highlands news-sun

54 Pages·2017·21.36 MB·English

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IGHLANDS EWS UN

Thursday, April 5, 2018
VOL. 99 | NO. 95 | $1.00 YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1919 AN EDITION OF THE SUN
Hogan’s case postponed to April
Plea: ‘Not can’t make a before being stopped at • Following too closely on
final decision the intersection of Dal Hall June 20, 2003.
guilty’ about whether Boulevard, slightly less than Hogan is still employed
or not to keep a mile from Lakeview Road. by Highlands County as fire
By PHIL ATTINGER Hogan. Reports said the officer services supervisor, over the
STAFF WRITER Formerly smelled alcohol and that training division. Jim Harris
emergency Hogan had “bloodshot, now has the job of emer-
Wildcats top Red Devils
SEBRING — As attorneys management watery eyes” and admitted gency management coor-
rolled through names on the HOGAN coordinator, to having been drinking. dinator, under Emergency
McKeel Academy edged Avon Park in
misdemeanor court docket 32-year-old Hogan allegedly failed a Manager Latosha Reiss.
district baseball on Tuesday night. Wednesday morning, at Hogan stands accused of field sobriety test, reports Human Resource
LOCAL SPORTS B1 least one name was absent: driving under the influence, said. Manager Pam Rogers told
Highlands County Fire first offense. He was stopped His blood alcohol concen- the Highlands News-Sun
Services Supervisor Brett by Lake Placid Police in tration based on a voluntary that Hogan is still employed
Tax scam Hogan. the early hours of March test, reports said, was .175 with restrictions: He cannot
However, prosecutors 17 after being seen driving at 2:31 a.m. March 17 and drive a county vehicle or
told County Judge Anthony erratically, first on Lakeview three minutes later it was perform firefighting duties.
Ritenour that Hogan’s attor- Road and then U.S. 27. .178. He is also required to
calls back ney, Roberto P. Celaya, has Officer David Rhoden The legal limit in Florida attend a substance abuse
filed a plea of “not guilty” on wrote in his report that he is .08. class and provide the
his behalf. The next court saw Hogan’s F-150 pickup Hogan has had previous county with a certificate of
date is a pre-trial conference “began to drift over the traffic citations, all more completion.
again on April 17. fog line and straddle the than 13 years ago, when he Hogan also lost 10 percent
Highlands County Public line before returning to the was a teenager: of his pay, because of his
Information Officer Gloria lane.” • Speeding on April 13, loss of “hazard pay,” bring-
Rybinski said Wednesday, Rhoden’s report also said 2005. ing his salary to $25,000.
until the court has made Hogan was speeding three • Speeding and careless
By PHIL ATTINGER a decision, the county still separate times on U.S. 27, driving on Oct. 20, 2003. HOGAN | 4
STAFF WRITER
SEBRING — An out-of-state area num-
ber calls your cell phone, and you answer.
“This is a time-sensitive alert from the Pitching ideas
investigations division of the IRS, requiring
information on a tax filing regarding four
allegations made against you,” says a
robotic recorded voice. “This opportunity
will expire in 24 hours. And once it expires,
after that, you will be taken into custody
by the local cops” — only you won’t. This
is a scam.
Sebring entrepreneur jumps into the shark tank
Whether people take the robocall or let
it go to voicemail, the message is the same,
although the phone number on caller ID
may change several times.
By KIM LEATHERMAN
It happens all the time, but cellphone
STAFF WRITER
tax scam calls become more frequent
in and around the April 15 U.S. Internal SEBRING — It may be safe to go
Revenue Service tax filing deadline [this in the water again but is it safe to
year the deadline is Tuesday, April 17], said jump into the shark tank? David
Nell Hays, crime prevention specialist with Scheck of Sebring is about to
the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. find out.
Hays said if a robotic voice or constantly The 24-year-old entre-
changing non-toll free numbers are not a preneur is a finalist in the
dead giveaway to a scam, there are other VenturePitch Southwest
clues. Florida competition. Scheck
First, the IRS doesn’t call people. will be pitching his product
If the IRS has a question about some- along with three other
one’s tax return, the first indication is a companies competing for
letter, sent through the mail. They might $50,000 in equity
send a second letter if they get no reply. investments.
Second, no government agency ever The
compe-
SCAM | 3
tition is
Citrus grower
David Scheck is seen here, posing in the middle along with other
future physical therapists.
looks to try similar to the nervous” but says he will keep practic-
television show ing with his friends and mentors. He
“Shark Tank.” only has to be nervous for 16 minutes;
bamboo to VenturePitch the first eight minutes are for the pitch
will be hosted and the second eight minutes are for
at the Babcock a question and answer period. The
Ranch, the potential pay off is either two $25,000
offset losses
solar-pow- or one $50,000 equity investment.
ered town “I came up with the idea this sum-
in Charlotte mer,” Scheck said. “It works like a
By KEVIN BOUFFARD County, on bicycle computer that tracks distance.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Thursday, April I noticed when I was working on a
12. clinical rotation, that we would have
FROSTPROOF — Byron and Cynthia
Sheck’s patients walking with walkers that
Matteson said they don’t plan to give up
business and there was no good way for them to
on their lifelong commitment to citrus,
product is measure progress. Some people count-
but they agreed they need another cash
AmbuTrak, LLC ed ceiling tiles. This device will help
crop to survive the uncertainties of
and his product us report better numbers. AmbuTrak
growing Florida’s signature crop.
is a device that counts the revolution of the walker
So they were planting bamboo on 35
attaches to the wheels as it rolls; the information pops
acres of their Frostproof farm.
wheel of a roll- up on a screen.”
“I felt a little bit like I was bailing out
ing walker and If the product takes off, Scheck may
on citrus,” said Cynthia Matteson, a
measures dis- actually use it in his future practice as
fourth-generation citrus grower. “We
tance, enabling a doctor of physical therapy. He will be
were going to put it (the 35 acres) in
healthcare graduating in May from Florida Gulf
citrus, but the situation is so bleak.”
professionals to Coast University.
Bleak because the fatal bacterial dis-
monitor progress Scheck said there is no way to
ease citrus greening, endemic in Florida,
more accurately. determine if a patient has done their
has made it difficult to grow that crop at
“Initially, there prescribed walking time or distances.
a profit.
were about 40 business- “We prescribe time right now,”
“I’m still a citrus man,” said Byron
es,” Scheck said. “Then Scheck said. “There’s more accuracy
Matteson, adding they will continue
there were about 8-10 in a with this and it’s right there for the
raising the crop on 85 acres. “It breaks
semi-final pitch round and patient to see. This helps to incentivize
my heart to see the industry like it is. It
then I was accepted into the the patient to do more and provides
breaks my heart to see my citrus trees in
final round of four.” instant gratification at the results.”
this condition.”
The remaining four com- Scheck found validation for the need
Before it dies, a greening-infected
panies all have medically-relat- of the product when he was interning
citrus tree will produce fewer fruit of
ed products but the entrepreneurs at a hospital in Chattanooga. He
smaller size. The disease has led to more
can pitch ideas from any industry. used the prototype of AmbuTrack on
than a 70 percent reduction in Florida’s
Scheck gave his opinion on the patients that needed to ambulate, and
annual citrus crop while nearly tripling
medical products. he and the other physical therapists
the cost of production.
“Southwest Florida is predomi- found it helpful.
But the outlook for growing bamboo
nately retirees and elderly people,” Officially, the company was formed
in Florida is as sunny as the outlook for
he said. “I think we are just seeing in January 2018. The idea was formed
citrus is bleak, said the couple, who own
an influx of rehabilitation products over the summer and the prototype
Mattco Enterprises LLC in Lake Wales.
COURTESY PHOTOS
because of the population.”
BAMBOO | 3 David Scheck Scheck admitted to being “super IDEAS | 4
Classifieds..... ................................B4-6 Let’s Go..... .........................................B1 Viewpoints .........................A5-6 Good Morning To
Kathryn Robertson
Comics ......................News Wire Local Sports ..........................A7-8 Weather ..................News Wire
facebook.com/ twitter.com/
Lottery ..............................Sports Thanks for reading! newssun.com newssun TheNewsSun
A2 | HIGHLANDS NEWS-SUN | Thursday, April 5, 2018 www.highlandsnewssun.com
Sebring increases fire assessment
By JAY MEISEL generated by the in-
STAFF WRITER crease. However, the
council postponed that
SEBRING — Sebring decision until later in
property owners will pay the year when budget
a higher fire assessment decisions are made.
rate during the 2018- Last year, the council
2019 fiscal year begin- kept the same rate for
ning Oct. 1, the Sebring this fiscal year.
City Council decided One factor that may
Tuesday. have influenced the
The Council voted council is that Sebring
unanimously to increase Fire Chief Robert Border
the current 14.75 percent told the city adminis-
rate — the percentage tration that $81,000 in
of the Sebring Fire vehicle repairs have been
Department provided by needed just for the first
the assessment — to 17.4 six months of this fiscal
percent. year.
That means homeown- Border said that
ers will see their annual with aging vehicles the
rate increase from $60 amount of repairs has
to $70. Rates for com- increased each year.
mercial properties will Some council mem-
increase from .02 cents bers have favored in-
per square foot to .03 creasing the rate so that
cents; rates for industri- more people would be
al/warehouse properties contributing toward the
will remain the same at Fire Department budget.
.01 cent per square foot; Some property owners
rates for institutional pay little or no city
buildings will remain property taxes because of
the same at .03 cents homestead exemption.
per square foot; rates In another matter,
for nursing homes will the council approved
increase from .020 per a $1 annual 5-year
square foot to .023 and lease of the chamber
the building because
the rate for vacant land of commerce building
of expenses relating to
will remain the same at to the Community
the building and that
$6 per parcel. Redevelopment Agency.
more people visit the
The rate for each The CRA has agreed to
chamber on U.S. 27. The
category of property is pay for a new roof for the
CRA wants to move into
calculated based on the building.
percentage of fire calls The council changed the building to be more
during the previous year the proposed lease so visible downtown.
to that type of property. that the CRA is re- The council also
The increased rate is sponsible for janitorial agreed to pay for a new
expected to generate service at the building. roof at the U.S. Military
$491,611 as compared to Councilman Thomas Sea Services Museum.
$415,237 generated by Dettman cast the only no The roof leaked during a
the 14.75 percent rate. vote on the lease because recent rain storm.
Some council mem- he favored the city Council members also
bers wanted to also paying for the janitorial favored replacing a golf
reduce the property service. shed and expanding
tax rate by the amount The chamber agreed parking at the Sebring
of additional revenue for the CRA to take over Municipal Golf Course.
5 THINGS polyglot can boost your English words begin with
brainpower. Other studies the letter S than any other
That Will Make You
SMARTER also suggest that speaking letter. The longest word
more than one language without a true vowel in it
can help to slow down is “rhythm.”
1. Over 300 languages the aging process of the Source: lingualinx.com
are spoken in the United mind.
States, but South Africa 4. There are over 200
holds the record for the artificial languages that
country with the most have been invented for
official languages (11). books, television, and
2. The oldest known movies, including 13
languages include distinct languages in the (cid:54)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:16)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:192)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)
Sanskrit, Sumerian, Tolkien universe.
Hebrew, and Basque. But, 5. The most common
the only reason we really letter, and vowel, in the
know this is because English language is the
there is a written record letter it starts with: E.
of those languages. But the most common
3. A number of scien- consonant in English is
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tists agree that becoming R, followed by T. More
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N E W S ?
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THE NEXT
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www.highlandsnewssun.com Thursday, April 5, 2018 | HIGHLANDS NEWS-SUN | A3
BAMBOO SCAM
Southeastern States since magazine. that require the target to • Threaten arrest by any
it began in 2014, said Max Tucker, re- call back. law enforcement agency
Chris Kaiser, director of search-and-development In such scams, the IRS for refusal to pay.
FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1
sales and business. farm manager for Lykes, reports, victims are told IRS.gov advises people
Consorzio Bambu said the company has they owe money and to take the following steps
“I’m planting 35 acres promotes bamboo as been looking at bamboo calls to inform a person must pay immediately if they receive alleged IRS
for now, but I’ll probably both a food crop, bam- for two years but has of allegations or charges via pre-loaded debit card phone calls regarding
come back and plant a boo shoots, and its better not made a decision on against them, and certain- or a wire transfer. Those allegations against them or
little more,” said Byron known use as a wood investing in the crop. ly not about any move to who refuse get threats of problems with a tax filing,
Matteson, 56, who has product. Like most citrus grow- issue a warrant for their arrest, deportation or loss especially if people don’t
been growing citrus since Growers can begin ers, Lykes is looking at arrest. of driver’s license, which owe taxes and have no
he was a teenager. picking the shoots by the alternatives to citrus. “Deputies don’t call to require due process. reason to think they do:
Mattco hopes eventu- third year after planting “For us it will be a say they’re going to arrest Scammers may also • Do not give out any
ally to grow on 100 acres and bamboo wood by process of assessing you,” Hays said. “They just ask to “verify” tax return information. Hang up
if its first foray into bam- the fifth year, Pecci said. its technical feasibility, show up.” information over the immediately.
boo proves profitable, he The shoots are growing financial requirements Also, government phone, such as Social • Report the call to the
added. The Mattesons in popularity among U.S. and market potential,” agencies will not give a Security, bank account or Treasury Inspector
expressed confidence it and European consum- Tucker said. time deadline to reply in credit card numbers, to General for Tax
will. ers because of their Tucker was more order to hold off an arrest. process the return. They Administration (TIGTA)
“The thing about health benefits, including encouraged on its market Any arrest that’s warranted may even lure victims by through the “IRS
bamboo that is hard to antioxidants, potassium potential after speaking will happen anyway; if it telling them they may Impersonation Scam
resist: It takes five to 10 and fiber. with Pecci, he said. isn’t, it won’t. have a refund due. Reporting” page or call
years to make a profit on “The modern con- “We’ll see how another Thirdly, no one in law The IRS wants taxpayers 1-800-366-4484.
a new citrus grove. You sumer needs good food, enforcement would use to know the IRS will never: • Report the call to the
citrus grower does,”
can do it with bamboo healthy food,” Pecci said. slang terms, like “local • Call to demand imme- Federal Trade Commission
Tucker said.
in three years,” Cynthia “We don’t need herbi- cops,” to refer to their diate payment, especially at “FTC Complaint
OnlyMoso has a carrot
Matteson said. cides or pesticides.” profession. without having mailed a Assistant” on FTC.gov.
— the financial kind —
Mattco has partnered A mature bamboo farm In the past, such notice; Please add “IRS Telephone
for growers looking to
with OnlyMoso USA will produce 60 metric scammers have made • Demand payment with- Scam” in the notes.
plant new bamboo farms,
Corp. in Sunrise, which tons per year of wood calls themselves, giving out a chance to dispute If you owe or think you
said Charles Edwards, a
is promoting commercial and 14 tons of shoots the caller the opportunity the amount; owe taxes, call the IRS at
sales representative.
bamboo growing in the without need of those to ask questions, to test • Require a specific form 800-829-1040 and actual
The cost of planting
United States. chemicals, he said. whether or not the call is of payment; IRS agents can help you.
a new bamboo farm
Moso is a bamboo For the commercial legitimate. Robocalls don’t • Ask for credit or debit For more information,
runs $18,000 per acre,
plant variety, but con- grower, a major attrac- offer that option, but it’s card numbers over the visit “Tax Scams and
trary to the name, the tion of bamboo is its Edwards said, but still impersonation. phone, or Consumer Alerts” on irs.gov.
OnlyMoso will advance a Impersonation is just one
company offers other simplicity to grow, Byron
new grower half that cost scam used to steal personal
varieties after discovering Matteson and company
interest free for the first identification information
they grow much better officials agreed.
four years, repayable in from taxpayers, according
in Florida’s climate, said “All it needs is water
the fifth year when the to the IRS consumer alert
spokeswoman Debbi and fertilizer two times
farm produces sprouts page at irs.gov.
Fultz. One such variety a year,” Matteson said.
and wood. Former aggressive
is Asper bamboo, which “The lifespan of these
Byron Matteson found phone scams, using fake
Mattco is planting. plants is 80 to 100 years.
the offer hard to resist. names and IRS identifi-
OnlyMoso is the U.S. Effectively, this will never
“If I hadn’t expected a cation badge numbers
subsidiary of an Italian need to be replanted.
return (profit), I wouldn’t — and even personal
company, Consorzio Matteson estimated
be putting it in,” he said. information on their
Bambu Italia, which be- the caretaking costs of a
Information from: The targets — have given way
gan promoting commer- mature bamboo farm at
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company has helped cre- current market.
ate more than 5,000 acres A planting event at
of commercial bamboo Mattco earlier this month
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A4 | HIGHLANDS NEWS-SUN | Thursday, April 5, 2018 www.highlandsnewssun.com
MLK called ‘apostle of nonviolence’
on 50th anniversary
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
People hold signs resembling the signs carried by striking sanitation workers in 1968 as they join
in events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther
King Jr. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn. King was assassinated April 4, 1968,
while in Memphis supporting striking sanitation workers.
By ERRIN HAINES WHACK, King died, police esti- proclamation in honor of
ADRIAN SAINZ and KATE
mated that 10,000 people the anniversary, saying:
BRUMBACK
showed up for an early “In remembrance of his
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS afternoon march led profound and inspira- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
by the same sanitation tional virtues, we look to
People gather for events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — workers union whose do as Dr. King did while
Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn. King was assassinated
The daughter of the Rev. low pay King had come this world was privileged
April 4, 1968, while in Memphis supporting striking sanitation workers.
Martin Luther King Jr. to protest when he was enough to still have
remembered him as “the shot. him.” King’s death coincides renewed commitment to must still sacrifice. We
apostle of nonviolence” Dixie Spencer, pres- The president has been with a resurgence of King’s legacy and unfin- must still educate and
as admirers marked the ident of the Bolivar the target of veiled criti- white supremacy, the ished work. organize and mobilize.
50th anniversary of his Hardeman County, cism by some speakers at continued shootings Wednesday’s events That’s why we’re here
assassination Wednesday Tennessee, branch of King commemorations of unarmed black followed a rousing cele- in Memphis. Not just
with marches, speeches the NAACP, said remem- in recent days as they men and a parade of bration the night before to honor our history,
and quiet reflection. brances of King’s death complained of fraught discouraging statistics of King’s “I’ve Been To but to seize our future,”
At events around the should be a call to action. race relations and other on the lack of progress the Mountaintop” speech national labor leader
country, participants “We know what he divisions made plain among black Americans at Memphis’ Mason Lee Saunders said on
took time to both reflect worked hard for, we since he was elected. on issues from housing Temple Church of God in Tuesday night after
on King’s legacy and know what he died for, so Observances mark- to education to wealth. Christ. He delivered this a gospel singer led a
discuss how his exam- we just want to keep the ing King’s death were But rather than despair, speech the night before rousing rendition of “Lift
ple can apply to racial dream going,” Spencer planned coast-to-coast. the resounding message he was assassinated. Every Voice and Sing” for
and economic divides said. “We just want to In New York, the Dance repeated at the com- “Dr. King’s work — our an enthusiastic crowd.
still plaguing society. make sure that we don’t Theatre of Harlem, memorations was one of work — isn’t done. We Brumback reported
Instead of sorrow, King’s lose the gains that we founded months after resilience, resolve, and a must still struggle; we from Atlanta.
contemporaries and a have made.” King’s slaying, planned
new generation of social Before the march, the an evening performance Man accused of stealing vehicle
activists presented a rapper Common and in his honor. Community
message of resilience and pop singer Sheila E had organizers scheduled a
hope. the crowd dancing and march and commemora- By JAY MEISEL charged because it was after
Speaking in King’s bobbing their heads. tive program marking the STAFF WRITER with bur- sunset.
hometown of Atlanta, the Memphis events were anniversary in Yakima,
glary of an Ancrum, the occupant
Rev. Bernice A. King re- also scheduled to feature Washington.
AVON PARK — An unoccupied of the vehicle, told the
called her father as a civil King’s contemporaries, In Montgomery,
investigation into a conveyance,
rights leader and great including the Rev. Jesse Alabama, where King deputy that he had bor-
person being in a park possession
orator whose message of Jackson. first gained notice rowed the vehicle from
after it closed led to the of burglary
peaceful protest was still In the evening, the leading a boycott against his aunt, but a check of
discovery of a stolen tools and
vital decades later. Atlanta events culminate segregated city buses, ANCRUM the vehicle’s ownership
vehicle, according to an grand theft
“We decided to start with a bell-ringing and came a symbol of trans- showed that the vehicle
arrest report released of a vehicle.
this day remembering wreath-laying at his crypt formation: The daughter was registered to a man.
Wednesday. Ancrum’s arrest came
the apostle of nonvio- to mark the moment of King’s one-time
The man told the
James Tyrese Ancrum, after a Highlands County
lence,” she said during a when he was gunned nemesis, segregationist
19, 1300 Persimmon deputy noticed a vehicle deputy he was unaware
ceremony to award the down on the balcony of Gov. George C. Wallace,
Martin Luther King Jr. the old Lorraine Motel on planned to participate in Court, Lot 20, Sebring, parked at a boat ramp that the vehicle was not
Nonviolent Peace Prize April 4, 1968. He was 39. a program honoring the was arrested by the at Donaldson Park, at his residence and that
held at the King Center. President Donald slain civil rights leader. Highlands County although the park was he did not give anyone
In Memphis, where Trump issued a The anniversary of Sheriff’s Office and already closed to visitors permission to borrow it.
HOGAN
court. He’s since had a meeting News-Sun on Wednesday against him, (and) the college
“He is aware that he is facing on March 22 with Director that he returned to work supports him.
termination,” Rogers said. of Human Resources Don as of March 31 and is still The main condition, for
FROM PAGE 1
Hogan also is adjunct faculty Kesterson and Director of completing evaluation by the now, is he’s been removed
member for the EMS and Fire EMS and Fire Programs Steven Tri-County Addictions Center. from the approved drivers list
Rogers said last month that program at South Florida State Ashworth about the situation. “He’s an employee in good for vehicle-related duties.
Hogan’s employment with College’s Fire Academy. He was Director of Institutional standing,” Kuehnle said. “He’s Highlands News-Sun staff
the county “is dependent on taken out of the classroom Communications Melissa an employee in good standing. writer Kim Leatherman
the outcome of the matter” in after his arrest. Kuehnle told the Highlands There are not complaints contributed to this story.
IDEAS
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FROM PAGE 1
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www.highlandsnewssun.com Thursday, April 5, 2018 | HIGHLANDS NEWS-SUN | A5
V
IEWPOINTS
Tim Smolarick Romona Washington
Publisher Executive Editor
[email protected] [email protected]
Karen Clogston Rob Kearly
Editor Circulation Director
[email protected] [email protected]
ANOTHER VIEW
No place for
children
Children behind bars exist in a Neverland where
their views and emotions regarding the outside The dirt on spring cleaning
world remain stuck in the adolescent perspective
that got them incarcerated, making it almost
impossible to adjust to life once released.
How can it be otherwise when their every move
and thought is controlled within this country’s “Oh look honey,” I think. Opening a cabinet, the listing was comprised
juvenile jails by the adults who watch over them? cooed. “There’s a spring I noted too many plastic of stuff I do all the time.
Like zoo animals, they become “institutional- cleaning checklist in the cups and a pile of water “Dang it, I’ve been clean-
ized,” unable to accomplish tasks on their own. paper. I’ll pull it out for bottles. Ruminating over ing too much,” I mused.
Add that to the fact that too little attention is you.” “Thank you dear,” which should be tossed, Then I saw something
given to individualizing a child’s treatment to deal he retorted. “I’ll be sure to I soothed myself with a about cleaning the inside
with the trauma, poverty and neglect that might tape it to the front of your piece of vegan quiche. of my iron. Honestly folks,
have contributed to their original crime. laptop.” As I chewed, I realized I haven’t used this appli-
It is a toxic mix. Spring cleaning is a I’d better get busy on my ance but intermittently.
For example, Cristian Fernandez, convicted great idea, but here at column before organizing There’s no way I’ve put
at age 12 of killing his 2-year-old half brother in Harris & Co., no one cabinets. on enough hours to even
2011, only received individualized trauma-focused has the time to start the Back at my desk, I bother with that task. I
treatment when the system was pressured to process. I’m busy trying to noted over 20 items on the also have never consid-
HARRIS & CO
provide it. hit deadlines and launch kitchen cleaning checklist ered dusting my vacuum.
Why wasn’t such therapy routine? Particularly a blog while Mr. Harris Dorothy Harris alone. Some brought a Isn’t that sort of count-
for someone like Fernandez, who was himself the has been so busy at work, smirk to my face. No do- er-productive? Strangely,
victim of both sexual and physical abuse? once he gets home, he’s boxes from a move made mestic goddess, even the important things like
Then there’s always the possibility that the done. Still, the promise of several years ago, this was idea of deep cleaning my backing up the technolo-
juvenile detention facilities will inflict their own starting out the summer definitely not the place to pots and pans or putting gy, purging external hard
lasting psychological damage on children. months surrounded by start. I quickly moved on. shelf riser — whatever drives and other similar
After combing through 10 years of Florida a lighter, cleaner and The utility room offered that is — in my cabinets tasks were missing on the
Department of Juvenile Justice incident reports, clutter-free home was en- a promising start. A stack could immediately be office checklist. Surely
The Miami Herald concluded these juvenile ticing. Could I hit a few of of never-to-be-used scratched off. “Who that is way more pressing
facilities were often inhumane places where staff the points noted and feel phone books made it to scrubs out a blender,” I than counting pens or
encouraged juvenile offenders to fight and abuse like we had accomplished the garage to be deposited murmured, deciding to ordering paper.
others, sometimes to the point of death. something? into recycle with a pile of move on to the bathroom Popping the last bit of
Decluttering was still unread newspapers. list. veggie pie in my mouth, I
Adult prison increases problems suggested prior to the That felt pretty good. All Most of the list included added the checklist to my
The problem becomes even more dramatic cleaning rituals and as I the other stuff, well, I things I do regularly. pile of recyclables. I had
when children are “direct filed” into adult court slipped through various didn’t have time to get to Perhaps I was doing too completed spring cleaning
with the expectation that if convicted, they’ll do rooms of my house, I took it just yet. much and could slack in under an hour, which
their time in adult prisons. note of what could go. Just Hustling back to my of- off on bathroom detail? was pretty impressive, if
In Florida, the adult prisons are less prepared to walking into the garage, fice, I took a look around Maybe I should instead I do say so myself. The
deal with young offenders than the state’s juvenile my hair stood on end. and decided a glass of spread some of that effort purging, well, that will be
justice system. With yet-to-be-unpacked cold water would help me to the bedroom list. Again another story.
These kids, as the Southern Poverty Law Center
pointed out in a recent report, are “destined to YOUR VIEW
fail.”
Even though the state has created a Youthful
Offenders Program for people 14 to 24 where Soup Up the Arts a battling stage four colon Anderson Arms, Annett SeAnna Hornick, Roger
young people can be placed to ensure they’re kept success cancer and medical ex- Bus Lines, Dee’s Place, & Penny Decker, 1st
separate from more hardened adult prisoners, it’s penses while teaching at Bucket List Grill, Cracker Presbyterian Church,
inadequate to overcome the negative consequenc- Heartland Christian and Trail Elementary, Sebring LPE Art Club, Hot Orange
es of prison “institutionalization” and substandard On behalf of Sebring raising four children. Middle School, Hill-Gustat Studio, Beef O’ Brady’s,
education. High School’s Art Club This year the students Middle School, Lake Village Inn, Avila Plant
According to the report, “the educational and National Art Honor created over 800 hand- Placid Elementary, Avon & Nursery, Livingston
services they provide to children held in adult jails Society, we would cor- made bowls and deco- Park High School, Judy Family, Dimitri’s, Paver
are in most cases seriously deficient. For some dially like to thank our rated with a Hawaiian Nugent, Red Lobster, Outlet Plus, Mayworth
children, the services are virtually nonexistent. sponsors who made this luau theme. Many local Outback Steakhouse, Family, Reed Bowman,
Adult jails are simply not intended or equipped to year’s 17th annual Soup restaurants and individu- Taylor Rental, and and Charlotte Wilson.
house children.” Up the Arts a possibility. als donated soups, breads, Waypoints Financial, We would also like to
Although it’s bad for boys, it’s even worse for Because of the help and and desserts to make Victor Divietro. extend a special thanks
girls convicted as adults — they have even fewer support we received a great meal. Art Club Secondary sponsors to SHS Staff & Ervin, SHS
services. from the community, we and National Art Honor were Ruth VanDam, In Cafeteria, SHS Custodian,
No one knows that better than Kim Lawrance of raised over $13,000. This Society would like to Memory of Wesley Van Ms. Tina & Ms. Sandra
Winter Haven. money will go towards thank this year’s volun- Dam; Waypoint Financial, from SHS Cafeteria, Mae
Lawrance’s daughter, Taylor, was 15 when she three local families who teers and sponsors. John Clark; Sebring Lee Gilroy & SHS Culinary,
and four other teens committed a home invasion have urgent medical bills. Special thanks to our Florist; FUMC Family; Mrs. Paniagua, SHS Jazz
where they stole electronics and clothes. One Kurtz Family: Mr. and “Big Kahuna” sponsor, Mrs. Beck, Salon Suites; Band, Mr. Juliano and
of the teens was armed, so armed robbery was Mrs. Kurtz are taking care which was the First Wolf Family, Robert SMS Jazz Band, Syniah
added to Taylor’s conviction. of their grandchildren United Methodist Church and Janet King, Tom Edwards & K Pop Club,
Taylor, who in middle school was directed whose mother passed of Sebring. Griffin, Jean Brown LCE, Mrs. Sebring & Mrs.
toward the International Baccalaureate program, away. Mr. Kurtz is battling The Visionary Sponsors, Morgan Family, Manik Glover and Cracker Trail
was direct filed in Polk County and received 10 cancer and Mrs. Kurtz was our highest level, were Family, Patel Family, Elementary Art Club,
years in adult prison. recently diagnosed with Kristine Sebring, Noon Diane McIntosh, Olivia LPE Art Club, Mrs. Crisp,
She is currently behind bars in the Lowell a tumor. Pinkie Brown Rotary, Caddyshack, Flowers & Elliott, LP HCSB, Mrs. Persad SNL,
Correctional Institution for women in Marion Family: Mrs. Brown is MaeLee Gilroy, Olive Beef O’ Brady’s, Golden and Mrs. Decker. We are
County. helping take care of her Garden, Nutmeg’s Cafe, Corral, Smoke Shack, so grateful for all of the
Although Taylor, now 18, did earn a GED in grandchildren, one has a Sun N’ Lake Elementary, Jack VanDam, Sanchez help we received this year
prison at 16, there have been few other programs heart condition and the Chef Mac at the Palms of Lawn Care, Gilberts, and through the past
available to her. other has asthma while Sebring, Sebring Meats, Griffin’s Carpet Mart, SHS years. Soup Up the Arts
“They just shove them in a corner,” Lawrance also struggling to get a and Edward Jones: Alan Culinary, and CM Payne is possible through your
said regarding the treatment that youths like her new house built due to Holmes. and Son Inc. help and over the past 17
daughter receive in adult prison. their home being burned Primary sponsors Our Intermediate spon- years we have raised over
down in a fire. The last were Gift in Honor of sors were Lake Placid HS, $150,000.
Time to make changes family we are helping Mary Foley, Champion Ruby Tuesday, Siriano’s, Special students we
It’s obvious that the way Florida deals with its is the Bobo Family: The for Children, Chicanes, Cody’s Steakhouse, DQ would like to extend our
young offenders must be examined and reworked. head of the family of Panera Bread, Sonny BBQ, Grill and Chill, ABC thanks toward as well
It needs to be aimed at giving young offenders eight, mother Christie, is Alan Jay Automotive, Appliances, Mrs. Roth, LETTERS | 6
actual opportunities to turn their lives around and
become productive citizens.
They need individualized therapy. JOIN THE CONVERSATION
They need quality educational programs.
Letters are welcome on virtually any subject, but we do have some rules. We will not accept any Letters to the Editor that mention a business
They need life skills and a chance to become
in a negative tone, as they have no means to defend themselves. Please keep Letters to the Editor to less than 250 words. Letters will be edited
accustomed to real-world situations before they
to length as well as for grammar and spelling. All letters must be signed with full name – not initials. An address and telephone number must be
return to the community after incarceration.
included. The phone number and address are not for publication, but must be provided. In the case of letters that are emailed, the same rules
And Florida must look at the system of direct
apply.
filing children with the goal of decreasing the
Due to the number of letters received, we are able to run only four letters per person per month.
number of kids headed for adult prison.
The Letters to the Editor section is designed as a public forum for community discourse, and the opinions and statements made in letters are
Prison is no place for children.
solely those of the individual writers. The newspaper takes no responsibility for the content of these letters.
Please send or bring correspondence to the Highlands News-Sun, Letters to the Editor, 315 US 27 North Sebring, FL 33870, or fax to
An editorial from The Florida Times-Union in
863-385-1954. Readers may also email Letters to the Editor to [email protected].
Jacksonville.
A6 | HIGHLANDS NEWS-SUN | Thursday, April 5, 2018 www.highlandsnewssun.com
We are a republic
To all Senators and GUEST COLUMN to honor God. We need
Congressmen: Often to choose our represen-
Sam DeMarino
these days I keep wonder- tatives who have not
ing if you have forgotten forgotten that we trust in
whom you represent. the door for evil to score God. If our elected rep-
Our Founding Fathers a major victory as it took resentatives can’t respect
who established the hold of our country. By and support our Godly
foundation for this very eliminating first amend- beliefs, then we must
special government must ment rights, the dye vote them out of office.
be scratching their heads was cast. Unfortunately, It’s time for our leaders to
in disbelief. “Government Christians and Jews, truly lead, including our
for the people” in ac- subject to a law that religious leaders. We must
cordance with a deep canceled their tax-ex- vote for morality and
belief and trust in God is empt status, chose to throw political correct-
evaporating. say nothing. In essence, ness under the bus.
Our republic is being they chose “money” over For decades we have
shattered and torn by God. A country blessed tolerated ungodly laws,
elements known as the by God beyond any man’s enacted by unenlightened
progressive movement. imagination began to and immoral represen-
Our schools have been dismiss the meaning of tatives. It is time that our
on a downward spiral “In God We Trust.” religious leaders once
for decades. In 1962-63 A major concern of again lead and inform
the Supreme Court, mine centers around their flocks. They should
abrogated its job of religious leaders who be able to denounce
interpretation of the law allowed government representatives that
and made a new law that to sever God from our openly defy the word of
eliminated God from basic institutions. The God. We should and must
our Constitution. It then Founding Fathers had a not allow an unconstitu-
became illegal to pray deep and abiding faith in tional law to impede their
in schools. The Supreme God and believe this faith obligation to the faithful.
Court, by this single act, in God had to be perpet- As people of faith, we
became the new secular uated. This principle is should no longer endure
god of America. This one the cornerstone of our laws that prohibit our
act also took the Bible out rights to life, liberty, and religious leaders from
of our schools. And, there the pursuit of happiness. informing their con-
was not a single outcry Today’s government gregations on all issues
from our Senators or is gravitating toward that pertain to God and
Congressman. secularism, aimed at country. For decades
Separation of Church fragmenting and dividing we have allowed despot
and State and interpreta- these United States. unbelievers an open
tion of it to fit the liberal In years past, all people ended assault on the true
mindset became their coming to the United American way of life.
sole purpose to perpet- States metaphorically As a nation of faith, we
uate a secular agenda. were assimilated to should no longer allow
Attempting to supersede become one in union this amendment to stand.
the basic principles given with the citizenry of this God gave us this blessed
to us by our Founding nation. Today, Americans nation and we have a
Fathers, this secular aren’t united. We have moral responsibility to
government is perpetu- become a plethora of honor God. We offend our
ating socialism, or worse, self-centered demands. Creator when we know- Look for a third
a totalitarian form of rule Deep in our hearts, we ingly allow laws to stay
for America. know division will cause in effect that disrespect
crossword in
The birth of this evil our country to fail. As a God and his creation.
stems from the Johnson free nation, we must sup- Our failure to vote allows
Amendment of 1954. I port and demand that we the dark element of a the Sun Classified
ask, “How could our rep- are “One Nation Under destructive movement to
resentatives have allowed God.” We should follow prevail. section.
this catastrophic error the laws of our nation as
to occur?” In hindsight, long as the laws are en- Sam DeMarino is a
if our representatives acted under the dictates resident of Lake Placid.
had possessed any logic of our Constitution. Guest columns are the
and reason, they should Because of the Johnson opinion of the writer, not
have realized that this Amendment, we have for- necessarily that of the
Amendment would open gotten our responsibility Highlands News-Sun.
LETTERS
identified as distracted at driving? Because they
the time of the crash with think they’re driving safe.
10 percent resulting in In a 2014 survey, AAA
FROM PAGE 5
fatal crashes, 18 percent reported that more than
of injury crashes, and 16 half of drivers ages 65 to
are Kyla Hardy, Vaidehi percent of all police-re- 69 reported talking on
Persad, Samantha ported vehicle traffic the phone while driving
Lizotte, Olivia Flowers, crashes were reported at least once in the past
Vianey Gonzalez, Mariluz as distraction-affected month, and 12 percent of
Guzman, Mia Ashby, and crashes. those drivers do so reg-
SHS art classes as well as So how many senior ularly, making distracted
our wonderful teachers, drivers are there? There driving the numero uno
Steve VanDam and Jack are more then 40 million cause of car accidents.
VanDam. licensed senior drivers Caramba! It’s suggested
Shonda Hardy and many are outliving that seniors avoid busy
President, and their ability to drive areas and use an alter-
safely by an average nate route when possible,
Shaelyn Macool
of 7 to 10 years. Yikes, use the brake early (but
Vice President
that’s scary. Sure is, and not on the whole trip),
NAHS & Art Club they may not be Public know where your desti-
Enemy #1, but with the nation is located, stay in
exception of teen drivers, the slow lane (right) not
A suggestion for seniors have the highest all the lanes, make sure
crash death rate per mile your seat is adjusted so
safer driving
driven, even though they you can actually see over
drive fewer miles than the steering wheel not
Comedian George younger people. through it, and when all
Carlin once said “Have A number of factors else fails, get your grand-
you ever noticed that can make it challeng- children to drive you. Just
anybody driving slower ing for the “Silent be sure you’re buckled
then you is an idiot, Generation“ (1925-45) up for the joy ride, which
and anyone going faster and “Baby Boomers“ may involve some form
than you is a maniac.“ (1946-64) to drive, such of law-breaking such
Now that there was a as a natural decline in as speeding, reckless
joke, but according to vision and reaction time, endangerment, etc.!
several op-ed opinions which can contribute Jerry Wright
and Highlands News-Sun to errors behind the Avon Park
articles concerning the wheel. Also according to
disregard of the posted AAA, 50 percent of the
55 MPH speed limit on middle-aged population Smarter than both
U.S. 27, there must be a and 80 percent of people sides of the aisle
lot of maniacs resulting in their 70s suffer from
in the subsequent cause health problems that
of many accidents. can affect their ability to I just read the article
Admittedly speed drive safely, ranging from in Monday’s Highlands
could and may be a fac- arthritis restricting their News-Sun (4/2/18), “Gun
tor, and although I do not ability to grip and turn law raises questions
have Highlands County the steering wheel, to a about enforcement.” In
Sheriff’s Department limited range of motion, my letter to the editor
statistics to support my which makes turning, published 2/26/18, “Laws
theory, I would hazard a flexing and twisting need to be enforced,”
guess that the confused painful. These Don I pointed out this very
and disoriented drivers Knott stand-ins have problem with the knee-
are a bigger factor as they weaker muscles, making jerk reaction our gov-
do not appear to know if it difficult to press the ac- ernment is famous for. I
they are on foot or horse- celerator or brake, while guess this just proves I’m
back while looking for more than 75 percent age smarter than politicians
Publix, Walmart, or the 65 or older report using on both sides of the aisle?
early bird special restau- one or more medications Kind of scary, huh?
rant. A distraction-af- (opioids) and many Bill Thomas
fected crash is any crash suffer from dementia. Sebring
in which a driver was So why are they even
L S
www.highlandsnewssun.com Thursday, April 5, 2018 | HIGHLANDS NEWS-SUN | A7
OCAL PORTS
Details for 2019 12 Hours unveiled Winward/
HTP
WEC to hold 8-hour race beginning Friday afternoon
Motorsport
Special to Highlands News-Sun pitlane and paddock were agreed
very quickly,” said Gérard Neveu, set for a
Following an extremely CEO of the FIA World Endurance
productive and positive meet- Championship.
ing held recently between “We would like to sincerely
full season
the FIA World Endurance thank Scott Atherton and all his
Championship, IMSA and team at IMSA, Wayne Estes and
Sebring International Raceway his staff at Sebring Raceway for
organizations, some key changes the co-operation, flexibility and Special to Highlands
have been jointly agreed for the positive attitude they displayed News-Sun
2019 race weekend. throughout the recent week- Winward/HTP
“Everyone went in to the meet- end. We received a very warm Motorsport announced
ing with a willingness to find welcome, had many meetings that the No. 57 Sonic
a solution which worked well while in Florida, and a lot of the tools entry of team
ALLEN MOODY/STAFF for all of us, knowing that some logistical bumps have already owner, Bryce Ward
flexibility would be required on been smoothed out ready for the and Dutchman, Indy
The No. 85 JDC-Miller Motorsports Prototype races in the 12 Hours of Sebring.
both sides, and the key points
Dontje, will expand to
Plans for the 2019 race were released Wednesday.
such as the schedule and the 12HOURS | 8
a full season effort in
the GS Class of the 2018
Wildcats edge Red Devils IMSA Continental Tire
SportsCar Challenge.
The Houston based
team had originally
intended to run it’s third
AMG GT4 at four events
McKeel beats Avon Park in district baseball this season but after
encouraging results at
Daytona and Sebring
By JIM TAYLOR and with the pair lying
CORRESPONDENT fifth in points, it has been
decided to compete in all
AVON PARK – The Avon Park baseball
ten rounds and make run
team had its six-game winning streak
at the GS Championship
snapped on Tuesday night by Class
in the Sonic tools backed
5A-District 10 opponent McKeel Academy.
Mercedes.
The Wildcats scored early and held on for a
“Initially I wanted to
3-1 win over the Red Devils at Head Field.
have the experience of
The loss dropped Avon Park to 12-4-1 on
driving the four classic
the season and 4-1 in the district. McKeel
tracks of Daytona,
Academy improved to 11-6 overall and
Sebring, Watkins and
pulled into a tie for first place with a 4-1
Road Atlanta,” explained
district record.
Team Owner, Bryce Ward.
“We gave away too many at-bats,” said
“I was concerned that I
Avon Park Head Coach Whit Cornell. McKeel
would be stretching the
Academy did a good job putting the ball in
team too thin running
play early in the game and were
the full season but the
able to find some holes. The one
team has been absolutely
thing we have been able to do is
amazing and have given
come back and answer when the
Indy and myself a very
other team scores some runs,
competitive car,” he
tonight we did not do that.”
continued. Ward also
The Wildcats top four
explained how support
batters combined for
JIM TAYLOR/CORRESPONDENT from his family-run
all of McKeel’s nine
team made the decision
hits, seven of which Avon Park catcher Dalton Whitman reaches out to make the tag on McKeel Academy’s Xavier
to keep racing a simple
came in the first Martin during Tuesday night’s Class 5A-District 10 game at Head Field.
one. “The Mercedes is a
two innings and
into left field, though he was unable fantastic car to drive and
produced three
to make the throw to first. I have really enjoyed it.
runs.
Andrew Sundean followed with Thanks to Russell and the
McKeel started
a single into left field to drive in team’s encouragement it
the game with four
the Wildcats first run and Kavin was a very easy decision
straight hits in the first
Alexander doubled into left-cen- to commit to the full
inning. Blaine Wellslager
ter field to drive in another run season.”
flared a single into right field
to give McKeel a 2-0 lead. For Dutchman,
followed by an infield single
McKeel’s top of the lineup Dontje, the extension
by Cody Woodring deep
struck again in the second inning of his Continental Tire
in the hole to shortstop.
with two outs. Wellslager doubled SportsCar Challenge cam-
Avon Park’s short-
and later scored on a single by paign is an opportunity
stop was able to
Woodring to give the Wildcats a 3-0 to compete for a champi-
make the
lead after two innings. onship and an emphatic
back-
Dalton Whitman got the Red Devil’s vote of confidence for
hand
first hit in the bottom of the second his performances in
grab to
with a double into left-center the first two races of
prevent
field with one out, but would be the season. “I’m really
the ball
stranded as the next two batters happy to extend my race
from
struck out to end the inning. program with Bryce here
going
After giving up three runs on in the USA. I think we’re
seven hits in the first two innings, doing a great job in what
Avon Park’s Josh Rivera (24) is met at home plate by
Avon Park starter Corey Leech, who is an incredibly strong
Trent Lewis (12) and Gabe Gomez (1) after hitting a
pitched 3 innings and Josh Rivera the field and we really have
Avon Park shortstop Gabe Gomez makes the throw to first solo home run during Tuesday night’s game against
base during Tuesday’s game against McKeel Academy. BASEBALL | 8 McKeel Academy. IMSA | 8
Selkirk Sport re-signs Enrique Ruiz
El Condor remains part of Team Selkirk Advisory Staff
Special to Highlands News-Sun Complementing his continued Doubles, and Mixed Doubles
role with Team Selkirk, the competitions and a 3-time
Company has introduced the Gold Medalist in the presti-
Selkirk Sport, a leading man- Enrique Ruiz Signature Series gious Pickleball Tournament of
ufacturer of Pickleball paddles AMPED paddle, as part of its Champions.
and accessories, and one of new and innovative AMPED “Enrique Ruiz is a true
the game’s most prominent Series paddle line. The AMPED ambassador for the sport of
supporters, today announced Series promotes increased Pickleball and one the game’s
the re-signing of Pickleball power, better ball control, and all-time great players,” said
legend and 6-time National a larger sweetspot - the most Rob Barnes, Product Manager,
Champion, Enrique Ruiz, to critical benefits to maximize Selkirk Sport. “Enrique was one
the Team Selkirk Advisory Staff. performance for players of all of our original Team Selkirk
Ruiz, who resides in levels, while, the proprietary members and we created
Portland, Oregon and has FiberFlex Fiberglass face our popular Signature Series
served as an ambassador for and X5 Polypropylene core paddle program based on his
Selkirk Sport since 2014, is technology offer enhanced popularity and success. Today,
one of Professional Pickleball’s performance capabilities for that program stands out in the
COURTESY PHOTO
most accomplished players advanced Pickleball players. industry and we thank Enrique
and the first-ever Pickleball Known as “El Condor,” for Enrique Ruiz, a six-time national champion, re-signed as part of the Team for being a voice and a pioneer
player to have a signature his amazing ability to switch Selkirk advisory staff. for the game, and for Selkirk
series paddle, the Enrique Ruiz hands, and for his long wing- Sport.”
a lot of space on the Pickleball Open Champion, a national
Signature Epic Graphite – 2015. span which allows him to cover
PICKLE | 8
court, Ruiz is a 6-time National Gold Medalist in Singles, Men’s
A8 | HIGHLANDS NEWS-SUN | Thursday, April 5, 2018 www.highlandsnewssun.com
ALLEN MOODY/STAFF
COURTESY PHOTO
The No. 25 BMW Team RLL BMW races in last month’s 12 Hours of Sebring.
Selkirk Sport players won multiple titles at the Pickleball tournament in California last weekend.
12HOURS
unprecedented showcase visit to the notoriously
PICKLE
of sports car endurance challenging 3.74-mile
in the U.S. are intro- the game’s elite players.
racing for the fans — and (6.01 km) track for many
ducing Pickleball in Barnes adds, FROM PAGE 7
competitors in each of the WEC’s 36 full-sea-
grade school, junior “Pickleball today is as
FROM PAGE 7 championship.” son entrants to the Super
high school, and high popular as ever and as
WEC’s visit next year.” The IMSA Season, there will be an
school as part of phys- the sport continues to
Presented by IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar official WEC test day held
As a member of Team ical education classes. grow, the equipment
and the WEC, the March Championship’s 67th in the run up to the race
Selkirk, Ruiz is part Additionally, the sport market will continue to
13-16 event will feature Annual Mobil 1 Twelve weekend. A full sched-
of stable players who of Pickleball now stands evolve. As the paddle
more racing, more Hours of Sebring ule with more details
travel throughout North firmly alongside tennis remains the engine of
cars and a heightened presented by Advance will be released in due
America competing on as a recreational activity the game, Selkirk main-
experience for fans with Auto Parts will retain its course. This will be the
the professional circuit, at sports/fitness clubs tains an unwavering
the WEC’s 6th round of traditional place as the only time that the LMP1
while promoting the and at a collection of commitment to product
its Super Season now final race on the schedule prototypes, including
nation’s fastest growing leading resorts through- innovation, for both the
becoming the 1000 Miles (Saturday, March 16), the the two hybrid-powered
sport - which now boasts out North America. game’s elite players, like
of Sebring (or 8 hours, culmination of a truly Toyotas, will race on
over 2.8 million players. Pickleball has also Enrique Ruiz, as well as
whichever comes first) great weekend of racing North American soil in
Today, there are approx- exploded as a profes- for everyday recreational
and taking place on for all. 2019 and the anticipation
imately 5,000 Pickleball sional sport with local, players.”
Friday March 15 starting The WEC will make in the WEC paddock has
venues and an estimated regional, and national For more information
in the afternoon and use of a separate, newly already started to build.
15,000 courts covering tournaments taking on Selkirk Pickleball pad-
finishing at night. installed pit lane ad- “From the beginning,
every U.S. state and all place annually for men dles and accessories, as “The decisions jacent to the Ulmann we knew things would
Canadian provinces. and women of all ages, well as the Team Selkirk that came from our Straight thereby allowing be adjusted to make
As the sport contin- including junior divi- stable of Professional discussions with the a smoother, faster this work for the teams,
ues to gain popularity, sions, senior divisions Pickleball Ambassadors, WEC, FIA and track transition between on for the fans, and for the
many school districts and open divisions for visit www.selkirk.com. management promise to track sessions for the integrity of the 67th run-
make the 2019 Mobil 1 different championships. ning of the Mobil 1
Twelve Hours of Sebring The revised schedule Twelve Hours of Sebring
Presented by Advance will more comfortable presented by Advance
Auto Parts weekend an for spectators, corner Auto Parts,” said Sebring
absolute must for sports workers, media, teams International Raceway
car racing fans from and commercial part- General Manager Wayne
across North America ners, and will provide Estes. Today’s announce-
and around the world,” even more entertainment ment is the culmination
said IMSA President Scott for the fans. The WEC of a lot of work and
Atherton. “There has paddock will run con- cooperation among all
been a lot of speculation currently to the IMSA parties to produce the
surrounding the initial paddock – which remains best possible event for
announcement of this in its usual location — the world’s sports car
combined event, but towards Turn 16 and, as racing enthusiasts.”
we always believed we at all WEC races, will be Tickets are expected to
could all find solutions to open to fans. go on sale Aug. 1.
the many questions and As this will be a first
challenges that needed to
be addressed to host two
world-class events on
JAKE GALSTAD PHOTO
one weekend. And that’s LOOKING FOR
The No. 57 Winward Racing/HTP Motorsport Mercedes-AMG, GS at Sebring International Raceway. exactly what we did. In
SOMETHING?
the weeks and months
IMSA
believes in our partner- preparation ahead of ahead, we know this
ship and that he wants to him. spirit of cooperation will Find it in the CLASSIFIEDS!
continue with me for the “From now on I will continue as we complete
FROM PAGE 7
rest of the season.” be spending more time the process of planning
The expanded race in the simulator to learn what promises to be an
a chance to fight for the program means that all the tracks and ensure
Championship. It’s also the youngster from I’m fully prepared for the
great to see that Bryce Alkmaar has a lot more next race at Mid Ohio.”
BASEBALL
ended up being the final having a better approach
score. at the plate.”
“We only gave up three The Red Devils travel
FROM PAGE 7
runs and we should have to Tenoroc on Friday
won that game,” said in a district matchup
final four innings, held Cornell. “We have to get against the Titans. Avon
the Wildcats scoreless better quality at-bats. We Park will take on county
on just two hits over the just have to focus top to rival Sebring on Tuesday
next five innings. bottom of our lineup to night.
Despite this, the Red
Devils were not able to
mount any offense, ex-
cept off the bat of Rivera,
who blasted a solo home
run over the left-field
fence in the fourth inning
and singled in the sixth
to account for two of
Avon Park’s three hits.
Rivera’s home run in
the fourth inning made
the score 3-1, which also
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Thursday, April 5, 2018 CLASSIFIEDS, COMICS & PUZZLES INSIDE SECTION B
Miami Seaquarium Earth Day events
Special to Highlands when purchasing ticket Events, For Earth” will oceans, one pound at a
News-Sun online using promo take place at Hobie time. Happy hour will
code “earthday” at www. Beach, various dive begin at 6:30 p.m., the
To commemorate miamiseaquarium.com/ shops in Miami and lecture will begin at 7
Earth Day, Miami offers. Miami Seaquarium with p.m. and the clean-up
Seaquarium is hosting “Once again, we are the following activities: will follow. Pricing for
“Four Days, Four Events, thrilled to be celebrating ● Green Drinks/Beach this event is free. Drinks
For Earth” on April 19 Earth Day by hosting a clean-up with 4Ocean – will be provided free
through 22. In efforts series of special events Thursday, April 19 from of charge courtesy of
to inspire and educate at the park and encour- 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sombra Mezcal, a tequila
guests about ocean and aging participation in This will be a sunset company that is dedicat-
marine life conservation, protecting our planet,” happy hour/beach ed to sustainable practic-
the park’s Earth Day said Eric Eimstad, gen- clean-up at Hobie Beach, es. This is a BYOC (bring
celebration will feature eral manager at Miami adjacent to the park’s your own cup event).
a happy hour/beach Seaquarium. “As leaders parking lot. The happy ● 4earth Moana Movie
clean-up, a Moana in marine life preser- hour will include a short Festival– Friday, April 20
Movie Night, Lionfish vation, our educational and informative guest at 7:30 p.m.
derby, and a 4Earth events will showcase the lecture by 4Ocean, a The family-friendly
Block Party. In addition many areas of marine life 501c3 nonprofit that evening will showcase
to “Four Days, Four conversation that needs actively removes trash Disney’s Moana. Families
Events, For Earth,” Miami the community’s atten- from the ocean and may bring their own lawn
Seaquarium will offer 50 tion in a fun and unique coastlines while inspires chairs or blankets and
MIAMI SEAQUARIUM PHOTO
percent off admission fashion.” individuals to work
Miami Seaquarium will celebrate Earth Day April 19 to April 22. on Earth Day, April 22, “Four Days, Four together for cleaner MIAMI | 3
Universal moving to
‘Stranger
PETER W. CROSS/VISITFLORIDA PHOTO
Things’
The African Queen.
Special to Highlands News-Sun scenes, charac-
Top boat
ters and envi-
For the first time ronments from
ever, Universal Studios the mesmerizing
tours in Hollywood, Universal series.
Orlando Resort and Working col-
Universal Studios laboratively with
Singapore are partner- Netflix, along
Florida
ing with Netflix to bring with the creators
“Stranger Things” to life and executive
at this year’s “Halloween producer of the
BY BONNIE GROSS
VISITFLORIDA Horror Nights” events. blockbuster series
Fans of the series will get — Matt Duffer,
There’s no shortage of waterways to
explore and boat tours in Florida to the chance to brave the Ross Duffer and
enjoy.
Upside Down and con- Shawn Levy,
The first tourists in Florida arrived
front the supernatural as the mazes at
by boat — Juan Ponce de Leon and his
crew 500 years ago —and it’s still the each park debuts all-new Universal
best way to see the Sunshine State.
mazes inspired by sea- Studios
From a boat you can reach special
places where there are no roads and son one of the critical- Hollywood,
glimpse views you can’t see any other ly-acclaimed series. Universal
way. Some of the boats themselves are
The parallel uni- Orlando
one-of-a-kind attractions.
And there’s no shortage of waterways verse, referred to as Resort and
to explore — Florida has 1,800 miles the Upside Down, Universal
of coastline and 12,000 miles of rivers
that terrorized Studios
and streams.
While some visitors will rent kayaks the small town of Singapore
motor boats houseboats or sailboats Hawkins, Indiana will be au-
on a Florida vacation the easiest and
in Netflix’s me- thentic rep-
least expensive way to go is on a boat
tour and there are hundreds to choose ga-hit “Stranger resentations
from.
Things,” will of “Stranger
Here are some favorites that illus-
trate the variety of cruises available bring the chittering, Things,” designed to
around the state: predatory Demogorgon to transport guests into
● Cruise through Tarpon Springs to
“Halloween Horror Nights” artfully recreated scenes
a dazzling island
As early as 1890 Greeks came to to stalk unwitting guests and storylines. From
Tarpon Springs to dive for sponges. as they encounter iconic STRANGER 7
|
BOATS | 6
ZooTampa holding annual gala event
Special to Highlands preserving our most proud to be leaders in
News-Sun precious natural resourc- caring for Florida wildlife
es. The Zoo is thrilled to and it’s important that
Karamu: Step into have Andrew and Emily we learn about Florida
the Wild, the presti- Wright as co-chairs for panthers and how we
gious annual gala at this year’s gala. can save these critically
ZooTampa at Lowry “Emily and I are proud endangered animals,”
Park, returns Saturday, of this great resource said ZooTampa at Lowry
April 7 with a lavish and based here in Tampa. Park’s CEO Joe Couceiro.
wild evening inspired We know how much our “Every ticket and dona-
by Florida’s lush fauna three girls treasure their tion helps save a Florida
and endangered Florida experiences at the zoo, panther and provides the
panthers. In its 30th and are amazed at all the Zoo resources to con-
year, Karamu immerses educational opportuni- tinue to rescue, rehabil-
guests into the Florida ties ZooTampa provides itate and release these
wilds and the world to hundreds of thou- incredible animals.”
of mysterious Florida sands of children all year Since 1988, ZooTampa
panthers. Attendees long. And with a fourth has rescued and reha-
will be surrounded by girl on the way we are bilitated 13 endangered
vibrant greens and golds committed to supporting Florida panthers, seven
to mimic Florida’s rich ZooTampa’s goals,” said within the last six years.
landscape. Funds raised Andrew Wright, CEO of With the help of gen-
at Karamu support Franklin Street. erous donors, the Zoo
the Zoo’s conservation “ZooTampa is thank- continues to expand
and education pro- ful for the support of its capacity to provide
ZOOTAMPA AT LOWRY PARK PHOTO
grams along with the community leaders such
Zoo’s commitment to as Mr. Wright. We are GALA | 3 Karamu: Step into the Wild, the prestigious annual gala for ZooTampa, returns Saturday.
B2 | HIGHLANDS NEWS-SUN | Thursday, April 5, 2018 www.highlandsnewssun.com
Family fun

in Central Florida
Your Guide To
What’s Going On
Genealogy Society
The Highlands County Genealogy
Society will meet at 2 p.m. on the first
Thursday of each month in the cham-
ber of commerce meeting room, U.S.
27 N. in the Fountain Plaza. Everyone
is welcome. For more information,
call 863-253-0773. The next meeting
will be on Thursday, April 5.
Highlands PEO Group to meet
Active P.E.O. members are invited to
attend a salad luncheon and program WEEKIWACHEE.COM
at noon Thursday, April 5, at the home The mermaid mystery

of Elaine Becker. For information, call
863-402-4655.
Your kids won’t stop talking about seeing the real-life mermaids at Weeki Wachee
Hope for Justice event Springs State Park, about 50 miles north of Tampa. The mermaid show is one of Florida’s
The Genesis Center will host a human oldest and most quirky attractions. Besides the mermaid extravaganza, there are wildlife
trafficking event at 7 p.m. Saturday, shows with animal handlers and a river cruise on a pontoon boat that gets you out into
April 7, at 218 E. Belleview St. in Lake Real Florida.
Placid. Sponsored by First Presbyte- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
rian Church of Lake Placid, Highlands 6131 Commercial Way
County Sheriff’s Office and Hope for Spring Hill
Justice. Amy’s School of Dance will 352-592-5656
perform and Kids ID kits will be avail-
able. For information, call 863-287-
Meet
3661 or visit genesiscenterlp.com.
gentle
Republicans Rock N Roll
The Highlands County Republican
giants
Executive Committee invites everyone
to the Republican Rock N Roll show
Thursday, April 19 at the Genesis Cen- Drive a bit farther
ter, 218 Belleview St. in Lake Placid. north from Weeki
Candidate meet and greet at Wachee and the fam-
5 p.m. Pep rally and dinner at 6 p.m. ily will be in Crystal
Sock Hop at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50.
River. This is ground
Live music by the Lee Allcorn Band.
zero of manatee ob-
Wear your best 1950s and 1960s attire.
servation, an experi-
highlandscounty.gop/events. BILL SERNE FOR VISIT FLORIDA
ence that is as Florida
Snorkelers swim near a manatee near the main spring in Kings Bay, Crystal River.
Walker Academy Band as a grouper sandwich
to perform at the beach. The
gentle sea cows congregate here mostly in the winter so if you’re down to visit the grand-
The Friends of the Lake Placid Me-
parents, this is a memorable family friendly stop. There are many outfitters that offer
morial Library announce a free per-
boat excursions to get closer or to even swim with the manatees. For landlubbers, there
formance by Walker Academy Fire
are observation boardwalks in various places.
“N” Steel Band in Marie’s Garden at
Discover Crystal River
the Lake Placid Memorial Library at
Online: discovercrystalriverfl.com
2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at 205 W.
Interlake Blvd.
Meet a celebrity dolphin
Escape to Kokomo
Ridge Area Arc and Waypoints Finan-
cial invite you to Escape to Kokomo Winter, the star of the movie “Dolphin Tale,”
from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at lives at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Island View Restaurant at Sun ‘N Lake. Imagine how fun it will be for your children
Free margaritas and beer. Cash bar. to see the friendly bottlenose dolphin that
Caribbean buffet. Music by California was fitted with a prosthetic tail after losing
Toe Jam Band. Raffles and silent auc- hers when it was entangled in a crab trap.
tion. Tickets are $50 per person. RSVP Watch the movie before your visit. There is
by April 10. For Information or tickets, regular meet-and-greets with Winter at the
call Rhonda Beckman at 863-452-1295 aquarium plus other exhibition and activities.
or [email protected]. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater
Charity Tea Party & Purse Auction
727-441-1790
The GFWC Lake Placid Junior Wom-
Online: seewinter.com
an’s Club will have a Mad Hatter Tea
Party and purse auction from 1-4 p.m.
Saturday, April 21 at 10 N. Main Ave. in
Take a wild ride
Lake Placid. Tickets are $15. For infor-
mation, call 863-835-2419.
The Safari Wilderness Ranch just of
LP Art League members exhibit
north of Lakeland takes visitors on an
The Lake Placid Art League will pres-
excursion over a 260-acre facility. Visi-
ent a members exhibit of painting,
tors can hop aboard specially outfitted
sculpture, jewelry and mixed media
vehicles that hold up to 20 passengers or
from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April 22 at 127
visitors can traverse the area on camels.
Dal Hall Blvd. in Lake Placid. Free to
There are also kayak tours, too. Safari
the public and refreshments served.
Wilderness, in the middle of the Green
Italian Night Dinner Swamp, is home to the second-largest
Forty and Eight Voiture 899 will spon- collection of Oryx in North America and
sor an Italian Night Dinner at VFW two of the largest herds of water buffalo
Post 9853 from 4:30-6 p.m. Friday, and defassa waterbuck. Other animals
April 22, at the VFW Post 9853 in Avon on the trail are free-roaming lemurs,
Park. Cost is $8 and includes meat la- cattle, zebra, fainting goats, ostriches
sagna, salad, garlic bread and Boston and llamas.
cream pie. Everyone welcome. Music The Safari Wilderness Ranch
provided. Proceeds benefit Voiture’s 10850 Moore Road, Lakeland
programs to help veterans. Reservations: 1-888-326-1458
Online: safariwilderness.com