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Dr. Jessie Davis Owens Day Honors Local Educator Who Taught Music for 50 Years

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Dr. Jessie Davis Owens Day Honors Local Educator Who Taught Music for 50 Years

Dr. Jessie Davis Owens Day Honors Local Educator Who Taught Music for 50 Years

by James Coulter

 Having spent more than 50 years teaching music in Winter Haven, Dr. Jessie Davis Owens was honored for her contributions as an educator not only with an official city proclamation, but also by being inducted into the Polk County Hall of Fame.

 

At their regular meeting of the Winter Haven City Commission on Monday evening, Mayor Pro-Tiem Nathanial Birdsong read an official proclamation declaring Oct. 14 to be Dr. Jessie Davis Owens Day in honor of the legacy of the local educator.

Born on Oct. 3, 1945, Dr. Owens has served as a music educator in Winter Haven for more than 50 years. She retired as a choral director from Polk County Public Schools after 42 years, and she currently serves as an adjunct professor of music at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and Polk State College (PSC). Her career reflected her personal motto: “Transforming Lives Through Arts.”

In October 2012, Dr. Owens founded the Dr. Jessie Owens Academy of Fine Arts, which is located at 1708 2nd St. NE in Winter Haven. As the proclamation explains, the school “offers musical education to low-income students in the public school system, primarily to students who aren’t able to get this type of education in their schools.”

Dr. Owens was also honored for her career and legacy by being inducted into The Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance during a ceremony on Oct. 15, 2024, at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven.

 

Dr. Owens attended the city commission meeting for the proclamation and to have her picture taken with the city commissioners. In her comments, she thanked the city commission for recognizing her efforts throughout her 50-year-long career.

“It is indeed an honor and a privilege to be able to accept this award and to be recognized for a passion that I dearly perform every day,” she said.

In Loving Memory of Jerald Ernest Rosecke of Winter Haven – Veteran of the US Army

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In Loving Memory of Jerald Ernest Rosecke of Winter Haven – Veteran of the US Army

Jerald Ernest Rosecke, 76, of Winter Haven, FL, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Winter Haven Hospital.

Born April 17, 1948, in Kasson, Minnesota, he moved to Winter Haven in 2013 from Belvidere, IL where he worked for the UAW at the Chrysler Plant until he retired.  He was a veteran of the US Army and served in the Vietnam War. He loved to fish, was an ultralight aircraft pilot, a member of the American Legion and the Moose Club.

Jerald is preceded in death by a daughter, Jenny Nguyen and his parents, Johnny and Katherine Iverson Rosecke.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-four years, Linda; a son, Jerald “Butch” Rosecke, Jr. and his wife, Shelly of Byron, IL; a daughter, Jill Rosecke of Rockford, IL; three step daughters, Denise Brown and her husband Larry of Ellory, SC, Darla Crescenzo and her husband, Chris of Summerfield, FL , Andrea Leseberg and her husband, Chris of Elgin, IL; a step-son, Jason Short of Prentice, WI; three sisters, Joan Dotzenrod of Stewartville, MN,  Judy Zelinskie and her husband, Lonnie of Owatonna, MN  and Peggy Sawyer and her husband, Steve of Rochester, MN; a brother, Leslie Rosecke of Minneapolis, MN,  Thirteen Grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 9:00am until 10:00am, Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. Funeral Services will follow immediately in the funeral home chapel at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at 1:00pm. 

 In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in his name to the Dattoli Cancer Center in Sarasota, FL.

Where To Dispose of Tires in Lakeland

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Where To Dispose of Tires in Lakeland

City of Lakeland, FL – Government

Did you know that residents can request a free bulk pickup of tires up to four times a year? This service is perfect if you’re unsure how to dispose of your old tires properly.

Remember, unauthorized disposal of garbage or materials is illegal. If you see a pile of waste, don’t hesitate to call 834-DUMP. For more information, visit LakelandGov.net/DUMP.

For more details about bulk pickup options, visit https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/public-works/solid-waste/large-bulk-pickups/

Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Vehicle Accident Involving Trauma Alert in Winter Haven

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Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Vehicle Accident Involving Trauma Alert in Winter Haven

On October 21, 2024 around 6:30 p.m. Polk County Fire Rescue and Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle vs pole crash at Havendale Blvd NW & 34th St NW in Winter Haven.

We reached out to Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer (PIO) Meghan Petty and she advised that a GMC Yukon collided with a pole and a passerby called it in. The caller reported that it appeared the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, but the crash is still under investigation so we cannot confirm the cause of the crash at this time.

We also reached out to Polk County Fire Rescue PIO Nathaniel Gale and he confirmed that one patient was transported by ground as a trauma alert.

Road Closure Notice in City of Winter Haven for Tuesday and Wednesday

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Road Closure Notice in City of Winter Haven for Tuesday and Wednesday

City of Winter Haven notice:

Hubbard Construction will be milling and paving Avenue E NW from 1st Street to 3rd Street. Message boards will notify drivers of the upcoming work, and we ask that you avoid parking on the street. Road closures are scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, and Wednesday, October 23.

For any questions, please call (863) 291-5852.

Two-Vehicle Crash in Winter Haven Sends One to Hospital

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Two-Vehicle Crash in Winter Haven Sends One to Hospital

On October 21, 2024 Polk County Fire Rescue and Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle crash on Rifle Range Road and 1st Street W in Winter Haven at 2:41 p.m.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Meghan Petty advised that two vehicles were reportedly involved: a black Chevy SUV and a gray Ford sedan.

We also reached out to Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Nathaniel Gale, and he confirmed that one patient was transported to a local hospital.

The scene was cleared roughly an hour after the initial call. That is all the information we will have on this crash, as it was a relatively minor crash with no apparent serious bodily injuries.

Winter Haven Police Asking For Public’s Help in Identifying Three Subjects Involved in Vehicle Burglary Attempt

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Winter Haven Police Asking For Public’s Help in Identifying Three Subjects Involved in Vehicle Burglary Attempt

Can you help identify any of these subjects?
On October 9, 2024 just after midnight, the three subjects entered the Winter Haven Parking Garage and started pulling on car door handles. They located a Jeep Wrangler and cut the soft fabric of vehicle in an attempt to burglarize the vehicle. The alarm went off and they fled the garage.
Anyone with information on the identities of these subjects is asked to call Detective Ragusa at 863-280-5225.

Video here:


If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

  • Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
  • From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
  • Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
  • Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
    You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

Hope Equine Rescue Hosting Trot or Treat 2024

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Hope Equine Rescue Hosting Trot or Treat 2024

It is almost time for our favorite event!

Join us for our 2024 Trot or Treat at the barn. Our team goes all out! The stalls, and even some of the horses, will be decorated. You can vote on your favorite by making a donation. The volunteer that raises the most money wins a belt buckle, and you help us feed the horses!

October 26 from 5-8:00 p.m.

3805 High St NE in Winter Haven

There will be TONS of candy, a photo booth, and horses!

WE absolutely LOVE this event. Join us for an evening of fun and SUGAR!

Make sure to purchase your tickets now. This event sells out quickly.

We use time slots to help keep the numbers down in the barn and make the event a little more enjoyable. You can arrive anytime during your time slot, and you can stay as long or as short as you like. This helps keep everything flowing smoothly.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. This event always sells out and we can’t accept walk ups.

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]

https://app.aplos.com/aws/events/trot_or_treat_2024?

Lake Wales Businessman & Community Leader Cliff Tonjes Peacefully Passed Away Saturday

Carl Fish
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Lake Wales Businessman & Community Leader Cliff Tonjes Peacefully Passed Away Saturday

Lake Wales businessman and community leader Cliff Tonjes peacefully passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024 at his residence. 

While he was born and raised in Michigan, Cliff met and married his wife Carol in Niles, Michican. They lived in Indiana where they raised three children before moving to Lake Wales in 1976. Cliff is best known in town for owning and operating True Value Hardware with Carol until a fire in 2003 destroyed their building.  His son, Larry, later opened Cliff’s True Value, where Cliff jokingly “enjoyed his retirement” by working as an unpaid employee there until 2020.

Cliff was a fixture in downtown Lake Wales, with a booming voice and jovial greeting for everyone that he encountered.  In addition to the store, Cliff was active in local politics.  He served from 1996-2005 as a City Commissioner as well as the position of Mayor for the town that he loved.  Cliff was honored as the Lake Wales Citizen of the year in 2003, and the Lake Wales Mason Lodge selected him as their Citizen of the Year in 2015. He established Murals and Enhancements, facilitated monthly meals for the needy, served as emcee for countless Spelling Circuses for the Lake Wales Literacy Council, judged parades at Saddlebag, and was thrilled to participate in countless other community events.

Cliff leaves behind his wife of 66 years Carol, children  Dawn (Jim) Garand, Larry (Cindy) Tonjes, and Debra (Norm) Burleigh.  He was a loving grandfather to Andrew (Allison) Garand, Aaron (Amber) Garand, Laura (Scott) Marriott, Emily (Jeff) Rutkowski, Tyson Burleigh, Jamie (Mantha) Garand, and Alexxa (Spencer) Stanley as well as six great grandchildren, countess nieces, nephews and in-laws. 

The family will receive guests from 1:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.  For anyone choosing to attend his service, feel free to honor Cliff by wearing red/white/blue, as Cliff often wore as a proud patriot.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lake Wales Care Center (140 East Park Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853) or Compassionate Care Hospice (Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge Louisiana 70816). 

Polk Deputy’s Arrest Woman Who Allegedly Robbed Uber Driver At Gunpoint

Carl Fish
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Polk Deputy’s Arrest Woman Who Allegedly Robbed Uber Driver At Gunpoint

On Sunday, October 20, 2024 at approximately 8:00 PM, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an armed robbery call in Mulberry. Upon their arrival, they made contact with the victim, an Uber driver, who told deputies the suspect, 27-year old Jasia Owens, had robbed him at gunpoint.

The victim was in the process of dropping off two passengers, when they asked if they could purchase a second ride to another location, and asked if their friend (Owens) could ride with them. Jasia Owens attempted to enter the car with a dog, and the Uber driver told her he did not want her pet in his car. He asked the entire group to exit his vehicle. According to the victim and witnesses, Owens became irate and refused to leave the vehicle. Both the victim and Owens exited the vehicle, arguing, and Owens pulled a brown handgun from her bag, threatened the victim and snatched his cellphone. The victim attempted to flee the scene in his car, but Owens prevented him from leaving. Once he was able to leave, he drove down the street and flagged down a bystander, using their phone to call 9-1-1 for help.

The weapon used in the robbery, a 9mm Sig Sauer, was recovered in the driveway of a nearby home, under a vehicle. According to the witness at that house, Owens had come onto their driveway and asked for a ride to her sister’s house. They stated that Owens appeared to be in a rush to get out of the area. 

Jasia Owens’ criminal history includes aggravated assault, grand larceny and battery. She was charged with armed robbery in this incident, a life felony.

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