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American Legion Auxiliary Post 34 Hosted Inaugural Dinner Cook Off 

Allison
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American Legion Auxiliary Post 34 Hosted Inaugural Dinner Cook Off 

American Legion Auxiliary Post 34 Hosted Inaugural Dinner Cook Off

by James Coulter

Would you ever put pineapple and pear on a salad? Not only did Tracy Shellenberger do that, but she won an award for doing it. Her Pineapple Pear Salad won her Best Salad at the inaugural Dinner Cook-Off at American Legion Auxiliary Post 34 on Saturday.

Tracy prepared her salad, along with a lemon cheesecake mousse. She owes her win to her mother, who taught her how to cook such unique food. And she loved being able to participate in a contest that benefited her American Legion.

“I loved the people and the food,” she said. “It feels awesome sauce.”

Her husband, Troy, also participated. He prepared Cajun deviled eggs. He also won an award for best deviled eggs. He owes his success to hard work, determination, and willingness to try new things.

“I like to try new things and see if I can succeed,” he said. “I am on top of the world…All the friendships with everyone who is here.”

American Legion Auxiliary Post 34 hosted its inaugural dinner cookoff on Saturday evening. Awards were given in five categories: deviled eggs, mac and cheese, potato dish, salad, and dessert. Each winner received a signature apron and matching gnome cook trophy.

Cheryl Wilson won best potato dish for her cheesy hashbrowns. She was inspired by various recipes online. She mixed and matched the parts she liked and came up with her award-winning recipe.

“It feels great,” she said. “I love it, it feels good to win, and we love the apron and gnome.”

Proceeds from the dinner will go towards the veterans and their many programs, from helping their children at Christmas to helping their members move into new homes, explained president Kathy Nabringer.

“Everyone claims they can cook good, so we had many categories for them to try,” she said. As for her inspiration to create the event, she explained, “someone said they could cook mac and cheese better than me.”

She loved all of the items prepared for the dinner, but she especially adored the chocolate cake. She was astounded by the turnout, and she has high expectations for a better event next year.

“I think we did better than we expected with this,” she said. “The money we raised will go towards our veterans….and the next one will be bigger and better.”

Good Ol’ Time Had at Good Ol’ Days Folk Festival 

Allison
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Good Ol’ Time Had at Good Ol’ Days Folk Festival 

Good Ol’ Time Had at Good Ol’ Days Folk Festival

by James Coulter

Have you ever seen a gypsy flower before? You won’t find it growing in the wild. That’s because it’s not even a real flower. It’s made from wood and whittled from a stick.

Terry Regennitter has been whittling these gypsy flowers, along with 30 other woodwork crafts, for the past 35 years. He started weaving coconut palm hats while in the air force, as his base had plenty of palms. Upon retiring, he decided to sell his crafts at events across Central Florida, including the annual Good Ol’ Days Folk Festival in Bartow.

Many of his crafts originated from the 1800s, which made them the most ideal to sell at the Good Ol’ Days Folk Festival. Each year, he makes something different. As soon as he sells an item, he starts making a new one, he said. Though time-consuming, he loves being able to showcase his artwork at events like this.

“I have been doing the show since we were invited [several years ago],” he said. “We have been doing it ever since, [and] I get to talk to people and demonstrate items.”

Regennitter was one of many vendors who demonstrated their crafts at the Good Ol’ Days Folk Festival at Homeland Heritage Park in Bartow on Saturday. Attendees could visit the historic buildings, play carnival-style games, peruse various arts and crafts from local craftsmen, and even participate in the whipcracker contest.

Barbara Boger demonstrated her quilting skills by working on a handmade quilt that once belonged to her husband’s great-grandmother. The quilt was created in the 1940s and utilized quilting techniques from as far back as the 1830s. When the quilt was first created, its style was known as a “flower garden”, now it is called a hexi-quilt.

“She did a lot of quilting, but there was a lot that she did not finish,” Borger said. “I got all her unfinished work over 30 years ago and I am finishing them…I have been quilting since them.”

Borger belongs to the Florida Frontiersmen, a local group that congregates across the street. Often, they utilize the local park for their events like their annual tea and weekly sewing group. She loves being able to sew among the hold historic buildings, especially on that day.

For the past 24 years, the Good Ol’ Days Folk Festival has celebrated “the good old days” with historical arts and crafts demonstrations and other fun activities. Even despite these uncertain times, their turnout has proven to be exceptional, explained events coordinator Anna Sancruzado.

“The turnout has been great,” she said. “We had a tripling of people throughout the day. The attendance has been good with everything going on. This has been special for the whole family, and there are things for families to do and see with exhibits.”

Polk Deputy’s Investigating Altercation Which Required One Man To Be Airlifted From South Lake Wales

Carl Fish
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Polk Deputy’s Investigating Altercation Which Required One Man To Be Airlifted From South Lake Wales

Lake Wales, Florida- The Polk County Sheriff’s Office isn’t releasing most details regarding an altercation which required a man to be airlifted for care. What is available is at around 9pm, Sunday night, a call came in for assistance at the new Circle K gas station on Hwy 27 in South Lake Wales.

According to the PCSO public information officer, Alicia Manautou, the incident did not occur at the location or even in Lake Wales. There is a person of interest, but the name of the person isn’t being released at this time. That individual is still at large as of this time. She advised the man who was airlifted has been treated and released.

We will continue to monitor this situation and update information as it is received.

Rooms 2 Go Wins Main Race of Lakeland Swan Derby 2022 

Allison
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Rooms 2 Go Wins Main Race of Lakeland Swan Derby 2022 

Rooms 2 Go Wins Main Race of Lakeland Swan Derby 2022

by James Coulter

After competing in the Lakeland Swan Derby for several years, the team from Rooms 2 Go, the main sponsor of the annual fundraiser, won first place at this year’s race.

Both Justin Miller and Kevin Smith have been competing in the race for five and four years respectively. They have usually placed second over the past few years. However, this year, they finally won first place for Swans 2 Go, the team for Rooms 2 Go.

“It feels great to finally win it,” Miller said. As for the event itself, they love the camaraderie of “all the people. We had a great time, [and] the event is awesome.”

More than 20 teams put the pedal to the metal as they paddled their way to victory during the annual Lakeland Swan Derby on Friday evening. Each team manned a swan boat and paddled a full or half-lap during one of three races on Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland.

Several hundred people gathered around Frances Langford Promenade to watch the festivities. They also listened to live music, enjoyed bounce houses and food trucks, and participated in smaller competitions such as the derby hat contest.

The derby consisted of three races. Rooms 2 Go won first place in the main race for their team Swans 2 Go. The Maiden Handicap was won by Swan Scholar, the team for the Academy Prep Center of Lakeland.

Anna Toms and Rebeca Knowles attended the race for the first time this year. They were so excited to participate, and they were astonished that they won, especially since the race felt so close to call, Knowles said.

“It was a lot harder than it looks,” she said. “We did a great time racing against the other teams. For a second there, we weren’t sure until they called our team. We were racing neck to neck…LVIM does an excellent job bringing the whole community together for a cause.”

Finally, the Derby Dash was won by the team One Swan, One Purpose. This was the first time Joey Tirado and his teammate participated in the event. While he loved winning the race and was surprised that he won it, he loved being able to give back to a good cause.

“More than anything, it is a great cause,” he said. “We are happy for fundraising, and LVIM, they are the true winners. Again, helping them and sharing their mission, and making them more money. If you are not aware of LVIM, we encourage you to do so because they are great at what they do for the community.”

The Swan Derby serves as a fundraiser for Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM), a local non-profit organization that offersmedical coverage to working-class families. With more than 20 teams participating and 1,000 people attending, this year’s event experienced a phenomenal turnout, explained Alice Koehler, LVIM President and CEO.

“I love to see the community come together to support a beautiful cause and support LVIM, which offers primary healthcare to the working uninsured,” she said. “The event more than met my expectations. It is proven by the number of people who came out, and the number of people who are here attending the event. We do this as a community give back and fundraiser and sponsor to provide community benefits.”

20 Yr Old Polk City Woman Killed In Crash

Carl Fish
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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 98 and Colbert Road in Lakelandon Friday morning, April 22, 2022, that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Lisandra De La Caridad Hedman of Polk City.

According to the evidence and witnesses, at around 10:15 a.m., Ms. Hedman was driving a burgundy 2010 Nissan Altima eastbound on Colbert Road at the intersection with U.S. 98. At the same time, a white 2021 Jeep Wrangler, driven by 41-year-old Emily Rand Johnson of Bartow, was traveling southbound on U.S. 98 in the outside lane approaching Colbert Road and had the right-of-way. For unknown reasons, Ms. Hedman began to cross the southbound lanes of U.S. 98 and attempted to turn onto northbound U.S. 98. As the Altima crossed the southbound lanes, Ms. Hedman entered the path of Ms. Johnson, causing the Jeep to impact the driver’s side of the Altima. The two vehicles remained together and traveled south approximately 30 feet in the outside lane till they came to a stop near the west shoulder of the road.

 

Ms. Hedman died at the scene.

 

Ms. Johnson was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released.

 

Two lanes of southbound U.S. 98 in the area of the crash were closed for approximately three and a half hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Announces New Free Program Developed For Those With Loved Ones Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Allison
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Announces New Free Program Developed For Those With Loved Ones Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

In response to suggestions from our citizens, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office announces a new free program where citizens can elect to put decals on their homes and vehicles alerting deputies that someone within has been diagnosed with autism.

“Our deputies are trained on the unique characteristics, behaviors, and needs of people with autism. When a deputy sees one of these stickers, or responds to a home that has registered for this program, he or she will know they might interact with someone who has difficulty communicating or interacting with others. This enables us to better communicate with those who have special needs.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

The Autism Decal comes with a registration form, and the information on the form is entered into a database. Those who do not wish to affix a decal to their home or vehicle can still fill out the registration form to be entered into the database. The database enables PCSO to flag addresses into the dispatch system, so arriving deputies will be aware that someone with autism lives in the home.

The Autism Decal comes with a registration form, and the information on the form is entered into a database. Those who do not wish to affix a decal to their home or vehicle can still fill out the registration form to be entered into the database. The database enables PCSO to flag addresses into the dispatch system, so arriving deputies will be aware that someone with autism lives in the home.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please email [email protected] and a Crime Prevention Specialist will send you the form and corresponding information. 

Did LWCS Board Chairman Overstep His Bounds & Intimidate The New Superintendent

Carl Fish
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Did LWCS Board Chairman Overstep His Bounds & Intimidate The New Superintendent

By Carl Fish

Lake Wales, Florida – Parents and educators at a recent Lake Wales High School School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting felt a recently sent email by Lake Wales Charter School Board Chairman, Danny Gill, to new superintendent to be, Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, bordered on “bullying”.

It’s been well documented in previous articles that LWHS Principal Donna Dunson decided to rescind her resignation to continue to be the principal of Lake Wales High School (link to article here: LWHS Principal Asked To Stay On). It’s also been well documented that this request was denied (link to article here: Charter Charter School Responds To Rescinding Of Principal Dunson’s Resignation).

What has parents, educators and community members upset are multiple factors. The first two are regarding why Interim Superintendent Alricky Smith didn’t just accept her rescinding her resignation and if that wasn’t possible, why can’t Dunson be added to the pool of candidates (link to article here: LWHS School Advisory Council Seeks To Retain Principal Dunson).

The most troubling factor for parents is a written communication between LWCS Board Chairman Danny Gill and Dr. Rodolfich. That email was forwarded by chairman Gill to the Daily Ridge that “I have no further comment on this matter. This is my official response.” In that email to Dr. Rodolfich the chairman advises the following: “As to your request for Ms. Dunson, she submitted her resignation August 6, 2021 to Alricky Smith, Acting Superintendent and Dr. Ogontola, Board Chair and it was accepted. The Board authorized the Acting Superintendent to post the position and seek applicants. At the COB on June 30.2022. Ms. Dunson will not be an employee of LWCS. According to the bylaws, the Board has to approve the hiring of the principal position. I would encourage you and the current superintendent to move forward with looking over the pool of applicants and give him your suggestion for the position. He can bring it to the board for approval next month. If you wish to hire Ms. Dunson for the next school year, you can bring it to the board once you are in the superintendent position. I believe the board is ready to move in a new direction and a clean start will help you to be the successful superintendent we need. I would suggest that you keep Mr. Anuj Saran as the AP for the needed stability and institutional knowledge at the high school.”(the entire email is: Here).

It would appear from that statement and Dr.Rodolfich’s own statement posted on the front page of the charter school website that Dr. Rodolfich can’t recommend anything about Donna Dunson being principal until the 2023/2024 school year. As he is not the acting superintendent until after principal Dunson leaves he has no say so until next year. Yet the charter school system has furnished Dr. Rodolfich a Lake Wales Charter School email and asked him to make recommendations on the candidates that applied for principal prior to his official start date.

The question is if chairman Gill overstepped his bounds and intimidated Dr. Rodolfich. One SAC member referenced Mr. Gills email to “bullying”. Another asked how and if the could ask for a vote of “no confidence” in chairman Gill. Multiple areas of the above statement are in question and the walking back of a statement by Dr. Rodolfich seem to show Dr. Rodolfich was put in his place. (Link to article: Incoming Superintendent Walks Back Statement Made To Faculty Of Lake Wales High School).

Was it appropriate for chairman Gill to write the following “I believe the board is ready to move in a new direction and a clean start will help you to be the successful superintendent we need.”? Does this really express the entire board’s feelings on Dunson’s return. Does imply that Dr. Rodolfich will not have a successful start if he continues to want to bring principal Dunson back? Additionally chairman Gill makes reference to current assistant principal Anuj Saran “I would suggest that you keep Mr. Anuj Saran as the AP for the needed stability and institutional knowledge at the high school.” The difficulty with that statement is that if they don’t choose to bring principal Dunson back, Anuj Saran has put in his resume to be principal. Yet the email would appear to imply don’t make him your principal choice keep him as assistant principal.

These are questions parents and educators will bring up with the committee at the next charter school meeting April 26, 4pm at LWHS.

LWHS School Advisory Council Votes To Unanimously Recommend Donna Dunson Remain As Principal

Carl Fish
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LWHS School Advisory Council Votes To Unanimously Recommend Donna Dunson Remain As Principal

By Carl Fish

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales High School School Advisory Council (SAC) voted unanimously to recommend Donna Dunson remain Principal of the high school for another year during new superintendent transition. The vote came late Thursday afternoon after interim Lake Wales Charter School superintendent, Alricky Smith, spent hours discussing Dunson’s desire to rescind her resignation.

A firestorm was set off recently when new superintendent to be, Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, advised Lake Wales High School staff he wanted Dunson to remain as principal. Dunson had previously put in her resignation from being LWHS principal after the 2021/2022 school year. The announcement was reportedly received with joy and jubilation by assistant principal Kaleigh McCoy. This however was short lived as superintendent, Smith, did not accept her rescinding her resignation. In an April 7th, email Smith advised Dunson: “ I would love to accept your formal rescinded resignation, but unfortunately due to your resignation being submitted and accepted on August 6, 2021, I asked the HR Director to move forward with the posting of the LWHS Principal position as a vacancy for the 2022-23 school year. Pursuant to LWCS board policy (LWCS BPH2021-002) ” The Superintendent shall direct staff to carry out ongoing recruitment activities within the Human Resources Department which should focus on widely disseminating information about vacancies so as to reach a group of potential applicants broadly reflecting geographic, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity”. With that being said, the posting of the position brought forth 44 applicants for consideration to be vetted for interview by the Superintendent. Upon receiving a the formal request from Mr. Roldolfich, I would be happy to repost the position to ensure that he can consider you in that pool which would allow him to make your re-nomination available to the Board for the 2022-23 school year.


I would also like to reference Board policy I “LWCS BD#2021-0024 section “Contracts with Administrative Staff and Program Administrators” as the annual appointments for all staff positions are being considered. This should shed some light on the opportunities and limitation that are in the purview of the Superintendent.” (copy of email here)

Smith advised he is following the same procedure he has done for other positions. He did advise there was a path forward to Dunson possibly returning as principal. He needs a formal request by Dr. Rodolfich to open up the posting and have Dunson go through the full process of applying. If they agree to move her forward then the Lake Wales Charter School Board would have to vote on her appointment.

Many parents questioned whether Dr Rodolfich would do that now after they felt LWCS Board Chairman Danny Gill may have “bullied” Dr. Rodolfich in a separate April 7th email ( link to article: Did LWCS Board Chairman Overstep His Bounds & Intimidate The New Superintendent). Interim superintendent Smith advised that he could not attest to what Gill wrote. He did acknowledge that it is public knowledge that Dr. Rodolfich only won the superintendent position by a 4-3 margin.

June Ullman, School Advisory Council (SAC), chairperson pointed out issues she see’s in the coming months. The incoming principal will not be brought in until August 1st. The first day of school is August 10th. This wouldn’t leave the new principal anytime to get organized and help with the transition. Interim superintendent felt they had a good plan in place moving forward and appeared not to see it as a concern.

Several parents advised they will be attending the next Lake Wales Charter School Board meeting, Tuesday April 26, at 4pm at the LWHS, to express there opinion to the board.

*** The School Advisory Council (SAC) works with the principal and staff to develop the annual School Improvement Plan (SIP). After analyzing data, (such as school grade, AYP and FCAT scores), goals are determined which will best lead the school to be as successful as possible.

Since the SIP is usually approved in the fall, in the other meetings topics are presented to demonstrate tangible ways that LWHS staff is working towards goals, along with updates on programs, facilities and personnel. The SAC also votes on the expenditure of SAC Allocation Funds, and School Recognition Funds.

The LWHS SAC meets the second Thursday of each month (with the exception of December) at 7:30 am. All are welcome to attend the meetings. The membership is composed of the principal, and an appropriately balanced team of parents, faculty/staff, community members and one student from each grade level.

Victory Ridge Academy Receives Grant from Mountain Lake Community Service, Inc.

Jody
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Victory Ridge Academy Receives Grant from Mountain Lake Community Service, Inc.

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Lake Wales, Florida – On March 23, 2022, Victory Ridge Academy (VRA) was awarded funding from Mountain Lake Community Service (MLCS). All funding received from Mountain Lake Community Service will go towards supporting Victory Ridge’s Transportation Safety Program.

In order to protect our students from the danger of oncoming traffic, Victory Ridge Academy will purchase Safe Fleet’s Predictive Stop Arm Systems for our buses. This advanced technology will alert students in the case that any speeding vehicles are nearby while they are entering and exiting our school buses.

Both staff and students at Victory Ridge Academy would like to thank Mountain Lake Community Service, Inc. for their generous donation and continued support over the years!

The mission of Mountain Lake Community Service (MLCS) is “to help make a difference in the lives of people in the Lake Wales community.” The MLCS Board in turn performs due diligence regarding each grant request received from non-profit organizations before awarding funds. MLCS, through the generous involvement of Mountain Lake members, annually provides grants to over 20 local non-profits to help improve health care, education, literacy, the arts, childcare and more.

Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c) (3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children and adolescents with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills in order to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org

Emergency Blood Loss Control Clinics

Jody
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Emergency Blood Loss Control Clinics
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