Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the November 8, 2023 edition


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  • Ellen Jones Named to Stamps Scholars at Mercer University

    Special to the News|Updated Nov 29, 2023

    the prestigious Stamps Scholars program at Georgia's Mercer University has welcomed a local resident to the program. Mercer's newest Stamps Scholar class includes Ellen Rose Jones from Lake Wales. "Stamps Scholars are among the highest-achieving students at Mercer," said Dr. David A. Davis, director of University Honors. "Recent graduates have gone on to prestigious graduate programs and high-profile careers. We are excited to imagine the future for this cohort of scholars."...

  • Family Recreation Center Opens Amid Fanfare

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 21, 2023

    A newly-renovated Family Recreation Center is now open to the public with a full line-up of new equipment and freshened facilities. A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city officials welcomed the first crowd of enthusiasts on Saturday. The newly-refreshed building features new vinyl plank flooring flooring in the entry, lobby, rear hallway, childcare area, and the Turner Center meeting room. Those same areas have been freshly painted, along with walls in restroom and shower...

  • Singing for Theater Offers Young Vocalists a Pathway to Advancement

    Casey Gist, News Correspondent|Updated Nov 15, 2023

    Aspiring performers between the ages of 9 and 17 have a new opportunity to advance their vocal skills and enhance the talents they bring to future performances. A new partnership between Lake Wales Little Theatre and the Lake Wales Arts Council offers students a chance to learn basic vocal techniques, breath control, range extension, and emotive expression with seasoned vocal coaches. The program offers a dynamic method that focuses on empowering participants to build and...

  • Hurricane Season Still Has Potential for Trouble From Caribbean

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 15, 2023

    Even as the Lake Wales area enjoys pleasant and mild weather, it's important to keep a weather-eye out for late-developing tropical storms and hurricanes that could threaten to disrupt our idyllic autumn days. Now two long-range models are depicting just such a potential. Hurricane season runs through November 30, and there have been occasional storms that have developed even after that date. The unusually-warm water in the Atlantic basin, coupled with unseasonable warmth,...

  • Thanksgiving Morning "Turkey Trot" 5K to Benefit Lake Wales Care Center

    Casey Gist, News Correspondent|Updated Nov 15, 2023

    The Ultra Ultras, a running club, is offering area walkers and runners a good excuse to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast without overwhelming guilt. An Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot 5K will offer families plenty of exercise and a fun outing Thanksgiving morning while also supporting the important local charity, Lake Wales Care Center. "Scott Hoover and his running club, Ultra Ultras are donating a portion of the registration fee," said Jolee Beamer of the Care Center, "and...

  • Donald John Garty, 1952-2023

    News Obituary Service|Updated Nov 11, 2023

    Donald John Garty of Lake Wales passed away Monday, November 6, 2023 at Forsythe Hospice House. He was born June 21, 1952 in Flint, Michigan to the late William Garty and Earlene Kaplan; he moved to Lake Wales from Michigan in 1990. Donald was an engineer for Lake Wales Hospital for 25 years and loved to ride his Harley. He had a big heart and was a family man. Donald loved his family and friends and was loving to all of his friends, children, and grandchildren. Donald was...

  • Babson Park Marks 100th Anniversary of Woman's Club

    Saundra Roach and Lisa Hernandez|Updated Nov 11, 2023

    An anniversary worth noting is happening this month, as a local institution marks its 100th birthday. The Babson Park Woman's Club (BPWC) is a designated national historic landmark standing just across the street from Webber University. Established in the fall of 1923, the Babson Park Woman's Club turns 100-years old on November 16, 2023, marking a full century of significant contributions to the community and nation, ranging from local social activities to WWII bandage...

  • Police Arrest Tire Store Employee After Attempt at Credit Card Fraud

    News Staff Reports|Updated Nov 9, 2023

    Lake Wales Police have arrested a local store employee and charged his with credit card theft after he used customer information to attempt to obtain cash. A customer purchased tires at Tire Kingdom in Lake Wales on Saturday, November 4 using their credit card over the phone. According to Sgt. William Smith of the Lake Wales Police Department, within 24 hours, the victim began receiving alerts that the credit card had been used in an attempt to transfer money via an online app...

  • Warrant Issued for Eloise Murder Suspect, Public Tips Sought

    News Staff Reports|Updated Nov 9, 2023

    A warrant has been issued for the arrest for 26-year-old Enrique Martinez, who lives in a homeless camp at 2nd Eloise Terrace in Winter Haven, for first degree murder, possession of a firearm and ammo by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence. Martinez is alleged to have murdered an adult Hispanic homeless male in the camp at around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, The victim has not been identified by law enforcement at this time. Martinez is 5'6" tall, 146...

  • November 7, 1923 Lake Wales Highlander

    News Research|Updated Nov 8, 2023

    The extension of a local rail line to reach the east coast of Florida was all the talk of Lake Wales residents in November 100 years ago. Many were undoubtedly hoping that the line would be the spur that already extended to Nalaca on the Kissimmee River. That line, which served logging, cattle, and mining interests, passed through Hesperides and Sumica before ending along the river. Today a portion of that former line is the Lake Wales Trailway on the north side of Lake Wailes...

  • Movie Review "What Happens Later" Is a Touching Tale of Second Chances and Rekindled Love

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Nov 8, 2023

    "What Happens Later," stands out as a refreshing and poignant exploration of second chances and rekindled love amidst the backdrop of mature relationships. This romantic comedy stars Meg Ryan and is also directed by Meg Ryan. This is her second directorial effort. The film revolves around Willa (Ryan) and Bill (David Duchovny), two former college sweethearts who unexpectedly reunite after decades of separation, finding themselves snowed in at a regional airport overnight....

  • County to Ban Smoking, Vaping in Most Public Parks

    Jeff Foley|Updated Nov 7, 2023

    The Polk County Board of County Commissioners has adopted an ordinance authorizing the County Manager to prohibit smoking and vaping in public parks in unincorporated Polk County. The Board adopted the ordinance by a 5-0 vote. Based on the Board's direction, the initial focus will be on prohibiting smoking and vaping in active parks, such as playgrounds and sports complexes that serve youth sports programs. The ordinance will become effective upon filing with the Secretary of...

  • Real Estate Tax Discounts Available for Early Payment

    Special to the News|Updated Nov 7, 2023

    Owners of homes and other real estate in Polk County have an opportunity to save some jingle before the holidays by paying real estate taxes early. "We encourage taxpayers to pay as early as they can, to save as much money as possible!" said Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder. The 2023 Property Tax Notices were mailed Friday, October 27, and if yours is still sitting around you may be missing out on some significant savings. There's a four percent discount for paying...

  • On Golden Pond Returns to Theatre Stage

    Chevon Baccus|Updated Nov 3, 2023

    Lake Wales Little Theatre has another entertaining offering on the boards in November, as the company offers the tender classic, "On Golden Pond," which opens Friday, November 3 for a three-weekend run. A talented cast, under the direction of Jamie Clark, turn the script into an enjoyable night out. During a visit to their rustic cabin on Golden Pond, the cantankerous retired professor Norman Thayer Jr. and his long-suffering wife Ethel expose the inner workings of their tende...