Earlier this morning, on August 27, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., Sergeant Carlton Turner, the supervisor at our (PCSO) Eagle Lake Sheriff’s substation, was driving when he saw smoke coming from what looked like someone’s backyard off of Bomber Road. He ended up at the location, 106 Madera Drive in Wahneta, and saw a structure fire in the fenced-in backyard which was locked. Nobody was home.
He used his agency-issued bolt cutters, went into the yard, and saw pens with chickens, and two dogs. He rescued the dogs and grabbed the water hose – dousing the structure fire and the dogs who were overheated and lethargic.
The homeowners arrived, along with Polk County Fire Rescue and one of our Animal Control Officers. The little white dog, Bonnie, was revived. The other dog, unfortunately, did not. Polk County Fire Rescue were kind enough to bury the dog for the owners.
There were no injuries to fire crew members, officers or residents.
The water main is repaired. Please note, the precautionary boil water notice is still in place.
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City of Auburndale, FL Government –
Precautionary Boil Water Notice:
A Precautionary Boil Water Notice has been issued for the following areas:
All of Lake Juliana Drive
All of Reflections of Juliana
All of Hills of Arietta
All of Cascara
100-116 Lake Mattie Road
469 SR 559
The City is repairing a broken water main. Due to the length of time for this work and the low water pressure experienced during this repair, we advise that all water used for drinking or cooking be boiled. Updates will be posted as they are received. Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconveniences.
Polk County Solid Waste Division Labor Day Schedule
Bartow, Fla. (August 27, 2024) – The North Central Landfill and the Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day. They will re-open Tuesday, Sept. 3.
In observation of the Labor Day holiday, residential collection services scheduled for Monday, Sept. 2, will take place on Tuesday. Tuesday services will take place on Wednesday, and so on. Friday services will take place on Saturday. A one-day delay will occur for each day of the week following the holiday.
For holiday schedule information and closures, visit https://www.polk-county.net/services/polk-county-solid-waste/ (https://www.polk-county.net/services/polk-county-solid-waste/)
The next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class is scheduled for Saturday, September 7th from 10am – Noon.
Join our Crime Prevention Unit for a couple of hours to learn some basic moves and information that could help keep you safe in a bad situation.
The upcoming Saturday, September 7th between 10:00 a.m. – Noon, will be held at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operation Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd near Winter Haven.
The class is FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.
Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.
The class consists of lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.
NEXT CLASS: Saturday, September 7th PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend, please RSVP to [email protected], and please include your name and phone number.
And check out our calendar https://www.polksheriff.org/events and our website https://www.polksheriff.org/programs-services for more information! You can also contact the team at 863-298-6677 or [email protected] with any questions.
*Personal Safety: Common sense safety tips are presented on how to avoid being the victim of a crime.
*Women’s Basic Self-Defense: Learn basic safety tips and techniques to enable women to escape less than desirable situations.
Polk County’s Parks and Natural Resources Division has a 340-acre prescribed burn planned within the SUMICA conservation area today. SUMICA will be closed to the public today, Aug. 27, 2024, and is expected to reopen tomorrow, Aug. 28, 2024.
According to Polk-county.net, “(The acronym) stands for Societe Universelle Mining Industrie, Commerce et Agriculture, a French company that had timber rights to the land. The town of SUMICA, established in 1917, thrived on lumbering and turpentine.”
SUMICA is in southeast Polk County, along the northeastern shore of lake Walk-in-Water. At SUMICA, a 4,031 acre wilderness preserve, visitors can expect to see Florida wild turkey, Bachman’s sparrow, towhees and short-tailed hawks. Located near Lake Wales, SUMICA has 3 trails providing a total of 9.1 miles of through pine flatwoods, oak hammock and marsh habitats.
The prescribed burn is being conducted for ecological purposes. Prescribed fires protect conservation lands from uncontrolled wildfires and support the health of Polk County’s ecosystems. Polk County’s Parks and Natural Resources Division routinely conducts prescribed burns to maintain the health and ecological function of natural areas. To learn more about prescribed burns as a land management tool, visit Polk’s Nature Discovery Center and explore hands-on interactive exhibits.
All prescribed burns are subject to being postponed or canceled due to weather or other factors.
Cheryl Brewer with The Can Do Team has a property for sale! Located in Winter Haven
4 bed 2 bath
$330,000
Property details:
GORGEOUS TRI-LEVEL HISTORIC HOME…featuring much of its original character brought back to life! Characteristics such as original wood flooring, beautiful, exposed beams in the kitchen, along with the original wood cabinetry, and door-framing with its gorgeous 1925 decorative woodwork.
As you enter the home you are adorned by the beautiful natural light that shines into the open foyer with gorgeous, polished marble-look tile flooring, and straight ahead is the beautiful stone fireplace that has been updated with a gorgeous whitewash & refinished wood mantel. This large living space has beautiful, refinished wood flooring and is your thoroughfare to the formal dining room and large kitchen in one direction & master bedroom, plus gorgeous stairway for all 3 upstairs bedrooms in the other direction.
Also on the main living level of this home is a bonus room, featuring wood flooring and the perfect place to maintain an outdoor view while working from your home office.
The master suite is on the lower-level of this tri-level home, which has its own entry/exit door to the exterior of the home, walk-in closet & gorgeous, updated bathroom. Plenty of backyard space to enjoy outdoor activates or just sit back and relax on your large 29×8 covered back porch.
In the back yard is also a storage shed (18×20) to keep all of your tools and equipment out of the weather. Close to the beautifully revamped historic downtown Winter Haven, major roadways to lead you to neighboring towns (Hwy 17, Hwy 92, Polk Parkway), shopping, medical facilities and restaurants. Updates include: Roof (20210, 2 central A/C units (2022), Electrical Completely rewired (2022), tented for termites in 2018. Call today to schedule your showing of this gorgeous historic beauty!
It took over 44 years to finish and publish the book.
That’s what co-authors Bob and Chris Balgemann say when you look at the history of, First Love, Only Love,” their first novel released this month.
Bob and Chris have been married more than 58 years. They have lived in five states: Illinois twice, Florida (Lake Wales, of course), Georgia, California and, now, the Washington state Peninsula.
They enjoy traveling, visiting historic places walking peacefully among the trees or along a quiet beach. A good movie, sometimes with a little cuddling on the couch, is a great way to end the day.
Co-writing this novel has been a new experience for them.
Bob Balgemann’s career as a newspaper journalist spanned 57 years. During that time he worked for newspapers in three states, winning numerous state and national awards.
According to their website, this is his first novel. He actually wrote one in 1979, but it was never completed.
Forty-four years later, Bob was looking forward to leisure time in retirement. But Chris, put a stop to the notion of just sitting around. She said he needed to finish the book. And so he did, with a big helping hand from her.
Bob and Chris Balgemann lived in the Lake Wales / Babson Park from 1979 to 2005.
“I was a writer/editor for the Tampa Tribune for 27 years, 12 in Lake Wales (office in the Arcade), last 15 in the Sebring office,” Bob says.
“My commuting to Sebring allowed me to write for the (newspaper) as sports editor from 1997-2005. Also covered city government; covered the 25th and 50th anniversaries of Bok Tower. My wife and I were active in the Presbyterian Church when David Rockness was pastor.”
The couple is very proud of the book and is, as the title suggests, about love.
The following is a press release about their novel:
“In an era where relationships often seem fleeting, “First Love, Only Love,” by Bob and Chris Balgemann, is a reminder that young love can indeed stand the test of time. Released in August 2024, this book explores the enduring power of emotional attachment and commitment through the eyes of a young couple. As they deal with life’s ups and downs together.
“The story begins in the Chicago suburb of Maywood, Illinois. This is the kind of tale that resonates with readers of all ages. It follows the journey of a boy and a girl, whose relationship begins as pre-teenagers smitten with each other, and evolves from there. Their bond, characterized by continuous devotion and heartfelt moments, exemplifies the strength of true love.
“At the very bottom of it, “First Love, Only Love” explores the themes of nostalgia, commitment, and the deep emotional ties that bind people together. What sets this book apart from others in the genre is its universal appeal. It connects with a vast range of readers, from teenagers experiencing the magic of their first crush, to older adults reflecting on their own youthful romances. And those in between. The emphasis on family values further enhances its relatability and charm.
“‘First Love, Only Love’ is more than just a love story. It is an embodiment of warmth, purity, and the essence of human connection. The drama, unexpected twists, and exciting moments keep readers engaged throughout its three parts. Furthermore, the book’s clean content, and infusion of Christian values, make it a wholesome read for families.
“In a world where the meaning of love is defined differently, “First Love, Only Love” offers a perspective on the power of young love and its ability to endure. This novel is not just a journey through the lives of its characters. It is also a reflection on the enduring nature of true emotional bonds.
“For those looking for a heartwarming, relatable, and thought-provoking read, “First Love, Only Love” is now available on major platforms such as Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads.”
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Bob Balgemann just retired as a newspaper journalist. Over an award-winning, 57-year career, he worked for papers in the Chicago suburbs, Florida, Georgia and back in northern Illinois. Christine Balgemann’s life has been devoted to working with, and caring for, people. She was a volunteer Girl and Boy Scout leader for 17 years, while working as a travel agent, hair stylist, and paraprofessional.
The Lake Wales Arts Council is currently offering a Beginner’s Stained Glass Class starting Tuesdays, September 3 at 6 p.m.
The 4-week class is structured as follows:
Week 1: Introduction to stained glass, safety & equipment demonstration
Week 2: Essential techniques
Week 3: Hands-on work with instruction
Week 4: Individual projects & group showcase
Learning the art of stained glass can allow one to learn a timeless craft and start a hobby you can build on at home. Beginners may choose from a variety of available designs and learn how to cut glass, assemble, foil, and solder a panel. Those with experience may take the opportunity to work on new designs with the guidance of an experienced instructor. Add some culture, history, and color to your home with authentic stained-glass.
Closed toed shoes are required for this class.
For more information, costs, and to register for the classes, please visit www.lakewalesartscenter.org.
Auburndale Police Department responded to the Seven Eleven located at 420 Magnolia Ave., Auburndale, FL in reference to a retail theft.
On August 12, 2024, surveillance video captured two unknown Black males entering the Seven Eleven and immediately walked to the area of the beer cooler. Both suspects grabbed two cases each of Modelo and Miller Lite then both males exited the business passing all points of sale with no attempt to pay. They were last seen walking northbound on Lemon Street.
SUSPECT 1 – Black male, wearing gray cutoff jeans, dark colored ball cap, black hoodie with LIVE GREATNESS on the front in red/white and MESSI #10 on the back, black socks with black slides.
SUSPECT 2 – Black male, short beard, blue jean shorts, blue sun visor, black t-shirt, long sleeve camo jacket with an American flag on the right sleeve, red socks with tennis shoes and a brown crossbody bag.
If you have any information, please contact Corporal Comerford at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
