Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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Dear Editor, As a medical professional, I can vouch that the priority for all of us in the field is the quality, accessibility, and affordability of the care available to our patients. In Florida, all that is being threatened by a wave of meritless and expensive medical malpractice lawsuits. Right now, there are ill-intentioned lawyers across the state that file vague and unclear claims in an attempt use our state’s loose malpractice standards to win overblown legal fees in court or through settlements. All these lawsuits m...
Since I became a Lake Wales City Commissioner in May of 2017 I have always fought for the little people. This summer of 2019 I came up with a concept that would give lower paid city employees a higher percentage increase in their pay. What the city manager was introducing was a 3 percent raise across the board that amounted to just $609 for the city's lowest paid full-time employee, but it would give the highest paid employee, not counting the city manager, an increase of...
With 10 players out with the flu the week of their Regional Final against Tampa Jesuit including star quarterback, Eric Williams, the Lake Wales Highlanders gave it their best effort against all odds. In a sport where injuries cause coaches to get creative illness isn't often a factor as it was in last Friday's game. Incidentally, it just happened to be the most important game of the season. In a lopsided Class 5A High School final the formerly undefeated Highlanders finally...
Barbara Lee "Grandma Boots" Snowden, 91, of Lake Wales passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 at Somers Hospice House. She was born March 16, 1928 in Atlanta, GA to the late John A. and Pauline M. (Thompson) Cox. She has been a resident of the area since 1995 coming from Pine Island, FL. She was a retired medical assistant in Ft. Lauderdale. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, enjoyed reading, and was active in her church. She is preceded in death by her husband Gerald...
Following on the heels of Black Friday, local businesses are encouraging shoppers to participate in Small Business Saturday Nov. 30. Lake Wales Main Street Executive Director Karen Thompson said shops in historic downtown will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. "Every time you pick up a coffee at your local café, grab lunch at the mom-and-pop shop, or buy a new bag from a local store, you're making an impact in your community," Thompson wrote. "In fact, for every dollar spent at...
The Lake Wales Family YMCA will hold its annual 5K Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot leaving from 160 E. Park Ave. downtown. Pre-registration ended Nov. 24. Race day entry fee is $35 for adults and $15 for students. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with the race start at 8 a.m. The race is bib chip timed, family and walker friendly. Participants receive a T-shirt and finisher medal....
If you are are in the market for buying an existing business with plenty of goodwill and lots of potential look no further than Steve Seisel's Polk Furniture Store. A bargain at $16,500 Steve says the store is so well known he never has to go out and search for inventory. People call him, often "two or three time a day," says Seisel. "As far as I know I am the only consignment shop in Winter Haven." While that may or not be totally accurate it doesn't matter because in my own...
George Irwin Owen, 74, of Lake Wales passed way Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born November 29, 1944 in Kendallville, IN to the late Richard B. and Esther (Hall) Owen. He has been a resident of the area for 3 years coming from Corunna, IN. He was a retired letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office. George loved being with his family, going to the community pool, traveling and fishing. He is preceded in death by his brother Richard Owen III....
Daniel Perry Bowen of Valdosta passed away Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, just a few months shy of his 90th birthday. He was born March 21, 1930 in Wauchula, FL to the late William and Rosa Lee (Evors) Bowen. Daniel served in the U.S. Army in the 5th Special Forces; he served three tours in Vietnam and retired after 23 years as a Master Sergeant. Daniel was also a Bronze Star recipient. After his retirement in the Army, he became a Deputy Sheriff in Collier County and later became t...
A downtown Lake Wales fixture since 1976, Cliff's True Value Hardware will be closing the end of May. Owner Larry Tonjes announced plans in a letter posted Nov. 16 on Facebook. Tonjes said both of his parents recently celebrated their 80th birthdays, his sister was pursuing other career options and he was ready to join his wife Cindy in retirement. Cindy Tonjes has been a longtime local school teacher. "We have always appreciated the support that we have received from Lake Wal...
For the second consecutive year, Polk State College received a Chancellor's Best Practice Award from the Florida College System – this time for its First Year Experience and Guided Pathways programs focused on ensuring students persist on their paths to degrees and careers. College representatives accepted the award Thursday in Palm Harbor alongside colleagues from State College of Florida, Eastern Florida State College, and Florida SouthWestern Sate College who were also r...
United Way of Central Florida President and CEO Christina Criser Jackson has announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Operating Officer Penny Borgia in March 2020. "I cannot thank Penny enough for the countless hours of hard work and the passion she has poured into this organization," Criser Jackson said. "A United Way without Penny is hard to imagine but I'm confident she has set us up for success. Her transformational community impact initiatives will strengthen our...
The Lake Wales Police Department is accepting applications for their upcoming 2020 Citizen's Police Academy and VOICE Academy. The Citizen's Police Academy provides the citizens of Lake Wales a greater understanding of what the police department does on a daily basis. Participants will learn about the vital roles and responsibilities of the police department and how we can work together to help maintain a safe community. This program benefits the community and the police...
Honk if you love bass fishing! Bartow Ford is investing in Florida bass conservation by partnering with FWC's TrophyCatch angler recognition program. The company has provided a Ford F-150 to be the "TrophyCatch Truck," which is being used to promote the program throughout Florida. The F-150 is also the designated tow vehicle for the TrophyCatch boat, donated by partner Phoenix Bass Boats. The colorfully wrapped duo of truck and boat provide a mobile billboard that encourages...
The Lake Wales History Museum will be closed Nov.26 - 30, 2019 for a major termite treatment of historic buildings on the museum campus. The treatment will include tenting all four of the museum's historic buildings including: the Historic Stuart House, 1916 Seaboard Air Line Freight Station, the Historic Crystal Lodge, and the main museum building, the 1928 Atlantic Coastline Railroad Station. This is one of the first steps towards the preservation of the museum's historic...
The Lake Wales History Museum is offering a bus tour to explore the community's history from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 7. The new, air-conditioned History Bus will take riders on a tour through old Florida history, driving through the heart of downtown Lake Wales and beyond, stopping at historic buildings such as the Rhodesbilt Arcade,the old Lake Wales State Bank, Dixie Walesbilt Hotel, Bullard Building, Lake Wales Arts Center and more. Along the way, participants will...
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is offering six easy ways to prepare for your holiday meals and parties without running up your water bill. During the holidays, water plays a role in everything from food preparation to the cleanup process. Here's how to incorporate water conservation into your holiday preparations: • Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them. • Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan...
As the nation struggles to train enough cybersecurity experts and analysts to fill a shortage that has grown by 50% since 2015, four Polk County colleges are offering courses and degrees to help prepare students for this growing field. In the next two years, about half a million cybersecurity jobs will remain unfilled, according to the Principles for Growing and Sustaining the Nation's Cybersecurity Workforce. Around the world, that number could reach 3 million, according to...
Plan for a long life and keep these vital documents up-to-date for your protection and the sake of those you love. The underlying goal of proper estate planning is to ensure the legacy you leave behind provides your family with essential information that can help guide them through a difficult and confusing time. There are a number of fundamental pieces you may want to consider when drafting your estate planning documents, including: Last Will and Testament A Last Will and...
On November 20, 2019, Carol passed peacefully away surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born Dec. 26, 1936. She is survived by her husband, Brian Peck, her daughters, Toni Hill (Chuck), Sandra Tullius (Lisa) and Vicki Vogt (Michael), stepchildren, Robert Peck (Wendy), Kim, Jody and Sherri, her grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She also has many nieces and nephews and a great many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Francis Edward and Martha Cook...
Loretta Darnell, 79, of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 at Life's Journey of Avon in Indiana. She was born January 15, 1940 in Lake Wales to the late Russell and Katherine (Copper). She was a groundskeeper. She is preceded in death by her husband William Darnell, son Bud Cartrette and 2 brothers. She is survived by her daughters Gina Speck of Mooresville, IN, Tammie Trosper of Martinsville, IN, Becky Thomas of Anderson, IN, 8 grandchildren and 6 great...
Alquin H. Klaphake, 87, of Lake Wales, Florida passed away Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019 at Somers Hospice House in Sebring. He was born October 22, 1932 in Alexandria, MN to the late George and Agnes Klaphake. He has been a resident of the area since 1984 coming from Minnesota. He was a supervisor for 30 years for Schweigert Meat Company. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Dundee. Alquin was a veteran in the U.S. Army serving in Korea. He is preceded in death by 2 sisters and 2 brothers. He is survived by his wife...
