Trucks Crash At SR80 And Birchwood Port LaBelle

LABELLE, FL. -- Two pickup trucks crashed at the corner of SR80 and Birchwood Parkway this afternoon. 

The FHP is investigating.

Photo credit: Mary Tyner

Glades Sheriff Arrest Joshua Kolotka

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- On April 24, 2024, at approximately 3:03 pm, Glades County Sheriff’s Office deputies were investigating a recovered stolen boat located at the Old Caloosa Lodge area in Lakeport. 

During this time the alleged suspect of the theft was identified as W/M Joshua Kolotka, age 33. When the deputies began canvassing the area in search of the alleged suspect, they observed Joshua Kolotka exiting a residence dressed as a woman in an attempt to disguise himself. 

The deputies were able to apprehend Joshua Kolotka and he was arrested for two Okeechobee County warrants, along with the theft of a John Deere Gator and the stolen boat. It should also be noted that numerous other items were located on-scene. These items were possibly stolen from the same area. 

The Glades County Sheriff’s Office is also working with the Seminole Police Department to identify some of the stolen items from other theft cases in that area.

Mosquito Spraying Begins April 29

Hendry County will be conducting adult mosquito control operations commencing Monday, April 29th and continuing throughout the county as mosquito population levels warrant.

These operations will continue throughout the remainder of the year. The treatments will be performed during evening hours, weather permitting. 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.

Please see below the 2024 treatment schedule.

Monday/Wednesday:
Montura Ranch Estates
Flaghole

Tuesday:
Mid-County/Pioneer Plantation/Everhigh Acres/LaDeca
Fort Denaud/Phillips Road/Murray Road
Captain Hendry
North LaBelle/Caloosa Estates/Caloosa Shores/Ft. Denaud Acres /Northwest Hendry County

Wednesday/Monday:
South US29/Sears Road
Felda
North US27/CR720 Vicinity
Hookers Point

Thursday:
South LaBelle/LaBelle Acres (Case and Evans Road)/LaBelle Ranchettes (alphabet roads)
Double J Acres
Wheeler Estates
Davis-Pratt Park
Port LaBelle (Includes Oak Haven and Units 1-3 and 6-9) Excluding Unit 4 (Eucalyptus Village) and Unit 5 (Laurel Oaks)
Banyan Village

When aerial adult mosquito control operations are planned, public notices will be issued to inform residents and landowners. Residents who live in these areas and/or charged for Hendry County Mosquito Control MSBU services on their property tax bill and have questions or concerns regarding mosquito control operations should call Clarke at 1-800-443-2034 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Youth Programs In June At Firehouse Theatre

LABELLE, FL. -- The Firehouse Community Theatre is excited to announce two youth programs this summer.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, June 1st at 11am and Monday, June 3rd at 5pm at the theatre.

Auditions are open for children ages 7-17, no prior experience required.

Please contact the theatre if you have any questions. 863-675-3066 (leave a message and someone will contact you)

Elinor June Oxer Jones Dies At 88

Elinor June Oxer Jones age 88, of LaBelle, Florida passed away at her home on April 20, 2024. 

Elinor was born in Miami, Florida on June 12, 1935, to the late Van Tuyl and Clara Braden Oxer, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening and she loved all animals and all children. 

Elinor was a 65+ year member of First Baptist Church of LaBelle. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be dearly missed by her entire family that loved and cared for her. 

Elinor leaves fond memories with her son; Gregory Lane Jones and his wife Robin Glenda Jones, their children; Tara Nicole Jones and Jason Andrew Jones and their grandson Welen Gregory Jones, daughter: Donna Ellen Jones and her children; William Donald Menard and his wife Tiffany, their sons; William Colton Menard, and Waylon Elloit Menard, son; Justin Roger Jones, son; Jerry Jones and his wife Becky, and their children; Nevaeh, Alex Jones and his wife Rhonda Jones, Holden Jones and his wife Nora Jones, and their children; Weston, Annabell Jones, Jace, Savanah along with many extended family members, family and church friends. 

Elinor was the last one in her family. 

Elior's life will be celebrated with a service on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of LaBelle, where friends may gather and share memories of Elinor. 

Elinor will be laid to rest next to her parents and her baby brother in Woodlawn Park North Cemetery and Mausoleum located at 3262 S.W. 8th Street Miami, Florida 33135.