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Dundee Commission Approves New Town Manager

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DUNDEE, Fla. – The Town of Dundee has selected Ken Cassel as its new town manager following a unanimous vote of the commission on August 8, 2025.

The decision came during a special meeting held that morning, where commissioners reviewed the details of Cassel’s employment agreement. Provisions of the contract included a $400 monthly car allowance, a $430,000 life insurance policy naming the town as beneficiary, and a health insurance stipend not to exceed the amount given to regular employees. Severance pay was set at 20 weeks in accordance with Florida law, and the agreement included an 18-month review clause. Residency requirements were waived, though Cassel must notify the commission of any relocation within 90 days, with the option for renegotiation if distance from Dundee becomes an issue. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the contract contingent on standard reference checks from his current employer.

Cassel comes to Dundee from the City of Westlake in Palm Beach County, where he had served as city manager since its incorporation in 2016. He also managed the Seminole Improvement District beginning in 2013, overseeing much of the new city’s infrastructure and development. His resignation from Westlake was announced earlier this month as he prepared to relocate to Central Florida to be closer to family.

The search for a new manager in Dundee began earlier this summer. In July, commissioners reviewed updates from Strategic Government Resources and narrowed the list of semifinalists to three, with Cassel among the finalists. Records from that period placed the salary range for the position between $130,000 and $160,000 depending on qualifications. The exact amount of Cassel’s salary were not listed in the minutes of the August 8th meeting.

With the contract now approved by a unanimous vote, Dundee has formally moved forward with Cassel as its next town manager

CSX Completing Track Maintenance Throughout Lake Alfred

Public Notice from the City of Lake Alfred

CSX will be completing track maintenance through Lake Alfred from August 29, 2025 to September 4, 2025. The following railroad crossings will be affected:

Old Lee Jackson Rd/ Experiment Station Rd
N Dakota Ave
N Lake Shore Way
Lake Alfred Rd
Myers Ln/ Lynchburg Rd

Thank you for your patience while CSX completes the track maintenance.

Labor Day Solid Waste Schedule Change

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City of Winter Haven:

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, there will be no solid waste collection on Monday, September 1st.

Collection services will be adjusted as follows:

Garbage Collection

  • Monday routes → collected Tuesday
  • Tuesday routes → collected Wednesday
  • Thursday & Friday routes → Normal service

Recycling Collection

  • Place your recycling cart at the curb alongside your garbage cart.
  • Recycling collection may run 1 day behind schedule (e.g., Monday → Tuesday, Tuesday → Wednesday, etc.).
  • Please leave carts at the curb as normal—while we anticipate delays, crews may also be ahead of schedule.

Debris Collection (Yard Waste)

  • Delayed by 1 day for the entire week.

Bulk Collection

  • No bulk collection during holiday week.

Commercial Collection

  • Monday commercial customers → collected Tuesday (unless you have 6-day-a-week service).

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Solid Waste Division at (863)291- 5756. 

Overnight Crash on Lake Howard Dr. SW Shuts Down Roadway in Both Directions

Traffic alert

An overnight crash on Lake Howard Dr. SW has closed the roadway in both directions from 15th St SW to 13th St SW (the area of Old Man Franks) due to a TECO pole that is down.


The roadway will be closed until at least noon today (August 29, 2025)  Drivers will need to take alternate routes.

Polk County Fire Rescue Members and Hartl Family Reunites at Highland City Station

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Polk County Fire Recue Release

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Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2025) — Polk County Fire Rescue’s Highland City crew, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications staff and the Hartl family reunited for the first time since crews assisted with the birth of their fourth child, Theodore. Kaylee Hartl, Marquise Hartl and Firefighter/Paramedic George Gibson spoke about the birth. Deputy County Manager Joe Halman Jr. and Fire Chief Shawn Smith also praised everyone involved in the birth.

“Today is a great day. We are so proud of the men and women of Polk County Fire Rescue, especially this crew that had a hand in delivering this baby,” Halman said.

The Hartl family thanked everyone involved in the birth including Captain/Paramedic Joe Jones, Engineer/Paramedic Austin Hamilton, Firefighter/Paramedic George Gibson, Firefighter/EMT Madison Bennett, Firefighter/EMT Daniel Banks and PSCO Emergency Communications member, Anne Debolla, for their seamless delivery and professionalism.

The happy reunion included an exchange of gifts, the taking of photos and tours of the station for the Hartl’s older children Marquise II (6), Olivia (3) and Naomi (2). The Hartl family also brought along Theodore’s grandmother, Mindi Wade, and great-grandmother, Penny Green.

During the ceremony, County Commissioner Becky Troutman and Fire Chief Shawn Smith pinned the PCFR members and Debolla, with stork lapel pins.

Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

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by James Coulter

I’ve been experimenting with fermenting hot peppers these past few months. Been using them to prepare my own hot pepper sauces and barbecue sauces.

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What results have these experiments produced? Well, that’s a story for another Cooking on the Ridge article. But for this one, I’ll be focusing on one of the dishes I prepared with my homemade sauces.

What food is more quintessential to barbecue than ribs? Chicken and brisket may be popular, but when most people think of barbecue, often, they think of ribs. Whether they be spare or country-style, bone-in or boneless, nothing’s more finger-licking good than a slab of barbecue ribs.

Well, since I was making my own barbecue sauces, I might as well try them out by making barbecue ribs. And while some folks prefer their ribs grilled, I prepared mine in my favorite cooking utensil: the slow cooker. Because when it comes to making food in the crockpot, you simply need to set it and forget it until dinner rolls around.

The following recipe can be made with your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce and dry rub. Me? I decided to go all out and make everything homemade.

The result did not disappoint. For my first attempt at cooking ribs, the meat was tender and succulent, and the sauce was sweet yet spicy. Either way, finger-licking good.

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Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

Ribs

1-2 pounds country-style ribs

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1 12 fl. oz. can soft drink or beer

1 cup barbecue sauce

Dry rub seasoning

Olive oil

Sauce

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup molasses, honey, or maple syrup

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tbsp. hot sauce (optional)

Dry Rub

2 tbsp. brown sugar

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1 tbsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions

1. Combine ingredients for dry rub in a small bowl and mix.

2. In a separate container, combine ingredients for sauce and mix until blended.

3. Pat the meat dry with a towel, then apply olive oil to bind the dry rub.

4. Apply dry rub to meat. Let stand for 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

5. Place the meat in the slow cooker and pour in the sauce with soft drink or beer. Make sure the meat is completely covered.

6. Cook on low setting for eight hours, or high for two to three hours, or until the meat is cooked thoroughly.

7. Place meat on a tray, cover with sauce from the slow cooker, and broil in the oven for five minutes. Turn the meat over halfway through.

8. Serve with extra sauce from the slow cooker.

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In Loving Memory of Joseph Edward Hough

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Joseph Edward Hough

NOVEMBER 1, 1959 – AUGUST 19, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Joseph Edward Hough, who left this world peacefully on August 19, 2025 at the age of 65.

Born on November 1, 1959 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Joey lived a life marked by love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family. He was a man of integrity and quiet strength, who led by example and touched countless lives with his generosity and warmth.

Joey found joy in the simple things—whether it was sharing a meal with family, lending a hand to a friend in need, or spending time out on the boat. To his children, he was a steady presence and guiding light, always ready with wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. To his friends and community, he was known for his loyalty, humor, and big heart.

He is survived by his beloved partner, Marisol Adamsson; his children, Amy (Steve), Joseph (Alyssa), Kaila (Issac), Nick (Sabrena), Rita (Jacob), Justin (Tiffany), Heather, and Maya; and his treasured grandchildren, Hunter, Jacob, Rylend, Emma, Tucker, Calvin, Kylen, Bradley, Stella, Everly, and Presley who will carry forward his legacy of love, resilience, and compassion. He was welcomed into heaven by his wife Lori Hough; his father, Edward Hough; his mother, Rita Hough; his sister, Sandra Hough;

A celebration of his life will be held at 1pm on September 5, 2025 at Central Baptist Church where loved ones will gather to honor his memory and the joy he brought to our lives.

Though words cannot capture the depth of our loss, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will continue to live on in the lives he touched. His love, wisdom, and laughter will forever remain in our hearts.

In Loving Memory of Dolores Wilma Westphal

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Dolores Wilma Westphal

DECEMBER 19, 1936 – AUGUST 24, 2025

Dolores Westphal, 88, entered into eternal rest on August 24, 2025. She was born on December 19, 1936, and lived a life of faith, love, and service.

On December 5, 1968, Dolores married LCDR (Ret) Robert Westphal, and together they shared 57 years of love and devotion. She honorably served in the United States Navy, carrying with her a spirit of dedication and resilience that shone throughout her life. Above all, Dolores had a big heart—her greatest joy was her family, whom she loved with everything she had.

She is survived by her loving husband Robert; her children John Hutchinson, Matt Hutchinson, Lori Westphal (Guzinski), Brenda Westphal (Ricketson), Brian Westphal, and Lisa Westphal (Ostrow); 15 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren and predeceased by her child Greg Hutchinson. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2441 Seventh St SW, Winter Haven, Florida 33880. Phone: (863) 293-7469.

A visitation for Dolores will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, 645 West Central Ave, Winter Haven, Florida followed by a funeral service at 10:30 AM. Delores will be laid to rest with military honors at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, Florida 33513 at 1:30 PM.

In Loving Memory of Joseph Monteleone of Winter Haven

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Joseph Monteleone

May 12th, 1940 – August 21st, 2025

Joe Monteleone, age 85, of Winter Haven, FL, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, surrounded by devoted family and friends.

Born on May 12, 1940 in Sicily, Joe, known by many as JC, was a man of deep character, unwavering dedication, and a heart as brilliant as the gems he worked with. For over four decades, he poured his passion into JC Jewelers, the jewelry store he founded in 1981, which became a cherished cornerstone of the community. Customers didn’t just come for the sparkle—they came in for the service.

His warmth, honesty, and genuine care turned transactions into friendships and first-time visitors into lifelong patrons. A proud patriarch, JC was the heart of a large and loving family. He found his greatest joy in family gatherings, storytelling, and watching his children and grandchildren grow with pride. His legacy lives on not only in the business he built but, in the values, he instilled—kindness, integrity, and generosity.  

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois; his children Joe, Ralph (Tammy) and Annmarie; grandchildren, Little Joe (Heather), Anthony and Rilynn; great grandchildren, Bryce and Mason; and many extended relatives and friends.  

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, from 6pm to 8pm at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven, Fl. For those who wish to join, a graveside ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 30, beginning at 10am at Auburndale Memorial Park. All are welcome to honor his memory, share stories, and reflect on the legacy of love and kindness he leaves behind.  

His sparkle will be missed, but his light lives on in every life he touched.  

In Loving Memory of Earl Allen, Sr.

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Earl Allen, Sr.

June 19th, 1944 – August 22nd, 2025

Earl James Allen Sr, 81 years old, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22nd at Good Shepherd Hospice House. He was born on June 19th, 1944, in Warsaw, Indiana and resided between Warsaw & Winter Haven, Florida his entire life.

Earl was a proud Veteran serving in the United States Army from February 1969 through February 1970. During his time in service, he fought gallantly in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and an Army Commendation Medal, both with “V” devices indicating both awards were earned for his personal acts of heroism during combat.

After serving in the military, Earl was a business owner and real estate investor. His favorite hobbies included Flea Markets, antiquing, playing the slot machines at Hard Rock Casino, hunting for morel mushrooms and fishing on the Chain of Lakes.

Earl is predeceased by his parents, Grover C & Sarah England Allen; his son n’ law, LeWayne Jordan, and his granddaughter, Ronda Jordan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susanne Allen; his brother, Rex (Tammy) Allen; sisters, Dixie (Richard) Syndram, Phyllis Jean Shephard; children, Earl James (Samantha) Allen Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Beth Jordan of Winter Haven, FL, Terry Allen of Indianapolis, IN, and his step-children, Frank Breault Jr, Kristi Breault, Donna Breault, Sandy Breault, his grandchildren, Leighton Miley, Dylan Allen, Jalen Allen, Cayden Allen, Will Jordan, Tristan Jordan, Jeremiah, Donovan, Jordan, Malachi, Tiffany, Alana, Shaina, Shawna; plus 11 great grand kids with the 12th on the way.