ADOPT-A-RECIPIENT “ANGEL MEALS”

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December 10, 2019

ADOPT-A-RECIPIENT “ANGEL MEALS”

as seen in Winter Haven Daily Print Publication:

Meals on Wheels served 88,201 meals last year to over 985 homebound recipients in Winter Haven, Auburndale, Lakeland, Haines City and Davenport.

2020 ADOPT-A-RECIPIENT “Angel Meals”

$35 gift will feed one person for a week

$150 will provide meals for a month

$1,645 will sponsor a homebound person for a year.

380 volunteers will drive many miles to ensure that the recipients receive a hot, nutritious meal and a face to face encounter with a “friend” each day! Our meals:

Bring comfort and peace of mind to the many we serve and their families.
Provide Hot mid-day meals to homebound seniors and the disabled who have difficulty shopping for or preparing a meal.
Empower many to avoid nursing homes or institutions and remain comfortable and secure in their own surroundings.

This gift will not be put on a shelf or in a drawer. It is a very “SPECIAL GIFT”. Through Meals on Wheels, you can give to those who need our help. We receive no federal funds and in 2019 each meal costs Meals on Wheels $7.00 to prepare. Through your donations we are able to feed more recipients in our community.

Please help us reach out to the homebound. Thank You!

“Together We Can Deliver” Help make a difference today!

Senior hunger and isolation is a real part of our community!

Carolyn Metheney January 27, 1936 – December 06, 2019

Obituaries

Staff Reporter

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December 9, 2019

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Carolyn Metheney
January 27, 1936 – December 06, 2019

Carolyn Sue Metheney, 83

Carolyn S. Metheney of Winter Haven, Florida passed away Friday, December 6, 2019 at her residence

She was born January 27, 1936 in Chillicothe, Ohio to the late Cleveland and Helen (Bennett) Huffer. She was a retired Receiving Manager from K-mart, she worked at Publix, she loved her family and friends and would do anything for anyone.

She is preceded in death by her son Jeffrey Metheney and daughter Brenda Kay Metheney.

She is survived by her husband Wilbur “Buzz” Metheney, daughter Cheryl Brewer and husband Robert of Winter Haven, FL, son William “Bill” Metheney of Winter Haven, FL, sister Gail Foster of Columbus, OH, 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Westside Baptist Church building fund.

Visitation will be held 10:00 am until service time at 11:00am on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home with Rev. Steven Bolden officiating. Interment will be held at the Lake Wales Cemetery.

Marion Nelson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com

Convicted Felon Arrested on Armed Trafficking of Marijuana Charge

Staff Reporter

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December 9, 2019

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Convicted Felon Arrested on Armed Trafficking of Marijuana Charge

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

Ronal Augustin (37 years-old, Ave L NE, Winter Haven) was stopped by a Winter Haven K-9 Officer Garcia just after midnight Sunday morning because he was driving without any lights. The lawful traffic stop ended up being much more than a reminder to turn on headlights.

As the officer was speaking with Augustin, he smelled what he believed was marijuana and asked Augustin if there was anything illegal in the vehicle. Augustin told the officer, “If you are smelling weed, it’s probably coming from my clothes because I smoked some earlier.” According to Augustin, he had a medical marijuana card, however the card he produced was expired.

The officer asked if he could search the vehicle and Augustin consented to a search.

Officer Garcia retrieved his K-9 partner Logan and they began the search. Logan immediately alerted. In the backseat of the vehicle were two large suitcases, both containing large amounts of marijuana packaged in heat sealed plastic bags and in the shape of blocks, all totaling 47 pounds.

Also found was a loaded handgun on the driver’s side floorboard next to the brake pedal. The handgun was found to be stolen out of Clayton County Georgia.

Augustin was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with the following:
Armed Trafficking in Cannabis More than 25 Pounds (F.S.S. 893.135) FL
Possession of Firearm By Convicted Felon (F.S.S. 790.23) F2
Possession of Ammunition by Convicted Felon (F.S.S. 790.23) F2
Maintaining Vehicle For Drug Transport (F.S.S. 823.10) F3
Carrying Concealed Weapon (F.S.S. 790.01) M1
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (F.S.S. 893.147) M1
Augustin was also issued two traffic citations for Open Container and Operating a Vehicle Without Headlights.

Fifth Annual Santa Paws Raises Proceeds For Humane Society

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2019

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Fifth Annual Santa Paws Raises Proceeds For Humane Society

by James Coulter

Everyone deserves to be at home for the holidays, and that includes our furry friends. The Humane Society of Polk County works hard to ensure that dogs and cats receive a good home, especially during the holidays, and they do that through the proceeds they receive through fundraisers such as their fifth annual Santa Paws.

For the past five years, the Humane Society has been hosting their annual holiday fundraiser to allow guests to ring in the holiday season while donating funds that help the local rescue shelter maintain operation year-round. For the past four years, the annual fundraiser has been hosted at Jensen’s Bar in Downtown Winter Haven, with this year’s holiday event celebrating its fifth year on Tuesday evening.

Several dozen guests from the local community congregated within the bar that evening to enjoy drinks, food, and live music as provided by Polkweed Muzique, as well as engage in silent auctions and 50/50 raffles for prizes including a Chest of Cheer.

“It is very successful,” said Kristie Renardson, Event Chair. “It is a good money maker that doesn’t cost us very much money. So the money goes where it is supposed to go to the Humane Society.”

Aside from allowing the locals an opportunity to start the holiday season with fun and merriment, the event also allows them to support and donate to a great organization that in turn supports the community through its services.

“It is so much fun,” Renardson said. “Everyone enjoys it. So far, it has exceeded expectations aside from the cold weather, [which] we think that is a plus because it is the holidays. We strive every year to exceed the amount we made before…Whether you are a pet lover or not, it helps the community in many ways.”

The Humane Society of Polk County prides itself as the first no-kill shelter in Central Florida. Earlier this year, they opened their new state-of-the-art facility along Dundee Road in Winter Haven.

Adopting their shelter animals proves quite the challenge, as they take in animals as fast as or faster than they adopt out, explained Beth Koon, Board of Directors. Even more of a challenge is running their facility, which can spend as much as $1,500 a day to maintain operations, she said.

As such, their premiere fundraiser event of the holiday season helps them raise proceeds that go directly towards covering the costs of their daily operations, as well as provides a great evening for their guests.

“We are very thankful to all our supporters and planning committee, and this fundraiser will help us finance our daily operations,” Koon said.

Their success over the past five years has been mostly due to the community support, especially the support garnered by their planning committee. By reaching out to the local community, they have ensured that the community reaches back and helps out an organization that in turn helps them.

“The committee has done a great job reaching out to the community,” said Lisa Baker, Executive Director. “They have been very supportive. It has been wonderful, they are great to work with, they are very supportive of the humane society and the work that they do.”

Lake Wales Unveils New Fire Truck At Christmas Tree Lighting

Uncategorized

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2019

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Lake Wales Unveils New Fire Truck At Christmas Tree Lighting

by James Coulter

The City of Lake Wales received an early Christmas present in the form of a shiny red fire truck, which it unveiled to the public during its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday evening.

More than two dozen local residents gathered around the Christmas tree outside the City Administration Building downtown to see it light up for the first time this holiday season during that evening’s ceremony.

Prior to the tree lighting, the Babson Park Gnats, the student choir from Babson Park Elementary School, entertained everyone with a few holiday classics such as “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.”

Mayor Eugene Fultz used the opportunity to remind everyone about the true spirit of the holiday, how the season is about spending time with family, and how we should reach out to people who might not be as privileged as us to give them a helping hand this season.

“We all must remember, even though Christmas might be a pleasant time for us because we have family around us, always remember there is someone out there who does not have family and cannot celebrate the same way you do, so please be mindful of people who may need help this holiday season,” Fultz said.

Giving to others through charity and good will is something that his city is especially great at doing, and he expects the city to continue showing its open heart to others throughout the county during the holidays, he said.

“That is one of the things that we are good at here in Lake Wales,” he said. “We have done that many times, and we can continue to do it, not just in Lake Wales, but in Polk County, because we have good people with big hearts and we are hoping that you can continue to do that.”

The big reveal that evening, aside from the Christmas tree lights, was a new state-of-the-art fire truck that the local fire department recently received.

The department had assembled the truck and its equipment just in time to display it during the ceremony that evening, explained City Clerk, Jennifer Nanek.

Following the ceremony, attendees could take an up close and personal look at the new truck and even snap a few pictures of it and the firefighters there. The new vehicle replaces an old truck that had been with the department since 1984. That truck has since been donated to the Lake Wales Depot Museum.

The new addition will help with the already great reputation of the city’s fire department, which has a faster response rate and higher rating in regards to insurance than any other department in the county, Mayor Fultz explained.

Overall, the new truck, the children’s choir, and the lighting of the Christmas tree drew in a great turnout for an equally great annual holiday tradition for the city.

“The turnout is fantastic,” Nanek said. “We have a great group out here. I love the singing and the enthusiasm of the young people out here. They are having a great time being out here.”

Victory Ridge Academy Receives Walmart Community Grant

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2019

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Victory Ridge Academy Receives Walmart Community Grant

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Lake Wales, Florida – On November 25, 2019 Victory Ridge Academy was awarded $1,000 from Walmart Community Grants. All funding received from Walmart will go toward VRA’s Therapeutic Behavior Management System, which utilizes a positive approach and aids in providing clear expectations and consistent consequences that help students to become more productive in their learning environment.

Victory Ridge Academy recognizes the importance of establishing the social culture and behavioral supports needed for all children to achieve both social and academic success. Through this program our mission is to provide a high level of quality student behavioral support so that educators and therapists will be able to maintain effective classroom environments with minimal distractions.

Both staff and students at Victory Ridge Academy would like to thank Walmart #6071 for their generous donation and continued support over the years.

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.

PCSO Deputies Arrest Lakeland Man On Drug Charges After Report Of A Home Invasion That Didn’t Happen

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2019

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PCSO Deputies Arrest Lakeland Man On Drug Charges After Report Of A Home Invasion That Didn’t Happen

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported armed home invasion over the weekend, and instead of finding robbers, they recovered drugs and a lot of money.

On Sunday, December 1, 2019, at about 7:46 a.m., the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call stating that there were armed people in the residence at 5238 Snowy Heron Drive in Lakeland.

When deputies arrived, the only person they found in the home was 49-year-old Shawn Boylan.

Boylan told the deputies that the home invaders ran out of the rear sliding glass door as deputies came in through the front. Deputies who were in the back yard however, saw nobody exiting the rear of the home. The sliding glass door was also found to be locked from the inside, and a grill and bench were sitting neatly outside of the door.

While deputies were in the home with Boylan they noticed an abundant amount of marijuana in plain sight throughout the house.

A search warrant was obtained for the house, and detectives located 25.79 pounds of marijuana, a small amount of cocaine, and over $130,000 in U.S. currency.

Boylan told the detectives that the marijuana was hidden by the home invaders and they forced him to snort a small line of cocaine.

A digital scale and vacuum sealer were also located in the home.

“This occurred in a nice, quiet neighborhood, and while there was no home invasion this time, drug traffickers who keep large amounts of drugs and money in the house are targets of violent home invasions. Obviously, having someone like this living near you can be extremely dangerous for innocent neighbors.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Shawn Boylan was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Marijuana (F1), Possessing a Structure for Trafficking Drugs (F2), Cocaine Possession (F3), Marijuana Resin Possession (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).

Due to his behavior, Boylan was also Baker Acted for a mental health evaluation.

Deputies would like to speak with Michele Stefanski regarding Boylan’s case. She is a resident of the home but was not present during the investigation.

Two Men Charged With Multiple Drug And Firearm Related Felonies

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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December 3, 2019

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Two Men Charged With Multiple Drug And Firearm Related Felonies

Multiple guns found along with trafficking amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis

“These two had significant stashes of guns and drugs and a combined total of 76 prior felonies and 40 misdemeanors. They have been to prison five times–we can safely say they are going back to prison where they belong.” —Grady Judd, Sheriff

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives developed information about possible methamphetamine and cocaine sales activity occuring at the Royal Inn motel between Winter Haven and Lake Alfred on US 17. Detective’s conducted surveillance in the area, and made a traffic stop on a Nissan rental car with a Georgia tag. 33-year-old John McDonough was driving and 32-year-old Michael Brady was the passenger. Brady was not wearing a seat belt and he was written a citation. A Winter Haven Police Department drug K-9 alerted on the vehicle and a lawful search of the rental car was conducted.

Detectives located a black container behind the front passenger seat in plain view. There was a crystalline substance inside of the container which tested positive for methamphetamine. Detectives then obtained a search warrant for room 132 at the motel (the one belonging to John McDonough). Inside they found seven firearms, one of which was reported stolen in Polk County and another firearm had the serial number removed/altered. One of the firearms was an AK-47 with a fully loaded and attached drum magazine. Detectives located narcotics and paraphernalia throughout the motel room: approximately 238 gm of methamphetamine, approximately 492 gm of cocaine and approximately 196 gm of cannabis was seized. Also located was $4,843.00 in U.S. currency. Detectives are filing for forfeiture on the cash.

John McDonough and Michael Brady both have prior felony convictions and are not allowed to possess firearms as convicted felons. Michael Brady was out on bond as of 11/03/2019 for the offense of trafficking in cocaine and additional narcotics charges. John McDonough is listed as a career offender. McDonough has a criminal history of 38 felonies and 21 misdemeanors. He’s been to prison 3 times. Brady has a criminal history of 38 felonies and 19 misdemeanors–he’s been to prison twice.

McDonough’s and Brady’s association with the stolen and altered firearms will be further investigated by detectives.

Both were transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with multiple felonies (see below):

John McDonough W/M 08/20/1986 (Career Offender)

3525 Lake Alfred Road # 132 Winter Haven FL

Charges: Armed Trafficking Cocaine over 200 gm, Armed Trafficking Methamphetamine over 200 gm, Possession of Methamphetamine WITS (With Intent to Sell) within 1000 ft of school, Possession of Cocaine WITS within 1000 ft of school, Possession of Cannabis WITS within 1000 ft of school, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cannabis over 20 gm, Grand Theft Firearm, Possession of firearm by convicted felon, Possession of altered firearm, Possession of Cannabis Resin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Michael Brady W/M 03/12/1987

3525 Lake Alfred Road # 132 Winter Haven FL

Armed Trafficking Cocaine over 200 gm, Armed Trafficking Methamphetamine over 200 gm, Possession of Methamphetamine WITS within 1000 ft of school, Possession of Cocaine WITS within 1000 ft of school, Possession of Cannabis WITS within 1000 ft of school, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cannabis over 20 gm, Grand Theft Firearm, Possession of firearm by convicted felon, Possession of altered firearm, Possession of Cannabis Resin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Dyer Kia Opens New Lake Wales Showroom With Ribbon Cutting

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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December 3, 2019

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Dyer Kia Opens New Lake Wales Showroom With Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

Whether you are looking for a new or used car, truck, or SUV, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you are looking for at the brand new Dyer Kia showroom in Lake Wales.

Located along Highway 27 across from Eagle Ridge Mall, the new 28,000-square-foot showroom showcases more than 300 top-of-the-line vehicles. The building also includes 15 work bays—more than double the number of bays in the original building—and a “delivery center” where customers can learn the ins-and-outs about their new vehicle.

“We know that prospective customers are extremely well educated when researching their next vehicle,” its website states. “Dyer Kia has made it easy to get all the available vehicle information so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying your purchase.”

Aside from offering local customers an opportunity to find and buy new or used vehicles, the new facility will also help to grow the local economy by hiring 10 employees with expectations to offer more positions in the near future, The Ledger reported.

Dyer Kia Lake Wales opened its new facility and dedicated it with a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday afternoon. The event was hosted by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, with representatives from the Lake Wales Chamber Of Commerce also attending.

Amanda Jo Nicholson, Vice President of Member Services, hosted the event on behalf of the Chamber Director, Katie Worthington-Decker, who was unable to attend due to attending an important government legislative affairs committee.

Nicholson mentioned how the new facility was a valuable asset to the local community and economy, and wished it good luck in its new endeavors on behalf of the Chamber President.

“She wanted me to say how proud we are of this facility and how proud we are to work with the Dyer family, so thank you very, very much,” she said.

Kevin Kieft, President of the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce, likewise offered his words of support to the new facility, expressing how grateful the local community was to have it constructed within Lake Wales.

“This entire area of Lake Wales is growing,” he said. “Lake Wales and Winter Haven are growing together, and I think that is good. You are positioned very well out here, and we couldn’t be any happier that you decided to [build] it here.”

John Dyer and his wife, Tatiana, the two owners of the facility, each expressed their gratitude for the local community for opening the doors for them and allowing them to open up their business along Highway 27. They both have high expectations for the facility and hope that it grows along with the local economy.

“We are very excited to be out here in the community,” Dyer said. “There are so many good things happening around us, and we look forward to growing our roots here.”

Dyer Kia is located at 23280 US-27, Lake Wales, FL 33859. For more information, call 863-676-0595, or visit https://www.dyerkialakewales.com.

Angels Among Us Raises Funds For Girls Inc. of Winter Haven

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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December 3, 2019

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Angels Among Us Raises Funds For Girls Inc. of Winter Haven

by James Coulter

Last year, Dr. Nanette Rodgers was honored with the Judy Pope Award from Girls Inc. of Winter Haven for her work as both a former educator and a healthy living advocate.

As a local woman whose local community of Winter Haven has allowed her to excel in her life, Dr. Rodgers does everything she can to help give back to her community to ensure that other young girls and women have the same opportunity.

One way she does that is through volunteer work with the same organization that honored her last year with her award, Girls Inc. of Winter Haven—the local branch of a national non-profit organization which, according to its website, is “dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

Dr. Rodgers has a personal connection with the organization. Not only did it honor her with her award last year, but she is also close friends with the organization’s Executive Director, Peggy Threlkel.

“Peggy was my next-door neighbor for years,” Dr. Rodgers said. “I have watched her grow up, and I just think she is a wonderful director. I support her. I love to be around the girls because they are bold and they are smart. It is just a wonderful experience for them when they grow up.”

For the past several years, Dr. Rodgers has helped to give back to the organization, as well as the local community, through Girl’s Inc. annual fall fundraiser, Angels Among Us, hosted last Thursday evening.

She attends the annual fundraiser whenever she can, and she gives as much as she can through her donations whenever she can. As a local woman whose community allowed her to achieve great things, she was to offer other local girls and women the same opportunity through her donations, she explained.

“The more you bid, the more you give to help the girls,” she said. “I always want to give, and I had a lot of people give and support me, and it is a wonderful thing to be a part of the Angels.”

Ever since it first started several years ago, Angels Among Us has helped raise money for Girls Inc. of Winter Haven and their educational and tutoring programs for young girls. Their overall success has no doubt been the result of the attendees and sponsors who attend year after year, Threlkel explained.

During its annual fall fundraiser, Angels Among Us, Girls Inc. of Winter Haven allows participants to offer donations to their organization by bidding on various items during live and silent auctions.

This year’s event was hosted at Venue 650 in Winter Haven. Previous events had been hosted at Arabella’s in the downtown area. The new venue this year offers a more spacious setting that permitted a much larger turnout, Threlkel said.

Throughout the evening, attendees could enjoy appetizers and drinks as served by The Catering Company, with items including barbecue sandwiches, chocolate-covered bacon, and miniature quiches.

What has allowed the event to grow exponentially each and every year has been the overall camaraderie of the event. Attendees love being able to socialize with other guests and utilize their time there to give back to a great organization, she said.

“We have grown in attendance as well as having items and ideas for new inventive ways to raise money,” she said. “It has exceeded expectations. We had more sponsors this year than in previous years. We also have more attendees. So it is wonderful. We are hoping that we continue to grow.”

Amanda Jo Nicholson, Vice President of Member Services at the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, has been serving with Girls Inc. for the past nine years, and currently sits as their Chair on the Board of Directors.

As a local leader within the Winter Haven community, Nicholson appreciates how the organization inspires young girls and women alike to become similar leaders within their community through tutoring programs and other community services.

“I love this event because it helps bring people together,” she said. “We are blessed with many great sponsors who helped put this together. Great partners who help work it. It has been bigger than any event that has ever been held.”

For more information about Girls Inc. of Winter Haven, visit their website at: https://www.girlsincwinterhaven.org/

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