Hendry-Lee-Glades Obituaries

Roy Early Taylor, age 90, of LaBelle died Sunday, August 28, 2011 in LaBelle. He was born May 14, 1921 in Ware County, GA, son of the late Joseph Early Taylor and Frankie Mae (Sweat) Taylor. He served in the Army during World War II. He worked for USSC for thirty-nine years and retired in 1986 as superintendent of the Eastern Division. He was a member of the Church of God-LaBelle.

Survivors include his wife: Shirley Sue (Bishop) Taylor; sons: Joseph Myers (Doris) Taylor of Quincy, Rev. William Roy (Beth) Taylor, PhD of Charlotte, NC, daughters: Marlene (Robert) Peace of Montgomery, AL, Diane (Larry) Hingson of Bonita Springs, stepchildren, Paula (Danny) Selph of Orlando, Patty Louise (Jim) Eaton of Conroe, TX, Cheryl MacTammany of Lakeland, ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren five step-grandchildren and one step great-grandchild.

The funeral service will be held Wed., August 31, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at Church Of God-LaBelle with Rev. William Roy Taylor Ph.D. and Rev. F.T. Mason officiating. Interment followed in Ortona Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, Aug. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at Church of God-LaBelle.

Arrangements by: Akin-Davis Funeral Home-LaBelle

Captain Ludwig V. Romero, 68 of Moore Haven passed away at 9:05 p.m. in Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center on August 26, 2011.

Romero as he was known by friends was born on August 21, 1943 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the son of the late Victor M and Felicidad Lamadrid Romero. He was a Deputy Sheriff for Glades County for many years before retiring.

He proudly served in the United States Army. Receiving a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal. He married Frances Arcia; she survives. He was a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Moore Haven for many years.

Romero is also survived by his mother; Felicidad Romero, daughters; Iris Romero, Marcella Romero, Yolanda Romero and Gina Romero, sons; Ludwig Romero and Arnaldo Romero, sister; Georgina Romero, and eight grandchildren and one grandchild on the way.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 3:00 pm Wednesday, August 31, 2011, in Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Moore Haven where Father Lorenzo Gonzalez presided.

Cremation Arrangements are being handled by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.
  

Glenda C. Bradley, age 66, of Muse passed away Friday, August 26, 2011 in Muse. She was born Dec. 28, 1944 in Warner Robbins, GA, daughter of the late William Jesse McCardel and the late Rosa Jewell (Gordy) McCardel.

Glenda was Director of Women's Ministries at Crossroads Baptist in Fort Myers. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her husband: Dr. Roger W. Bradley, daughter: Jennifer D. Fletcher and son in law: Shawn M. Fletcher of Muse, brothers: William D. "Mac" McCardel of Muse, Bennie McCardel and wife Janet of Maryville, TN, James Wayne McCardel and wife Martha of Knoxville, TN, grandchildren: Reba Fletcher; Christian Fletcher and Ashley Fletcher, many nieces and nephews and many friends.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads Baptist Church in Fort Myers with Dr. Roger Bradley and Rev. Larry Bradley officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Denaud Cemetery in LaBelle. Visitation will be held at church 1 hour prior to the funeral. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossroads Baptist Church-Building Fund, 10721 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft. Myers, FL 33905 or Hope Hospice.

Katherine Rose Hatch, age 19, of Fort Myers passed away, August 25, 2011 in Fort Myers, FL Katie was born June 25, 1992 in, Albany, N.Y. She is the daughter of James W. and Barbara Hatch.

Due to Katie's sudden passing, the gift of her organs and tissues will live on. The person blessed with her heart, will receive a heart that has already been filled with Love and the Lord.

Katie loved the Lord, reading, cooking, dogs, horses, riding horses, fishing, basketball, track and spending time with Cody and her family.

She is survived by her father James W. and mother Barbara Hatch; two sisters: Jami (Justin) Murphy and Christina (Jason) Yancey and one brother: James Hatch and many other family members and friends.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held 11:00 am on Monday, August 29 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, 13932 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL with Pastor Orlando Cabrera officiating.

Because of Katie's love of reading the family would like donations made to: Reading is Fundamental, 1255 23rd Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037, www.rif.org/tribute.

Earl “Cowboy” Ellison, Jr., 45, of Cleveland, TN, passed away, Saturday, August 27, 2011.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Ellison, Sr. & Mary Ellison; sister, Sue Millsaps; and two nephews, Victor Lee Higgs & Jeffrey Swaggerty.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ellison; children, Victoria Fortenberry & Eric Barker; step-children, Danny & Johnny Woodward; brothers, Bobby Ellison, Sonny Ellison, Tim Ellison, James Ellison; and sisters, Dottie Whitt, Connie Flowers, Jessie Higgs, Sandy Heath, Audra Elrod and Tena Ellison.

Earl's surviving spouse was Elizabeth Hollingsworth Ellison , daughter of John and Mary Hollingsworth of LaBelle.

The funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 31, 2011, at Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, with Rev. Winfred Truelove officiating. Burial will follow in Clouse Hill Cemetery in Tracy City, TN. Visitation with the family will be 4:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M. Tuesday.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com. Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike; Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.

Gas Prices In Florida Steady

Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have not moved  in the past week, averaging $3.54/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.61/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

In Hendry, Glades, and Collier county prices remain about 15 cent higher per gallon than Florida average prices. Weekend prices were about $3.69. Lee county continues to have the best price bargains in SW Florida.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 96.4 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 15.8 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 9.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 91.6 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"Retail gasoline prices finished last week quite strong in some areas on concern surrounding Hurricane Irene," said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst. "The concern surrounding refinery production on the East Coast helped boost gasoline prices outside that area as well. 

The good news for motorists is that damage to refineries was likely minimal and gasoline production will resume soon. However, with Labor Day weekend fast approaching and these refineries taking days to resume production we still may see retail prices gradually climb during this week," DeHaan adds.

Cox Air Conditioning & Electric - LaBelle, Fl

How's Your Air Conditioning And Electrical System?

LABELLE, FL. -- School's started and Labor Day is coming. How is your electrical and air conditioning system working? Call local contractor Cox Air Conditioning and Electric, serving the area since 1960.

If you have any needs, AC and electrical contractor Cox Air Conditioning and Electric, Inc. is here in Hendry and Glades county for you. Call (863) 675-0022.

Located at 99 North Industrial Loop in LaBelle with a complete inventory and parts counter, James A. Steedley and crew is ready for your needs in refrigeration, ice machines, sheet metal, and anything electrical.

Since 1960. serving the area's commercial and residential community in air conditioning, electrical repairs, maintenance, and installation. Licensed and insured. ER 0001347  CAC042632

Hurricane Coverage Gets Intensive - Rains Hit New York

Coverage Everywhere As Hurricane Enters New York City

It's no longer the Casey Anthony trial and Jose Baez that has the local and national news coverage going non-stop. Now on a radio, TV or internet page it's continuous Hurricane Irene coverage..

Some of the most "entertaining" coverage I've seen is on DirectTV's channel 259 where coverage from New York area television stations is shown commercial free. Watch local politicians interviewed and listen to area news commentators chit-chatting and interviewing raincoat clad reporters standing on city streets.

Notable is the abundance of "ums" and "ahs" in just about every sentence uttered by both officials and news presenters.

On radio heard in Hendry-Glades county is 850 AM WINZ radio from Fort Lauderdale, now broadcasting New York's FM NEWS 101.9 non-stop coverage of the hurricane from New York.

The old standbys of CNN and the Weather Channel also offer continuing coverage (with lots of interrupting commercials from insurance companies and attorneys) and even more coverage from folks standing in the rain.

We don't have Jose Baez to kick around anymore, but hey, let's make fun of people standing in the rain and politicians "ahhing" and "umming."

The winds are expected to downgrade to tropical storm status, and street flooding is expected in Manhattan as the Hudson River back ups from winds forces from the east during high tide as the storm passes northward Sunday morning up the east coast.

Get Out Your Bicycle And Explore Hendry-Glades

Get Some Exercise And Explore Quiet Roadways

Western Hendry county and south Glades county have some of the best roads for bicycle exploring. Quiet streets with little traffic, and lots of bike paths recently constructed by Hendry County.

Port LaBelle is one area perfect for bicyclists. Not much traffic, miles and miles of roads, and the choice to view quiet neighborhoods or rural countryside.

Port LaBelle, Hendry and Glades county's largest subdivision covers both the north and south sides of State Road 80, just east of the city of LaBelle.

Port LaBelle has seven distinct neighborhoods ranging from modest two-bedroom homes and condos, to luxurious homes with huge oaks shading yards, and multi-acre ranchettes along the Caloosahatchee River.

Port LaBelle is home also to the Port LaBelle Inn and the marina along the river.

Video: Exploring Hendry and Glades County's Port LaBelle neighborhoods.

19-Year Old Woman - Death In Alva Crash

Homicide Investigation Underway In Crash

A 19-year old female passenger in a vehicle traveling on State Road 31 Tuesday in Lee county died of injuries Thursday afternoon at Lee Memorial Hospital.

On August 23, 2011, Cody Lee Yancy, 19 of Alva was traveling south on SR-31 in the southbound lane, just south of North River Road, in Lee County, Florida.  Robin Carlette Gray, 40 of North Fort Myers was traveling north on SR-31 in the northbound lane, just south of North River Road. 

Yancy suffered a  medical emergency while operating his 1998 Chevy truck and traveled over the center lane divider and entered into on-coming traffic. Gray took evasive action, by steering to the right, in an attempt to avoid the collision. The front of the truck collided with the front of Gray's 2000 Ford one-tone truck.

Both vehicles came to rest at the point of impact.  

All occupants suffered incapacitating injuries and were transported to an area hospital.     

     

On August 25, 2011, at 4:15 p.m., Yancy's passenger, 19-year old Katherine Hatch, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash and was pronounced deceased at Lee Memorial Hospital.  A traffic homicide 

investigation is pending.  

Any person with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at 239-344-1730.  

Jose Baez Gets Casey In Early

Casey Anthony Reported For Probation Wednesday Night

Ordered to report for probation by the Orange County Court before noon Friday, August 26th, Jose Baez had his client report at 6 p.m. Wednesday night to an unknown Florida probation office.

Spokesperson for the Florida Department of Corrections said Anthony will be serving a one-year probation for check fraud in a Florida county unless Anthony makes application to serve probation out of state. The state requested would have to approve the request.

Part of her 13-condition probation order is to maintain a job. Attorney Jose Baez said Anthony would be taking online courses to complete her education in lieu of taking a job. Anthony is a high-school dropout.

The Department of Corrections is not telling where Anthony will reside or the name or location of her probation officer. Anthony will be required to appear in person monthly at the probation office in the county where she is living, and will be subject to spot checks of her residence.

She will not be able to leave the county without permission.

From inferences in statements by the Department of Corrections, the probation officer may be female and the county of residence may be outside of Orange County, Florida.

The department says the secrecy about location and the probation officer is because of instructions from the Court to keep Anthony's location hidden because of "death threats."

A hearing on the state's request to pay back costs associated with her June, 2011 conviction for lying to law enforcement officers was rescheduled from Thursday August 25th until September 2nd at 10 a.m.  The state is asking for up to several hundred thousands of dollars to be paid back for the costs of prosecution.

Hendry-Glades Obituaries

Hazel Jones, age 92, of LaBelle passed away Monday, August 22, 2011, in LaBelle, FL. Hazel was born September 5, 1918, in Venus, FL. She is the daughter of the late William Carol and the late Elizabeth (Walker) Albritton. 

Hazel was a life time resident of Florida and life time member of the LaBelle Church of God. 

She is survived by her one daughter: Helen Mosley; Sons: Carroll Jones (Sharon) and Tommie Jones (Betti); Grandchildren: Albert Mosley Jr. (Sharon), Joyce Campbell (Pete), Brett Jones (Robin), Lori White (Matt), Chris Jones and Jill Jones; eleven great grandchildren and six great -great grandchildren 

She was preceded in death by her husband Jeff Jones on April 13, 1979 and by her son Robert Jones on March 21, 1990. 

The funeral service will be held 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Church Of God-LaBelle with Rev. James Daniels officiating. Interment will be in Fort Denaud Cemetery. 

Ronnie Francis Thornton, age 69, of Colorado Springs, CO passed away Thursday, August 18, 2011 in West Palm Beach, FL. Ronnie was born May 4, 1942 in Casper, WY. He is the son of the late James Davidson Thornton and Ruth Madalene (Faith) Thornton. 

He served in the Navy from 1959 to 1963. 

He is survived by his daughter: Natalie Thornton; mother : Ruth Madalene (Faith) Thornton; sister: Lillian Elizabeth Barnhardt and brother: George D. "Buck" Thornton. 

Mosquito Control Spraying Continues South Of LaBelle

Felda Community Scheduled For Aerial Mosquito Control Flights

Hendry County will be conducting aerial adult mosquito control operations over the Felda areas on Friday, August 26th, 2011. The treatments will be performed during evening hours, weatherpermitting. Saturday, August 27th, 2011 is the back-up night if needed. 

The insecticide to treat for adult mosquitoes is approved for application by the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Florida. This operation will be conducted by Clarke. If you have requested a "NO SPRAY", that will be honored.

If you have questions concerning this operation, please call Clarke at 800-443-2034 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Water Boil Precaution In LaBelle

A precautionary boil water notice has been issued Wednesday August 24 for the City of LaBelle water service area for residents living in the area bounded by Bridge Street to Missouri Street and Broward Avenue to Hwy 80 due to a water main break. 

Water service will be shut off from 10 AM to 2 PM in this area. All City of LaBelle water users in this area are advised to bring drinking water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to consumption upon restoration of service. 

As an alternative bottled water may be used. This notice is effective immediately and will remain in effect until 8/26/11 or a notice is issued lifting the boil water action. For further information please call Joseph Thomas at 863-675-4684 or City Hall at 863-675-2872 during normal business hours.

Hendry-Glades Obituaries

Robert Lane Cornelison, age 56, of LaBelle died Tuesday, August 16, 2011. He was born December 31, 1954 in Clewiston. He was a longtime resident of LaBelle. Robert was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is survived by his wife: Mary G.(Tombler) Cornelison, brothers: Rex Cornelison of LaBelle, FL, Tommy Cornelison of CO, step daughter, Lisa (Jacob) Dampier of LaBelle, FL; step Mother, Rosalyn Cornelison of Winter Haven, FL. 

Cremation Arrangements by: Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle

Dorothy Aneta Forde, age 79, of Bronx, NY passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2011 in West Palm Beach, FL. Dorothy was born December 23, 1931 in Barbados, West Indies. She is the daughter of the late Albert and the late Evangelina (Taylor) Bannister.

Dorothy loved life, singing, cooking, crossword puzzles and was extremely funny. She was a very hard worker and was motivated to have a better life for herself and her children.

She is survived by her three daughters: Gloria Jemmott and husband Sinclair, Betty Forde and Glynis Forde; son: Ricardo Forde; sister: Slyvia King-Bannister; brother: George Bannister; grandchildren: Andrea Hedgeman, Michelle Jemmott and Matthew Forde; Great Grandchild: Tianna Hedgeman; nieces: Ann James, Tracy Olerhead and Tanya Bannister; nephew; Trevor Bannister.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cornelius Forde; sons: Peter Forde and Richard Forde and sister: Elsie Reece.

The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL with Rev. Alan H. Kelmereit officiating. Interment will be in Ortona Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 24, 2011, 1 hour prior to service at Akin-Davis Funeral Home.

Kathi Jean Nolan, age 52, of LaBelle died Sunday, August 21, 2011 in Key Largo. Kathi was born September 4, 1958 in Leesville, Louisiana and raised in Woodbridge, Virginia; daughter of the late Walton Miller Williams and the late Helen (Pascal) Williams. Kathi worked for many years as a paralegal. 

She was a longtime resident of LaBelle and had lived in both LaBelle and Key Largo for the past three years. Kathi loved snorkeling, diving and boating. She was a member of American Legion Post#130 Women's Auxiliary and VFW Post #10100 Women's Auxiliary in LaBelle and the Moose Lodge. Kathi will be deeply missed and forever loved by all her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband: Richard A. "Dick" Nolan, sons: James Hull of Palm Beach Gardens and Brian Hull of Lake Wales, sisters: Debbie Williams of LaBelle and Renie Martin of Lehigh Acres, brother: Barry Williams of CA, aunt: Margaret Whatley of LaBelle.

The funeral service will be held Friday August 26th at 1:30 pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, 560 E. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle with Rev. Frank Deerey Jr. officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis.

Bonnie Kathryn Niemczyk, age 70, of Clewiston, died Sunday, August 21, 2011 in Lehigh Acres. She was born April 6, 1941 in Pittsburgh, PA, daughter of the late John Daniels and Kathryn Bodnar Daniels.

Survivors include her sons: Michael John Horner of Clewiston, Joseph Earl Horner of Clewiston and Stephen Lee Horner of Cape Coral, daughter: Bonnie Lee Rosson of LaBelle, brother: John Daniels, sisters: Susan Shemelie and Evelyn Kelly and grandchildren: Andrew Horner and Sherrie Marie Horner.

Cremation Arrangements by: Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle

My Florida Encounter With Casey Anthony

Casey Spotted In Rental Truck, Towing Trailer Near Lake Placid, Fl.

LABELLE, FL. -- A small rental moving truck with Arizona plates pulls up to the Shell station gas pump on a Sunday afternoon, August 13th, towing a white camping trailer about 20-foot long. I think I've spotted Casey Anthony.

It's a very rural area of Highlands County on U.S. 27 at the intersection of Florida's State Road 70.  I'm out just riding around the county roads on my scooter, now needing some gas, I'm at the Shell station.

The camping trailer displays Florida tags. Wonder why a rental truck is towing a camping trailer.

Head east on SR70 and you end up in the fishing town of Okeechobee, on the north side of the nation's second largest freshwater lake, Lake Okeechobee. The Bass Fishing Capital Of The World, they say.

A 30s looking man wearing nothing more than a wet pair of shorts is driving the truck. His bare feet up to his mid calf are as dirty as you can get. A woman looking exactly like Casey Anthony talks to the driver. It's a bit odd. I'm thinking why would Casey be here with a guy with dirty feet?

I notice there are about three "mud trucks" on trailers at the gas station across the street and one at this one. I'm thinking there must have been a "mudding" event somewhere in South Florida where the beat up trucks play in the mud, racing and generally having a good time.

I'm now guessing "Casey" and her wet-shorts, dirty footed companion have just returned from mudding.

Casey was not dirty at all. Somehow I can't picture Casey Anthony getting dirty. She was not at all overweight as some have said she is now appearing after her release from the Orange County Jail in July.

"Casey" has walked up to the driver's side, and talks with the man a minute or so. She looks so familiar. "It's really Casey Anthony!" my mind silently screams. Just like on TV, but with the more relaxed hair style.

I carry a video camera most places, just in case. Today, however, my senses said I should be a bit discreet and not grab the camera and start shooting. If it's really her and she's with the mud truck crowd, I might be in a bit of an uncomfortable situation, camera in hand pointing at Casey and companion.

I decide to not take pictures.

The woman, I'm now convinced is Casey Anthony, wearing a pony tail, in shorts and tank top, oddly climbs in the driver's side of the rental truck and climbs over to the passenger side.

I go around the back of the trailer, discreetly looking in the windows to see what I can see and then drive my scooter around to the truck passenger side to get another glimpse of the woman. I'm sure it's her.

But why is she here?

Jose Baez Sends Casey To Okeechobee, Florida?

On August 22nd, multiple reports are being twittered that Casey is in Okeechobee, Florida, "spotted around town." The town is 50 miles directly east on State Road 70 from the Shell station where I believe I saw her on August 13th.

The twitter reports say she's "polite and very quiet" and the people are not making much of her appearance in the small town.

Her attorney Jose Baez confirmed on the Geraldo Rivera show on Fox this Sunday that's she is in Florida and ready to appear for her one-year probation condition on her fraudulent check convictions. An appeal had been filed with the Florida Court of Appeals, and he wanted her to be in Florida should a decision be rendered this week.

Baez said she's with "spiritual advisers," helping her get her life back on track. The guy driving the truck didn't appear to be a spiritual adviser, but then what do I know?

Update: Today, the Court of Appeals denied Baez' motion, and Anthony will be required to appear at the probation intake office in Orlando by noon, Friday August 26th.

Hendry-Glades Program Free For Students-Public

Drug Free Hendry County Presents Rachel's Challenge In Hendry and Glades Counties in September

Rachel's Challenge is a school assembly and leadership program designed after the writings of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School Shootings in Colorado. All students attending Hendry and Glades County High Schools will have the opportunity to watch the presentation during school, while all community members are invited to hear the presentation at 7 pm in their city.

Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.  Her brother, Craig, was in the library that day and lost two close friends and narrowly escaped death himself. He was the only student at Columbine who was in the library and also lost a sibling.

Rachel's Challenge will be in Clewiston on Tuesday, September 6. Clewiston High School students will attend an assembly in their school and selected students and teachers will attend the Leadership Training later in the school day. The community presentation will begin at 7:00 pm in the Clewiston High School Auditorium.

Rachel's Challenge will be in Labelle on Wednesday, September 7. Labelle High School students will attend an assembly in their school and selected students and teachers will attend the Leadership Training later in the school day. The community presentation will begin at 7:00 pm in the Labelle High School Auditorium.

Rachel's Challenge will be in Moore Haven on Thursday, September 8. Moore Haven Junior/Senior High School students and West Glades Middle School students will attend an assembly at Moore Haven High School and selected students and teachers will attend the Leadership Training later in the school day. The community presentation will begin at 7:00 pm in the Moore Haven High School Auditorium.

Free Hunter Safety Course In Moore Haven

Shooting Range And Online Course Available

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a free hunter safety course on Saturday,  August 27, in Moore Haven.

People seeking certification must successfully complete the online portion of the course, print and bring their final Web report to the FWC course.

Students will learn about hunting laws, safe gun handling and hunter ethics/responsibility, among other topics, before taking the final test.  The course also includes live-fire instruction on a shooting range.

The location and time for this class will be given to those who register in advance by calling the FWC's South Region office at 561-625-5122 or going to MyFWC.com/HunterSafety.

            Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass an approved hunter safety course before purchasing a Florida hunting license. Parents or legal guardians must accompany children under 16 years of age to all classes. To participate in the live-fire exercises, children under 18 years old must present a parental release form signed by a parent or legal guardian.

LaBelle Theater Auditions Tonight

Auditions Extended Until Tonight

The Firehouse Community Theatre will be holding additional auditions for it's spectacular season line-up on Tuesday, August 23rd at 7 p.m.  The producers are looking for men and women of all ages who would like to make an appearance on the community stage.  

If you have an interest being involved with Theatre, but do not want to be on stage, they are also looking for volunteers for the stage crew as well as technical staff.  Please feel free to stop by.  

The Firehouse Community Theatre is located at 241 N. Bridge Street in historic downtown LaBelle.

Watch Out For Wild Florida Hogs!

Moore Haven Man Hits Hog In Road

LABELLE, FL. -- Donald B. Crosswell 56, of Moore Haven was driving along Pollywog Crossover Road in Glades County at midnight Tuesday morning when he struck a hog in the road.

Crosswell was driving a 2009 Chevy Blazer according to FHP Trooper J. N. Martin. The vehicle suffered about $800 damage when it's right front struck the animal.

First 3-D Video From International Space Station

Half a century after humankind entered outer space, a camera developed by the European Space Agency produced live-streaming 3D images for the first time in the history of space travel – showing the International Space Station like never before.

On August 6th, NASA astronaut Ron Garan operated the Erasmus Recording Binocular (ERB-2) camera to open a new window on the ISS through stereoscopic eyes, in high-definition quality.

As Flight Engineer for Expedition 28 and a video blogger himself, Garan set up the futuristic-looking camera in Europe's Columbus laboratory. While talking about the work on board the ISS, he enhanced the sense of depth and presence by playing with an inflatable Earth globe.

Not much bigger than a shoebox, with high-definition optics and advanced electronics, the ERB-2 is the second generation of ESA's stereoscopic camera family developed by Cosine BV (Leiden, the Netherlands) and Techno System (Naples, Italy).

Video: Stream in 3D showing demo by Astronaut Ron Garan (watch on Youtube, and choose 3D controls to display in different formats for different 3D glasses/TV systems)

On the ground at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands, viewers wore polarised glasses similar to those used in cinemas and were amazed by the quality of the images.

Home viewers can choose the 3D glasses or 3D TV format to view the above video on Youtube.

This premiere was a long-awaited commissioning test of the live mode transmission, proving that all systems and procedures are ready to be used for future ERB-2 live-streaming events.

Apart from broadcasting stereo images in real-time for live programmes, ESA's ERB-2 coordinator Massimo Sabbatini dreams about filming extravehicular activities. "The camera could also be used in the future outside the ISS to support the astronauts' spacewalks or other critical robotic operations. This really felt like being in space with an astronaut by your side," he said.

-from ESA

Gas Prices Easing - Still High In Hendry-Glades County, Florida

Hendry-Glades About A Nickel Higher Than Average

Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have fallen by 3.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.54/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that decreased by 1.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.58/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

Gas prices remain higher than average in Hendry and Glades county, standing at about $3.59 per gallon as the lowest prices found Sunday.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 91.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 14.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has moved lower by 10.4 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 86.7 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"Although crude oil ended another volatile week on the upswing, rising from $79 to settle just above $82 per barrel at Friday's close, overall demand for gasoline is not likely to increase any time soon and we should not be surprised to see crude oil slip to the mid 70s this week as the price at the pump edges lower too," says Gregg Laskoski, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst.

USDA Farm Service Agency In Moore Haven

New Office Location For FSA For Hendry-Glades Farmers and Ranchers
Joy D. Llossas, County Executive Director with the USDA Farm Service Agency in the Hendry-Glades County Office advises that the Hendry/Glades FSA Office has relocated to thier new office in Moore Haven, Glades County.

The office is now located at 24704 US Hwy 27, Moore Haven, at the East side of the First Bank building. Please update your address books with the new contact information and share this information as applicable.

Contact info:

Joy D. Llossas
County Executive Director
USDA- Farm Service Agency
Hendry/Glades County Office
P.O. Box 1339
Moore Haven, FL 33471
Telephone: (863)946-1031
Fax: (863)946-1033
Email: joy.llossas@fl.usda.gov

Buckhead VFW Visits Moore Haven Elementary

VFW Gives 52 Backpacks To Students
MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Buckhead Ridge VFW Post 9528 and Women's Auxiliary drove over 30 miles to be at the Moore Haven Elementary Open House, where Glades County students and parents were eager to meet the staff and prepare for the new school year.

They presented Principal Brickel and Vice Principal Pollitt with 52 backpacks full of essential supplies for students. These donated items are sure to help many students get started off to a great school year.

Belle Glade Solider Graduates

In The Service
Army Reserve Spec. Quintilla C. Smith has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

She is the granddaughter of Marion Garner of S.W. Avenue B, Belle Glade, Fla.

Smith graduated in 1986 from Glades Central High School, Belle Glade, and received an associate degree in 2002 from Florida Metropolitan University, Fort Lauderdale.

Free Humorous Seminar At Hendry-Glades Health Departments

Local Businesses Are Invited to attend a FREE Workshop/Seminar

Creating Changes and Life Balance Through Humor

 

The Hendry and Glades County Health Departments are pleased to invite local businesses and organizations to attend a workshop/seminar focused on "Connecting with Customers." It will be offered in three locations: Clewiston, LaBelle and Moore Haven on August 29 and 30. This event is being offered for FREE to community partners.

Tim Gard, CSP, CPAE is a drop-dead funny, laugh-out-loud humorist, who consistently delivers a rejuvenating, and immediately applicable message that teaches audiences to enhance productivity and enthusiasm in both professional and personal encounters! Tim Gard is an EVENT EXPERIENCE! Not just "another" keynote speaker.

 

Take your company and employees to the next level of success by learning to harness and apply the awesome powers of humor. The ability to generate laughter is often the missing business skill that makes the difference between a solidly productive and cooperative team, and a sluggish and grumpy one!

 

You will discover how to:

 

• Encourage co-workers to treat every customer as if they were the first of the day. Improve your odds of connecting with customers positively by further developing your Comic Vision™.
• Use "tongue fu" and simple language changes to defuse potentially negative customer service situations.
• Harness laughter as a positive communication tool
• Understand the complexity of using humor in a diverse workplace
• Laugh and learn as you develop your own Comic Vision™ with Tim's proven stress buster methods and tools. 

His presentations have been given to an extensive list of diverse organizations and businesses across the globe which includes: Frito Lay, Ore Ida, Kodak, United Airlines, The US Navy, United States Forest Service, The Environmental Protection Agency and United Way. Tim blends his unique experiences as a student, U.S. sailor, state welfare worker/investigator, federal employee, salesman, factory worker and small business owner into a dynamic, hilarious, good humor program you have to see!

Seating is limited, so please call 863-674-4041 xt.117 to reserve your seat!

Video and additional story: 

http://swflorida.blogspot.com/2011/08/humorist-playing-at-hendry-glades.html

Hendry-Glades Obituaries

James Davis Forbes, M.D., 78, passed away on August 8, 2011, at his home in Clewiston, Florida. He was surrounded by his wife, Janice, of 59 years and family. 

Born February 6, 1933, in Ocala, Florida. Dr. Forbes, "Jim", was the only child of Ima and Mary Laura Forbes. Upon graduating from Ocala High School in 1951, he matriculated at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He and Janice married in December of the same year and spent the next 8 years in Atlanta as Jim continued his studies at Emory School of Medicine. 

After his training in Jacksonville, Florida, and a stint as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force, Jim and Janice moved their growing family to Clewiston, Florida. Dr. Forbes spent the next 45 years caring for everyone from infants to seniors as one of the area's last rural family practice doctors. He also delivered babies and performed general surgery for 25 of those 45 years. 

In 1993, Dr. Forbes was chosen by the City of Clewiston as the Honoree of the Sugar Festival, and in 1999 the Florida Rural Health Association honored him with the Wendell n. Rollason Service Award. In 2007, he received the Florida Hospital Association's Lifetime Heroic Achievement Award. 

Jim Served the Lake Okeechobee communities as a board member of Dunklin Memorial Camp, Cross Training Ministries, The Agape Home, Hendry Regional Medical Center. 
Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he spent much of his free time in Chokoloskee and later Stuart, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Janice, his son, Davis, his daughters, Mary Edwards and Jenny White, 8 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. 

The memorial service was held on Thursday, August 11, 2011, in the Evangel Assembly of God Church in Clewiston, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hendry Regional Medical Center Foundation. Please contact Glenda Wilson for more information regarding donations (863)983-2735 or online at www.hendryregional.org under the foundation page. 

Arrangements were handled by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston. 

Clyde W. Forester, age 70, of LaBelle passed away, Aug. 9, 2011 in Lehigh Acres. He was born January 4, 1941 in Winston-Salem, NC. Mr. Forester served In the Army, 47th Infantry In 1962 In Berlin, Germany at Check Point Charlie. 

He is survived by his wife: Marilyn Forester, son: Steve Forester, two daughters: JoAnn Marth and Diana Davis, grandchildren: Michael Forester, Amanda Mansell, Miranda Mansell and Jayna Mansell. 

Cremation arrangements by: Akin-Davis Funeral Home-LaBelle 

Awards Made To SW Florida Health Professionals

Congratulations To Healthy Start Finalists

Today, Healthy Start of Southwest Florida, announced the ten finalists for the 2011 Golden Baby Shoe Awards. The following individuals were selected for their outstanding contributions and dedication to improving the health and well-being of pregnant women or babies. 

John Bartlett, MD Physicians Primary Care, Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres
Jill Carpenter, MSW Lee Memorial Home Health Healthy Start Program, Fort Myers
Marcia Carter Marcia's Helping Hands, LaBelle
Wende Charde NCH Healthcare System- The Birthplace, Naples 
Maureen Flaherty, BSN Lee Memorial Home Health Healthy Start Program, Fort Myers
William Liu, MD Pediatrix Medical Group of Florida
David Mackoul, MD Mackoul Pediatrics, Cape Coral
Kathy Miller Lifeline Family Center, Inc., Cape Coral
Diane Yasko, RN NCH Healthcare System- The Birthplace, Naples
Susan Yeomans, CNM Physicians Primary Care, Obstetrics and Gynecology

This prestigious group will be honored at the 2011 Golden Baby Shoe Awards Luncheon.  From the ten finalists, five awardees will be selected and announced at the luncheon, on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at The Estero County Club at The Vines.

The ten finalists were selected by the Golden Baby Shoe Awards Review Panel, from nominations submitted earlier this summer.  Nominations were accepted based on the following criteria:
- Is a Doctor, Nurse, Mid-wife, Social Worker or other Health Care/Social Service Provider involved in the direct care of mothers and babies;
- Has made a positive impact on improving the health of mothers and babies;
- Has demonstrated an enthusiasm and dedication for their work;
- Is well respected by colleagues and clients; and
- Has provided services in Lee, Collier, Glades, or Hendry County Florida.

Join us in congratulating the finalists on this recognition. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Healthy Start at (239) 425-6920 

Clewiston's Millionaire Fisherman Picks Up $600,000

Martin's Fishing Wins Now Total $1.8 Million

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Aug. 14, 2011) – Scott Martin of Clewiston, Fla., crossed the stage with a five- bass limit weighing 14 pounds, 5 ounces Sunday to claim the title of Forrest Wood Cup fishing champion on Lake Ouachita.

Martin, with a four-day total of 20 bass for 61-1, won by a 4-pound, 10-ounce margin over EverStart pro Randall Tharp of Gardendale, Ala., who caught five bass weighing 15-1 for a four-day total of 20 bass weighing 56-7, which was good for $100,000. 

Sunday's final weigh-in marked the finale of the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup, which featured 58 of the world's best professional bass anglers. Martin won $600,000 plus a $1,000 Power-Pole bonus.

"A four-day event of this magnitude is stressful to deal with, especially when you're close to the top most of the days," said Martin, who boosted his FLW Outdoors earnings to more than $1.8 million with the win. "I had to play a mind trick on myself and pretend like tomorrow was the final day and today was the cut day I was going to try to catch a big bag.

"I think the biggest factor when you win a tournament is confidence," Martin added. "The first day of the tournament I caught a couple of real big fish right off the bat and I told my partner, 'I can win the tournament in this spot.' Lo and behold, that's exactly what happened."

Gas Prices Falling - Still Higher In Hendry-Glades

Expect 10 Cent Higher Than Average In Hendry-Glades

Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have fallen 6.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.58/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 4.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.60/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 91.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 6.2 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. In Hendry-Glades counties the prices are still a dollar higher than one year ago. The national average has decreased 6.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 85.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"After watching oil decline dramatically two weeks ago, prices rebounded some $12/bbl last week, which may severely limit relief at the gas pump," says Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst. "The smallest sliver of hope in the economy seems to make some market players forget the bigger issues this country faces. Last week, this situation led to buying spree in oil prices, something that I just don't see lasting," DeHaan adds.

Humorist Playing At Hendry-Glades Health Department

Seminars In LaBelle, Clewiston And Moore Haven


Having travelled over 1.5 million miles in his 16 year speaking career, humorist and motivational speaker Tim Gard says has experienced the best and the worst of customer service.

At three seminars in Hendry and Glades county the last week in August, he will teach how the effective use of a Comic Vision™ can enhance morale and improve communications.  Help make every customer a very happy customer who can’t wait to come back to visit you!, he says.

Other Topics Covered During The Seminar:
• Encourage co-workers to treat every customer as if they were the first of the day. Improve your odds
of connecting with customers positively by further developing your Comic Vision™.
• Use “tongue fu” and simple language changes to defuse potentially negative customer service
situations.
• Laugh and learn as you develop your own Comic Vision™ with Tim’s proven stress buster methods
and tools.

Information: Brenda Barnes, Hendry-Glades Health Department 863-674-4041 ext.117

Jose Baez Slammed By Judge In Casey Anthony Probation Order

Baez Disregards Duty To Court Says Judge

In today's order quashing Jose Baez' motion to Set Aside A Court Order for Casey's Anthony's probation, Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. makes special notice of Baez' dishonesty in not calling to the attention of the Court an error in Anthony's probation orders of January 2010.

Anthony was convicted of check fraud in 2010 and Judge Stan Strickland withheld adjudication, but orally sentenced her to one-year probation after her release from jail, if that should happen after her then pending murder trial.

At the conclusion of the murder trial this summer, Anthony did not report for probation, and Judge Strickland then made a corrected order for probation for her to report within 72 hours of July 29th, 2011.

Baez filed a motion to overturn the order.

In Friday's order from Judge Perry, ordering Anthony to report to probation by August 26, a separate section of the order is entitled "Duty to the Court" where Baez' failure to notify the court of the scrivener's error in the original order for Anthony's probation.

Perry slams Baez not only for his failure to notify but for his claim that his client was harmed by the new order to serve probation.

Perry addresses in this section about the duty an attorney, "an officer of the court, owe (sic) to our system of justice to see that the lawful orders of the court are followed."

Baez told the court he knew about the requirement for Anthony to report for one-year probation after release from jail but told the Perry at a recent hearing he did not have any responsibility to notify the court of any error in Judge Strickland's original probation order.

Perry admonishes in the order that Baez has a duty not only to his client but to the public interest, and may not act in a manner that would serve his client "if doing so would put the administration of justice and the public's confidence in the profession at risk."

Perry says Baez has a "duty of candor" and the failure of an attorney to notify the court of a scrivener's error may be a violation of an attorney's duty of candor. No attorney should act in a manner that impedes a court order,  he says, and goes on to cite the Florida Bar's Rules of Professional Conduct regarding a lawyers' responsibility, alleging Baez may have violated same.

Baez had numerous run-ins with the Judge during the murder trial and Perry indicated the possibility of sanctions and referral to the Florida Bar for Baez' missteps during the proceedings.

The Order Signed By Judge Perry - click to read

Casey Anthony Ordered To Report For Probation

Must Report In Orlando Within Two Weeks

Over objections by defense attorney Jose Baez, Chief Judge Belvin Perry ordered today, one week after a hearing on the matter, that Casey Anthony must report to the Orange County probation intake office by noon August 26.

Anthony's defense team had argued that she had already served her one year probation period while in the Orange County jail, awaiting her murder trial.

Perry found that the Judge on that case, finding she was found guilty of stealing and endorsing checks not her own, had orally ordered a probation to be served upon her release from jail. An error was apparently made when the order was written and filed with the clerk of the court, omitting the phrase specifying probation after release.

The Florida Department of Corrections had sent an officer to the jail while Anthony was being held, and after one year gave her a letter saying she had served her probation commitments. 

Perry also indicated Anthony's address will remain a secret when she registers with the probation office.

Her whereabouts have been a mystery since her release from jail last month, although speculation has her either in the Columbus, Ohio area or at a former attorney's home in California. Both theories are based upon sightings of her allegedly boarding private aircraft. 

Speculation has it Anthony may further delay her probation by appealing the Judge's order, and would probably escape probation until the matter is resolved in appellate courts.

Link to Judge Perry's 13- Page Order 

Flying With The F/A-18 Super Hornet Aboard USS Enterprise

Take Off And Landing On The USS Enterprise

A look into sorties flown in an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 during a deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

The aircraft carrier and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 were on a deployment conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy video by Lt. Ian Schmidt)

LaBelle's Firehouse Theater Holds Auditions

The Firehouse Community Theatre will be holding auditions for it's spectacular season line-up on Saturday, August 20th at 10:00am.  The producers are looking for men and women of all ages who would like to make an appearance on the community stage.  

If you have an interest being involved with Theatre, but do not want to be on stage, they are also looking for volunteers for the stage crew as well as technical staff.  Please feel free to stop by.  

The Firehouse Community Theatre performs at 241 N. Bridge Street in historic downtown LaBelle.

Colbert Super PAC Endorses Rick Parry

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Super PAC Ad - Episode IV: A New Hope
www.colbertnation.com

Write-In Vote Suggested By Colbert

Stephen Colbert has endorsed Rick Parry as a write in candidate for the Iowa Republican party straw vote on Saturday. Colbert says Parry with an "A" is because "team" doesn't have an "E."

Iowa TV station WOI-5, the ABC affiliate in Des Moines has refused to run the Colbert advertisements saying they "confuse the voters." Colbert pointed out however that although they wouldn't take his money to run them, it was run free on a story on the WOI 11 p.m. news.

Nine LaBelle Homes Sold

From 8/2/2011 to 8/9/2011, there were 9 homes sold in the LaBelle, Florida area for an average price of $63,222. The sold homes prices:

1)	$15,000	on	College St
2)	$55,000	on	Florida St
3)	$87,000	on	Grove Cir (Port LaBelle)
4)	$175,000	on	Kirby Thompson Rd
5)	$44,000	on	Park Dr
6)	$27,000	on	Rainbow Cir (Port LaBelle)
7)	$41,000	on	Rainbow Cir (Port LaBelle)

8)	$117,000	on	Rivera Vista Blvd
9)	$8,000	on	S Edgewater Cir (Port LaBelle)

How To Receive Florida Food Assistance - You May Qualify

A Maze Of Rules And Mystery, But Many Can Qualify

Many people have discovered a United State Department of Agriculture program that gives individuals up to $200 a month to buy breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and plants and seeds to grow food.

If your monthly income is at about the minimum wage level or less, you probably qualify for the maximum amount $200 a month allowed by the program. And since 2008, cash in the bank and property owned is not figured in the calculations. The program looks only at your net income.

And those 60 or older have special rules that up the allowable gross income level to $1804 per month, and no limit on assets. Surprisingly, those in that age group can have unlimited gross income in some states and still be qualified as long as they have less then $3,000 in assets, not including a home, income producing property, and car. Eligibility is calculated on net income. 

It will take up to 30 days to receive confirmation of eligibility and the application is made online, taking about 30 minutes to complete. Special rules allow very low income families with no assets, emergency qualification within 7 days.

About 1 in 7 Americans are now taking advantage of the food program. There were 45,753,078 individuals from 21,581,234 families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance credits in May, 2011. (Florida calls the program Food Assistance. Before 2008 it was called Food Stamps.) 

In 2008, the government changed rules and the program name in order to attach less stigma to receiving "food stamps." Since then, because of more publicity by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, and as a result of the shaky economic conditions throughout the country since 2008, the numbers enrolled in the program and costs have about doubled.

The program cost $6.1 billion in May, with average monthly benefits at $133.80 for each enrolled person or $283.65 per family.

For more information and to pre-screen eligibility before applying:

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/foodstamps.shtml

Click this link for: Prescreening Tool To See If You Qualify 

Hendry-Glades Obituaries

Gerald 'Jerry" Francis Miller, age 78, of LaBelle died Sunday, August 7, 2011 at Hope Hospice-1201 Wings Way of Lehigh Acres, FL. Gerald was born May 2, 1933 in Deland, Indiana. He is the son of the late and the late Edie Miller. He married Barbara Evans.

He served in the United States Army. He was employed as a Supervisor for Keys Electrical Co-op, retiring in 1996.

He is survived by his wife: Barbara (Evans) Miller; one daughter: Fawn (Jeff) Gilbert and one son: Terry Miller; Step-sons, Bee Townsend, Dan Townsend; eight grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by step-daughter, Sue Townsend; daughter, Corby Miller; daughter, Elizabeth Miller; son, Gary Miller.

The memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 21 at Firehouse Cultural Center, 241 North Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL with Wayne Wilkins officiating. Arrangements are being handled through Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to Hope Hospice in Jerry's name.

Martha J. Cline, age 74, of Moore Haven, died unexpectedly at her home on Friday, August 5, 2011.

Martha was born in Hendricks County, Indiana on May 20, 1937 where she lived until 1971. At that time she moved to Moore Haven, FL where she resided until her death. Martha was an active member of the Palmdale Baptist Church in Palmdale, FL. Through the years, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School to hundreds of children in Moore Haven.

She retired from Glades County in 2008 where she worked in the County Clerk's Office for 12 years. Prior to working for the county, she had worked as a Payroll Clerk for various agricultural growers in the area.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, John Bombei and Rose Calbert Bombei, and an infant brother, Richard Bombei. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 50 years and best friend, Earl C. Cline. Those who knew Martha and Earl knew that their relationship was a true love story and a beautiful example of a Christian marriage.

She is survived by her daughter: Nancy C. Wilkerson (Rodney) and three sons: Michael D. Cline (Connie), Earl D. Cline (Kara) and David W. Cline (Susie). Martha had 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers: Maurice Bombei (Peg), Robert Bombei, John Bombei and David Bombei (Pat); sisters Ruth Thornburgh (Ron) and Janet Staley; sister-in-laws: Barbara Hammons, Judy Mathis and Mable Cline. She has a host of nieces and nephews and numerous friends.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Maple Grove Baptist Church, 120 E. SR 78 NW, Moore Haven, FL. Visitation will be held prior to the Memorial Service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1898, Belle Glade, FL 33430.

Michael W. Huff, age 57, of Clewiston died Saturday, August 6, 2011 in Clewiston. Michael was born August 30, 1953 in Kentucky. He is the son of the late Jesse and the late Marie (Howard) Huff. He worked as a Cabinet Maker.

He is survived by his: Niece, Ann, great niece , Heather Cox, and Good Friend, Shirley Bell of Clewiston. A memorial service will be held on a later date. 

Multiple Child Abuser Warren Jeffs Sentenced To Life

Shackled Hands And Feet, Jeffs Hears Jury's Verdict

A Tom Green County, Texas jury today sentenced Warren Steed Jeffs to life in prison for the aggravated sexual assault of a twelve-year-old child. The jury also returned a 20-year sentence for sexual assault of a fifteen-year-old child. Jeffs will serve both sentences consecutively. Today's sentences follow last Thursday's verdicts finding Jeffs guilty of both crimes.

Jeffs had not been present in the courtroom in San Angelo, Texas while prosecutors testified in the punishment phase of the trial, but did appear for sentencing, in a suit and tie but shacked at the feet and hands. His court appointed attorneys asked to be dismissed after the sentencing, but the Judge denied the motion, and said they must continue to represent Jeffs and explain to him his right of appeal.

A total of 12 YFZ Ranch-related defendants have been indicted on sexual assault of a child, bigamy or other charges surrounding crimes at the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints properties. Eight defendants have been convicted on felony charges and sentenced to prison. The other four defendants are awaiting trial. All prosecutions are being handled by the Office of the Attorney General, which is working in cooperation with 51st Judicial District Attorney Steve Lupton.

Jeffs victimized women and children of the FLDS communities using his power and influence as the "Prophet." Evidence during the trial included audio tapes and writings showing how Jeffs taught underage girls to have sex with him, individually and in groups, under the guise of pleasing God and enabling them to get to heaven. Other wives of Jeffs attended the molestation of the children, under Jeffs direction. Jeffs was said to have 68 wives, although the exact number is not known.

Gas Prices Expected To Fall Soon

Prices Falling? Hendry-Glades Still Higher Than Average

Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have fallen 4.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.66/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.66/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

Gas prices are about 10 cents higher in Hendry and Glades county than the Florida average.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 95.5 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 8.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 4.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 88.6 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

This is the first time in recent weeks that prices are less than one dollar higher than a year earlier.

"We're watching an incredible decline in the price of crude oil and gasoline futures that will most certainly have an impact in the upcoming week at the pump. While motorists won't see large drops all at once, I most certainly expect declines in the days ahead," says Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst. "Oil prices have shed nearly $15 per barrel in just a week- a dramatic decline brought on by various concerns, but mainly a weak manufacturing report and concern surrounding a possible downgrade of U.S. credit ratings," DeHaan adds.

It's HUGE! How Billy And Caroline Sell Lots Of Cars In Florida

"Caroline, It's HUGE!" - Selling Cars Big Time In Pine Island

LABELLE, FL. -- Fuccillo Kia in Cape Coral, Florida, just north of Fort Myers, is advertised as one of the largest Kia dealerships in the country. Featured in the TV and radio ads, Billy Fuccillo is obnoxious and unforgettable. And that's the plan. He wants you to buy a car from his Pine Island dealership, and buy it now, presumably at "huge" savings.

The Fuccillo ads are probably the most played spots on Fort Myers radio and TV stations, probably outdoing the Morgan and Morgan law firm ads that play obnoxiously too often as well.

William B. Fuccillo is the sole owner of Fuccillo Affiliates Of Florida, Inc., the one-year old automobile company hitting it big at the Pine Island Road store. Many say they hate the ads with the "huge" tagline, but you have to admit, you can't forget it. It's just "huge."

Fuccillo started in the car business back in 1980, two years after attending Syracuse University on a football scholarship. He started buying car dealers' trade-in vehicles, reconditioning them and selling them at dealer auctions for a nice profit splitting it with the dealership he worked for.

Having saved a large nest egg from his car sale profits, he bought a Dodge dealership in 1989 in Adams, New York, with $125,000. He bought a second dealership in 1990, beginning a string of dealership purchases all over the country.  He says he liked to buy a dealership cheap, and then sell it two years later for a big profit.

He's owned automobile dealerships in California, Nevada, New Mexico, and the Carolinas. His base, however is New York. He started his Fort Myers store last year and as luck would have it high gas prices, and a shall we say "huge" inventory of Kia vehicles have done well for Fuccillo.

Caroline Renfro, the gal who never gets to finish the TV commercials before Billy says, "It's HUGE, Carolyn, It's HUGE," has been acting in the Fuccillo commercials for many years. Originally from North Carolina, Caroline met Fuccillo when had a dealership there. His son also attended school there for a while.

She worked for JTA Talent in Charlotte, N.C., and has done other car dealership commercials other than the "huge" ads for Fuccillo, including ads for a Greensboro, N.C. Kia store. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baSg3sDJLOU&feature=related

For Caroline fans (her Linkedin page): http://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinerenfro  

For Billy fans (ad for his New York car store): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQO0v_HEGU0

UPDATE May, 2013: Fuccillo charters cruise ship for customers' 5-day Bahamas trip and other sales gimmicks (see story)

LaBelle's Ovie Hicks Dead At 64

Ovie Jean Hicks, age 64, of LaBelle passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011 at home in LaBelle. Ovie was born February 1, 1947 in Green, OH. She is the daughter of the late Albert and the late Ovie (Pennington) Nunnery. 

Jean spent the majority of her life working in the trucking industry and enjoyed all the time she spent getting to know her drivers. 

She is survived by her three daughters: Lea Ann Burnside, Terrie M. Thompson and Amie Grant; son: David Hicks; one brother: Albert Nunnery; ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. 

Please contact Akin-Davis Funeral Home for service time. 

Memorial For LaBelle's Stephen Reynolds

Stephen J. Reynolds, 62, died peacefully in his sleep while in his home on July 21, 2011. Born on August 20, 1948 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he was proudly adopted two days later by Martin E. Reynolds and Felicia Serio Reynolds and grew up and lived in Wellsville, NY. He graduated from Wellsville High School in 1967 and went on to attend Alfred Ag-Tech College. He was drafted into the US Army in August 1968 and served until July 1971 in Germany and attained the rank of Sergeant. 

Stephen came to Florida and worked as a plumber and was hired by Lee County where he obtained his Class A Water Treatment Operator's License. He then attended Fort Myers Criminal Justice Academy and became a Certified Corrections Officer and worked for Hendry Correctional Facility, the Hendry County Sheriff's Office and the Moore Haven Correctional Facility. He was also an Auxiliary Deputy. He was proud to be a member of the Dana-Howard-Weekley American Legion Post#130 in LaBelle. 

He is survived by his wife, Tricia K. Reynolds of LaBelle, sons, John Thomas Reynolds (Mary) of Lehigh and Nicholas Alan Reynolds (Julie) of LaBelle, , his sister, Ursula Reynolds Gray (Brian) of Wellsville, NY, his ex-wife, Janet K. Reynolds of Lehigh, several nephews and a niece, and his wife's parents, Karl and Beverly Wendorf of Port Orange, Florida, as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law. 

He was predeceased by his father, Martin Reynolds, in February of 1987, and his mother, Felicia Reynolds, in October of 1996. 

Arrangements for cremation have been made by the Akin-Davis Funeral Home of LaBelle. The family suggests that any memorials be made in the form of a contribution in Stephen's name to the charity of the donor's choice. 

A memorial service will be held on Stephen's birthday, August 20, 2011 at the American Legion Post, LaBelle at 10:30 a.m. and a luncheon will follow. Please come to help celebrate his life! 

"It's Not An Easy Issue" Judge Tells Jose Baez

Casey Seeks Full Freedom From Court Jurisdiction - Judge Needs More Time To Study

Jose Baez, attorney for Casey Anthony appeared in an Orlando courtroom before Orange county Chief Judge Belvin Perry this morning to argue to quash an order for Anthony to report for one-year probation after her 2010 conviction for check fraud.

Anthony was not in court and is still in hiding in an unknown location.

Susan Finigan, senior probation supervisor for the Florida Department of Corrections testified by telephone about her case notes on Casey Anthony's case. She said the case notes indicate Anthony was in the Orange county jail during a one-year probation period, and officials from her department were handling it as they would any other probation case. 

Finigan has worked for the department for 28 years, and said she has never had a case where probation was set at sentencing for an unknown future time. Baez tried to dispute an order this week where Anthony's probation was set to begin after her release from jail, being an unknown time during 2010 because of her pending trial for murder. 

She said she believed "restitution" was completed by Anthony because she was in custody, and the probation was completed January 24, 2011, with a standard letter sent to her at completion.  One her conditions of probation was no contact with the victim Amy Huizenga. Anthony fraudulently stole her checks and cashed them.

Assistant State Attorney Frank George cross-examined Finigan about the role of the probation department and if probation would normally be while a defendant was in jail. Anthony was instructed about her "probation" on February 2, 2010, according to Finigan, about a week after her probation was to begin when Anthony was convicted of check fraud.

Just How Complicated Is Florida Law?

Judge Perry followed up questioning Finigan as to whether Judge Stan Stickland, the judge at the time, was ever contacted about "tolling" of the time Anthony had served. Perry cited several cases regarding the legal issue. 

Additional arguments were offered by Baez' defense team attorney Lizabeth Fryer, on how the case is moot since Anthony served her "probation" and Judge Strickland had no authority to amend the original order, since 60 days had expired with no order amendment. Arguments were also made of the "double jeopardy" issue, as Anthony is being ordered to serve probation twice. 

Judge Perry noted the video of the Judge Strickland's oral pronouncement of sentencing Anthony to one year probation after her release and asked what responsibility the defense has to note the commencement of a probation period by their client to the court, and what obligation anyone has to object to the oral sentence of the court at the time, as no objections were made at the time.

Perry also noted from case law, probation is not a sentence, and while the issue is not clear cut, perhaps there is no double jeopardy issue.  He asks if a defendant is erroneously placed on probation and the oral sentence has not been followed, does the defense counsel have an obligation to notify the court. "It is not an easy issue. It is not a black and white issue," said Perry.

Attorney George ended by saying it is not good public policy to allow probation to be served while a defendant is in jail. He provided arguments about the time limit on correcting "scrivener's" or clerical errors, which allegedly happened in this case. The case law shows that the correction may be made at any time as long as the original intent of the court is not being changed.

George said the state learned of the dispute when Judge Strickland made the order this week, and had no prior notice of when a probation had been started or ended by Anthony until that point.

Perry said he needed to research the issue more and is concerned about threats against Anthony and would take measures with the Department of Corrections to address that issue should he decide for probation. He also agreed to a "status hearing" should an order for probation be found to discuss the issues that may extend from Anthony being placed on supervised probation.

Massive Ground Turkey Recall

Health Risk Of Contaminated Turkey Rated "High"

Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, a Springdale, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 36 million pounds of ground turkey products that may be contaminated with a multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Heidelberg, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced this week. 

The products subject to recall today bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The health risk of this recall is classified by the USDA as "High." 

LaBelle's Caraballo Graduates At Lackland AFB

In The Service
Air Force Airman Alexandro E. Caraballo graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.


Caraballo earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of David and Lucy Caraballo of Chain Court, LaBelle, Fla. The airman graduated in 2010 from LaBelle High School.

Casey Anthony Due In Orlando Thursday

Court Orders Casey's Orlando Probation Check-In


Speculation waxes on when, and where Casey Anthony will show up in the Orlando area Thursday under orders to begin her probation period on bad check convictions in 2010.

An Orange county judge corrected a previous order in the case, demanding Anthony now show up within 72 hours to begin her one-year probation. Defense attorney Jose Baez has filed an emergency motion attempting to quash the order, saying she served her probation while in the Orange County jail while waiting for her murder trial.

A spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Corrections Wednesday morning held a press conference explaining the procedures Anthony will be expected to follow. The department said they have spoken with Baez, and Anthony is expected to come to the probation intake facility by 10 a.m. Thursday.

Baez has told reporters that he believes the judge in the bad check case had only 60 days to change the order, and that time has long expired. Other experts claim the new order only corrects a "scrivener's error and is a legitimate order that corrects the previous order.

Under probation, Anthony will be required to give her current address, which will be public, unless there is a threat against her, check in each month, look for a job, and stay away from felon's and firearms. She would need permission to change her address or leave the state.

Speculation reigns on just where Anthony has been since her release last month from jail. Sources say she flew immediately to Columbus, Ohio. She has an uncle and aunt in the Youngstown area.  A private jet, belonging to a well known Florida and Ohio car dealer departed Orlando shortly after her near midnight release from jail and landed in Columbus.

Baez says she wants to get therapy, and that leads our sources to believe she may be in the Chicago or probably the Milwaukee area.  There is reportedly a "bounty" for information on her whereabouts.

Update: Chief Judge Belvin Perry has ordered a stay on the order saying Anthony must check in with the probation department Thursday. A hearing is set for 9 a.m .Friday in Orlando on the emergency motion to quash the order.

Clewiston's Romero Graduates From Army Training

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Army National Guard Pvt. Adam J. Romero has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
    

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.  Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
    

Romero is the son of Betsy Rodriguez of Old U.S. Highway 27, Clewiston, Fla.

Balloon Releases May Endanger Florida Wildlife

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds event organizers and other Floridians about a law prohibiting the release of more than nine lighter-than-air balloons within a 24-hour period.

While releasing balloons is often an idea of groups that wish to honor an event or lost loved one, the FWC encourages the public to choose more environmentally responsible actions for their events.

Balloons released in Florida almost inevitably end up in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. Wildlife, especially sea turtles, mistake balloons for food, and strings attached to balloons can entangle birds and other animals. The release into the atmosphere of large numbers of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases poses a danger and nuisance to the environment, particularly to wildlife and marine animals. Violators could incur $250 in fines according to Florida law.

There are exceptions for scientific or meteorological balloons released by a government agency or under government contract, hot air balloons that are recovered after launching and balloons released indoors. The law also allows for the release of balloons that are biodegradable or photodegradable under FWC rules. Since 1989, the FWC has received only one such balloon design for review, and that balloon was not approved.