Sam Smith Has ‘No Regrets’ How to Contact This Newspaper

Vol. 111 No. 30 Sunday, March 8, 2020 $1.00 plus tax

GIve your child a 2 Head Start

Piper Aircraft offers 3 apprenticeshps Lake Levels 12.57 feet Last Year: 12.65 feet

6SRQVRUHG%\ Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/Ivan Meneses/Insomniac Events

2020 OMF concerts include light shows and pyrotechnics 3RJH\·V)DPLO\5HVWDXUDQW OKEECHOBEE — After a year hiatus in 2019, the Okeechobee Music Festival returned to Sunshine Grove in northeastern 63DUURWW$YH Okeechobee County, March 4-8. Approximately 30,000 or more fans were expected to attend. For the story, see Page 7.  Source: South Florida Water Management District. Inspiring Okeechobee... Depth given in feet above sea level See Page 4 for information about Sam Smith has ‘no regrets’ how to contact this newspaper. By Cathy Womble offi cial teaching assignment. “He looked like He had been in Panama City doing his student Lake Okeechobee News a kid himself,” said his sister-in-law, Susan teaching and liked it there but was having Smith. Sam’s brother John and his wife, Su- trouble fi nding a job. OKEECHOBEE — Sam Smith arrived in san, had moved to Okeechobee in 1972 after He was promised a job at the junior high Okeechobee in 1973, a 20-year-old man fresh John came back from Vietnam. They loved it out of college and ready to take on his fi rst here, and Sam followed them the next year. See SMITH — Page 7 863-467-1545 100% Customer Satisfaction is MillersCentralAir.com Our Mission! LIC NO. CAC058675 2 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020 AA meetings in Okeechobee County OKEECHOBEE — Area churches host AA meetings each week. • United Methodist Church, 200 N.W. Second St., hosts open meetings at noon, Monday through Friday. • Okeechobee Christian church, 3055 S.E. 18th Terrace hosts a closed “Wake up group” on Mondays at 6:30 a.m. and a closed meeting at noon on Thursdays. • Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 901 S.W. Sixth St., hosts a closed men’s meeting on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. • Presbyterian Church, 312 N. Parrott Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Ave., hosts a “Heard it through the grape- vine” open meeting on Mondays at 6:30 Big and Little brothers of the year p.m. On Saturdays a closed “Keep it simple OKEECHOBEE — Ken Keller and his little brother, Levi, were recognized by group” meeting is held at 7:30 p.m. Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties Special to the Lake Okeechobee News • Church of our Savior, 200 N.W. Third as the Big Brother/Little Brother team of the year on Feb. 29. Congratulations! St., hosts a closed meeting at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. On Thursdays there is an open Cole is Champion women’s group at 6 p.m. and a closed Big The Okeechobee County Fair seeks contest participants of Champions Book Study at 8 p.m. On Fridays there is OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee County Fair Association is seeking adult and youth contest an open speaker meeting at 8 p.m. Then on OKEECHOBEE — In his first experi- participants for the upcoming fair March 17-22. The contests consist of quilting, sewing, leatherwork, Sundays there is an open Step Study at 7:30 painting, drawing, photography, horticulture, woodworking and more. There will also be food com- ence at the Florida State Fair, Cole p.m. petitions such as home baking, canned goods, a vegetable competition featuring garden vegetable, Verrano took first place senior in fruit and vegetable and largest vegetable categories. This year we will again be having the educational the Dairy Champion of Champions Weather Forecast posters and educational displays competitions. contest, third place in showman- Individual youths may enter the Educational Poster Contest and 4-H Clubs or FFA Chapters may ship, third place FFA judging team, enter the Educational Display Contest. The top three club/chapter displays will win awards of $150, second place for Frances (his cow) $100 and $75 for their programs. You may enter online and download the entry forms and rules at the in her class, first place for Holstein Okeechobee County Fair Web site at okeechobeecountyfair.com or pick up copies of the 2020 Premi- bred by exhibitor and the Florida um Book at the Okeechobee County Extension Office, 458 U.S. 98 North. The deadline for entries is State Fair Bill Carey Sportsmanship March 6. For further information, call Dianne Spann at 863-634-3327. Award. Congratulations, Cole!

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near Give your child a Head Start 71. Windy, with an east wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Special to the Lake Okeechobee News SSI, to foster children, and to those who are VPK certificate. Certificates and additional Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. OKEECHOBEE — Northside Head Start in currently homeless. information are available from the Early Sunday night: Partly Okeechobee is now accepting applications Why choose Head Start? The Head Start Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and cloudy, with a low around for the 2020-2021 school year. Don’t miss this Program in Okeechobee County is operated Okeechobee Counties at 877-220-1223. 59. East wind around 10 by Economic Opportunities Council of Indian opportunity to register your child/children Although the EOC receives federal funding mph. River County (EOC). EOC has a 55-year (ages 3 and 4). Head Start is a free full-day, for the Head Start Program, a 20% local Monday: Mostly successful track record of helping children sunny, with a high near school-year early childhood education pro- match is required. Donations from caring become kindergarten ready. Head Start is 75. East wind 5 to 15 mph, gram for eligible children and families. Head community members are needed. For every NAEYC accredited and uses evidence-based dollar invested today, savings range from with gusts as high as 20 Start invests over $8,700 in the education of curriculum. Teachers have degrees. Head $2.50 to as much as $17 in the years ahead mph. each child each year. To be eligible, your child Start engages the family in the child’s learning (per the U. S. Chamber of Commerce). Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low must be 3 or 4 on or before Sept. 1. Services and provides the family with training opportu- EOC is a Community Action Agency around 59. East wind 5 to 10 mph. will be provided to families with a house- nities and resources. Children receive daily working to transition at-risk individuals and Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near hold income at or below the federal poverty breakfast and lunch. They also receive health families from poverty to self-sufficiency. EOC 77. East-southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. guidelines, to those who are receiving certain and dental screenings. EOC has six Head Start has a successful track record of providing Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low forms of public assistance such as TNAF or centers throughout Indian River County and high-quality programs and services, in- around 59. East wind around 5 mph becom- one in Okeechobee County. cluding Head Start, to economically disad- ing calm after midnight. Head Start is a VPK (voluntary prekin- vantaged children and families. For more dergarten) provider. Parents of 4-year-old information or to make a tax-deductible children must donation, visit eocofirc.net, or call “Always on Top of the Job” obtain a 772-562-4177. valid Hot Dogs Hot Dog Wagon Make America Great! 441 & 78 Re-Roofing Specialists At the Top of the Lake! • Metal & Shingle Roofs • Flats & Leaks Repair FREE ESTIMATES Chili, Cheese & Kraut Hot Dogs State Lic.#CCC1327338 Special to the Lake Okeechobee News Smoked Sausage • Cold Drinks OKEECHOBEE — Head Start children 863-357-3838 enjoy dramatic play. Snacks • Papa John’s Boiled Peanuts March 8, 2020 Lake Okeechobee News 3 IRSC seek applicants for apprenticeship 5RR¿QJZLWKWKH Special to the Lake Okeechobee News benefits package. At the end of the training, aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft QDPH\RXWUXVW VERO BEACH — Piper Aircraft is now students take exams to become qualified manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin accepting applications for its 2020 Appren- journeymen in aircraft assembly and are pre- Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series — ticeship Program. The two-year program, pared to eventually take on supervisory and the M600SLS, M500 and M350 — offers busi- presented in cooperation with Indian River management roles at Piper. nesses and individuals elegant performance, State College, began in August 2019, in Qualifications for participants and the value and a superior ownership experience. response to the increasing demand for program application can be found on the The Personal Class Seneca V, Archer LX and high-quality manufacturing candidates at Piper website at piper.com/careers. Questions Archer DLX balance proven performance, regarding the program can be directed to Piper Aircraft. The first nine apprentices are efficiency and simplicity in a piston powered [email protected]. The apprenticeship ROOFING currently entering their second semester aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100/100i, of the program, shadowing skilled aircraft program is registered by the Florida Depart- & REPAIRS Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole and assembly workers and learning all aspects ment of Education Division of Career and 5HVLGHQWLDO &RPPHUFLDO of aircraft fabrication and assembly while Adult Education. Seneca V aircraft form the most complete taking related IRSC-delivered coursework. The application deadline is April 30. technically advanced line of pilot training The 2020 apprenticeship cohort will begin About Piper Aircraft aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the in late July at Piper Aircraft’s world headquar- Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero General Aviation Manufacturers Association. ters in Vero Beach. Each apprentice is a paid Beach, offers aviators throughout the world To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the employee of Piper Aircraft and receives a full efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine company’s website at piper.com. )5(( Florida PSC approves settlement for SolarTogether (VWLPDWHV Special to the Lake Okeechobee News “The Commission approved the settlement customers the opportunity to support solar TALLAHASSEE — Supporting universal so- agreement because this unique solar program power without the need to install solar on lar expansion as a public benefit, the Florida is in the public interest of the State of Florida, their rooftop. Participating customers will /LFHQVHGDQG,QVXUHG and offers FPL customers the opportunity subscribe to a portion of new solar power Public Service Commission (PSC) approved 6W/LF&&& to advance renewable energy in Florida,” capacity and, in return, they will receive a Settlement Agreement for Florida Power said PSC Chairman Gary Clark. “The new credits expected to reduce their monthly & Light Company’s (FPL) community solar solar additions will serve to reduce the risk bills over time. Under FPL’s plan, the utility program — SolarTogether — on March 3. of higher fuel and emissions costs for all FPL will install 1,490 megawatts of solar at 20 Don’t make a Mistake! FPL, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, ratepayers.” new solar power plants across FPL’s service Vote Solar and Walmart offered a settlement During a technical hearing on the pro- territory, with projected long-term savings of agreement for the SolarTogether program posed program in January, Commissioners $249 million. Call Big Lake and tariff, saying it expands fuel diversity and heard from all parties to the case and had the FPL serves nearly 5 million customer saves costs due to the decreasing price of opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and accounts in Florida. 863-763-ROOF solar generation. The Office of Public Counsel study evidence. For additional information, visit floridapsc. opposed the agreement. FPL’s program was developed to give com. Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc. (7663) 4 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020

Speak Out Masonic Lodge holds fish fry Okeechobee Masonic Lodge will serve Speak Out is a reader response col- they are sick. If they are sick, they should It’s great to see something like that on fried fish dinners at the Speckled Perch umn. Comments may be posted on the stay home and not pass the germs to the the front page because I believe there Festival held in Flagler Park located on S.R. newspaper’s website or Facebook pages, rest of the class.” — S. Smith is more good in the world than bad, 70 on Saturday, March 14 and 15 from emailed to [email protected] or • “It is a total outrage Okeechobee but too often only the bad gets atten- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. mailed to the newspaper office, 107 S.W. is allowing a large public gathering, the tion.” — M. Jones 17th St., Suite D, Okeechobee, FL 34974. music festival now underway, during • “What an amazing story and the COVID-19 spread in the U.S. There a blessing he was able to help two Church serves breakfast Music festival are confirmed cases in Florida, not far people get to safety. We still have good New St. Stephen AME Church, 1050 • “Only thing that I get annoyed with from Okeechobee. This virus is partic- people in this world who do care about N.E. 16th Ave., will be Feeding the Com- is the traffic, but I’ve got to be patient. ularly deadly to the elderly — of which others, and that’s what this world munity on March 21, from 7:30 to 9:30 It’s only one weekend.” — Ashley House- there are many, actually mostly, in needs is: love, peace, hope.” — Blanca a.m., at the Douglas Brown Community worth Okeechobee. Safety of the people is to Bowman Center, 826 N.E. 16th Ave. Menu includes • “Let’s all be nice. Let’s welcome come first and this city is not protect- • “Great job! God had him there at scrambled eggs, sausage, grits and toast. these fun, eccentric people here and en- ing its population — shameful to put it the right time.” — Veronica Freeman Delivery available to the homebound. joy the boost in our economy!” — Corin- mildly. Miami made the move to protect na Evans Campbell its people by canceling its event.” — • “I think it’s awesome. As far as I Anonymous 5HÀHFWLRQVIURPWKH3XOSLW know, no one from Okeechobee has ever • “Miami canceled their festival. From live in freedom from the past. Also for me, been harmed. It lasts only a few days. all I know, they don’t have any cases, Fear, Faith and Responsibly By Rev. Don Hanna I love this life and want to live as long as I It seems to be well organized. It makes either...” — Mariana Teixeira can but I am certain that this life is not all money for Okeechobee, but not sure • “Has anyone actually been tested First United Methodist Church there is. Through Christ, I will leave this life where the money goes. It is one large or quarantined for 14 days with the virus There is a great deal of fear and anxiety and enter his presence in heaven. Mean- tract of land that contains more people symptoms? I highly doubt it. Governor about the coronavirus or COVID-19 in the while, I want to live well and stay as safe as than all of Okeechobee, yet has less said if you have virus symptoms, go the news and the topic of many a conversation. I can. This is not just for myself but for oth- crime than Okeechobee.” — Rob Wilson health department for testing, not Urgent I am a pastor, not a medical professional, ers. If I am driving responsibly and washing • “I wanted to go, but I work. Adult Care , ER, or the doctor.” — Renee Story but I am convinced that our fears are out my hands and keeping my hands away life. It seems like a lot of fun!” — Saman- • “If you are worried about crowds, of proportion to reality. A couple of weeks from my face, then I am protecting myself tha Sewell just don’t go to the music festival. It’s a ago, 29 million Americans had the flu and and others. I am not going to be afraid or • “The Okeechobee Music Festival camping festival. They go there. They 18,000 died, while last year there were scare others about this latest illness. May organizers did some really great planning stay there all weekend. On Monday they 38,880 people who died in auto accidents. God be with you all. ... or were really lucky. They will not leave. The only time you see a lot of the We are far more likely to die in our car than impact the Dark Sky site at Kissimmee festival fans in town is the first day when by the flu or the new virus. I am convinced Prairie Preserve with light pollution. they are spending loads of cash on sup- that if we take the additional steps of ANSWERSSOOUSU TO PUZZLE Local astronomers can celebrate!” — Su plies at Walmart and all the locals know proper hand washing and not touching George to avoid Walmart that day. By and large our faces, we can avoid this outbreak and • “Have fun. Be safe, and wash your they are a healthy group because most of maybe save many lives from the flu. hands often!” — Ruby Bishop Budovsky them are college students. A festival out Neither of those steps will keep us safe in the woods is a lot different than having in our cars, but the reality is that we face Coronavirus a festival in an urban area. I note they are risk every day. Nothing we do can forestall • “Dealing with the latest virus is no not canceling the Speckled Perch Festival death altogether. Age, cars and illnesses are different from the annual flu. Wash your or the county fair. Just use some com- still lurking as we live. The question is, how will we live today? Will we live in fear or hands often. If you are sick, stay home. If mon sense, wash your hands often and stay home if you are sick.” — K. Booker in faith? To me faith is not just hoping that your child is sick, do not send the kid to everything will be fine but putting my faith school to make everyone else sick. Just Local hero in God through Christ. use some common sense and stay safe. For me, life is all about living and loving I wish the schools would stop giving • “I loved reading the story about as Christ has loved me. I am a long way ‘perfect attendance’ awards because that the young man who saved the couple from perfect but I believe that I have been encourages kids to come to school when whose car had overturned in a ditch. forgiven and it is that freedom that lets me

Lake Okeechobee News (USPS # 406- by Independent NewsMedia Inc, USA. objectivity, fearlessness, and 160) is published 3 times a week: Sunday, Independent is owned by a unique trust compassion Wednesday and Friday by Independent that enables this newspaper to pursue • To use our opinion pages to facilitate Newsmedia, Inc. a mission of journalistic service to the community debate, not to dominate it 107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite D citizens of the community. Since no Okeechobee, FL 34974 dividends are paid, the company is able with our own opinions Periodicals Postage paid at Okeechobee, to thrive on profit margins below industry • To disclose our own conflicts of interest FL 34974 and additional mailing offices. standards. All after-tax surpluses are or potential conflicts to our readers POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: reinvested in Independent’s mission of • To correct our errors and to give each To Reach Us To Place a Display Ad Lake Okeechobee News journalistic service, commitment to the correction the prominence it deserves. Address: 107 S.W. 17th Street, Suite D Phone: (863) 763-3134 Circulation Administration ideals of the First Amendment of the • To provide a right to reply to those we Okeechobee, FL 34974 Email: [email protected] 110 Galaxy Road • Dover, DE 19901 U.S. Constitution, and support of the write about. Website: okeechobeenews.net community’s deliberation of public issues. • To treat people with courtesy, respect, Additional copies may be purchased for and compassion 7R3ODFHD&ODVVLÀHGV$G $1.00 each. To Submit News Call: (877) 353-2424 to place a classified We Pledge... • To operate the newspaper as a public trust The Lake Okeechobee News welcomes advertisement from home • To help our community become a better submissions from its readers. Opinion, Fax: (877) 354-2424 Staff Publisher/Editor: Katrina Elsken place to live and work, through our calendar items, story ideas, and Email: [email protected] Circulation Sales Manager: Jerry Hayden dedication to conscientious journalism photographs are welcome. Call (863) 763- Delivery Manager: Cynthia Eckert • To provide the information citizens need 3134 to reach our newsroom. Items may be Billing Department to make their own intelligent decisions mailed or emailed. Email: [email protected] about public issues Email: [email protected] Our Purpose... • To report the news with honesty, The Okeechobee News is published accuracy, purposeful neutrality, fairness, March 8, 2020 Lake Okeechobee News 5 OCSO Investigations Blueberry growers can use The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office NARCOTIC USE investigated reports of the following crimes last week: • 1600 block Southeast 28th Street UF/IFAS tool to fight fungus ASSAULT • 4000 block Southeast 14th Terrace Special to the Lake Okeechobee News • 800 block Southwest 28th Street UF/IFAS experts have rated the risks for • 5000 block Northeast 168th Street Instead of spraying every two or three AFR development as “low” (less than 15%), • 2300 block State Road 70 West • 1700 block U.S. 441 North weeks, Florida blueberry growers can use “moderate” (15-50%) or “high” (greater BURGLARY • 2400 block U.S. 441 Southeast an updated web-based tool to fight anthrac- than 50%). Growers who sign up for noti- nose fruit rot (AFR) with more precision, fications will receive a text message and/ • 1600 block Northeast THEFT thanks to work by UF/IFAS experts. • 1200 block Southwest 19th Terrace Blueberries grow throughout much or email when the risk is moderate or high, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF • 4100 block U.S. 441 South of Florida between December and April. Mr. Phillips said. • 2800 block U.S. 441 North When their flowers and fruit are develop- The new advisory system works similarly • 4100 block Southeast 22nd Court ing, many farmers use a calendar-based to the Strawberry Advisory System, devel- • Jail x2 method to spray their plants to protect oped several years ago by Clyde Fraisse, a FRAUD against AFR, said Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS • 9600 block Southwest 35th court UF/IFAS agricultural and biological engi- • 200 block Southwest Second Street blueberry Extension coordinator. • 300 block Northwest 34th Street Under this method, farmers spray neering professor, and Natalia Peres, a UF/ HIT AND RUN • 3100 block U.S. 441 South fungicide at regular intervals, typically every IFAS plant pathology professor. With the • 3000 block U.S. 98 North • 8100 block U.S. 441 Southeast 14 to 21 days, which over the course of a Strawberry Advisory System, growers of season can be costly, Mr. Phillips said. UF/ that crop spray when they get alerts that IFAS researchers do not know yet how Okeechobee Livestock Report much money farmers might save by using anthracnose may be developing. the web tool. That depends on farm size, Mr. Fraisse developed the website for the products used, and other factors, Mr. the Blueberry Advisory System, Mr. Phillips Phillips said. said. Ms. Peres evaluated the system in the The weather-based Blueberry Advisory field trials. System (BAS), released on Jan. 31, sends growers alerts that tell them when environ- Blueberries are most susceptible to AFR mental conditions favor the development in warm, wet weather, with temperatures of AFR, a fungus that can severely damage between 59 and 81 degrees. Combine those blueberries. conditions with 12-hour periods of leaf “This system allows growers to target wetness, and you get ideal conditions for their fungicide sprays to those periods when the development of infection is more AFR to develop, Mr. Phillips said. likely,” Mr. Phillips said. “In many cases, this Rainfall or overhead irrigation can system will decrease spray applications in a compound the problem by spreading the given season, while achieving a compara- pathogen to healthy fruit and plants, creat- ble level of disease control.” ing additional opportunities for infection. Growers can also use the risk assess- ments to choose whether to use a less The pathogen can also be spread by expensive fungicide when they encounter fruits touching each other and from har- moderate disease risk, or a more expensive vesting machinery and sorting equipment. product that may be more effective during Thus, growers can help control the high-risk periods, Mr. Phillips said. disease primarily by timely application of UF/IFAS tested BAS on nine blueberry farms during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, fungicides. and results were good. BAS notified grow- “Good practices can also help reduce ers to spray fungicide when AFR was more the risk of developing anthracnose fruit rot,” likely to develop, and in most cases, they Mr. Phillips said. “They include periodic didn’t need to apply the sprays as often, Mr. pruning to open the plant canopy, harvest- Phillips said. Data for the AFR risk models come from ing frequently to avoid overripe berries, and the Florida Automated Weather Network rapid cooling of fruit following harvest.” (FAWN), which has weather stations For more information, contact Phillips at throughout the state. dal64372@ufl.edu. Doggy Dash 5k run set The Masonic Lodge #237 is excited to be hosting a 5k Run/Walk to support efforts of the Fraternal Order of Police of Okeechobee to construct Okeechobee’s first dog park. The race will be held on Sunday, March 15. Check-in south of the bandshell in Flagler Park (corner of There’s still uncertainty in the market were close to steady except lighter weight S.W. Fifth Ave. and Park Street). Check-in due to coronavirus. But with the rebound in calves under 300 lbs $3 to $5 lower. ends at 7:45 a.m. and the Fun Run starts the futures trading and the recovery of the Daylight saving time begins Sunday, at 8 a.m. You can preregister at www. stock market, it seems as though it is less March 8. RunForBooty.com for $25 or register the volatile. The general feeling is more opti- Do little cattle, LaBelle, topped the day of the race for $30. Friendly, vacci- mistic but could change with more spread- calf market with a high of $2.22/300 lbs., nated dogs are welcome to join for free. Shirt guaranteed for first 50 registrants Okeechobee Livestock Market ing of the virus. The media have certainly bought by D&S. Cattle Auction Monday & Tuesday been having a heyday with the virus and Gro cattle, Miami, topped the slaughter and custom medal guaranteed for first Restaurant Open Monday - Wednesday the Democratic caucuses. Slaughter classes cow market with a high of $0.735/1480 lbs., 100 registrants. For information, call 863- “Best Burgers in South Florida!” were $1 to $3 lower and feeder classes bought by Brown and Florida Beef. 800-0196. 863.763.3127 6 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020 Your Community News Amvets to host bingo Legion to host events Speckled Perch dinner set Clay Shoot to be held March 21 Amvets Post 200, 3651 U.S. 441 S.E., will American Legion Post 64, 501 S.E. Second The Brahma Bull will host the Speckled The Fourth Annual United Way of host quarter bingo on on Sunday, March St., will host the following events: On Sunday, Perch Rodeo Dance on Saturday, March Okeechobee Clay Shoot Tournament 8, and Tuesday, March 10, it will host fi ve- March 8, the doors open at 5:30 p.m. and 14, at 9 p.m. Doors open for dinner at 6:30 will be held on Saturday, March 21, card bingo from 2 to 4 p.m. the bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. It’s sporting p.m. Music by the Saddle Tramp Band. at the OK Corral Gun Club, 9449 N.E. weekend, purchase $1 drafts. Kitchen is open Dinner and dance tickets available at Eli’s 48th St. For information, visit United- Mooose Lodge hosts events from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Monday, March Western Wear, 907 N.W. Park St. Proceeds WayOkeechobee.org, or call 863-824- 9, fi ve-card bingo is from 1 to 3 p.m. You can benefi t local scholarships on behalf of the 5546. Moose Lodge 1753, 159 N.W. 36th St., March 8 get chicken salad for lunch starting at 11 a.m. Okeechobee Cattlewomen. will serve breakfast on Sunday, , Tuesday, March 10, is meeting day. Legion- from 8 to 9:45 a.m. and three-card bingo is aries and auxiliary meet at 6 p.m. You can from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. purchase $1.50 Bloody Mary’s. Obituaries VFW 4423 hosts events Library Friends to meet VFW Post 4423, 300 N.W. 34th St., will Obituaries should be submitted to The Friends of the Library of the Lake Okeechobee News by emailing Search obituaries nationally at host the following events: On Sunday, Okeechobee will host a monthly meeting March 8, dinner is at 1 p.m. On Monday. March 10 [email protected]. Customers may http://www.legacy.com March 9 on Tuesday, , at 4 p.m. at the , three-card bingo is at 2 p.m. Mu- public library, 206 S.W. 16th St. also request photos and links to online sic by Johnny Debt at 4:30 p.m. On Tuesday. guestbooks. A link to the obituaries is March 10, dauber bingo is at 6 p.m. available at lakeokeechobeenews.com. Dale L. Jorae, 90 CA to hold meeting OKEECHOBEE — Dale L. Jorae died March Church holds bingo LAKEPORT — The Lakeport Communi- 2, 2020. ty Association (LCA), 1239 Red Barn Road, James T. ‘Jim’ Miller, 89 Dale is survived in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 901 will hold a meeting featuring guest speaker James T. “Jim” Miller passed away on Feb. spirit by his wife, Mary; S.W. Sixth St., will hold bingo on Monday, March 9 Paul McGehee with Edward Jones on Mon- 25, 2020. Jim was born in McKees Rocks, son, Edwin Jorae, of , at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 day, March 10, at 7 p.m. A pot luck dinner Pa. He and Bobbie, Thousand Oaks, Ca- p.m. The kitchen will serve sandwiches, will be served at 6:30 p.m. his wife of 50 years, lif.; daughters, Nancy snacks and drinks moved to Pompano Jacobs and her hus- City holds Town Hall Meeting Beach, Fla. in 1968. In band Mark, of Inde- Elks to host events 1999, they moved to pendence, Miss., and The City Council of the City of The Lake Okeechobee Elk’s Lodge (a Buckhead Ridge. Connie Drouin and Okeechobee invites the public to a Town her husband Chuck, smoke-free environment), 131 N.W. 36th St., Hall Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, Jim was a small en- will host quarter bingo on Monday, March gine mechanic for of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; four grandsons, Patrick, 9 March at 6 p.m., at the Okeechobee Freshman Eddie, and Robbie, of Myrtle Beach, Jordan , from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Campus Auditorium. 610 S.W. Second Ave. American Equipment 11, is Dollar day and you can purchase in Pompano. When he Jacobs and his wife Alicia, of Pocahontas, For information, call 863-763-3372. For Ark.; and two granddaughters, Alisha Jacobs, hamburgers and french fries for just $1 each. information, visit cityofokeechobee.com. moved to Buckhead Regular lodge hours are Wednesday through Ridge, he worked at the VFW Post 9528 as a of Orlando, Fla. and Caitlin Jorae, of Ann Ar- Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. janitor. Then he went to work as a spray truck bor, Mich. He was predeceased by son, Mi- Diabetes workshops planned driver for Buckhead Ridge Mosquito Control, chael Jorae and first wife, Gloria. ORE to meet March 9 A Diabetes Self-Management Workshop where he was still employed at the time he Dale was typical blue collar guy - he was will be held for adults and seniors with type passed. very supportive of all of his kids but didn’t The Okeechobee Retired Educators 2 diabetes on Thursdays, March 12, 19, unusually verbalize his praise or encourage- will hold a meeting on Monday, March 26 April 2 He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; daugh- and , from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at the ters, Debra Latoch, Pam Hundly (Mike) and ment, instead tried to lead by the example he 9, at 11 a.m. in the meeting room of Beef Young at Heart Center of Okeechobee, 1690 knew best – hard work. Despite his modest O’Brady’s, 608 S. Parrott Ave. Retired Lynn Purgave (Jimmy); four grandchildren N.W. Ninth Ave. Family and caregivers are and six great grandchildren. upbringing, Dale was a good provider, a ded- school employee are invited to attend. invited to attend. Call or text to reserve a seat icated employee, and had an uncanny abili- 863-532-3099. A Celebration of Life service will be held on ty to create savings. If you wanted to know Retired educators to meet April 19, 2020 from 2 to 4 p.m. at VFW 9528. where to buy a well-priced gallon of gas, Dale was the one to ask. He was also the neighbor The Okeechobee Retired Educators will Benefi t for mom & daughter that was always willing to lend a helping hand be meeting on Monday, March 9, in the John Byron Sammons, 61 A spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be OKEECHOBEE — John Byron Sammons when needed. meeting room of Beef O’Brady’s, 608 S. held to benefi t, mother and daughter, died March 5, 2020. Mr. Sammons was Parrott Ave., at 11 a.m. Any retired school Bobi O’Neill and Tanya Christopher on Dale dropped out of high school during born June 26, 1958 employee is welcome to attend. Friday, March 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the WWII to help run his family farm. He then Okeechobee Christian Academy, Fellow- in Okeechobee. A served in the Army until his honorable dis- ship Hall, 701 S. Parrott Ave, for a donation lifetime resident of charge in 1961. With four kids to support, he BHR VFW 9528 hosts event of $10 each. Take outs will be available. A Okeechobee, he loved moved his family to St. Johns, Mich. where BUCKHEAD RIDGE — The VFW Post silent auction will be held. All donations operating heavy equip- he took a job with nearby General Motors 9528, 29012 S.R. 78 E., will host the follow- goes to Bobi O’Neill and Tayna Christo- ment, building and and remained there until his retirement in ing events: A full breakfast will be served pher’s kidney transplants cost. Donations running airboats, and 1995. For the next 15 years, Dale and Mary on Sunday, March 8, from 8:30 to 10:30 can be made at PNC Bank Account spending time with his alternated their time between St. Johns a.m. Five-card bingo is on Sunday, March #122289188 with Memo: Bobi O’Neil family and friends. and Okeechobee, Fla. until making Lake 8, at 5 p.m. Five-card bingo on Monday, FUND. For information, visit Anchorpoint- Mr. Sammons is sur- Okeechobee their permanent home. Dale March 9, at 6 p.m. followed by Center - Ministriesinc.com or call 863-763-7800. vived by his lifetime enjoyed fishing, trips to his beloved coffee Right - Left. The Sons of AMVETS will serve companion, Mary Gabor; adoptive sons, John shop, home and yard projects, walking Macie chicken Parmesan and dessert on Wednes- Ladies of Liberty concert Gabor, Scott Gabor, and Ryan Gabor; brother, the squirrel traumatizing terrier, and spending day, March 11, at 5 p.m. Dauber bingo Joe Sammons; sister, Norma K. Leitner, all of time with his grandchildren. March 12, The Lake Okeechobee News will present on Thursday, at 12:30 p.m. Okeechobee; and numerous adoptive grand- Dale will be buried in Maple Grove Ceme- Burgers at 11:30 am. The Post will serve a free salute to veterans featuring Ladies for children. March 13 Liberty, a patriotic singing troupe. on Friday, tery, Ovid, Mich. A memorial service planned dinner on Friday, , from 5:30 to 7 March 14 No services will be held. is for this summer. p.m. Menu includes grilled boneless rib eye , at 7 p.m. at the Okeechobee steak, grilled pork tenderloin, fried fi sh and KOA, 4276 U.S. Highway 441 South. Doors Those wishing to leave a message of Those wishing to leave a message of open at 6:15 p.m. Offsite parking with shuttle shrimp, baked and french fried potatoes, condolence may sign the register book at, condolence may sign the register book at, will be available at Winn-Dixie. Limited hand- www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com baked sweet potatoes, fried onion rings, icap accessible parking available at KOA. The salad, and dessert. Music by Karaoke Kop USO style performance features the style of All arrangements are entrusted to the All arrangements are entrusted to the from 6 to 10 p.m. All events are open to the the Andrews Sisters with a spirit of patriotism direction and care of the Buxton & Bass direction and care of the Buxton & Bass public. Proceeds benefi t veteran services. reminiscent of the 1940s. Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Par- Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Par- For information, call 863-467-2882. rott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972. rott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972. March 8, 2020 Lake Okeechobee News 7 Okeechobee Music festival continues Sunday

By Katrina Elsken draw around 30,000 fans or more. Actual take the stage at 10:30 p.m. Sunday. This year, the festival offered the option Lake Okeechobee News attendance numbers will not be available In addition to the concerts, the festi- of single day passes to all fans. In 2018, until after the event. val includes immersive art, a health and only Okeechobee County residents had the OKEECHOBEE — The 2020 Okeechobee Sunday is the last day of the music festi- wellness area known as Yogachobee, the single day pass option. Music Festival got off to a great start on val, and will include concerts on three large man-made beach called Aquachobee and Sunday is the last day for concerts. Thursday with concerts accompanied by stages as well as several smaller stages Participation Row, which features booths Campers are required to leave the festival light shows and pyrotechnics. throughout the festival grounds starting at 3 and activities by local nonprofit organi- grounds by noon on Monday. According to Okeechobee County Sheriff p.m. Sunday and ending at 3 a.m. Monday. zations. Performers can also be found For tickets, full lineup and other festival Noel Stephen, the 2020 OMF is expected to Festival headliners Mumford & Sons will throughout the festival grounds. information, go to okeechobeefest.com.

positive about life and about people. He al- SMITH ways had the words to encourage people to do better for themselves. If he needed to be Continued From Page 1 tough, he would be tough. It made some employees uncomfortable, but at the end school here, teaching with Susan. He would of the day, they were better for it. He knew be teaching social studies while she taught what to say, whether they wanted to hear it English, but when he arrived, the job had or not to get them motivated.” already been given to someone else. Janine Merriman, a counselor at IRSC, It turned out to be the best thing that also worked with Sam for many years. She ever happened to him, though, because said he was great to have as a boss. One of Mike McCranie offered him a job teaching the things she remembers most about him at the old Fifth and Sixth Grade Center was that he remembered everyone’s name, teaching sixth grade. “I believe it was parents, students. She said he was also meant to be,” said Susan. “He loved it. He known for leaving personal messages on had fun with the kids.” your desk after any kind of an event. If you One of the best things about the job did something, he never failed to thank you was that it brought the family back together for it. No matter how many people worked again. The Smith family has always been on it, he would take the time to write each close. Other than the years John was in the person a personal note to thank them for service, the brothers have never really been Special to the Lake Okeechobee News what they did. apart. Sam never married or had children, This picture was taken during Sam Everyone agreed he was never a morn- Special to the Lake Okeechobee News but John’s children were so much a part Smith’s first year of teaching at the 5th ing person, though. He would stay as long During his time at Grand Oaks, Sam of his life, they might as well have been and 6th Grade Center after he moved as it took to get things done at night, but Smith was able to take part in a fishing his own. John joked that many people in to Okeechobee. don’t count on him early in the morning. trip. Okeechobee thought Susan was Sam’s wife Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, or PSP. The Susan and her daughter Cara were hallways or even off campus.” or sometimes they thought she was Sam’s talking a few months ago about how sister. Susan always referred to Sam as her condition leads to symptoms including loss Susan and Cara printed out all those people often don’t tell people how they feel husband-in-law. Sam was John’s best man of balance, slowing of movement, difficulty emails and put them into a book for Sam. about them while they are alive. It’s when at his wedding. He was only 16 at the time moving the eyes. He is not able to see well enough to read people are gone that everyone talks about and was 5’3” tall. The maid of honor was 6’ “It’s like the ultimate Parkinson’s,” said anymore, so they read the letters to him, how much the person meant to them. They tall. “It was quite a sight,” laughed John. John. and the book is in his room at the health did not want that to be the case for Sam, After teaching for several years, Sam For a while Sam stayed with John and care facility. “It meant the world to him,” wanted to move up into administration, but Susan, but then he decided he wanted to so they decided to put out a call to all of Sam’s friends, colleagues and family and said Susan. the parents liked him so much, they fought go live at Grand Oaks. “He didn’t want to Sam still enjoys some of his favor- to keep him in the classroom until their burden us. We wanted him with us, but ask them to write emails or letters telling Sam what he means to them. The results ite hobbies, bingo and playing the slot children finished that grade. He was finally he wanted to go there,” said John. He had machine out at the casino. He plays bingo able to move up after about six years and his own room and liked it there. His dog, were amazing. Emails poured in from all over. Former students like Harold Hilliard, at the health care facility and his brother became assistant principal at the Fifth and Annie, was with him, but about five weeks takes him to the casino once a week. Sam Sixth Grade Center and then moved over to ago, the disease progressed to the point who told Sam he was a major influence on his life, that Sam made him buckle down said they set a limit on what they will spend Central Elementary as assistant principal. where he needed more care. “He started before they go, though, so they never lose His next move was to South Elementary as falling, and it broke our hearts to go farther, and stop being the class clown, that Sam’s encouragement gave him the will to do his more than they can afford. Sam has no the principal and then to the Okeechobee but we went out to the health care facility. regrets, he said. His philosophy for life has Junior High School and led the change to He is doing well out there, and as a matter best at everything he did in life. always been to dress for success, respect Yearling Middle School. He also led the of fact, he is helping a nurse’s aid study to Former employees like Julie Reno, who planning and opening of Osceola Middle get her citizenship.” said Sam “made it a point to get to know others the way you want them to respect School, where he then served as principal “Sam was always very active in the the employees and chat with them in the you and rules are NOT made to be broken. for two years before making the move to community and served on so many the Okeechobee County School Board as committees I couldn’t even tell you,” said The Clewiston Golf Course assistant superintendent. His final move Susan. He worked on the hospital board Elected The hidden gem of the Big “O” was to Indian River Community College, for 12 to 15 years. He is a devout Catholic 1201 San Luiz Ave., Clewiston where he served as provost and spent 11 and has always attended Mass every week, 2016 to the ZZZFOHZLVWRQÀJRY years overseeing many changes (to IRSC) but about three weeks ago he just got to Florida Historic GolfNew Trail Golf Carts and additions including classes, library, the point where he couldn’t go anymore, 18 Holes for just $36.00 + tax nursing program, home school program, said John. “He has been using a walker for Walking permitted (Cart Included) all day majors and buildings, including Williamson the last two years, but that is not an option 9 Holes for just $18.00 + tax Building, before he retired. anymore. His attitude is still great, though. If (Cart Included) Sam was not able to enjoy his retire- you ask him how he is doing, he would say, ment as he had planned because he began ‘Fine, thank you.’ Nothing has changed. He developing unusual symptoms. At first, is a remarkable person.” FOR TEE TIMES CALL: (863) 983-1448 said John, he put it down to just normal Sam has always been popular wherever aging, although he was only about 60 he goes. Russ Brown, the current provost Group Rates, 12 or more players when the first symptoms began. One of the of IRSC, had nothing but good to say about $ first things Sam noticed was the balance Sam. They worked together many times 18 Holes for just 31.00 + tax problems he was having, but no one here over the years, he said. “Everything Sam (Cart Included) seemed to know what was wrong. He was has done has been at the highest of levels Driving Range Available finally diagnosed at Mayo Clinic. It’s called professionally and personally. He is very

cok20200308_07.crop.pdf 1 07-Mar-20 07:10:51 8 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020

Lake Okeechobee News & Caloosa Belle present Saluting Our Veterans featuring

A USO/Andrews Sisters era performance that will have you tapping your toes and dancing in your seats! FREE SHOWS Thursday, Friday, March 12, 2020 March 13, 2020 Barron Park Okeechobee KOA Resort 1559 De Soto Ave • LaBelle 4276 US Hwy 441 S • Okeechobee Bring a lawn chair! Offsite Parking Only Courtesy shuttle from Winn Dixie lot Log Cabin BBQ available beginning 6pm • 3246 US Hwy 441 S. Show at Noon (Limited handicap accessible parking available at KOA) Doors open at 6:15 Show at 7pm Cash Bar

Questions? Call Lake Okeechobee News 863.763.3134 or Jaime Limoges 863.824.5934 March 8, 2020 Lake Okeechobee News 9 Area churches plan special events and services

Join the Gathering in Grace and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.mWednesday service at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Free Prayer organization in Flagler Park by the p.m. Services are exciting, ca- Email: [email protected]; to the public. For information, call 863-467- pavilion every Wednesday starting at 7:45 sual, and relaxed. Come as you Phone: 863-763-4477. 2425. For information, call 863-467-2425. a.m. All are welcome. For more informa- are and expect to feel welcomed Church of Jesus Christ of Brighton Baptist Church, 24050, S.R. tion, call Kathy Rose at 863-697-1123 or as our guest. Visit our website, Latter Day Saints, 310 S.W. 70 W., hold Sunday School from 9:30 to 10:30 check them out on Facebook. gochristfellowship.com, or call Sixth St. The Branch President is a.m. followed by morning worship at 10:40 Westside Christian Church, 8082 S.R. 561-799-7600 for more informa- David Allen. Sunday services are a.m. Wednesday prayer meeting is held at 6 70 W., holds Sunday services at 10 a.m. tion. from 10 a.m. to noon. Services p.m. The Sunday morning preaching service and Wednesday night Bible study at 6 p.m. Okeechobee Church of for youths 12 and older are held is now on Facebook. The pastor is Calvin H. Pastors are Sr. Minister Richard Barker and Christ, 1401 S. Parrott Ave., on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Let the Fryar. For information, call 863-763-3063 or is now on Facebook at www. church’s Family History Center Associate Minister Willard Delaney. For 863-447-0639. information, call 863-467-2278. facebook.com/okeechobeecoc/, build your family tree from bil- The Okeechobee News welcomes news from Okeechobee Missionary Baptist with Minister Mike Hanlon lions of names and documents area churches for this weekly column. E-mail Church, at 4212 U.S. 441 N., invites all to and Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. and 5 now indexed on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. [email protected]. worship in church services. Sunday School is at 9:45 a.m., with Sunday morning worship at 10:45 a.m. Sunday night Baptist Training Course (BTC) is at 5:30 p.m., followed by Sunday evening worship at OPEN INVITATION TO A … 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening Bible Study is at 7 p.m., with Wednesday evening Youth Discovery Bible clubs at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Donny Raney at TOWN HALL 863-763-3681. Faith Alive Family Church, at 3075 S.W. Third Terrace, is non-denominational and Pastors Paul and Jen Smith would like to invite all to worship. Sunday service and MEETING kids church is at 10:30 a.m. On Wednesday, adult and youth (6th-12th grade) service is at 6:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook at Faith Alive Family Church. On Facebook, they are The City of Okeechobee live on Sunday mornings. For information, call 863-623-4233. Mayor & Council want to Okeechobee Chapter of Ladies Propel meets Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. hear from City residents, at the Fountain of Life Church, 1302 S.W. 32nd St. A conversation-style series entitled, property & business owners “Growth” meets on on the fi rst Monday night of each month. There is no charge for in an informal setting. materials. Please call the church offi ce to register at 863-763-8945. This is an interna- tionally known group study by author Chris- Do you have issues, concerns, tine Caine. All ladies from middle school age and up are welcome. Come, join the or ideas pertaining to conversation. Saviour, Episcopal Church, 200 N.W. properties within the City Third Street, would like to extend an invitation for you to come and worship with them. limits? Church services are Sunday 8 a.m. and 10:30 Meeting Location a.m. and Wednesday 6 p.m. A Nursery and a Comfort Room are available for your use. They have Children’s Church (ages pre-k through high school) Sunday at 10:30 a.m., and also offer an Adult Forum & Bible Study on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Visit the website for Have questions? Contact more information, churchofoursaviouro- City Clerk Lane Gamiotea keechobee.org, or call the church offi ce City Hall, 55 SE 3rd Ave, Rm 100 Tuesday through Friday at 863-763-4843. The First United Methodist Church 863-763-3372 x9814 Library would like to invite everyone to visit [email protected] their Lending Library, Room 20, at 200 N.W. Second St., in Okeechobee. All are welcome. The Peace Lutheran Church Frontline Warriors, a group of men dedicated to loving See You On - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020 AT 6 PM Jesus and serving others, meet weekly on Tuesday morning at 6:30 a.m. Youth group at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus Auditorium meets every Monday at 5:30 until 7 p.m. Quilters meet every Tuesday at 11 a.m. For 610 SW 2ND Avenue (behind Golden Corral) information, call 863-763-5042. Christ Fellowship Church, 701 S. Par- rott Ave., invites all to worship. Service times ANY PERSON DECIDING TO APPEAL any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this are Sundays, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:45 meeting will need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceeding is made and the record includes the testimony and a.m. Childcare and children’s programming, evidence upon which the appeal will be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person with a disability as defined by the ADA, that needs special accommodation to participate in this proceeding, contact the nursery through fi fth grade, is provided. We City Clerk’s Office no later than two business days prior to proceeding, 863-763-3372 ext. 9814. have services for students, grades 6-12, on

cok20200308_09.crop.pdf 1 07-Mar-20 07:10:35 10 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/EES EES presents Leaders of the Week OKEECHOBEE — Everglades Elementary School would like to congrat- ulate its Leaders of the Week for the week of Feb. 24: Chloe Sadler, Yolanda Gonzalez, Giselle Garcia, Rylynn Wrobel, Hayden Sweatt, Yuvia Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters Castaneda, Raylenn McMillan, Ella Walsh, Nicholas Doyon, Alexis Rob- ertson, Mariana Velazquez Gomez, Cayden Stefan, Kaiden Redd, Rodri- Proud fisherman go Ruiz, Madison Baptiste, Nicholas Douglas, Mikynnleigh Sebastian, OKEECHOBEE — Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters shared this photo of Allison Rodriguez, Jakyria Winters, Saul Betanzos, Hunter Clark, Aidan Clay Greene, who caught his fish in “a local canal.” Clay didn’t want to give Fonseca, Berenice Serrano, Lizet Orozco, James Evans, Justin Williams, up too many details about his favorite fishin’ spot. Share your photos of your Javier Gill-Garcia, Jared Moctezuma and Riley Chism-Hall. Not pictured big catches. Email photos to [email protected]. are Eli Walizer Nunez and Gloryann Lee. March 8, 2020 Lake Okeechobee News 11

Find your dream home!

In addition to this weekly real estate directory, you can search online for your new home in the Lake Okeechobee Real Estate magazine

LakeOkeechobee RealEstate Magazine.com 12 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020 Real Estate Directory

863-763-5335 Sharon Prevatt, 863-634-7069 425 SW Park Street Cristie Schmidt, Lic. Realtor David Hazellief, 863-610-1553 Philip Y. Berger • Lic. RE Broker SE HABLA ESPAÑOL • BERGER REAL ESTATE www.cbbergerrealestate.com 863.634.3604 [email protected]

New Listing ADORABLE 2 BD 2 BA WOOD FRAME w/Cypress Siding. Home situated on a deep water canal with a dock in Treasure Island ½ mile from Taylor Creek and 1 mile to the lock into Lake Okeechobee. Home comes fully 3004-M: ~TREASURE ISLAND Lake Okee 2000-M: TAYLOR CREEK move in ready! Total Sq furnished with exception of some family heirlooms and personal effects. 2 Master Suites have full bathrooms Access!! %'%$ ': ZDWWDFKHG FDUSRUW  7RWDO 6T IW  5HPRGHOHG WKURXJKRXW ÀRRULQJ LQW SDLQW NLWFKHQ w/lg handicap accessible walk in showers. Both Masters have built in dressers and walk in closets. Stainless )WXQGHUDLU6FUHHQHGSRUFKRYHUORRNVWKHZDWHUDERYH EDWKURRPGXFWZRUN6FUHHQHGIURQW EDFNSRUFKFDUSRUWSDYHG steel appliances and an island with a cooktop and built in oven. Rear porch with tongue and groove ceiling JURXQGSRROFRYHUHGERDWKRXVHZURRPWR¿VKRUMXVWNLFNEDFN FLUFXODUGULYHZD\VSULQNOHUV\VWHPSXPSVIURPFDQDODQGORWVPRUH overlooking the water that extends the entire length of the back of the house w/porch swing at each end for Motivated Seller. $135,000 MLS OK219003 WRRIIHU2QFLW\ZDWHU VHZHU $110,000 MLS OK218952 evening views. Matching shed looks like a dollhouse. Easy to show. Home is very well insulated with extremely low power bill. Entire yard irrigated. Producing banana tree. MLS OK218927 $178,000 Call Cristie 863-634-3604 1200 S. Parrott Ave. • Office: 863-763-2104 Visit our website to view more listings | www.Century21okeechobee.com | [email protected]

Tonya Tyson, Lic. Real Estate Broker 863.634.0571 [email protected] lakeridgerealty.com

549 SW 86th Ave. NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES Okeechobee, FL 34974 in Desirable SW Community of EDGEWATER ACRES Conveniently located within minutes of town, (multiple lots to choose from). Custom Built Solid 3BD/2BA CBS Construction with Impact RARE COUNTRY Windows & Doors and Metal Roof. FIND!!! CHARMER! Features Include: Open Concept w/ Waterfront 3 Really cute! 2 bdrm, 491 SW 86th Ave. Vaulted Ceilings throughout Formal Okeechobee, FL 34974 bedroom, 2 bath with 2 bath, with office/ Living, Dining, and Large Kitchen w/ Lake Okeechobee Den-(could be Island Bar, Granite Tops throughout, access. On the Rim 3rd bdrm). 2 car Solid Wood Cabinets, Stainless Steel canal with large boat garage on almost Appliances, Large Master Suite w/ dock, 2 covered boat half acre. Real Coff er Ceiling, Home Offi ce, Fully slips with lift, shiner fireplace, Laminate landscaped with Irrigation. 2,282 sf tank, seawall, large & vinyl, carpet floors, screened back porch overlooking the water, double pane windows. blacktop extra wide under air; 3,275 sf total. Exceptional front porch also. Large living room with gas drive, fenced backyard. Huge screened back Quality and Design. Built by John fireplace, open to the kitchen with an island porch is a must see! Plus open back porch Move In Tyson/T PRO Construction, one of and bar. Split floor plan. Hardy plank siding. for grilling. Nice storage area and workshop. Okeechobee’s Top Premier Builders. Detached two car garage/workshop is air T1-11 Siding- Architectural shingles, new AC Call me for details! $327,000 (top conditioned MLS OK218693 in 2017. MLS OK218816 Ready! home) & $327,000 (bottom home) Call Jim Jones 863-634-9706 Call Jody Carter 863-634-1285 Visit our website at LakeOre.com • 4257 Hwy 441 S. Okeechobee, FL 34972

Feature your best Are you a properties in this local realtor weekly real estate looking to maximize directory. your reach to Contact 863.763.3134 potential clients? today! March 8, 2020 Lake Okeechobee News 13 Real Estate Directory

Realtors,

Searching MLS OK218866 - $249,000 - CBS Home with three garages with studio/efficency. Garage attached to house 13 x 25, garage 2, 25 x 25 with 1/2 bath, garage 3, 14 x 26, studio efficiency, 15 x 26. Florida Room has a bar area with refrigerator. In the master bedroom, it has a Premier Care tub shower. The property is over a 1/2 acre and large enough to add a pool. It has a patio in the back yard and a gazebo. The kitchen has solid wood cabinets. The kitchen is full of cabinets and High & Low storage. This is a beautiful home with an open concept. Vicki Anderson, Lic. RE Broker for the Perfect Place to 863.634.4106 Showcase Your Best Listings? 30034 E. SR 78, Okeechobee, Location Advertise in the Lake Matters Okeechobee Real Estate Reach your maximum Magazine! potential with an ad in Call today to this directory. speak to a sales representative! Contact Us: 863.763.3134 [email protected]

LEGACY COURT ~ POOL HOME

ELEGANT TUDO BRICK/CBS HOME ZLWK7:2JDUDJHV7ZRVWRU\%G%DGHQRURI¿FH,VODQGNLWFK- en, SS appliances, skylight, bkfast nook. Grand Master suite w/ 2 walk in closets. 2705 Sf under air - 4083 TLA. Freshly painted inside. Any man’s dream- 1020 sf detached garage with full bath. Tankless HWH. Screen enclosed saltwater pool. Privacy PLUS! Professionally landscaped, well and irrigation. Half acre. HOA. This one is TRULY “ONE OF A KIND!” $333,000 MLS# OK218517 COTTAGES AT THE LAKE RIGHT ON TAYLOR CREEK! BEAUTIFULLY UPGRADED 2 Bd/ 2 Ba home with 2nd story loft bedroom. Open concept, 12’ vaulted ceiling. Island LAKE “O” ACCESS. Exceptional 2005 manufactured home kitchen, bkfast with extraordinary party dock, exquisite sunsets! 3 Bd/ 2 Ba, bar, granite 15x23 screened lanai overlooking water. Beautifully remodeled. countertops, solid wood cabinets. Front screened Custom shaker cabinets, island kitchen, soft close, quartz lanai and back open deck. Covered designated counters, pullouts in pantry. 1140 SF under air-1493 TLA. All parking and assigned boat dock w/Lake “O” access. NEW impact windows and doors, drywall. Security cameras. PERFECT LOCATION! Clubhouse, 0HWDOURRI[6KHGKXJH¿UHSLW,UULJDWLRQ&XOGHVDF HOA. FIRST CLASS! Newer Covered dock, boat lift. NEW seawall. 863.763.3134 $159,000 MLS # OK218679 ONE OF A KIND! $199,000 MLS # OK219029 [email protected] ~My Priorities are simple.. They’re Yours! Lori Mixon (863)634-1457 Lic. Real Estate Broker [email protected] 14 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020 Organ donation: The good in you can live on

By Cathy Womble ered for organ donation, and this is not the tions? Lake Okeechobee News case. The families of almost all brain dead, Most major religions in the United potential donors are approached about the England will soon pass a law presum- States support organ donation and con- possibility of donating, whether they are ing that all deceased adults consent to sider donation as the final act of love and registered donors or not, he wrote. organ donation. There will be an opt-out generosity toward others. According to Brian H. Willis and Muire- • Will they still try to save my life system in place so that those who choose ann Quigley in their article, “Opt-out organ not to donate can easily prohibit that. Fam- if they know I am a donor? donation: on evidence and public policy”: When you are sick or injured and Lake Okeechobee ily members will also be able to withhold “If the mere implementation of such leg- admitted to a hospital, the one and only consent after their loved one has passed if islation was enough to improve deceased =PłOD they decide they do not want to donate the organ donation rates, then those countries priority is to save your life. Period. Dona- Fillets organs. with legal opt-out ought to all display high tion doesn’t become a possibility until all $ 25 England’s new law will be named Max rates of donation. However, while opt-out lifesaving methods have failed. 3lb. and Keira’s Law after Max Johnson and countries such as Spain, Austria and Bel- • Do rich or famous people get Kiera Ball. Max and Kiera were both 9 gium have high donation rates, countries organs faster? years old in 2017 when Kiera suffered fatal such as Luxemburg and Bulgaria, which A national computer system matches Wild Caught injuries in an automobile accident. Her are also legally opt-out, have some of the donated organs to recipients. East Coast Shrimp father was asked if he would be willing to lowest rates of deceased donation.” The factors used in matching include 36-40 donate her organs, and he said he knew Whether England’s new law is some- blood type, time spent waiting, other it was what Kiera would want, so he said thing the United States should consider important medical information, how sick $ 99 yes. Max was one of the four recipients is up for debate, but something needs of her organs. He had been waiting for a the person is, and geographic location. 9lb. to change. According to Organdonor. Race, income and celebrity are NEVER heart for eight months. gov, last year, there were more than While he was in the hospital waiting for considered. Cooked & Seasoned 113,000 candidates for transplant on the • Can people in the LGBT commu- a new heart, Max and his family cam- national waiting list, and almost 2,000 of )KQEO=J= N=SłOD paigned for a change in the organ dona- those were children; 83.7% of those were nity donate? tion laws in England. Their goal was to see waiting for a kidney; and 20 people die There is no policy or federal regula- England have an opt-out system similar to each day waiting for a transplant. Every 10 tion that excludes a member of the LGBT $ 75 the one used in Wales. minutes, another person is added to the community from donating organs. What 7 lb. The theory was that if everyone was registry. Only 58% of adults in the U.S. are matters in donating organs is the health of automatically an organ donor, then organ registered as organ donors. the organs. transplants would automatically go up, but Often people have misconceptions The good in you can live on. Your story 7841 Hwy 78 West • Okeechobee, FL according to The British Journal of Gen- about organ donations. Here are some doesn’t have to end with you — you can OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 9am -5pm eral Practice, in an article eitled “Organ of the frequently asked questions and pass along the gift of life. Sign up online as donation: opting in or opting out?” written answers: an organ, eye and tissue donor at orgando- 863-357-7500 by Chris J. Rudge, this assumption offers • Can I donate if I have a medical nor.gov. a false hope. Mr. Rudge claims there is condition? no good evidence anywhere in the world Anyone, regardless of age or medical that a change in law leads to sustained history, can sign up to be a donor. increase in donations. He explained that The transplant team will determine Happy 90th Birthday, Spain is often used as an example of a at an individual’s time of death whether country with an opt out law, but Spain has donation is possible. Even with an illness, repeatedly told the world the law has had you may be able to donate your organs or no effect on the number of donors. What tissues. Doris Entry! did have an effect was the establishment • Can you be too old to donate? of a national transplant organization and There’s no age limit to organ donation. the placement of transplant coordinators To date, the oldest donor in the U.S. in every hospital. He also explained that was age 93. What matters is the health and it is a common misconception that only condition of your organs when you die. those who are “opted in” now are consid- • Do some religions forbid dona- Road Watch

Motorists are reminded to wear safety (Maintenance permit project) On Saturday, belts and drive with caution, courtesy, March 14 from 10 a.m. through 11 a.m. common sense, and patience as they travel Okeechobee Main Street will hold the Speck- through work zones. Remember, speeding led Perch Parade. U.S. 441 will be closed to fines are doubled in work zones. traffic starting at S.W. Fourth Street north to • U.S. 441 S.E. between canal 59 and the U.S. 441 and SR 70 intersection ,and SR S.E. 66th Avenue: (Maintenance permit 70 will be closed to traffic from the U.S. 441/ project) Crews are constructing a new SR 70 intersection to N.W. Seventh Avenue on pumping station including a new driveway March 14 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please fol- connection to U.S. 441 S.E. Watch for workers low detour signs and use caution in the area. close to the roadway with shoulder closures. • S.R. 78 east of S.W. 16th Avenue: Watch for trucks and equipment entering and (Maintenance permit project) Crews are leaving the roadway. installing a new pole. Watch for workers close • U.S. 441 and S.W. Fourth Street to to the roadway with shoulder closures and State Road. 70 at N.W. Seventh Avenue: temporary road closures. From Your Loving Family Shrine Club hosts bluegrass show The Okeechobee Shrine Club, 1855 S.W. 53rd St., will host Keith Bass and the Florida Bluegrass Express on Saturday, March 21, at 5 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Concessions will be available. Show will go on rain or March 09, 2020 shine! For information, call 863-763-8072. This is a smoke-free environment. March 8, 2020 Lake Okeechobee News 15

Employment - Employment - Employment - Employment - Employment - Employment - Employment - Employment - Full Time Full Time Full Time Full Time Full Time Full Time Part Time Part Time

ESTABLISHED AIR NOW HIRING Seeking CONDITIONING COMPANY 2I¿FH+HOS&RXQWHU+HOS NOW HIRING Graphic Artist CLASS A CDL DRIVERS 0DOHRU)HPDOHELOLQJXDODSOXV This is an entry-level position with Must have DOT Seeking Installer with medical, drug free, EHQL¿WVDYDLODEOH the possibility of growth for a creative clean driving history & Experience in candidate with a passion for design tanker endorsement. $SSO\LQSHUVRQDW and graphic arts who is Call M-S(863)467-9800 Duct Work Walpole Feed & Supply Co. self-motivated and detail-oriented. Must have Valid Driver’s License 2595 NW 8th St. Experience with: • Microsoft Office Pay will be based on Experience Experience with the following Benefits available after graphics programs: probationary period • InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator Auctions Drug Free Workplace •Intermediate English language Call for an appointment skills AUCTION Business Farm Equipment Lots - Sale • A proper grasp of grammar and Every Friday & (863) 763-0261 Opportunities punctuation Saturday nights at 5:30 Car and Equipment 3 ADJOINING LOTS 917 SW Park St. NOTICE Trailer New 2020 APPROXIMATELY 50ft. • Able to work 12-20 hours a (Behind Eli’s Western Wear) 18’ Tilt,7K GVWR WIDE BY 150ft. DEEP week, flexible Monday-Friday with Quality Consignments B & B Site Development Independent Newspa- 84” between fend- EACH, ON CORNER, possible evenings. Accepted. Now Hiring FT/PT Laborers and pers will never accept ers. Call HP Trailers, MATURE OAKS, PAVED Watford Auction any advertisement Wauchula, 863- STREET. ZONED FOR While print and digital media work experienced Pipe Layers. FAMILY OR LIGHT 10% BP Needed as soon as possible. that is illegal or consid- 445-9001 $2,595 experience is a plus, we are willing 863-697-8906 ered fraudulent. In all (863)445-9001 INDUSTIAL $22,500.00 to train the right candidate with an AU1843 AB1583 Apply in person at CALL 850-420-5997 cases of questionable interest in graphic design. 1505 S. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee value, such as prom- BUILDABLE LOTS We Buy Estates ises of guaranteed 1.25+ ACRE While the weekly schedule could Antiques, Collectibles, income from work-at- OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, include days or evenings, we seek Household, Tools, home programs - if it AG/RES. a candidate who would be available Garage/ sounds too good to Jewelry and etc. Yard Sales GREAT INVESTMENT! to work additional daytime hours Call 863-697-8906 be true, chances are Apartments OWNER FINANCING that it is. If you have $125 MONTH occasionally to cover for fellow KING’S BAY questions or doubts team members. ANNUAL YARD SALE N.W. OKEECHOBEE NO CREDIT CHECK about any ad on these 2BR, 1BA, $2325 to 866-820-6523 Rewarding position with opportunity HWY 441 SE , Employment - pages, we advise that SAT. MARCH 14TH, Full Time move in. $775 per VIKING ESTATES for advancement before responding or month. 561-346-1642 BEGINS AT 8AM sending money ahead FURNITURE, CLOTHES, Apply online at Accounting Clerk- of time, you check TOYS AND with the Better Busi- Houses - Rent iniusa.org/employment LOTS OF MISC. Okeechobee Paint- ing Center, LLC., ness Bureau at 772- Email portfolios (PDF or link to online) to Okeechobee, Fl., 878-2010 for previous **OKEECHOBEE ** [email protected] HS, 1yr exp. As complaints. ANNUAL Bookkeeper or Mgr. UNFURNISHED w/ booking duties. Some 800 and 900 RENTAL 2BD/1BA Maint. acct. records telephone numbers $690.00 PER MONTH, Mobile Homes - Mobile Homes - Garage/  ¿Q UHSRUWV 5H- may require an extra 1ST Month, Last Month Mobile Homes - Rent Sale Yard Sales view acct. payable, charge, as well as long & Security Deposit. invoice; comm. w/ distance toll costs. Very Clean and well Rent ANCIENT OAKS: 1/1 OKEECHOBEE- SMALL We will do our best BHR - 1125 8TH STREET, clients & suppliers. maintained. 12 min. Park-Model, w/Carport SW WITH SUN ROOM Approve week- to alert our reader of outside of town off Hwy ADULT RENTALS & Florida Rm. Includes AND DOCK ON TAYLOR MARCH 13-14, 8AM- these charges in the 3PM LADIES 6B NEW ly payroll. Keep 70 East. Great setting, AT BROTHER’S RV water, cable, use of CREEK AT RIVER BEND QuickBooks updat- ads, but occasionally lawn service, on-site RESORT. VOTED BEST Clubhouse & Pool / 55+ RV PARK RE- MOTORCYCLE BOOTS, we may not be aware HUSKY TOOL BOX, ed. Check accuracy management, pest IN OKEE FOR 2019. Gym. $750 mo. 561- DUCED TO $4,500.00 RI¿JXUHVSHUWDLQLQJ of the charges. There- control included, w/d 1 & 2 BDRM TRAIL- 222-3621 WALKING DISTANCE ARCHERY TARGETS, fore, if you call a num- BAR STOOLS, INFA-RED to bus. transactions hook-up. ERS W/FL. ROOMS, TO WALMART, GOLDEN UHFRUGHG 5HV ber out of your area, Sorry, NO PETS. FURNISHED, FULL CORRAL, DAIRY QUEEN HEATER, SMOKER, use caution. FISHING RODS, REELS, okeechobeepaint- Credit, background FACILITIES, OR ARBY’S. POSSIBLE PALSTIC GLASSWARE [email protected] check. WATERFRONT $550.00 PARTIAL FINANCING & FURNITURE, NICE Call M-S 9am-6pm - 625.00/MONTH CALL 828-208-0980 CLOTHES. 813-956-5150 ALAN 561-246-9864 16 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020 Business Business Public Notice Public Notice Opportunities Opportunities Crossword Puzzle IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis Case No. 2017 CA 258 ACROSS 69 Popular pie, and 29 Fed. law known 45 Made of oak, say earn extra CHL HOLDINGS, INC., a Florida corporation, Plaintiff, 1 Photographer what the ends of as Obamacare 46 Complete vs. Adams 17-, 30-, 45- and 30 Clog 47 Reach, as a goal AUTLEY R. DAVIS, deceased, any unknown heirs, devisees, 6 “Happy Motoring” 61-Across have 31 “Wreaked” state 51 NC State’s conf. creditors, grantees, and other unknown persons or unknown spouses claiming by, through and under, and MORRIS REID, an company in common 32 Creepy sort 52 Dull sound individual 10 Cuba, por 34 Tool for two 54 On the safe side, CASH Defendants. ejemplo DOWN lumberjacks at sea NOTICE OF ACTION 14 2000s first lady 1 Grad TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF AUTLEY R. DAVIS, DEVISEES, CREDITORS, 39 Completely, 55 Spanish “this” GRANTEES, and OTHER UNKNOWN PERSONS OR UNKNOWN SPOUSES, Bush 2 Auto parts giant alphabetically 56 Lawyers: Abbr. claiming by, through or under. 15 Matty of baseball 3 Clark Kent, really speaking 58 Mercedes-__ YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to Quiet Title to the following property in 16 Twice-monthly 4 “... __ he drove 40 A.L.’s Blue Jays 59 Big Dipper bear Okeechobee County, Florida: tide THE EAST ½ OF THE WEST ½ OF THE SOUTH ½ OF THE NORTH out of sight”: 41 Scheming 62 Lord’s Prayer start ½ OF TRACT 6, SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 34 SOUTH, RANGE 33 17 Crème de la Moore EAST, OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT 43 Pain in a canal 63 You, in French THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 4, PAGES 3A-D, INCLUSIVE OF crème 5 Tree that THE OKEECHOBEE COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS. 19 Kvetch like a rhymes with a ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE: has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written fish? month defenses, if any, to it on Steven J. Polhemus, P.A., the Plaintiffs attorney whose address is P.O. Box 2188, LaBelle, Florida 33975, on or before February 25, 20 West of “My Little 6 Deserve 2020 and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on the Chickadee” 7 Pivot around plaintiffs attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. 21 Mr. Peanut prop 8 “Help!”-ful soap Date on Jan. 23, 2020 22 Dental hygienist’s pad brand Sharon Robertson, gizmo 9 Not in the house Earn extra Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller By Arlene Nealis 24 Essen’s river 10 Ancient Andean As Deputy Clerk 26 Russian space ANSWERS TO PUZZLE 388832 ON 2/23,3/1,8,15/2020 11 Aquanaut’s base income delivering station for 15 12 Texas city in a years cowboy song CAN BE FOUND 27 Hurry-scurry 13 Estimated: Abbr. 28 “__ Yankees” 18 Wheels, so to ON PAGE 4 30 Spar without a speak Reading a newspaper makes partner 23 Game stick with three days per week! 33 Rascal a netted pocket you a more informed and 35 “Honor Thy 25 Expose Father” author 26 Sam who owned Gay Cheers interesting person. 36 Hawaiian porch 28 ISP alternative 03/02/20 Stop into Lake 37 Ab __: from day Okeechobee News, No wonder newspaper one th 38 Uses a sieve 107 SW 17 St., Suite D readers are more successful! 42 Apply, as a brake (next to Brahman Theatre), 44 Flynn of “Captain Blood” and fi ll out an application, 45 Extremely lame, or call 863.824.5941. in modern slang 48 Hunky-__: fine Valid driver’s license, dependable 49 Toronto’s prov. transportation, and insurance required. 50 Dada co-founder 51 Either H in H2O 53 Home of the NHL’s Senators Mobile Homes - Reading a newspaper provides 55 A head Sale READING A 57 “Aladdin” monkey the opportunity to get involved 60 Old phone REDUCED- feature FLEETWOOD 2BD/2BA NEWSPAPER in your community. 61 Business Doublewide 40 FT Trail- manager skilled er recently remodeled. HELPS YOU No wonder newspaper at reducing Located in Riverbend expenses Mobile Home Park. GET INVOLVED readers are more popular! 64 Shortest-named Lot #41. Sun room Great Lake across front. Carport & IN THE 65 Sci-fi’s Jabba Screened in Porch on the __ Right Hand Side. Utility 66 Mars has two room with washer & COMMUNITY. dryer. Shed in the back. 67 Aloha State bird 68 Jazz and Disco Boat lift on a canal By Paul Coulter 03/02/20 that leads to Taylor periods ©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC Creek. New metal roof. Comes will all appls. & furnished. $42,500. READING A Contact Richard 757- NEWSPAPER 621-0981 HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND THE WORLD AROUND YOU. Campers / RVs

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Special to the Lake Okeechobee News That largemouth bass you’ve been battling with is now in your boat. It’s huge. Could it be the new state record? And if it is, how do you certify it? The present state record for largemouth bass weighed 17.27 pounds and was caught by Billy O’Berry in Polk County in 1986. Although that record has stood over 30 years, recent submissions of giant 15- and 16-pound bass to FWC’s TrophyCatch 863-467-1545 citizen-science program has anglers and biologists alike asking when the next state MillersCentralAir.com record will show up. This is what that lucky angler will need 100% Customer Satisfaction to know: To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify is Our Mission! the fish species, and an FWC employee — usually but not necessarily the same Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/FWC individual — must witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the cur- Nathaniel Scott Kicklighter with his 14 rent state records at BigCatchFlorida.com pound, 11 ounce bass. by clicking on “State Record,” and should Statewide License #CAC058675 notify the nearest FWC regional office if is a photo of the entire fish on a scale with they believe they have caught a record fish. the weight clearly visible, that photo is not *The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply enough to certify a state record,” said Allen to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases Contact information for FWC regional offic- are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments es can be found at MyFWC.com/contact by Martin, FWC’s North Central Regional Fish- during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you clicking on “Contact an FWC office,” then eries Administrator. use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 8/1/2019 and is subject to change. For current the “Regional Operations” tab. “A state record catch is an amazing information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 3/31/2020. Biologists urge anglers not to confuse angling accomplishment,” said Martin. **See your independent Trane Dealer for complete program eligibilty, dates, details and restrictions. Special fi nancing offers and instant rebats up to $500 valid on Qualifying Equipment only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the the state record certification with the FWC’s “However, if the fish isn’t certified in person United States. Void where prohibited. Special fi nancing offers expires 3/31/2020. Instant Rebate offer expires 3/31/2020. TrophyCatch program. TrophyCatch is a by an FWC biologist, the angler won’t get citizen-science program that partners with credit for a new state record.” industry leaders, such as Bass Pro Shops, to The Florida largemouth bass is the state offer rewards for the catch, documentation freshwater fish and is the best known and and release of largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds or more. Nathaniel Scott Kicklighter most popular game fish in Florida. Found has just become the current leader for Tro- statewide in lakes and rivers, they are com- phyCatch’s eighth season with a 14 pounds, monly located along vegetation, or under- 11 ounce bass from an unnamed Putnam water structures. The species draws anglers County lake. from around the world who contribute “It’s important to note that while all that to the 25.7 million days spent freshwater is needed to submit a fish for TrophyCatch fishing in Florida annually. Annual Meeting

ELECTIONS · FOOD · PRIZES MARCH 8:00-9:45 a.m. - Registration/ Voting 10 a.m. - Business Meeting Moore Haven Middle-High School Special to the Lake Okeechobee News 700 Terrier Pride Drive. SW Saturday SES presents Students of the Week OKEECHOBEE — South Elementary School would like to congratulate its Receive a $10 bill credit at registration and entry to win prizes including Students of the Week for the week of Feb. 18: Kylie Stephens, Rory Van a 2008 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4 or a $2,500 bill credit. Wormer, Ausum Allen, Tationa Thomas, Aaryianna Henry, Garrett Schwier, Corliessa Carter, Cassidy Garelick, Lily Johnson, Yeshua Martinez, J.R. Stan- Bring your GEC bill with the QR code for easy registration ley and Madai Almanza. and your required photo ID. 18 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020

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Special to the Lake Okeechobee News If you suffer from sciatica, severe back or neck pain, you can find relief! If you are serious about getting your life back and eliminating your back and neck pain, my staff OKEECHOBEE — Judson Phillips, age 8, and I are serious about helping you and proving how our technology and experience began his journey at the Elks local Hoop Shoot can help. We are extending this offer to the first 30 callers. These spaces fill up Competition, which took place last fall at the quickly, so call us today to reserve your spot! Osceola Middle School gym. He won his age division and advanced to the district level a few At Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center, we strive for short weeks later, where he placed first in the excellence through superior patient treatment, education, and satisfaction. boys division in his age group. This is accomplished through the utilization of the most current techniques and Judson and his family traveled to the Florida advanced technologies. As our staff continually expands their education and Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla last month and he won again in his age division. After placing in practical applications, you can be assured that your needs are being met the age competition, he was invited to partic- using the most advanced technology and equipment, training and techniques ipate in a shootout with the boys of all ages. available. We will work with you to quickly alleviate the most severe health Judson placed second behind a 12-year-old boy problems you face. by one shot. Dr. Charles Simpson Judson is not the only champion hoop-shoot- Director, Simpson Advanced Chiropractic er in his family. His brother Daniel Phillips was on his way to stardom shooting 25 out of 25 last year when tragically he broke his shooting arm. So, having aged out of the competition, he has devoted himself to coaching his younger brother. Daily, they head out to the basketball *The patient or any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service court where he assists his brother in practicing examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free service or treatment. 150 shots. 20 Lake Okeechobee News March 8, 2020

WE BUY CARS Lake Motors

Hwy 441 Hwy 441 SE Hwy 78 Lake Okeechobee *Plus Tax, Tag and Dealer Fees 2006 TOYOTA 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA V8 2008 MITSUBISHI 2004 FORD F-150 TACOMA SC EXT CAB, AUTO, A/C  RAIDER CREW CAB SC XLT AUTO, A/C, LOADED MANAGER SPECIAL 1 OWNER, 6 CY, AUTO, A/C NEW TIRES, LOADED, A/C, V8

ONLY ONLY $8,995 $5,995 $7,695 $6,695 #U9690 #U4544 #U0052 #U2388 2011 KIA 2007 HYUNDAI 2004 CHEVY 2014 CHEVY 1998 HONDA SUBURBAN Z71 CAPTIVA CRV SOUL NEWTUCSON TIRES, AUTO, A/C 1 OWNER, AUTO, A/C 4X4, AUTO, A/C AUTO, A/C, LOADED AUTO, A/C, LOADED

66,520 MILES

ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY $7,495 $5,995 $6,495 $ $ 6,495 #U7313 3,495 #U1311 #U6981 #U4568 #U4225

2007 NISSAN 1997 SUZUKI 2007 MERCEDES 2016 KIA SOUL AUTO, A/C, LOADED, 1 OWNER 2007 LINCOLN XTERRA SIDEKICK 4X4 E350 TOWNCAR A/C, AUTO, LOADED 5SP, A/C, NEW TOP, PAINT & TIRES LOW MILES, PRISTINE LIMITED EDITION~ LOADED CONDITION, “RIDE IN STYLE” GAS 87,463 SAVER! MILES

ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY $5,695 $3,995 $8,495 $9,495 $6,995 #U8940 #U8644 #U4544 #U3219 #U1211

2004 VW 2007 LEXUS RX 2005 TOYOTA 2007 TOYOTA 2010 NISSAN JETTA 350 COROLLA CAMRY ALTIMA AUTO, A/C, LOW MILES 6 CYL, LEATHER, AUTO, A/C AUTO, A/C AUTO, A/C, LOADED COUPE, AUTO, A/C

ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY $3,995 $6,495 $4,695 $5,995 $5,995 #U2229 #U6629 #U2311 #U7347 #U5611 147 Hwy 441 SE• Okeechobee• 863-467-5243