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Cirque Italia! Makes A Splash In Lake Wales

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Cirque Italia was the talk of the town after performing for local audiences in Lake Wales this past week.


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The traveling “water circus” was filled with stunning performances and daring stunts that seemed to defy gravity and drew gasps from the crowd.


Acts are performed on a stage which
holds 35,000 gallons of water and it is the 1st official traveling water circus in US.

All acts are
animal free productions which supports performers from all over the world.

Cirque Italia is an Italian entertainment company that brings a performance of European style.
 
It is described as a “vivid, dramatic, and moving experience under a customized traveling tent.”
 
Cirque Italia brings the appreciation of production and circus arts together to create a night to be remembered.
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Kiera Cutts Named Employee of the Month at Lake Wales Medical Center

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CUTTS NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

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Lake Wales, FL – Kiera Cutts, RN, was named December employee of the month at Lake Wales Medical Center. Kiera is a nurse on the Progressive Care Unit.

 

Here is what a co-worked said in nominating Kiera: “Kiera is a brand new nurse and already shows exemplary commitment to safety and patient care. She is an active part of the PCU falls team and uses positive coaching feedback with her peers to ensure that our falls prevention initiatives are appropriately in place for our patients.  She has been recognized by her patients for her positive and compassionate attitude, and warm smile.

 

“She has quickly won the hearts of her peers, physicians, and patients with her collaboration and communication style. Kiera shows strength in her team work by rounding on her peers to see if she can be of any assistance to them whenever she can. She treats all patients like they were her own family.”

 

Sheriff Grady Judd presented with a Plaque of Appreciation While Speaking to Lake Wales High School Last Week

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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was surprised when he was presented with a plaque of appreciation while speaking at Lake Wales High School last week.

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The plaque was presented by LWHS principal Donna Dunson after the conclusion of an address to the students in the gymnasium at the school.

Sheriff Judd, who rarely speaks at high schools, spoke about character and accomplishment and never taking taking no for an answer while trying to achieve ones goals.

Grady Judd is considered one of the toughest sheriffs in the country and is known, among other things, as a leader in the prosecution of crimes against children.

 

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4 Year Old Auburndale Child Succumbs To Injuries After Suffering Gunshot Wound

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Auburndale, Florida – The Auburndale Police Department was dispatched to an unknown medical emergency
at 198 Lakeside Hills Loop, Auburndale, Florida, on Friday night, January 20, 2017, at
approximately 10:11 p.m. Officers arrived at the scene within a few minutes of the call and were initially told a four-year-old boy had hit his head on a table and was badly injured. It became obvious to officers and arriving emergency medical responders that the little boy had a gunshot wound to his cheek.

The victim, identified as Avion Cymani Weaver, a four-year-old black male, was flown to
Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Orlando for treatment. He was pronounced
deceased at 11:27 p.m. by hospital medical staff.

The investigation determined that Avion was inside his family’s apartment alone
apparently watching television while his mother’s live-in boyfriend, Demeko Desean
Robinson, a 26-year-old, was outside in the parking lot with friends. Shortly
after 10:00 p.m., Robinson went into his apartment and found Avion injured and bleeding heavily. A couple of neighbors reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot around the
same time. It is apparent that Avion found Robinson’s loaded pistol and while handling it, he accidentally shot himself in the face.

The Polk County Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from
Robinson at 10:09 p.m. He was reporting an emergency and requesting an ambulance.
During the investigation, a 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol belonging to Robinson was
recovered from outside the apartment. Avion’s mother, Deja Perry, was not home at the
time of the shooting, but returned just minutes after Robinson called 9-1-1 and
Immediately before the arrival of the first police officer.

Auburndale detectives have been in close contact with the State Attorney’s Office
regarding this case and charges are potentially pending a review of the case once it is completed.

If you own a firearm, it is imperative that you keep it in a safe place so that it cannot be
accessed by children; not just because the law requires it, but because common sense.

Highlands County Sheriff Make Largest Grow House Bust In Agency History

HCSO Press Release
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Highlands County, Florida – The new year and new administration is off to a record start for the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, which took down a huge grow house operation Friday night.

After several days of surveillance, deputies raided a home at 1301 Bluff Hammock Road in Lorida and found the largest grow house operation ever taken down in the county — 282 plants weighing 2,140 pounds and valued at up to $6.85 million.

Major Mike Brown said the grow house setup was one of the most elaborate he has ever seen and the marijuana seized was ready to be harvested and sold.

“Sheriff Paul Blackman has made it clear that he aims to eradicate all illegal drug operations in Highlands County and last night our Special Operations Unit took a big first step in that direction by taking down the largest and most elaborate grow house in the history of our county.

 Over a ton of mature marijuana plants were seized and destroyed.

“This seizure had an estimated street value of over $5 million. Our detectives are to be commended for an incredible job. I am very proud of their work.”

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Miami Field Division reported drug prices in Central Florida, a pound of marijuana ranges from $1,200 to $3,200, which makes the street value of the marijuana from $2.57 million to $6.85 million.

Frank Delgado-Alejo, 46, who has a Hialeah address, was arrested at the scene and charged with cultivation of marijuana, trafficking in marijuana (over 2,000 pounds), renting or owning a structure for trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held without bond at the Highlands County Jail.

The grow operation was housed in a 3,500-square-foot, two-tiered aluminum warehouse that was divided into seven insulated rooms filled with high-grade marijuana plants. There were approximately two hundred 1,000-watt high-pressure sodium light bulbs, each equipped with its own ballast and transformer. Each room had a timer for the lights and an irrigation system, as well as a nutrient management system for the crop, dehumidifiers, fans, and a total of 11 air conditioning units, each rated at 10 tons.

Glades Electricity Company also responded to the scene to investigate power diversion to the property and theft of utilities.  This investigation is still on-going at this time; additional charges may be forthcoming.

4 Year Old Auburndale Child Succumbs To Injuries After Suffering Gunshot Wound

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Auburndale, Florida – According to the Auburndale Police Department during the evening of January 20, 2017, officers
responded to a medical assist call at 198 Lakeside Hills Loop in Auburndale.
During the initial investigation, it was discovered that a 4-year-old child had a
gunshot wound. The child was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital and later died due to the extent of the injury.

The incident is still under investigation. We are working with the Auburndale Police Department to bring you more details regarding this shooting.

2 People Airlifted After 4 Car Crash In Haines City

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Haines City, Florida – On 2/20/17 at approximately 10:30pm, a crash involving four vehicles occurred on Highway 27 near Holly Hill Road in Haines City.  A 2000 Ford Mustang, driven by Marcos Samoyoa 26, was traveling southbound on Highway 27 at a high rate of speed.

The Mustang struck the rear bumper of another vehicle vehicle two, causing that vehicle to cross into the northbound traffic lanes.  Vehicle two then struck a third vehicle that was traveling northbound.  A fourth vehicle then swerved to avoid a collision and veered off the road striking a tree.

The driver and front passenger of the Ford Mustang were airlifted to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.  The driver of vehicle two refused medical treatment.  The driver and three occupants of vehicle three were transported to the Heart of Florida Hospital with minor injuries.  The driver of vehicle four was also transported to the Heart of Florida hospital with minor injuries.

This crash is still under investigation. Details regarding the other 3 vehicle’s involved in the crash, the medical condition of Samoyoa & his passenger were not availble at this time.

Polk County Public Schools Announces 2017 Teacher of the Year, School-Related Employee of the Year

Polk County Public Schools Announces 2017 Teacher of the Year, School-Related Employee of the Year

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Lois Horn-Diaz, a gifted teacher at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary in Lakeland, was announced as the 2017 Polk County Teacher of the Year on Wednesday night.
Maureen English, a guidance secretary at Dundee Ridge Middle Academy, is the district’s 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year.
Polk County Public Schools celebrated its top educators and employees during an awards ceremony at The Lakeland Center on Wednesday night. The two overall winners, along with 12 finalists, received cash awards and other prizes from event sponsors.
Ms. Horn-Diaz and Ms. English were chosen from more than 200 candidates who were nominated by individual schools throughout the Polk County School District. Judges included community members from local organizations and businesses, as well as past winners and finalists.
Judges reviewed the applications without knowledge of applicant names or schools. Criteria included leadership and professional development activities, community and school involvement, and teaching style. 
Both winners will move on to compete for state titles.
Each year, the Florida Department of Education names a Florida Teacher of the Year, choosing an educator who has “demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.” The Florida School-Related Employee of the Year award recognizes outstanding education support personnel for contributions to their schools and communities.
Polk County’s 2016 Teacher of the Year, Jessica Solano, is the current Florida Teacher of the Year.
Lois Horn-Diaz — 2017 Polk County Teacher of the Year award winner profile:
Ms. Horn-Diaz found her calling as a teacher after a 24-year career as a school psychologist. She has spent the past six years teaching gifted students in subjects including language arts, humanities and technology enrichment.
When students enter Ms. Horn-Diaz’s class, they are asked to imagine themselves traveling back in time on a hot air balloon ride — visiting Ancient Egypt, the Industrial Revolution and Middle Ages. In each historic period, they study and perform classic texts from great authors such as Shakespeare and Dickens.
One of the annual highlights in Ms. Horn-Diaz’s classroom is when students create and publish their own books based on the history they’ve learned. The books are proudly displayed in the media center at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary, making them available for an audience of readers.
As a multi-faceted educator, Ms. Horn-Diaz enriches her lessons with technology. Her students are instructed in the use of various software programs, and learn how to film and edit video commercials and music videos. Ms. Horn-Diaz says that technology is an important tool, providing students with alternative ways to communicate and express their creativity.
Maureen “Muffy” English – 2017 Polk County School-Related Employee of the Year award winner profile:
A highly organized multi-tasker, Ms. English balances an extensive list of responsibilities at Dundee Ridge Middle Academy. She serves as an advocate for her school by partnering with parents, businesses, churches and elected officials to promote school events. Ms. English maintains a rapport with students by helping them complete assignments and keep their grades up. She even makes costumes for the drama department and repairs student uniforms.
Somehow, Ms. English also finds time to take on leadership roles in her community. She is a member of Sheriff Grady Judd’s Advisory Committee, and directs youth and children’s Sunday school classes. Ms. English’s colleagues say they are inspired every day by her dedication and attention to detail.
Below you will find a list of the 2017 finalists:
*Lois Horn-Diaz was chosen as the 2017 Polk County Teacher of the Year among the following teacher finalists:
– Jennifer Burnett, Walter Caldwell Elementary, first grade teacher
– Robert S. Erb, Winter Haven High, biology teacher
– Martina Giordano, Laurel Elementary, kindergarten teacher
– Ashley Highley, Spook Hill Elementary, third grade teacher
– Adam Hippeli, Spessard L. Holland Elementary, mathematics teacher
– Diane Lokey, Lincoln Avenue Academy, third grade teacher
*Maureen English was chosen as the 2017 Polk County School-Related Employee of the Year among the following finalists:
– Samuel Berrien, Lewis Anna Woodbury Elementary, ESE paraeducator
– Andre Casseus, Inwood Elementary, media paraeducator
– Lisa Jackson, Combee Elementary, school nurse
– Jami Liska, Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary, ESE paraeducator
– Chuck Loveless, Frostproof Middle-Senior High, ESE paraeducator and athletic director
– Jean Singletary, Highlands Grove Elementary, school nurse

This Day in History – Edgar Allan Poe was Born – January 19, 1809

1809

Edgar Allan Poe is born

 

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By the time he was three years old, both of Poe’s parents had died, leaving him in the care of his godfather, John Allan, a wealthy tobacco merchant. After attending school in England, Poe entered the University of Virginia (UVA) in 1826. After fighting with Allan over his heavy gambling debts, he was forced to leave UVA after only eight months. Poe then served two years in the U.S. Army and won an appointment to West Point. After another falling-out, Allan cut him off completely and he got himself dismissed from the academy for rules infractions.

Dark, handsome and brooding, Poe had published three works of poetry by that time, none of which had received much attention. In 1836, while working as an editor at the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond, Virginia, Poe married his 13-year-old cousin, Virginia Clemm. He also completed his first full-length work of fiction, Arthur Gordon Pym, published in 1838. Poe lost his job at the Messenger due to his heavy drinking, and the couple moved to Philadelphia, where Poe worked as an editor at Burton’s Gentleman’s Magazine and Graham’s Magazine. He became known for his direct and incisive criticism, as well as for dark horror stories like “The Fall of the House of Usher” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Also around this time, Poe began writing mystery stories, including “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “The Purloined Letter”–works that would earn him a reputation as the father of the modern detective story.

In 1844, the Poes moved to New York City. He scored a spectacular success the following year with his poem “The Raven.” While Poe was working to launch The Broadway Journal–which soon failed–his wife Virginia fell ill and died of tuberculosis in early 1847. His wife’s death drove Poe even deeper into alcoholism and drug abuse. After becoming involved with several women, Poe returned to Richmond in 1849 and got engaged to an old flame. Before the wedding, however, Poe died suddenly. Though circumstances are somewhat unclear, it appeared he began drinking at a party in Baltimore and disappeared, only to be found incoherent in a gutter three days later. Taken to the hospital, he died on October 7, 1849, at age 40.

LWHS Softball’s Daisy Riggleman Signs To Play With Webber

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Lake Wales High School senior Daisy Riggleman celebrated her scholarship to Webber International University at a signing ceremony in the schools auditorium on Friday.

Daisy is a starter at first base for the Highlanders and her 2nd position is third base.

Daisy hit .318 during last years season and has won the team’s Golden Glove award for best defensive player for two years in a row.

Family, friends and teammates from both LWHS and the FSA Legends travel team joined her for the celebration.

Daisy will be attending Webber seeking a degree in Business.

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