December 2, 2009.
Beatrice Y Gles
Personal Representative
11613 Ashbury Circle
Solomons, MD 20688
CONELY & CONELY, RA.
Post Office Drawer 1367
Okeechobee, Flonda 34973-1367
(863) 763-3825
By: Tom Conely III
Honda Bar #096482
Attorney for Personal Representative
339814 ON 12/2,9/09


IN THE CIRCUITCOURT OF THE
19TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN
AND FOR OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. 2009 CA611
DIVISION: Civil Division
LIVE OAK TRUST, INC.,
A Flonda Corporation
Plaintiff
v.
MARTHE LEGER; JOSEPH LEGER;
AND MARGARETTE PERNIER
Defendants
NOTICE OF ACTION
CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE
TO: MARGARETTE PERNIER
2903 WATERVIEW CIRCLE 29C
PALM SPRINGS, FL 33461
YOU ARE HEREBY notified that a
Complaint for Foreclosure of Mort-
gage involving real estate located in
Okeechobee County, Flonda, and le-
gally descnbed as follows:
W1/2 OF THE W1/2 OF THE S1/2
OF THE S1/2 OF SECTION 21
TRACT 6 TOWNSHIP 34 SOUTH,
RANGE 33 EAST, OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, ACCORDING
TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORD-
ED IN PLAT BOOK 4, PAGES 3A-D,
INCLUSIVE OF THE OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS.
Strap Number(s):
1-21-34-33-OA00-00006-MOO
has been filed against you and your
are required to serve a copy of your
wntten defenses, if any, to it on
KENNETH M. JONES, of Moody,
Jones, Ingino & Morehead, PA., At-
torneys for Plaintiff, whose address
is 1333 S. University Drive, Suite
201, Plantation, Ronda, 33324, on
or before 30 days from date of first
publication and file the onginal with
the Clerk of this Court either before
service on the Plaintiffs attorney or
immediately thereafter; otherwise, a
default will be entered against you
for the relief demanded in the Com-
plaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of this
Courton Nov. 19, 2009.
SHARON ROBERTSON
Clerk of the Court
BY: Kathy Arnold
As Deputy Clerk
MOODY, JONES, INGINO
& MOREHEAD, PA.
Attorneys for Plaintiff
1333 S. University Drive, Suite 201
Plantation, FL 33324
(954) 473-6605
KENNETH M. JONES
Flonda Bar No. 142618
340036 ON 12/2,9/09

IN THE COUNTY COURT
IN AND FOROKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 2009-CC-57
CATHERINE P. CHESTER,
Plaintiff,
vs.
JONAS JANVIER,
Defendant.
Clerk's Notice of Sale Under
F.S. Chapter 45
NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accor-
dance with the Default Final Judg-
ment of Foreclosure dated 11/25/09
in the above-styled cause, I will sell
to the highest and best bidder for
cash at the Jury Assembly Room,
Second Floor, Okeechobee County
Judicial Center, 312 NW Third Street,
Okeechobee, Florida, at 11 am on
1/6/2010, the following property:
The East 1/2 of the East 1/2 of the
South 1/2 of the South 1/2 of Tract
26, Section 10, Township 34 South,
Range 33 East, according to the plat
thereof recorded in Plat Book 4, Pag-
es 3A through D, inclusive Pubic
Records of Okeechobee County,
Florida (1.25 acres) (aka Lot P)
ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTER-
EST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE
SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE
PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE
OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A
CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE
SALE.
Dated: 12/3/09
SHARON ROBERTSON
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
BY Linda F Young
Deputy Clerk
I CERTIFY that a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Notice of Sale
under F.S. Chapter 45 has been fur-
nished by United States Mail on
12/3/09, to each of the following: Jo-
nas Janvier, 1671 Woodland Avenue,
West Palm Beach, Florida, 33415,
and Ryon M. McCabe, Esquire,
McCabe Rabin, P.A., 1601 Forum
Place, Suite 301, West Palm Beach,
Florida, 33401, attorneys for Cathe-
rine P Chester, 13925 Orange Boule-
vard, West Palm Beach, Florida
33412.
SHARON ROBERTSON, CLERK
Linda FYoung
Court Clerk
341133 ON 12/9,16/2009


IN THE CIRCUIT COURTOF THE
19TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN
AND FOR OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. 2009 CA611
DIVISION: Civil Division
LIVE OAK TRUST, INC.,
A Florida Corporation
Plaintiff
v.
MARTHE LEGER; JOSEPH LEGER;
AND MARGARETTE PERNIER
Defendants
NOTICE OF ACTION
CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE
TO: JOSEPH LEGER
1769 GRANTHAM DRIVE
WELLIINGTON FLORIDA 33414
YOU ARE HEREBY notified that a
Complaint for Foreclosure of Mort-
gage involving real estate located in
Okeechobee County, Flonda, and le-
gally described as follows:
W1/2 OF THE W1/2 OF THE S1/2
OF THE S1/2 OF SECTION 21
TRACT 6 TOWNSHIP 34 SOUTH,
RANGE 33 EAST, OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, ACCORDING
TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORD-
ED IN PLAT BOOK 4, PAGES 3A-D,
INCLUSIVE OF THE OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS.
Strap Number(s):
1-21-34-33-OAOO-00006-M00O
has been filed against you and your
are required to serve a copy of your
written defenses, if any, to It on
KENNETH M. JONES, of Moody,
Jones, Ingino & Morehead, PA., At-
torneys for Plaintiff, whose address
is 1333 S. University Dnve, Suite
201, Plantation, Flonda 33324, on or
before 30 days from the date of first
publication and file the onginal with
the Clerk of this Court either before
service on the Plaintiffs attorney or
immediately thereafter; otherwise, a
default will be entered against you
for the relief demanded in the Com-
plaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of this
Court on Nov. 19, 2009.
SHARON ROBERTSON
Clerk of the Court
BY: Kathy Amold
As Deputy Clerk
MOODY, JONES, INGINO
& MOREHEAD, PA.
Attorneys for Plaintiff
1333 S. University Dnve, Suite 201
Plantation, FL 33324
(954) 473-6605
KENNETH M. JONES
Flonda Bar No. 142618
340038 ON 12/2,9/09


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IN THE CIRCUIT COURTOF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIR-
CUIT IN AND
FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 2009-CA-447
Assigned Judge: McManus
IN RE: FORFEITURE OF
UNITED STATES CURRENCY IN
THE AMOUNT OF
$18,000.00, AND
ONE 2002 LINCOLN LS
VIN # 1LNHM86S62Y601833
FLORIDA TAG # SJSSI, AND
ONE 1999 SUNCOAST
UTILITY TRAILER VIN #
1S9E01628XT303872
FLORIDA TAG # C766VX
NOTICE OF ACTION
TO: Jose Suarez, Jr
a/k/a Jose T Santo
1335 NE 342nd Trail
Okeechobee, FL 34972
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Probable
Cause Order was issued by the
Court, and a Venfied Complaint for
Forfeiture regarding the above de-
scnbed property seized in Okeecho-
bee County, Flonda, has been filed
against you. Your are required to
serve a copy of your wntten defens-
es, if any, to Robert L. Kilbnde, Peti-
tioner's attorney, whose address is
3473 SE Willoughby Boulevard, Stu-
art, Flonda 34994, on or before
1/13/2010, and file the original with
the Clerk of this Court either before
service on Petitioner's attorney or
immediately thereafter; otherwise a
default will be entered against you
for the relief demanded in the Ven-
fled Complaint for Forfeiture.
DATED on 12/1/2009.
SHARON ROBERTSON, CLERK
As Clerk of the Court
BY: Linda F Young
As Deputy Clerk
Robert L. Kilbnde
Flonda Bar No. 372412
3473 SE Willoughby Boulevard
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 287-4444


IN THE CIRCUIT OF THE 19th
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA,
IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY
Case #: 2008 CA 000659
OtiMortgage, Inc.,
Plaintiff,
-VS.-
Donna H. Lee a/k/a Donna Lee and
Shannon P Lee a/k/a Shannon Lee;
Unknown Parties in Possession #1;
Unknown Parties in Possession #2;
If living, and all Unknown Parties
claiming by, through, under and
against the above named Defen-
dant(s) who are not known to b e
dead or alive, whether said Unknown
Parties may claim an interest as
Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees,
or Other Claimants
Defendant(s).
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant
to an Order of Rnal Judgment of
Foreclosure dated 9/24/2009, en-
tered in Civil Case No. 2008 CA
000659 of the Circuit Court of the
19th Judicial Circuit in and for Okee-
chobee County, Ronda, wherein Oti-
Mortgage, Inc., Plaintiff and Donna
H. Lee a/k/a Donna Lee and Shan-
non P Lee a/k/a Shannon Lee are
defendantss, I will sell to the high-
est and best bidder for cash, IN THE
JURY ASSEMBLY ROOM, ON THE
SECOND FLOOR, OF THE OKEECHO-
BEE JUDICIAL CENTER, 312 N.W.
THIRD STREET, OKEECHOBEE, FL
34972 at 11:00 a.m. on 1/20/2010,
the following descnbed property as
set forth in said Rnal Judgment, to-
wit:
LOT 21 22 23 AND 24, BLOCK
50, SUBDIVISION OF A POR-
TION OF OKEECHOBEE PARK,
ACCORDING TO THE PLAT
THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT
BOOK 1, PAGE 28, PUBLIC
RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA.
ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN IN-
TEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM
THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN
THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF
THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS
MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN 60
DAYS AFTER THE SALE.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A
DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY AC-
COMMODATION IN ORDER TO PAR-
TICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING,
YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST
TO YOU TOTHE PROVISION OF
CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE
CONTACT OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
COURTHOUSE, 312 NORTHWEST
THIRD STREET, OKEECHOBEE, FL
34972 WITHIN 2 WORKING DAYS
OF YOUR RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE
OF SALE: IF YOU ARE HEARING IM-
PAIRED CALL: 1-800-955-8771; IF
YOU ARE VOICE IMPAIRED CALL:
1-800-955-8770
DATED at OKEECHOBEE, Ronda,
this 28th day of Sept., 2009.
SHARON ROBERTSON
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Okeechobee County, Florida
Linda F Young
Deputy Clerk
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF:
SHAPIRO & FISHMAN, LLP A
2424 North Federal Highway,
Suite 360
Boca Raton, Ronda 33431
08-118292
336217 ON 12/9,16/09



LEGAL NOTICE
A public auction will be held at BMJ
Towing, Inc. Lot at 414 South Parrott
Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34974
on Friday the 1st day of January,
2010 from 10:00-11:00 A.M. Pursu-
ant to Florida statute 713.78 for un-
aid towing and storage. Year, Make,
odel & Vin's as follows:
1998 Green Dodge Neon
1B3ES42Y4WD620282
1998 White Pontiac Sunfire
1G2JB1247W7591808
1987 Red Ford Ranger
1FTCR14A9HPA93518
Terms of sale are cash, and no
checks will be accepted. The seller
reserves the right of final bid. All
sales are final. No refunds will be
made. Said automobiles will be sold
in "AS IS" with no guarantees.
341229 ON 12/09/09




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December 9, 2009


Okeechobee News


IN THE COUNTY COURT
IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 2009-CC-58
CATHERINE P. CHESTER,
Plaintiff,
vs.
MARC A. JOSEPH
Defendant.
Clerk's Notice of Sale Under
F.S. Chapter 45
NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accor-
dance with the Default Final Judg-
ment of Foreclosure dated 11/25/09
in the above-styled cause, I will sell
to the highest and best bidder for
cash at the Jury Assembly Room,
Second Floor, Okeechobee County
Judicial Center, 312 NW Third Steet,
Okeechobee, Florida, at 11 am on
1/6/2010, the following property:
The East 1/2 of the East 1/2 of the
South 1/2 of the South 1/2 of Tract
3, Section 10, Township 34 South,
Range 33 East, according to the plat
thereof recorded in Plat Book 4, Pag-
es 3A through D, inclusive Public
Records of Okeechobee County,
Florida (1.25 acres) (aka Lot P)
ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTER-
EST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE
SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE
PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE
OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A
CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE
SALE.
Dated: 12/3/09
SHARON ROBERTSON
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
BY: Linda F. Young
Deputy Clerk
I CERTIFY that a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Notice of Sale
under F.S. Chapter 45 has been fur-
nished by United States Mall on
12/3/09, to each of the following:
Marc A. Joseph, 8539 NW 20th
Court, Sunrise, Florida, 33322 and
RyonM M. McCabe, Esquire, McCabe
Rabin, PA., 1601 Forum Place, Suite
301, West Palm Beach, Florida,
33401, attorneys for Catherine P
Chester, 13925 Orange Boulevard,
West Palm Beach, Florida 33412.
SHARON ROBERTSON, CLERK
Linda FYoung
Court Clerk
341130 ON 12/9,16/2009

IN THE COUNTY OF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA
CASE NO. 09-CC-286
CARL S. MAXWELL,
Plaintiff
vs.
MAYOR R. ROSALES and MARY Y
ROSALES, husband and wife, and
any unknown tenants in possession,
Defendants.
NOTICE OF ACTION
TO: Maynor R. Rosales
Mary Y Rosales
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that
an action to quiet title of the follow-
ing descnbed property in Okeecho-
bee County, Flonda, to-wit:
PARCEL:
LOT 9, BLOCK 33, BASSWOOD,
UNIT 2, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT
THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT
BOOK 3, PAGE 28, PUBLIC
RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Parcel ID:
1-05-37-35-0020-00330-0090
has been filed against you and you
are required to serve a copy of your
written defense, if any, to it on DE-
VIN R. MAXWELL, Esqure, 405 NW
3rd Street, Okeechobee, Flonda
34972 and file the onginal with the
Clerk of the above styled Court on or
before November 2009 otherwise
a judgment may be entered against
you for the relief demanded in the
Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of
said Court on this day of Novem-
ber, 2009.
SHARON ROBERTSON
Clerk of Circuit Court
BY: DEPUTY CLERK
340544 ON 12/9,16,23,30/09

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IN THE COUNTY COURT
IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 2009-CC-52
CATHERINE P. CHESTER,
Plaintiff,
vs.
JEAN-MARIE JIM AUGUSTE,
and JULIA A. BUCHANAN AU-
GUSTE,
Defendant.
Clerk's Notice of Sale Under
F.S. Chapter 45
NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accor-
dance with the Default Final Judg-
ment of Foreclosure dated 11/25/09
in the above-styled cause, I will sell
to the highest and best bidder for
cash at the Jury Assembly Room,
Second Floor, Okeechobee County
Judicial Center, 312 NW Third Street,
Okeechobee, Florida, at 11 am on
1/6/2010, the following property:
The East 1/2 of the West 1/2 of the
North 1/2 of the North 1/2 of Tract
19, Section 15, Township 34 South,
Range 33 East, according to the plat
thereof recorded in Plat Book 4, pag-
es 3A through D, inclusive, Pubic
Records of Okeechobee County,
Florida (1.25 acres)
(aka LotC)
ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTER-
EST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE
SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE
PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE
OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A
CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE
SALE.
Dated: 12/3/09

SHARON ROBERTSON
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
BY: Linda F. Young
Deputy Clerk
I CERTIFY that a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Notice of Sale
under ES. Chapter 45 has been fur-
nished by United States Mall on
12/3/09, to each of the following:
Jean-Marie Jim Auguste, 120 East
Oakland Park Boulevard, #105, Ft.
Lauderdale, FL 33334, Julia A. Bu-
chanan Auguste, 18930 Bothell Ever-
ett Highway, #B-303, Bothell,
Washington, 98012 and Ryon M.
McCabe, Esquire, McCabe Rabin,
PA., 1601 Forum Place, Suite 301,
West Palm Beach, Florida, 33401, at-
torneys for Catherine P Chester,
13925 Orange Boulevard, West Palm
Beach, Florida 33412.
SHARON ROBERTSON, CLERK
Linda F.Young
Court Clerk
341126 ON 12/9,16/2009

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF
THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA
CASE NO. 09-CC-286
CARL S. MAXWELL,
Plaintiff,
vs.
MAYOR R. ROSALES and MARY
Y. ROSALES, husband and wife,
and any unknown tenants in
possession,
Defendants.
NOTICE OF ACTION
TO: Maynor R. Rosales
Mary Y Rosales
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an
action to quiet title of the following
described property in Okeechobee
County, Florida, to-wit:
PARCEL:
LOT 9, BLOCK 33, BASSWOOD,
UNIT 2, ACCORDING TO THE
PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN
PLAT BOOK 3, PAGE 28,
PUB LIC RECORDS OF
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA.
Parcel ID:
1-05-37-35-0020-00330-0090
has been filed against you and you
are required to serve a copy of your
written defense, if any, to it on DE-
VIN R. MAXWELL, Esquire, 405 NW
3rd Street, Okeechobee Florida
34972 and file the original with the
Clerk of the above styled Court on or
before January 22, 2010.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of
said Court on this 2nd day of Decem-
ber, 2009.
SHARON ROBERTSON
Clerk of Circuit Court
By: Kimberly J. Sarros
341225 ON 12/9,16,23,30/09

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863-763-6028






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Homemade Goodies & Decorations
Homemade Sweetbread
Homemade Cookies & Candy
PHONE ORDER EARLY
863-357-5733
Local Delivery








863-467-0418
Tues. Fri. 9-5:30 Sat. 9-3 &
Closed: Sun & Mon.

105 SW Ave Cheri Stevens


[: I % Ili : r[ i !


&flagdes Health Cire Cehter
I Skilled Long & Short Term Care Facility
(%A ewU ,Assistant, C.E.O.
230 South Barfield Hwy. Pahokee
Ot families in PHONE: 561-924-5561
& Bradenton www.floridacare.net






Christian Books,

Bibles and Videos


Nature's Pantry
417 W S Park St (863) 467-1243


Se H bi,
Paralegal nircleartitle Espro.
Services & al S- .
Struggling to make your mortgage payments? Call us, we can help!
I. i. I I 1 i .. i Tille Insurance For Sale By Owner Transactions Divorces
Custody Modifications \1,.1,,. . ..... ,,,, i in... i I i .r... I .. I .
Evictions Quit flaim Deeds Corporations Wills Power ofAttorney. Contracts
1oel128 Hwy 441 South, Okeechobee, FL 863-824-6776


I : I I =kY, I =11[rJ I 1 J_1 I :I

LAKESHORE MARINEINC.
1365 Hwy 441 SE If we can't fix it,
(next to bowling alley) it probably can't
be fixed.
863-763-4080
SERVING OKEECHOBEE Exceptional Service
SINCE 1993 YOU CAN TRUST!!
S19 STEVE BRANLEY, OWNER




Vici Anderson, Associate

Cell 634-4106

U Patricia L. Goolsby
Lic. Real Estate
Broker





We Buy Scrap Gold,

Silver and Coins

Elliott's Pawn Shop
419 W.S. Park St. 863.763-5553


You NOW have

OPTIONS

To advertise here.


Call

863-763-3134




Okeechobee News


December 9, 2009


CES fourth graders


have surprise visitor


By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
Mr. Pritchard's fourth grade class at Central
Elementary School had a surprise visitor Mon-
day morning, Dec. 7. The class had written to
Lance Cpl. Quinton Speed when he was sta-
tioned in Iraq. The young Marine is now home
on leave and paid an unexpected visit to the
students who had written to him.
"The next time we say the Pledge of Al-
legiance we will stand real straight and tall,"
Mrs. Pritchard said of the surprise visit.
Corporal Speed said that he was bored
with high school and he did not want to be
bored with college. That is why the Okeecho-
bee High School graduate joined the Marines.
He explained all the training he had to go thor-
ough before being sent to Iraq.
The students got a geography lesson as
Cpl. Speed pointed out on a world map all
the places in the U.S. and around the world
he had been since joining the Marines. He said
the hardest part of his travels was jet lag.
Cpl. Speed was asked what he liked and dis-
liked most about Iraq. He replied that what he
liked most was that the country had changed
a lot since the U.S. first became involved. He


said the coun-
try is now more
willing to accept
Americans and
is developing its
own democracy.
The thing he dis-
liked most was
the heat. He said
that the tempera-
ture would rise to
120 degrees be '
fore 10 a.m. and
then get hotter. -ance Cpl.
Corporal Quinton Speed
Speed told the
students that in Iraq his living quarters con-
sisted of a cargo container that he shared with
another Marine. He said the food for the most
part was pretty good. However, he appreciated
the beef jerky and energy drinks that people
back home had sent.
The Marine said that since 2006 there has
not been as much armed combat as in the ear-
lier years of American involvement. He said it
was calm in the area of Iraq where he served.
His old unit is now serving in Afghanistan.


Okeechobee News/Pete Gawda
Mrs. Pritchard's fourth grade class at Central Elementary School received a surprise
visit on Monday morning, Dec. 7 from Lance Cpl. Quinton Speed. The class had
written to him when he was stationed in Iraq. Pictured with the young Marine, in no
particular order are: Hadeel Abed, Royce Arnold, Alyssa Baird, Albrianna Baker,
Johnny Brooks, William Bussey, Jonathan Bustos. Eric Cardenas, Malcolm Cham-
bers, Maggie Congdon, Jemuel Garin, Quintin Holt, Kaitlyn Hoyle, Dania Juarez,
Noah Lagrange, Hannah Morales, Yiselt Pineda, Megan Underwood, Dylan Walker,
Mariah Watson, Yanez Teodolo and Adrianna Camacito.
BIRTHS
LOGAN ROBERT KEMP
crystal and Jimmy
"Jimbo" Kemp are
proud to announce the
birth of their first child, Logan
Robert Kemp. Logan was born
October 27, 2009 at Martin
Memorial Hospital in Stuart,
FL. He was 20 1/2 inches long
and weighed 91bs 1 oz at birth.
Logan is the first grandchild
to maternal grandparents
Rhonda and Eric Stifel of
Starke, FL. and Stephen
and Kimberly Rathbun of Okeechobee, FL. He is the fourteenth grandchild
to paternal grandparents Norma Sue and Jimmy Kemp of Okeechobee, FL.


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I I:


Committed To Total Customer
Satisfaction Since 1978

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration


Ing South-CIentral Flri


LICL
CAC023499


(863) 7634391


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