Winifred G. Green Dies At 84

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Winifred "Winnie" G. Green, aged 84, who left us on April 6, 2025, in Lehigh Acers, Florida. Born on March 10, 1941, in Estero, Florida, Winnie was a beloved mother, cherished friend, and a comforting presence to all who knew her. 

Winnie dedicated her life to kindness and compassion, exemplified through her caring work as a Clinic Aid at the Alva School. She touched the lives of many children, always putting their needs before her own. Her legacy is one of generosity and thoughtfulness, traits that her loved ones will forever remember. 

Winnie is survived by her son, Jerry Lewis (Teresa), and daughter, Bobbi Jo White (Ernest), who will carry her memory forward. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Betti Jo Heinkel. 

Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects at Akin Davis Funeral Home, located on Palm Beach Blvd. A viewing will take place on Thursday, April 10, from 5 PM to 7 PM, followed by a funeral service on Friday, April 11, at 10 AM. 

Winnie’s life was a testament to the beauty of kindness. As we bid her farewell, let us remember the warmth she brought into our lives and the love she shared with those around her. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.

Obituary - Robert Power

Robert Power age 61 of Moore Haven FL passed away March 31, 2025. He was born on September 22, 1963, in Yuma AZ. 

The son of Jack Power and Martha (Webb) Power Cartier. Robert worked for Glades County Road Dept. 

Robert was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father Jack Power. Those left to mourn Robert's passing his devoted wife Mary Ann Power of the home, his mother Martha Power Cartier of Yuma AZ, his sister Debbie Shadd (Bryan) of Yuma AZ, his brother Billy Power of Yuma AZ, his two nieces Nichole and Melissa, and nephew Micheal. 

Robert was proud to have been part of his stepchildren's lives as well as a host of friends. Robert was a master of loving people. If Robert chose you to be his friend, you were blessed to have at least one laugh at the way he faced life.

A celebration of life for Robert was held on April 5, 2025, at Fraternal Order of Eagles in Moore Haven 4523 hosted by friends and members.

Obituary - Kristine J. Schuch

 On Monday, April 7, 2025, we lost a very beautiful, kind soul. Kristine J. Schuch of LaBelle, FL passed away while at home. She was born December 15, 1953.

Kris worked at the Hendry County Health Department for 30+ yrs, enjoying the work she did. 

Kristine is preceded in death by her late husband Ricky A. Schuch. They were married 44yrs before his passing. Her parents Warren and Marilyn Schumacher. Her sister Sandy Duecker.

 

Kristine is survived by her daughter Kathleen R. Schuch (spouse Mark Blanset). Her five grandchildren: Alexandria Ramirez, Courtney Blanset, Ethan Blanset, Amando Ramirez III, and Lauren Blanset. Her three great grandsons: Atlas, Alarik, and Aleksandr Caeners. She is also survived by her brothers Joel Schumacher and Curt Schumacher (spouse Jenny Schumacher). Along with 4 nieces and 5 nephews. 

Bat Maternity Season Starts April 16 - Volunteer With Bat Force

Tricolored bat photo by Faith Flawn, FWC.

April 16: Maternity season starts for Florida’s bats

Florida’s 13 native and beneficial bat species typically roost in trees, caves or other natural spaces, but are sometimes attracted to buildings and other human-made structures, including buildings still undergoing construction. With bat maternity season starting April 16, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds the public that April 15 is the last day to legally exclude bats from buildings without a permit, until Aug. 15.

Florida’s bat maternity season, the time when most of our state’s bats give birth and raise their young, starts on April 16 and lasts until Aug. 14 each year. During maternity season, it is illegal to block bats from returning to their roosts. This helps prevent flightless bat pups from being trapped inside structures — something that wouldn’t be good for either people or bats.

If you have bats roosting in your house or building, the most effective and only legal method to remove roosting bats from structures is the use of exclusion devices, which allow bats to safely exit a structure but block them from returning to their roosts. It is only legal to use exclusion devices from Aug. 15 until April 15, which is outside of the maternity season. Permits are required to use exclusion devices during Florida’s bat maternity season.

Exclusion guidelines were developed to ensure bats are removed safely and effectively from buildings outside of maternity season to avoid problems for people and prevent the killing or harming of bats, which is illegal in Florida. Bat exclusion is a multi-step process that begins by identifying all potential bat entry and exit points in a building. To legally exclude bats, exclusion devices must be installed on key exit points, left up for a minimum of four nights and the exclusion must be conducted when the overnight temperature is forecast to be 50ºF or above.

Bats are highly beneficial, both ecologically and economically. Florida’s bats are insectivores, with a single bat eating up to hundreds of insects a night, including mosquitoes and other garden and agricultural pests. Worldwide, bats serve critical functions due to their roles in insect pest control, and as pollinators and seed dispersers, and their guano can be a valuable fertilizer.

Our state’s native bat populations include endangered species including the Florida bonneted bat. Want to help our bats? There are several ways that residents and visitors can support bat conservation:Preserve natural roost sites, including trees with cavities or peeling bark.
Leave dead fronds on palm trees to provide roosting spots for bats.
Install a bat house on your property.
Add native plants when landscaping your property to attract native pollinators and benefit bats.
Report unusual bat behavior and sick or dead bats to MyFWC.com/BatMortality.
Volunteer with the Florida Bat Force!

For more information about how to properly exclude bats as well as other tips to bat-proof your home, visit MyFWC.com/Bats and click “Bats in Buildings.” If you have questions or need more assistance, contact your closest FWC Regional Office to speak with a wildlife assistance biologist. Learn more about bats in Florida and ways you can help them thrive by visiting MyFWC.com/Bats

Why Does The U.S. Owe Billions To Other Countries

The US government borrows money by selling Treasury securities (bonds, bills, and notes) to cover budget deficits, which occur when government spending exceeds its revenue.

As of December 2024, the top countries holding U.S. debt in the form of Treasury securities are: 

Japan: Approximately $1.06 trillion.
China: Approximately $759 billion.
United Kingdom: Approximately $722.7 billion.
Luxembourg: Approximately $423.9 billion.
Cayman Islands: Approximately $418.9 billion

Canada: $378.8 billion
Belgium: $374.6 billion
Ireland: $336.2 billion
France: $332.3 billion
Switzerland: $288.5 billion 

Reasons for Borrowing from Other Countries:

Funding deficits: When the US government spends more than it takes in through taxes and other revenue, it needs to borrow to make up the difference.

Financing government operations: The US government issues Treasury securities to finance various operations and programs, including infrastructure projects, military spending, social security benefits, and healthcare.

Foreign investment demand: Foreign governments, institutions, and individuals purchase US Treasury securities as a relatively safe and liquid investment option, as they are backed by the US government's full faith and credit.

Trade surpluses: Countries with trade surpluses with the US may accumulate dollars, which they then invest in US Treasury securities.

Reserve assets: Some countries hold US Treasury securities as part of their foreign exchange reserves to manage their currencies and stabilize their economies.

Foreign investors participate in the market for Treasury securities for a variety of reasons:

Safety and Liquidity: US Treasury securities are considered to be among the safest and most liquid investments globally, which attracts foreign investors seeking stability and low risk.

Investment opportunities: Foreign investors may choose to invest in US Treasury securities as part of their investment strategy to diversify their portfolios and earn returns on their investments.

Foreign currency management: Central banks and other foreign investors may purchase US Treasury securities to help manage their own currencies and exchange rates.

Demand for US dollars: A large portion of global trade is conducted in US dollars, so foreign investors may purchase US Treasury securities to maintain their dollar reserves and facilitate international transactions.

In essence, the US borrows money from both domestic and foreign investors, including foreign governments, to finance its spending when revenue falls short of its needs. Foreign investors are attracted to US Treasury securities for their safety, liquidity, and their role in the global financial system.