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Emergency Management urges caution in making donations to Hurricane Harvey victims

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Emergency Management urges caution in making donations to Hurricane Harvey victims
Emergency Management urges caution in making donations to Hurricane Harvey victims
 
Bartow, Fla. (August 29, 2017) — Websites are springing up and the robo-calls have begun, asking residents for charitable donations to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
 
While most organizations are legitimate, there are some that are not. Be aware that scammers do take advantage of unfortunate situations.
  
“Donations to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army are always safe,” said Pete McNally, Emergency Management director for Polk County. “Residents of Polk can also go to the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) website at nvoad.org that will also list legitimate charities.”
 
Hurricane Harvey has devastated the coastal Texas area with 130 mile per hour winds and heavy rainfall. In addition to the winds, experts have warned there could be as much as 40 inches of rain, which is still falling, that will add more flooding.
 
Polk County’s Emergency Management division has staff standing by to deploy if needed, but there have not been any requests from the State of Texas for our regional team yet.

School Crossing Guards to Be Removed PUBLIC NOTICE

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School Crossing Guards to Be Removed PUBLIC NOTICE

The school crossings located at State Road 60 and SE MLK Avenue in Mulberry, and at Main and Third Street in Dundee, are no longer being utilized by Purcell Elementary School students, and Dundee Elementary School students, respectively, walking to or from the schools, therefore eliminating the need for crossing guards at these locations.

The school crossing guard in Mulberry will be removed on Friday, September 15, 2017; the school crossing guard in Dundee will be removed on Friday, September 8, 2017.

These decisions were made by the School Crossing Guard Committee, following surveys of the locations and confirmations that no children are crossing at them for both of the aforementioned schools (Purcell Elementary and Dundee Elementary).

This committee is comprised of representatives from the School Board, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Board of County Commissioners Traffic Engineering Division, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and a number of the municipalities within Polk County.

As a matter of procedure, Sheriff’s School Crossing Guard supervisors communicate with the principal of the affected school to inform him/er of the action taken. In addition, the principal is reminded to notify members of the Committee if the situation changes, at which time another survey will be conducted.

While this review process occurs throughout the year, deputies patrol school zones daily as a reminder to motorists that caution is critical. Please remember that fines are doubled in school zones and that all law enforcement members take the safety of children very seriously. As a responsible motorist, so should you.

High Intensive Traffic Enforcement Highway 27

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High Intensive Traffic Enforcement Highway 27

High Intensive Traffic Enforcement High

 The Haines City Police Department will be conducting high intensive traffic enforcement on Highway 27 starting tomorrow through September 7th.  The saturated patrols will focus on speeding, distracted or impaired drivers and careless driving.  The enforcement efforts will focus on Highway 27 from Highway 17-92 (south) to County Road 547 (north).

The Haines City Police Department is committed to keeping our community and streets safe and will be focusing our efforts in this area to reduce vehicle crashes and injuries due to excessive speed and distracted driving.  Please slow down and arrive alive.

Caren Neile, Lake Wales’ Story – Made to Order – Tonight at 6PM

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Caren Neile, Lake Wales’ Story – Made to Order – Tonight at 6PM
Address: Lake Wales Public Library – 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales 33853
When: Monday, August 28th @ 6pm
Admission: FREE!
Kid Friendly!
 
You’re invited to join the Lake Wales Library Association, the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center, and the Florida Humanities Council for another great program in coordination with the “The Way We Worked,” an exhibition created by the National Archives.
Dr. Caren Neile is a master storyteller. In this Lake Wales’ story made to order, Dr. Neile explores the historic industries of Lake Wales from surprising and fun perspectives! This is a great event for kids and adults who love the art of story-telling and learning about our rich history.
 
For more information, contact the Museum at: 863.676.1759 or on or website: cityoflakewales.com/439/Depot-Museum
Follow us on:
Twitter: @LWDepot_Museum
Facebook: Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center
Instagram: LWDepot_Museum”

Cooking On The Ridge: Butter Schnitzel

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Cooking On The Ridge: Butter Schnitzel

Cooking on the Ridge: Butter Schnitzel

Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 25 m

  • Cook 30 m

  • Ready In 55 m

  1. Pound the pork chops with a spiked meat mallet until 1/4 inch thick; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. Press the pork into the crumbs to bread thoroughly; set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the wine and sliced mushrooms. Allow to simmer and cook until the mushrooms have softened, about 10 minutes. Stir together the cornstarch and water, then add to the mushroom sauce. Simmer until the sauce has thickened, then remove from the heat and set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pork cutlets a few at a time until golden brown and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Serve with reserved mushroom sauce.

4 Adults Arrested After Search Warrant Revealed Drug Trafficking

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4 Adults Arrested After Search Warrant Revealed Drug Trafficking

Lake Alfred Press Release:

On August 25, 2017 at approximately 6:30 p.m., members of the Winter Haven Police Department assisted the Lake Alfred Police in serving a search warrant on a residence that was suspected of heroin sales where two young boys live.

Based on information Winter Haven officers received in June 2017, a joint investigation began on a home located at 190 Alfred St W in Lake Alfred. Lake Alfred Police began an intense investigation and enough evidence was uncovered to obtain a search warrant. The search warrant was signed by a Polk County judge and the search warrant was executed on August 25, 2017.

Upon arrival, officers located 49 year-old Juan Raymond Burkette (DOB 9-20-67, 190 Alfred St.) on the porch of the residence. He was immediately detained while the residence was searched. Burkette stated to officers that he uses heroin that is supplied by his brother, Julio. He also stated that he resides in the residence and sleeps on the couch.

Inside of the residence, 48 year-old Julio Burkette and 33 year-old Marisol Burkette (husband and wife, 190 Alfred St.) were found inside of the bathroom where 23 baggies of heroin were located.

Also, 49 additional baggies were located in the bedroom that Julio and Marisol share. There was also a digital scale and plastic baggies located inside of the bedroom.

Two young boys in the Burkette’s care, ages 10 and 11, were inside of the residence where the narcotics were accessible. The Department of Children and Families responded to the residence and officials took control to ensure their well-being.

Forty-one year-old Marcy Mieles (DOB 9-19-75) rents the residence and pays all of the bills at the location. The narcotics were located in plain view inside of the home, therefore Mieles was charged with Keeping a Residence For Sale of Drugs.

A total of 72 bags of heroine with a weight of 7.2 grams along with needles, scales, bags and methadone pills were located inside of the residence.

“The hard work and dedication into stopping the activity at this drug house has paid off with these four arrests,” said Lake Alfred Chief of Police Art Bodenheimer. “The joint effort between us and Winter Haven shows our commitment in the fight against illegal drugs in our cities and in Polk County.”

The four were booked into the Polk County Jail on the following charges:

Julio Burkette (DOB 7-4-69)  Trafficking in Heroin > 4 GR F.S.S. 893.135(J)(C)1, F1 and Negligent Child Abuse W/O Bodily Harm F.S.S. 827.03(2)(D)  F3

Marisol Burkette (DOB 8-8-84) Trafficking in Heroin > 4 GR F.S.S. 893.135(J)(C)1, F1 and Negligent Child Abuse W/O Bodily Harm F.S.S. 827.03(2)(D)  F3

Juan Raymond Burkette (DOB 9-20-67) Possession of Heroin F.S.S. 893.13(6A)  F3 and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia F.S.S. 893-147(1)  M1

Marcy Valerie Mieles (DOB 9-19-75) Keeping Residence For Drugs Etc. F.S.S. 893.13(7)(A)5  M1
All four were booked into the Polk County Jail.

PCSO Investigating Death of Inmate Who Died at Bartow Regional Medical Center in Bartow

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PCSO Investigating Death of Inmate Who Died at Bartow Regional Medical Center in Bartow

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the death of a Polk County Jail Inmate that occurred during the early morning of August 26, 2017 at Bartow Regional Medical Center.

The inmate who died is 55-year-old Michael Neupert of Lakeland. He was in jail for failure to register as a sex offender. He was arrested on that charge on May 23, 2017. Neupert has a last known address of 4800 New Tampa Hwy. in Lakeland. He has been in the Polk County Jail on seven prior occasions, from 2001 to 2017. His criminal history includes 78 previous charges in Polk. He has been in the Florida Department of Corrections prison from December 2002 – February 2005, and February 2009 – January 2013 for his Polk County arrests. His previous charges include 31 counts of possession of child pornography, violation of probation, failure to register as a sex offender, and DWLSR.

Neupert has had a history of multiple medical issues, including diabetes, hypertension, COPD, and a recent cerebral vascular Ischemia (insufficient blood flow).

At approximately 2:35 a.m., August 26, 2017, Neupert was observed unresponsive in his bunk in the CCJ infirmary. He was last checked on by a Registered Nurse at 2:25 a.m., ten minutes prior to him being found unresponsive. He had been awake and interacting with the nurse at the time and had been alert and responsive throughout the previous evening.

Jail medical staff and deputies immediately dialed 9-1-1 and began CPR after finding Neupert unresponsive. When EMS arrived, they took over CPR and transported Neupert to Bartow Regional Medical Center. He could not be revived by the hospital staff and was declared deceased at the hospital at 3:24 a.m.

Earlier, on August 12, 2017, Neupert had been transported from the jail and admitted to the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center (LRHMC) due to his declining health. He was treated and released from LRHMC on August 24, 2017, and transported back to CCJ, where he was housed in the infirmary.

An autopsy is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 28th, to determine the cause and manner of death.

This is an ongoing death investigation. It is standard PCSO policy for four separate mandated, independent investigations to be conducted when an inmate dies. The PCSO Administrative Investigations Section is conducting an internal review. The PCSO Bureau of Criminal Investigations is conducting the death investigation. The Polk County Medical Examiner will conduct the autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death. All of the investigative findings and documents will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for their review.

GUINN NAMED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH AT LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER

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GUINN NAMED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH AT LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER

GUINN NAMED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH

 

Lake Wales, FL – Beth Guinn, Anesthesia Tech in Surgical Services, was named Employee of the Month for July at Lake Wales Medical Center. Guinn, who has worked at the hospital since 2008, was recognized for her focus on patient safety and communication with patients and their families.

“Beth is very conscientious about her surroundings and is diligent about reporting safety hazards,” a coworker said. “She doesn’t wait to be asked; she always steps in to help. She has a very outgoing personality, always smiling and always has a positive attitude. She always puts the patient’s safety and feelings first.”

 

Terrance Harris Arrested in Bartow for Sexual Battery and Burglary

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Terrance Harris Arrested in Bartow for Sexual Battery and Burglary

Terrance Harris, 40YOA, was arrested yesterday by members of the Patrol and Detective Divisions and charged with Sexual Battery and Burglary.

Details of incident are as follows: The suspect unlawfully entered a residence and committed a sexual battery upon the victim. Luckily, the sexual battery was interrupted by several other people in the household. Detectives were able to identify the suspect and secure an arrest warrant. When Harris was spotted in the area of US.Hwy 17 and Laurel Street, he ran. After a brief foot chase, members of the Patrol and Detective Divisions were able to arrest him.

Vacation Adventures Part 2- Ziplining

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Vacation Adventures Part 2- Ziplining

When traveling we always try and explore new places to find the hole in the wall place that is absolutely amazing. Well not only was this our second trip to the Gatlinburg area but also our second Trip to Jayell Ranch. Our second visit was even better than the first.

I’ll share a brief story as to how we ended up in Gatlinburg a second year in a row and why visiting Jayell Ranch a second time was an absolute must. My daughter is 6 years old and an adventure junkie. Last year was her first introduction to zip lining and it took place at Jayell Ranch. She zipped all 6 lines and must say she was the happiest little girl. Well, guess what, One of my daughters must do’s this year was zip lining. Our goal was to visit North Carolina and have a new experience at a new place. Well, unfortunately, North Carolina has restrictions for zip lining and my young daughter met none of them. She was under age and way underweight. After lots of research, the family decision was made to take another trip back to Tennessee because there were zip line courses she could do.

 

So to continue the trend trying new things we decided to try a new zip line company. I will tell you my daughter was very disappointed. The zip lines we tried were very short and not fast at all. After completing the course my daughter told me it was time to go on some real zip lines. She recommended heading back to Jayell Ranch because they were the best. So off to Jayell Ranch we went.

After arriving on site we headed to the sign-up desk to pick out our adventure package and sign our waivers. Jayell Ranch has Horseback Riding, ATV Tours, and of course Zip Lining. We opted for the ATV and Zip lining package. The exact same adventure package we completed the year before. After sign up we headed to the office and paid for our personalized adventure package. Because we were a returning visitor they knocked an additional 10% off our package. More on that another time.

The office staff advised that we head on over to the zip line platform and get placed in line to complete the zip line course. They were a little busier than normal and wanted to make sure all guests were served in order. So off to the platform we went. The tour guides took our name and gave us a number so we knew where we were in line. We got lucky number 7. I’ve always been told that anything good is always going to have a wait time. Our wait lasted about 45 minutes but was well worth it.

Our little girl flew on all six zip lines that spanned a total of almost 2 miles. She flew high and fast with the biggest smile. She was once again in her thrill zone. It took us almost two hours to complete all the zip lines. The best Line on the course is the last line on the tour. You fly fast and right through an old barn, very cool. When we returned to the zip line station my daughter said Daddy now that is a zip line tour and like I told you it’s worth the wait.

It did not take long for my daughter to pull at me and remind me that we needed to head over to the ATV tour. So off we go to our next adventure for the day. Check out tomorrow’s story for details.

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