1st Annual Grills Gone Wild Barbeque Competition

Davenport

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January 14, 2018

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1^st Annual Grills Gone Wild Barbeque Competition

February 16^th 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

February 17^th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Davenport Community Center

5 South Allapaha Ave., Davenport, FL. 33836

Live entertainment throughout this event.
Professional and amateur teams compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights.
Come ready to taste or eat the best Barbeque in town.

This competition is sanctioned by the Florida Bar-B-Que Association and is a qualifier for:

The Jack Daniels Invitational- Lynchburg, Tn.
The American Royal- Kansas City

For additional information please call 863-419-3300 ext. 138 or visit our website at www.mydavenport.org

Lakeland Man Arrested in Deputy-Involved Shooting; No Deputies Hurt

Staff Reporter

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January 14, 2018

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Lakeland Man Arrested in Deputy-Involved Shooting; No Deputies Hurt

PCSO Release:

On Friday, January 12, 2018 at 6:00 a.m., a Lakeland man was shot and critically injured by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies, after he shot at them while they were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on him on State Road 33 (Lakeland Hills Blvd) and University Blvd, in Lakeland.

The man was identified as Joshua A Imhoff, 32 years-old of 2507 Meadow Lane, Lakeland.

Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on Powerline Rd, Davenport around 4:30 a.m. Imhoff’s ex-girlfriend reported that he sent her threatening messages, and a photo of a gun, putting her in fear for her life.

A BOLO (Be On The Look-Out) was issued for the suspect and his blue Toyota Tacoma. Responding units were informed that Imhoff was armed with a firearm, and that he had made suicide-by-cop statements in the past. At 5:35 a.m., Imhoff’s truck was spotted on Hwy 27 near I-4, and as deputies attempted a traffic stop he began doing donuts on the onramp, then fled westbound on I-4.

Deputies attempted to stop the truck with stop-sticks as he was exiting I-4 at Exit-38 (SR 33), but he drove around them while trying to ram one of the deputies.

A second attempt with the stop-sticks was successful, causing damage to the truck’s tires. Imhoff, while still driving, began shooting at the deputies out his window.

After losing control of his truck, and coming to a stop off of State Road 33 (Lakeland Hills) near University Blvd in Lakeland, Imhoff continued exchanging gunfire with deputies as he started running south on foot. One of the deputies knocked Imhoff to the ground with his patrol car.

As the deputies moved to apprehend him, Imhoff came at them with a knife. The deputies shot Imhoff, hitting him three times. Deputies then began life-saving measures on Imhoff. EMS transported him to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Imhoff’s next-of-kin has been notified.

None of the deputies were injured.

Imhoff is being charged with: attempted 1^st degree murder on a LEO (6 counts), aggravated assault on a LEO, fleeing to elude, aggravated stalking, domestic violence by strangulation, carrying a concealed weapon (knife in boot), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and threats against LEO.

Imhoff’s prior criminal history includes twelve felony and four misdemeanor charges, consisting of: domestic aggravated stalking, violation of probation, giving false name to 2^nd-hand dealer, burglary, grand theft, forgery, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, shooting a deadly missile, battery, and domestic battery.

Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings will include three independent investigations. PCSO homicide unit will conduct a criminal investigation. Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry. The State Attorney’s Office will conduct a separate investigation. Per agency protocol the members involved will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation.

This is an ongoing investigation.

***UPDATE****
This is an update regarding the deputy-involved shooting currently being investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on CR 33 (Lakeland Hills Blvd) between University Blvd and Combee Rd in Lakeland.

The suspect has been identified as Joshua A Imhoff 32 year-old, of 2507 Meadow Lane, Lakeland. He was taken to a local hospital, and was listed as critical, but stable condition.

Imhoff is a convicted felon, and is prohibited from having a firearm.

His prior criminal history includes twelve felony charges, and four misdemeanor charges, to include: Domestic-Aggravated Stalking, Violation of Probation, False Name to 2nd-hand dealer, Burglary, Grand Theft, Forgery, Possession of marijuana, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Paraphernalia, Shooting a Deadly Missile into Dwelling/Vehicle/Building, Battery, and Domestic Battery.

Original Release:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently working a Deputy-Involved Shooting in the area of Hwy 33 (Highlands Blvd) and Combee Road (33A/659), Lakeland which occurred around 5:52 a.m. this morning 01/12/18.

No deputies were injured. A suspect is in custody, and no other suspects are being sought.

Hwy 33 is closed at the intersections of Combee Rd, as well as University Blvd.

Learn About Wood Burning At The Polk Museum Of Art

Staff Reporter

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January 14, 2018

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Learn About Wood Burning At The Polk Museum Of Art

by James Coulter

The rings of a tree have many stories to tell about that tree’s life: how long it’s lived, when it flourished, and when it went through hard times such as drought, disease, fire, and storm.

Such stories inspire Rachel Stewart, an artist and sculptor who has been working with wood for the past 25 to 30 years, and recently with wood burning, or pyrography.

Stewart incorporates every aspect of trees and nature in her artwork from the wood itself to leaves, seeds, and beeswax.

She is especially inspired by the Florida Oak tree, both as a landmark symbol of the state as well as a living metaphor for life, especially when it comes to its rings.

“As a tree has withered, [suffered] drought and rain and everything [else] how a tree grows in nature, so all these different things affect my life,” she said. “So the rings in the tree are significant.”

Stewart will be sharing and teaching her craft of pyrography at an upcoming workshop at The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College on Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

This introduction to the art of pyrography will teach students how to use wood burning instruments to burn designs onto a wooden surface, to apply a range of shades and tones, and even how to add painted color to the finished product.

Stewart has offered such art instruction in other art forms such as stone sculpture and mixed media at the Polk Museum of Art before, as well as at other institutions such as Southeastern University, Ringling School of Art and Design, and Blake High School.

Currently residing in St. Petersburg, she previously graduated from the Boston University College of Fine Arts with a bachelor’s degree in sculpture, and later obtained her master’s degree in creativity studies, with a concentration on 12th and 13th century Ethiopian iconography, from Union Institute and University.

She recently took up the craft of wood burning two years ago, and has since been sharing the traditional craft through a beginner’s class in St. Petersburg.

“It is a traditional craft that has been largely ignored,” she said, explaining how she started classes like this “to reinvigorate people to learn a new skill, and if they have never done it before, it is quite easy [for them to learn].”

Through her workshop at the museum, students will learn the basics of pyrography and how to use the tools to burn designs into the wood, as well as how to achieve darker and lighter tones by applying heat and pressure.

Stewart herself loves applying such effects to transform the wood to her liking. She is especially a fan of darker earth tones and how they help better reflect both nature itself and the nature of the craft.

“What I love is the effect with how the wood is transformed into a lush shade of brown,” she said. “Because I love earth tones and an artist that looks at nature, this is like a part of nature, you are burning thing, using wood to weather experience and transform the wood.”

Whether it’s their first time trying their hands at wood burning, or whether they’ve done it many times before and want to return to the basics, students in her upcoming class can expect to learn more about this craft, but also learn to love it as well.

“I like teaching and exposing students to new things,” she said. “They don’t have to know how to draw. They don’t have to know how to do anything. I will show them every step of the way…it is a simple explanation of an old technique.”

Her workshop will be hosted at the Polk Museum of Art at 800 E. Palmetto St. in Lakeland, on Sat., Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The deadline to register for the workshop is Sun., Jan. 14. The cost is $80 for Polk Museum of Art members and $120 for non-members.

To register for the class, and for more information, visit: https://polkmuseumofart.org/classes/.

Jim Weaver Awarded Rotarian of the Year

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 11, 2018

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On December 14, the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary club hosted past District Governor, Joyce Gunter.

She presented the most prestigious award of District 6890, Rotarian of the Year, to Jim Weaver for his dedication to the work in Honduras.

“Jim Weaver epitomizes what it means to be a Rotarian. He has encouraged other clubs to join our international efforts in Honduras and shares the spirit of doing good in the world with his great vision”,

Joyce said as she presented the award.

We are honored to have this truly special Rotarian in the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary club.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU PROGRAM FOR WOMEN

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 11, 2018

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU PROGRAM FOR WOMEN

Lake Wales, FL – “New Year, New You!” is the topic of the January Healthy Woman program, presented jointly by Lake Wales Medical Center and Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 6 p.m. at Church on the Move, 2039 SR 60 E. in Lake Wales.

“We designed this program to be a fun night for women, where they can learn and ask questions about some of the topics that are of most interest to them,” said Maryemma Bachelder, LWMC spokesperson. “We’re taking the hottest topics from women’s magazines and bringing them to life with this program.”

Topics and speakers include:

Cosmetic procedures, including breast reconstruction, augmentation and reduction, body contouring and facial aesthetics, presented by Dr. Tutu Cheng
Weight loss surgical procedures including Sleeve Gastrectomy and Mini Gastric Bypass, presented by Marianne Lehman, RN, Bariatric Program Director
The latest in breast care services for those with breast cancer, and screening services for those without breast cancer, presented by Dr. Paul Williams
Minimally invasive procedures offered in the physician’s office for the treatment of spider veins and varicose veins, presented by Dr. Fred Silvestri
The latest guidelines on blood pressure, designed to reduce your chances of heart attack and stroke, presented by Dr. Carolyn Pass
Innovative treatment options for bladder incontinence, whether you have minor leakage when you laugh or cough, or something more serious, presented by the office of Dr. Ilan Bornstein

“We’ll be presenting the information in a format that makes it easy for women to get information and also ask questions of our experts, while maintaining their privacy if they choose,” Bachelder said. “We’ll also have opportunity for women to visit information tables for each of these topics to ask more questions. Additionally, we’ll be able to book appointments that night for anyone interested in following up with one of these physicians.”

To register, visit www.LakeWalesMedicalCenter.com and click on Healthy Woman on the Home page, and then click on “Already a Member” to see the list of scheduled programs. Questions? Call 863-240-0894.

Three Alabama men arrested for January 3rd murder in Polk City

Polk City

Staff Reporter

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January 10, 2018

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Three Alabama men arrested for January 3rd murder in Polk City

UPDATE:

The three suspects from Mobile, Alabama will be pending additional murder charges in relation to Kenneth Maier’s death. We will send another update when additional charges are placed.

*Update to Polk City Homicide that occurred on January 3, 2018:

Kenneth Maier of 7462 Berkley Road in Polk City, succumbed to injuries, January 12, 2018, around 1:00 p.m.

“We are heartbroken to hear that Kenneth passed away today. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to Kenneth’s family and friends. This act of vicious murder should have never happened.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Three Alabama men arrested for January 3^rd murder in Polk City

PCSO Release:

Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives have arrested 22-year-old Kenley Campbell and 22-year-old Darril Lamar Rankin Jr. on Saturday, January 6, 2018, and 18-year-old Gerjuan Demarcus Jackson all of Mobile, Alabama on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. They have all been charged with:

First degree murder (FC)
Attempted first degree murder (F1)
Armed burglary with assault/battery (F1)
13 counts of grand theft of a firearm (F3)
Robbery with a firearm/deadly weapon (FL)
Conveyance burglary (F3)
Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3)

On January 3, 2018, Campbell, Rankin, and Jackson drove from Mobile, Alabama to William Reiss’ residence in Polk City. Jackson fired shots at William Reiss multiple times (who was found deceased in the home) and his roommate, Kenneth Maier who is fighting for his life. Maier is still in critical/stable condition at a local hospital.

According to the investigation and admissions made by the suspects:

Jackson met William Reiss while conducting a hurricane damage estimate in 2017, and he purchased two handguns from Reiss. Detectives located an official FEMA contractor identification for Jackson during the investigation.

Campbell drove his vehicle, a Chevrolet Sonic, with Gerjuan Jackson and Darril Rankin to Florida and arrived at 7462 Berkley Road in Polk City at between 1:30 – 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3^rd. Jackson went inside the home while they (Campbell and Rankin) stayed inside the Chevrolet Sonic.

Jackson admitted he fired several gun shots at Reiss and at Maier.

Jackson exited the residence at which point Campbell and Rankin assisted with loading the victim’s firearm collection and flat screen television into Campbell’s trunk and the victim’s Dodge pick-up truck.

When they arrived in Alabama Jackson took the victim’s truck to a wooded area and set the pick-up truck on fire.

During the investigation detectives found six firearms, an extensive amount of ammunition, electronic devices, and clothing believed to be worn by the suspects during the incident in Campbell and Rankin’s home. Three of these firearms are from the victim’s stolen collection. Detectives also found a box of latex gloves and apparent trace amounts of blood in the Chevrolet Sonic.

Jackson said the stolen property firearms and television, had been sold on “the streets” except for the 3 firearms that were recovered from Campbell and Rankin’s home. Jackson estimated that a total of twenty to twenty-five firearms were stolen from the victim’s residence.

“Three killers travelled to Polk City all the way from Mobile, Alabama to steal firearms. William Reiss was shot and murdered, and Kenneth Maier was shot and left for death. Maier is currently in the hospital fighting for his life. I can’t begin to say how disgusted we are at the depravity displayed by these men.“ Grady Judd, Sheriff

All suspects were booked into the Mobile County Metro Jail without incident and will be extradited to Polk County at a later date. The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be filed.

All suspects have previous criminal histories:

Kenley Campbell:
- - 10/22/2016 – Mobile County Sheriff’s Department, Alabama – VOP
  - 11/9/2016 – Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Alabama – Forgery of fraudulent credit card, 2 counts forgery use of fraudulent credit card

Darril Rankin Jr.:
- - 01/21/2014 – Mobile County Sheriff’s Department, Alabama – VOP
  - 09/14/2017 – Fairhope Police Department – Flight to Avoid – Attempt to Elude, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, shoplifting
  - 10/12/2017 – Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department – Public Order Crimes

Gerjuan Jackson:

- - - 11/17/2017 – Mobile County Sheriff’s Department, Alabama – Carry Pistol w/o Permit, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, promoting prison contraband (2^nd degree)

Stolen Firearms

Jackson’s FEMA Contractor Identification

Victim’s Dodge Ram 1500 Before:

Victim’s Dodge Ram 1500

Original Release:

Polk City, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a homicide investigation near the 7400 block on Berkley Road in Polk City. Sheriff Judd is briefing the media now on-scene.

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, in reference to a deceased adult male in a home. Once the death was determined to be suspicions, Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators arrived and have been processing the scene, conducting interviews, and conducting a neighborhood canvass.

Detectives believe two suspects fled the scene driving a blue 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 2-door, with a Florida Handicap license plate Z2SKD. The truck has wooden fence rails, similar to siding, on the back and shiny rims. Attached is a picture from the actual truck from 2015.

If you see this truck, please dial 9-1-1 immediately. Do not attempt to interact with these suspects – they are believed to be armed and dangerous

LWMC BREAKS GROUND FOR EXPANDED WOUND HEALING CENTER

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 10, 2018

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LWMC BREAKS GROUND FOR EXPANDED WOUND HEALING CENTER

Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday afternoon to mark the start of construction on its new, expanded Wound Healing Center.

At 5,100 square feet, the new center, to be located at the corner of Hwy. 60 and 11^th Street, will nearly double the size of the current wound center.

“This is an exciting milestone for us,” said hospital CEO Rebecca Brewer. “It marks a significant investment in our community, and we are happy to be able to expand on the already great service we are offering to patients in our area.”

The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Advanced treatments include negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.

The new center will include 6 patient treatment rooms, three hyperbaric treatment chambers, a private waiting area for hyperbaric therapy patients, and a larger lobby with enhanced wheelchair and stretcher accessibility. It is expected to open in Q4 this year.

“Our Wound Center is among the top 4 percent in the nation,” said Dr. James Nelson, Medical Director of the Wound Healing Center. “We’ve won the Center of Excellence award four years in a row, and the Center of Distinction award 5 years in a row.”

Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, program director, noted that many of the wound center’s patients become “family” to the staff.

“We get to spend a lot of time with our patients, and we’re truly invested in helping them get a great outcome,” Rodriguez said. “This new larger facility will help us provide an even better environment in which they can receive care.”

The hospital is partnering with developer Fischbach Land Company on the project, along with architect Chapuis Design Group, Precise Construction, and the engineering firms of ICT and Quigg Engineering Inc.

Photo Info: From left, Lake Wales Medical Center CEO Rebecca Brewer, Dr. James Nelson, Tiffany Rodriguez, Amanda Williams, Mayor Gene Fultz, and Lake Wales Chamber Chairman Wayne Weathersby throw the first shovels of dirt for the new Wound Healing Center at Lake Wales Medical Center. (Photo courtesy of Allison Williams / The Daily Ridge )

Lake Wales Medical Center Breaks Ground for Expansion of Wound Healing Center

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 10, 2018

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Lake Wales Medical Center Breaks Ground for Expansion of Wound Healing Center

By Allison Williams

People gathered around the designated construction zone for the upcoming expansion of the Wound Healing Center at the Lake Wales Medical Center Tuesday evening.

Prior to the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy food and beverages while listening to the Bok Academy Steel Drums group perform.

At the start of the ceremony, the Lake Wales High School Marching Band performed the National Anthem. Musicians from the band also played a song on the bagpipes and had Scottish dancers perform.

Maryemma Bachelder, Director of Marketing for the Lake Wales Medical Center said the current wound care center has grown so much over the years that it is “bursting at the seams.”

Bachelder grew up in Lake Wales and has been with the medical center for 10 years. Her mother was in Public Relations there for a long time prior to that so Bachelder has spent a lot of time at Lake Wales Medical Center over the years.

Maryemma Bachelder

“We have had a wound care center for a little over six years now,” Bachelder said. “We have been looking to expand and grow that to be able to provide more of that service to the community.”

Bachelder explained what the Wound Healing Center has to offer:

“The Wound Healing Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients with diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds that have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Advanced treatments available at the Wound Healing Center include negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. At 5,100 square feet, the new center will be nearly double the size of the existing center, and will include six treatment rooms, three hyperbaric treatment chambers, a private waiting area for hyperbaric therapy patients, and a larger lobby with enhanced wheelchair and stretcher accessibility.”

Without the Wound Healing Center, many patients would have lost limbs due to wounds that would not heal with a traditional method. Bachelder is looking forward to the expansion and believes that doubling the capacity of hyperbaric chambers will be a really great thing.

Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, Program Director of the Wound Healing Center also trusts that performing more hyperbaric treatments for patients is very important.

“The seven years we’ve been open, we have managed to heal over 3,000 wounds and we’ve done over 200 hyperbaric treatments for patients,” Rodriguez said. “In our primary service area, we have approximately 35,000 patients who are diabetic, so this is a huge need for our community and I’m very grateful that we can offer this service.”

Dr. James Nelson, Medical Director of the Wound Healing Center was pleased to announce that the Lake Wales Medical Center is in the top four percent of the nation. Awards the center has received over the years are definitely a contributing factor to this accomplishment.

“Our Wound Healing Center has received the Center of Distinction award for four consecutive years, and the Center of Excellence award for five consecutive years,” Bachelder said. “The Center of Distinction award recognizes outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 91 percent within 30 median days to heal.”

Bachelder added, “The Center of Excellence award recognizes quality benchmarks including patient satisfaction and healing rates for a minimum of two consecutive years.”

Lisa Foster, Area Vice President for Healogics, manages the Wound Healing Center at Lake Wales Medical Center. Healogics offers education and support to many centers across the United States.

“We have over 700 centers across the United States, so when Dr. Nelson said they are in the top 4%, that’s pretty incredible and they are consistently there year after year after year,” Foster said. Foster commended the staff for the excellent job they have done and continue to do.

“We can put education and tools out there, but they put them to good use and do a great job for the people in this community,” Foster said. “I’m very proud of them and the center and the fact that they are getting a new center.”

Construction of the Wound Healing Center expansion project is to begin in the next couple of weeks. Bachelder said she expects the center to be open by the fourth quarter this year.

Help Identify Suspect Who Broke into United Methodist Church in Lake Wales

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 10, 2018

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Help Identify Suspect Who Broke into United Methodist Church in Lake Wales

On January 4, 2018 this unidentified suspect used a brick to break a window and enter the First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales, located at 230 N 5^th St. The suspect was inside for a brief time before exiting through a door. It does not appear the suspect stole any property while inside the church.

If you have any information on the suspect’s identity please contact Detective Aubrey Davis at (863) 678-4223 extension 276 or [email protected]. You can also remain anonymous and contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477 or www.P3tips.com.

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