Guest Speakers At Kiwanis

LABELLE, FL. -- The Kiwanis Club of LaBelle had a very interesting meeting recently with 4 guest speakers including Joe Thomas with the LaBelle Heritage Museum talking about the River Cruise during Swamp Cabbage. Plans have been made for 4 trips on Saturday February 27th. He also talked about a logo contest for the museum and a $500 prize for the winning entry.

The other speakers were Steve, Amanda and Tyler Nisbet. They gave a wonderful overview of the history of Boy Scouts and talked about some of the activities that Boy Scout Troop 514 will be involved in. Tyler, who is a member of Troop 514 entertained the club by singing a song.

Pictured: Kiwanis Club of LaBelle President-Nikki Yeager, Joe Thomas-LaBelle Heritage Museum, and Steve, Amanda and Tyler Nisbet.

Donald Russell Dies At 66

Donald Alan Russell, age 66, of Clewiston, suddenly passed away January 5, 2016 at his home.

Donald was born in Bremerton, Washington on November 26, 1949 to John and Barbara Linton Russell. He worked as supervisor for the Department of Agriculture before his retirement. He enjoyed spending time outside and with his family.

He leaves behind his two sons; Ryan and Phillip Russell, one granddaughter; Jennifer Russell, sister; Barbara Ficarra of Sarasota, his caring ex-wife Laura A. Russell-Slusser of Port St. Lucie and many friends and extended family members.

He was simple man and he would want a simple funeral. He is being cremated and remembered by his family as they wish.

Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Curtis Miners Dies At 87

Curtis Miners, 85, of Fort Myers, FL, passed away on January 2, 2016 in Fort Myers. Curtis was born in Lyons, GA to Leroy Miners and Bessie Usher Miners on February 17, 1930.

For over 50 years Curtis owned and operated numerous retail grocery stores in Pahokee and Immokalee, FL. He also sat on Pahokee City Council for several terms.

Curtis is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth Warren Miners, of Fort Myers, sons, Steve and Jay Miners of Fort Myers, sister, Beatrice Rollins of Vidalia, GA, grandchildren, Starr, Jared, Curt, Jeb and Justin Miners, also of Fort Myers, FL and great granddaughters, Aubrie, Emma, and Allie Miners, and also his many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by son, Alan Miners and siblings, Mary James and Leroy Miners Jr.

Funeral service will be held at LaBelle Church of God in LaBelle, FL on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 10am, with Rev. Curtis Rhoden of 103rd Street Church of God of Jacksonville officiating. Burial will follow at Port Mayaca Cemetery in Canal Point, FL. Visitation will be held at LaBelle Church of God on Friday, January 8, from 9am until 10am. Akin-Davis Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL, 33908. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Curtis' care giver of eight years, Landy Dennis of Fort Myers and her daughter LeAnn Batchelor, and to all who knew and loved him.

Obituaries - Faith Davis, Ken Avant, Jerry Volz

Faith Marie Davis, age 75, of Clewiston, passed away January 2, 2016 in Clewiston, FL. She was born Aug. 6, 1940 in Claysburg, PA, to the late Paul and the late Winifred (Shaffer) Baughman.

She is survived by her husband: Phillip Davis, Sr., two sons: Phillip Davis, Jr., Daniel Davis; three daughters: Sunday Peterson, Joy Dimbath, Gloria Davis, four brothers: Paul Baughman, Jr., Joe Baughman, David Baughman, Jim Baughman, two sisters: Delores Planes, Dawn Higginbottom and thirteen grandchildren & Twelve great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Elizabeth Benway and Lola White and granddaughter Michelle Benway.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 3:00 pm. Visitation will be one hour prior, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Both being held at Lighthouse Apostolic Church, in Clewiston Florida with Pastor Mike Hall officiating. Interment will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clewiston, FL.

Kenneth Allen Avant, Jr, age 54, of Clewiston, passed away December 25, 2015 in Clewiston.

He was born Dec. 12, 1961 in Ozark, AL, to the late Kenneth Allen and the late Joyce M (Thomley) Avant, Sr.

He is survived by his brother John Avant. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Jerry C Volz, age 68, of LaBelle, passed away January 1, 2016 in LaBelle. He was born Aug. 5, 1947 in Olean, NY, to John Keller and Betty (Bisnett) Volz, Sr..

He is survived by his sister, Bonnie V. Stevens of Niceville, FL. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Mike Gatch Joins Kiwanis

LABELLE, FL. -- At a recent Kiwanis meeting, LaBelle club members learned some surprising new facts about recycling with Kiwanis' newest member, Mike Gatch who works for Henry County.

You can visit Hendry County's website for more information about recycling: or call Hendry County Special Districts 863-675-5252 * Hazardous Waste Disposal 863-673-0508

The Kiwanis Club of LaBelle is excited to welcome Mike Gatch as their newest member.

Pictured: Kiwanis Club of LaBelle President-Nikki Yeager and Mike Gatch