Wednesday, January 10, 2018 50¢ plus tax Vol. 109 No. 4

15.35 feetLast Year: 14.10 feet

Lake Levels

Source: South Florida Water Management District. Depth given in feet above sea level

See page 4 for information about how to contact this newspaper.

Okeechobee News/Richard Marion

Ride for the FightRide for the Fight’s annual rodeo was held Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Rodeo Arena. Proceeds from the rodeo go to help local cancer patients and caregivers. The rodeo included bull riding (above), bronc riding, and a calf scramble for the youngsters (below).

By Katrina ElskenOkeechobee News

A Jan. 9 report to the Florida Legislature from the South Florida Water Management District lists two “best buy” options for the Ev-erglades Agricultural Area (EAA)

reservoir required as part of SenateBill 10.

SB 10 was signed into law onMay 9, 2017 by Governor RickScott.

“Since its passage, SFWMD’s

By Katrina ElskenOkeechobee News

Aquatic plant spraying will be the topic of discussion at a Thursday, Jan. 11, meeting at the Okeechobee office of the South Florida Water Management Dis-trict.

In recent months, area fisher-men have complained that they believe the chemical spraying to control invasive plants is damaging the habitat for the lake’s fisheries.

At the Jan. 4 meeting of the Water Resources Analysis Coali-tion, Newton Cook of United Wa-ter Fowlers, said the current plant management plant is not working.

“Our aquatic plant manage-ment programs are all over the map,” he said. “We’ve got coun-ties. We’ve got the water manage-ment district. We’ve got FWC as a major player, the corps, everybody is out there.

“We’re destroying our water-ways and our water systems,” Mr. Cook continued. “No one intends to do it, but the end result is there.

“You go up the St. Johns Riverand motor through there. It hasbeautiful lakes, but there is no veg-etation and a mud bottom. That iswhat is going to happen to the Kis-simmee River and all of our lakes ifwe don’t get our act together.

“We need to change some ofthe dynamics and get serious aboutthis,” he continued. “We are actu-ally destroying some of the habitat.

“A habitat unit of a lake with amuck bottom and colloidal sus-pended water or a habitat unit thatis solid willows, or solid cattails iszero,” he said.

There has been too muchspraying and not enough burning,he opined.

“We need to address this allover the state,” he continued. “Theenvironmental people should behot on this because it is so negativeto what is happening to our habi-tats from north to south,” he said.

The Lake Okeechobee AquaticPlant Management InteragencyTask Force will host a meeting to

EAA reservoir options sent to state legislature

Meeting to discuss aquatic plant spraying

Lions Club seeks new members ... Page 2Another DUI driver at the drive-thru ... Page 5

GeraldLefebvre

Law Offices of Lefebvre & Dixon

763.3333Okeechobee, Florida

See PLANTS — Page 5

Festival honors area history ... Page 8Churches plan special events ... Page 11

See EAA — Page 7

TRY GREENWISE BREAD!100% whole grain wheat. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Only in the Bakery.

2 Okeechobee News January 10, 2018

Today: Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 77F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Partly to mostly cloudy. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable.

Extended ForecastThursday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance

of a rain shower. High 78F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Clear skies with a few passing clouds. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.

Friday: Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will give way to occasional showers in the afternoon. Thunder possible. High near 80F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Okeechobee Forecast

By Richard MarionOkeechobee News

The Okeechobee Lake Lions Club is look-ing for new members who are interested in serving their community. Joel Levenston, second vice governor of Lions club district 35, said the Lions have a commitment to community service.

“On the local level,” explained Mr. Lev-enston, “we work on whatever the needs of the community are. While overall, we have five focus areas, vision, diabetes, environ-ment, hunger and pediatric cancer.”

Lions Club International was established originally in 1916 by Dr. William Perry Woods in Evansville, Ind. It subsequently

evolved into an international service organi-zation under the guidance and supervision of its secretary, Melvin Jones. Jones spoke to members of his local business club about the need to reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their commu-nities and the world.

There has been a chartered Lions Club in Okeechobee for over 50 years. Recently, however, membership has declined which has lead the club to look for new leaders and volunteers in the Okeechobee community.

Okeechobee City Police Department (OCPD) Detective Sgt. Bettye Taylor says that the Lions Club has always been a part of the Okeechobee community.

“I still remember back when I very young seeing them having cookouts in the park,” said Det. Sgt. Taylor. “They do a lot for their local communities. For example, over in Indiantown, Arbor Day is coming up and they’re donating oak trees to put into the park. At the St. Lucie county fair they set up specialized cameras to do screenings for di-abetic retinopathy, which is a disease where

high blood sugar levels cause damage to theblood vessels in the retina.”

Through the Leo program ran by theLions Club, students and young adults canvolunteer to serve their community, while also building skills as a leader and project organizer. These skills are beneficial both inthe everyday lives of any Leo volunteers, butcan also be a positive on any college appli-cations.

“Every penny we raise will be either keptin Okeechobee,” said Mr. Leveston, “or put into organizations that treat the blind, disaster relief, or two of our internationalmissions to eradicate river blindness andmeasles worldwide. So we’re trying to help the local community and trying to make the world a better place at the same time.”

Okeechobee residents interested in join-ing the club are encouraged to call formercouncil chairperson Richard Werkmeisterat 812-459-4788 or contact him by email at werkie1@yahoo.com.

Okeechobee Lake Lions Club hopes to rebuild in 2018

Okeechobee News/Richard MarionFrom left to right are former Lions Club chairperson Richard Werkmeister, OCPD Detective Sgt. Bettye Taylor, Lions Club centennial governor Betty Barrera and Lions Club second vice district governor Joel Levenston.

Special to the Okeechobee NewsFlorida Public Utilities Company (FPU),

a subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities Corpo-ration (NYSE: CPK), announced on Jan. 9, its recent acquisition of the propane assets of Central Gas Company of Okeechobee, which will add approximately 400 residen-tial and commercial consumers to FPU’s existing propane operation in Okeechobee.

Founded in the 1950s, Central Gas Com-pany of Okeechobee has been family-owned and operated since its inception. Owned by the founder’s son and his wife, Bill and Rhonda Freeman, the decision to sell to FPU was a heartfelt one.

“We are delighted to welcome our valued new customers to FPU and look forward to continuing to provide the exceptional de-livery service that they have grown accus-tomed to,” said a company spokesperson.

Florida Public Utilities Company (NYSE: CPK) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesa-peake Utilities Corporation. Headquartered in Fernandina Beach, Fla., FPU (www.fpuc.com) distributes natural gas, propane and electric services to approximately 100,000 customers in markets throughout Florida.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE:CPK) is a diversified energy company en-gaged in natural gas distribution, transmis-sion, gathering and processing, and market-ing, electricity generation and distribution, propane gas distribution and other busi-nesses. Information about Chesapeake’s businesses is available at www.chpk.com.Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not af-filiated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquar-tered in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Florida Public Utilities Company acquires Central Gas of Okeechobee

Special to the Okeechobee News

SEBRING - Highland Hammock State Park’s 2018 Music In The Park concert series continues in January with a great “double bill” lineup! Back Porch Revival is scheduled to play from 7 to 9 p.m. Satur-day, Jan. 13. This Heartland old time string band will take the chill out of the winter night as their sweet and sassy fiddle tunes warm the air with lively toe-tapping tunes. The band harmoniously blends fiddle, gui-tar, dulcimer, mandolin, banjo, harmonica,

cello, percussion and bass. Vocals of tra-ditional and contemporary folk songs are featured. Back Porch Revival has appeared at the Florida Folk Festival and played throughout the state for 25 years. The band has earned honors from the folk music community for their vocal arrangements and is considered one of Florida’s top folk bands.

Another Florida Folk Festival favorite, singer songwriter Brian Smalley, will per-form solo on Jan. 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. Mr. Smalley is an original whose music ex-presses regional influences from all around the country. He truly “gets Florida” and is inspired to write about it in ways that are both moving and humorous. Blending a soulful, earthy voice with high-energy acoustical guitar, he spins tales that capti-vate listeners and take them on a journey. His songs reveal the depth and breadth of the Florida experience, ranging from the Civil War ballad (Chickens Pigs) to a con-temporary meditation on the rusting boats along a Key West wharf. (Iron Boats). Known for his lively performances, Smal-ley plays full out from the heart, leaving audiences enthralled. Visit www.facebook.com/SmalleyMusic/ and www.reverbna-tion.com/briansmalley.

Concert admission is $10 per adult. Ac-companied children 10 and younger are free. Music in the Park concerts are spon-sored by the Friends of Highlands Ham-mock, Inc., the park’s non-profit, tax de-ductible Citizen Support Organization. All proceeds benefit park improvements via the Friends. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and flashlights and enjoy an evening of music under the stars. Food vendors will be onsite. Park entry fee of $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) is waived after 6 p.m. on concert nights. Call the Ranger Station at 863-386-6094 for more information.

Music in the Park concerts planned

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The City of Okeechobee is seeking interested volunteers to serve on our Police Officers’ Pension Board of Trustees. This is YOUR opportunity to be involved in YOUR community. Citizen Boards need you to make a difference!

Do you have time on the first Monday in the Months of February, May, August, and November at 5:00 PM? Are you a City Resident? Then becoming a Police Officers’ Pension Board Trustee is just what you’re looking for. This 5-member board serves as the decision making body of the Police Officers Pension Plan who oversees the Plan administration along with the investments of Pension funds. The Board also makes recommendations for amendments to the Pension Plan. Individuals with a financial or investment background are strongly urged to apply. There is one vacant position available for a term of four years.Want more information? Stop by, call or email the Office of the City Clerk 863.763.3372 ext. 9814, lgamiotea@cityofokeechobee.com, City Hall, Room 100, 55 SE 3rd Avenue. Print applications from the City Clerk’s Office page of the website, www.cityofokeechobee.com.

By: City Clerk Lane Gamiotea, CMC

STOP STANDING ON THE SIDELINES AND GET INVOLVED!

Descuentos de teléfono e internet disponibles para clientes de CenturyLink

La Comisión de Servicios Públicos de Florida designó a CenturyLink como una operadora de telecomunicaciones que está calificada dentro de su área de servicio para proporcionar servicios universales. Las tarifas de servicio básico local de CenturyLink para líneas de voz residenciales son de $22.00 al mes y los servicios de negocios son de $33.00-$35.00 al mes. Las tarifas específicas se proporcionarán bajo solicitud.

CenturyLink participa en un programa de beneficios gubernamentales (Lifeline) para hacer que el servicio telefónico residencial o el servicio de banda ancha sea más económico para los individuos y familias de bajos recursos que cumplan con los requisitos. Los clientes aptos para este programa son aquellos que cumplen con los estándares de elegibilidad conforme lo definido por la FCC (por sus siglas en ingles) y las comisiones estatales. Los residentes que viven en tierras tribales reconocidas federalmente pueden calificar para obtener beneficios adicionales si participan en ciertos programas federales adicionales de elegibilidad. El descuento Lifeline está disponible solo para un servicio telefónico o de banda ancha por hogar que califique, y dicho servicio puede ser alámbrico o inalámbrico. Las velocidades de banda ancha deben ser de 15 Mbps de descarga y de 2 Mbps de subida o más rápidas para calificar.

Los descuentos de Lifeline incluyen una restricción de transferencias (port freeze). Esto significa que usted no puede obtener el descuento Lifeline en el servicio con otro proveedor por un lapso de tiempo determinado. La duración depende de los servicios que usted adquiera – 60 días para servicio telefónico de voz, 12 meses para servicio de banda ancha que califique. Pueden aplicar ciertas excepciones para las restricciones de transferencias. Para obtener información adicional, visite http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/change-my-company.aspx (disponible sólo en inglés).

Un hogar está definido, para los fines del programa Lifeline, como un individuo o grupo de individuos que viven juntos en la misma dirección y que comparten ingresos y gastos. El servicio Lifeline no es transferible y sólo los clientes que cumplen con los requisitos pueden inscribirse en el programa. Los clientes que hagan declaraciones falsas deliberadamente para poder obtener el servicio telefónico o el servicio de banda ancha Lifeline pueden ser castigados con una multa o con encarcelamiento y pueden ser bloqueados del programa.

Si usted vive en un área de servicio CenturyLink, por favor llame al 1-855-954-6546 o visite centurylink.com/lifeline (disponible sólo en inglés) si tiene alguna pregunta o para pedir una solicitud para el programa Lifeline.

3Okeechobee NewsJanuary 10, 2018

Special to the Okeechobee NewsBusinesses seeking educated and highly

skilled employees are encouraged to partici-pate in a Job Fair at Indian River State Col-lege in Okeechobee on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. IRSC student and alumni job seekers from over 50 pro-grams and industries will attend to fill full-time and part-time job opportunities.

“Our students and alumni are eager to meet employers and begin discussing their futures,” said Teri Smith, Career & Trans-fer Services Coordinator at IRSC. “They’ve worked hard to achieve their educational

goals. Now they’re ready to employ their knowledge and skills in support of local business.”

There is a $25 registration fee for compa-nies to participate in the Job Fair located in the Williamson Conference Center on the Dixon Hendry Campus at 2229 N.W. Ninth Avenue in Okeechobee. Interested employ-ers are required to register online by Feb. 1, at www.irsc.edu/careerservices. For addi-tional information or to speak with an IRSC representative, contact Maria Johnson at 863-824-6006 or mgjohnso@irsc.edu.

Meet your match at the IRSC job fair

Okeechobee City Hall to close for Martin Luther King Jr. DayOkeechobee City Hall offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of the

Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The website, cityofokeechobee.com allows access 24/7. City offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 8 a.m.

Special to the Okeechobee NewsBack Porch Revival is scheduled to play on Saturday, Jan. 13. This is a Heartland old-time string band.

Angler lost• It is so sad that the fisherman was lost

during the tournament. Anyone who has ever fished Lake Okeechobee knows that northwest wind is not forgiving.

• Prayers for the family of the man who was lost on the lake.

• We are still praying for a miracle for the angler lost on the lake.

• Tomorrow is never promised. Make sure your loved ones know that they are loved every day. Hug your kids. Live every day as if it might be your last. You never know when it will be your last.

Inspiring Okeechobee• Thank you, Okeechobee News, for

the Inspiring Okeechobee stories. Every Sunday I look forward to the paper because I know it will include one of those uplifting stories about our own town. Little John Im-merfall is an inspiration to everyone, includ-ing adults who feel sorry for themselves. Forget what you look like on the outside and just be happy in your own skin. God bless John and his Mama.

• Who needs hair? That smile is all he needs. He is so handsome!

Lake muck• Voters have to take who we put in

stewardship for our environment in mind. Otherwise, moneyed interests will always win out, and a healthy Lake Okeechobee isn’t on their radar.

• In the early 1960s, you could see clear to the bottom of Lake Okeechobee.

• Like anything else, Lake Okeechobee’s problems are due to man messing with na-ture.

• Thank you for writing a column that educates your readership. Residents of Okeechobee have a lot at stake when it comes to the health of the lake and sur-rounding ecosystems.

• The muck on the bottom of the lake is there because man changed how the wa-ter flows. It goes in too fast from the north, carrying with it too much phosphorus. It should sheetflow through marshes, not flow quickly down a ditch. To fix it would require them to restore the marshes of the whole Kissimmee River and they won’t do that because it would flood the theme parks.

• The Florida Wildlife Commission should stop the spraying of herbicides on the lake. They are destroying the fish habitat with all this spraying. They should spray just enough to keep the navigation open.

• I agree with what was said at the last meeting about spraying when the commis-sioner from Hendry County said they should prohibit spraying in certain areas during the spawning season. They should mark off some areas on the map and keep the spray-ers away. People come to the area to fish, and when there is no cover for the fish, it is not good for the fish or the fishermen.

• Why is there muck on the bottom of the lake where there used to be sand? People, that’s why. People dug drainage ca-nals and built subdivisions. People planted grass and trees not native to Florida and then spread fertilizer all around to keep it alive. People brought non-native plants to Florida without any thought of what they would do to the natural system. People put septic tanks right next to waterways with-out a thought of where the pollution would go. Get rid of all of the humans and nature could restore the system. As long as people are here, it won’t change.

Lead by exampleThere are principals of leadership which

allowed me to lead hundreds of soldiers dur-ing three tours in Iraq. I never lost a soldier, thank GOD and our standards.

Deputies, please lead by example!Stop speeding, use your turn signals, use

your lights during periods of limited visibility.Lastly, if you are deputy in Martin County

you have no reason to speed in your gov-ernment-furnished cruiser in OkeechobeeCounty.

John BosleyU.S. Army, Retired

January 10, 20184 OPINION Okeechobee News

Public Forum/Speak Out

Letter to the editor

Publisher/Editor: Circulation Manager:

The Okeechobee News is published by Independent NewsMedia Inc, USA. Independent is owned by a unique trust that enables this newspaper to pursue a mission of journalistic service to the citizens of the community. Since no dividends are

margins below industry standards. All after-tax surpluses are reinvested in Independent’s mission of journalistic service, commitment to the ideals of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and support of the community’s deliberation of public issues.

Speak Out comments can be shared in several ways. Comments on local issues are welcome on the Okeecho-bee News Facebook page. You can also leave your opinions in the com-ment box found under each story at okeechobeenews.net. We also accept comments via email to okeenews@newszap.com or via U.S. Mail at the Okeechobee address below. Thanks for participating!

Guest CommentaryBy Herschel VinyardSpecial to the Okeechobee News

The sanctity of Florida’s Constitution is violated when we seek to fill it with “feel good” amendments that are often vague, duplicative, and trigger unintended conse-quences. Such amendments are why we have a Florida Constitution addressing pigs, high-speed trains, funding for radios, and the taxation of boat storage facilities. Cer-tainly, all of these topics are important, but they do not belong in a constitution. For this reason, the Constitution Revision Commis-sion (CRC) should reject Proposal 23, which promotes additional, and potentially frivo-lous, environmental litigation.

As a former Secretary of the Florida De-partment of Environmental Protection, I had the privilege of working with the sponsor of CRC Proposal 23 to identify restoration projects designed to reduce harmful algal blooms and freshwater discharges in Martin County. She was a terrific partner and her ef-forts to improve Florida’s environment are genuine and appreciated. However, this pro-posed amendment to allow an individual to disregard our environmental laws and place environmental decision making in Florida’s courts (which were named last month as the number one “judicial hellhole” in the country) is not the answer.

Current law already allows affected citi-zens to be involved in development permits and to take legal action to stop any person or company from “violating any laws, rules, or regulations for the protection of the air, water, and other natural resources of the

state.” A constitutional amendment creating another right to sue is not the purpose of a constitution and would add to the litany of vague and duplicative amendments in our constitution.

Environmental restoration could also be jeopardized by this proposed amend-ment and would certainly be an unintended consequence. For example, communities served by septic tanks along the Indian River Lagoon and our springs have rec-ognized that septic tanks are contributing to the degradation of those water bodies. Many of those communities are now invest-ing in new or expanded central wastewater treatment systems to improve our springs and important watersheds. But, those new wastewater treatment systems are a source of “pollution.” Regretfully, this proposed amendment gives a disgruntled homeowner not wanting to give up his or her septic tank another litigation avenue to block a new wastewater treatment system.

Restoration, not litigation, should be our rallying cry.

The last time the CRC convened in 1997-98, they too considered a similar proposal regarding vague environmental rights, and appropriately decided not to advance the proposal.

The CRC committee now considering Proposal 23 would be wise to follow suit.

Florida’s Constitution is a sacred docu-ment, and is no place for feel good amend-ments like CRC Proposal 23.

Herschel Vinyard is former secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

CRC should reject proposal 23

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We don’t play loose withthe facts. We give notice toyour opinions, not ours.We encourage vigorousdiscussion of public issues,but try to keep every-body’s comments withinthe bounds of fair play.

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Community ServiceThrough Journalism

5Okeechobee NewsJanuary 10, 2018

The following individuals were ar-rested on felony or driving under the influence (DUI) charges by the Okeechobee County Sheriff ’s Office (OCSO), the Okeechobee City Police Department (OCPD), the Florida High-way Patrol (FHP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the Department of Correc-tions (DOC).

• Jamal Jaheem Session, 15, U.S. 441 North, Okeechobee, was arrested Jan. 4 by Deputy Jonathon Gove on an Okeechobee County felony warrant charging him with four counts of battery on detention or com-mitment facility staff. He was booked into the Okeechobee County Jail and then trans-ported to St. Lucie Regional Detention Cen-ter in Fort Pierce.

• Victoria Ann Courson, 14, State Road 70 East, Okeechobee, was arrested Jan. 4 by Deputy Jonathan Kemp on a felony charge of tampering with an electronic monitoring de-vice. She was booked into the Okeechobee County Jail and then transported to St. Lucie Regional Detention Center in Fort Pierce.

• Shaun Eric Almodovar,38, Northwest Seventh Avenue, Okeechobee, was arrested Jan. 5 by the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force on a felony charge of introduction of contraband into a county detention facility and misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance (marijuana less than 20 grams) without a valid prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $12,000.

• Kristina Anna Yanez, 39, Saganaw, West Palm Beach, was arrested Jan. 6 by

Deputy Ben Vuleta on a Highlands County felony warrant charging her with violation of probation - petit theft. She is being held without bond.

• Justin Brown Chism, 29, U.S. 441 Southeast, Okeechobee, was arrested Jan. 6 by Deputy DeMarcus Dixon on two counts of felony charge of fraudulent use of credit cards and misdemeanor charges of obtain-ing credit card through fraudulent means and petit theft. His bond was set at $22,000.

• Alvin Reginald Louis, 60, Northeast 11th Street, Okeechobee, was arrested Jan. 8 by Deputy Joseph Hall on a Manatee County felony warrant charging him with violation of probation - aggravated battery. He is be-ing held without bond.

• Richard Elmer Welsch, 63, Southeast 38th Avenue, Okeechobee, was arrested Jan. 8 by Deputy Sergeant Brian Hagan on a felony charge of violation of Florida Litter Law - dump litter in an amount exceeding 500 pounds in weight or 100 cubic feet in volume or in any quantity for commercial purposes, or dumps litter which is a hazard-ous waste. His bond was set at $2,500.

• Jarrod Barkley Butterfield, 30, South-east 38th Avenue, Okeechobee, was ar-rested Jan. 8 by Deputy Sgt. Brian Hagan on a felony charge of violation of Florida Litter Law - dump litter in an amount exceeding 500 pounds in weight or 100 cubic feet in volume or in any quantity for commercial purposes, or dumps litter which is a hazard-ous waste. His bond was set at $2,500.

• Jaymarion Jakleen Lawton, 14, North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, was arrested Jan. 8 by Officer Ryan Holroyd on five Ala-

chua County felony warrants charging him with two counts of burglary of unoccupied conveyance unarmed, one count of grand theft ($300-$5,000), dealing in stolen prop-erty and larceny. He was booked into the Okeechobee County Jail and then transport-ed to St. Lucie Regional Detention Center in Fort Pierce.

•Tyler James Lamb, 16, U.S. 441 South-east, Okeechobee, was arrested Jan. 8 by Deputy Corporal Bryan Lowe on felony charges of burglary of unoccupied convey-ance unarmed and grand theft of motor ve-hicle. He was booked into the Okeechobee County Jail and then transported to St. Lucie Regional Detention Center in Fort Pierce.

• Fredrick Earl Smith, 16, U.S. 441 South-east, Okeechobee, was arrested Jan. 8 by Deputy Cpl. Bryan Lowe on felony charges of burglary of unoccupied conveyance un-armed and grand theft of motor vehicle. He was booked into the Okeechobee County Jail and then transported to St. Lucie Re-gional Detention Center in Fort Pierce.

• Holmes Eugene Boyd III, 23, Country Road, Lorida, was arrested Jan. 8 by Deputy Jonathan Kemp on a felony charge of pos-session of a controlled substance (meth-amphetamine) without a valid prescription and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $5,750.

This column lists arrests and not con-victions, unless otherwise stated. Anyone listed here who is later found innocent or has had the charges against them dropped is welcome to inform this newspaper. The information will be confirmed and printed.

Arrest report

By Matteo TullioOkeechobee News

A 26-year-old Okeechobee woman was arrested Friday, Jan. 5, after she allegedly placed and paid for her order in the McDon-ald’s drive-thru, then passed out, was wo-ken up, and then went back in the drive-thru where she supposedly ordered the exact same thing.

Kaitlin Elise Lee, Southeast 27th Street, was arrested Jan. 5 by Deputy Steven Pol-lock on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence. Her bond was set at $1,000. Jail records indicate she has since been released on bond.

According to an arrest report by Deputy Steven Pollock, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff ’s Office (OCSO), at approximately 1:58 a.m. on Jan. 5, he responded to the Mc-Donald’s located in the 4100 block of U.S. 441 South in regard to a reckless driver com-plaint. Dispatch advised the deputy that the driver of a 2012 white Dodge Charger had placed an order at the drive-thru and ap-peared impaired.

Upon his arrival, Deputy Pollock saw the Charger parked at the exit end of the drive-thru with the headlights on and engine run-ning. Deputy Pollock reportedly saw a white woman, Lee, in the driver’s seat and fresh vomit that ran down the driver side door.

The report then stated that Deputy Cor-poral Bryan Lowe met with the complain-ant who informed him that Lee stopped at

the window and paid for the order and then passed out. The complainant then woke Lee up and told her to pull up to the next win-dow. When Lee was supposed to receive her food, she drove to the front of the Mc-Donald’s — where she parked and sat for a few minutes — before going back into the drive-thru and placing the same order again.

Deputy Pollock reportedly saw Lee’s eyes were blood shot and watery, heard slurred speech when she spoke and had a dazed appearance on her face. The vehicle was parked so close to a handrail that the driver’s door could not be opened. Lee was then asked and agreed to pull her car forward a few feet so she could exit the car, noted the report.

When Lee was asked to exit the car and walk to the patrol vehicle, Deputy Pollock re-ported having seen her hold onto the door in an effort to steady herself. When Lee arrived in front of the patrol car she was informed

that law enforcement received a call about her possible impairment. As he spoke with Lee, Deputy Pollock reported that he was able to detect a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. Lee then consented to performing field sobriety exercises to determine if she was able to drive.

The report concluded that Lee was then arrested for driving under the influence and transported to the Okeechobee County Jail, the vehicle was inventoried and released to BMJ Towing Inc.

After arrival at the jail, at approximately 2:54 a.m., Deputy Steven Pollock oper-ated the Intoxilyzer instrument to retrieve a breath sample in which Lee’s results were .144 and .154.

The State of Florida drunk driving laws prohibits driving any type of vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above.

Woman charged with DUI after passing out in drive-thru

provide information and receive input from the public on various ongoing management programs in Lake Okeechobee on Jan. 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Florida Water Management District Service Center, 3800 N.W. 16th Blvd., Suite A.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation

Commission manages, through a series of government and private sector contractors, aquatic plants in Florida’s public water-bodies. Aquatic plant management work plans are approved each June for the ensu-ing fiscal year that runs from July 1 to June 30. Workplans provide an overview of the management objectives and an estimate of the amount of control and funds necessary to achieve these objectives for a 12-month period.

PLANTSContinued From Page 1

Charles Arthur Baumgart, Sr., (MSGT, USAF)Charles Arthur Baumgart, Sr., (MSGT, USAF), passed on to be with his maker on January 8, 2018.

His wife, Frances, was with him. Charles (Chuck) was born to Arthur A. Baumgart and Mathilda Kieselbach Baumgart on April 24, 1931, during a snow storm, on a farm in Rice County, Minnesota. He was delivered by a midwife, Martha Turner. Charles was preceeded in passing by his namesake Charles Ar- thur Jr, his parents, Dean (brother), Katherine (sister) and her husband, Ted Bocker. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Fran, four children, Susan Denise Jones, her husband Bill, Brenda Sue Gilbert, husband Ken, Mark Baumgart, his wife Barbara, Margaret Ann Priest, and her husband Chris. Four Grandchildren, Kathryn Gilbert, Brett Baumgart, his wife Chris, Alex Priest, Chad Baumgart, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He grew up on a farm in Minnesota where he enjoyed trapping, hunt- ing, and fishing. He spent the first eight years of his education in a one- room school house. He then attended Medford HS, Medford, MN, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation he joined the Air Force on September 30, 1949. He was stationed on bases in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, France and Califor- nia. While in California, he was deployed by the Air Force numerous times to Johnston Island lo- cated in the South Pacific. There he worked with the Space Satellite Defense System team, known as the early Star Wars program. He retired from the Air Force July 31, 1970.

While in the Air Force he earned 3 college degrees majoring in education. The family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There he taught Social Studies for several years before establishing a High School Electronics program employing the skills he learned in the Air Force.

In 1992 he began his second retirement returning to his hobbies of hunting, fishing, and telling stories of the real Cowboys and Indians that had been passed on to him from his Great Aunt Ida Landt, his father, uncles and aunts.

But most important to Chuck was always his family. For 65 years Fran was the love of his life and his best friend. Chuck and Fran established their family bringing five children into this world. Everything he did was for his family, loving and caring for them. He encouraged and supported his family and was so proud of all their accomplishments and the families his children built.

The family wants to thank Pastor John Hirst for nurturing his faith in God and Dr. Arif Shakoor for taking care of his physical needs for the past twenty years.

A memorial service will be held 2pm, Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Peace Lutheran Church, Okeechobee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to your church or favorite charity in memory of Chuck.

Arrangements are under the direction of Seawinds Funeral Home, Okeechobee. Condolences may be shared online at www.seawindsokeechobee.com

John David Wilson, Jr., 73OKEECHOBEE — John David Wilson, Jr. died

Jan. 5, 2018. He was born April 4, 1944 in Opa Locka to John Sr. and Audie (Lau- derdale) Wilson. A resident of Okeecho- bee for 38 years, he enjoyed watching NASCAR and dirt track racing.

Mr. Wilson is sur- vived by his wife of 50 years, Cheryl Wil- son; sons, David Wilson (Rene) and John Wil- son (Amy), all of Okeechobee; five grandchildren, Kristen, Courtney, Meagan, Trent, and Rhett; and two great granddaughters, Cameryn and Laekyn.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home. Private inter- ment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

Those wishing to leave a message of condo- lence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Fu- neral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okee- chobee, Florida 34972.

Steven Wayne Williams, 64OKEECHOBEE — Steven Wayne Williams passed away on December 21, 2017. Steve was sur-

rounded by his immediate family when he passed. He is the son of Marlin Wayne Williams (deceased) and Betty June Williams.

Born in Washington, D.C., Steve grew up in South Florida, graduating from McArthur High School in Hollywood, Fla. After spending four years in the U.S. Navy, Steve married Denise St. Germain (also of South Flori-da). He worked as a Corrections Officer in Okeechobee for many years where he raised his family. He enjoyed fishing and surfing on the East Coast eaches of Florida.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Denise. They were married for 31 years until her passing.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Deena Jean Williams, who cur-rently resides in Okeechobee.

Friends may leave messages on the Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home Tribute page under Steve-Williams.

Ella Kate Helsel, 92INDIANTOWN —

Ella Kate Helsel died Jan. 6, 2018. She was born Dec. 19, 1925 in Green-ville, Tenn. to William Elmer and Eva Marie (Stroud) Pierce. Mrs. Helsel began touring the country at various county and state fairs in 1964 with the “Big Willie the Giant Alligator Show.” A resident of Indiantown for 70 years, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Helsel; son, Vernon Richard Wilhoit; and first husband, Glenn Doyle.

Mrs. Helsel is survived by her son, Leslie Wilhoit (Lynn), of Indiantown; randsons, Michael (Melissa) and Craig (Hilary); and four great grandchil-dren, Christopher, Rebecca, Richard, and Zoey.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at Family Wor-ship Center, 15285 SW Indian Mound Dr, Indiantown, FL 34956.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee FuneralHome, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida 34972.

Ingrid Diane Moretz, 73OKEECHOBEE —

Ingrid Diane Moretz passed away Jan. 3, 2018.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, James E. Moretz; daughters, Jill Sandvick of North Royalton, Ohio and Tracee Probst of Akron, Ohio; two brothers; a sister; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

At the request of the family, there will be no services.

Arrangements are under the direction of Seawinds Funeral Home, Okeechobee. An online guestbook may be signed at www.okeechobeeseawinds.com

Tammy Helfinstine Andrews, 33OKEECHOBEE —

Tammy Helfinstine Andrews lost her life too soon due to a tragic accident on Dec. 15, 2017.

Tammy was born in Belle Glade to Joseph L. Helfinstine and Susan M. Walters on Oct. 2, 1984. She was a long time resident of Buckhead Ridge/Okeechobee.

She was a mother of three kids; two boys and a baby girl. She recently married Michael Andrews on Aug. 12, 2017.

Tammy was predeceased by her mother, Susan M. Helfinstine; and grandfather, Russell James Walters.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Michael Andrews; stepson, Hunter (14); children, Jacob (11), Caden (nine) and Shelly (seven weeks); sister, Dawn Helfinstine; brother, Joseph R. Helfinstine; father, Joseph L. Helfin-stine; grandparents, Stella and Ray Helfinstine and grandma, Anna Mae Samples and many more friends and family.

Tammy loved her family and would do anything for anybody. She was addicted to Candy Crush and spreading smiles. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Celebration of Tammy’s Life will be held at a later date.Condolences may be shared online at www.okeechobeeseawinds.com

6 Okeechobee News January 10, 2018

Obituaries Obituaries should be submitted to the Okeechobee News by emailing obits@newszap.com. Customers may also request photos and links to online guestbooks. A link to the obituaries is available at okeechobeenews.net.

Search obituariesnationally at

http://www.legacy.com

VFW will serve dinnerThe Buckhead Ridge VFW Post 9528, 29012 S.R. 78 W., in Buckhead will serve dinner

on Friday, Jan. 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All proceeds to homeless veterans. For informa-tion, call 863-467-2882.

VFW to host fun dayThe Buckhead Ridge VFW, 29012 E. S.R. 78 and the Dixie Sons Brotherhood will host

a Saturday Fun Day on Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. There will be vendors, food, show, music and drawings. Vendors are needed and welcomed. For information, call 863-946-0017.

Healthy Start Coalition to meetOkeechobee County Healthy Start Coalition Board of Directors will meet Wednes-

day, Jan. 24, at noon, at their office in the White House Plaza, 1132 S. Parrott Ave. The meeting is open to the public. The coalition is part of a statewide network responsible for planning and implementing services for pregnant women and infants. The coalition is made up of citizens interested in promoting healthy pregnancies and healthy birth outcomes for Okeechobee County Residents. For information, contact Kay Begin at 863-462-5877.

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staff of professional engineers, scientists, modelers and restoration experts have worked tirelessly to meet the intent and let-ter of the law. Working with input from the public, they have developed alternatives to implement the EAA Storage Reservoir proj-ect on lands identified by the Legislature. Together with authorized projects including components of the Central Everglades Plan-ning Project (CEPP), the reservoir will sig-nificantly reduce harmful Lake Okeechobee discharges, improve flow to the Everglades and achieve state water quality standards. Implementation of any selected alternative will provide much needed relief to the estu-aries and foster resilience in the ecology of the entire region,” SFWMD Chairman Dan O’Keefe wrote in the introduction to the Jan. 9 report.

“These alternatives presented to you today are built on a foundation of sound science, benefiting from an extensive and robust public outreach process. Each of these alternative plans will achieve state wa-ter quality standards. The work presented here is consistent with our broad portfolio of successful restoration activities such as Restoration Strategies, which when imple-mented has shown real-world results,” he continued.

The report gives five alternatives for the EAA storage reservoir. Alternative R240A and Alternative C360C are marked as the “best buys” and most cost effective of the options.

Alternative R240A includes a 240,000 acre foot reservoir, with a footprint of ap-proximately 10,100 acres and a depth of ap-proximately 23 feet. This alternative includes a stormwater treatment area of approxi-mately 6,500 acres. This option preserves the A-1 Flow Equalization Basin. Estimated cost for this alternative is $1.34 billion.

Alternative C360C is a 360,000 acre foot

reservoir with a footprint of approximately 19,700 acres and a depth of about 18 feet. This option can serve multiple purposes including water supply as identified in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration plan. Estimated cost for this alternative is $1.71 billion.

All five alternatives reduce discharges from the lake to the northern estuaries, in-crease flow to the greater Everglades and achieve water quality standards, according to the report.

By itself, an EAA reservoir would be static storage, and have little benefit to the northern estuaries. Any of the five alterna-tives would be part of the Central Everglades Planning Project which would convey more water from the lake to the reservoir and con-vey more water from the reservoir, through stormwater treatment areas, to the Ever-glades and on to Florida Bay.

“This is a really big day for our team,” said Eva Vélez, South Florida Water Manage-ment District Director of Everglades Policy and Coordination. “We have two alterna-tives we have identified as the ‘best buys’. We want to bring them to the governing board for their input and optimize them.”

Optimizing an alternative involves mak-ing any changes that would help the proj-ects to meet the goals in the Comprehensive

Everglades Restoration Plan. One of those goals is an 80 percent reduction in excess discharges from the lake to the northern es-tuaries.

The “best buy” alternatives use land that is already in public ownership, or private land available from a willing seller. SB-10 does not allow the taking of land by eminent domain. About 500 acres for the project will come from willing sellers, according to the report.

The next step involves a review of the alternatives by the Florida Legislature. The recommended alternative will be sent to the Assistant Secretary of the Army by March 30, then the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin their review process, which will take another six months.

When the project is finally green-lighted by Congress with a funding appropriation, it will take about three years to design and another five years to build.

This is a massive project, Ms. Vélez ex-plained. Even the smaller reservoir and stormwater treatment area alternative is so large that it could hold both the cities of Stu-art and Palm Bay.

For a more in-depth review of the EAA alternatives, see future editions of the Okeechobee News.

EAAContinued From Page 1

Okeechobee News/Richard Marion

Rodeo actionOkeechobee area rodeo fans kicked off the new year with the Ride for the Fight bull and bronc riding competition at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Ro-deo Arena on Jan. 6.

Vigil planned for anglerA candlelight vigil is planned at the

Scott Driver Boat Ramps off State Road 78 on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. in honor of the angler who went missing from the FLW Costa tournament. Nik Kayler, has been missing since Jan. 4. At presstime Tuesday, the search for Mr. Kayler contin-ued.

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Special to the Okeechobee NewsThe history of Adams Ranch, which be-

gan with the purchase of land at less than $2 an acre 80 years ago, will headline this year’s Treasure Coast History Festival on Sat-urday, Jan. 13, in downtown Fort Pierce.

Brothers Lee, Mike and Robbie Adams will share the history of the ranch west of Fort Pierce beginning when their grandfa-ther, Alto Adams Sr., purchased it in 1937. Adams later went on to become a Florida Supreme Court justice and his son, Alto “Bud’’ Adams Jr., took over its management. Along with his three sons, Adams made it a model ranch in Florida. Bud Adams, one of the most recognized figures on the Treasure Coast, died in September at the age of 91.

The Adams brothers will share stories of their grandfather and father and life growing up on the ranch. They will also discuss how ranching practices have changed over the

years. Adams Ranch Inc. in the last several years has focused on raising all-natural beef. The ranch is also involved in partnerships to open two restaurants in downtown Fort Pierce that will feature Adams Ranch natural beef.

Their session will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box and will fea-ture photographs of ranch history, many of them taken by Bud Adams, who was also a well-known nature photographer. Admis-sion is free and on a first-come basis. The session is moderated by Gregory Enns, pub-lisher of Indian River Magazine and chair-man of the Treasure Coast History Festival.

The all-day free festival also features his-torical re-enactors, ghost tours, historical trolley rides as well as two additional ses-sions held in the Sunrise Theatre Black Box.

At 12:30 p.m., students from Indian River Charter High School will present excerpts from “American Jazz,’’ a musical based on

the discovery of recent letters between Wal-do Sexton and author Zora Neale Hurston. A session at 1:30 p.m. features experts who will address the establishment of Fort Pierce as a military base in 1838 during the Second Seminole War.

The festival also features a fish fry hosted by the Summerlin Family, the first family of fishing on the Treasure Coast. The fish fry, which begins at 11 a.m., is $12 per plate and includes fish, cole slaw, baked beans and hush puppies. An outdoor session on the Summerlin family’s fishing history begins at noon.

Throughout the day beginning at 9 a.m. downtown will come alive with historical re-enactors ranging from early settlers to Seminole War soldiers who will depict life on the Treasure Coast in the 1800s. An early cow camp set up by seventh-generation cattleman Rick Modine and his aunt, Joyce Teague, will also be on display.

Trolley tours that take participants to sig-nificantly important historical sites in Fort Pierce are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 2:30p.m. For required reservations for the trolleytours, call 772-466-3880.

Free historical ghost tours led by para-normal investigator Larry Lawson will alsobe held throughout the day. Registration for those tours are taken on the day of the fes-tival. Additional outdoor exhibitions feature a history of treasure hunting on the TreasureCoast, local railway history, a history of theSt. Lucie County Fair, a history of the archi-tecture of William Hatcher, and a display on the Florida Heritage Trail, which highlightssignificant historical sites in the state.

An Authors Alley will also be set up fea-turing local authors Allen Balough, RickCrary, Terry Howard, Erin Lomax, O.C. Pe-terson, Dana Philips and Jean Ellen Wilson.

History of Adams Ranch headlines Treasure Coast History Festival

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers

The Florida Public Service Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $22.00 per month and business services are $33.00-$35.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone or broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be 15 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload or faster to qualify.

Lifeline discounts include a transfer restriction (port freeze). This means that you are unable to obtain the Lifeline discount on service with another provider for a period of time. The length of time depends on the services you purchase – 60 days for voice telephone service, 12 months for qualifying broadband service. Certain exceptions to the transfer restrictions may apply. See http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/change-my-company.aspx for more information.

A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please call 1-855-954-6546 or visit centurylink.com/lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.

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By Matteo TullioOkeechobee News

A 31-year-old man, alleged of battery and false imprisonment, and 28-year-old woman, al-leged of controlled sub-stance possession and drug paraphernalia, were arrested in the pre-dawn hours of Friday morning.

Jeremy Lamont Jones, Southeast Ninth Avenue and Bobbi Jo Saintelus, Southeast 33rd Terrace, of Okeechobee were arrested Jan. 5.

Jones was arrested on a felony charge of false imprisonment and a misdemean-or charge of battery. His bond was set at $200,000.

Saintelus was arrested on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance (co-caine) without a valid prescription and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $3,000. Jail records indicate she has since been re-leased on bond.

According to an arrest report by Officer Michael Jordan, of the Okeechobee City Po-lice Department (OCPD), at approximately 11:33 p.m. on Jan. 4, he responded to Raul-erson Hospital in regards to a woman that had been involved in an altercation while in the city.

Upon his arrival, Officer Jordan spoke with the complainant who informed him that she had apparently been beaten up by Jones. She stated that she went to his resi-dence in the 1100 block of Southeast Ninth Avenue and when she decided she wanted to leave was told that she could not because she owed Jones money. Jones then suppos-edly began to hit the woman in the face, striking her lip and jaw area, and caused her to fall and hit the back of her head on a tile floor.

Officer Jordan reported that the woman had a cut on the back of her head as well as on her lip.

The woman claimed that she tried to leave again and Jones closed the door and said she “wasn’t going anywhere” before he apparently left the house and told others present to watch her and not let her leave. When she saw Jones had walked away from the door, the woman rushed out of the house, yelled for help and was able to flag down a car for a ride to the gas station be-

fore she arrived at the hos-pital stated the report.

The owner of the resi-dence was contacted by law enforcement who stated that Jones rented a room but was currently not in the home. While look-ing through the home, Of-ficer Jordan noticed blood smeared on the floor, which the homeowner

claimed to know nothing about.The report continues that as Officer Jor-

dan and other law enforcement officers left the home, Okeechobee County Sheriff ’s Deputy Matthew Huffman, noticed a vehicle drive by without a tag light and performed a traffic stop in the 900 block of Southeast Eighth Avenue. Jones was discovered to be an occupant in the vehicle driven by Sainte-lus. Saintelus was asked if she had anything illegal on her person and pulled out of her shirt approximately seven hard white rocks and a glass pipe.

The report concluded that the white rocks field tested positive for the presence of cocaine and was placed into evidence along with six photographs of the woman’s injuries. Both were arrested and transported to the Okeechobee County Jail on the afore-mentioned charges.

City makes arrest with help of sheriff’s office

Jeremy Jones

Bobbi JoSaintelus

By Matteo TullioOkeechobee News

A 37-year-old Okeechobee woman was arrested Saturday evening after she was allegedly caught shop-lifting from Walmart.

Kellisha Andrea Heard-Andrews, North-east 13th Avenue, was arrested Jan. 6 on a felony charge of retail theft. Her bond was set at $1,500. Jail records indicate she has since been released on bond.

According to an arrest report by Officer Raul Marrero, of the Okeechobee City Police Department (OCPD), at approximately 5:03 p.m. on Jan. 6, he responded to Walmart lo-cated in the 2100 block of South Parrott Av-enue in regard to a complaint of retail theft.

An asset protection specialist informed Offi-cer Marrero that they had detained a woman, Heard-Andrews, for the alleged offense.

The asset protection specialist explained that Heard-Andrews entered the store and made selections of several items from differ-ent areas. She then went to a self-checkout line where she only paid $118.16 for an esti-mated total of $546.61 in merchandise, which resulted in a theft of $427.45. As Heard-An-drews proceeded to attempt to leave the store she was stopped by asset protection.

The report concluded by stating that the store’s video surveillance equipment record-ed the incident, all of the stolen items were returned to Walmart and the cost of the items that Heard-Andrews did purchase was reim-bursed back to her card. Heard-Andrews was arrested and transported to the Okeechobee County Jail on the aforementioned charges.

Woman accused of shoplifting

KellishaHeard-Andrews

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The City of Okeechobee is looking for qualified volunteers to serve on this citizen’s Board to help make the City of Okeechobee a cleaner and safer community. This is YOUR opportunity to be involved in YOUR Community! The City Council appoints residents to serve as volunteers on this Board and the only requirement is to reside within the boundaries of the City. Volunteers are asked to be available on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. to attend meetings for the term of three years.Applications, full descriptions, additional requirements, and other information may be obtained from and submitted to the Office of the City Clerk at 55 SE 3rd Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 863-763-3372 x 9814 or downloaded from the City Clerk’s Office page of the website cityofokeechobee.com.By: City Clerk Lane Gamiotea, CMC

Join the City of Okeechobee’s Code Enforcement Board

10 Okeechobee News January 10, 2018

Special to the Okeechobee News

New year, new RotariansAt the first social meeting of the Rotary Club of Okeechobee on Jan. 4, the Okeechobee Rotary Club inducted two new members, Myranda McAllister and Rachel Wade. Past District Governor Eric Gordon was also present. Pic-tured are Eric Gordon, Myranda McAllister, Rachel Wade and President Tod Hardacre. Rotarian sponsor was Tiffany L. Collins. Congratulations and wel-come, Myranda and Rachel!

Special to the Okeechobee News

Rotary’s Rookie of the Year CongratulatedRotarian Reiny Peterson (left) was awarded the 2016-2017 “Rookie of the Year” honor for the Rotary Club of Okeechobee by past president Denise Whitehead Hardacre (right) during the club social meeting on Jan. 4. Al-though a seasonal resident, Reiny has been involved in many Rotary func-tions, especially during the annual Beast Feast (Wild Game Dinner).

11Okeechobee NewsJanuary 10, 2018

• We’ll start the New Year off inviting ev-eryone to the January Chamber After Hours at Mira Realty, Jan. 11, 104 S.W. Third Ave. As always, the time is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to network, meet new friends and enjoy our icebreaker that always has laughter included! Come join in the fun, see what Kristina and Joe have planned and learn more about the business-es and community. Light refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there.

• You can now begin registering for the Jan. 17, Chamber Business Luncheon which will be held at IRSC from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The guest speaker will be Stephen Owens. Stephen is a certified coach, teach-er, trainer and speaker for the John Maxwell Leadership Team and is part of Leadership of Martin County. Steve also mentors at a camp for children of fallen soldiers six weekends a year and serves at his church on Sunday’s in several different capacities. Luncheon tick-ets are $15 each and as always it’s a great meal served by Golden Corral. Make sure and sign up today @okeechobeebusiness.com for this informative luncheon titled, “Going places you’ve never been in 2018.” Where am I going? Sounds intriguing to me!

• The next Concealed Weapon Permit class will be conducted Thursday evening, Jan. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the chamber. Range qualification will take place on Sat-urday, Jan. 20. You will be instructed where to meet on Saturday during the Thurs-day evening class. You may use your own weapon or you may use the weapon we provide you during qualification. You may sign up by clicking on “register now” on our okeechobeebusiness.com site. You may pay for the class online with a credit card or stop by the chamber and pay for the class with a check or cash. Individuals who sign up and do not pay in advance will not be guaran-teed a seat in the class.

• A Fashionable Afternoon With The Chamber is only two weeks away and plans have been made for a memorable event.

You’ll want to mark your calendars for Sat-urday, Jan. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at SilverPalms. There will be entertainment during intermission by Madeleine Bean and her dance group. Finger sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres will be served as you arrive. Spon-sorship opportunities are available, contactthe chamber for more information. You don’t want to miss this event. Cost is $20 a ticket and can now be purchased at the chamber. The first 20 tickets sold will havereserved front row seating.

• The first Rise Up with the Chamber in the New Year 2018 will be held on Jan. 25, at TrueCore Behavioral Solutions, 7200U.S. 441 N. from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Just 45minutes of light morning refreshments mixed with three great businesses giving a two-to-three minute informative talk, all onlive video. Savannah Thacker and her teamare inviting everyone to come out and learnmore about the community and just enjoy our brief time together.

• We are now taking applications for our2018 Leadership Okeechobee Class. The purpose of the program is to cultivate and prepare future/potential leaders through education, exposure to the community andinteraction between class members. Enroll-ees will meet the third Wednesday of eachmonth and will visit various businesses, lo-cal government representatives, farms, dair-ies, to gain a better knowledge of behind the scene workings of each. You will participate in other activities to better understand the forces which impact our community as awhole. It is a learning experience that is likenone other. Once accepted for the program, a fee of $425 is required to cover all meals, transportation and other program expenses.If you’re looking for more information, we’llbe happy to help you and give you the name of some that have completed the program recently. If you have any questions, please call the chamber at 863-467-6246. Classeswill begin soon.

Chamber of Commerce News

The Okeechobee Presbyterian Church, 312 N. Parrott Ave. will host a fundraising dinner on Saturday, Jan. 27, to help with roof repairs from the hurricane. The dinner will be a pork loin meal with all the fixings and two seating times are available 4:30 and 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 for an adult and $5 for children. For informa-tion, call 863-357-3537.

North Okeechobee Church of God, 15949 N.W. 30th Terrace will host the many hats of Ronny Hinson on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 11 a.m. For information, call 863-634-0344.

Fountain of Life Church. A new conversational-style series entitled, “Pas-sion” will meet on Monday, Jan. 15, and run through Feb. 5, 2018. There is no charge for materials. Please call the church office

to register at 863-763-8945, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. This is an interna-tionally known group study by author Christine Caine and will continue on the first Monday of each month until February. All ladies, middle school age and up are welcome. Fountain of Life Church is at 1302 S.W. 32nd St. For information, visit their website at folife-church.net, their Facebook or call 863-763-8945.

Okeechobee Church of the Nazarene, 425 S.W.

28th St., will host Brent Vernon on Sunday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m.

Hunger and Thirst Ministry, 120 S.E. Park St., will host Dr. Ben Alpert on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. For information, call 863-763-5901.

The Okeechobee News welcomes news from area churches for this weekly column. E-mail okeenews@newszap.com.

Churches host special events

Legion serves tacosAmerican Legion Post 64, 501 S.E. Sec-

ond St., will serve margaritas and tacos from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, the grill will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entertainment by Jay runs from 3 until 6 p.m.

Hospice hosts yard sales Hospice of Okeechobee, 317 S.E. Third

Ave., will host yard sales on the following dates: Wednesday, Jan. 10, Wednesday, Jan. 17, Wednesday, Jan. 24, and Wednes-day, Jan. 31. Each yard sale is from 8 a.m. to noon.

Yard sale set at RanchReal Life Children’s Ranch, 7777 U.S. 441

S.E., will host a yard sale today though Fri-day, Jan. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come out for great bargains.

Legion will host dinnerOn Friday, Jan. 12, come and enjoy din-

ner at the American Legion, 501 S.E. Second St. Everyone is welcome. Dinner will be fish, shrimp or chicken and french fry baskets, for a $6 donation and is served from 5 until 8 p.m. with music from 6 to 9 p.m. For infor-mation, call 863-763-5309.

Lakeport church has saleLakeport Christian Church, 10947 E. S.R.

78, Moore Haven, will host a large yard sale on Friday, Jan. 12, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to noon.

C.E.R.T. Training plannedOkeechobee Medical Reserve Corps is

offering C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) training. The training will be over a two-day period. On Saturday, Jan. 13 and Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. Training will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Training is free! Just please bring your lunch. Training will be held at the Okeechobee Department of Health Building, 1728 N.W. Ninth Ave. R.S.V.P with Tod Hardacre at 863-462-5805 or email tod.hardacre@flhealth.gov.

Church will host dinnerThe Knights of Columbus will serve a

pork loin dinner on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus mission hall, S.R. 78 W. and Chobee Loop. Tickets are $9 for adults and $3 for children.

Fishing tournament setTaylor Creek Open Tournament will be

held Saturday, Jan. 13, from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $20 per person. All participants un-der 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All funds go back to the Big O Teen Anglers. For information, call 937-409-4562.

Legion opens Sunday bingoAmerican Legion 64, 501 S.E. Second st.,

will host Sunday night Bingo on Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. in the bingo area. All proceeds to benefit the American Legion veterans’ programs. The event is open to the public.

VFW serves breakfastThe VFW Auxiliary will serve a French

toast breakfast on Sunday, Jan. 14, at VFW Post 9528, 29012 S.R. 78 W., from 8:30 to 11 a.m. All benefits go for veteran’s services. For information, call 863-467-2882.

Masonic Lodge BreakfastThe Masonic Lodge, 107 N.W. Fifth St.,

will host a breakfast with all the fixings on Sunday, Jan. 14, for $7 per plate. The public is welcome and carry out is available. Break-fast will be served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. All proceeds go to local Mason giving.

Church will host bingoSacred Heart Church, 901 S.W. Sixth St.,

will host bingo on Monday, Jan. 15. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the fun will begin at 7 p.m.

Republican Party to meetThe Okeechobee Chapter of the Republi-

can Party of Florida welcomes you to attend their monthly meetings on Monday, Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Cowboys BBQ, 202 N.E. Seventh Ave. Please arrive by 6 p.m. if plac-ing food order.

Legion hosts 5-card bingoAmerican Legion Post #64, 501 S.E. Sec-

ond St., will host five-card bingo on Monday, Jan. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. with lunch served at 12:30 p.m. For information, call 863-763-5309.

Historical Society to meetThere will be a meeting of the Historical

Society on Monday, Jan. 15, at noon in the main Okeechobee Historical Museum build-ing, 1850 U.S. 98 N. If you are interested in joining them, please bring a covered dish to share and $10 yearly dues. The Tantie Quilters meet every Thursday at 9 a.m. un-til 1 p.m. to work on old fashioned quilts. If anyone is interested in becoming involved in this activity, please come to the museum any Thursday to join.

Auxiliary serves dinnerThe VFW Auxiliary will serve a beef stew

dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Post 9528, 29012 S.R. 78 W. All proceeds will benefit Florida military veterans in distress. For in-formation, call 863-467-2882.

Community EventsBroughtto youby: Lic#CAC053793

Lic#CFC022585

863.763.6461Since 1975

Important Information:Please read your ad care-fully the first day itappears. In case of aninadvertent error, pleasenotify us prior to the dead-line listed. We will not beresponsible for more than1 incorrect insertion, or formore than the extent ofthe ad rendered valuelessby such errors. Advertiserassumes responsibility forall statements, names andcontent of an ad, andassumes responsibility forany claims against the INIUSA. All advertising is sub-ject to publisher’sapproval. The publisherreserves the right to acceptor reject any or all copy,and to insert above thecopy the word “advertise-ment”. All ads accepted aresubject to credit approval.All ads must conform toINI USA style and arerestricted to their properclassifications. Some clas-sified categories requireadvance payment. Theseclassifications are denotedwith an asterisk *.

Auctions

AUCTIONEvery Friday &

Saturday nights at 5:30 917 SW Park St.

(Behind Eli’s Western Wear) Quality Consignments

Accepted. Watford Auction

10% BP863-697-8906

AU1843 AB1583

Garage/Yard Sales

OKEE - 2430 SE 24th Blvd. TCI, Fri. 1/12 & Sat. 1/13, 9am-? Multi- Family Yard Sale. Wom- ens plus size like new clothes. Too much to list!

We Buy EstatesAntiques, Collectibles,

Household, Tools, Jewelry and etc.

Call 863-697-8906

Shop here first!The classified ads

Services

MOHAWK CONSTRUCTION INC. FILL SHELL, ASPHALT

MILLINGS, SAND, STONE, MULCH, TOP

SOIL. LARGE OR SMALL QUANTITIES DELIVERED

OR PICK-UP, NEAR TOWN.

OFFICE 863-623-5274

EmploymentFull Time

ACCEPTINGAPPLICATIONSService Technicians/

InstallersFull Time,

Experience RequiredApply within

312 SW 2nd St. Okeechobee EOE/DFWP

Full time front counter /material sales person

for a busy fence construction company.

Must be able to lift 40lbs., drug-free work

gual a plus. Apply at

Adron Fence Company 1132 NE 12th St.

Monday-Friday, 8-3.

Grand Oaks Assisted Living Community

LPN - Full time with

& 401k. Level 2 Background & Physical requiredApply in person M-F 9-4pm to Donna Huth203 SE 2nd Street

EmploymentFull Time

HANDYMAN WANTED MUST HAVE DRIVER LICENSE AND

SPEAK ENGLISH, $13.00 PER HOUR. CALL 305-922-7645

EmploymentFull Time

Time to clean out theattic, basement and/orgarage? Advertise youryard sale in the classi-fieds and make yourclean up a breeze!

WANTED Class A CDL Driver must have

DOT medical card, 2yr tanker endorse- ment, We furnish Uniforms and

Health insurance Call 863-447-6165

Need a few more bucksto purchase somethingdeer? Pick up someextra bucks when yousell your used items inthe classifeids.

Reading a newspaperhelps you understandthe world around you.No wonder newspaperreaders are more suc-cessful people!

EmploymentPart Time

Now Hiringwww.cityofokeechobee.com

OFFICE ASSISTANTCITY CLERK’S OFFICE

Deadline to apply is Jan. 19, 2018 at 4:30 PM. This is a PART-TIME see cityofokeechobee.com for job description and application packet, or in person at City Hall, City

34974, 863.763.3372 x9814. Successful candi- dates are required to pass a background screen- ing/physical. EEO/ADA/GINA/VP/DFWP

Circulation Help Needed

107 SW 17th St • Suite DInquire Within

NO PHONE CALLS

Must have reliable transportation

EmploymentPart Time

BusinessOpportunities

NOTICEIndependent Newspapers will never accept any ad- vertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. In all cases of ques- tionable value, such as promises of guaranteed income from work-at- home programs - if it sounds too good to be true, chances are that it is. If you have questions or doubts about any ad on these pages, we ad- vise that before respond- ing or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Better Business Bureau at 772-878-2010 for previous complaints.

Some 800 and 900 tele- phone numbers may re- quire an extra charge, as well as long distance toll costs. We will do our best to alert our reader of these charges in the ads, but occasionally we may not be aware of the charges. Therefore, if you call a number out of your area, use caution.

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE-4X6 TILT TRAILER W/NEW TIRES, 42” TORO MOWER WITH NO MO- TOR HAS BAGGER $300.00 EACH

*24FT CAR TRAILER $400.00 CALL 763-8956 OR 532-3590

Looking for a place tohang your hat? Lookno further than theclassifieds.

Your next job could bein today’s classifieds.Did you look for it?

Farm Equipment

Massey Ferguson Model #231 2WD Tractor Perkins 3-Cylinder Diesel

Engine with newer front-end loader.

Complete with New box blade & bush hog.

$5,795.00 Call M-F 813-956-5150

Apartments

APARTMENT FOR RENT 390 NW 36TH TERR.

1 BEDROOM. WATER, ELECTRIC, CABLE &

INTERNET INCLUDED $700.00/MO.

1 PERSON, NO PETS CALL 305-922-7645

OKEECHOBEEAVAILABLE February

2BD/1BA “Beautiful unit must see”

$795.00/MO. Utilities included.

Very Clean and well maintained. Situated

12 min. outside of town off Hwy 70 East.

Unique setting, lawn service, onsite

management, pest control included,

w/d hook-up. Sorry, NO PETS.

Call M-F 9am-6pm 813-956-5150

Houses - Rent

LAKEPORT HOUSE FURNISHED 2BD/1BA,

SCREENED BACK PORCH, YARD $900.00/MO.

1ST AND SECURITY CALL 863-532-5073

How fast can your cargo? It can go evenfaster when you sellit in the classifieds.

Mobile HomeRent

2BD/2BA FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED MO- BILE HOME ON CANAL W/BOATHOUSE, NEW LARGE TILE SHOWER

$865.00/MO ANNUALLY OR $1,200.00/MO SEA- SONAL 863-763-3769

OR 770-241-4015

FOR RENT 2BD, 2BA MOBILE HOME (BHR) ON CANAL. $750 MO. SECURITY AND BACK- GROUND CHECK RE- QUIRED. NO PETS. 863-634-0024

OKEECHOBEE - 3605 NW 3rd St., 2BR/1BA, LOT 7. $530/mo., No pets, (305) 922-7645

Mobile Home SaleFOR SALE PARK MODEL

IN OLD RIVER RUN, INSULATED FLORIDA ROOM, ON A CANAL, DIRECT ACCESS TO RIVER AND LAKE, HUGE CARPORT. 863-623-4356

OR 863-397-5516

Campers/RVs

2006 PILGRIM - 28 Ft., Super clean! Like new. Ready to go camping. Asking $8,795. Call Lar- ry (954)257-5741

5TH WHEEL - Super nice, all includes, on private lot, Treasure Is- land, facing canal, min- utes from lake. Perfect for 2 people, non-smok- ing. Call Larry (954) 257-5741.

Earn some extra cash.Sell your used itemsin the classifieds

12 Okeechobee News January 10, 2018

Contact a sales representative today:863.763.3134 | go@newszap.com

Everyone looks forward to our monthly GO magazine, your guide to area dining, entertainment, shopping, salons, spas, lodging, and attractions, for

its informative articles and special features, as well as the latest local restaurant and

entertainment advertising.

Whether your business revolves around dining, nightlife, event planning, gift s, home entertaining,

fashion, beauty or beyond, this special section is the place to be and be seen. Our talented team of media

professionals is here to help your business stay in the spotlight with targeted and eff ective

advertising customers will notice.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Campers/RVs

Wanted all Travel Trailers, Motor Homes and Fifth Wheels. Any Condition, Cash paid

on the spot Call 954-789-7530

RV Space RentRV LOT IN THE BIG O 55 PLUS COMMUNITY,

WATER INCLUDED, $450.00/MO. SEASON-

AL OR $325.00/MO. ANNUALLY

863-763-3769 OR 770-241-4015

Fifth Wheels

FOR SALE 2015 KEYSTONE LAREDO 355RL,

1 OWNER, EXCEL- LENT CONDITION $34,000.00 O.B.O. CALL FOR DETAILS

863-801-5359

FOR SALE 20’ 5TH WHEEL CAMPER, 2005, 16FT SLIDE OUT, OAK CABINETS, GREAT CONDITION $7,000.00 CALL 931-607-5079

FOR SALE-5TH WHEEL W/FL ROOM, COVERED

REAR PORCH, FUR- NISHED SET-UP IN

ARUBA RV RESORT IN LAKEPORT $14,000.00

*2000 BUICK LASABRE LOW MILEAGE

$3,500.00 CALL 417-252-0720

Motorcycles

FOR SALE CAN-AM SPYDER, RT MOTORCYCLE.

4,500 MILES CALL 706-455-5074

Autos Wanted

AAA Auto Analysis- All makes, all price ranges.

We buy cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Established 1981. 772-260-9707

Grab a bargain from yourneighbor’s garage, attic,basement or closet intoday’s classifieds.

Love the earth Recycleyour used items byselling them in theclassifieds.

When doing those choresis doing you in, it’s timeto look for a helper inthe classifieds.

Buying a car? Look inthe classifieds. Sellinga car? Look in theclassifieds.

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE WILL HOLD A REGULAR BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2018 AT 3:30 P.M. IN THE BOARD ROOM, A301 OF THE BEN L. BRYAN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING ON THE MAIN CAMPUS OF INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE AT 3209 VIRGINIA AVENUE, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA 34981. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN THAT AT 9:00 A.M., TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2018, AN AGENDA MEETING WILL BE HELD IN ROOM 102 OF THE BROWN CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPREN- EURSHIP ON THE MAIN CAMPUS, 3209 VIRGINIA AVENUE, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA 34981-5596. ANY PERSONS WISHING TO PLACE BEFORE THAT BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION ARGUMENTS CONCERNING ISSUES OF LAW OR POLICY OR PRESENT EVIDENCE OF ANY PERTINENT FACT THAT MAY BE IN DISPUTE MUST NOTIFY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE AT LEAST FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUS- TEES. ANY PERSONS WISHING TO APPEAL THE DECISIONS OF THIS BOARD WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND FOR SUCH PURPOSE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE.483722 ON 1/10/2018

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CIVIL ACTIONCASE NO.: 2016-CA-23

CENTERSTATE BANK OF FLORIDA, N.A., a Federally Chartered Bank created under the National Bank Act, Plaintiff,-vs-EYVONNE M. BOOKER; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF EYVONNE M. BOOKER; UN- KNOWN TENANT(S); HIGHLANDS COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida; OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida by its Board of County Commissioners, Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment dated August 31, 2017, and entered in Civil Action Case No.: 2016-CA-23 of the Circuit Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Okeechobee County, Flori- da, in which the Clerk of this Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, at the Okeechobee County Judicial Center, 312 NW 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, Okeechobee, FL 34972, at 11:00 AM on the 31st day of January, 2018, the following described property located in in Okeechobee County, Florida as set forth in the Final Judgment, to wit: Lot 1, Block 11, OAKPARK SUBDIVISION, according to the plat

thereof recorded in Plat Book 3, Page 3, Public Records of Okee- chobee County, Florida.

Parcel ID No.: 1-30-37-35-0010-00110-0010Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other

claim within 60 days after the sale. THIS, the 19th day of September, 2017.

THE HONORABLE SHARON ROBERTSON CLERK OF CIRUIT COURT BY: Sandra L. Creech Deputy ClerkMcGahee & Perez, PL417 W. Sugarland Hwy., Clewiston, FL 33440863-983-1677482504 ON 1/3,10/2018

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 19TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE No.: 2013CA000502

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiffvs.VIRGILLO MACEDO A/K/A VIRGILIO MACEDO, et al., Defendant(s)

NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 NOTICE HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the order of Final Judgment of Fore- closure dated August 26, 2015, and entered in Case No. 2013CA000502 of the Circuit Court of the 19th Judicial Circuit in and for Okeechobee County, Florida, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUS- TEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-1, MORT- GAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, is the Plaintiff, and VIRGILLO MACEDO A/K/A VIRGILIO MACEDO, et al. are Defendants, the

to the highest and best bidder for cash in the Jury Assembly room, 2nd Floor, of the Okeechobee County Judicial Center, located at 312 NW 3rd Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972, at 11 :00 o’clock A.M. on the 31st day of January, 2018, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF OKEECHOBEE, STATE OF FLORIDA,

TO WIT: LOT 6, BLOCK 30, BASSWOOD, UNIT 2, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3, PAGE 28, PUB- LIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA.

Street Address: 3381 NW 29th Ave, Okeechobee, FL 34972

included as security in Plaintiff’s mortgage. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any,

claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated at Okeechobee, Okeechobee County, Florida, this 20th day of December, 2017.

Sharon RobertsonClerk of said Circuit Court

BY: Sandra L. CreechAs Deputy Clerk

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLCAttorney for Plaintiff500 S. Australian Avenue, Suite 825 West Palm Beach, FL 33406(561) 713-1400 FLpeadings@mwc-law.com483626 ON 1/10,17/2018

Public Notice

Public NoticeIN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTYGENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION

CASE NO. 2014-CA-000252

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiffvs.BERNARD THOMAS, UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION 1, UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION 2, UNKNOWNN SPOUSE OF BERNARD THOMAS, Defendants

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of

CA-000252 of the Circuit Court of the NINETEENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Okeechobee County, Okeechobee, Florida, the Clerk of Cour