Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the November 10, 2021 edition


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  • Care Center Receives Million-Dollar Grant for Interim Housing

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 24, 2021

    A significant investment in rehabilitation for both existing housing and needy residents is likely to result from a successful grant application by the Lake Wales Care Center. That 36-year-old organization has been notified that they will soon receive $1 million in grant funding after emerging as the top non-profit applicant in Polk County under the American Rescue Plan. "My first thought was just 'wow, what an honor,' because there are a lot of good projects and good...

  • Lake Wales Defeats Port St. Lucie to Advance to Regional Semifinals

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Nov 20, 2021

    The Lake Wales Highlanders advanced to the Class 6-A Regional semifinals after a solid game against the Port St. Lucie Jaguars Friday night, emerging victorious by a 35-0 score. Quarterback Trent Grotjan, a Junior, tossed two TDs in the first half to put the Highlanders in command of the game. The first score came on the squad's first offensive play when a toss to Carlos Mitchell covered 52 yards. Xavier Marlow carried the ball across the finish line in both the second and...

  • Highlanders Face Port St. Lucie in Playoff Opener

    News Staff|Updated Nov 20, 2021

    After concluding their regular season play with an 8-2 wining record, the Lake Wales Highlanders advance as 6-A District 7 runners-up to the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs, meeting the PSL Jaguars in Port St. Lucie Friday night. Their single loss to Auburndale by a 14-8 score left them with a 3-1 record in District play. The Jaguars finished their season with a 7-2 record, but remained undefeated with a 3-0 record in their Division play, giving them a home-f...

  • William O. (Bill) Horrell, 1922-2021

    Updated Nov 15, 2021

    William O. (Bill) Horrell died peacefully in the company of family at Water's Edge in Lake Wales on November 12, 2021. Bill was born August 8, 1922 in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Olney W. and Zola (Eikenberry) Horrell. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Diana (Dee) Abe on January 18, 1945 and they shared life together in Dayton (OH), Clear Lake (IN) and the Lake Wales area until her death in 1994. He was the proud father of his son, Jack E. Horrell, and his daughter,...

  • Yvonne Marie Davis, 1944-2021

    Whidden-McLean Funeral Home|Updated Nov 15, 2021

    Yvonne Marie Davis, age 76, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Vitas Hospice in Winter Garden, FL. She was born December 19, 1944 in Alabama to Venus & Vita Smith Williams. Yvonne was a Housewife. She was of the Baptist Faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick Davis, sister Janice Jared, two nephews Graham Jared and Ethan Jared. She is survived by two step daughters Patricia Caswall of Longwood, FL, Donna White of Winter Park, FL, niece Julie Jared...

  • Nancy Barber, 1954-2021

    Whidden-McLean Funeral Home|Updated Nov 15, 2021

    Nancy Barber, age 67, of Lake Wales passed away November 15, 2021, at Advent Health Lake Wales. She was born on March 23, 1954, in Murfreesboro, TN. She worked as a Server. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, antique furniture and rescuing senior dogs. She will also be remembered for her wonderful cooking. She is survived by a loving family that includes her husband William Barber, children Delaney Snook, Mandy Snook & Jennifer Tanner, brother William Hill, sister Clara Madison,...

  • Housing Options Continue to Expand Around Lake Wales As Prices Rise

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 14, 2021

    Lake Wales's newest housing subdivision is rapidly being developed on the high ground just west of Lake Wales High School. Scenic Bluffs Phase Two will offer 55 single-family homes on a site facing Old Scenic Highway. In a nod to the extraordinary housing shortage facing much of the nation, prices have risen sharply for new homes, pricing many first-time buyers out of the market. New homes in the development will start at 1400 square feet of living area and be priced...

  • It's Officially John A. Davenport Veterans Day in Lake Wales

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 14, 2021

    In an inspirational tribute to veterans in general and one man in particular, the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary today hosted a special Veterans' Day observance in honor of "Captain Jack," a 99-years old retired Navy pilot who hunted Japanese submarines in the Pacific Ocean during WW II. The honors came thick and fast for John A. Davenport during the breakfast meeting and included a Special Presidential Citation presented by envoy Mike Rodriguez, representing President Joe...

  • Veterans Honored in Display at Lake Wales Public Library

    News Staff|Updated Nov 12, 2021

    Remembering those who have served to preserve American democracy against the threats posed by Fascism, Communism, and Totalitarianism is among the sacred duties of American citizens each year on Veterans' Day. To remind us of the difficulties they overcame, the staff of the Lake Wales Public Library has created a Veteran's Day exhibit drawing from the library's local history archives. Documents have been provided from those archive as well as family and fellow City of Lake...

  • Lake Wales Resident Dies in Single Vehicle Crash

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Nov 11, 2021

    A single vehicle accident left a local man dead and mid-day traffic blocked Wednesday. Brett Lang, 548, was not wearing a seat belt when he lost control on southbound US 27 and hit a tree and light pole at the northwest corner of the signalized intersection. The location is across ABC Road from Oakley Transportation. Lang was flown by helicopter to a hospital but died from his injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash....

  • Woman's Club of Lake Wales Boosts "World Kindness Day"

    Fran Hanrahan, Womans Club of Lake Wales|Updated Nov 11, 2021

    World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998, to promote kindness throughout the world and is observed annually on November 13 as part of the World Kindness Movement. It is observed in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the U.A.E. World Kindness Day presents us with the opportunity to reflect upon one of the most important and unifying human principles. It is a day devoted to the positive potential of both large and small acts of kindness. Kindness. Is it...

  • Lake Wales Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Celebrates Anniversary By Supporting Local Causes

    News Staff|Updated Nov 11, 2021

    "It's a blink of an eye and 30 years have flown by. When Ralph and I started we both had darker hair," said Mike Mahalak, president of the Mahalak Auto Group, in recognition of a quadruple anniversary for their local and flagship franchises. "It has been a fun adventure. We have been blessed to see a lot of growth and have made a lot of relationships here in Winter Haven and across central Florida. At the end of the day, you can buy a vehicle from just about anybody... but...

  • Lake Wales Chamber Hosts Western-Style Gala

    News Staff|Updated Nov 11, 2021

    Feel like a rodeo cowgirl or cowboy sometimes? Here's your big chance to get out those rhinestones and boots and sparkle your way across a dance floor. The Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council is inviting the public to attend their annual Awards Gala, Friday, November 19, 2021 at Lake Ashton Country Club Ballroom. The Country-Western themed gala will a judging for best cowboy and cowgirl or western themed outfit. Admission tickets for the 5:30 p...

  • Patsy L. Berkley, 1942-2021

    McLean Funeral Home|Updated Nov 11, 2021

    Patsy L. Berkley, age 79, passed away November 8, 2021 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale. Born May 8, 1942 in Cedar Springs, GA, Patsy was a longtime resident of Bartow. She was of the Baptist Faith and former member of the Bartow Moose Lodge.. Patsy was a graduate of Bartow Summerlin Institute and former partner of Tower Tree Service of Bartow for several years. She was preceded in death by her husband: William Berkley and her parents: Frank and Louise Evans Grubbs. She...

  • Salvatore S. "Sal" Magnetico, 1954-2021

    Whidden-McLean Funeral Home|Updated Nov 11, 2021

    Salvatore S. "Sal" Magnetico, age 67, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021 in Bartow. Born January 13, 1954 in Hoboken, NJ, he was the son of the late Carlo and Angelina (Leonardo) Magnetico. Mr. Magnetico was a soccer coach for many years, coaching at many different levels from recreational children and youth to high school. Sal was a Senior Loan Officer in the Mortgage Banking industry for many years, prior to that he owned and operated a lawn business for 20 years in...

  • Bessie Elizabeth Wynn, 1955-2021

    Gause Funeral Home|Updated Nov 11, 2021

    Bessie Elizabeth Wynn, age 66, of Bartow, FL, died Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, FL. She is survived by her long time Companion Walter Keepler, Bartow, FL; one Sister: Shelly Wynn, Bartow, FL; and one Brother: Anthony (Connie) Swain, Miami, FL. Memorial service will be at Gause Funeral Home at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 20, 2021. All persons attending must wear a face mask....

  • Thomas Earl Dean, 1954-2021

    Updated Nov 11, 2021

    Thomas Earl Dean of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021. He was born July 13th, 1954, in Donaldsville, Georgia to the late Bert and Ruby Dean. Thomas was a Beautician in the personal care industry and was self-employed. Thomas is survived by his sister Mattie Fenby of LW, and his dog Odie....

  • Deputy Mayor Gibson Issues Call for Preserving Lake Wales "Small Town Feel"

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 10, 2021

    The multiple proposals for future residential development in the Lake Wales area has many concerned for the future of the city and the potential loss of its "small town" feel. After hearing from numerous citizens about their worries for the future, Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson has felt the need to speak about the issue. "Folks have been telling me they are concerned about the town being overwhelmed by the coming urbanization," Gibson said in a written statement....

  • Ronald "Ronnie" Edward McKenzie Sr., 1948-2021

    Updated Nov 10, 2021

    Ronald "Ronnie" Edward McKenzie Sr. of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021. He was born December 20, 1948, in Cocoa, FL to the late Edward and Nita McKenzie. Ronnie was a Maintenance Supervisor at Florida's Natural for 50 plus years and retired after the 50 years but continued to consult. Ronnie was a member of a local CB club, loved to hunt, fix things and help people. Most of all he LOVED children and people. Ronnie was preceded in death by his son Joseph Garrett...

  • Lester L. Brownlee, 1942-2021

    Whidden-McLean Funeral Home|Updated Nov 10, 2021

    Lester L. Brownlee, age 79, passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021 in Lakeland. Born September 19, 1942 in Tampa, he was the son of the late Lester Sylvester and Louise (Glisson) Brownlee. Lester was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Brownlee retired from Cargill after working for W.R. Grace and Co. for many years as an Electrician. Along with his parents, Lester is preceded in death by his son, Aaron J. Brownlee. He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife...

  • John "Jack" Daubert, 1933-2021

    Whidden-McLean Funeral Home|Updated Nov 10, 2021

    John "Jack" Daubert, age 88, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at his residence after a long illness. He was born October 10, 1933 in Freeland, PA to Clayton & Margaret Daubert. Jack was a Veteran in the US Army serving in the Korean War. He was a Courier for the Erie School District in Pennsylvania. Jack had also been a barber and school bus driver for many years. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Bartow. He was also a member of the Knights of...