From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Harlem Man Arrested After Wild Drive
Sheriff Ronnie Lee said the driver was identified as Larry Donell Chavers, age 29 of 1125 Mississippi Avenue, Clewiston. Chavers was charged with Fleeing and Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer, Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Hit and Run Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Sell, and Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams. Deputies also seized $2,290.00 from Chavers they suspect of money being used in drug transactions.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Summer Fun Starts At Pioneer Plantation Homecoming

CLEWISTON, FLORIDA -- A combination homecoming and baby shower was
held Saturday at the Pioneer Community park in mid-Hendry county, and
a good fun start for the summer season. The baby shower was to
celebrate the expected July 5th arrival of a baby girl to Kate and
Garret Gates of Marshall, North Carolina.
Kate is the daughter of Mary and John Hollingsworth, long-time
residents of Pioneer. Also back to Pioneer to help celebrate were
Kate's brothers and many friends who grew up in Pioneer and now live
in many other places scattered around the country. Guests were from
Pioneer, LaBelle, Clewiston, Moore Haven, Cape Coral, Fort Myers,
Lehigh Acres, Palm Beach Gardens, Long island, New York and North
Carolina. A water slide was set up for the younger guests to cool off
and swim into the summer season.
Air Potato Hunt In LaBelle Park
The Hendry/LaBelle Recreation Board and Coalition for Eco-Recreation would like to invite community organizations, youth groups, and individuals to a 1 1/2 hour LaBelle Nature Park Air Potato Roundup on Saturday June 3 from 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. Air potato is an invasive plant species that has been listed as one of Florida's most invasive plant species since 1993. The Recreation Board will provide trash bags and some tools for the event. Hats, gloves, long pants, sturdy shoes and insect repellant are recommended. Participants are encouraged to bring their own rakes and shovels. Water will be provided for participants. The Coalition for Eco-Recreation will be at 380 Riverview Drive (corner of Frasier and Riverview Drive) at 11 a.m. after the Air Potato Roundup. Call Margaret England at 674-0695 for information.
Friday, May 26, 2006
National Moment Of Remembrance Monday 3 P.M.
LABELLE, FLORIDA -- The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.
More information is at the government's website http://www.remember.gov Wherever you are, observe the Moment at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. Ask others to rememberrelatives, friends, church, neighborhood, or co-workers to observe the Moment at places such as your neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of Remembrance. Participation can be informal as ringing a bell three times to signify the Moment. A song for Memorial Day Momen can be played by clicking here (3 MB mp3 file): http://www.remember.gov/moment/documents/OnThisDay-mixedmastered.mp3
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
FCAT Science Scores Disappointing In Hendry
This year, student science scores are reported by achievement levels for the first time for fifth, eighth and eleventh graders. During the 2007-2008 school year, these achievement levels will be a component in determining school grades. "Science teaches our students about the world around them, and we now have the tools to measure their performance in this important area,� said Governor Jeb Bush on the release of the test results today. �We need to support and challenge our students in this critical subject so they will be ready to succeed in post secondary education and the work force."
�Establishing achievement levels is a critical step toward measuring student learning,� said Education Commissioner Winn. �These rigorous standards will help prepare students to compete globally in the field of science.�
Statewide, about 35 percent of students scores at their grade level, not good, but more than double the rates that Hendry students showed. In January, the State Board of Education approved achievement levels for science for the first time. To establish these achievement levels, the Department of Education collected input and heard recommendations from teachers, administrators and other expert groups. To see individual scores in science and reading by school, district and individual go to http://fcat.fldoe.org