July 6, 1994 - February 9, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nikki Lee Burg, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and sister, who departed this life on February 9, 2026, in Lehigh Acres, Florida. Born in Cape Coral, Florida to Link Clay “Shorty” and Robin Sue Williams Howard. Nikki radiated love and laughter throughout her life and was a beacon of kindness to all who knew her. She enjoyed drawing, spending time with her family and close family friends.
Nikki was the cherished wife of Robert Allen "Robbie" Burg, and together they built a nurturing home that was filled with joy. She was a devoted mother to her two children, Grayson Robert and Peyton Rayne Burg, who were her pride and joy. Nikki's unwavering loyalty and loving spirit extended to her parents, Shorty and Robin Howard, and her sister, Amy O'Bannon, along with her beloved nephew, Colton Russell.
The traits that defined Nikki—her kindness, loyalty, and a wonderful sense of humor—made her an extraordinary person who touched many lives. She had a unique ability to bring smiles and warmth into every room she entered, and her laughter will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to experience it.
A graveside service will be held in Nikki's honor at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Fort Denaud Cemetery in LaBelle. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life and share in the memories of her beautiful spirit.
In this time of sorrow, may we all remember Nikki for the joy she gave, and may her legacy of love and laughter continue to inspire us.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Ellery Uribe Dies - 23 Years Of Public Service
Hendry County Mourns the Loss of Paramedic Ellery Uribe
(February 12, 2026) – It is with great sadness that Hendry County shares the passing of Paramedic Ellery Uribe who died in his home of natural causes on February 10, 2026.
Paramedic Uribe served as a paramedic with Hendry County EMS for over 3 years and was beloved by his colleagues.
“Ellery will be truly missed. He was a beacon of light for our department, always happy to be here and to serve our community,” said EMS Chief Amy Stafford. “He thought the world of his co-workers and truly left a legacy of love, kindness and joy.”
Paramedic Uribe dedicated 23 years to public service during which he served in Estero, Riviera Beach, Highlands and Polk County prior to joining Hendry County.
The Hendry County Board of County Commissioners, EMS and all County staff offer their deepest sympathies to Paramedic Uribe’s family and invite the community to join them in prayer for all who knew and loved him.
Civics 101 - Exploring Fascism - Can It Be Fair To It's Citizens?
Can A Fascist Government Be Fair To All?
In practice and in theory, fascism is structurally incompatible with a government that treats all citizens fairly.
What fascism is
Fascism is defined as an authoritarian system with a dictatorial leader, centralized autocratic government, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.
It exalts the nation (and often a particular race or ethnic group) above individuals and rejects pluralism, individual rights, equality, and democratic government.
In practice and in theory, fascism is structurally incompatible with a government that treats all citizens fairly.
What fascism is
Fascism is defined as an authoritarian system with a dictatorial leader, centralized autocratic government, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.
It exalts the nation (and often a particular race or ethnic group) above individuals and rejects pluralism, individual rights, equality, and democratic government.
Why it cannot be fair “for all”
Fascist ideology is explicitly hierarchical: it assumes a “natural social hierarchy” and subordinates individual interests to the perceived interests of the nation or race.
Because it suppresses opposition and dissent by force, groups who disagree or fall outside the preferred national or racial identity are systematically denied equal political rights and protections.
Historical fascist regimes in Italy and Germany, for example, imposed harsh repression, censorship, and persecution, including antisemitic laws and eventual deportations and mass violence, which directly contradict any notion of fairness to all citizens.
Fascist ideology is explicitly hierarchical: it assumes a “natural social hierarchy” and subordinates individual interests to the perceived interests of the nation or race.
Because it suppresses opposition and dissent by force, groups who disagree or fall outside the preferred national or racial identity are systematically denied equal political rights and protections.
Historical fascist regimes in Italy and Germany, for example, imposed harsh repression, censorship, and persecution, including antisemitic laws and eventual deportations and mass violence, which directly contradict any notion of fairness to all citizens.
The illusion of “social justice” under fascism
Some fascist regimes claimed to pursue a higher form of “social justice,” offering welfare or labor policies for favored groups, but this conception of justice was explicitly anti-egalitarian and subordinated to national hierarchy and state power.
Benefits tended to be reserved for those seen as “true” members of the national community, while minorities, political opponents, and other “undesirables” were marginalized or brutalized, so even material gains for some rested on structural injustice toward others.
Some fascist regimes claimed to pursue a higher form of “social justice,” offering welfare or labor policies for favored groups, but this conception of justice was explicitly anti-egalitarian and subordinated to national hierarchy and state power.
Benefits tended to be reserved for those seen as “true” members of the national community, while minorities, political opponents, and other “undesirables” were marginalized or brutalized, so even material gains for some rested on structural injustice toward others.
Human rights and fascist rule
Modern human rights frameworks arose in part as a response to the unprecedented levels of state tyranny and systematic rights violations carried out by fascist (and other totalitarian) regimes in the 20th century.
Because fascism rejects individual rights and legal constraints on state power as weaknesses, it conflicts with any rights-based standard of fairness that applies equally to all citizens.
Modern human rights frameworks arose in part as a response to the unprecedented levels of state tyranny and systematic rights violations carried out by fascist (and other totalitarian) regimes in the 20th century.
Because fascism rejects individual rights and legal constraints on state power as weaknesses, it conflicts with any rights-based standard of fairness that applies equally to all citizens.
Bottom line
A government that is fascist by definition centralizes unchecked power, enforces hierarchy, and suppresses dissent, which means it can at best distribute some benefits to some groups, not treat all citizens fairly on equal terms.
Any system that is genuinely fair for all citizens must protect pluralism, individual rights, and equality before the law, core principles that fascism opposes rather than upholds.
A government that is fascist by definition centralizes unchecked power, enforces hierarchy, and suppresses dissent, which means it can at best distribute some benefits to some groups, not treat all citizens fairly on equal terms.
Any system that is genuinely fair for all citizens must protect pluralism, individual rights, and equality before the law, core principles that fascism opposes rather than upholds.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
New LaBelle Educational Garden Project Combines Schools, Art and Garden Club
LABELLE, FL. -- The week of the Swamp Cabbage Festival in LaBelle, volunteers from Florida Power & Light Company will come together in LaBelle as part of the company’s annual Power to Care Week, a week-long volunteer initiative dedicated to strengthening the communities FPL serves across Florida.
FPL employees will roll up their sleeves alongside student volunteers from LaBelle Middle FFA Chapter to help complete the new LaBelle Educational Garden ahead of its debut at the LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival.
FPL employees will roll up their sleeves alongside student volunteers from LaBelle Middle FFA Chapter to help complete the new LaBelle Educational Garden ahead of its debut at the LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival.
This project is in partnership with the City of LaBelle, Arts of the Inland Gallery, LaBelle Garden Club, National FFA Organization, LaBelle Middle School and Hendry County School District.
Volunteers will complete installation of educational signage for foliage, hammock posts and a fountain by landscaping the area and planting a new pollinator garden area — creating a welcoming outdoor learning space for students and the community.
The LaBelle event is one of over 20 volunteer projects across more than 10 counties that are part of FPL’s Power to Care Week taking place from Feb. 16–21. Now in its 18th year, the initiative brings hundreds of FPL volunteers together statewide as part of the company’s commitment to powering strong communities
The LaBelle event is one of over 20 volunteer projects across more than 10 counties that are part of FPL’s Power to Care Week taking place from Feb. 16–21. Now in its 18th year, the initiative brings hundreds of FPL volunteers together statewide as part of the company’s commitment to powering strong communities
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Sex Battery Charges Files Against Eric Matus In LaBelle
LABELLE, FL. -- In the afternoon hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026, Hendry County Detectives were notified of a Sexual Battery involving a 19-year-old victim, that occurred at 93 S. Hall Street, formerly Infinity Steakhouse.
The victim contacted law enforcement authorities and reported to them she had been sexually battered by 46-year-old Eric Anthony Matus of LaBelle. The victim related to Deputies and Detectives that she had gone to the Boat House Tiki bar in Ft Myers alone and later was persuaded to sit next to Matus who had purchased the victim a drink. The victim recalled the beverage being ‘whiskey’ and after a few minutes she did not feel well and felt as though her body was numb.
Matus then transported the victim to the Infinity Steakhouse in Labelle where she was told she could rest in his room. She later woke up discovering the suspect sexually battering her. The suspect forced himself on the victim several times despite the victim’s resistance.
Based on what was related by the victim, Detectives executed a Search Warrant at the Infinity Steakhouse. Once inside detectives located another firearm and several rounds of ammunition.
Another victim reported in November 2025 a similar series of events. Matus is a convicted felon according to the arrest report.
During the afternoon hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 46-year-old Eric Matus was ordered held with No Bond following a Pre-Detention Hearing.
Matus was arrested on two counts of Sexual Battery, Kidnapping and Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Florida Convicted Felon.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)