Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the January 26, 2022 edition


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  • Lake Wales Artist Sought for Huge Project Grant

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Feb 10, 2022
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    Beautifying Lake Wales has been a theme of multiple efforts for more than a year, and the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency has now offered a new twist. The CRA is actively seeking proposals to create a huge outdoor mural using the underpass of Scenic Highway below SR 60. The four-lane bridge offers more than 3,000 square feet of concrete "canvas" for an ambitious artist. The announcement seeks a "talented, experienced and original artist." The offer includes a...

  • Norma Jean Rattey, 1931-2022

    Lake Wales News.Net|Updated Feb 3, 2022

    Norma Jean Rattey of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Norma was born in Lyons, NY on October 17, 1931, to the late George and Mabel Hall. Norma was the proud owner of Al's Place for 30 years, a well-known restaurant in Lake Wales, with her husband of 42 years; Albert Lionel Rattey Jr. Norma tended bar and would always greet her customers with a smiling face while her husband Al was the cook. Norma enjoyed listening to the big band music that her husband...

  • David Hazlett, 05/13/1933 – 12/24/2021

    Lake Wales News.Net|Updated Feb 3, 2022

    David Hazlett was born and raised in Northville Michigan, to Beatrice and Percy Hazlett, the sixth of seven children. They were a close family and he spoke lovingly of them often, making sure to keep in touch across the time and distance. David met his future wife Ellen Pearl Stark while attending Northville High School, before enlisting in the US Army. David and Ellen married in Northville and lived the Military life for a few years, moving to Virginia and giving birth to...

  • Patsy Lue Harris, 1921-2022

    Lake Wales News.Net|Updated Feb 3, 2022

    Patsy Lue Harris, age 100, of Bartow, FL, died Monday, January 17, 2022, at home. She is survived by four daughters: Sally Childs, Lakeland, FL, Betty Harris, Bartow, FL, Josephine Battle, Bartow, FL, Claretha (John) McGill, Bartow, FL; two sons: Walter (Robbie) Harris, Suisun City, CA, John (Zelma) Harris, Bartow, FL; 18 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 41 great great grandchildren, and 5 great great great grandchildren. Viewing will take place at Gause Funeral Home,...

  • New Traffic Light Planned for Scenic Highway at Mountain Lake Road

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Feb 2, 2022

    A dangerous and often congested intersection of Scenic Highway and Mountain Lake Road on the near north side of Lake Wales is expected to become a bit safer after the Florida Department of Transportation completes the installation of a traffic signal. Traffic is frequently backed for left turns from northbound Scenic to westbound Mountain Lake, while left turns onto northbound Scenic are even more difficult. Protected left turns are expected to be a feature of the new signal....

  • Aaron Tippin to Headline Lake Wales Concert

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Feb 2, 2022

    The Junior League of Lake Wales is kicking off their organizational efforts with a splash as they host country music star Aaron Tippin, who will headline a musical performance and aerial demonstration at a benefit performance on Saturday, February 12. Tippin is a well-known country artist with a musical career spanning twenty-five years who will be performing with the Aaron Tippin Trio, as well as the Tippin Family Trio with his wife Thea and son Tom. The event will take...

  • How Lake Wales is Affected by the Chinese Winter Olympics

    Chet Gladkowski, Contributing Writer|Updated Feb 2, 2022

    Even though the 2022 Olympics are on the other side of the globe, decisions made by governments, sponsors, and media organizations will be seen and felt here in Polk County The Olympics used to be a happy, friendly, celebration of amateur athletics. It was all about the games themselves and the great, human stories behind the athletes. Who can forget the fantastic story behind the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team that was loosely portrayed in the movie, Cool Runnings (1). But for...

  • City Development Services Adds Staff to Keep Up With Surge in Proposals

    Brian Ackley|Updated Jan 26, 2022

    The year just ended saw a wave of filings for growth projects in the city, with more than a dozen subdivision, townhome and apartment complex proposals now on the books. The new year has begun at the same frenetic pace, but the City of Lake Wales Development Services Director Mark J. Bennett is expanding his team to support the unprecedented amount of development. In order to meet current demand, and in anticipation of more projects being added to the growing workload,...

  • City, Civic Groups Plan Celebration of Olmsted Heritage Parks

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Jan 26, 2022

    A "family fun event" this spring will recognize the legendary figure who created the city's original streetscapes, as well as Bok Tower Gardens and Mountain Lake. The all-day event will feature bands, food, games and contests, awards, plus plant and vendor sales. "Olmsted Day in the Park" will be held April 30 in Lake Wailes Park, part of a nationwide celebration in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed many of America's most...

  • Election Workers Sought to Assist in Voting Process

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Jan 26, 2022

    Multiple paid positions are open to help run the elections process in Polk County this election year, according to Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards. Polk County residents are invited to apply to become election workers during an informational meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 2nd. "These are paid positions working at polling places on Election Day," explained Edwards. The informational meeting will be held beginning at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 2nd at the...

  • Lake Wales Mardi Gras Expected to Draw Tens of Thousands to City

    News Staff|Updated Jan 26, 2022

    The Carnival season has returned to Lake Wales, and the annual Mardi Gras event is once again expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators and participants to a zany and colorful parade, and a dynamic two day line-up of musical entertainment on the shores of Lake Wailes. After a hiatus in 2021 due to the global pandemic, Mardi Gras organizers promise a strong rebound, with floats, beads, live music, food, and spirits. A Lake Wales tradition dating back to 1984, The Mardi...

  • Autumn Cochella Earns Certification As City Planner

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Jan 24, 2022

    It took only a few months working in the Development Services Division at the City of Lake Wales for Autumn Cochella to realize she had found her passion and a life-long career path. After six years on the job she recently earned a coveted certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners. "This is my hometown," Cochella said. "I get it. The responsibility is more personal because I care on a different level. She stepped into the role in a bigger way recently...