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(193) stories found containing 'Babson Park'


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  • Local Pastors Issue Invitation to May 6 National Day of Prayer Observance

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated May 3, 2021

    Lake Wales area pastors invite the public to gather at noon Thursday, May 6 for the annual National Day of Prayer observance. The event will take place outside in the breezeway of the city administration building at 201 W. Central Ave. This year's theme is "Lord, Pour Out Your Love, Life, and Liberty." It is based on the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 3:17, which says "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." The featured speaker offering a brief devotional will be Col....

  • Margie Lasseter Fulghum, 1936-2021

    Updated Apr 15, 2021

    Margie Lasseter Fulghum, 85, of Maggie Valley, NC passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 after an extended battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born Feb. 21, 1936 in Adel, GA to the late Louis and Evie Lasseter and moved to Lake Wales at a very young age. She graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1954. She was one of the original five Lake Wales High School majorettes and the very first to model the Scottish Kilt Design. She then attended and graduated from Webber...

  • Frankie Farmer, 1973-2021

    Updated Apr 9, 2021

    Walter F. “Frankie” Farmer, Jr., 48, of Babson Park passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Advent Health Lake Wales. He was born April 6, 1973 in Winter Haven to Walter and Peggy Farmer and has been a lifelong resident of the area. Frankie was a self-employed citrus grafter for Walter Farmer Citrus Budding and was a member of New Harvest Worship Center. He was a devoted family man, he enjoyed the Smoky Mountains, the beach, hunting, fishing. He was a collector of Case Knives, Zippo Lighters, and guns. Frankie was pre...

  • Frank Sikes, 1930-2021

    Updated Mar 5, 2021

    Frank Sikes, 90, of Lake Wales passed away and went home to be with his Lord Jesus Monday, March 1, 2021 at his residence. He was born Nov. 27, 1930 in Cobbtown, GA to the late Eli and Zelma Sikes; he moved to Lake Wales from Cobbtown 84 years ago. Frank was the retired president of First Federal Savings and Loan of Lake Wales, former president of Lake Wales Little League, a cattle rancher with a passion for raising, training, and riding cutting horses. He enjoyed singing and...

  • Two Babson Park Men Sue Over Crooked Lake Sewage Spill

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Mar 5, 2021

    Two Babson Park men have filed suit against the Crooked Lake Park Sewerage Company, claiming they suffered severe life and limb threatening infections after being exposed to raw sewage spilled into the lake last summer. On behalf of W. Trent Farrar and K. Douglas Morrison, attorney Kent Lilly filed the lawsuit March 3 asking for unspecified damages of at least $100,000. The suit claims the sewerage company unlawfully discharged an estimated 95,000 gallons of raw sewage into...

  • James Daniel Townson, 1945-2021

    Updated Feb 17, 2021

    James Daniel Townson, 75, of Babson Park passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 at Advent Health Orlando. He was born November 10, 1945 in Oak Ridge, TN to the late Clarence and Velma Townson. James was an electrician for Florida's Natural for 30 years and was still actively working. He loved to fish, watch sunsets, and ride his motorcycle. He enjoyed going to the beach and was a Pastor. James was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters and a granddaughter, Lea Henderson....

  • Shellie Castle, 1970-2021

    Updated Feb 17, 2021

    Shellie Lanier Castle, 50, of Babson Park passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. She was born November 20, 1970 in Bartow to James Lanier and Claire McLemore; she was a lifelong resident of the area. Shellie was a Hospice Nurse. She loved all things ocean and her family, especially being a honey to her grandchildren. Shellie was preceded in death by her father Dewey Lanier; and son, Cody Douglas Castle. She is survived by her mother, Ann...

  • Charter School System Gets Sheriff's Office to Investigate School Principal

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Feb 11, 2021

    The Lake Wales Charter School System has initiated a fact-finding investigation to examine allegations that recently reassigned Hillcrest Elementary School Principal Jennifer Barrow harassed and intimidated current and former employees, creating an oppressive work environment. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has agreed to provide investigators to determine the facts surrounding Barrow's leadership and whether she violated the Florida Administrative Code related to ethical and p...

  • Carolyn "Polly" Stephens, 1919-2021

    Updated Feb 10, 2021

    Carolyn B. "Polly" Stephens, 101, of Lake Wales passed away Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 at her residence. She was born September 18, 1919 in Sumner, GA to the late William and Janie Bridges. She was a retired Registered Nurse and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lake Wales. She was part of the Lake Wales Women's Club, the past President of the Spook Hill Elementary School PTO, the Grand Marshall for the Lake Wales Christmas parade in 2019 and was an avid reader....

  • Charter Trustees Suspend 13-Year Superintendent Jackson

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Jan 27, 2021

    The Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees suspended Superintendent Jesse Jackson with pay Monday, Jan. 25 pending a special meeting in a week to discuss whether to accept his resignation or terminate his employment. Jackson already had submitted his resignation, effective Feb. 26, but a controversy surrounding his replacement of Hillcrest Elementary Principal Jennifer Barrow might move his departure up a few weeks. More than 300 people attended the online trustee...

  • Alice Walker, 1952-2021

    Updated Jan 15, 2021

    Alice Elizabeth Jones Walker, 68 of Lake Wales, died Jan. 11, 2021 at Advent Health Hospital in Lake Wales. She was born in Babson Park on Dec. 10, 1952. Services are scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at Epps Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Lake Wales. Visitation will be during the service. Masks are required....

  • Rhoda Choate, 1954-2021

    Updated Jan 10, 2021

    Rhoda Jean Choate, 66, of Babson Park passed away Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 at Advent Health Lake Wales. She was born January 29, 1954 in Wauchula to the late Mearl and Frances Choate. Rhoda was a homemaker; she loved her nieces and nephews and they loved her. She enjoyed watching television, playing games on her IPad, and she loved to knit. Rhoda is survived by her siblings, Joan Hazel Fairall (William) of Polk City, Mearl Clyde Choate, Jr. of Indian Lake Estates, and Martha...

  • Dale Fair, 1937-2020

    Updated Dec 25, 2020

    Dale Ross Fair, 83, of Babson Park passed away Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020 at the Winter Haven Hospital. He was born October 21, 1937 in Morehead, KY to the late Linus and Jessie Fair; he has been a resident of the area since 1962. Dale was a teacher at Lake Wales High School from 1962 until 1968, when he then accepted a position at Babson Park Elementary School as Principal in 1968 and retired in 2003. Upon his retirement, the school was renamed Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary...

  • Karen Burcham, 1977-2020

    Updated Dec 2, 2020

    Karen Burcham, 43, of Babson Park passed away Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 at her residence. She was born August 17, 1977 in Lake Wales to Roger Wellman and Donna Ward. Karen was a gardener for Marshall Carolle. Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Caraway on August 14, 2017; father, Roger Wellman; daughter, Melissa Burcham; and brother, Aaron Wellman in 2013. She is survived by her sons, Bobby Burcham and wife Jasmirelis of Vero Beach, and Rocky Lee Carter of Plant...

  • Robert Mosier, 1971-2020

    Updated Oct 7, 2020

    Robert O. "Rob" Mosier (Bobby), 49, of Babson Park passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at his residence. He was born April 9, 1971 in Griffin, GA to Paul Mosier and Frances Lashley. Rob was a longtime manager for Air Gas company but was working for Hawkins Incorporated as a driver when he became disabled. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and spending time with his friends and family. Rob was preceded in death by his father, Paul Mosier. He is survived by his wife...

  • Charles Atmore, 1947-2020

    Updated Sep 23, 2020

    Charles Atmore, 73, of Babson Park died Sept. 19, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida He was born March 17, 1947. Services are incomplete. Epps Memorial Funeral Home in Lake Wales is handling arrangements....

  • Commissioners Appoint Chaplain, Continue Pre-Meeting Invocations

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Sep 16, 2020

    Lake Wales City commissioners by a 4-1 vote Sept. 9 approved an invocation policy that appoints an official chaplain and develops a list of volunteers from local congregations to fill in as needed. Two atheists who live outside the city and one city resident who described herself as non-religious failed to convince commissioners to abandon the invocations or replace them with a moment of silence. Lake Wales resident Charlene Bennett said the policy "pretty much guarantees you...

  • Nancy Elizabeth "Liz" Hunt, 1957-2020

    Updated Sep 16, 2020

    Nancy Elizabeth "Liz" Hunt, 63, of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 at Orlando Regional Medical Center. She was born March 21, 1957 in Lake Wales to Ellis and Nancy Hunt. Liz was a homemaker and attended the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. She enjoyed singing, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. Liz was preceded in death by her son, Carson. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth White of Orlando, Lauren Wilhite and husband David...

  • Legacy Leads in Local Real Estate Sales for Five Years Running

    Cassie Jacoby, Contributing Writer|Updated Sep 16, 2020

    "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams," says Dolores Vogel, Legacy Real Estate Center broker and owner. "So, DREAM BIG, we do!" The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine hasn't slowed down this entrepreneur who moved into new digs at 218 E. Park Ave. in downtown Lake Wales. The building was purchased in 2018 and completely renovated. "I'm proud that the Center has been ranked number one in sales within the Lake Wales Association of...

  • Pearl Zusag-Weiss, 1941-2020

    Updated Sep 3, 2020

    Pearl Rose Zusag-Weiss, 79, of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020 at her residence. She was born March 28, 1941 in Joliet, IL to the late Carl and Henrietta Zusag. She moved to Lake Wales from Terra Haute, IN in 2004. Pearl worked in hotel services and was of the Lutheran faith. She was an avid reader and enjoyed going to the library, puzzles, gardening, and computer games. She was a Cubs and Hosier fan. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband of 17 years, Fred...

  • David Dopler, 1956-2020

    Updated Aug 26, 2020

    David Dopler, 63, of Babson Park passed away Monday, Aug. 24, 2020 at his residence. He was born December 18, 1956 in Ashtabula County, Ohio to the late Richard and Patricia Dopler. He moved to Babson Park with his family as a child. David was a retired self-employed citrus grower. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, and eating. David was preceded in death by his brother, Shad Dopler and sister, Beth Ohlinger. Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Sheila Dopler; sisters; Ellen...

  • Andrew "Jack" Beasley Jr., 1945-2020

    Updated Aug 19, 2020

    Andrew Jackson Beasley, Jr., 74, of Babson Park passed away Sunday, Aug. 16 at Advent Health Lake Wales. He was born December 7, 1945 in Frostproof, Florida to the late Jack and Mary Beasley. He was a retired citrus harvester. Jack is survived by his daughters, Monica Vigna of Lake Wales, and Kimberly Starling of Lake Wales; son, Andrew Jackson Beasley, III of Lake Wales; grandchildren, Taft Vigna, Brittany Simmons, Alex Yearry, Heath Vigna, Savannah Starling, Sheridan Vigna,...

  • Marilyn Graham, 1955-2020

    Updated Jul 30, 2020

    Marilyn Renell Graham, 65 of Lake Wales, died July 24, 2020 at home. She was born Feb. 15, 1955 in Babson Park. Services are incomplete. Epps Memorial Funeral Home in Lake Wales is handling arrangements....

  • Charter Schools Announce Meal Guidelines

    Brian Ackley, Lake Wales Charter Schools|Updated Jul 22, 2020

    Lake Wales Charter Schools has announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2020-2021 school year. All students will be served lunch and breakfast at no charge at the following sites: Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, Polk Avenue Elementary and Victory Ridge Academy. In addition applications for free and reduced price lunches at...

  • Mark Hewitt, 1951-2020

    Updated Jun 24, 2020

    Mark R. Hewitt, 68, of Babson Park was born December 29, 1951, in Miami to the late Hewell and Vernice Hewitt. Mark was recruited out of Miami Norland in 1969 to play football for the University of Florida. After graduation, he began coaching in Houston, TX at MacArthur High School in Aldine Independent School District where he coached football and baseball as well as taught history for seven years. He moved to Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, TX in 1983 where he taught and coached for 23 years. He was very proud to...

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