Communication Builds Our Community

Articles from the September 22, 2021 edition


Sorted by date  Results 1 - 25 of 35

  • an aerial view of the development site

    More than 8,000 New Dwellings Planned in Lake Wales

    Robert Connors|Updated Oct 6, 2021

    Plans and proposals for new housing developments in Lake Wales have come in waves during 2021 and show no sign of abating. More than 8,300 new dwellings are now "visible" on the planning documents at the City of Lake Wales Development Services. Those residences are likely to house more than 23,000 new citizens, an expected population increase of some 140%. "Everybody wants to come where we are," said City Commissioner Robin Gibson, when asked about the growth spurt. "It's a...

  • Lake Wales High School Marks Annual Homecoming

    Robert Connors|Updated Oct 2, 2021

    The small-town spirit shone through in Lake Wales Thursday as a thousand spectators gathered to watch the annual Homecoming Parade organized by the students of Lake Wales High School. Representatives of area elementary schools and cheer clubs also participating in the show, one of the events marking the special week in the school year. Each class in the school placed and entry in the parade, as did several of the school's athletic teams including the soccer, football,...

  • Highlanders Drop Naples, Win Homecoming Game

    Robert Connors|Updated Sep 29, 2021

    After being stymied by the stout defense of the Naples Trojans for most of the first half, the Lake Wales Highlander eleven found the winning formula in the second half, opening with four straight touchdowns to chalk up a 32-0 victory Friday night in front of a Homecoming crowd at Legion Field. With the win the Highlanders advance to 3-1 on the season as they face their first district for next Friday night when they host Melbourne Eau Gallie. Senior RB sensation Marquish...

  • Construction Delays Mean Commuter Headaches

    Tom Paulson - City Editor|Updated Sep 28, 2021

    A Polk County bridge replacement project is keeping Walk In Water Road east of Lake Wales closed until early November. Crews are working to complete the new span over Tiger Creek and rebuild the roadway approaches, Polk County officials said today. The $1.63 million project was originally scheduled to be completed this month. Residents of the area are finding the blockage to be a major inconvenience, and adding many miles to commutes for those working or shopping on the opposite side of the bridge project. Residents south of...

  • photo of AdventHealth Lake Wales Medical center

    AdventHealth Issues Update of Covid-19 Status

    Advent Health Communications|Updated Sep 28, 2021

    AdventHealth's COVID-19 patient census continued to drop this week to about 660 patients hospitalized across our hospitals in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Polk, Lake, Volusia and Flagler counties. This figure is less than 50% of the level of inpatient hospitalizations we saw at the height of the Delta surge in August of about 1,700 hospitalized patients. AdventHealth continues to operate under "Green Status" or normal operations. "This slow, but steady decline in new admissions...

  • New Lake Wales Community Calendar a Game-Changer

    Tom Paulson - City Editor|Updated Sep 28, 2021

    Every civic club, church, and sponsoring organization in Lake Wales is invited to take advantage of the free advertising available for their events, meetings, and services simply by clicking a link. "This is rather a game-changer for the community," said News.Net City Editor Tom Paulson. "We're really glad to offer this as an alternative to the multiple and confusing calendars that are offered on several other local websites." The Community Calendar can be seen by Clicking a...

  • Aaron "Glenn" Johnson, 1951-2021

    Updated Sep 25, 2021

    Aaron "Glenn" Johnson of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Advent Health Orlando. He was born December 27, 1951 in Winter Haven to the late Ted and Mae Johnson. Glenn was a self-employed musician and was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard. He was a talented guitar player, singer, and songwriter whose music touched the lives of anyone who had the privilege to hear his music. Throughout his musical career he was a member of "Open Range...

  • Johnnie Julius Stokes, 1951-2021

    Updated Sep 25, 2021

    Johnnie Julius Stokes of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Advent Health Lake Wales. He was born February 19, 1951 in Lake Wales to the late Vernon and Loise Stokes. Johnnie the business owner of a fence building company. He enjoyed fishing and was the last American cowboy. He loved spending time with his grandson Milo and other grandchildren. Johnnie was preceded in death by his sister, Rhonda. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Arlene Stokes;...

  • Grace Nicole Ensey, 2005-2021

    Updated Sep 25, 2021

    Grace Nicole Ensey of Lake Wales went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, September 23, 2021 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born August 5, 2005, in Haines City. Grace had the faith and witnessing of an angel. She loved music, dancing, and singing. She touched so many lives that we may never know. Grace is survived by her parents, Wesley and Stacey Nicole Ensey of Lake Wales; sisters, Correy Cordle of Lake Wales, and Savannah Taylor of Virginia;...

  • Smart Lunches for Kids Reduce Food Waste

    Dr. Jean Buzby|Updated Sep 24, 2021

    (NAPSI)-It's estimated that a family of four spends, on average, $1,500 a year on food that goes uneaten-but you can help save food and money and improve your kids' health. As kids go back to school, these six easy tips can help you reduce food waste in your child's packed lunch. Lunch Packing Tips And Stats 1. Get your children's input on what they like. Avoid "wish packing" foods that your child won't eat at home as these foods will likely be discarded at school. If clementi...

  • Dental Sealants Can Cut Kids' Cavity Risk 80 Percent

    Updated Sep 24, 2021

    (NAPSI)-Parents can help their children practically eliminate their chance of getting cavities, often at no cost-yet they don't. Here's a closer look at this conundrum: Be Smart About Sealants Beyond daily brushing and flossing, dental sealants have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cavities in kids-yet the clear protective coatings, which work by filling the deep grooves where bacteria can accumulate-remain largely underused. The thin, slippery coating applied...

  • New Surgeon General shakes up school COVID protocols and leaves Constitutional questions unanswered

    Danielle J. Brown, Florida Phoenix|Updated Sep 24, 2021

    In a dramatic turnabout involving Florida’s new surgeon general, the state Department of Health has created a new COVID-19 related emergency rule that allows parents to keep kids in school even if they have been exposed to the virus. Previously, students would have to quarantine at home for a certain time period before going back to school, raising Constitutional questions about who controls public schools — the executive branch, local school boards or parents. New Sur...

  • Millions in Grants Offered to Polk Organizations

    Tom Paulson|Updated Sep 24, 2021

    A variety of area organizations including those providing support for the impacts of Covid-19 in our communities are now eligible to receive American Rescue Act funds made available by Congress and the President to speed recovery from the effects of the pandemic. UPDATE: The County has issued a modification to the American Rescue Plan application process that will require those seeking funding to request an application be sent to them. To be considered for a portion of the...

  • Zandina Cannon, 1953-2021

    Updated Sep 23, 2021

    Zandina Cannon, 68 of Lake Wales, died at Good Shepherd Hospice in Sebring, Florida. Born in Trinidad. Graveside Service: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Lake Wales Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 581 Hunt Brothers Road, Lake Wales. A mask is Required....

  • James Bernis Wood, 1927-2021

    Updated Sep 23, 2021

    James Bernis Wood of Frostproof FL went home to be with his Lord on September 21, 2021. Born on August 11, 1927 he was 94 years old. He was a young boy when our nation entered the Great Depression. While working at a gasoline station at the age of 12 gas spilled on his pants leg. It was a bitter cold day. He went inside to warm by the fire and his pants Ignited. By the grace of God and the healing hands of a loving aunt he was able to walk again one year later. He was indeed a...

  • James Hannon, 1934-2021

    Updated Sep 23, 2021

    James Hannon of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Advent Health Lake Wales. He was born March 13, 1934 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to the late Edward and Edna Hannon; he moved to Lake Wales from Lima, Ohio in 1998. James was a retired superintendent for Ford Motor Company. He was a member of the engineer's club, the Bass Masters, and was a former president who organized the Lake Resort Citizens Assisted Patrol of Saddlebag. He was an avid fisherman,...

  • Seal of the House of Representatives

    Congressman Darren Soto Accepting Nominations to Service Academies

    News.Net Staff|Updated Sep 23, 2021

    Applications to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, The US Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, the US Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, are due October 1. Congressman Darren Soto (FL-9) representing the Lake Wales area is eager to receive and review applications and select his nominees for appointment to the coveted scholarships. Members of Congress may nominate candidates...

  • David Dlugokecki presents the Dyer Difference Award to Stephanie Fitzgerald

    Ducks Unlimited Receives Dyer Award

    Wendy Dwyer|Updated Sep 23, 2021

    When it comes to conservation, restoration, and management of North America's wetlands and waterfowl habitats, there is little that can compare with Ducks Unlimited. The grassroots organization, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary, works tirelessly using research, biology, and common sense to help conserve wetlands and the waterfowl who inhabit them. While this is wonderful for the waterfowl, all of humanity also benefits from the efforts of the conservationists and...

  • Ronald N. Mathias, 1955-2021

    Updated Sep 22, 2021

    Ronald N. Mathias passed away Monday, September 20, 2021 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale. He was born August 20, 1955 in Tampa. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Ronald is survived by his daughter, Sandra Harris (Jesus Vargas) of Lake Wales; sister, Cathy McKinley of Tampa; brother, Ricky Adams of Lakeland; and grandchildren, Kiarra Lucas, Alexandria Reaves, and Dylan Becton. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m....

  • Mertice Bettina Stokes, 1964-2021

    Updated Sep 22, 2021

    Mertice Bettina Stokes of Jacksonville went home to be with the Lord on September 3rd at St. Vincent Riverside Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born April 9, 1964, in Lake Wales to John C. and Mertice W. Fehringer. She was a devoted wife and homemaker and was a member of Evangel Assembly of God in Jacksonville. She also loved being a part of her childhood church, Impact, when visiting Lake Wales. Tina realized her passion for children very early in life, especially...

  • Carolyn E. Johnson, 1940-2021

    Updated Sep 22, 2021

    Carolyn E. Johnson of Lake Wales passed away Monday, September 20, 2021 at the Braden River Rehabilitation Center. She was born August 6, 1940 in Staten Island, New York to the late Charles and Esther Kosa; she has been a resident of Lake Wales since 1994. She was a retired secretary and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Johnson. No services are scheduled at this time....

  • Lakes Education Action Drive Works to Protect Area Water Resources

    Updated Sep 22, 2021

    The Lakes Education Action Drive (LEAD) Board of Directors recently met to select leadership for the upcoming year and consider adoption of their 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Budget. "While COVID-19 affected us all," said LEAD Executive Director Danny Kushmer, "many programs were cancelled. LEAD was able to finish the year financially sound." The group has served Polk County for more than 30 years and is responsible for the many familiar blue signs on storm drains reminding...

  • a gopher tortoise peers from its burrow

    FWC Seeks Landowners to Help with Gopher Tortoise Conservation

    Updated Sep 22, 2021

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking landowners to help with gopher tortoise conservation efforts as part of the agency's Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Program. The program benefits landowners and tortoises and is compatible with other land uses, such as hunting and wetland mitigation. The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Program provides landowners with an opportunity to generate additional revenue from their lands, as the landowner may...

  • Supervisor of Elections to Conduct Voter Registration Drive

    Betsy Cleveland|Updated Sep 22, 2021

    The Polk County Supervisor of Elections will join in a nationwide effort to register voters on Tuesday, September 28th in celebration of National Voter Registration Day. Registration tables will be available at seven locations around Polk County. New voters will have the opportunity to register to vote, and current voters will be able to update their record if they have moved, or changed their name. October 4th is the deadline to register to vote in Polk County’s November 2nd Municipal Elections in Fort Meade, Lakeland and W...

  • Freddie Robie, 1942-2021

    Updated Sep 22, 2021

    Freddie Robie, 79 of Lake Wales, died at Advent Health Hospital, Lake Wales under Vitas Hospice Care....

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