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Vol. 101 No. 19 Friday, February 12, 2010


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Boy accused of sexual
battery stays in
custody ... Page 3

Index
Classifieds ............................. 18-19
Community Events........ ..... 6
Crossword... .......................... 19
O b itu a rie s ................................ ........ 6
O pinion ..................................... 4
Speak Out .......................... 4
Sports............................ 5,16,19,20
W e ath e r ............................................. 5
Lake Levels

13.49 feet
Last Year: 13.18 feet

Sponsored 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.

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8 16510 00024 5


Audit finds

problems

with fund

raisers at

schools
By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
An independent auditor found
that three Okeechobee schools,
North Elementary, Yearling Mid-
dle School, and Okeechobee
High School did not complete
student activity reports for fund-
raising activities during the past
year.
The audit from Wicks, Brown,
Williams and Company was
presented to the Okeechobee
School Board at their meeting
Tuesday night. The report said
these financial reports are im-
portant to determine the accu-
racy and completeness of cash
receipts at the schools.
The audit found that there
were numerous instances at
Okeechobee High School where
receipts collected were not de-
posited within five working days.
The delays in these deposits var-
ied from 10 to 34 working days.
School Superintendent Dr.
Patricia Cooper said these were
significant deficiencies.
"We want to correct the
things that are wrong especially
in internal funds because that is
money that comes from the pub-
lic directly that goes to activities
and events for the students," she
said. "We want to be sure that
were doing it right."
Dr. Cooper pointed out that
See AUDIT Page 12


County


says 'YES'


to teen


program
By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
Teenagers age 15 to 18 may
now have a summer program pat-
terned for their special needs.
At their meeting on Thursday,
Feb. 11 Okeechobee County Com-
missioners gave their approval to
the Youth Engaged in Service (YES)
Program proposed by the depart-
ment of parks and recreation.
Commissioners also heard good
news concerning the four-laning
of State Road 70.
Josephine O'Mallan of the parks
and recreation department ex-
plained the program that will help
youth serve the community. "Our
objective is to connect students
with local service organizations,"
See COUNTY Page 12


Special to the News/Janelle Folk
Festival Royalty
Briley Osceola is Tiny Mr.
Speckled Perch. See more
pageant photos inside.


-i-I]


Treasure Islai
3651 SE -
863-824-




Okeechobee News February 12, 2010


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Okeechobee News


February 12, 2010


+


A
me i







Boy accused of sexual battery stays in custody A 1,


By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
A 12-year-old boy accused of molesting
five young boys will remain in a Fort Pierce
juvenile detention center for the time being,
County Judge Jerald Bryant ruled Thursday.
Defense attorney Jonathan J. Kirschner
and his 12-year-old client went before Judge
Bryant and asked Thursday, Feb. 11, that
the boy be released into the custody of his
parents until his trial. And even though the
judge said he doesn't like to hold juveniles
in detention this long, he denied the release
motion.
"I'm not really comfortable keeping a
child in custody five months while getting
ready for trial," said Judge Bryant. "(But)
at some point in the future I may consider
some sort of release."
The juvenile was arrested Dec. 16, 2009,
and charged with seven counts of sexual


battery and six counts of lewd and lascivious
molestation. The alleged victims are other
boys between the ages of 8 and 11.
Judge Bryant did, however, grant Mr.
Kirschner another continuance even though
his client's trial was set to begin Thursday.
In granting the continuance, the judge ruled
that he will hold a status review hearing on
Friday, March 26, to check on the progress
of the case.
Assistant State Attorney Ashley Albright
told the judge that even though he was pre-
pared and "ready for trial" he agreed to the
continuance so the juvenile can undergo
psychological evaluation.
As Judge Bryant stated his denial of the
release motion, family members of the al-
leged victims breathed a collective sigh of
relief.
Prior to the ruling, Mr. Albright had sever-
al families speak to the judge in open court.


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).
Delaneo Wayne Pryor, 22, N.W Sev-
enth St., Okeechobee, was arrested Feb. 4,
by Deputy Justin Akins on an Okeechobee
County warrant charging him with failure to
appear possession of cocaine. His bond on
that charge was set at $5,000. He was also
arrested on a second warrant charging him
with failure to appear driving while license
suspended. He is being held without bond
on that charge.
James Janata, 28, N.E. 28th Ave.,
Okeechobee, was arrested Feb. 5, by Deputy
Lieutenant Keith Murrish on an Okeechobee
County warrant charging him with violation
of probation grand theft. He is being held
without bond.
Lorenzo Rivera, 22, N.E. Fourth St.,
Okeechobee, was arrested Feb. 5, by Deputy
Robbie Lamb on an Okeechobee County
warrant charging him with violation of pro-
bation battery. He is being held without
bond.
Emily Kline, 49, C.R. 630 E., Lake Wales,
was arrested Feb. 5, by Deputy Lt. Keith
Murrish on an Okeechobee County warrant


charging her with violation of probation -
petit theft. Her bond was set at $5,000.
Timmy Barnett Sellers, 41, N.W 364th
Road, Okeechobee, was arrested Feb. 5, by
the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force on
an Okeechobee County warrant charging
him with trafficking in methamphetamine
and the sale of marijuana (two counts). His
bond was set at $350,000.
Kerrie Michelle Howard, 34, S.W 12th
Ave., Okeechobee, was arrested Feb. 5, by
Deputy Brian Cross on an Okeechobee
County warrant charging her with criminal
use of personal identification information.
Her bond was set at $2,500.
Hivan Rolando Medrano, 24, S.E.
Sixth St., Okeechobee, was arrested Feb. 7,
by Trooper Thomas B. White on a felony
charge of habitual traffic offender. He was
also arrested on misdemeanor charges of
driving under the influence and resisting a
law enforcement officer without violence.
His bond was set at $3,250.
Jesse Dirke Zipperer, 23, S.W Ninth St.,
Okeechobee, was arrested Feb. 7, by Dep-
uty Brian Cross on an Okeechobee County
warrant charging him with possession of a
controlled substance. His bond was set at
$10,000.
This column lists arrests and not convictions,
unless otherwise stated. Anyone listed here who is
later found innocent or has had the charges against
them dropped is welcome to inform this newspa-
per. The information will be confirmed and printed.





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All of those who spoke told Judge Bryant
that their sons or grandsons were now terri-
fied and, in some cases, withdrawn because
of what had allegedly happened to them.
"I don't think there is any way he should
be released," said one grandmother about
the accused. "He (the defendant) took the
spirit out of my grandson."
As she struggled with her emotions and
the tears flowed, she said her 8-year-old
grandson is still so afraid that he "doesn't
want to sleep in his own bed."
The father of that boy said his son is still
"petrified" even though the alleged incidents
took place many months ago.
According to an arrest report by Detec-
tive Rosemary Farless, of the Okeechobee
County Sheriff's Office (OCSO), in at least
four of the reported incidents the accused
boy forced the victim to the ground, pulled
down their pants and either committed sex-
ual battery or attempted to sexually batter
the victim.
The detective went on to state in her re-
port that the boy apparently told the victims
not to tell anyone or "... he would choke
them."
The mother of an 11-year-old victim told
the court that her son doesn't sleep and that
"he is a changed child."
She told Judge Bryant that parents do all
they can to warn their children about adults
who prey on young children.
"But," she continued, "how are we sup-
posed to protect them from someone their
own age? Please, do not release this child."


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February 12, 2010


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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!

Teen pregnancy
There is plenty of free birth control in
this town, yet it is not utilized. 99 percent
of the teen moms I know are very casual
about it. They sign up for Medicaid, food
stamps etc. But yet, there is no mention of
the fathers financial responsibility. I know a
lot of teenage moms in Okeechobee and I
can count on my hand the number of ones
who became responsible, took it seriously
and actually care for their children. The rest
of them basically use the baby as a pawn to
try and keep the boyfriend (father) and by
the time the baby is one year old it seems
the novelty has worn off. I think it's the cute-
ness factor, and that by the age of one you
can't sit on the sofa anymore and parent
your child. You actually have to get up and
be a parent! I must also say, I see very little
concern from the majority of fathers.
I too read the article about teen preg-
nancy in this Sunday's paper, it really wasn't
all that shocking. But in response to not tak-
ing advantage of the free birth control, most
girls don't know about it, or even have the
faintest clue as to where the health depart-
ment is located. And while I agree that sex
education should begin at home, the point
is that it's not.
OSAC or Okeechobee Substance
Abuse Coalition also meets regularly. Sub-
stance abuse is only one of many issues we
deal with. We also deal with teen pregnan-
cy. Meetings are open to the public. Feel free
to call me, Detective Bill Saum, at 763-5521
if you have questions.
Interesting article in the Okeecho-
bee News Wednesday from the March of
Dimes. Their statistics show that babies
born to teenage mothers are more likely to
DIE in the first year of life than babies born
to mothers in their 20s and 30. There are
a lot of risk factors involved in teen preg-
nancy. Maybe the high school could get the
March of Dimes to send them some guest
speakers.


Undercover
Did anyone else watch "Undercover
Boss" after the Superbowl? I loved it when
the one landfill supervisor fired the Waste
Management Chief Operations Officer be-
cause he could not handle the job of pick-
ing up litter on the edges of the landfill.

Easy to get drugs
Sad truth is it is very easy in this com-
munity for anyone who wants drugs to ob-
tain them. Many just go to their doctor and
make up a complaint to get some pain pills
-- and their health insurance even pays for
it.
At some point a doctor has to take
responsibility. The back area is so subjec-
tive in regards to "pain." When I had my
back surgery last year, all my doctor could
promise was "50 percent of the pain will be
gone." He was right. The problem is when
you have doctors that just allow you to walk
in with an MRI and it shows nothing. All
the druggies know this ... There are MANY
options prior to surgery, sure not all are
pleasant, I had everything possible done to
my back before I agreed to surgery. But the
drug sellers? They have a game for every-
thing and how to get around it.
Unfortunately I used to be addicted to
drugs. And yes it is just that easy to get them
in this town. I was on xanax and also did
blues as well. All it takes is one phone call
and you could have multiple people calling
you back telling you what they have. Still to
this day I can point out everyone that is in-
volved in drugs, but I enjoy my life just a little
too much to even think about selling them
out. I've seen what happens to the people
that have sold them out, it ain't pretty. I have
been clean now for 2 years and I would just
rather stay out of it.

Snowbirds
When there is a speed limit sign try
to abide by its directions. If something off
the side of the road looks appealing, don't
slow down. Pull over or take a picture to re-
member the intense feeling of curiosity. Try
to make your visit here enjoyable enough to
want to come back because at the end of
your day I doubt you feel good about your-
self after hearing honking horns or rude re-
marks. Leave your "at home vibe" at home
and adapt to the environment while you're
here.


SkEECHOBEE NEWS


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Unfair
It is not right that the state fair inspec-
tor is making the American Legion Free Fair
shut down early because they violated a
state statute that no one can operate amuse-
ment rides within five miles and 30 days of a
county fair. The Legion fair was to end Feb.
14 and the county fair opens March 12. They
should let the free fair stay open.
The American Legion fair has been
here far longer than the county fair, and the
county fair should immediately and per-
manently let it be known that it waives its
rights under that law.
In my opinion, the state
inspector goofed by not
going to the county fair
association first and
getting their response,
rather than going to the
American Legion and 0
causing so much doubt
and confusion, and making it their respon-
sibility to go to the county. 54 years versus
3 years -- doesn't that mean something to
the county?
This law was passed long before ei-
ther of these events existed. It was enacted
to prevent these fly-by-night carnivals from
coming to a county immediately before
their fair and taking the peoples' money
out of the county. It is a state law, not local
and I'm sure the bureaucrats were in fact
looking out for the locals when this was
passed. It's just a rarity that there are two
local events scheduled at the same time and
in the same county.
This is so wrong! The American Legion
fair has been here longer than that county
fair that charges money just to get in! I
would rather see the American Legion fair
stay open than have the county fair come.
Also, the more money they take in the more
scholarships they can give.
My problem with the county fair is that
they make you pay twice. If you buy the
unlimited ride bracelet you should not also
have to pay to get in the gate. Other county
fairs sell the ride bracelets at the gate and
if you buy one then you don't also have to
pay the gate fee. Kids want to just go and
ride the rides. They don't care about the
exhibits. Parents should not have to pay for
them twice. If people don't want to go on
the rides and just want to walk around and
look at the exhibits, then let them pay the
gate fee to get in.


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.


I don't know who messed up, but the
American Legion Fair was originally adver-
tised for this year as starting on Jan. 28 and
ending on Feb. 7. Then that was changed. I
don't know if the dates were changed or if
the person who put out the original notices
was just mixed up. But I do recall that back
in the 1980s the Free Fair used to be the first
week in February and it would open on a
Monday and close on the following Sunday.
It used to be a one-week event. I have not
been to the free fair in many years so I don't
know when they started keeping it open
longer than one week.

'Friend' the sheriff
Okeechobee Sheriff Paul C. May has
authorized his agency to open accounts in
common social networking sites to help
prevent children from becoming victims of
Internet predators. The sites on myspace,
Facebook, and Twitter are computer social
networking sites commonly used by chil-
dren to meet and communicate with other
people. Many Internet predators use these
networking sites to victimize children. The
parent or child can make the sheriff No. 1
on their list of friends in these networking
sites. It will let others know that the child's
parents are involved and monitoring the
child's activities and secondly, it will let any
Internet predator know the child and his
family have a direct link to the Okeechobee
County Sheriff's Office. Merely having the
Sheriff on the friends list will deter most
predators from attempting to victimize an
Internet user.
That is awesome. I wonder how many
kids will do it though. Our youngest was not
allowed to have a myspace till she was 16,
and even then for like the first six months
we had her password. I would like to see an
article on the resources that the local cops
use to gather information from the social
networking sites. Most large departments
have a specific department for this. But,
something tells me all the detectives mys-
pace snoop to gather information.
It's about time. I've been trying to get
the Sheriff's Office to do more to help our
community when it comes to internet pred-
ators for almost two years now. At least it's
a step in the right direction.
Anything that is posted online has no
expectation of privacy. It amazes me what
some teenagers post and then are surprised
that their parents find out about it. I am glad
the sheriff's office is doing more online.


* 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: *!a-.


Friday, February 12, 2010








OHS boys basketball senior night


Ryan Osceola is flanked by
Stacy Jones and Mitch Os-
ceola.


Aaron Suarez is joined by
mother Sandy Bryner.


Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy
phy
Jonathan Hudoff was joined by
his his parents Candace Pope and
Lary Hudoff at Senior night.


Ricky Nieto was joined by his
mother Linda Nieto and his
grandmother Faye Godwin at
Senior night.


Duelle Gore was joined by his
mother Claudia Gore at Senior
night.


Brian Rose is flanked by his Matt Skipper was joined by his Troy Harper was joined by Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy
parents Augustus and Patti parents Mike and Debbie Skip- Mariana Harper (left) and Jo- Austin Willard was joined by
Rose. per. sephine McDuffie (right). Chris Shanks was joined by his parents Shelly Batton and
his mom Theresa Davis. Jeff Willard.


Community Calendar


Friday
Tops Take off Pounds Sensibly #669
meets at 9 a.m. at the First United Methodist
Church, 200 N.W Second St. The public
is invited. Anyone interested in a sensible
approach to losing weight and becoming
a part of a caring group is welcome to
come and see what we are all about. For
information, contact Ollie Morgret at 800-
932-8677.
AA. meeting from noon until 1 p.m. at
the First United Methodist Church, 200 N.W
Second St. This is an open meeting.
AA. meets from 8 until 9 p.m. at the
Church of Our Saviour, 200 N.W Third St.
This is an open speaker meeting.
Compulsive overeaters are invited to a
weekly meeting. Overeaters Anonymous
(OA) meets at the Okeechobee Presbyterian
Church, 312 N. Parrott Avenue on Fridays,
6 until 7 p.m. (Use 4th Street entrance.)
Overeaters Annonymous is not a diet club.
The only requirement for membership is a
desire to stop eating compulsively. For more
information call Loretta at 863-763-7165 or
863-697-0206.
Restoration Ministries meets the
second Friday of each month to help with
addictions, depression, etc., at 7 p.m. For
more information call Miss Kathy at 863-
357-9083.
Saturday
Worship in Song at the Living Word of
Faith Church of Okeechobee, 1902 S. Parrott
Ave., on the second Saturday of the month


beginning at 6 p.m. There is no charge to
attend and all Christian singers and musicians
are welcome. For information, contact the
church at 863-763-6869; Pastor Lee Minton
at 863-763-3373; or, Sister Yvonne Price at
863-467-6657.
Teen Talk from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Jesus
Holy Ghost Crusade Mission, 1401 N.E. Park
St. Every teen is invited. Call 863-634-9340 or
863-357-6248, for information.
A.A. meeting from 8 until 9 p.m. at
Okeechobee Presbyterian Church, 312 N.
Parrott Ave. It will be a closed discussion.
The Society of Young Magicians
will meet from 10 until 11 a.m. at the First
United Methodist Church in Avon Park. For
information, call Dick Laneau at 863-467-
9540 or 727-345-4323.
Barnyard Buddies meets from 10 a.m.
until noon at the County 4-H Extension office
at 458 U.S. 98 N. Everyone who would like to
be part of the Barnyard Buddies is invited, or
you can sign up at the Okeechobee County
4-H Extension office Monday through Friday
from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. For information,
call the extension office at 863-763-6469.
The Living Word of Faith, 1902 S.
Parrott Ave., gospel music sing at 6 p.m. For
information call 863-763-6869.
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.


Okeechobee
Forecast

Today: 90 percent chance of rain, main-
ly after 1 p.m. with a high near 67. Winds
will be from the northeast at 5 to 15 mph
becoming south and could gust as high as
20 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a low
around 45 and a 30 percent chance of show-
ers before midnight. Winds will be from the
northwest between 10 and 15 mph.
Extended Forecast
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high
near 62. North northwest wind between 10
and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a
low around 33. Winds will be from the north
northwest around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near
66. Winds will be calm becoming north
northeast between 5 and 10 mph.
Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low
around 39 and calm winds.

Lotteries

Florida Lottery Here are the num-
bers selected Wednesday in the Florida Lot-
tery: Cash 3: 5-9-3; Play 4: 0-3-8-5; Fantasy
5: 2-4-6-11-26; Mega Money: 34-39-42-44
MB 21; Florida Lotto: 16-19-25-39-48-52 X
2; Powerball: 5-8-29-37-38 PB34 x5. Num-
bers drawn Tuesday, Cash 3: 5-4-5; Play 4:
1-6-7-5..


Accident Victims...

Call Us First!


* Tractor Trailer Crashes
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February 12, 2010


Okeechobee News




Okeechobee News


February 12, 2010


Community Events

Valentines Dinner and Dance
A dinner-dance is planned to celebrate
Valentine's Day on Saturday night, Feb. 13,
from 6-8 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles,
9985 Hwy. 441 N., Okeechobee. The dinner
will be an Italian feast and includes, choice
of spaghetti, stuffed shells or lasagne, salad,
garlic bread and desert for a donation of $8
for each. Entertainment will be provided by
Michaels Memories. For further information,
please call 863-763-2552.

Drama Club to present
dinner show
OHS Drama Club presents BINGO Spells
Murder, an interactive dinner show. The
show stars Kyle Foster, Emilie Lege, Emma
Marshall, Zadoc Simmons, Judson Harris,
Isabella Penido, Nathan Steen, Saturday,
Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. For tick-
ets please call Debbie Raulerson at 863-462-
5025 ext. 8011.


Lip Sync show Saturday
The Okeechobee Moose Lodge will host
a Lip Sync Group Show on Feb. 13, from 2
until 4 p.m. Take some great music, add a
taste of vaudeville and you end up with two
hours of unforgettable entertainment. The
cast will entertain you as they portray some
familiar and not so familiar artists. Parking
and admission are free. Refreshments will
be available. The Moose Lodge is located at
N.W 36th Street.

Valentines Day Breakfast
The Okeechobee Chapter No. 128, Order
of the Eastern Star will host an All-You-Can-
Eat-Breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 14, at the
Okeechobee Masonic Lodge, 107 N.W Fifth
Avenue. Served 8-10 a.m. Menu will include
scrambled egg, hash brown casserole, grits,
ham, biscuits and sausage gravy, orange
juice and hot coffee. Donation of $6/person.
For information, contact Rick Ellsworth,
Worthy Patron at 863-467-2096.


Obituaries


James Lamonte Barron Law, 46
OKEECHOBEE James Law, age 46, of
Okeechobee, passed away Feb. 7, 2010, at his
home.
Born Sept. 16, 1963, in West Palm Beach to
Leo Franklin and Ann Tankersley Law, he was
the owner-operator of a landscaping business.
He attended Believers Fellowship.
Mr. Law was preceded in death by his father,
Leo Law; and his brother, Leon Van Law. He is
survived by his wife, Monica Law; daughter,
Tonya Law; two brothers, Larry Law and Leo
Law Jr.; grandparents, Harley and Dorothy
Green; two stepchildren, Paige Robinson and
Kenny Jones; his mother and stepfather, Ann
and Bernie Garcia; and stepmother, Patty Law.
Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time at 3
p.m. today, Feb. 12, 2010, at Bass Okeechobee
Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Ever-
green Cemetery.


Ruth E. Morey, 79
OKEECHOBEE Ruth E. Morey, age 79, of
Okeechobee, passed away Feb. 9, 2010, at the
Hamrick Home.
Born Aug. 26, 1930, in Rochester, N.Y, to
Thomas and Edna Blackburn she came to Okee-
chobee from Rochester, N.Y, 13 years ago. She
was a good mother and homemaker.
Ms. Morey is survived by her companion, Ho-
ward I. Morey of Okeechobee; three sons, An-
thony Depasquale of Rochester, N.Y, Robert
Morey of Batavia, N.Y, and Douglas Morey of
Okeechobee; daughter, Donna Richardson of
Springwater, N.Y; numerous grandchildren and
great-grandchildren; and sister, June Enright of
Macedon, N.Y
Services will be held at a later date. Memorials
may be made to Hospice of Okeechobee, P.O.
Box 1548, (i .. i . FL 34973.
Friends may sign the -.... il...... at www.bas-
sokeechobeefh.com.
All arrangements are entrusted to the loving
care of Bass (i1... .i..l...- Funeral Home and
Crematory, 205 NE 2nd ST, Okeechobee, Fl
34972.


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.

Emily Adelle Marerum Morski
LANTANA Emily Adelle Marcrum Morski,
age 89, of Lantana, passed away February 5,
2010 at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in
Fort Pierce.
She was born Nov. 13, 1920, in Columbus,
Ga., to Zack Bennett Herring, Jr. and Maudie
Blanche Wynn. She came to Lantana from
Birmingham, Ala., in
1958. She was a
homemaker who ,-
enjoyed sewing, a
cooking, and gar-
dening. She was a
member of the Bap-
tist faith.
Mrs. Morski was
preceded in death
by her first husband,
Zack C. Marcrum.
She is survived by
her hus-
band of 36 years, John Morski; daugh-
ters, Betty Burg (Hans) of Lynchburg, Va., Linda
Brown (Fred) of Atlanta, Ga. and Susan Smith
(John) of Okeechobee; grandchildren, Steven
Burg (JoAnn) of Califon, N.J., Heidi Gondi
(Gautham) of Lynchburg, Va., Jennifer McCar-
ron (Mike) of Hopkinton, Mass., Kara Smith of
Atlanta, Ga., and Zack Smith (Whitney) of Okee-
chobee; great-grandchildren, Erik, Alex, Ashton,
Taylor, Gillian, Grayson, Jace, Gavin, Meghan
and Madison.
No services or visitation will be held.
Friends may sign the Ii.....i. at www.bas-
sokeechobeefh.com.
All arrangements are entrusted to the loving
care of Bass (i1., i ....- Funeral Home and
Crematory, 205 NE 2nd ST, (,i....ii Fl
34972.


Easter Cantata rehearsals
to begin on Sunday, Feb. 14
The Okeechobee Community Choir, in its
12th year under the direction of Sandy Perry,
will begin rehearsing for the Easter Cantata,
Praise the God of Resurrection on Sunday,
Feb. 14, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Church of
Our Saviour, 200 N.W Third St. Nineteen
area churches were represented at the
Christmas cantata and all interested singers
are invited to participate. Singers should be
able to match pitch and read music a little.
Rehearsals are fast-paced and loads of fun.
The cantata will be presented Palm-Sunday
weekend, March 26, 27, and 28th at the First
United Methodist church. For more informa-
tion, call Sandy at 863-634-7714.


with
Online Guestbook
All Obituaries now indude Onli/e Gestbooks
where family and friends can share reflections,


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101 NW 5th Street
Okeechobee, FL
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S Sarelyn Jackson,
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/A

We, the Moore Family, would like
to thank everyone for the
niceness and kindness during
the time of bereavement on
behalf of David L. Moore.
Special Thanks to Sheriff Paul
May and his staff. May God
Bless each & every one of you is
our prayer.

-Tke fr061 of PdU Lt. 14


A REAL o


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Okeechobee News




Okeechobee News February 12, 2010


Special to the Okeechobee News/Bobbi Poole
Little Miss Speckled Perch
Skyler Varnadore (center) was crowned Little Miss Speckled Perch at the
2010 festival pageant on Friday. Isabelle Cruz (right) was first runner-up.
Cherylynn Bohannon (left) was second runner up.


Special to the Okeechobee News/Janelle Folk
Speckled Perch Festival Princess
Cere Elliot (center) was crowned Speckled Perch Festival Princess in the
pageant held Feb. 5 at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium. Kim-
berly Shaw (right) was first runner-up. Macey Lamb (left) was second runner-
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Speckled Perch Festival Parade, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in downtown
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Junior Miss Speckled Perch
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Special to the Okeechobee News/Janelle Folk
Tiny Miss Speckled Perch
Olivia Campbell (second from left) was crowned Tiny Miss Speckled Perch
at the festival pageant on Feb. 5. Lindsey Hall was first runner up. Emma
Raulerson was second runner up. Also in the Tiny Miss pageant were Kaylee
Jayde Hickman and Myra Lynn Cruz.

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pageant held Feb. 5, in the Okeecho-
bee Freshman Campus Auditorium.
The Speckled Perch Festival Parade
will be on Saturday at 10 a.m. in
downtown Okeechobee. The parade
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enue, travels north to State Road 70
and then West to the end of Flagler
Special to the News/Janelle Folk Park.


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Okeechobee News February 12, 2010


COUNTY
Continued From Page 1

she said. The five week summer program in-
cludes team building, character building and
career skills development. Students would
pay a fee to offset administrative costs with
major funding to come from a grant from
Children Services Council. Students will be
working with local organizations such as
the American Red Cross or Arnold's Wildlife
Sanctuary and will have a career day to visit
local employers. Participants can earn up to
40 hours of community service. About 25
percent of the time will be involved in com-
munity service projects which are required
in some scholarship programs. There will
also be a visit to a college campus. The pro-


gram includes various recreation and learn-
ing activities and guest speakers.
"This program has more grounding than
some programs considered by the Childrens
Service Council," said Commissioner Joey
Hoover who is a member of that organiza-
tion. "All they are doing is adding another
age group that we haven't had a program
for before."
Jim Threewitts, deputy county adminis-
trator, said that the Florida Department of
Transportation (DOT) officials might be at
the next commission meeting to discuss
possible options for constructing intersec-
tions in connection with the four-laning of
State Road 70 in the area of the Okeecho-
bee County Agri-Civic Center and the South
Florida Water Management District Field
Station. He said DOT officials believe stimu-
lus money will soon be available for these


projects. Current plans call for sidewalks on
both sides of that section of State Road 70.
Donnie Oden, capital projects manger for
the county, reported that the completion of
the restoration of the courthouse has now
been pushed back to the first of April. The
cold weather delayed painting and plaster
work 16 days and unexpected repairs on
the plaster ceilings in the stairwells took up
another unanticipated 7 days. However, the
project is still under budget.
In other action, the board:
held an executive session concerning
pending litigation with American Drilling
and the Florida Department of Environmen-
tal Protection;
rejected all bids for fuel, oil and lubri-
cants received Jan. 27 due to technical inad-
equacies of the bid specifications and autho-


rized staff to revise bid specifications;
approved an agreement between the
county and Hammer Construction arising
from insurance claims for hurricane repair
work in which the construction company
agrees not to seek additional compensation
from the county above what the insurance
company pays;
amended the HHRP Program Funding
Agreement with Neal Long Construction to
eliminate the requirement for professional li-
ability and garage keeper's insurance which
were not necessary; and
approved one-year extensions to agree-
ments with Craig A. Smith & Associates,
Kimley Horn & Associates, BCI Engineers &
Scientists, Inc., and Keith Schnars, P.A. for
special assessment infrastructure projects.


AUDIT mended a
identical t(
Elementar
Continued From Page 1 On the
the audito
four schools did not have any findings ited as ni
this year. They included Central Elemen- ited as nig
tary, Seminole Elementary, Osceola Middle ning active
School and the freshman campus. She said was not er
for the most part school book keepers do an The audit
excellent job. "They're very much aware of review the
the things they need to work on. We have a frequency
manual that they must follow and we have whether tl
reminded them of that," she added. year were
Most of the problems involved fundrais- auditor as
ers, and athletic events. The report said a cash colle
fundraiser financial report was not corn- red book
pleted at North Elementary School for PTO propriate
T-shirt sales, as required by school board
policy. The auditor recommended a track-
ing system be put in place to ensure that the
report is completed for every fundraiser. The r
system would provide for accountability and [a FULL SE
control over these activities and emphasizes REAL
a sound business policy, the audit said.
Yearling Middle School completed an in-
accurate financial report for a FFA Beef Stick L A&-
sales fundraiser. The auditor had to summa-
rize all invoices from the vendor, analyze all
FFA sales, and trace transfers made to other
classes or clubs. The auditor recommended
that each class or club purchase the prod- L
ucts for resale directly and that the sponsor
review the financial report closely to ensure
accuracy.
Okeechobee High School had numer-
ous activities for which fund raiser financial
records were not completed. They recom-


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In


tracking system be put in place
o the one recommended at North
y School.
bank deposit delay issue at OHS,
r found the receipts were depos-
ht drops at local banks after eve-
ties like sports events. The money
entered into the accounting system.
)r had to spend time at the bank to
ir night drop logs to determine the
of the night drops and determine
he monies collected for the fiscal
entered in a proper period. The
ked that all policies that involve
actions and deposits in the school
manual be sent in writing to ap-
school personnel.


-a

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Okeechobee News


February 12, 2010






American Legion Free Fair shuts down early


By Pete Gawda
Okeechobee News
Wednesday, Feb. 10 was the last day of
operations for the American Legion Free
Fair.
The fair had been scheduled to run
through Sunday, Feb. 14.
It seems that the American Legion Post
64 was in conflict with a state law. Florida
Statute 616.13 states that amusement rides
are prohibited "within a 5-mile radius of and
within 30 days before or during any public
fair or exposition being operated by a fair as-
sociation."
This year's Okeechobee County Fair is
scheduled for March 12-21. The last week-
end of the free fair would have come within
30 days of the county fair.
There has been some confusion over
fair dates ever since the first county fair in
2007. Paul Patridge, commander of the post,
thought the free fair was grandfathered in
since they had been operating around the
first Sunday in February for over 40 years.
The Okeechobee County Fair Association
contends the law does not allow for "grand-
fathering."
A letter dated Oct. 17, 2006 from Terry
Burroughs, treasurer of the fair association,
to American Legion Post 64 stated: "This
letter serves as written consent as required
by Florida Statues 616.13; the Okeechobee
County Fair Association, Inc., has no prob-
lem with the American Legion Post 64 con-
ducting the American Legion Free Fair dur-
ing the month of February, 2007."
Linda Syfrett, president of the fair asso-


ciation, said that the free fair was approved
for 2007 only, which was the first year of the
fair. At that time the county fair had another
vender under a different contract. The con-
tract with the current vendor, according to
Mrs. Syfrett, specifically calls for the fair as-
sociation to protect the ride operator by not
allowing any other type event within 30 days
and 5 miles of the county fair.
"We're trying to put on the best fair we
possibly can," said Mr. Syfrett.
In 2008 and 2009 there was no conflict in
dates. In 2008, the Free Fair opened on Jan.
31 and closed on Feb. 10. In 2009, the free
fair opened Jan. 28 and closed on Feb. 8.
To add to the confusion, some local or-
ganizations were advertising Jan. 28 through
Feb. 7, as this year's free fair dates. Mr. Pa-
tridge claims those dates were never consid-
ered for this year and said any notices with
those dates were in error. If those dates had
been correct for this year, there would have
been no conflict with the county fair.
"They are infringing on our dates and we
can't allow it," said Linda Syfrett, president
of the fair association.
Joe Sheldon, American Legion member
and amusement ride vendor who has been
bringing rides to the free fair since 1958, said
the American Legion will lose $10,000 due
to the early closing and the vender will lose
$20,000 to $25,000.
Mr. Fennell said this loss of funds would
cause the American Legion to have to cut
funds to the VA Hospital, Boys State, the Boy
Scouts, grad night and the scholarship pro-
gram.
The fair association decision was by


made by the association board of directors.
"I have no hard feelings against the county
commissioners," said Mr. Patridge. He urged
people to go to the county fair to show sup-
port for the county commissioners.
The Okeechobee County Fair Associa-
tion, Inc. is a chartered corporation that op-
erates independent of the county commis-
sion. County Commissioners do not appoint
members of the fair association. They do ap-
point members to the Okeechobee County
Agri-Civic Center Advisory Committee, a
completely separate organization.
Post your opinions in the Public Issues Forum at
www.newszap.com. Reporter Pete Gawda can
be reached at pgawda@newszap.com.

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Okeechobee NewsFebruary 12, 2010


'Boatmobile' to be in parade


By Katrina Elsken
Okeechobee News
Gregory Troy is on a voyage.
The self proclaimed "Captain Cosmos"
says his "boat" is a work in progress. The in-
side is a 1995 GMC half ton cargo van. Fiber-
glass and wood have been added to make
the vehicle look like a boat. Someday, he
said, he hopes to make it a true amphibious
vehicle that can travel on land or water.
Captain Cosmos is in Okeechobee this
week to participate in the Speckled Perch
Festival Parade.
The Michigan native travels around the
United States, supporting himself by doing
carpentry, yard work and other odd jobs,
"any kind of manual labor." His mission: To
spread joy.
"When I'm driving on the highway,
about 75 percent of the other drivers are
so focused on getting where they are going
that they don't even notice they are passing
a boat that is not being pulled by a car. But
the ones who do notice smile and wave and
I wave back. I love to see their faces light
up."
During his seven "voyages" around
America, he thinks, "about 100,000" people
have taken his picture and his vessel has
been featured in more than 50 newspaper
articles. He even had 15 seconds of fame on
the Letterman show.
He was on his way to Key Largo when he
stopped in Okeechobee.
"I heard about the Speckled Perch Fes-


Okeechobee News/Pete Gawda
Gregory Troy and his 'boatmobile'
will be in the Speckled Perch Festi-
val Parade on Saturday in downtown
Okeechobee.
tival Parade and I decided I had to go," he
said.
Along the way, he raises money for chari-
ties. He is currently working on a plan to
raise money for the Make A Wish Founda-
tion. He said the Stichin' Post in Okeecho-
bee will sell T-shirts with a photo of his boat,
the "I'm Possible." Profits from the T-shirt
sales will go to the Make a Wish Foundation.
He said several local businesses have also
agreed to sell the shirts.
Someday he hopes to write a book about
his travels and adventures.
"My whole life is about doing the best I
can to bring joy to the world and smiles to
the people," he said.


ENGAGEMENT
KAYLA HINTON &
MICHAEL WISE
Michael and Julie Shook, along with Lamar Tindall
of Okeechobee, announce the engagement of
their daughter, Kayla Hinton to Michael Wise,
son of Leroy and Michele Wise, also of Okeechobee.
Grandparents of the bride are Charles and Shelva Breland
and the late Barbara Breland, along with the late Mr. and
Mrs. Leroy Tindall, all of Okeechobee. Grandparents of
the groom are Sally Sanzo of West Palm, Fred and Shirley
Devin of Fellsmere, and Mary Wise of Okeechobee.
The bride to be graduated from Okeechobee High
School in 2006. Her fiance graduated from Okeechobee
High School in 2005. The couple is planning a
March 12, 2011 wedding to be held in Okeechobee.


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Okeechobee News


February 12, 2010






School Board honors Raulerson and Reno


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
The Okeechobee County School Board
honored former Superintendent Phoebe Mrs.
Raulerson and Director of Human Resources
Julie Reno for earning the Mutual of America
Foundation Community Partnership Award
when they met for their monthly meeting
Tuesday night.
Mrs. Raulerson was instrumental in the
Florida Institute for Advancement of Teaching
program with Florida Atlantic University.
Thirty-one teachers were hired by
Okeechobee Schools that were involved in
that program. Mrs. Raulerson told the board
that during that time Okeechobee had a
shortage of teachers and were also experi-
encing a boom in student enrollment. She
said students at FAU were allowed to teach
in Okeechobee Schools while still in school
in an internship program. She said it worked
well for both the teacher and the system.
"I'm thrilled with this award. It means FAU
was recognized, and our school system was
recognized. We are making the right moves
and we are at the head of the curve," Mrs.
Raulerson said.
The FAU students taught one semester
in Okeechobee Schools with the help of a
mentor. In return the district paid FAU what
they would pay a first year teacher. Part of the
money went to pay for the mentor and the
teacher/student also received a stipend. Mrs.
Raulerson said the teachers were hired by the
school system for the next school year after
the internship.
"The teacher was well prepared and got
about two years worth of experience. They
were that much farther ahead when they
came to work for us, it worked for everyone,"
she added.
Mrs. Raulerson said she is enjoying retire-
ment. She recently took a trip to Australia to
attend her youngest son's wedding.
The school system also sent out report
cards for the second nine week grading pe-
riod and the first semester from Okeechobee
High School Wednesday. The district changed
to a new program called Skyward and that re-
sulted in some delays and glitches.
Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cooper said
the district just wanted to make sure the in-
formation in the report card was accurate.
"The high school was the one we were most


Bus Driver Annetta Hardy was honored
after she retired following nine years
of service to the school system.


concerned about. We let parents know and
they have been pretty patient."
In business actions, the Board expelled an
eighth grader at New Endeavor High School
for the remainder of the school year for defi-
ance of authority, possession of a weapon on
campus, and fighting or battery.
The board expelled a seventh grader at
New Endeavor for the remainder of the school
year for defiance of authority and inappropri-
ate conduct. They also voted to expel an 11th
grader at New Endeavor for the remainder of
the school year and the first semester of next
year for defiance of authority and assault or
battery on a school board employee.
The board also honored School Bus Driver


Annetta Hardy upon her retirement. She had
worked nine years for the system but was
forced to retire by health problems. A large
contingent of family, friends and co workers
were on hand to honor Hardy.
School officials also learned that enroll-
ment is up about 30 students when com-
pared with the 2008-2009 school year.
The annual Regional Science Fair will be
held on Feb. 17, at the Brighton Indian Res-
ervation. The Award ceremony will be held
at the Brighton School Cafeteria on Feb. 18,
at 7 p.m.
The board also approved proclamation for
Black History Month and for school breakfast
week which is scheduled from March 8-12.


Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy
Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cooper, former Superintendent Phoebe Raulerson
and Human Resources Director for Okeechobee Schools Julie Reno (L-R) share
in their award presentation.




Gospel


Meeting

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February 14-17

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Monday Wednesday Nights: 7:00 P.M.

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mEECHOBEE


NEWS
Community Service
Through Journalism


February 12, 2010


Okeechobee News






Brahmans win at district tourney w.


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
The Brahman boys basketball team didn't
want their season to end Wednesday and it
showed as they rallied from an eight point
halftime deficit to defeat Suncoast, 63-54 at
the District 14-4A tournament in Fort Pierce.
Okeechobee (14-8) advanced to meet
the host team, Fort Pierce Central, on Friday
night in the semifinals. Jensen Beach meets
Westwood in the other semifinal game.
"It was a good competitive game. We
trailed the whole game and had to come
back," Brahman Coach Bryan Van Camp
said, "Suncoast really caused us some prob-
lems in the first half with their aggressive
defense."
Duelle Gore had a huge night with 17
points, 10 rebounds, and eight blocked
shots. Van Camp said Suncoast didn't even
try to drive into the lane late in the game be-
cause of Gore's defense, a factor in the Brah-
man comeback.
Gore had five free throws in the final
quarter as Okeechobee sank 10-11 from
the line down the stretch. Okeechobee out-
scored Suncoast 24-10 in the final quarter.
Matt Skipper was 4-4 at the line, and Aaron
Suarez hit both of his free throws.
Okeechobee had trailed 30-22 at the half
to the Chargers, who finish the season at
(11-12). James Fullwood had 13 points for
Suncoast.


Van Camp said the team did a good
job of moving the ball around and getting
good shots even when they struggled in the
first half. Okeechobee hit only 4 of 15 free
throws in the first half which contributed to
their struggles.
Okeechobee had lost in a blowout at
Suncoast in December. Van Camp said his
team is much different now. They run two
five-men rotations, get everyone involved,
and they are more confident.
"We knew this would be a really tough
game and that we were in for a battle. We've
had the experience of coming back from
slow starts so we knew we could still win
the game."
Ricky Nieto had 12 points, which includ-
ed two three-point baskets, and Troy Harper
had eight points and eight rebounds for
Okeechobee. Deforest Shanks and Jonathan
Hudoff both had seven points.
Okeechobee lost to Fort Pierce earlier
in the season, 54-43, but Van Camp said
his team will be confident when they take
the floor on Friday night. The Cobras (16-5)
haven't played in a week, and there last
game was a loss to their rival Westwood in
a low scoring affair 28-25. The Cobras top
scorer is Trevor Banks.
"We didn't want the season to end last
night; we wanted one more shot at the best
team, Central. Motivation won't be a prob-
lem on Friday night, its what the kids have
looked forward to all year," he added.


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1401 South Parrott Ave.
Okeechobee, Fl 34974

Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 AM.
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30 AM.
Sunday Evening Worship: 6:00 PM.
Monday Wednesday Nights: 7:00 PM.

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Sunday School 9am
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Prayer Service, Tues. & Thurs. 6:30pm 7:30pm
Nursery Available at All Services
S Office Hours:
Mon. 9am 12 noon
Tues. Fri. 9am 5pm
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Bishop Robert J. Banks, Jr., Pastor



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Okeechobee News


February 12, 2010







Speckled Perch Festival


starts Saturday, Feb. 13 F i


Okeechobee's annual Speckled Perch
Festival, sponsored by the Okeechobee
Chamber of Commerce, starts Saturday in
Flagler Park.
A variety of arts and crafts booths will
open in Flagler Park Saturday morning. The
Speckled Perch Festival Parade will be held
at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13.
The parade starts at the U-Save Super-
market on Parrott Avenue, travels north to
State Road 70 and then travels west to the
end of Flagler Park.
The newly crowned Speckled Perch Festi-
val Royalty will be in the parade.
Entertainment in the park will be pro-
vided by talented local residents. Bring your
own lawn chair or blanket to sit down and
enjoy the show.
No festival activities take place in the first
park at the intersection of Parrott Avenue
and State Road 70. This park is the home to
the Veterans Memorials. Festival goers are
invited to visit the memorials, but are asked
to show proper respect.
On Saturday in Park #2, the Okeechobee
Steelers will perform. This award-winning
steel drum band is made up of local young
people.
Park #3 will feature Phil Eddings and the
Cripple Creek Band with Wes and Debbie


Special to the Okeechoee News/Janelle Folk
The 2010 Miss Speckled Perch is Jil-
lian James.
James. In Park #4, local gospel singers will
perform.
On Sunday, Feb. 14, the arts and crafts
festival continues in Flagler Park. In Park #2,
the Harmon Brothers (Gerry and George)
will perform. Park #3 will feature "Lisa and
Friends." Park #4 will host local area gospel
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REMODELED CBS
HOUSE FOR RENT 3
BEDROOM 2 BATH ALL
NEW TILE AND CROWN
NEW BATHROOMS IN
DIXIE RANCH ESTATES
WITH MOTHER -IN-
LAW ENTRANCE
$800.00 PER MONTH
PLUS $800.00 SE-
CURITY MOVES YOU
IN, NO DOGS PLEASE!!
CALL 561-596-1344.
(561)596-1344





For more listings,
go to
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For Rent: lbd efficiency
apartment; utilities in-
cluded. Good location.
$350 mo. 812-989-3022.




Taylor Creek Condo
2/1, furnished. Pool,
Dock. $875/mo + 1st &
sec. Avail 2/15/10
(863)634-8757



AFFORDABLE NEW
HOUSES 3/2/2 and
3/1/1, tile floors, jacuzzi
tub, Bring Pets, Large
Yards (561)723-2226

CLEAN 2/1, Lg. yard
w/Oak trees. $650 mo.
1st, last, $400 sec.
(561)261-0077


For Rent:
Dixie Ranch Estates,
3/2 CBS, corner lot, 1/2
acre, new tile,new bath,
doors, crown and new
drainfield & pump, with
laundry room. Small pet
okay. $800 mo.First, last
& $500 security.
Call 561-596-1344.
NEW DUPLEX 3/2, in
the city limits, Avail Im-
mediately, $900/mo +
1st, & deposit.
(863)465-0053
TREASURE ISLAND -
2/2, CBS, waterfront,
lake access, tiled floors,
screened patio, all appls,
$800/mo No deposit.
(954)610-5345




OFFICE SPACE
FOR RENT
(863)763-8565





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go to
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OKEE. Huge 1 Bdrm.
Apt. Tile throughout.
Screen porch. $435 mo.
+ utilities. 1st, last &
$200 sec. dep. No
dogs. 863-801-1739



Orange Blossum
Ranches Block 9, lot 1
& 32 cleared, $20,000
ea 863-357-2928



Single Veteran looking
for home in Okeechobee.
3bd/2 ba; No pets, no
children. Preferably on a
canal. With lease option.
635 Water Street; #21;
Biloxi, MI 39530
Call Eddie 228-365-2115.


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go to
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Adorable 2/1, Ancient
Oaks, + 55, completely
furnished, with boat
ramp, gated community,
incl. water, cable, lawn
care & w/d, annual $595,
seasonal $850 or for sale
$39,000 FIRM, inclds
electric Available immedi-
ately, sec dep, 1 small
pet okay (863)801-9027

BUCKHEAD RIDGE -
Dbl. Wide 2 BR, 2 BA,
C/Air. $600 mo. 3 BR, 2
BA, C/Air. $700 mo. No
pets. $300 sec. dep.
(863)763-4031
FOR RENT: 3/2 and 2/1
Cottages. Newly remod-
eled. 12 miles north of
Okeechobee on beautiful
ranch. Water, trash &
lawn maintenance includ-
ed. NO PETS! M-F.
(863)467-2982
FT. DRUM AREA furn.,
older mobile home, 1.5
br, iba, $425 dep., $425
mo. rent (912)925-2147/
(912)224-4658 or
(734)637-2697
LARKEE LAKES-
2BR/1BA, $550 month
& $300 sec. dep. or for
sale $35,000 Call
(863) 467-2156
OKEECHOBEE 2br,
lba with large back
porch & front porch on
large scenic, wooded,
fenced lot, W/D $700
mo. Call 863-634-3451



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

Shop from a gift catalog
that's updated regulaly:
the classified.


For Sale: Park Model
w/Fla. Room in Blue Cy-
press. With lots of ex-
tras. Reduced $55,000 or
obo. Call 863-532-9222
or 863-610-0218.
Factory went out of
business 4br/2ba,
32x80, 2400 sq ft mo-
bile $20,000 below re-
tail. Cost $69,900 on
your lot. Has fireplace,
large kitchen, glamour
bath & family room.
Never priced this low
again. 863-3574849
For the lowest prices on
factory direct custom
built Jacobson Homes.
Call 863-357-4849 and
ask for Larry or Sandy
LARKEE LAKES 2br,
Iba, you own land, Ig
screen porch, $30,000
(863)467-2156

New 3br/2ba double-
wide only $44900 setup
& a/c included $2000
down or trade for down
payment, very easy
credit 863-357-4849

Okeechobee mobile
home dealer selling all
remaining inventory at
near factory invoice to
make room for 2010
models. Call Sandy or
Larry 863-357-4849

Trade ins wanted. No
money down when you
trade-in your old mobile
home. 3 & 4 bedroom
doublewides at excel-
lent price. Call Larry or
Sandy at 863-357-4849

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

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

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


Okeechobee News


February 12, 2010




February 12, 2010


Okeechobee News


For more listings,
go to
www.newszap.com





1994 CARRIAGE ROY-
ALS INTERNATION-
AL COURIER 25TH
ANNIVERSARY EDI-
TION 40FT. W/2
SLIDES. DISH-
WASHER, WASH-
ER/ DRYER,
AWNINGS AROUND.
Vacation in resort RV
park, 6500 N. Mili-
tary Trail, Lot 42
$8,000.00/or best
offer (561)881-8510





Force OB 90HP -lower
unit, 2 props, starter.
(863)467-5736







For more listings,
go to
www.newszap.com






IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO. 2010-CA-1
In Re: Estate of
RICHARD CHARLES GUMAER,
a/k/a RICHARD C. GUMAER,
Deceased
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of
RICHARD CHARLES GUMAER, a/k/a
RICHARD C. GUMAER, deceased,
date of death December 24, 2009, is
pending in the Circuit Court for
Okeechobee County, Florida, Probate
Division, the address of which is 312
N.W 3rd Street, Suite 101, Okee-
chobee, Florida 34972. The personal
representative's and the personal
representative's attorney names are
set forth below.
All 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 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-
CEDENTS DATE OF DEATH IS
BARRED.
The first publication of this notice
is February 5, 2010.
Carol Ann Grosvenor
Personal Representatve
2301 S.E. 29th Street
Okeechobee, Flonda 34974
CONELY&CONELY, PA.
Post Office Drawer 1367
Okeechobee, Florida 34973-1367
(863) 763-3825
By: Tom Conely III
Fbonda Bar #096482
Attorney for Personal Representative
345153 ON 2/5,12/10


IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIAL IN AND
FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA
Case No.: 2010-DR-042
Division: DOMESTIC RELATIONS
Ruben Hernandez,
Petitioner
and
Graciela Ryeda
Respondent
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
TO: Graciela Ryeda
Last Address: Texas
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action
has been filed against you and that
you are required to serve a copy of
your written defenses, if any, to it on
uben Hernandez whose address is
P.O. Box 1646, Okeechobee, FL
34973 on or before 2-28-10, and file
the original with the clerk of this
Court at Okeechobee County Ju-
dicial Center, Court Operations
1st Floor, 312 NW 3rd Street,
Okeechobee, Florida 34972 be-
fore service on Petitioner or immedi-
ately thereafter. If you fail to do
so, a default may be entered
against you for the relief de-
manded in the petition.
Copies of all court documents
in this case, including orders,
are available at the Clerk of the
Circuit Court's office. You may
review these documents upon
request.
You must keep the Clerk of the
Circuit Court's office notified of
your current address. (You may
le Notice of Current Address
Florida Supreme Court Approved
Family Law Formnn 12.915). Fu-
ture papers in this lawsuit will
be mailed to the address on
record at the clerk's office.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Flori-
da Family Law Rules of Proce-
dure, requires certain automatic
disclosure of documents and in-
formation. Failure to comply can
result in sanctions, including dis-
missal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: January 26, 2010.
SHARON ROBERTSON
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
By: /S/ HEATHER THOMAS
Deputy Clerk
344914 ON 1/29;2/5,12,19/10


IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
NINETEENTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY,
FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO. 2009-CP-258
In Re: Estate of
JESSE RAYMOND WATSON, JR.
a/k/a JESSE R. WATSON, JR.
Deceased
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of
JESSE RAYMOND WATSON, de-
ceased, date of death December 17,
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, Florida 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-
quired to be served must file their
claims with this court WITHIN THIE
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 February 5, 2010.
Cheryl C. Andrews
Personal Representative
486 Lousia Chapel Road
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
CONELY & CONELY, RP.A.
Post Office Drawer 1367
Okeechobee, Flonda 34973-1367
(863) 763-3825
By: Tom Conely III
Florida Bar #096482
Attorney for Personal Representative
345156 ON 2/5,12/10


IN THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT
IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 2010-CA-28
PARCEL(S): FL-OKEE-076
FLORIDA GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company,
Petitioner,
V.
WALTER M. JEYAKUMAR, et al.,
Defendants.
FOR PUBLICATION
SUMMONS TO SHOW CAUSE AND
NOTICE OF EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS
IN THE NAME OF AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE OF
FLORIDA: TO ALL THE SHERIFFS OF THE STATE AND TO ALL WHOM
IT MAY CONCERN:
YOU ARE COMMANDED to serve this summons and a copy of the Peti-
tion in Eminent Domain, the Declaraton of Taking, and Notce of Lis Pen-
dens: All defendants named in the attached party list and all persons
claiming interests by, through, under or against the named defendants; all
persons having or claiming to have any right, tidle, or interest in the proper-
t described in xhibit A and the unknown spouses of the above-named
defendants, if any, and their heirs, devisees, assignees, grantees, creditors,
lessees, executors, administrators, mortgagees, judgment creditors, trus-
tees, lienholders, persons in possession, and any and all other persons hav-
ing or claiming to have any right, title or interest by, through, under or
against the above-named defendants, or otherwise claiming any right, title,
or interest in the real property described in this action.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE DEFENDANTS NAMED IN THE AT-
TACHED PARTY LIST AND TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, INCLUDING
ALL PARTIES CLAIMING ANY INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR
AGAINST THE NAMED DEFENDANTS; AND TO ALL HAVING OR CLAIMING
TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED
IN the Petition, that Petitioner has filed a Petition in Eminent Domain and
Declaration of Taking to acquire certain property interests in Okeechobee
County, Florida as described in the Petition. Each Defendant and any other
person claiming any interest in, or having a lien upon, such property is re-
quired to serve a copy of written answer and defenses to the Petiton upon
BRENDAN T. FRANZONI, of the law firm of Bricklemyer Smolker &
Bolves, P.A., 500 East Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33602, at-
torney for Petitioner, and to file the original of the answer and defenses
with the Clerk of this Court, on or before March 5, 2010, showing what
right, btle, interest, or lien the defendant has in or to the property described
in the Petiton and to show cause why that property should not be taken for
the uses and purposes set forth in the Pebtion. If any Defendant fails to do
so, a default will be entered against that Defendant for the relief demanded
in the Petition.
Dated this 29th day of January, 2010.
SHARON ROBERTSON, Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: Linda F. Young, Deputy Clerk
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ASSISTANCE: IF YOU ARE A PER-
SON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING YOU, ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST
TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY COURT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 250 NW COUN-
TRY CLUB DRIVE, SUITE 217, PORT SAINT LUCIE, FLORIDA 34986,
772-807-4370, AT LEAST SEVEN (7) WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR
COURT APPEARANCE; IF YOU ARE HEARING IMPAIRED, CALL
1-800-955-8771 OR VOICE IMPAIRED, CALL 1-800-955-8771.
PARTY LIST
Parcel FL-OKEE-076
WALTER M. JEYAKUMAR, 388 Asters St, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
JEROME A. HARTL, 388 Asters St, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
SHERMAN WOOD RANCHES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a
Florida non-profit corporation, c/o Cohen Scherer, as Registered Agent, 712
U.S. Highway 1, Ste. 400, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
SHERMAN WOOD RANCHES DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC, a Flori-
da limited liability company, c/o Clifford I. Hert, P.A., as Registered Agent,
One N. Clemats St, Ste. 500, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
BANK OF AMERICA, National Association, c/o Kenneth D. Lewis, Presi-
dent, 101 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28280
CELESTE WATFORD, as Tax Collector, Okeechobee County, 307 N.W. 5th
Ave, Ste. B, Okeechobee, FL 34972
EXHIBIT A"
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
FL-OKEE-076
PERMANENT EASEMENT: A PARCEL OF LAND, BEING A PORTION OF
LOT 32 OF SHERMAN WOOD RANCHES AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7,
PAGES 61 THROUGH 68, INCLUSIVE, PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, LYING IN AND BEING A PART OF SECTION 29, TOWN-
SHIP 37 SOUTH, RANGE 36 EAST OF SAID COUNTY, AND BEING MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTH-
WESTERLY CORNER OF SAID LOT 32; THENCE S 38016'02" E, ALONG THE
SOUTHWESTERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 32, 126.29 FEET TO THE
POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE N 55030'14" E 14.64 FEET; THENCE S
34026'41" E 178.44 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT
32; THENCE S 54025'13" W, ALONG SAID SOUTHEAST BOUNDARY, 2.72
FEET TO THE SOUTHERLYMOST CORNER OF SAID LOT 32; THENCE N
38016'02" W, ALONG THE SOUTHWEST BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 32,
178.87 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING 0.036 ACRE
(1,549 SQUARE FEET), MORE OR LESS.
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT: BEING AN ADDITIONAL
PARCEL DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWESTERLY
CORNER OF SAID LOT 32; THENCE S 38016'02" E, ALONG THE SOUTH-
WEST BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 32, 36.41 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGIN-
NING; THENCE N 55023'12" E 135.63 FEET; THENCE S 3402641" E 196.73
FEET; THENCE S 55033'19" W 65.00 FEET; THENCE S 3402641" E 70.78
FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 32; THENCE S
54025'13" W, ALONG SAID SOUTHEAST BOUNDARY, 50.01 FEET; THENCE
N 3402641" W 178.44 FEET; THENCE S 55030'14" W 14.64 FEET TO THE
SOUTHWEST BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 32; THENCE N 3816'02" W, ALONG
SAID SOUTHWEST BOUNDARY, 89.87 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
CONTAINING 0.637 ACRE (27,750 SQUARE FEET), MORE OR LESS.
345674 ON 2/5,12/10

Notice of Hearing
Okeechobee County Code Enforcement
Special Magistrate
The Okeechobee County Special Magistrate will hold a public meebng on
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. The public meeting will be held at
the Okeechobee County Health Department Auditonum, located at 1728
N.W 9th Avenue, Okeechobee, Flonda. For more information, contact Faye
Huffman at the Panning and Development Department, 499 N.W 5th Ave-
nue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972, (863) 824-3015.
Al interested parties shall have the opportunity to be heard at this public
meeting. Any person deciding to appeal any decision by the Code Enforce-
ment Special Magistrate with respect to any matter considered at this
meeting will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is
made and that the record includes the testimony and evidence upon which
the appeal will be based. Code Enforcement tapes are for the sole purpose
of backup for official records of the Department.
Faye Huffman, Secretary to the
Code Enforcement Special Magistrate
346036 ON 2/12,14/10


I Public Notice


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News

Fort Pierce Central dominated Okeecho-
bee High School's team inside as they wiped
out the Lady Brahmans 79-31 in the semi-
finals of the District 14-4A Tournament at
Lincoln Park.
Brittni Montgomery had 31 points as the
Cobras scored 50 points in the paint against
the Brahmans who finished a strong season
at (18-9).
Coach Tony Sherlock said his team had a
tough time dealing with the Cobras' size. He
said his girls also played tentatively.


4


"We lost some games this year but we
had a good year. We finished well," Sherlock
noted.
Fort Pierce scored 50 points in the first
half and was never threatened by the Brah-
mans. Larnique Collins had 19 points as four
Lady Cobras scored in double figures.
Monica Koger and Keighly Stewart both
had six points in their final high school
game.
Okeechobee also had 16 turnovers in the
game.
Lincoln Park defeated Fort Pierce on Sat-
urday in the Championship game.


-mono


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"Copyrighted Material


Syndicated Contentl


Available from Commercial News Providers"-


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9~4#


4


I Public Notice


Girls hoops season




ends at districts







Girls softball team optimistic about 2010 season


By Charles M. Murphy
Okeechobee News
Okeechobee High School's girls softball
has become used to winning, so last year
was a bit of a surprise when the Lady Brah-
mans missed out on the post season.
Coach Kim Hargraves said this year's
team doesn't have any plans of finishing
their season early.
"We have a strong team coming back
and I feel we will be contenders for our third
title in four years. The girls have that kind of
ability," she said.
The Brahmans didn't lose any seniors to
graduation and added three freshmen Erena
Billie, Jaryca Baker and Sarah Davis to the
mix.
The team also has four senior leaders
in Katarina Suarez, Megan Clements, Emily
McCullough, and Frances Bosworth.
Coach Hargraves said so far the girls have
looked good with strong attitudes and work
ethics, "This is my favorite time of year. The
girls have worked hard in the offseason. We
have a veteran group. They've worked hard
so far, were pretty excited."
Coach Hargraves said Suncoast came
from nowhere to surprise Okeechobee and
Jensen Beach last year. She noted Suncoast
has done well with their travel ball team and
continue to be a factor in the district. Jensen
returns all nine starters and will be a tough
team to beat.
Hargraves said last year nine of her 13
players suffered injuries and that curtailed


their efforts to win the district champion-
ship. She said the team seems fairly healthy
so far this year and she hopes that trend con-
tinues.
Okeechobee also suffered a blow when
Taylor Douglas was lost to an illness. Her sta-
tus for the coming year is still unknown but
the team will hope for the best. Hargraves
admitted that Douglas is a huge asset be-
hind the plate with her defense. She also is a
power hitter from the left side of the plate.
"We are hoping and praying that she
comes back strong and is an asset this sea-
son," she said.
At first base Clements will share time with
LeAnna Cotton and Courtney Wilson. Wil-
son and Ashtyn Brown will be the primary
second basemen. Naomi Stephens and Vic-
toria Blevins should see time at shortstop.
Cotton and Clements will play some at third
base.
With Douglas unavailable, Brown and
Baker will see the bulk of the playing time
behind the plate.
The outfield will feature Emily Mc-
Cullough, Blevins, Taylor Kinman, Billie, and
Samantha Harrell.
The featured pitchers will be Harrell,
Suarez, and Wilson. Some of the younger
arms also have potential to see time on the
mound. Heather Gillis returns as assistant
coach while Darryl Allen and Tyrone Smith
will handle the JV team.
Hargraves said pitching really isn't the
team's main concern. She said offense will


tell the tale of whether Okeechobee returns
to glory, "We have good consistent pitch-
ers. The biggest thing is to get the bats alive.
Were not a power house hitting team like
in the past, we'll rely on running the bases
more.
The Lady Brahmans split two games this
past weekend at a Preseason Classic at Jupi-
ter High School. Okeechobee lost to the host
school 3-0 in the first game but rebounded to
defeat a tough Palm Beach Gardens squad,
2-0, in the second game.
The annual softball fundraiser will be
held today with a golf ball drop from a heli-
copter starting festivities at about 5:45 p.m.
The balls are dropped over second base.
The ball closest to the base earns the win-
ner $1,500. The second closest ball earns
the owner $600, and the third closest earns
$400. The ball that lands the furthest from
the bag earns the owner free season passes
to all softball home games.
Each ball costs $10 and can be purchased
from players and coaches. There will also
be a fund raiser dinner with barbecue pork,
macaroni and cheese, baked beans, ice tea
and a desert for only $6. For more informa-
tion on the fundraiser, call Coach Hargraves
at 863-634-6322.


Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy
Courtney Wilson will be one of the key
pitchers this year for the Lady Brah-
mans.


V .m .i a jit w" taeiiiab

Each of the first two teams with 50 registered fans by February 28, will receive one $50 gift certificate from Domino's Pizza.
Must be actively reporting game scores, photos, etc. on the site to participate (1 certificate per team)


1. Have your family and friends 2. Click the "Become a Fan"
locate your teams on the icon f and provide an email
Okeechobee SportsNetwork. address.


3. They have now "Become a
Fan" of your team and will
receive updates as the stories
are posted to the site.


OKEECHOBEE
SPORTSNETWORK


.... To visit Okeechobee Sports Network online, go to
newszap.com, click on the Okeechobee homepage,
then click on the Sports tab in the upper right part of the page"


CommunityvS rtDesk
Catch your communityy at play


Okeechobee News


February 12, 2010