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Vol. 100 No. 152 Sunday, December 20, 2009


75 Plus tax


Elderly often


Community plans
holiday events
... Page 6

Index
Classifieds .................................. 17-18
Community Events........................ 6
Crossw ord....................................... 18
Obituaries........................... .. 6
Opinion ....................... ....... 5
Speak Out ................ ...... .. 4
Sports................................ 16, 18-20
W weather ........................................ 6

Lake Levels

13.64 feet
Last Year: 14.14 feet

SSponored By: .

Pogey's Family Restaurant
1759 S. Parrott Ave.
763-7222
Source: South Florida Water
Management District. Depth given
in feet above sea level

See page 4 for information about
how to contact this newspaper.

newszap.com
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Exploiting the
elderly may have
deadly outcome

By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
"The things you can do to an
elderly person and get away with
-- if you did them to a dog you'd
go to prison."
Detective Ted Van Deman, of
the Okeechobee County Sheriff's
Office (OCSO), made no attempt
to hide his disdain of those who
exploit the elderly when he made
that statement. And while Florida
laws dealing with the exploitation
of the elderly are among the best
in the U.S., the detective feels they
still fall short of protecting some of
the most vulnerable members of
our society.
Even though exploitation of
the elderly is a non-violent act, it


sometimes ends in a deadly man-
ner.
"A lot of times, when elderly
folks become victimized financial-
ly, the trauma and stress is so great
that many times they see suicide
as the only way out," Detective
Van Deman pointed out. "Some-
times, they just give up and die."
He then alluded to a recent
case in which a 72-year-old man
did just that.
In May of 2007 the suspect in
the detective's case, a nurse's aide,
began going to the man's home to
help him with his every day affairs,
such as shopping and hygiene.
The man's only income was his
Social Security check that totaled
$1,118.40 each month.
The aide began 'helping' him
with his financial affairs, which
was outside her scope of duties,
states the detective's report. This
'help' consisted of her filling out
his checks for bills then having the


targett o
man sign them.
"The victim required this as-
sistance because he was too con-
fused to handle his affairs," said
Detective Van Deman.
About a year later, the aide be-
came too ill to work and another
aide was sent to the home. When
the man asked the new aide to
help with his financial affairs, she
refused. She told him they were
not allowed to do this.
On May 18, 2008, the man con-
tacted his son who lives in Palm
Beach County to help him with his
finances. It was at this point the ir-
regularities in the man's checking
account were found.
After working on his father's
checking account for three days,
the son and his wife discovered
a number of checks that were
made out to the first nurse's aide
for cash. One of those documents
was for $1,500. There were a num-
ber of checks made out to 'cash'


f thefts
which struck the son and his wife
odd since the only cash ever used
by the victim was to pay for his
haircuts and lawn care.
The son also found where his
father's grocery purchases had
gone from his normal $50 a week
to nearly $200 a week.
In all, the son estimated that
$2,825.12 was taken from the
man. The man's son and his wife
also discovered many other items
missing from the victim's home
including cooking utensils, stain-
less steel flatware and glasses. All
that was left in the man's cabinets
was just enough for him to use to
eat.
These thefts were discovered
on a Sunday. Three days later, the
victim sat down in his chair and
died. Prior to his death, his only
physical ailment was diabetes.
See ELDERLY Page 8


Policeman walks across state for charity


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Pinellas Park Police officer Trac-
ey Schofield walked 200 miles last
week across Florida to raise mon-
ey for the Boys and Girls Club of
Pinellas County and the homeless
shelter, Pinellas Hope.
The walk began with 40 kids
from Pinellas County walking the
first mile with him, and ended Sat-
urday with another group of kids
meeting him in Ft. Pierce to end
the trip.
"It's been awesome," Mr. Scho-
field said, "We've met some awe-
some people across the state. A lot
of people helped me out."
Mr. Schofield had raised $25,000
before the walk even began and
he said donations are still being


accepted atwww.thewalkforhope.
com.
Mr. Schofield stayed at the Holi-
day Inn Express in Okeechobee
Thursday night and walked across
the county on Friday. He said he
averaged 25 miles per day on the
eight day excursion.
"My lower legs are ready to go
home. I've got 40 more miles to
go. I should be able to make it. I'll
be sore, but I'm alright," he noted.
The local motel donated the
room Thursday night to the char-
ity. He was able to stay in a trailer
on portions of the trip that didn't
end in a city or near a hotel. He
said his goal is to raise awareness
that there is something everyone
can do to help in these times of
See WALK Page 15


Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy
Tracey Schofield, Pinellas Park Police officer, walked across
Florida this week to raise money for charity. He walked through
Okeechobee on Friday.


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Okeechobee News December 20, 2009


Special news from Humana


for people with Medicare


We are pleased to announce that the Gateway Medical Group, LC
and their Association of Medical Doctors are now part of the
Humana Gold Plus (HMO) provider network in the Okeechobee Area.


I


Additional services provided by:
Okeechobee Medical Partners
(Lab/CT) Cola/ACR accredited
Okeechobee Medical Diagnostics
(MRI/ Nuclear Medicine) ACR accredited
Okeechobee Pet Diagnostics
(PET/ECHO/US)
Other services including 24hr holter, X-Rays,
Sleep Study, EMG/NCV, EKG and Balance Testing


Iqbal Ahmed, MD
Internal Medicine
202 NE 19th Drive
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-357-6030


Yasmin Akhtar, MD
Family Medicine
202 NE 19th Drive
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-357-6030

Peter Aldana, MD
Neurology
214 NE 19th Drive
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-763-5181

Manuel Garcia, MD FICS
General Surgeon
306 NE 19th Drive
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-763-6427


Trinidad Garcia, MD FACOG
Gynecology
306 NE 19th Drive
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-763-6427

Mushtaq Hussain, MD
Pathology
111 NE 19th Drive
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-357-1068

Tahseen Izhar, MD
Infectious Disease
214 NE 19th Drive
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-357-9677

Saeed Khan, MD, MBA,
CPE, FACP
Internal Medicine
2257 Hwy 441 N Suite A
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-467-4788


Tahir Naeem, MD
Internal Medicine
265 NE 19th Drive
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-357-0104

Arif Shakoor, MD FCCP
Pulmonology
2257 Hwy 441 N Suite C
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-357-2300

Muhammad Syed, MD
Internal Medicine
2257 Hwy 441 N Suite A
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-467-4788

Miranda Trent, PAC
Internal Medicine
2257 N. Hwy 441, Ste A
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-467-4788


We would like to welcome these providers to our network.
For more information about Humana Medicare Advantage plans call:


1-800-338-9530 TTY: 1-877-833-4486
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week




An HMO plan with a Medicare contract.
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TC 12/09


Okeechobee News


December 20, 2009


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December 20, 2009 Okeechobee News


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).
Adam Scott Mowery, 31, N.W 53rd
Terrace, Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 15
by Detective Augustin Saucedo on a felony
charge of child abuse. He was also charged
with the misdemeanors of driving under the
influence and driving while license suspend-
ed habitual offender. He is being held with-
out bond on the suspended license charge.
His bond on the other two charges has been
set at a total of $20,000.
Ryan Christopher Bass, 28, Pine Drive,
Pompano Beach, was arrested Dec. 17 by
Deputy Corporal Aric Majere on a Depart-
ment of Corrections warrant charging him
with violation of probation giving false in-
formation to a pawnbroker- less than $300.
He is being held without bond.
Katherine Theresa Harris, 32, N.W 20th


Ave., Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 17 by
Deputy Cpl. Aric Majere on an Okeechobee
County warrant charging her with violation
of probation driving under the influence.
Her bond has been set at $1,000.
Christopher George Rowe, 26, U.S. 441
N., Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 17 by
Deputy Cpl. Aric Majere on a Department of
Corrections amended warrant charging him
with violation of probation grand theft. He
is being held without bond.
Rinella Billie, 37, Knott's Landing
N.E., Okeechobee, was arrested Dec. 17 by
Deputy Cpl. Aric Majere on an Okeechobee
County warrant charging her with violation
of probation driving under the influence.
She 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.


Okeechobee's Most Wanted

The following people are among
Okeechobee's Most Wanted persons.
There are active warrants for each of
them. The criteria for making Okeecho-
bee's Most Wanted top five is based on
the severity of the crime in conjunction
with the age of the warrant.
If you have any information on the
whereabouts of any of Okeechobee's
Most Wanted you can call the Treasure Marcel Bates Lisamarie David
Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS Lorenze Thomas
(8477). If you call Treasure Coast Crimes Bond. Arnold III
Stoppers, you have the option of remaining Marcel Bates, DOB
anonymous. You can also receive a reward if 10/13/1976, Failure of Sexual Offender To
the information results in an arrest. Report To DHSMV, Bond $10,000.
David ThomasArnold III, DOB 11/21/1984, Lisamarie Lorenz, DOB 2/9/1987, VOP-
VOP -Burglary Structure, Grand Theft, No Resisting Arrest with Violence, No Bond.


OCI inmate caught


with cell phones


By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
An inmate at the Okeechobee Correc-
tions Institution (OCI) has been arrested
and charged with trying to sneak two cell
phones into the facility.
Jason Spero, 39, was arrested Thursday,
Dec. 17, and charged with
introducing contraband
into a detention facility.
After being booked into
the Okeechobee County
Jail, he was released on his
own recognizance and re C
turned to OCI.
According to an arrest
report by Deputy Anthony
Kibler, of the Okeechobee Jason Spero
County Sheriff's Office
(OCSO), he was caught
with the phones upon his return to OCI from


his work detail at the Department of Trans-
portation (DOT) yard in Okeechobee.
The report states that Spero stole the
phones from the yard and then tried to sneak
them into the prison by hiding them in his
rectum. Spero reportedly told the deputy
that he is paid $200 for every three phones
he brings into the prison.
Deputy Kibler stated in his report that the
phones were found by OCI security when
Spero activated the metal detector upon his
return to the prison.
A records check indicated that Spero was
sentenced to five years and one day after
being convicted of burglary of a dwelling in
Broward County. He was sentenced June 22,
2009.


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December 20, 2009


Okeechobee News




4 Okeechobee News


OPINION


Public Forum/Speak Out


Letter to the editor


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!

Stolen rocks
Did you see the story in the paper
Wednesday-the four guys from West Palm
Beach who were arrested for coming over
here and trying to steal the rocks from the
Nubbin Slough water control structure?
They went past the fence and were load-
ing up the rocks in a trailer-they told the
cops they planned to use the rocks to build
a fire pit. Is there anything people won't try
to steal?
My first thought was "is this really steal-
ing?" But, I guess it is.
Kind of defines "Dumb as a rock."
When you have to go past a barrier
and a sign indicating the area is closed to
the public, I would think that would be a
hint. Seems like instead of spending the gas
to drive over to Okeechobee from the coast
they could have gone to a building supply
store to get a load of rocks.
They came all the way from West Palm
Beach to get them. Maybe someone told
them "rock" was free in Okeechobee.
Well, that's how they "roll."

Post office
Got a letter Dec. 15, that was mailed
from Atlanta on Nov. 30. Did it come by
mule train? And this is in a P.O. Box. It didn't
even have to be sent out of the Post Office.
With so many complaints against the
letter carriers I feel I have to write. Consider
these facts:
1. The postal service is incredibly inef-
ficient. It loses millions of dollars each year.
2. Postal management receives bonuses
based on how much mail gets through by
the fewest number of carriers. Mail going to
the wrong box is still mail getting through.
3. Letters carriers have a union. They
need one, and I say that even though I am
generally opposed to unions. There is a "me
and them" attitude in the postal service be-
cause letter carriers, even though they are
paid well, are treated badly.


To Reach Us
Address: 107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite D
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Wehbite: www.newszap.com
To Submit News
The Okeechobee News welcomes submissions
from its readers. Opinions, calendar items, stories
ideas and photographs are welcome. Call (863)
763-3134 to reach our newsroom. Items may be
mailed, faxed or e-mailed.
E-Mail: okeenews@newszap.com

To Place A Display Ad
Phone: 863-763-3134
E-Mail: okeeadsales@newszap.com


4. Most letter carriers want to do a good
job, but they are constantly squeezed by
management. How often do you see carri-
ers going back to the post office after dark?
They don't even have time to file grievances.
Management likes it that way.
5. Postal employees generally retire at
age 55. They are generally burned out by
then.
6. Postal service isn't going to get better.
It's going to get worse. Saturday delivery
will probably end before long.
7. You can probably confirm these facts
with your letter carrier although some may
be careful about what they say. Anyway,
next time you see your carrier, tell him or
her "thank you."
I am surprised that so many people
give so much thought to the post office.
Name another service that you get for free.
I think it is pretty awesome the amount of
mail that is moved through the post office.
You only focus on the negative. You remem-
ber the one letter that arrived a little late, but
do not mention all the other letters that ar-
rive quickly. I put my bills in the mail and
within 2 days, they are already being taken
out of my checking account. It is pretty
amazing that you can put a stamp on a let-
ter and they will mail it to anywhere in the
country. As far as "or other resident," they
are required to deliver it, or lose their job. I
think it is important to respect everyone, es-
pecially if they are trying to earn a living, and
not lump a few bad experiences and apply it
to everyone that works there.
I am happy to say that my mail car-
rier is professional and efficient. She brings
packages down my long driveway when
necessary. I make friends with neighbors
so we can take care of each other's mail if
needed. If a neighbor was opening my mail,
I would take the matter in my own hands,
and it would NOT happen again. I wouldn't
need the feds to help me there.

Food drives
It's great that people help with food
drives at the holiday times, but the need is
not just during the holidays. There is a need
for food donations year round. The food
they collect during the holiday food drives
goes very fast. The sad fact is that many
people in our little community do not have
enough food to eat. Many of these families
are what they call the working poor. They
work but can't earn enough to pay the rent
and utilities and buy groceries. If you can
help out by donating a few cans of food, it
would be much appreciated.


To Place A Classified Ad
Call 877-353-2424 to place a classified advertise-
mentfrom home.
Fax: 877-354-2424
E-Mail: classads@newszap.com
Billing Department
E-Mail: billteam@newszap.com
To Start or Stop A Paper
Phone: (800)282-8586
E-mail: readerservices@newszap.com
The Okeechobee News is available three times a
week via home delivery and is on sale at rack and
store locations throughout Okeechobee County. Call
the office to find out if your home is within our pres-
ent home-distribution boundaries.
Call 800-282-8586 to report a missed
newspaper or poor delivery.


Raulerson Hospital Annual Holiday Tour
of Homes 2009
What a beautiful night. The weather may
not have cooperated but the cold rain gave
us a true winter-night feeling for the first eve-
ning of the 2009 Annual Raulerson Hospital
Tour of Homes. There were two ways to
travel that night, drive your own car or take
the tour on a chartered bus. Our adventure
was on the bus.
Our first stop was at the home of Bobbi
Poole. The home was set back and candles
lit every window. We entered Bobbi's home
which smelled of Christmas. She had pre-
pared an unbelievable array of food--meat-
ball soup, homemade old fashioned rice
pudding and several plates of freshly baked
cakes and breads that melted in your mouth.
Bobbi's home was decorated in a comfort-
able country style which made you feel
warm and welcomed. Our stomachs happy,
we bid good night and moved on.
As we turned the corner you could see
Susan and Kenneth
Pilgrim's home
from the end of the
block with all the
lights glowing with





you did not know
where to look first. Susan had every room
beautifully decorated. You could have gone
back a dozen times and you would still have
seen something you missed before. I asked
how long it took to accomplish this and Su-
san told me she starts in late October and
does it every year for her family. What a
lucky family.
With our Christmas spirit high we went
to see Linda and Ron Main. They greeted us
at the door dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Clause
to welcome us into their home. In the living
room was an amazing upside down Christ-
mas tree. I had never seen one before and
it took me a while to figure out how it was
done. The Mains also had every room deco-
rated, right down to the kitchen cabinets,
with ribbons and bows.


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
* To help our community become a better place to
live and work, through our dedication to
conscientious journalism.
* To provide the information citizens need to make
their own intelligent decisions about public issues.


Stop number four brought us to Anita
and David Nunez's Seminole Design of-
fice. It is a renovated cracker home and
looked like a gingerbread house. Unfortu-
nately the weather knocked out most of the
lights, which would have totaled more than
200,000 lights in the display. I was excited
to not only see it but the original idea was
to roast marshmallows over an open fire,
but unfortunately Mother Nature had other
plans. We did get to eat Christmas treats and
thanked everyone for their hospitality.
Back on the bus we went to location #5,
Pristine Properties. The front porch steps
were covered in poinsettias and two tin sol-
diers greeted us. Entering the front door you
were swept away to the feeling of being in
a country lodge. The fireplace was aglow
and every room and hallway was decorated
with a different theme. In the Florida room
the Peace Lutheran Choir serenaded us with
Christmas carols
Last stop was the Festival of Trees at
Hospice of Okeechobee... So many beauti-
fully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and
Christmas decorations to see and bid on.
There seemed many more trees than ever
before.
On behalf of Raulerson Hospital I would
personally like to thank Bobbi Poole, Susan
and Kenneth Pilgrim and Ron and Linda
Main for allowing us to enter their homes
and for the unbelievable work that went into
decorating each home as well as for being
such gracious hosts. Thanks, also, to Anita
and David Nunez from Seminole Design for
quickly agreeing when I asked if they would
be on the tour. Lastly, a huge thank you to
Stephen Jara, Gail Brown, Jeri Wilson, Any
Davis, Christine Williams and Victoria Chess-
er of Pristine Properties who not only were
delighted to help, but decorated their busi-
ness to the hilt knowing they would have to
pack up everything and move to their new
location the following weekend. With ev-
eryone's help The 2009 Raulerson Tour of
homes collected $2,105.00, which will go
to The United Way of Okeechobee and the
Raulerson Hospital Hope Fund.
Marnie Lauter,
Public Relations/Marketing
Coordinator
Raulerson Hospital


* 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 it with our own opinions.
* To disclose our own conflicts of interest or
potential conflicts to our readers.
* To correct our errors and to give each correction
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: 2.r _.


Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009


SkEECHOBEE NEWS


I







Community Calendar


SUNDAY
A.A. meeting from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the
Church of Our Saviour, 200 N.W. Third St. It will
be an open step meeting.
A.A. open 12 step meeting from 7:30 until
8:30 p.m. at the Church of Our Savior, 200 N.W.
Third St.
MONDAY
A.A. Grapevine open meetings will be held
at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at Okeechobee
Presbyterian Church, 312 N. Parrot Ave.
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.
Okeechobee Senior Singers will meet at 9
a.m. at the Okeechobee Presbyterian Church,
312 North Parrott Ave. Everyone who enjoys
singing is invited to join the group. For informa-
tion or to schedule an appearance, contact Patsy
Black at 863-467-7068.
The Okeechobee Historical Society meets
at noon at 1850 U.S. 98 N. Join us with a cov-
ered dish for lunch, followed by a business meet-
ing. The dues are $10 per person, per year, and
are due in September. For information, call Betty
Williamson at 863-763-3850.
Artful Appliquers is a recently formed chapter


in Okeechobee. This chapter meets at the Turtle
Cove Clubhouse, 10 Linda Road, in Buckhead
Ridge on Mondays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. All
are welcome. For information call 863-763-6952.
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.
TUESDAY
Community Gospel Sing will be held ev-
ery Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Seventh Day Christian
Church, next door to Douglas Chiropractic
and Fitness Center. The pubic is invited to
participate.
GALs need volunteers
The Guardian ad Litem Program has volun-
teer opportunities for caring persons to advocate
for neglected, abused and abandoned children.
Volunteers meet on the last Tuesday of the month
at 0 a.m. at Gizmo's on Hwy. 441 in the Publix
Plaza.
Civil Air Patrol set to meet
The Civil Air Patrol meets each Tuesday eve-
ning at the Okeechobee Airport T-Hanger #1,
meetings start at 7:30 p.m. For information please
call Capt. Joe Papasso 561-252-0916 or Lt. Greg
Gernat 863-697-9915 The Lighthouse Refuge
Support Group is for women who are hurting,


Reflections from the Pulpit


By Elder John T. Garner
More 2 Life Ministries
I love to be part of a celebration. Happy
people passionate about something or
someone and wanting the whole world to
know it. That's what celebrating is all about,
right? So, I sometimes wonder whether the
world around us can tell that we are cel-
ebrating Christ's coming down to earth to
bring salvation to mankind during this time
of year. Oh yes, there always are those who
wear buttons that say things like "Jesus is
the reason for the season" or "Don't take
Christ out of Christmas." All very clever and
true statements but I wonder how much we
really live up to those words. I mean where's
the passionate display of the real truth of
Christmas?
The fact is that we can get a whole lot
more excited about "The Grinch who stole
Christmas" than we can about the Christ
who "brought" Christmas during this time.
There's certainly an overabundance of na-
tivity scenes, Christmas music (some radio
stations start playing Christmas music 24/7
even before Thanksgiving), lights and all
the trappings that go with the season, but
where's the passion? We seem to lack a real
passion for getting about it, you can bet that
the world around us will do what it does
best in the absence of any real passion on
our part. It will offer up substitutes for the
truth of why Christ came and make it all
look like nothing more than a great time to
give gifts and to incur a lot of debt. And, like
the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas, the
world will succeed if we don't show them
that Christmas, just maybe, means a whole
lot more.
Maybe we lack passion because of how
we view the Christmas story. Somehow,
we have made the Christmas message the
warm fuzzy of the Christian faith. The facts
of the Christmas pageant have been so
toned down that anyone can embrace the
sweetness of the little baby laid in the man-
ger without having to deal with the real rea-
son why He came in the first place. We hear


about angels who pronounced His birth to
the lowly shepherds out in the fields, the
couple who travelled to Bethlehem for the
census and are given a stable to stay in, the
wise men who came to visit and we lose
sight of what it all means.
We lose sight of the courage it took for
the wise men to travel the great distance to
find he Messiah and then to reject Herod's
edict to return to him with news of where He
could be found because they were warned
by God not to. We minimize the guts it took
for Mary to carry the Christ in her womb
while willing to endure the taunts and suspi-
cions of those around her, even her husband
to be, Joseph. We almost completely over-
look Joseph's resolve to follow God's direc-
tion to accept Mary and the truth of the chid
that she was carrying. What ridicule must
Joseph have had to suffer to be the man God
was calling him to be?
So, allow me to set the record straight.
Christmas is not about Santa Claus, giving
and receiving presents, family gatherings,
elaborate decorations, preparing of meals
and on and on. (All fine things if kept as
secondary issues but disastrous if allowed
to take the center stage) Christmas is about
the courage it takes to make a commit-
ment to follow God's will no matter what it
might cost you. It's about the power of the
Almighty God resting in the birth of a frag-
ile child who would one day pay the price
of salvation for a fallen world. It's about all
mankind coming to grips with the fact that
they must all embrace this child, this long-
awaited Messiah, as the Lord and Master of
their life.
So, Christians, celebrate this time of
year with all that you have within you. Let
the world see that you are passionate abut
the Christ. Declare boldly that Jesus is more
than just the reason for the season but that
Jesus is the Savior for all the world. Shout to
all who will listen that Jesus Christ is the only
way, the only truth, the only life. Purposely
reject the juletide hype of Father Christmas
and passionately embrace the eternal hope
of the Prince of Peace.


homeless or been abused. They meet on the first
and third Tuesday of every month at First Baptist
Church, 401 S.W. Fourth St., and on the second
and fourth Tuesday of every month from 6:30 un-
til 8:30 p.m. at the Red Cross, 323 N. Parrott Ave.
For more information call Donna Dean at 863-
801-9201 or 863-357-4447.
Rotary Club of Okeechobee meets each
Tuesday at noon at Golden Corral Restaurant,
700 S. Parrott Ave. The meetings are open to
the public. For information, contact Maureen
Budjinski at 863-484-0110.
New A.A. Meeting in Basinger: There is now
an A.A. meeting in Basinger on Tuesdays at 7:30
p.m. in the Basinger Christian Brethren Church on
700-A, north off U.S. 98. Beginners are welcome.
AI-Ateen meeting will be held at the Church
of Our Saviour, 200 N.W. Third St., at 8 p.m. For
more information, please call Amy at 863-763-
8531 or Dan 561-662-2799.
Al-Anon meeting will be held at the Church of
Our Savior, 200 N.W. Third St., at 8 p.m.
A.A. Closed discussion meeting from 8 un-
til 9 p.m. at the Church of Our Savior, 200 N.W.
Third St.
Grief and Loss Support Group meets every
Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Hospice Building lo-
cated at 411 S.E. Fourth St. in Okeechobee.
Everyone is welcome. For information, contact
Enid Boutrin at 863-467-2321.
Family History Center meets 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.
Widows and Widowers support group meets
at Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast at the


Okeechobee News newspaper by
purchasing an e-subscription.
It's less than 50 cents per issue.
You'll receive an e-mail with a live
link to the latest issue.
This will allow you to read the entire
newspaper online -
even when you're traveling.

Please call 1-800-2828586
or subscribe online at
http://circulation.newszap.com


Clock Restaurant, 1111 S. Parrott Ave., for break-
fast. For information, June Scheer at 863-634-
8276, leave message.
The Gathering Church Overcomers Group
meets at 7:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall, 1735
S.W. 24th Ave. This is a men's only meeting. For
information, call Earl at 863-763-0139.
Bible study at the Living Word of Faith Church,
1902 S. Parrott Ave., at 7 p.m. Informal and infor-
mative discussions bring many Bible truths to life.
Everyone is invited.
Compulsive overeaters are invited to a week-
ly meeting. Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meets
at the Okeechobee Presbyterian Church, 312 N.
Parrott Avenue on Tuesdays, 6 until 7 p.m. (Use
4th Street entrance.) Overeaters Annonymous is
not a diet club. The only requirement for mem-
bership is a desire to stop eating compulsively.
For more information call Loretta at 863-763-7165
or 863-697-0206.
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.
The First United Methodist Church, 200 N.W.
Second St., will be hosting God's Time -- a morn-
ing of free organized Christian activities that in-
cludes play, instruction and interaction for par-
ents and their pre-school children. The event will
be held each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
Child care will be provided for infants during the
class. For information, call 863-763-4021.
Haven of Rest Church, 2947 S.W. Third Terr.,
holds meetings for persons with alcohol and drug
related problems at 6 p.m. For
New Beginnings Narcotics Anonymous meets
at The Gathering Church, 735 SW 24th Ave, at 7
p.m. in the youth building behind the church. For
information, call Monika at 801-3244 or Rocy at
610-0975. information call 863-357-3053.





Accident Victims...


Call Us First!






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FREE Consultation
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Phones answered
24-Hours, 7 days-a-week!


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December 20, 2009


Okeechobee News







Holiday Happenings...


It's honey baked ham time!
Okeechobee Main Street is once again
offering Honey Baked Hams for Christmas.
Spiral hams, boneless hams, whole smoked
turkeys or turkey breast, side dishes and
desserts are available. Order yours today at
Syble's Flowers and Gifts, 119 South Par-
rott Avenue or at the Main Street Office 111
Northeast Second Street. Orders must be
placed by Monday, Dec. 21, for pickup on
Wednesday, Dec. 23. For more information
call 763-2225 or 357-6247

Order turkeys and smoked
pork for the holidays
The Okeechobee Masonic Lodge is tak-
ing orders for Whole roasted Turkeys and
Smoked Pork Butts. Orders must be made
and paid for by Dec. 22. Orders can be
picked up on Christmas Day from 9 a.m. until
noon at the Masonic Lodge. Place orders at
Porter's Cleaners, 1700 S. Parrott Ave. Roast-
ed turkeys are $30 each and Smoked Pork
Butts are $25. Cash, check and charge are
accepted. Proceeds will benefit Okeechobee
Youth Activities.

Christmas Around the World
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 un-
til 7 p.m. There will be a live nativity pag-
eant and performances by different cultural
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.


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.

Okeechobee Christian
Church plans service
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, Candlelight Ser-
vice at Okeechobee Christian Church, 3055
S.E. 18th Terrace at 6 p.m. For information,
call 863-467-7858.


Church presents
open air performance
The Church of God of Prophecy will pres-
ent an Open Air Christmas Performance A
King is Coming to Town. Church of God of
Prophecy, Open Arms Ministry at 102 N.W
10th Street, is having a live outdoor Christ-
mas Program on Dec. 20, beginning at 6
p.m. The church will present from the birth
of Jesus through his ministry up until his re-
turn. The Church of God of Prophecy's goal
is to reach Okeechobee and the surrounding
community with the real meaning of Christ-
mas. There will be seating for all outside of
the church, and special treats for all who
attend. Let us all put Christ back in Christ-
mas and let our children and grandchildren
know the real reason why we celebrate this
special day.


Register and Pay for IRSC online
Indian River State College students can use the convenience of the web to register
and pay for their classes for the Spring Semester while the College is closed for Winter
Break.
The College closed for Winter Break on Friday, Dec. 21 and will reopen on Monday,
Jan. 4, 2010. Classes for the Spring Semester start Jan. 6. The last day to pay for classes
and avoid a late fee is Jan. 4. For more information about IRSC and to register and pay
for classes, visit www.irsc.edu.


with
-an-
Online Guestbook
All Obituaries now include Online Guestbooks
where family and friends can share reflections,
remembrances and condolences.
-'u+*^a~a ^a~;rr%H-^


Chobee Steelers Steel Drum
Band to perform
The Chobee Steelers Steel Drum Band
will present a Holiday Musical on Saturday,
Dec. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Freshman Campus
Auditorium, behind the Golden Corral. There
will be guest appearances by the Boys and
Girls Club of Indian Town Steel Drum Band,
Preston Wiggins First Missionary Baptist
Church of Dean's Court Praise Dancers, Mr.
Carlton Lambert, Pannist and Dr. Shaheed
Kallo, Violinist. A donation of $10 for adults
and $5 for kids will help to provide help for
survivors of domestic violence and sexual
assault. All proceeds benefit Martha's House
Domestic Violence Services. Give a gift re-
ceive a gift. For more information, please
call Shirlean Graham at 863-763-2893.

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
OUTREACH and cash. Volunteers will then
purchase 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.

Shrine club holds
New Years event
The Shrine Club will have the "Country
Tradition Band" with Ted, Sonny, Fred and
Charlie to play music on New Years Eve.
Tickets will be $20 each or $35 per couple.
Tickets include dinner and music. For infor-
mation call 863-763-3378.


Lotteries

The Florida Lottery: Numbers selected
Thursday in the Florida Lottery are: Cash 3:
3-9-9; Play 4: 2-2-2-3; Fantasy Five: 5-7-9-13-
33. Numbers selected Friday in the Florida
Lottery are: Cash 3: 2-8-6; Play 4: 7-0-6-4.


Roberta "Bobbi" Christense
Merry Christmas Honey,
I miss you so much...
Last year we were so happy...
Where our tree sparkled is now
empty...
Our Home we worked hard for is
sitting empty.
All I have left are Happy Memories

Merry Christmas My Honey.
I Love You "More" Love Eric


Eagles plan
New Years Eve party
On Thursday, Dec. 31, the Fraternal Order
of Eagles #4137 will hold a New Years Eve
party. The $5 donation at the door includes
party favors and breakfast. Entertainment
begins at 8 p.m. Proceeds go to 2009-2010
Snowball Charities. For further information,
call 863-763-2552.

Oakview Baptist Church
services set
Oakview Baptist Church will be having
a Christmas Eve Service, including the ob-
servance of The Lord's Supper, on Thursday,
Dec. 24, at 5 p.m.

Local Forecast

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near
64. North northwest wind between 10 and
15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low
around 36. North northwest wind between
5 and 10 mph.

Extended Forecast
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near
63. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low
around 36. North northwest wind around 5
mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near
71. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low
around 47. East northeast wind around 5
mph.


Obituaries
Obituaries should be submitted to
the Okeechobee News by e-mailing
obits@newszap.com. Customers may also
request photos and links to online guest
books. A link to the obituaries is available at
www.newszap. com.

Jesse Raymond Watson Jr., 82
OKEECHOBEE Jesse Raymond Watson Jr.,
passed away Thursday, December 17, 2009, in
Raulerson Hospital. He was 82.
Born July 26, 1927 in Miami, Fla., he had been
a resident since early 1980.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia
Watson; and sister, Bobbie Kennedy.
He is survived by his son, John Watson of Pa-
hokee, Fla.; daughter, Cheryl Andrews of Frank-
lin, N.C.; and two grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.
until service time of 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at
the Buxton Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will follow at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.
22, at the Dade Memorial Park Cemetery, 1301
N.W 136th St., Miami, FL 33167.
All arrangements are under the direction and
care of the Buxton Funeral Home and Cremato-
ry, 110 N.E. 5th St., Okeechobee.
On-line condolences may be made at
www.buxtonfuneralhome.com.


Okeechobee News


December 20, 2009


tbirate 1





December 20, 2009 Okeechobee News


Sales:
Monday at 12 p.m.
Tuesday at 11 a.m.

-* -- O-

U.S 98 Nrt Okhb
(863) 763-3127


Aetna, and United Healt care.


BEGER INUAC SERVICESgIN-


Special to the Okeechobee News/Teresa Chandler

Shooting team
Seacoast National Bank team including John Purvis, Becky Posey, John
Macchia and Teresa Chandler support the Highlands County Citrus Grow-
er's fun shoot at Quail Creek on Dec. 12.



Okeechobee Livestock Market Report


$47.50
$39.50
$30.00


$51.00
$48.00
$38.50


0 $52.50 $50.50
0 $53.00 $63.50
MondayTuesday
641 865
133 274
14 22
51
23 40
49 48
51
860 1351


Med #1
200-250
250-300
300-350
350-400
400-450
450-500
550-600
600-650
Med #2
200-250
250-300
300-350
350-400
400-450
Small #1
250-300
300-350
350-400


Steers Hfrs
115-125
120-135 95-110
115-125 89-100
106-118 86-94
104-113 78-90
95-108 78-85
84-94 73-80
80-90 72-80
Steers Hfrs
100-117 85-105
100-115 90-100
92-115 73-92
87-110 75-86
80-104 65-79
Steers Hfrs
92-110 75-90
107-115 82-92
102-104 75-83


450-500


84-89 70-75


Slaughter cows and bulls
were at least $1 2.00 higher.
Slaughter cow and bull sale
on Monday, Dec. 28. Should
be a good time to sell. Calves
were a little better, especially
the better calves, they were up
$2 3.00. Raulerson and Sons,
Jacksonville topped the calf
market with a high of $1.55,
bought by Curt Wilson Co. R
Buckle Ranch, Sebring topped
the cow market with a high
of 51.00 bought by Brown
Packing. We appreciate your
friendship and wish you the
best year you have ever had!


VBEARSbOP eXCbAPT)
*ik 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.




863 i C l OPEN

Treasure Island Discount Liquor

4bt u fReaaj e t4 iC6au4J

2305 Hwy. 441 SE Okeechobee, FL 34974
863-763-2955 OPEN Monday-Thursday 8am to 8pm
863 -7 6 -2955 Friday Saturday 8am to 8:30pm

* GENTLEMAN JACK 750ML 124.99 GREY GOOSE VODKA 1.75L $59.99
* JACK DANIELS 1.75L 36.99 SEAGRAM VODKA 175L $18.99
* CROWN ROYAL 1.75L $39.99 TRUMP VODKA 750ML 127.99
* CANADIAN MIST 1.75L $18.99 SAILOR JERRY 1.75L 121.99
92 5 PROOF RUM
* SOUTHERN COMFORT1.75L $25.99 BACARDI LIGHT RUM 1.75L $20.99
* SKY VODKA 1.75L $24.99 CPT. MORGAN SPICE RUM 21.99
1 75L
* SMIRNOFF RED 1.75L $20.99 HERRANDURA TEQUILA $27.99
750ML
* SVEDKA VODKA 1.75L $20.99 1800 TEQUILA 1L $28.99
* STOLI VODKA 1.75L $30.99 JOSE CUERVO TEQUILA 32.99
* TEAKA VODKA1.75L $16.99 MILAGRO TEQUILA 1.75L $39.99
* ABSOLUT VODKA 1.75L $30.99 JOHN WALKER RED 750L $33.99
* FINLANDIA VODKA 1.75L $25.99 J&B SCOTCH 750L $36.99
PRICES GOOD TO 1231109 STARBUCKS COFFEE LIQUOR 1L $12.99
Great Selections of Wine, Beer, and Liquor!
Huge Selection of Humidor Cigars
Beer Specials Kegs in Stock


December 14 and 15, 2009


Cows
Breaking
Cutter
Canner
Bulls
1000-150
1500-200

Calves
Cows
Str
Hfrs
Bulls
Yrlngs
Mix
Total


December 20, 2009


Okeechobee News




Okeechobee News


December 20, 2009


ELDERLY
Continued From Page 1

Detective Van Deman said he, as well as
the victim's family, believe the stress and
trauma led to the man's death.
"The problem is," said the detective,
"these people are dependent upon the peo-
ple who are ripping them off."
Even though he was upset about what
happened to the elderly man, Detective Van
Deman was even more frustrated that if the
victim had lived just one more day it's likely
he would have arrested the aide.
Shortly after the man's death, the aide left
the area.

Stay involved
"It's important for families to stay in-
volved and educated in preventing exploi-
tation of the elderly," said Alison Bryant, a
statewide elder abuse coordinator with the
Department of Elder Affairs. "It's also impor-
tant for the elderly to be aware. Understand
what you're signing. If you're not sure what
you're signing ask for outside help."
In the case of home health care, Ms. Bry-
ant said prior to hiring someone to come
into your home, check with the state's Agen-
cy for Health Care Administration.
If the care giver is a private individual, he
or she is not required to have a state license.
However, she continued, for a small fee the
family can do a background check through
the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
(FDLE).


Suicide is not the answer
Detective Van Deman said many times a
senior citizen who has been conned out of
their last dollar will see suicide as their only
way out. Fellow OCSO detective Sergeant
Brad Stark ran into just such a situation ear-
lier this month.
On the morning of Saturday, Dec. 12,
he was summoned to a travel trailer in the
southeast section of the county. When he
walked into the one-room trailer there, lying
on the bed, was a 71-year-old man with a
.45 caliber handgun pointed at his head.
"The gun was in his right hand and the
hammer was cocked back. He was very
emotional," said Sgt. Stark.
Sgt. Stark said the man was distraught be-
cause he had been conned out of $59,000 by
a man he trusted. Now, continued the detec-
tive, the man was broke.
"He came into a situation where he was
borrowing money to survive and now he
couldn't pay it back," said Sgt. Stark. "He had
borrowed around $7,000 and felt the thing to
do was extract himself from that situation."
A suicide note, as well as his last will and
testament, were found in his vehicle.
"He said at 12 o'clock (noon) he was go-
ing to do this. It's now four minutes until 12
and I'm thinking 'he's going to do this'," re-
called the detective.
Sgt. Stark then began to worry that the
man was wanting to commit suicide by cop.
After talking with the detective for nearly
two hours, the man finally dropped the fully-
loaded magazine from the gun. But, he still
had one round in the gun.
"I relayed the message to the other depu-


ties that there was only one bullet in the gun.
I then told him, 'If you shoot me, they're go-
ing to come in here and tackle you and take
you to jail, so there won't be any suicide by
cop,'" Sgt. Stark said.
Finally, the man gave Sgt. Stark his gun.
He was then taken to an area hospital for
evaluation. When he is released, Sgt. Stark
said he will meet with him to see if criminal
charges can be filed against the man who
bilked the U.S. military veteran out of his last
dollar. Sgt. Stark said criminal charges could
include exploitation of the elderly, which is a
felony, as well as fraud and passing a worth-
less check. The suspect in this case gave the
man a $31,000 check that was written on a
closed account. Unfortunately, said the de-
tective, no matter what he does he can't get
the man's money back.

Who exploits the elderly?
While anyone can bilk the elderly, figures
from the Department of Children and Fami-
lies Adult Protective Services Program (APS)
show that it's often a son or daughter dong
it. Care givers may also take advantage.
In Florida in 2008-09, 35.30 percent of the
cases investigated were perpetrated by insti-
tution employees. These employees include
those who work in nursing homes, assisted
living centers and hospitals.
APS figures also show that 6,932 com-
plaints were received in 2004-05 and that 596
were verified as exploitation cases. In 2005-
06, there were 7,901 complaints and 717
were verified. In 2006-07, 8,049 complaints
were received and 703 were verified. In
2007-08 the number of complaints jumped
to 9,323 with 828 being verified. In 2008-09,

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the totals dropped to 7,082 with 626 of those
complaints verified as exploitation cases.
And while these numbers indicate a prob-
lem, it's really only the tip of the iceberg.
"Only 1-out-of-25 cases are reported,"
said Ms. Bryant.
What can be done?
While being aware and asking questions
are important, seniors and their families
should not hesitate to bring in an expert to
help. "Anybody who has a family member
incapable of handling their affairs should
have an independent auditor come in and
check out their finances every year," offered
Detective Van Deman. "Any accountant can
do this."
If you feel you, or a family member, are
being exploited call the Abuse Hotline at
1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873).



ESTATE



-amsm
Thursday

January 7th 11 a.m.

FLORIDA PALMS

MOBILE HOME PARK
2 1/2ACRES-33 UNITS
OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA


Parcel I.D. 2-22-37-35-0A00-00011-0000
* Zoned MHP Mobile Home Park;
surrounded by Heavy Commercial
* 2.565 acres 365 feet fronting State Road 70
315 feet on 10th Avenue
* Traffic signal at property
* Public sewer lift station
* Public water and sewer service
* Traffic Data: 23,000 vehicles per day
Source: 1998 Florida DOT Report
* Rentals currently on month to month basis,
with no leases.
* Typical rental income $225 per unit
* State of Florida Licensed Park -
33 unit authority
NO MINIMUM! Selling REGARDLESS OF PRICE!
10% Buyer's Premium Cash to bid
OWNER Roy M Johnson Trust & LODOC II, LLC
Seller's Attorneys Abel A Putnam, Esq
Conductedby Daniel J Probst, Esq





December 20, 2009 Okeechobee News


Big 0 Teen Anglers

participate in tournament
The Big O Teen Anglers November tour-
nament was held on Nov. 21, at Okee-Tan-
tie.
We had 14 anglers take to the water -.
catching 44 fish for a total of 70.18 lbs. yo
In the 11-14 age group the winners. -
were:
1st place Ryan Edwards, 11.16 lbs and
big fish 3.69 lbs.
2nd place Luke Farmer, 5.84 lbs.
3rd place Tyler Brenner, 2.18 lbs.
In the 15 18 age group the winners
were:
1st place Luke Joles, 12.94 lbs. and big '
fish 6.42 lbs. *"4-'. ,'"
2nd place- Garrett Folbrecht, 7.77 lbs.
3rd place Garrett Farmer, 6.80 lbs.
We'd like to thank our boat captains: Le- "_ _t._-- "-
roy Bauer, Ernie Johnson, Mike Jones, Ken Photos sp to te Keechobee News
Luke Joles, was first place in the 15-18
Hall, Skip Jeslowski, David Straight, David age group with 12.94 lbs. and big fish.
Pearce, Kenny Farmer and Mike Zubricky.


$1,500

+$1,000

+$1,000


$3,500


TAX CREDIT

UTILITY REBATE

LENNOX REBATE


TOTAL
.i' .



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EMORY


aurreti rarmer lyler Dreiiner Iuoo LUKe r-armer TOOK nyan c-uwarus
took third place third place in the second place in the took first place
in the 15-18 age 11-14 age group. 11-14 age group. in the 11-14 age
group. group.

Orchid/Garden Club to meet, all welcome
The Okeechobee Orchid Club and Garden Club will hold their annual Christmas party on Mon
day, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. at the Extension Office, 458 Highway 98 N. Please bring a finger food. Drinks
and utensils will be provided. Bring an orchid to show. Eat and be merry with your local orchid
lovers. Lots of orchid chat. For more information please call the extension office at 863-763-6469.











Local: Tll Free


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December 20, 2009


Okeechobee News





Okeechobee News December 20, 2009


Students of the Week
Santa Claus has already been good to teachers at Osceola Middle School!
They are thrilled to have these students who have been good all over cam-
pus, doing their work, being polite, helping others, and a whole list of other
good things. Congratulations to these students for being chosen as OMS
Students of the Week! The faculty and staff at OMS wish students and their
families a very Merry Christmas and look forward to more learning for the
New Year! (Thanks to Domino's for donating pizza for these fine students!)
Seated, left to right: Jaen Torres, Amanda Tinsley, Ariel Burgos, Reece Lamb.
Standing, left to right: Gino Catalano, Michael Daniel, Kim Hernandez, La-
neah Dutcher, Tim Saylor.


/FMedicare Recipients Can ,
r^--- A -A, d< A '* A ----


Okjcjje Co nt


1n An Extra i 11 ,0 Tear Clock Restaurant
a itl 1111 S. Parrot Ave.
www.qualityhealthplans.com ..--. Okeechobee, FL
4:00 PM
.... -; -. December 30th
rj ;0\ -- w AW/ Y ,


p


8 a

Quality Health Plans is an HMO with a Medicare contract available to anyone enrolled in Part B and entitled to Part
A of Medicare through age or disability. Members must use network providers except for emergency, urgently
needed, or out-of-area dialysis services. *96.40 per month is retumed in your Social Security check. A Sales
Representative will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special
needs at sales meetings call 1-866-747-2700, 8:30AM to 5:00PM, Monday Friday. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy
network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1, 2011. Please contact Quality
Health Plans for details. H5402_QHP1286 FU (10/09)


0
Cu


Okeechobee News


December 20, 2009


'IL I


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car




December 20, 2009 Okeechobee News 11


special to the UKeecnoDee News/Iran Mecnlin

O.L.G.A. results
Ladies of the Okeechobee Ladies Golf Association played their annual
Christmas Scramble followed by a Christmas party in the clubhouse on Dec.
17. Two teams tied for first place. Pictured left to right: Joyce Huffman, Nancy
McAlinden, Fran Dierig, Jerry Ellsworth and Nancy Haldeman. Not pictured
is Saba Curren. For information about O.L.G.A. please contact Okeechobee
Golf & Country Club at 863-763-6228.


Special to the Okeechobee News/Okeechobee Xplosion

Mini-champs
Okeechobee X-plosion All Star Mini Team placed third at the Central Flori-
da Open Championship Competition in Lakeland. We are very proud of our
girls! From Left, Kassidee Cloud, Andy Vivar, Kasey Maguire, Saryna Boone,
Maddy Jewel, Yamila Lopez, Morgan Hancock, Abigail Kerestes, Madison
Hancock, Veandria Meyes, Keyleigh Jones. Not Pictured: Elle Thomas, Lei-
lani Burton.


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French Toast Combo, 2 Eggs, 2 Links & 2 Bacon
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Special to the Okeechobee News/NES
North Elementary's Student Council recently participated in a shopping
spree purchasing Christmas gifts for 77 lucky students. On Thursday, Dec.
17, Santa made a surprise visit delivering these presents at a delicious holi-
day breakfast!


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Okeechobee News


December 20, 2009








City seeks help with drainage I


By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
If the state legislature grants the city's re-
quest, residents in the southwest part of the
city might stay drier.
Recently the city requested $650,000 from
the Okeechobee Legislative Delegation for a
stormwater retrofit. While the term "retrofit"
might make this sound like a new project, it
is something the city has been working on
for two or three years. It involves the area
along SW 21st Street between SW Second
Avenue and SW Seventh Avenue. As a re-
sult of Hurricane Wilma, that area received
extensive flooding. The project would chan-


nel storm water to the SW Seventh Avenue
ditch. The completed project would help
residents north and south of SW 21st Street
as well as alleviating flooding at the Walmart
intersection.
This is a project that has the blessing of
South Florida Water Management District
and ties in to the county's southwest drain-
age project.
It is hoped that because this project af-
fects the plans of several other agencies, the
state legislature will look more favorably on
funding it.
Post your opinions in the Public Issues Forum at
www.newszap.com. Reporter Pete Gawda can
be reached at pgawda@newszap.com.


MATT KENSETH,
Daytona 500 champion (2009)


UNSTOPPABLE.
MATT KENSETH IS
So is his Citizen Eco-Drive.
Fueled by light,
it never needs a battery.
IT'S UNSTOPPABLE.
Just like the people who wear it.


special to ne UKeecnoDee ilewsirarms ana nec
The Parks & Recreation Department completed their last Saturday of youth
soccer games this past weekend, Dec. 12. For the 10 & Under Division, Mor-
gan's Inc. clinched the title and finished the season (8-1-1). Congratulations
to players, coaches and parents!


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December 20, 2009


Okeechobee News


I


'(IBJ/


f







It's census time again in the county


By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
"It's safe, easy and important."
That's what Melissa Serrano of the U.S.
Census Bureau said of the 2010 census. She
was addressing a group of civic leaders on
Thursday, Dec. 4 concerning plans for the
upcoming census.
It is safe because the information is con-
fidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot
share responses with anyone, including
other federal agencies and law enforcement
agencies. The form does not ask for a social
security number or the legal status of a re-
spondent.


It is easy because the form, which will
be mailed out in March, is very short and
simple this time with only 10 questions. It is
estimated that the form can be completed in
10 minutes. Most respondents will be able to
return the completed form in the enclosed
postage paid envelope. Local assistance cen-
ters will be set up for those needing help.
It is important for funding and for repre-
sentation in Congress, among other things.
Local governments use census information
for evacuations and planning purposes.
There are at least 50 ways census data are
used.
It's like voting, explained Ms. Serrano,
"It's a civic duty."


Okeechobee News/Diana Whitehall
Kiwanis luncheon
The Thursday, Dec. 10, Kiwanis Meeting which was held at the American
Legion Building in Okeechobee. From left to right are: Lieutenant Gary Bell,
of the Okeechobee Sheriff's Department and one of the speakers; Jim Ven-
sel, president of the Kiwanis Club; Michele Bell, speaker and criminal inves-
tigator of the Okeechobee Sheriff's Department and Noel Stephen, Under
Sheriff, and Kiwanis member who presented the speakers. Noel asked the
Kiwanis members to watch a slide slow about the Special Olympics and the
symbolic Law Enforcement Torch that is carried. The Okeechobee Sheriff's
Department would like to organize a Special Olympics in May 2010 with two
goals in mind, to raise money for the athletes and to achieve the visibility of
the local law enforcement personnel running together, with the Law Enforce-
ment Torch leading the way for this very worthy cause. Michele is actively
promoting this special event by selling t-shirts and hats.


At the last census only 54 percent of the
forms sent out in Okeechobee County were
returned, according to Ms. Serrano. She said
the goal this time is 75 percent.
As for winter residents. Ms. Serrano said
they should be counted where they eat and
sleep most of the time. People who spend
six months in one place and six months in
another or who are permanent RVers will be
counted where they are on April 1, National
Census Day.
Only one form will be mailed to an ad-
dress. Ms. Serrano said that if more than
one family lives at an address, the additional
families should contact the local assistance
center and each fill out a separate form.
The census is mandated by the U.S. Con-
stitution and has been conducted every 10
years beginning in 1790. Since this is the first
census in this century, Ms. Serrano stated
that it should be as accurate as possible. In
the last census children 5 and under were
significantly under counted.
The Census Bureau is looking for census
workers. This would be a part-time, short-
term job lasting anywhere from 5 weeks to
5 months. The starting salary is $14.75 an
hour. Applicants must pass a 30 minute test.
For more information, including a practice
test, go to www.2010censusjobs.gov or call
toll free 1866 861 2010.
Post your opinions in the Public Issues Forum at
www.newszap.com. Reporter Pete Gawda can
be reached at pgawda@newszap.com.


S.A.L. plan

steak dinner
The Sons of the American Legion will
sponsor their monthly steak dinner on
Sunday, Dec. 20, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the
American Legion Post 64, 401 S.E. 2nd
St. Okeechobee. Dinner includes steak,
baked potato, salad, roll, dessert, iced tea
or coffee and entertainment. The public is
welcome and donation is $12.


- 0


31/09


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We report,

but YOU

decide


10;p~~U


Many newspaper aggre-
ssively push the opinions
of their publishers or cor-
porate owners.

But we don't think it's
our place to tell people
what to think, or to try to
control public opinion.
Our editors insist on pur-
poseful neutrality. We try
to report the news fairly
and facilitate a fair but
vigorous discussion of
public issues.

We are proud to be jour-
nalists, not power bro-
kers. And we're proud to
understand the differ-
ence.

Let us know by mailing
feedback@newszap.com
or calling your editor.

fkEECHOBEE NEWS

Community
Service Through
Journalism


Okeechobee News


December 20, 2009


Affo om~ado, 9.D.. TAC


G d Th 12/





December 20, 2009 Okeechobee News


WALK
Continued From Page 1
need.
"It's an honor to walk across the state for
the kids and the homeless," he explained.
"We've raised some money for them and
that was the key to this thing, to get them
help, that's what were trying to do."
The charity accepts checks, money orders
or even pay pal, an internet service for con-
sumers.
The Boys and Girls Club in Pinellas Park
ran up against some tough luck as they lost
their roof and the building was no longer


suitable for their needs. The homeless shel-
ter currently serves about 250 adults in Pinel-
las County and that number is growing.
Mr. Schofield said he hoped to get people
around the state rallied to these causes.
Mr. Schofield said people can make a dif-
ference in this world, perhaps not by walking
200 miles, but by doing other things and vol-
unteering their time. "You can do something.
Maybe you can't do this but there are other
things you can do. The boys and girls club
and the homeless always need donations.
The Boys and Girls Club needs mentors.
These organizations need help especially
during these times. Just reach out and ask
what you can do."


Rotary luncheon
Rotary Past President, Kristy Crawford-Riverside National Bank welcomed
Bruce Swinford-Big Lake Missions Outreach (BLMO) who spoke about the
upcoming Old Men Riders Bike Ride on Dec. 5. The Ride will benefit Big
Lake Missions 15th annual Christmas Toy Drive. BLMO services the home-
less and needy in our community, including, in 2008, Homeless Hot Meals
9,085; Food Pantry (families) 4,220; Clothes, Household, Personal Items
1,388; School Supplies 137; 14th Annual Toy Give-a-Way 348 Children Served
with 1,155 toys, food baskets & gifts; Local Charities, Churches & Schools
helped from BLMO 87. To contact Bruce & Mary Anne-his wife, call 863-763-
5725. For more Rotary information, call 863-763-1120.


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


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Okeechobee News December 20, 2009


Contractors help repair skate park


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
The Okeechobee skate board park got an early
Christmas gift this year as several members
of the Okeechobee Contractors Association
helped them repair one of their boxes at the
community facility.
Director of Communities in Schools and the
Police Athletic League Jill Rogers said several


workers donated the time to make the repairs
which might have cost the non profit group
thousands of dollars.
"I'm certain it would have been expensive.
That's the good thing about living in Okeecho
bee. There are so many people willing to give
back to the community. We all pitch in to do
things," she added.
Tony Stark, John O'Connell, the Okeecho
bee Contractor's Association, Okeechobee


Parks and Recreation and Jakes's Welding all
donated time to the project.
"The great thing was we didn't have to close
down the park and the boys who use the park
are so appreciative," Ms. Rogers said.
Wear and tear over the years damaged the
box and left huge holes in it. With finances tight
this year, Rogers said it would have been awhile
before the repairs were made. The county pur
chased the materials and about eight volunteers
spent two days working on the project.
"It was very labor intensive, it was a lot of
work and we just wanted to be sure these men
got the praise that they deserve," she noted.

IOEl^ -----


I m
Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy
Christian Buck, Joshua Powers, and
Kevin Pineda enjoy the improvements
made to the skate park thanks to local
contractors.


The Okeechobee News invites you to check
out the innovative new Okeechobee Sports
Network on the internet at f, ii Il i. i. I'
com/OkeechobeeSportsNetwork.
Youth, adult i i i..11. i, -.i. I ..and school
sports teams now have an exciting online
sports page and resource they can call their
own. This free site is a partnership between
the Okeechobee News and Community Sports
Desk, a national sports software company.
Team representatives can post their sched
ules, game stories, statistics, standings and
photos on dedicated web pages on the site.
This is an invaluable and professional tool the
community now has to positively highlight lo
cal sports.
There is absolutely no charge for teams
and leagues to participate in Okeechobee
Sports Network.
The site will be supported by sponsored


web advertising featuring an innovative rev
enue sharing model, with 20 percent of web
advertising sales on the site going back to the
participating teams and leagues.
Local businesses interested in finding out
how to become a sponsor can contact their
local Okeechobee News advertising represent
tative or call Judy Kasten at 863-763-3134 or
by email at jkasten@strato.net.
Interested teams and leagues can contact
Renee Hawley by e-mail at rhawley@com
munitysportsdesk.com. to participate and
find out how your team can win a free pizza
party!
Okeechobee Sports Network will also be
giving away a $25 gift certificate from the Ul
timate Gamer for the best local sports photo
posted on the site by Jan. 31.
Call Renee toll free at 888-853-7904 for a
demonstration or to get started right away.


Dec. 18th- Dec. 24th
For Info, Call 763-7202
THEATRE 1: "BLIND SIDE"
Fri., Sat., Sun., Tues., Wed., Thurs. @ 2:00,
4:15, 7:00 & 9:15. Mon. @ 3:00 &
7:00 G-13
THEATRE II: "PRINCESS & FROG"
Fri., Sat., Sun., Tues., Wed., Thurs. @ 2:00,
4:15, 7:00 & 9:00. Mon. @ 3:00 & 7:00[
THEATRE III: "OLD DOGS"
Fri., Sat., Sun., Tues., Wed., Thurs. @ 2:00,
4:15, 7:00 & 9:00. Mon. @ 3:00 & 7:00 G



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Hematology of Okeechobee
Serving the Treasure Coast

- Specializing in evidence based medicine for the
treatment of cancer and blood disorders
- Combined Chemotherapy and Radiation
Therapy treatment
- Medicare/Medicaid assignment accepted
- Consulting and Free Second Opinions
Regarding Cancer
- All insurance plans accepted and filed
- Courtesy transportation provided

New Patients Welcome
Se Habla Espaiol
1231 N. Lawnwood Circle 1006 N. Parrott Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34950 Okeechobee, FL 34972
(772) 460-5501 (863) 357-4138


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features Okeechobee teams


Okeechobee News


December 20, 2009





December 20, 2009


Okeechobee News


__ - -- __ __ _ -__ - W

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Chihuahua blk/white,
blind in 1 eye, vic. SW
21st Terrace, Winter
Park. (863)763-6833





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LOCAL GRAZING
DAIRY seeks enthu-
siastic, experienced, AI
Tech/Herdsman. Bi-lin-
gual a plus. Please send
qualifications and contact
information to:
Job Advertisement
708 N Parrot Ave
Okeechobee, Fl 34972


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
Ea ry *. to s .c.
or ax o 83-471.10 S O


ACCOUNTANT
Seeking highly motivated
mid level Accountant for
busy agricultural dealer-
ship in Belle Glade, Flori-
da. Accounting degree
required. Resumes will be
evaluated on a qualitative
basis and interviews will
be scheduled with our or-
ganization. Please fax re-
sume to 561-996-8367,
Attn: Comptroller

Local Restaurant seeking
quality, professional
Managers &
Bartenders. Fax
resume to 863-357-6737
or email to:
okeerestaurant@hotmail.com

MILKER needed
for local dairy farm.
Only experienced
need to apply. Call
(863)634-2271 for
more information.

Reading a newspaper
helps you understand
the world around you.
No wonder newspaper
readers are more suc-
cessful people!

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


The Department of
Health has an opening
for an Accountant I.
Annual salary range
$24,580 $32,000.
Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from
an accredited college or
university with a major
in accounting. Equiva-
lent accounting experi-
ence can substitute on
a year-to-year basis for
the required bachelor's
degree. Please apply
on-line at: http://
jobs.myflorida.com.
Refer to requisition
number 64054115.
Only State of Florida
applications will be ac-
cepted no resumes,
please. Date closes
12/24/09. EO/AA/VP
Employer. For ques-
tions, please contact
Chaka at 462-5786.




High Volume Medi-
care Home Health
Agency seeking HH
exp'd RN, PT, OT's
for Okeechobee area.
Fax resume to
(561)686-6316

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


Empoyen


Emplymen


SANTA'S HELPER Let
me run your Christ-
mas errands Call Dee
(863)484-0532 Rea-
sonable

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!




S.
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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.

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


Near Taylor Creek
Bridge 2BR/1BA w/large
den; fenced yd w/shed.
$700 mo 863-610-0371.
OKEECHOBEE 4br,
2ba, great neighborhood,
tile throughout, $975 &
up/mo, 1st & sec move in
(561)248-3888 or
(863)599-0156
WINTER HOUSE -
Furn., 2BR, 2BA, gar-
age, near lake, mowing
& some utils incld
$1200/mo + credit ref-
erences (352)895-8376



R.V. LOTS FOR RENT
Free Wifi! Weekly $150
or mo. $375 incl. elec.
Call 863-763-0295



ROOM MATE WANTED-
Beautiful place, available
immediately in BHR. Call
(954)553-6966



OKEE, Furn. Rm. Single
occ., priv. entrance, w/d.
$140/wk & dep., utils
incl. (863)763-7331 msg


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go to
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ANTIQUE RESTORATION
AND FURNITURE REPAIR
(863)763-4149 or
(561)758-4337


Bookeeping/
Bookeeping/
Secretarial Services
by Linda Seder
Okee area.
(772)801-9687




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




JACK'S TOP SOIL
Fill Dirt/Shell Rock
& Bob Cat work.
Call 863-467-4734





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go to
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45 CAL. SEMI AUTO PIS-
TOL extras included,
Call for details
(863)467-4947




Drum Set -5 Piece Drum
Set. Like new condi-
tion. $200.00.
(863)763-2726


Blue Heeler Puppies -
Cute ready to go for
Christmas. 1st set of
shots. Wormed. Males
and Female $250.00.
(863)763-3631 or
(561)718-1212





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go to
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I 2 bd 1 bath; newly I
renovated apartment
includes appliances.
863-634-9850.

FURN EFFICIENCY
TCI, On Lake with
dock, util/cable includ-
ed. No pets, $600/mo
$300 sec.
(863)697-3351
IN TOWN 2/2 very
clean, w/d, lawn maint
included, $800 + $300
sec. (863) 634-3572
TAYLOR CREEK Condos
lbr/lba, Furnished.
$650 mo. + 1st & sec.
dep. 561-352-4243
VIKING/PRAIRIE Effi-
ciency. Very clean!
$500/mo. Incl. utils. No
pets. Call 561-329-8205




FOR SALE OR LEASE
1574 Sq. Ft. office bldg.
@ 210 NE 3rd Ave.
Call 863-763-0295



EAST OKEE. Cute 3/1
Large yard. Remodeled
kitchen & bath. $800
mo. (561)743-0192
House For Rent: 3/2
with garage. 313 SW 9th
Street. $850 Rent with
$850 security deposit.
863-634-1567.


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

Grab a bargain from your
neighbor's garage, attic,
basement or closet in
today's classified.


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go to
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BHR RVs for Rent,
starting $300-$500 &
55+ park, seasonal or
yearly. 1st month's rent
free! 863-763-3134
DOUBLEWIDE 2br,
2ba, on double lot, will
consider seasonal rent-
ing. (863)467-0149
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. Also avail.
newly remodeled 2/3.
Call (863)467-2982

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



BANK REPO'S
MOVE TO YOUR LAND
Mobile Home Angels
561-721-2230

For Sale 60 x 14; 2 bd
2 bath in Adult trailer
park. Large kitchen,
Florida room, screened
in back porch facing
the canal, utility build-
ing, small garden area,
boat dock, fish cleaning
station. Many extras
call for additional infor-
mation. 863-484-0222
or 863-447-0437.

PARK MODEL, Large
Florida Rm., Very good
cond. Seminole Indian
Reservation Park on Rt.
721. $23,000 or best
offer. 610-349-1973

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





Okeechobee News December 20, 2009


For more listings,
go to
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JON BOAT 14 ft, &
trailer, licensed, 30 hp
electric motor, new bat-
tery, good cond. ready
for fishing $1200 see at
12650 NE 26th Ave.
Country Hills Estates




For more listings,
go to
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For Sale: Utility trailer 6'
x 12' Tandem axles
(Heavy duty two loading
ramps) 863-634-9604.
RV/MOBILE HOME
TRAILER '79 33"L x
12"W all appls $700
neg (863)484-2436


Okeechobee High wrestling team on a roll


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
The Okeechobee High School
Brahman wrestling team had an excel-
lent week as they finished second in
the Big Lake Wrestling Classic on Dec.
12, and defeated Sebring and Vero
Beach in dual meets on Tuesday, Dec.
15, and Wednesday, Dec. 16 at their
home gym.
Coach Bruce Jahner praised all of
his wrestlers as everyone on the squad
has played a role in the teams recent
run of success. Okeechobee is now
(10-3) on the season.
The Big Lake Classic attracted 10


schools to the Brahman gym last Sat-
urday. Melbourne took team honors
as they finished 4-0. Okeechobee fin-
ished second as they won three of four
matches.
Okeechobee defeated Avon Park
54-27, Sebastian River 58-21, and La-
belle 60-21.
Okeechobee's only loss was a tight
match with Lakeland, 41-36.
Okeechobee defeated Sebring 41-
37 on Tuesday and 54-24 over Vero
Beach on Wednesday.
Coach Jahner said the Sebring
game was a tight match with some
surprising results, "We had some up-
sets where kids that were expected


to win didn't," he said. "I don't know
what happened. Other kids picked it
up and came through and we won
the dual. We are off to a nice start this
year."
The Vero Beach match was a close
one on paper. Jahner said Josh Gru-
ber's win in the 130 pound weight
division was a key for his team, "He
wrestled a tough kid, when we won
that match it kind of swung the tide in
our favor and we picked up the win."
Gruber has only lost three matches
so far this year and he looks forward to
earning another district title and a trip
to the state tournament.
"I feel great. That kid beat me last
year," he said. "Tonight I


came back and took over. My whole
attitude was different. I wanted to go
out there and win it."
Coach Jahner said the team will
continue to practice during the Christ-
mas break. He said the two week pe-
riod is often a make or break period
for wrestling teams, "We are starting
to come around. The kids are start-
ing to pick it up. We still need to keep
working on conditioning."
Jahner will award kids gifts if they
make each practice during the Christ-
mas break.
Okeechobee will host a junior varsi-
ty wrestling tournament on Saturday.


Okeeciobee News/Charles Murphy
Donald Bryan (left photo) pin y


CHEVY ASTRO Van '93 Ryan Meigs (center) pinned Ricardo Ibanez in a competitive match Wednes-
runs great, cold air, ,
asking $1,500 or Best day. Alex Buck (right photo) lost a tough match, 9-7, in Okeechobee's dual
Offer. (863) 467-7528 with Lakeland during the Big Lake Classic.


Girls soccer team improves play
By Charles M. Murphy Crystal Garcia continues to do Garcia scored the Brahman goal
Okeechobee News well for the Brahmans. She scored with an assist by Cotton.
Okeechobee High School's girls two goals Monday in the Brahmans Lincoln Park, (6-2-2) got two
soccer team defeated Boynton victory at Boynton Beach. Em- goals apiece from Holly Schrader
Beach 3-0, and lost to Lincoln Park ily Raulerson scored the third goal. and Taylor Witkowski. Victoria Agra-
Academ in matches laedearLeAnna Cotton and Jenna Mullis had monte and Madison Washington
Academy -1 in matches played ear-week. assists against Boynton Beach. combined for four saves in the Lady
The girls (3-7) enter the Christ- Against Lincoln Park, Okeecho- Greyhounds net.
mas break playing perhaps their bee trailed only 3-1 until late in the Coach Bohannon said she looks
best soccer of the season, Coach second half. Coach Bohannon said forward to the second half of the year
Julie Bohannon maintains, are she was glad to see her team hang and predicted continued improve-
really meshn as a ta, we are in the match against a quality op- ment for the Lady Brahmans, "We
really meshing as a team, we are
communicating and passing the ball ponent, "They are a great team. We keep talking on the field and we are
muchee W wer i ou came out and held our own. It was working together. We have changed
muc betts ewerevidal and n ou 3-1 for quite awhile. We played a our lineup and set up on the field in
are having our moments together as strong game maybe out best game order to improve. We tell the girls to
a team and its working out." of the season." go play and they do it for us."


manship is shown by the two Goal keeper Megan Clements and her teammates continue to im-
teams. prove as the season progresses.


CD -















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--

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S ** **
C-







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0 '0 *00


Okeechobee News


December 20, 2009







High school soccer team wins district matches


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
The Okeechobee High School Brahman
boys soccer team defeated Boynton Beach
6-1, and Lincoln Park 4-0 to revitalize their
season this week.
Monday Okeechobee overwhelmed
their hosts with a dominant offense. Eddie
Guerrero had two goals and two assists and
Hunter Pritchard had a break out match
with two goals.
Okeechobee also got a goal and an assist
from Erick Garcia, and a goal from Ricardo
Herrera.
Serafin Espinoza had four saves in the
Brahman net.
Coach Lonnie Sears said his team did
make some mistakes against Boynton
Beach, "We had a couple of mental break
downs on defense, but we put the ball in the
net. We are getting chances and were finish-


ing with goals. When you have easy chances
you have to put the ball in the net."
Wednesday the boys played a tough and
physical match with Lincoln Park Academy
at Brahman stadium. The referees allowed
the boys to play aggressively and that result-
ed in several yellow cards being handed out
in the second half.
A couple of players also were shaken up
with minor injuries in the second half.
Okeechobee continued to play well on
offense as they scored four goals, two in
each half of play. Adrian Leon, Oscar Garcia,
Eddie Guerrero and Javier Garcia had goals.
Erick Garcia had two assists. Christian Tor-
ibio added an assist.
"The referees let them play and kind of
let it get out of control. They were a good
team, it was a good physical match and that
was good hard soccer. You like to see hard
games like that," Sears said.
Coach Sears praised his team for finish-


ing off the match and playing mistake free
on defense. He also praised them for mak-
ing smart, accurate passes, "I've been work-
ing nine years to see that. We have watched
our game grow from playing kick ball to
short passing. We have a better team now
than we have ever had because everybody
on the field can pass well."
Javier Garcia said he felt Okeechobee has
raised their level of play in recent matches
because they are playing together and mak-
ing smart passes, "We played well against
Lincoln Park. We not the shutout. It was a


tough game but we did our thing and what
we are supposed to do. We played with dis-
cipline."
Okeechobee improved to (6-4 overall and
4-2 in district play). Okeechobee traveled to
Clewiston on Friday. The soccer team also
hosts a Christmas tournament next Monday
and Tuesday, Dec. 21-22.
Okeechobee hosts John Carroll on
Monday at 7 p.m. Port St. Lucie will battle
Suncoast at 5 p.m. Monday at Brahman sta-
dium.


LPA Wednesday.


Eddie Guerrero has scored three goals this week to get the boys soccer team
back on track.


TREASURE COAST DERMATOLOGY
Specializing in the Treatment of Skin Cancer

Okeechobee Vero Beach
863-467-9555 772-778-7782

J www.tcdermatology.com
FELLOW OF THE BOARD CERTIFIED BY
AMERICAN SOCIETY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF
FOR MOHS SURGERY DERMATOLOGY


-HOLIDA A V-


D ADLINES














The Staff Of The Okeechobee News

Wishes Everyone Happy Holidays!
ishe Evryn tTHappy Holiday0Gs!


j7


Trnathan qanrel r Mn T n


December 20, 2009


Okeechobee News




20 Okeechobee News December 20, 2009


Seitz wins 2009 Classic


Taylor Creek Bass Club member, Bill Si-
etz took top honors on Lake Okeechobee,
at the Taylor Creek Bass Club of Okeecho-
bee Classic Tournament which was held
on Dec. 12-13.
Sietz brought in total of 25.611bs. to the
scales for a great win on a tough fishing
day.
Runner up spot was Jack Harrison with
total weight of 22.821bs. Danny Norton
finished in third place with 19.371bs. Er-
nie Johnson finished in fourth place with
18.88 followed by Mike Zubricky in fifth
place with 16.881bs.
Joe Smith took the Big Fish award with
his 7.441bs. catch.
The Taylor Creek Bass Club meets at
the Buck Head Ridge VFW Post 9528 on
the second Thursday of each month. Tour-
naments are held the following weekend.
New boaters and (especially) non-boaters
are welcome. For information call Dave
Stout at 863-467-2255.
The club also sponsors and presents
the annual Lee McAllister Memorial Kid's
Fishing Festival.

L~k-


Photos Special to the Okeechobee News
(left) Ernie Johnson, placed fourth,
while, (right) Mike Zubricky placed
fifth.


VY RE
FEED/
cI


J.,.


Bill Seitz took top honors at Treasure
Creek Bass Club Tournament, Dec.
12 & 13 with 25.6 Ibs.


(left) Runner up in the TCBC Clas-
sic was Jack Harrison. (right) Danny
Norton took third.


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