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After 58 Years Family Owned Lake Wales Business Kieffer & Son’s Closing

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After 58 Years Family Owned Lake Wales Business Kieffer & Son’s Closing

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Lake Wales, Florida – After 58 years a local Lake Wales business is closing today. The original owner, Clyde Kieffer, opened up Kieffer and Son’s as a full service gas station in 1958. Located at 842 FL-60 (across the street from the Lake Wales Country Club)  it benefited from the traffic on S.R. 60.   The business was also ran by 3 brothers, the sons of Clyde, for many years. The sons Kim, Kerry and Kevin Kieffer all worked together until just a few years ago when Kevin left to work at a local container company.

The closing is bittersweet. Asked why they were closing and the two remaining brothers, Kim & Kerry, stated they were retiring. Mind you they said this with a smile on their faces. You could tell this was both a sad and glad moment for them. Asked what the brothers would do now and one said fishing.

The brothers recalled how the business started as a gas station and then progressed to minor mechanic work and eventually after self serve gas came in it changed to just service repair. They reminisced about  working on cars brought down by snowbirds which were always rusting out. A local from the Golfview Park area just behind the shop shared these memories  ” all of us as children use to run down there and get a cold drink out of the cooler box not a machine and if our grandma / parents gave us at least another dime or so we could get a good amount of candy” said Debbie Booth.

Asked why no one else in the family took over the business the brothers just smiled. They explained that everyone else had a good job. Many of the male grandchildren of Clyde had jobs working for the local power companies. Clyde’s wife reminisced about how the shop was smaller when it first opened. Clyde added on a waiting room and atleast one more bay for repairs.

Editors Note: While the closing of this longtime business is sad, it is also nice to see that it is done on their terms. It was an absolute pleasure to speak to Kim & Kerry along with the rest of the Kieffer family. It was very easy to see how they were in business for 58 years serving this community. We wish them all the best in there retirement and hope they enjoy every minute of it. 

New Nature Photography Exhibit Opening Featuring Sheriff Judd’s Photography at Polk County History Center

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New Nature Photography Exhibit Opening Featuring Sheriff Judd’s Photography at Polk County History Center
New Nature Photography Exhibit Opening Featuring 
Sheriff Judd’s Photography at Polk County History Center
The Polk County History Center will open a new exhibit featuring nature and wildlife photography by local photographers at 4:00 p.m. on June 2, 2016. Through the Lens: Polk County’s Natural Beauty captures Polk’s remarkable natural beauty that can’t be found anywhere else in the state. From its vivid wildlife in places like the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, to its delicate ecosystems on the Lake Wales Ridge, Polk’s natural resources are an attraction to many.
The opening reception for Through the Lens: Polk County’s Natural Beauty will include an opportunity to meet the exhibitors,both enthusiasts and professional photographers, including Willie A. Brown, Professional Photography by Brown; Polk Sheriff Grady Judd; Jeff Spence, Polk County Parks and Natural Resources director and his wife Lynette Spence, a clinical trauma registrar with Lakeland Regional Health Systems.
While most would agree that Sheriff Grady Judd is quite comfortable in front of a camera, he enjoys being behind one as well. He has always had an interest in photography, but a few years ago he turned that interest into an outlet from the daily demands of his high adrenaline job. Armed with a Canon 7D and professional grade lenses, Sheriff Judd hunts for the ultimate treasure – wildlife, plants and landscapes that he can capture in an image to be shared for generations to come. 
 
Through the Lens will be on display June 2 through Oct. 29 in the first floor northeast gallery.
 
About the Polk County History Center: The History Center is located at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit  www.polkhistorycenter.org or call (863) 534-4386 for more information on exhibits and programming. All events and programming are free and open to the public.
 
*the above information is an excerpt from May 12, 2016, news release sent by the BOCC
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Polk Deputies Arrest Woman After DUI Crash

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Polk Deputies Arrest Woman After DUI Crash

Natividade Francisco

Lakeland, Florida – On May 19, 2016 Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to an area on Duff Rd.  at approximately 10:30pm. Witnesses called saying that a black Ford SUV had crashed and overturned on their street. Witnesses say they observed a woman driver, later identified as Natividad Francisco, crawl over the passenger. She then pulled the passenger out of the vehicle, later identified as Doloras Chavajay. Francisco then allegedly pulled a passenger out of the rear of the vehicle, later identified as Ana Francisco, and she laid on the ground. According to a witness  Chavajay & Natividad Francisco attempted to flee the accident scene, but were detained by a passing police officer.

According to reports a distinctive odor of alcohol could be smelled on Natividad Francisco. Deputies asked Francisco if she had been drinking and she advised she had a couple of beers per the arrest affidavit. She advised that she was not driving. She also refused a sobriety test and later a breathalyzer test.

Natividad Francisco was on probation for willful child abuse and she was driving after having her license permanently suspended/revoked. She has been arrested on two prior occasions for DUI. She is currently in jail on Violation of Probation for Willful Child Abuse, Violation of Probation for DUI, Violation of Probation for Driving While License is Suspended / Revoked. She faces new charges of Driving While License is Suspended / Revoked, Leaving Scene of Crash With Property Damage, Leaving Scene of Crash Involving Injury & Driving Under The Influence.

Center State Bank Robbed Today Suspect Sought

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Center State Bank Robbed Today Suspect Sought

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Lakeland, Florida – Around 12:00 pm, on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, a white male dressed in jeans, a long sleeve buttoned shirt, and what appears to be a hat, entered the Center State Bank located at 4719 South Florida Avenue, in Lakeland.

Once inside, the man passed a teller a note demanding money and implying he was armed.

The teller complied and the suspect left the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863.298.6200.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!  iPhone users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install this free app, search for “TipSoft” or “TipSubmit” on the Apple App Store.

3 Suspects Arrested By Polk Deputies After Allegedly Shooting, Burning & Leaving A Man For Dead

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3 Suspects Arrested By Polk Deputies After Allegedly Shooting, Burning & Leaving A Man For Dead

Ares Attempted MURDER

Poinciana, Florida – On May 21, 2015, Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Timothy Rivera Rosado, Anthony Louis Rivera Rosado, and Jeremy Stuart Vilella, charging them with attempted murder.

The victim, Daniel Ares, advised deputies that at approximately 11pm on May 19, 2016 he allegedly started communicating with three known associates to go and buy some cocaine. The three associates,Timothy Rivera Rosado, Anthony Louis Rivera Rosado, and Jeremy Stuart Vilella were known to buy “weed” from him weekly. In the early morning hours of May 20, 2016 the three suspects allegedly picked Ares up in Timothy Rivera Rosado’s mothers car to buy the cocaine. After driving for an extended period of time, they ended up in an abandoned area of Poinciana, FL. According to the arrest affidavit, Ares, advised the suspects told him they were meeting their “cocaine plug” there, however he never observed anyone besides the three people in the vehicle with him. Ares advised he was sitting in the rear driver’s side seat of the vehicle and exited when they stopped, as they planned to smoke a blunt. He stated when he began to stretch and walk from the vehicle he was shot from behind. He fell to the ground, and heard multiple gun shots. Ares advised deputies that Anthony Rivera Rosado allegedly came to him and told him he was tired of being disrespected. A substance was then poured on him, which he believed was gasoline, and then he was lit on fire.

At this point it is appears the suspects left Ares for dead. Ares was able to extinguish himself and contacted law enforcement. According to the affidavit at no time did anyone of the three suspects offer him assistance, contact law enforcement or medical services. Ares could not advise who specifically shot him and poured the gasoline on him.
Ares was located bloody in the roadway of Hemlock Ave at Dogfish Road, Poinciana, FL 34759 which is a remote location with sand dunes on either side of a two lane road with no residences or buildings within sight. Ares was flown by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center to be treated for three gunshot wounds and second and third degree burns to approximately thirty percent of his body.

At the scene Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies found five shell casings, a cannabis cigarette, US currency, the victim’s clothes and shoes, and other items of evidence were obtained, consistent with Ares’ statement. It appeared that no money or property was removed from Ares’ person or clothing. The Fire Marshall responded to the scene. His K-9 partner detected to the odor of accelerants on the clothing left at the scene, which were collected for further testing.

The three suspects are currently in Polk County Jail with a $30,000 bond each. They have been charged with Attempted First Degree Murder & Conspiracy To Commit First Degree Murder.

Polk Sheriff’s Office Charge Man With 10 Counts Of Capital Sexual Battery

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Polk Sheriff’s Office Charge Man With 10 Counts Of Capital Sexual Battery

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Kissimmee, Florida – Currently held on no bond, 38-year-old Michael Schiavone of Kissimmee, was arrested on Monday, May 23, 2016, charged with 10 counts of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child.

The victim in this case is a child less than 12 years of age who Schiavone had access to.

On May 20th, the child confided in her mother that Schiavone had repeatedly battered her since August 2015, with the most recent incident occurring on May 12, 2016. 

Schiavone confessed that he had sex with the child on two separate occasions this year. 

Schiavone told detectives he had laid the child onto a bed where he would then have sex with the child.  When detectives asked him if the child tried to stop him or push him away, he said, “no, she just laid there because she was too scared.”

“Michael Schiavone is a predator in every sense of the word,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.  “I am very proud of this victim for telling her mother what happened.  Michael Schiavone will have a long time to think about the harm he has caused this innocent child – it’s his turn to be scared of being in prison for the rest of his life.”

Bartow Family Loses Everything In Fire Including Family Pet

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Bartow Family Loses Everything In Fire Including Family Pet

Polk Family Loses everything

Bartow, Florida – Just before 4 p.m. Monday, Polk County Fire Rescue and local fire department crews responded to a mobile home fire at 4806 Mark Way, Bartow,  the home of Jesus Garcia & his family. When crews arrived, the home was fully involved.
A resident at the home told Polk County Fire Rescue crews that she smelled something burning, therefore she began turning off electronics, fans and other items throughout the house. The smell didn’t go away so she decided to take her granddaughter next door. When she returned to the house she heard a loud pop and a cloud of smoke followed.

There were two people at home when the fire started, one adult female and a child; however, four people lived in the mobile home. No one was injured, but a dog inside the home died. A mobile home next to it sustained minor damage to its siding.
The State Fire Marshal was called to investigate the cause of the fire.

Friends are trying to help the family. “Garcia is a working man that goes to work everyday to support his family which includes his wife , his daughter and his granddaughter which is only 2 yrs old. ” said a co-worker. They are in the need of all essentials from the smallest of things such as soap , shampoo and even toothbrushes. Friends  asking for any type of donations that can be dropped off at his place of employment (Roofing Supply Group) 3595 Recker Hwy Winter Haven, Florida. Tony Elliott the branch manager is handling donations his contact number is 863-293- 1555. If you may have cloths or future furniture or even want to help supply the family with dinner it would be appreciated.

“This is so disheartening for this family who works extremely hard everyday to lose everything they own in a blink of an eye . Is there anyway you would or could pass this info on. This family has not asked for any help but we are trying to reach as many as possible to let them know we all care.” said a co-worker.

LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

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LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

 volunteers-needed

Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center has an immediate need for volunteers for courtesy shuttle drivers, the gift shop, and the front lobby information desks. Courtesy shuttle drivers bring patients and visitors to the hospital entrances from parking areas. Gift Shop volunteers assist shoppers in the hospital gift shop. Front lobby volunteers greet visitors, hand out visitor passes, and answer questions. All volunteers must be friendly, personable, and at-ease interacting with the public.

 

“As we move into the Summer season, many of our volunteers head back up North, and we have a need for year-round residents who can volunteer four hours per week,” said Julie Sing, manager of volunteer services at the hospital.

 

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete an application, submit a letter of recommendation, and pass a background and drug screening. Top applicants will be interviewed, and available positions will be filled based on best fit.  Not all applicants will be brought on as volunteers. Shuttle drivers must be 21 years of age and will be trained on courtesy shuttle safety prior to beginning their assignment.

 

Hospital volunteers receive a free meal ticket for the hospital cafeteria for each shift worked, a volunteer uniform, and a free flu shot once per year. Volunteers ages 50 or older who work an average of at least 4 hours per week will receive free membership to LWMC’s Senior Circle program.

 

Applications are available in the lobbies at the hospital, or can be downloaded online at www.lakewalesmedicalcenter.com and click on the “Volunteers” tab at the top of the home page.

Winter Haven Christian Archer Places Third in National Archery Tournament

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Winter Haven Christian Archer Places Third in National Archery Tournament

Winter haven christian archer places third in national archery tournament

First Archer ever from the State of Florida to score in the top 5 in NASP National Tournament

Winter Haven, FL, May 18, 2016– Winter Have Christian School Archer Paige Stephens placed 3rd out of 2,326 Middle School female archers at the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) national tournament held this past weekend in Louisville, Kentucky.  Stephens shot a score of 293 out of a potential 300 to become the first ever archer from the State of Florida to finish in the top 5 in the NASP national tournament which has been held since 2010.  Finishing in the top 30 at Nationals gives Stephens the distinction of qualifying for the World Tournament which will be held June 24-26 in Myrtle Beach, SC.  NASP confirmed to Winter Haven Christian that Paige is also the first archer from the state of Florida to qualify for the World tournament.

Under the guidance of Coaches Ben Branch, Mike Way and Richie Stephens Winter Haven Christian has a thriving and growing Archery program which has been a popular sport at WHCS for several years.  According to Headmaster Mr. Joseph Klein the sport has been so popular at WHCS the school built a dedicated archery range on their campus located on Buckeye Loop Road in NE Winter Haven.  The Winter Haven Warriors Archery team sends a team each year to the NASP Florida State tournament which was held this year for the first time in Bartow.  Top shooters from each State tournament qualify for the National Tournament.

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North Central Landfill closed on Memorial Day

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North Central Landfill closed on Memorial Day
North Central Landfill closed on Memorial Day
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BARTOW, Fla. (May 23, 2016) – The North Central Landfill will be closed on Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 30. Also, no residential collection services (including all garbage, yard waste collection and recycling) in all unincorporated areas will occur on that day.
 
The North Central Landfill will re-open on Tuesday, May 31. Collection services will be delayed by one day. Therefore, those who receive collection services on Monday can expect it to occur on Tuesday, Tuesday’s collection will be on Wednesday, Wednesday’s collection will be on Thursday, Thursday’s collection will be on Friday and Friday’s Collection will be on Saturday.
 
Regularly scheduled pick-ups will resume the following Monday.
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