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Brush fire prompts home evacuations in Alturas

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Brush fire prompts home evacuations in Alturas
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BARTOW, Fla. (February 21, 2017) – Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched at 2:11 p.m. to a brush fire near residential homes. Seven homes near 6974 Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road in Alturas were evacuated. The fire grew to approximately a half acre and was approximately 25 feet away from one of the homes.
 
Firefighters worked quickly to stop the fire from spreading to the homes. Crews had a hard time reaching the fire because it was in a thick wooded area. A gooseneck trailer was damaged, but firefighters were able to protect the homes and vehicles.
 
Bartow Fire Department, Ft. Meade Fire Department and the Florida Forest Service assisted Polk County Fire Rescue bring the fire under control. The fire was brought under control at 3:13 p.m.

Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center –Citrus Label Tour Dedication February 28th

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Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center –Citrus Label Tour Dedication

When: Tuesday, February 28th

Address: 325 S. Scenic Highway, Lake Wales Florida 33853

Time: 3pm

Admission: Free

citrus-label-tour

The Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center is excited to announce the dedication of our crate label banners on Tuesday, February 28th at 3pm at the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center. A partnership between the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, Visit Central Florida and the Polk County History Center’s History and Heritage Trail inspired the creation of the Citrus Label Tour of Polk County. We are happy to become another spot on this historic tour. Join us as we dedicate our labels which highlight the crate label designs of the Lake Wales Citrus Growers Association.

For more information, contact the Museum at: 863.676.1759 or follow us on

Twitter: @LWDepot_Museum

Facebook: Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center

Instagram: LWDepot_Museum

Website: Lakewalesmuseum.org

Update on Overturn Vehicle Accident on SR 60 Near Jay Bee’s Restaurant Yesterday

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Update on Overturn Vehicle Accident on SR 60 Near Jay Bee’s Restaurant Yesterday

It was a single vehicle accident.  The truck rotated and landed on its roof.

Sarah Hancock and Kaylee Belcher were the only two occupants in the vehicle and both escaped with minor injuries and are expect to make a full recovery.

Be Alert and Drive Safe!

 

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Parents Plan To Hold Protest As Officials Discuss Middle School Portion Of Roosevelt Academy

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Lake Wales, Florida – “This is going to be our one and only shot for them to hear us!” these are the words on the facebook event page for Save Roosevelt Middle School Peaceful Protest .  Local parents say they will be at the school on February 21, 2017 at 12:30pm which will be about an hour before state and local education officials convene a meeting at the school. The school is located at

Recently parents were told that the middle school portion of the school would not be accepting 6th graders. When inquired to who made this decision no one has taken responsibility. According to a recent article in the Lakeland Ledger  the county and the state were pointing fingers at each other on who was responsible. Recently the decision to allow 6th graders for the 2017 – 2018 school year. However parents want to know that the school will be protected in the future. The current option is to have students transported to Denison Middle School in Winter Haven.

The school which has been in existence since 1937 is currently home to 6-12 graders, many of whom are exceptional student education (ESE). The purpose of ESE is to help each child with a disability progress in school and prepare for life after school. ESE services include specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of the child.

Some of this has to from fallout of a 2014 decision made by the state to stop Special Diploma’s for students with learning disabilities. A decision that has not sat well with teachers or parents.

Special diplomas were available to students with disabilities who are not able to meet the requirements for a standard diploma. The State of Florida provides general guidelines for special diploma options. This however changed in 2014.

 

UPDATE: DCF Social Worker Booked In Polk County Jail for Trafficking Heroin and Cocaine

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Laymeshia Hicks was booked into the Polk County Jail last night for:

Trafficking in Heroin (no bond until First Appearance)
Trafficking in Cocaine (no bond until First Appearance)
Maintaining Structure for Drug Use ($5,000 bond)
Possession of Paraphernalia ($500 bond)

She has also been placed on a NEBBIA Hold (if inmate is being bonded out, inmate must prove bond is being paid by funds not acquired through illegal means).

Her fiance 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott is still at large.

UPDATE: Laymeshia Hicks turned herself in around 5:45 this evening. She will be booked into the Polk County Jail tonight.

Her fiance 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott is still at large.

They are both charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia.

Deputies seek 25-year-old DCF worker and fiancé for drug trafficking charges
Arrest warrants have been obtained by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives for two Mulberry residents, 25-year old Laymeshia Hicks and her fiancé 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott. They are charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia. Hicks was employed by the Department of Children and Families as a Child Protection Investigator prior to discovery of the probable cause established in the arrest warrant. Hicks has since been fired from DCF.
 
The charges stem from an investigation into a reported armed home invasion at their home in Mulberry on Friday, February 17, 2017. Deputies responded to the scene and discovered trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the home.
 
According to two victims (nephews of Scott, a 16-y-o and 18-y-o) who were at home at the time of the armed home invasion (Hicks and Scott were not home at the time), two black male suspects armed with handguns forced their way into the home and ransacked the residence. No one was injured. The suspects then fled in an unknown direction. The suspects are described as follows: suspect one is a black male, approximately 5’11”- 6’01” tall, skinny build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a camouflage-style sweatshirt and pants, black mask with a skull face, black shoes and gloves; suspect two is a black male, approximately 5’10″tall, husky build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a red/orange hooded sweatshirt, gray pants, black shoes, black bandana, gray skull cap, and black gloves.
 
When robbery detectives arrived on scene to investigate they searched and found trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the master bedroom. The total weight of the heroin is 68.9 grams and the total weight of the cocaine is 288 grams.
 
Through their investigation, detectives learned that Hicks and her fiancé Scott live in the master bedroom of the home. Two children also lived in the home, Hicks’ 3-year-old child, and Scott’s 16-year-old nephew. Scott responded to the residence during the investigation and later left. Detectives subsequently contacted Scott and Hicks by phone, but they refused to meet or speak with detectives.
 
Arrest warrants have been obtained charging both suspects with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
 
“Laymeshia Hicks should be ashamed of herself-this is the farthest thing I can imagine from ‘protecting children.’ She needs to turn herself in and take responsibility for her actions.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff
 
See below for pictures of Hicks, Scott, and the two home invasion suspects.
If you have information about the whereabouts of these suspects, please contact PCSO at 863-298-6200. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. \
suspects
 Suspects 

 hicksscott

Laymeshia Hicks            Xzaiveous Scott
 

Update: CR 630 E Fire – February 20th

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Update: CR 630 E Fire – Feb. 20
 
BARTOW, Fla. (February 20, 2017) – The CR 630 Fire is now 85 percent contained and Polk County Fire Rescue crews are no longer standing by at the scene. On Sunday and Monday, Polk County Fire Rescue did not respond to any events outside of routine patrols in the Indian Lake Estates area.
 
Polk County Fire Rescue station 960, which is located at 6221 Hogan Lane in Indian Lake Estates, has extra staff and a brush truck.
 
The forestry service advised Polk Fire that over the next week or two, unburned tops from fire-damaged trees will begin to fall. This will likely create an after burn and flare-ups. Polk Fire crews are ready to respond should this occur.
 
The Florida Forest Service has mapped the fire to have affected 5,600 acres, but is expecting that number to be greater after another analysis.
 
The Florida Highway Patrol will continue to have increased patrols on State Road 60 and County Road 630. The roads will be shut down if dense fog develops. Motorist should stay alert and drive carefully, especially early in the morning.

Deputies seek 25-year-old DCF worker and fiancé for drug trafficking charges

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UPDATE: Laymeshia Hicks turned herself in around 5:45 this evening. She will be booked into the Polk County Jail tonight.

Her fianc 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott is still at large.

They are both charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia.

 

 

Deputies seek 25-year-old DCF worker and fiancé for drug trafficking charges
Arrest warrants have been obtained by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives for two Mulberry residents, 25-year old Laymeshia Hicks and her fiancé 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott. They are charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia. Hicks was employed by the Department of Children and Families as a Child Protection Investigator prior to discovery of the probable cause established in the arrest warrant. Hicks has since been fired from DCF.
 
The charges stem from an investigation into a reported armed home invasion at their home in Mulberry on Friday, February 17, 2017. Deputies responded to the scene and discovered trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the home.
 
According to two victims (nephews of Scott, a 16-y-o and 18-y-o) who were at home at the time of the armed home invasion (Hicks and Scott were not home at the time), two black male suspects armed with handguns forced their way into the home and ransacked the residence. No one was injured. The suspects then fled in an unknown direction. The suspects are described as follows: suspect one is a black male, approximately 5’11”- 6’01” tall, skinny build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a camouflage-style sweatshirt and pants, black mask with a skull face, black shoes and gloves; suspect two is a black male, approximately 5’10″tall, husky build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a red/orange hooded sweatshirt, gray pants, black shoes, black bandana, gray skull cap, and black gloves.
 
When robbery detectives arrived on scene to investigate they searched and found trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the master bedroom. The total weight of the heroin is 68.9 grams and the total weight of the cocaine is 288 grams.
 
Through their investigation, detectives learned that Hicks and her fiancé Scott live in the master bedroom of the home. Two children also lived in the home, Hicks’ 3-year-old child, and Scott’s 16-year-old nephew. Scott responded to the residence during the investigation and later left. Detectives subsequently contacted Scott and Hicks by phone, but they refused to meet or speak with detectives.
 
Arrest warrants have been obtained charging both suspects with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
 
“Laymeshia Hicks should be ashamed of herself-this is the farthest thing I can imagine from ‘protecting children.’ She needs to turn herself in and take responsibility for her actions.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff
 
See below for pictures of Hicks, Scott, and the two home invasion suspects.
If you have information about the whereabouts of these suspects, please contact PCSO at 863-298-6200. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. \
suspects
 Suspects 

 hicksscott

Laymeshia Hicks            Xzaiveous Scott
 

Cooking on The Ridge: Habanero Hot Wings

Habanero Hot Wings

Habanero Hot Wings
  • Makes: 12 servings
  • Prep 25 mins
  • Bake 45 mins

ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried cilantro, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground habanero chile pepper
  • 12 chicken wings (about 2 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup bottled hickory barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons peach spreadable fruit or desired fruit preserves (such as peach, pineapple or orange)
  • 1 tablespoon bottled steak sauce or ketchup
  • 1 recipe Dill Dipping Sauce, Celery Dipping Sauce, or Feta Dipping Sauce (see recipe below)
 directions
  1. Coat a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside. In a resealable plastic bag, combine onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cilantro, mustard, chili powder and the 1/4 teaspoon habanero chile pepper; set aside.
  2. Cut off and discard tips of chicken wings. Cut wings at joints to form 24 pieces. Place chicken wing pieces in plastic bag with seasoning mixture. Seal bag; toss to coat wings with seasoning mixture. Arrange wings in prepared pan. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes.
  3. For sauce, in a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, spreadable fruit and steak sauce. Cook and stir until the ingredients are blended; set aside.
  4. Carefully brush wings with half of the sauce. Turn wings and brush with the remaining sauce. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes more or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Serve with your choice of Dipping Sauces and remaining barbecue sauce mixture. Makes 12 appetizer servings.

Dill Dipping Sauce

ingredients

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or 1/4 teaspoon dried dillweed
 directions
  1. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, yogurt and fresh dill or dried dillweed.

LWMC TO OFFER “DIABETES SURVIVOR SKILLS” CLASS

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LWMC TO OFFER “DIABETES SURVIVOR SKILLS” CLASS

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Lake Wales, FL — “Diabetes Survivor Skills” will be taught on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Hunt Building 2nd floor classroom. This free class is taught by Registered Dietician Jamie Moore, MPH, RD. The class is ideal for those newly-diagnosed with diabetes, those who are struggling with managing the disease, or anyone who just wants a refresher course on managing diabetes.

 

There is no charge for the class, but registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a guest. To register, call 678-2288.

 

 

Mall Walkers Plans Prize Party

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Mall Walkers Plans Prize Party

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Lake Wales, FL – The Mall Walkers program, sponsored by Lake Wales Medical Center and Eagle Ridge Mall, will hold a prize party on Thursday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Food Court area of the mall.

 

During the prize party, Mall Walkers participants are asked to turn in their mileage tracking cards. Mall Walkers tracks each walker’s mileage, and they earn prizes for reaching mileage milestones. Mall Walkers participants tracked 17,360 miles in 2016.

 

The Mall Walkers program, a partnership between Lake Wales Medical Center and Eagle Ridge Mall, encourages active, healthy lifestyles by offering participants the opportunity to walk inside the mall from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to noon on Sundays. All Mall Walkers must enter through the Food Court, and are encouraged to wear their Mall Walkers t-shirts so that security officers know they are part of the program. Participants are encouraged to use their tracking cards to log their mileage each time they walk in the mall to earn prizes, including walking towels, water bottles, movie tickets, and gift cards. Mileage logged and turned in must be walked inside the mall to be eligible for prizes through Mall Walkers.

 

Participants are reminded to check with their physician before beginning any exercise program.

 

For more information about Mall Walkers or to sign up, please call Julie Sing at 679-6802.