Lake Wales, Florida – On November 18, 2016 at approximately 3:20pm Detective Maultsby was in the area of Dr JA Wiltshire Ave at 1st Street. He observed a gray Chrysler 200 being driven by Julian Bird. Det. Maultsby was aware Bird has a suspended driver’s license. Det. Maultsby followed Bird while he was coordinating to have marked patrol units in the area before attempting to stop Bird, as he felt Bird would flee.

Lake Wales Officer Hartwell entered the area and positioned himself to assist Det. Maultsby. At this point a traffic stop was attempted and Bird drove at high speed throughout the neighborhood. At one point while Bird was fleeing he drove directly at Detective Hernandez narrowly missing ramming him. Bird managed to elude officers and escape arrest. The vehicle Bird was driving was located and recovered in the 600 block of N 4th St.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Bird charging him with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Fleeing to Elude, and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked. At this point Bird has not been arrested and police are looking for him. Anyone who knows where Bird is located is asked to contact Detective David Hernandez at (863) 678-4223 extension 264 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

JEFF BASSETT NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Lake Wales, FL – Jeff Bassett, Maintenance Engineer in Plant Operations, was named October Employee of the month at Lake Wales Medical Center. Jeff has worked for the hospital for the past three years.

“Jeff is committed to his job; he makes sure that the job is done safely and correctly,” a co-worker wrote in nominating him. “He takes the extra step to ensure that a problem won’t happen again. He is always willing to help his co-workers or visitors when he sees that they need help. He is always courteous and kind. In 2014, he did a phenomenal job transforming the hospital’s golf cart into a toy train for the Lake Wales Christmas parade. He’s a great team player who cares about making sure things are done with excellence.”

LWMC OFFERS FREE INFORMATION SESSION

 ON HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE

LAKE WALES –  Interested in signing-up for health coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace? Find the process overwhelming or confusing? Lake Wales Medical Center is ready to help.

The hospital will hold a free information sessions at Lake Wales Care Center’s Community Room. 140 E. Park Ave., on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. Certified Assisters will be on-site to share information, answer questions, and to schedule free appointments for application assistance. Refreshments will be served.

Open Enrollment opened Nov. 1 and continues through Jan. 31. This marks the federal government’s fourth annual campaign to extend healthcare coverage to more Americans, specifically to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to services or who would face a financial crisis due to medical bills.

“We have helped hundreds of individuals enroll on the Marketplace since it first launched four years ago,” said Rebecca Brewer, CEO of Lake Wales Medical Center. “It’s very gratifying to help individuals enroll knowing they will be able to access healthcare when they need it. It’s a relief for so many people.”

Lake Wales Medical Center also is offering free one-on-one assistance throughout the Open Enrollment period at the hospital. Residents can schedule appointments by calling 863-678-2734, or can book an appointment online at www.GetCoveredAmerica.org/connector. Certified assisters will help with plan comparisons, determining any tax credits or discounts, and filling-out applications.