Vol. 104 No. 125 Friday, October 18, 2013 50¢ Plus tax Pedestrian struck by van By Eric Kopp Okeechobee News A 56-year-old woman died after she was apparently struck by an oncoming Cattlemen’s vehicle as she walked across U.S. 441 S.E. just north of S.E. 86th Boulevard in Arena hosts Okeechobee County. According to a Florida Highway youth rodeo Sharel Ann ... Page 4 See FATALITY— Page 14 Taylor Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy OHS Brahmans The Okeechobee High School Lady Brahmans golf team will compete face South Fork in the regional tournament on Oct. 21. Left to right are: (front) Hannah Trio arrested on Raulerson, coach Bruce Conrad and Danyelle Sheffi eld; (back) Cam- Bulldogs eron White, Kirsten Doney and Bethany Stuart. ... Page 10 meth charges By Eric Kopp Lake Levels Girls golf team qualifi es Okeechobee News After stopping a vehicle for running a stop sign, detec- 15.60 feet for regional tournament tives from the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force ended up arresting three adults on felony drug and gun charges. Last Year: 15.89 feet By Charles M. Murphy They advance to play Monday, Arrested Wednesday, Oct. 16, were: Damiana Cruz, 43, Okeechobee News Oct. 21, at the Lago Mar Golf Club in Griffi n Square, West Palm Beach; Kelley Nicole Sherman, 6SRQVRUHG%\ Plantation. Players who will represent 25, S.E. 34th Lane, Okeechobee; and Dustin Nevada Sills, The Lady Brahman golf team quali- Okeechobee include Kirsten Doney, fi ed for the regional tournament with 27, E. Felber Road, Avon Park. Cameron White, Hannah Raulerson, Cruz was arrested on a felony charge of possession of 3RJH\·V)DPLO\5HVWDXUDQW a third place fi nish on Oct. 14 at the Bethany Stuart and Danyelle Sheffi eld. Clewiston Golf and Country Club in the methamphetamine with intent to sell and a misdemeanor 63DUURWW$YH See GOLF — Page 14 2A-22 District Tournament. See METH — Page 21 Panel discussions will highlight drug forum See page 4 for information about By Eric Kopp on prescription drug abuse and possible solu- the Drug Enforcement Administration Offi ce in how to contact this newspaper. Okeechobee News tions. Port St. Lucie Sheldon Burkett; Tom Bakkedahl, from the 19th Judicial Circuit Offi ce of the State A number of experts will be on hand to of- U.S. Congressman Tom Rooney will open Attorney in Fort Pierce; Okeechobee County fer their views at a free drug abuse symposium the one-day event with some comments then the fi rst panel will answer questions posed by Commissioner Bryant Culpepper; Okeecho- slated for Monday, Oct. 21, at the Okeechobee bee County Superintendent of Schools Ken County Civic Center. the audience beginning at 1:30 p.m. That panel will consist of: Debbie Butler, Kenworthy; and George Roberson, from the The event will get under way at 1 p.m. with Douglas Park Improvement Committee. from the Guardians for a New Future in Port an opening by Major Noel Stephen, from the This panel will discuss challenges untreat- Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Offi ce (OCSO), St. Lucie; Gerald T. Roden, of the Roden Law and will then feature round table discussions Firm in Fort Pierce; Special Agent in Charge of See DRUGS — Page 14 2 Serving the communitiesOkeechobee south News of Lake Okeechobee OctoberMay 27,18, 20102013 March of Dimes kicks off annual campaign By Charles M. Murphy happening to another family, then we’ve bies in Florida is born premature. Premature tional Bank, the Okeechobee Health Care Okeechobee News done our job,” he added. births cost more than $1 billion in health Facility, State Farm Insurance, the Law Of- Mr. Kenworthy said he felt the campaign care costs each year in Florida. They did see fi ces of Cassells and McCall, the Okeecho- A goal of $52,000 was set for Okeecho- will reach its goal this year and he praised a drop in that number of over 11 percent bee Farm Bureau, the Okeechobee Schools bee County as the March of Dimes kicked off Okeechobee for their support of the March nationwide this year. They provide research Grants and Special Programs Department, their annual campaign on Wednesday with of Dimes. to prevent and fi nd solutions to premature and Publix Supermarket. a luncheon at the Indian River State College “We are mindful of the economic times birth and educate women on how they can Last year the fi ve top teams to raise funds Williamson Center. but nothing spurs a campaign like a little increase the chances of having a healthy were the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Of- Ken and Johanna Kenworthy were competition. I hope we can do a better job baby. They also push for newborn screening fi ce, the Seminole Tribe, Publix, South El- named co-chairs of this year’s campaign. than last year and reach our goal,” he add- and health insurance coverage for all preg- ementary and Central Elementary School. They had a son born prematurely in August ed. nant women and children. Verbal commitments of over $31,000 of 1993. Pam Crowley of March of Dimes of the Sponsors this year include Seacoast Na- were pledged by various team leaders at the Last year over $47,000 was raised in Treasure Coast said they expect close to 600 luncheon. Okeechobee County. The campaign was participants for the annual walk in 2014. It More information on the campaign can chaired by Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, at 8:30 be obtained online at www.marchforbabies. May. a.m. in the downtown area. org or by calling 772-562-0115. Mr. Kenworthy said he was excited to be She noted the March of Dimes has always asked to co-chair the event this year, “We had great support from Okeechobee. The have been the benefactor of a lot of research money raised goes to fund community ser- that went into the March of Dimes and it is vice and research. She said they increased For Info, Call near and dear to me.” the campaign goal by a modest amount and 763-7202 Fri., Oct. 18TH - Mr. Kenworthy said any baby that has a expect to be able to reach it this year. Thurs., Oct. 24TH healthy start in life will be better prepared for “Okeechobee is always one of the most MOVIE TICKETS: school. He noted his life work is devoted to generous communities and the support is Adults I: “GRAVITY” Fri., Tues. & Thurs. 7:00 & 9:00, education and children in Okeechobee and phenomenal. We raise more than $1 per $6.50 PG-13 Sat., Sun. & Wed. 2:00, 4:15, that a child who is better prepared to learn resident in Okeechobee and that is pretty Children 12 & under 7:00 & 9:00, Mon. 3:00 & 7:00 benefi ts everyone. remarkable,” she said. $5.00 II: “INSTRUCTIONS NOT “The most benefi cial thing of the March The event will last just over three miles Senior Citizens INCLUDED” of Dimes is the research. Everyone knows and will include a kid’s corner, great food $5.00 all movies PG-13 Fri., Tues. & Thurs. 7:00 & 9:00, someone who has had a premature baby or and awards. Matinees Sat., Sun. & Wed. 2:00, 4:15, a miscarriage. If we can prevent that from Statistics show that one out of seven ba- $4.50 7:00 & 9:00, Mon. 3:00 & 7:00 Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy III: “CLOUDY WITH A Co-chair Ken Kenworthy expressed CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2” confi dence the fundraising goal can PG Fri., Tues. & Thurs. 7:00 & 9:00, be met this year. Sat., Sun. & Wed. 2:00, 4:15, 7:00 & 9:00, Mon. 3:00 & 7:00 Okeechobee News/Charles Murphy Cindy Hernandez of the March of Dimes Treasure Coast offi ce brought her grandson, Leo, who was born Oct. 11, in Vero Beach, to the March of Dimes kickoff luncheon. ANNIVERSARY TOMMY T. RUCKS Okeechobee Forecast BETTY J. RUCKS Extended Forecast ommy T. Rucks and Betty J. Rucks of Sims, Keith D. Rucks; one great-grandchild, Okeechobee, Fla., will celebrate their Blake Hollister; and two step great-grandchil- Saturday: A 10 percent chance of show- T60th wedding anniversary with their dren, Lacy and Sherry Altman. ers after 2pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Oth- family on Oct. 19, 2013. Tommy and Betty have played an active erwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 88. The Rucks’ were married on Oct.19,1953 role in the Dairy Farming Industry through- Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 at the Opa Locka Methodist Church. The out their lives. They have had the pleasure mph in the afternoon. Today: Patchy fog before bride was the former Betty Jean Stokes of of being able to travel extensively. For many Saturday Night: A 10 percent chance Miami, Fla. The couple spent their honey- years they have summered at their home in 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, of showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with with a high near 88. Calm wind moon in Ohio and Washington, D.C. Jackson Hole, Wyoming. a low around 70. East wind around 5 mph Their children are, Tommy Rucks, Jr. and We are grateful and blessed to be given becoming east 5 to 7 mph in becoming calm in the evening. the afternoon. wife, Pamela Rucks, Keith Rucks and wife, the opportunity to celebrate our parents be- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of show- Susan Rucks, Robin Sims and husband, Allen ing happily married for 60 years. Tonight: Patchy fog after ers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near Sims.