Mary Bartoshuk Earns Statewide Recognition

Mary Bartoshuk has been known for years for her tireless volunteer work across Hendry County and Southwest Florida. Now, Bartoshuk has earned statewide recognition from two powerhouse organizations in Florida’s aging community.  

At the annual Florida Conference on Aging, held this August in Tampa, Bartoshuk earned awards from the Florida Council on Aging and AARP.

She was nominated for both awards by the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, where Bartoshuk serves on the agency’s volunteer Advisory Council.

On August 14, Bartoshuk was honored with a Quality Senior Living Award in the area of public service.  The award, presented annually by the Florida Council on Aging and FPL, is one of the most prestigious awards in Florida’s professional aging network. It honors an individual or organization that makes outstanding contributions to improve the quality of life for Florida’s older adults.   

“We nominated Mary because of her boundless energy and enthusiasm for serving our region’s elders,” explains Marianne Lorini, President and CEO of AAASWFL.  “Every day she improves the quality of life for seniors in Southwest Florida.  If ever there was a real life superwoman, it is most definitely Mary.”

The following day, Bartoshuk earned the Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus Community Trailblazer Award, presented by AARP.  This one-time award in recognition of AARP’s 60^th anniversary was presented to six recipients from AARP’s six regions in the state. Bartoshuk was selected as winner for Florida’s Coast to Coast region, which represents fourteen counties.

“This award will never be given again, so this is an esteemed group of honorees,” said Donna Ginn, state president of AARP Florida and award presenter.  “This award celebrates and recognizes individuals… who demonstrate real vision. They are respected by their peers, are dedicated to their communities, do extraordinary work, and have found innovative and sustainable solutions to the issues in the areas where they volunteer.”

Bartoshuk resides in LaBelle. She has been a member of the AAASWFL advisory council for eight years and also trained as a volunteer for the agency’s health and wellness programs.

The Quality Senior Living Awards also recognized another group of honorees from Southwest Florida.  Glades County Public Schools earned an award for service to seniors by an organization. The school district was nominated by Hope Connections, which partners with Glades County students to distribute food to low-income seniors.

Local Bird Presentation September 10

Local Birds, Bird Trips and More
Local photographer Kathy Shoaf will present her photo essay of “Our Local Birds” during the Hendry-Glades Audubon monthly program on Monday September 10 at 7pm at the Dallas Townsend Agricultural Extension located at 1085 Pratt Blvd

Escorted birding trips to STA 5/6 (Stormwater Treatment Area 5/6 south of Clewiston) will resume Saturday September 8th. The public access entry gate has been changed until further notice because of construction at the Deer Fence entrance. 

Register atwww.hendrygladesaudubon.org 

Walking or bicycle access from the Blumberg Road entrance is Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday year-round except for the seasonal Sunday hunting dates.

You are invited to join Hendry-Glades Audubon for $20 annually which includes the National Audubon Magazine, membership in local chapter, and member discounts. For information or to volunteer to present a program during an upcoming meeting please be contact. Margaret England 863-517-0202

Hurricane Survivors And Volunteers Meet Sept 7

Hurricane Irma Survivors and Volunteers

On September 10, 2018 Hurricane Irma hit Hendry and Glades County. Do you still have unmet recovery needs or would like to help others in our area who are still recovering from Hurricane Irma damage? 

Please contact us to find out what support and volunteer opportunities may be available.  Contact Hendry/Glades Unmet Needs Coalition Coordinator: Terri Miazga Phone: 813-892-5021 Fax: 863-675-9393 E-mail:hgunc133@gmail.com c/o LaBelle United Way House 133 N. Bridge Street LaBelle, FL 33935

Non-profit representatives and other interested want to help Hendry and Glades County residents in their Hurricane Irma recovery are invited to meetings at the following locations and dates:

Glades Regional Training Center located at 1030 Industrial Drive Moore Haven, FL 33471 on Friday September 7, 2018 @ 1:00 pm and Friday September 21 , 2018 @ 5:30 pm.

Fred Thomas Dies At 73

Fred N Thomas, age 73, of Clewiston, passed away August 23, 2018 in Clewiston.

He was born November 15, 1944, in Scottsville, Kentucky to Hubert and Lucille (Devine) Thomas. Fred worked for the United States Postal Service for over 30 years as a mail carrier. He was a member of the Clewiston Elks Lodge # 1853 and the Moore Haven Fraternal Order of Eagles # 4523. An avid golfer, he founded and organized Fred's Annual Golf Scramble for 13 years benefitting the Elks Scholarship Fund.

Fred leaves behind his two children, Jenny Nelson and Jacob Thomas; his two grandchildren; his brother, Larry Thomas and many lifelong friends.

Proposed Tax Forms Mailed To Property Owners

NEWS FROM THE GLADES COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER

By this time you should have received your 2018 Notice of Proposed Taxes (also known as the TRIM notice or Truth-in-Millage). This is not a tax bill. You will receive a bill from the Office of the Tax Collector in November, 2018.

This notice contains your property’s market value as of January 1, 2018, the millage (tax rates) proposed by each local government, and an estimate of the amount of property taxes owed, based on the proposed tax rates.

TAX RATE:

Please keep in mind that the Property Appraiser does not set your tax rate; that is the responsibility of your local taxing authorities. If you have questions regarding tax rates and would like to get in contact with the taxing authority, their contact information, along with the date, time, and location of their public hearing is printed on the front of the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes.

MARKET VALUE:

Your 2018 market value is based upon 2017 sales of comparable properties. Sales that occurred during 2017 will impact the 2018 market value. I will be more than happy to answer questions about your property’s market value.

EXEMPTIONS:

Property tax exemptions reduce the taxable value of your property and could result in a tax savings. As your Glades County Property Appraiser, I want to make sure that you are aware of all exemptions available to you. If you would like more information about property tax exemptions, I encourage you to visit me at the office, call or email. Just a few minutes of your time could save you money.

Lorie Ward, C.F.A.
Glades County Property Appraiser

Arthritis Exercise Workshop September 11

Many people living with arthritis avoid exercise because of the discomfort it can cause—but exercise can actually be beneficial for pain management.  Older adults with arthritis are invited to learn how to exercise safely this September and October in LaBelle.  The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is offering a free eight-week workshop, theArthritis Foundation Exercise Program, in partnership with Hope Connections.  Participants will meet at the L.J. Nobles Senior Center (E. Cowboy Way, LaBelle) Tuesday and Thursday mornings, starting September 11.

Because class size is limited, pre-registration is required for the eight-week workshop. 

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is specifically designed for people living with arthritis.  It provides exercises that are gentle, fun, and easy to learn.  A trained instructor leads every one-hour session to keep participants safe while also staying fit. 

A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that one in four adults in the United States has arthritis, and the risk of arthritis increases as we grow older.  Exercise can reduce arthritis symptoms by as much as 40%.

“Joint-friendly exercise can help reduce pain, improve physical ability and mood, and increase quality of life for people with arthritis,” says Sherry Young, Health and Wellness Coordinator for AAASWFL.  “Regular exercise can also help people with arthritis maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of other conditions like heart disease, and diabetes.”

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program helps participants develop successful exercise routine, including range-of-motion and endurance-building activities.  Classes can be done either standing or while seated, depending on participants’ ability and activity level.  In addition to learning new exercises, participants will discover relaxation techniques to better manage arthritis pain.

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is shown to improve functional ability, decrease depression, and increase confidence in physical skills.

For more information or to register, contact Sherry Young at 866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER) or sherry.young@aaaswfl.org.  Before starting any exercise program, always check with your physician.

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is one of several health education and self-management programs offered by the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida.  Funding for wellness classes are provided by a grant for disease prevention and health promotion under the 2018 Older Americans Act (Title III-D) through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

At The Kiwanis

On August 7th, the Kiwanis Club of LaBelle learned about new rules for your Driver's License. The new license format has a "star" in the top right-hand corner. All license holders must have this new license by the year 2020 or you will not be able to board a plane, train or bus.

Additionally, the guest speakers talked about being an organ donor, safe driving, and school safety. Kiwanis members also learned about the concealed weapons process.

LaBelle Kiwanis guest speaker at the August 21st meeting was Mandy Goldenberg, Child Advocate Recruiter, for Guardian Ad Litem Foundation. She presented the importance of advocating for abused/neglected children which could give them a chance for a better life.

Pictured: Carole Schroeder, incoming LaBelle Kiwanis President; Mandy Goldenberg; and Mary Pringle, Aktion Club for Mentally Challenged children. Photo by Helen Mead.

Pamela Davis Dies At 73

Pamela Hedick Davis of Palmdale, aged 73, passed away on August 14, 2018 at Jupiter Medical Center in Jupiter, Florida.

Pam was born April 27, 1945 in Clewiston, Florida to William and Florence (Adkins) Hedick. She married Thomas “Tom” E. Davis on January 9, 1965 in Moore Haven, Florida.        

Pam was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, and all those whose lives she touched.

Pam leaves behind her son, TJ Davis and his wife, Kimberly; grandchildren Elisabeth and Madison; her companion, Wayne Holt; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Pam was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Tom Davis; her daughter, Carolyn Denise Davis; three siblings, Irene Waldron, Callie Gunn and William Hedick, Jr.

Celebration of Pam’s life was held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Clewiston with Pastor Charley Watts officiating. Burial took place in Ortona Cemetery.

Kiwanis And World Atlas Project At School

On August 22nd, Kiwanis Club of LaBelle members gathered at Edward A. Upthegrove Elementary for the Kiwanis World Atlas Project.

Fourth-grade students gathered and received their atlases. There was excitement, joy and smiles on faces of the children! Students and teacher will use the Atlases as a wonderful classroom resource for the year and at the end of the school year, each 4th grade goes home with their very own World Atlas Book.

Actors And Theater Volunteers September 8

Actors and volunteers wanted and needed. Open Auditions for the Firehouse Community Theatre's 26th Season will be held on Saturday, September 8th, from 11am to 1pm. If you are interested in becoming part of the theatre family in any capacity (Actor, stage manager, back stage assistant, lighting, sound, props, costumes, etc.), please stop by the theatre to see how you can get involved.

 Auditions will be held at the Firehouse Community Theatre located in beautiful downtown LaBelle at 241 N. Bridge Street, LaBelle. You can also call (863) 675-3066 and leave a message; someone will return your call.

Obituaries - James Daniels, Arturo Vasquez

Rev. James Hampton Daniels of Alva passed away August 16, 2018. He was the grandson of Alva pioneers Lonnie and Annie Dyess Daniels and the son of former Lee County Commissioner Kenneth Daniels and wife Freida Daniels.

He is survived by daughters; Betty Sue Moreno (Pete) and Kathy Gail Daniels, daughter-in-law; Linda Daniels and sister; Margaret Daniels, ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; Irena Mae Daniels and his two sons; Rex Earl Daniels and Don Alan Daniels and brother; Jerry Daniels.

During his youth, James spent his weekends and after school hours working on the family ranch with his dad, grand dad and brother. Frequently his cousins Billy and Sammy Sylvest would join them for a summer of work and youthful high-jinx which resulted in life time bond of brotherhood.

James married his high school sweetheart, Irena Mae Gomez, shortly after she graduated from high school. Before long, their family of two became a family of six. As his children grew, he felt a different sense of responsibility to his family. They as a family joined the Church of God and ultimately, he became an ordained minister for the Church of God. Irena contributed to his ministry by playing the organ and assuming the many duties of a preacher's wife. They were a powerful couple and served in many area churches: Alva, North Fort Myers, Chokoloskee, Vero Beach, Lake Placid and LaBelle.

James brought a unique ability to his parishioners. Not only was he their spiritual leader, he became a lifetime friend. Many times, James played his guitar and sang gospel music as part of his sermon. Music and good humor and a little bit of that boyhood mischief were interwoven into his social and church life. And he was a great story teller and oral historian; all told with a measure of humor.

James two passions in life were his family, especially Irena, and his church family. He will be missed by all of them.

Daughter-in-law Linda Daniels attended James and Irena the last three years of their lives. The family is deeply appreciative of the gift of love she gave to them and us.

Visitation is10:00 AM at the Alva Church of God, Monday August 20, 2018. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM with Reverend Jacob Newman officiating. Interment will be in the Alva Cemetery.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle

Arturo Delgado Vazquez, age 57, of LaBelle, passed away August 16, 2018 in West Palm Beach.

He was born Jan. 16, 1961 in Mexico to Santiago Delgado Hernandez and Candelaria Vazquez Flores.

Survivors include his wife: Maria Aguilar Delgado

four daughters: Elizabeth Chairez, Brenda Parada, Yvet Delgado and Rosa Garcia,

parents: Santiago Delgado Hernandez and Candelaria Vazquez Flores

8 brothers, 4 sisters, and 2 grandchildren

Visitation will be Monday August 20, 2018 from 5 to 7 PM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home LaBelle Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 10:30 am at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, LaBelle. with Father Juan Lorenzo officiating.

Interment will be Tuesday, August 21, 2018 in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Philip Earnest Mann Dies At 75

Philip Earnest Mann, age 75, of Clewiston, passed away August 13, 2018 at home.

Philip was born Mar. 25, 1943 in Light, Arkansas to Earl and Margaret (Barber) Mann.  Mr. Mann married Linda L. Shannon on March 13, 1965 in Brooklyn, Arkansas.  He served in the United States Air Force from January 1961- January 1965. After he was discharged from the Air Force, he worked for many years as a corrections officer for Glades Corrections Institute retiring as a Sergeant. He enjoyed wood working, building items with wood. He just built a display of wood working tools the day before he passed away. He was a member of the PBA.

Philip leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years; Linda Mann of Clewiston, four sons; Tony Mann and wife Suzie, Steve Mann and wife Sheri, Troy Mann, Tracey Mann and wife Lindsey, sister; Barbara Treadway, grandchildren; Heather Issac and husband Ryan, Brandon Mann, Josh Mann and wife Katherine, Trent Mann, Elizabeth Smith, Savannah Mann, Kyle Mann, Elly Mann, Cooper Mann, Colton Mann, Kayci Gillean and husband Ty, Braden Compton, Alexis Diliberto, great grandchildren; Lily Issac, Noah Issac, Gannon Gillean, Sawyer Mann, Sloan Mann, Stella Mann, Liam Bradley, Callen Pitt and Weston Smith.

Memorial gathering of family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Akin-Davis Funeral Home – Clewiston.

Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston

Museum Programs Resume September 5

Joe Thomas, president of LaBelle Heritage Museum, announced the  museum's 2018/2019 program meetings will resume at 7 o'clock on Wednesday, September 5

, at  LaBelle's Dallas B. Townsend Agricultural Center,  1085 Pratt Boulevard, with a program by Annette Snapp, Ph. D.,  currently Charlotte County's Historian at the Charlotte County Historical Center in Port Charlotte and formerly Operations Program Manager at Ah-Tah-Thi: A Place for Learning at Big Cypress Seminole Reservation in Southeast Hendry County, History and Anthropology Professor at FGCU, and Southwest Regional Director of FPAN [Florida Public Archaeology Network].

Dr. Snapp, no stranger to LaBelle and LHM, will discuss the importance in discovering, accurately describing, and preserving as best as possible our area's archaeological sites, how our museums and preservationists can work together as well as working with individual municipalities and county government with the possible creation of a Hendry County Historical Commission as a goal.

 

The doors to the Dallas B. Townsend Agricultural Center will open at 6:30 p.m. and the program is open to the public at no charge.  Attendees coming from the North are reminded that the Caloosahatchee River Bridge at LaBelle is experiencing nighttime  closures for extensive maintenance and that detours to the bridge at Moore Haven or possibly State Road 31 may be necessary.

LHM's Joe Thomas added the museum's monthly programs are scheduled for the AG Center through December because of the unavoidable delay in the completion of the historic preservation work at LHM's 1912 Poole Store and Family Residence.  The date of the programs has also been changed from the first Thursday of the month to the closest Wednesday as the Hendry County 4-H Livestock and Small Animal Clubs  have priority on the first Thursday of the month through Fair competition and Livestock Auctions than end in February.

Alligator Hunting Resumes Today

Florida’s statewide alligator harvest, nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a renewable natural resource, begins Aug. 15. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued more than 7,500 permits, including an additional 1,313 county-wide permits, as a method to help manage the alligator population.

Alligators are a conservation success story in Florida. They were included on the original federal endangered species list in 1967. Conservation efforts allowed the population to rebound, and they were removed from the list in 1987. Today, the state’s alligator population is estimated at 1.3 million alligators and has been stable for many years. 

For over 30 years, the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program has been providing sustainable hunting opportunities throughout the state. The FWC establishes management units with appropriate harvest quotas based on research and proven science to ensure the long-term well-being of the alligator resource.

Recreational alligator hunting is just one part of the FWC’s overall approach to managing the species. The FWC’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) is another. People who believe a specific alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, we will dispatch an FWC-contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.

In addition, as part of a comprehensive effort to achieve alligator management goals, the FWC has issued an additional 21 Targeted Harvest Area permits that encompass 79 new areas. THA permits allow a managing authority to work directly with a designated FWC-contracted nuisance alligator trapper, making the process for removing nuisance alligators more proactive and streamlined.

THA permits, which have been in use for almost two decades, define the area’s boundaries, the duration of the permit and how many alligators can be removed. Currently, there are 260 THA permits issued that cover 1,460 sites throughout the state with more THAs expected to be added.

Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida. The FWC works diligently to keep Floridians and visitors informed about safely coexisting with alligators, including providing informational tools such as a video, infographic, and brochure.

Annual IFAS Open House November 15

IMMOKALEE, FL. -- The annual open house will be November 15 at the University of Florida's IFAS facility north of Immokalee, Fl. on State Road 29.

Tours of the facility, exhibits and free luncheon for visitors.

Rainbow Over LaBelle

Monday afternoon showers brought this rainbow over eastern skies in Hendry County.

Photo by Barbara A. Whelan

Obituaries - Billy Dawson, Vernon Perkins, Debra Hughes

Vernon William Perkins, age 87, of LaBelle, passed away August 8, 2018 in LaBelle.

He was born Oct. 30, 1930 in Offerman, GA, to the late Abb and Carrie (Franklin) Perkins.

He was a former resident of West Palm Beach and has lived in LaBelle since 1977.

Survivors include his wife: Nellie Pearl (Poole) Perkins, four sons: Danny W. (Deborah Diane) Perkins, David Vernon Perkins, Randy Wayne Perkins and Richard Dale Perkins all of LaBelle, FL, and three daughters: Carolyn Diane (Gary) Frost of Orlando, FL, Pamela Jean Hardcastle and Katherine Annette Perkins both of LaBelle, FL, one sister: Geraldine Davis, 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brothers: (Junior) Abberson Perry Perkins Jr., (JC) Julian Cardell Perkins, Clinton Harmon Perkins and a sister Caldeen (Perkins) Kelley.

The family will receive friends at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home 560 E. Hickpochee Ave. Labelle on Monday August 13th from 5 to 7 PM.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday August 14th at 10 AM at Eastside Baptist Church, LaBelle with Pastors Wm. Ashley Butler and Don Murray officiating.

Interment will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery.

Billy Wade Dawson, Jr, age 37, of Clewiston, passed away August 5, 2018 in Lake Placid.

He was born Feb. 17, 1981 in West Palm Beach, FL, to Billy Wade, Sr.  Dawson and Becky Pate

Billy was a Lab Chemist for U.S. Sugar for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending a lot time outside fishing and being in the woods.

Billy leaves behind his fiancee Arelie Beltran, his children; Matthew Wade Dawson and Olivia Jade Dawson, his father;  Billy Dawson, Sr and wife; Martina, his mother; Becky Pate, brothers; Kevin, Michael, Travis (Misty), and one sister; Priscilla Dawson (Joe) and many extended family and friends.

Celebration of Billy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 10, 2018 in Akin-Davis Funeral Home where visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery.

Debra A Hughes, age 59, of Moore Haven, passed away August 10, 2018 in Loxahatchee.

She was born Nov. 2, 1958 in Pensacola, FL, to the late George and Julie (Gann) Harris.

Survivors include one son: Robert (Jackie) Dunson

two daughters: Leslie Whitehead and Shelley (Matt) Farnam

three brothers: Paul Harris, Steve Harris and Ronnie Harris

two sisters: Carol Whitehead and Donna Dixon

5 grandchildren: Jenna Smith, Kaitlyn Dunson, Chase Dowd, Paisley Farnam and Everley Farnam.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11:00 am at Alvin L. Ward Boat Ramp, Moore Haven.

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

North LaBelle Community Clean Up August 25

From 9 to 12 on August 25, residents will have an opportunity to clean up their property by dropping off tires, yard debris and other trash at State Road 29 and Marion Avenue in North LaBelle.

Democrat Candidates At Big V August 18

Hendry County Democrats will meet at LaBelle's Big V Restaurant on the corner of West Hickpochee Avenue (State Road 80) and Hall Street this Saturday, August 18, at 9 o'clock for breakfast and the opportunity to meet not only R. David Walker, candidate for Florida Commissioner of Agricultural and Consumer Affairs, but also Jennifer Boddicker, candidate for State Representative District 80, and Tony Aguilar, candidate for Hendry County Property Appraiser. 

 Sean Shaw, running for Florida Attorney General, and Annisa Karim, running for State Senator District 28, both sent regrets that prior commitments prevent their attendance. 

 Other Democratic candidates may send representatives and campaign materials for those attending the meeting to use when encouraging friends and neighbors the importance of every vote not only in the August 28 Florida Primary Election but also on the National Election on November 6. 

 Hendry County DEC Chair Joe Thomas says Vote By Mail, Early Voting, and GOTV on election day will be stressed, and Hendry County voters who have not already received their Vote By Mail ballot can stop by the Hendry County Elections Office in LaBelle on their way home as it will be open for Early Voting.

As a courtesy to the Big V Restaurant, those thinking about attending the breakfast meeting and interested in seeing the restaurant's freshly painted and redecorated back dining room, are asked to leave an approximate count of how many may be attending at HENDRY DEMOCRATS on Facebook. This is not an official reservation just a rough estimate of how many may be attending to let the restaurant plan accordingly.

Photo of the Week - The Amphicar

LABELLE, FL. -- At the Port LaBelle Marina this week, a late 1960s car that is also a boat, the Amphicar.

LaBelle owner says this restored car-boat is still sea-worthy and one of about 300 left after the German manufacturer assembled about 3,046 of them, imported to the U.S. 50 years ago between the years 1961 and 1967.

Hit And Run Driver Apprehended After Killing Man

FORT MYERS, FL. On August 11th, 2018 at approximately 3:06 am, a blue Ford Fusion was stopped in the outside lane of southbound U.S. 41 for the traffic signal at the intersection of Daniels Parkway.

A Dodge Ram pickup truck directly behind the blue Ford failed to stop. The Dodge pickup truck
collided with the blue Ford, leaving one passenger in the Ford in critical condition and killing another.

The Dodge pickup truck fled the scene. The driver Edgar Isaac Harris, 43 of Middleburg, Fl.  was apprehended near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Andrea Lane. The FHP says he was driving under the influence and charged with DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident.

Passenger in the Ford Jairo Regalado, 23 of Fort Myers died, and passenger Daniel Lozano, 23 had serious injuries. Driver Juan Regalodo, 20 had no injuries.

Obituaries - Billie Borst, James Beeson

Billie Joyce Wiseman Borst, age 80, of Belle Glade, passed away August 5, 2018 in Palm Beach Gardens.

She was born Feb. 27, 1938 in Weslaco, TX, to Hulet and Vestie Jane (Hodge) Parson. Billie loved to cook, loved to dress up and look pretty, she enjoyed visiting with people. She enjoyed going to different churches, she would visit many of the area churches often, especially Alliance Church, First Baptist of Belle Glade and Lake Harbor Methodist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister who will be greatly missed by her entire family and friends.

Survivors include her four legged companion; Roxie,  three daughters; Karen Sue Wiseman Holcomb and her husband Cecil, Kathy Wiseman Johnson and her husband Steve, Teresa Wiseman Runkles and her husband John, son; Charles Ray Wiseman,  grandchildren; Brandon Holcomb and his wife Alexis, Shannon Ransom and husband Daylan, Kevin Rhodes, and wife Ingrid, Clinton Johnson, Christy Runkles Imparato and husband Steven, Jonathan Runkles, great grandchildren; Dayton Ransom, Danalyn Ransom, Hannah Holcomb, Austin Holcomb, Kolton Rhodes, Jordan Runkles and Jarrett Runkles, brother; Tony Parson, and sister; Carole Bowman.

Visitation will be from 6 pm-8 pm  Friday, August 10, 2018, at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Clewiston. Burial of cremains will be at 3 pm Friday,  August 17, 2018, at Ridgelawn Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the Clewiston Inn with Pastor Charley Watts officiating.

Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston

James Edward Beeson, Jr., age 70, of LaBelle, passed away August 8, 2018 in LaBelle.

He was born Oct. 17, 1947 in Wilmington, DE, to the late James Edward and Margaret (Hoffman) Beeson.

He served in the US Army National Guard. He was a Funeral Director.

Survivors include his wife: Ruth (Hauck) Beeson

two sons: James E. Beeson III and Jonathan Beeson,

one sister: Martha Rieske

2 grandchildren

Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Overnight Bridge Closings In LaBelle

Construction will close LaBelle bridge some overnights through beginning of 2019.

(Click to enlarge graphic to full size)

Saw Palmetto On Exploited Plant List

SAW PALMETTO HARVESTING PERMITS NOW REQUIRED

After receiving input from public and private landowners, conservation interests, and other interested parties, the Endangered Plant Advisory Council unanimously recommended adding saw palmetto to the Department’s commercially exploited plant list. The recommendation was adopted by Department rule which results in new requirements for the harvesting of saw palmetto berries. These new requirements, outlined below, took effect July 17, 2018.

What are the new requirements for a landowner harvesting palmetto berries for sale from their property?

• If the landowner is harvesting saw palmetto berries for sale, a Native Plant Harvesting Permit (no fee required) must be obtained from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. The permit application must be submitted fourteen (14) days prior to the intended date of harvest.

What are the new requirements for a contract harvester of palmetto berries on public or private land?

• The contract harvester must possess written permission from the landowner or the legal representative prior to harvest.

• The contract harvester must also possess a Native Plant Harvesting Permit from the Department prior to harvest. The permit application must be submitted fourteen (14) days prior to the intended date of harvest.

What are the new requirements for any person transporting for sale, selling, or offering for sale saw palmetto berries?

• A person transporting for sale, selling, or offering for sale saw palmetto berries, which is harvested from the person’s own property, must possess a Native Plant Harvesting Permit from the Department. The permit application must be submitted fourteen (14) days prior to the intended date of harvest.

What enforcement action can be taken if these requirements are not followed?

• If found by law enforcement officials to not meet the requirements above, the harvester or person transporting for sale, selling, or offering for sale saw palmetto berries may be charged with a misdemeanor.

For more information on obtaining a permit and to download permit application go to 
https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Business-Services/Plant-Pest-Permits/Native-Plant-Harvesting-Permit

• Illegally harvested berries will be confiscated and returned to the owner. If the owner cannot be located, the berries will be destroyed.

Unmet Needs Coalition Meeting August 17

Hendry/Glades Unmet Needs Coalition: August and September Meetings

Do you have unmet needs resulting from Hurricane Irma and have exhausted all other resources? Please contact us to find out what support and volunteer opportunities may be available.
Contact Hendry/Glades Unmet Needs Coalition Coordinator: Terri Miazga Phone: 813-892-5021 Fax: 863-675-9393 E-mail:hgunc133@gmail.com c/o LaBelle United Way House 133 N. Bridge Street LaBelle, FL 33935

Non-profit representatives and other interested want to help Hendry and Glades County residents in their Hurricane Irma recovery are invited to meetings at the following locations and dates:

August:

Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church, 310 Campbell St., LaBelle, Florida 33935

On Friday August 17, 2018 @ 5:30 pm

September:

Glades Regional Training Center located at 1030 Industrial Drive Moore Haven, FL 33471 on Friday September 7, 2018 @ 1:00 pm and Friday September 21 , 2018 @ 5:30 pm

Obituaries - Billy Dawson

Billy Wade Dawson, Jr, age 37, of Clewiston, passed away August 5, 2018 in Lake Placid.

He was born Feb. 17, 1981 in West Palm Beach, FL, to Billy Wade, Sr.  and Becky Pate Dawson

Billy was a Lab Chemist for U.S. Sugar for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending a lot time outside fishing and being in the woods.

Billy leaves behind his fiancee and companion Arelie Beltran, his children; Matthew Wade Dawson and Olivia Jade Dawson, both of his parents; Billy Dawson, Sr and wife; Martina and Becky Pate, brothers; Kevin, Michael, Travis, and one sister; Priscilla Dawson and many extended family and friends.

Celebration of Billy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 10, 2018 in Akin-Davis Funeral Home where visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery.

It's Up To You - Commentary by Ramon Rodriquez

Commentary by Ramon Rodriguez

For the majority of my adult life, I’ve heard numerous stories from various family and friends, usually, at a bbq and other social gatherings.  One thing I’ve learned, in listening to each and every individual perspective, is that some are funny and some are meant to teach valuable lessons for the younger generations.  Lessons, primarily, for what to expect later in the trials and tribulations we call life.

For instance, one dad shared his experience in which he, once, bought a car for one of his children.  Roughly, six months later, it was brought back with a distinct, knocking sound, bald tires, along with an ungrateful complaint for the terrible gift he had received.  After a little bit of work, he explained to his kid that it wasn’t the car, it was the lack of maintenance that its new owner refused to provide.  “That goes for anything,” he said.  “You want something to last?  You have to maintain it and don’t expect someone else to do it for you.”

Not too long after that story, I was at another family gathering, huddled around the bbq grill, when the conversation quickly turned to complaints regarding jury duty.  There was talk that big cases ended in a way they didn’t agree with which, ultimately, led to placing blame on the judicial system.  Surprisingly enough, though, most of them admitted that they do their best to get out of jury duty by any and all means possible.  “You can’t maintain your judicial system if most people work to get out of it,” I thought to myself.

So, now, this leads to an even bigger issue at these gatherings:  if politics comes up (and, it usually does), I find that most people will take all of their disagreements about the ways things are governed as a way to avoid voting, altogether.  Equally, I have been surprised to find that these same people can hold two positions in life:  that all things in life must be maintained to let’s just throw all of our hands in the air and give it all up.

Truth be told, I didn’t always care to be involved in the political scene.  But, somewhere, in all the stories received over time, it just clicked.  No matter how boring or exhausting things get, in order to keep and sustain a healthy and just democracy, we have to be willing to put forth the effort to maintain it at all times.  Voting, volunteering, such as canvassing and phone banking, are all part of the systematic steps required to achieve a healthy democracy around us.

So, really, it’s up to you.  Each one of us has the potential and the ability to make change.  No matter how small you think it may be, it all starts with you.  Do you want to arrive, in life, with that distinct, knocking sound and balding tires with the very clear notion that it’s bound to fall apart, in due time?  Or, are you going to work to maintain the necessary components to keep the system just and smoothly running?  I’m not sure what it’s going to take for some to make the connection to act.  Maybe, it’s going to take the right story, the right experience, or the right injustice?  By then, however, it may be too late to work in your favor.

Ramon Rodriguez, his wife, and two sons live in Labelle, Hendry County, where Ramon works as a Telecommunications Technician.

Joanne Vorhees - 50 Years At Heath Department

Submitted by Hendry/Glades Health Department

Nicole Hobin, Tim Purvis Die In Motorcycle Crash

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- A group of six motorcycles were traveling south on CR 721 (Reservation Rd) 5.5 miles south of State Road 70 in Glades county Saturday at 2:52 p.m. and while negotiating a left curve, four of the motorcycles traveled off the roadway to the west entering a bordering ditch.

All occupants were thrown from their respective motorcycles. The passenger of one Nicole Hobin 43, of Fort Lauderdale was pronounced deceased at the scene. The motorcycle driver, Craig Kingsley Colton, 48 of Fort Lauderdale had minor injuries. The FHP says the crash of Colton's motorcycle was alcohol related and neither he or passenger Hobin were wearing helmets.

Lisa Straus 57, Robert Lee Ferminich, 65, had minor injuries, and Timothy Edward Purvis, 65 had critical injuries and was taken to Tampa General Hospital.

UPDATE: The FHP says Purvis later died of injuries

Colton was arrested for DUI Manslaughter.

UPDATE: Colton was found not guilty in a jury trial in August 2021.