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Articles from the February 12, 2025 edition


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  • Lake Wales Arts Festival Highlights the Weekend on the Ridge

    Robert Connors|Updated Feb 18, 2025

    Art lovers from across central Florida are expected to flock to the shores of Lake Wailes this weekend for the 54th annual Lake Wales Arts Festival, which takes place Saturday and Sunday under the shade of the live oaks. The juried show will feature scores of artists displaying artistic creations in multiple categories. Prize awards and purchase prizes totaling thousands of dollars await the winners chosen by judges. The art will be exhibited from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on both...

  • Billie Jo Worsham Whidden, 1944-2024

    News Obituary Service|Updated Feb 17, 2025

    Billie Jo Worsham Whidden, 80, keeper of family lore and devoted mother, and grandmother, passed away on February 12th 2025 surrounded by her children. Born on 19 December 1944, in Tampa, Florida, she made it her life's mission to preserve and share her family's rich history. Her passion for genealogy led her to embrace the Worsham and Hough family history. She also actively participated in the Daughter's of the American Revolution chapter in Lake Wales. As an educator for 35...

  • Former Lake Wales Commissioner Curtis Gibson to Challenge Mayor Jack Hilligoss in April 1 Election

    Robert Connnors|Updated Feb 15, 2025

    Two candidates have qualified for the Lake Wales mayoral election slated for April 1, 2025. Incumbent Mayor Jack Hilligoss will face a challenge from former city commissioner Curtis Gibson. Hilligoss is the pastor of High Point Church in Lake Wales, while Gibson is the manager of the Eagle Ridge Mall. The election will also feature a referendum on future elections that, if approved, will require a run-off vote in the case of multiple-candidate races where no one receives a...

  • The Brutalist Provides Gripping Entertainment

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Feb 15, 2025

    This is an excellent movie-long enough to include an intermission but gripping throughout. Written and directed by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist stars Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce. Brody plays László Toth, a Holocaust survivor who moves to Pennsylvania to rebuild his life. The film follows him as he struggles with the separation from his family, adapting to a new culture and language, and processing the horrors of his past. Toth is an architect, more than just an...

  • Polk State to Offer Open House Events for Prospective Students

    Madison Fantozzi, Polk State College|Updated Feb 15, 2025

    Polk State College will host open house events on each campus during the Spring 2025 Semester. Prospective students and families are invited to tour campuses, meet faculty and staff, learn about academic programs and student life, complete college applications, receive assistance with applying for financial aid, enter to win scholarships, and more. Open house on the Winter Haven Campus will take place March 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 999 Ave. H N.E. in the Student Center...

  • Students Invited to Apply for Scholarships Before March 7 Deadline

    Special to the News|Updated Feb 15, 2025

    Certain Florida college students still have time to apply for one of three $1,200 scholarships to be awarded by the Florida Supervisors of Elections to Florida college students in 2025. Interested students should contact the Supervisor of Elections in their county of residence to request an application packet. Polk County Supervisor of Elections Melony Bell reminded applicants that they must: • Be registered to vote in the State of Florida; • Enrolled or accepted as...