A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 near Coventry, Vermont, around 3:15 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025. The agent, who had 13 years of service, was conducting the stop when the incident occurred. At least two suspects were involved; one is confirmed dead.
The immigration status of the shooter remains under investigation.
The FBI is leading the inquiry, with assistance from Vermont State Police.
Following the incident, a section of I-91 was temporarily closed but has since reopened.
This tragedy coincides with President Trump’s inauguration and his renewed focus on border security and immigration enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security will be providing further details as the investigation progresses.
Mr Jimmy Ray Mills ,age 87, a resident of Auburndale passed away on Sunday, January19,2025. He was born in Ashford , Alabama on February 15,1937 to Hossie and Alberta Mills.
He graduated from Auburndale High School where he played football. Mr Mills was employed and retired from Tampa Electric where he was a Lineman and Trouble Shooter. After retirement He and Shirley enjoyed 30 years traveling the country with their motorhome and also travelled abroad.
They were members at Lena Vista Baptist Church.
Mr Mills was preceded in death by His Wife of 65 years, Shirley Glenn Mills. Mr Mills is survived by his three sons Michael (Patricia)Mills of Auburndale, Eric(Sarah)Mills of Lakeland and David Mills of Auburndale; two grand children Justin and Kaylee; great granddaughter Magnolia.
Funeral Services will be at 2pm on Thursday, January 23 Graveside at Auburndale Memorial Park on Recker Hwy.
Cooking on the Ridge: Lemon Cucumber Mint Ginger Detox Water
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by James Coulter
It’s a new year. You know what that means? New year’s resolutions!
This year, my resolution is to cut back on soft drinks and fast food. I’m not going to cut all of that completely out of my diet, but I want to drink less soda and eat less fast food than what I’m currently accustom to.
However, for January, I have decided to go cold turkey on soft drinks and fast food–at least for this month. Otherwise, I’m strictly eating food prepared at home and drinking nothing but water.
Well, I’m not simply drinking water. I’m drinking detox water made with lemon, cucumber, ginger, and mint. Not only does it taste better than plain water, but it also provides better benefits and nutrients.
Lemons and cucumbers contain water, which help aid in hydration. Ginger and mint reduce inflammation. Lemon and ginger boost metabolism. And ginger helps soothe digestion to help reduce bloating and indigestion.
I didn’t tell anyone I had given up soft drinks for water. However, one week after starting my diet, a family member told me that I looked slimmer and less bloated. So, it seems to be doing it’s job.
If you want to start off with a healthier new year, give this detox water. It’s much more refreshing and rejuvenating than carbonated drinks, and best of all, it has no empty calories.
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Lemon Cucumber Mint Ginger Detox Water
3 lemons, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
2 tablespoons grated ginger
1 bunch mint leaves
1. Rinse ingredients and place into a large pitcher. Fill pitcher with water. Stir until well mixed. Add a few squeezes of lemon or lime juice for added flavor.
2. Drink as desired. Refill when pitcher gets near empty. Add lemon juice as desired. Contents should be good for a week in refrigerator.
At the Brussels Motor Show, the new Ram 1500 RHO is on display to the European public for the first time, alongside the successful RAM 1500 Laramie Night Edition.
Built to conquer any terrain, the Ram 1500 RHO has outstanding off-road features and is powered by the 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo engine.
With sophisticated styling, the Ram 1500 Laramie Night Edition makes a statement with its black accents and premium interior features.
Ram Trucks also highlights its new Ram connectivity services, which offers exclusive features like 24/7 assistance, vehicle tracking and geofencing through the Brand’s official network, complimentary on all versions of the new RAM 1500 (MY25).
Orders for the RHO open in January, with distribution to European dealerships scheduled for early 2025.
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Turin, January 10th, 2025 – From January 10 to 19, Ram Trucks, represented by Klintberg & Way, one of the Brand’s authorized traders in Europe, will present the new Ram 1500 RHO to the European public for the first time at the Brussels Motor Show. Redefining off-road adventures for European customers, the RHO model offers exceptional performance, enhanced traction and robust design. The Brand will also showcase the Ram 1500 Laramie Night Edition, distinguished by its sleek black aesthetics and refined interior.
RHO: Power and precision for any off-road adventure The new Ram 1500 RHO is powered by the 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output (H/O) Straight-Six Turbo (SST) engine, delivering 540 hp and 706 Nm of torque. Part of the Stellantis Hurricane Twin-turbo family, this engine delivers enhanced fuel economy and fewer emissions, while generating more horsepower and torque than other V-8 and six-cylinder engines in the segment.
Designed to conquer any terrain, the RHO ensures superior performance. At its core, the five-link rear coil suspension improves handling and ride comfort, offering 40% more articulation than traditional leaf springs to maintain control over rough surfaces. With 30 cm of ground clearance, a 5-cm ride height increase over the standard Ram 1500 lineup, and 35-inch tires, the RHO effortlessly navigates challenging obstacles.
A BorgWarner full-time active transfer case and a Dana 60 rear axle with an electronic locking differential provide the strength and stability needed for rugged terrains. Additionally, the Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks, coupled with Ram’s Active Terrain Dynamics system, deliver a smooth ride and precise handling, both on- and off-road.
In terms of capability, the RHO offers a payload of 650 kg, a towing capacity at the maximum level in Europe — giving customers the possibility to tow up to 3.5 tons — and up to 81 cm of water fording.
A widened stance, composite flares, and an hourglass body shape enhance the truck’s rugged appeal. The R-A-M grille, hood scoop, and integrated skid plates are designed to optimize performance while reinforcing its commanding presence.
Inside, the RHO exudes premium craftsmanship, with 12-way power leather front seats including memory settings, a new massage function and embroidered logos. Attention to details takes one step further with available hand-wrapped instrument panels, a custom center console badge with vehicle-specific VIN and an RHO badge on the passenger’s side instrument panel.
Designed to be the most technologically advanced pickup ever, the Ram 1500 RHO offers an array of innovative features combined with the fifth generation of the Uconnect system, which is five times faster than the previous generation.
The RHO boasts over 50 inches of combined available digital display screens. This includes a 14.5-inch central touchscreen with split-screen capability and a class-exclusive 10.25-inch passenger screen with functions of co-pilot, entertainment and view of the exterior vehicle cameras. It also features a full-color Head Up Display (HUD) with a highly customizable interface, while the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster shows nearly two dozen different menus.
In-cabin technology is further elevated with class-exclusive dual wireless phone charging and a premium 900-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 19 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer for an immersive sound experience.
The Ram 1500 RHO will be available in European dealerships from early 2025.
Laramie Night: Refined style, exceptional value At the event, the Brand is also exhibiting the Ram 1500 Laramie Night Edition. Combining sophisticated looks with comfort and cutting-edge technology, it is the perfect choice for those seeking a premium truck with a distinct edge. Beneath its singular exterior lies the new 3.0-liter Hurricane Standard Output SST engine, delivering 420 hp and 636 Nm of torque, paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Laramie Night Edition offers a premium interior equipped with the Laramie Level 2 Equipment Group, featuring the Uconnect 5 system with a 14.4-inch touchscreen, dual wireless charging, a 10.2-inch front passenger screen and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. Comfort is elevated with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a dual-pane sunroof.
Visually, the Laramie Night Edition stands out with its timeless Diamond Black Crystal exterior, Sport Performance Hood and body-color bumpers. Black-painted accents, such as door handles, mirror caps, grille with R-A-M lettering, headlamp and taillamp bezels, badges and dual exhaust tips create a striking, cohesive look. The 22-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with all-season tires and black side steps add a bold, functional edge.
The model is completed with a Power Tailgate.
In celebration of Klintberg & Way’s 50th anniversary, a Special Laramie Night Edition will be exclusively unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show.
The RAM 1500 Laramie Night KW 50th Anniversary features custom body stripes, branded floor mats and two versatile accessories designed for both work and leisure: the Backflip tonneau cover and the innovative Swing Case storage boxes. These features make the model ideal for everyday use, whether on the job or during downtime.
This special edition will be available in Belgium starting early 2025, with an exclusive Brussels Motor Show offer for professionals. The discount applies to customers with a VAT or company number, with prices starting at €70,400 (VAT excluded).
New Ram Connectivity Services Through its official network in Europe, Ram Trucks unlocks the new Ram connectivity services, designed specifically for the 2025 Ram 1500 European model. Free of charge for the first 12 months, the Ram connectivity package offers a suite of advanced connected services that enhance the driving experience, ensuring peace of mind and convenience for owners.
The Ram connectivity system includes real-time vehicle localization, enabling drivers to track their vehicle’s location at any time. The system also offers geofencing capabilities, allowing owners to set virtual boundaries and receive alerts when their vehicle enters or exits designated areas.
In the event of an emergency, Ram connectivity provides automatic theft alerts and facilitates direct communication with law enforcement. It also offers 24/7 emergency assistance and notifications for critical driving behaviors such as speeding, rapid acceleration, hard braking and sharp turns. Additional features include accident notifications, valet parking mode and fuel/battery level monitoring.
Yesterday, while conducting traffic enforcement in Polk County, Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) observed a grey Chrysler Pacifica westbound on Ernie Caldwell Boulevard. The Pacifica had New York license plates and had been reported stolen.
After performing a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Stephanie Niccole Hanley, 33 years of age, of Davenport, was found to have no valid driver’s license. Hanley advised Troopers that she had taken possession of the vehicle on December 26, 2024, and was using it to take her son to school.
An inventory of the vehicle was conducted, and a black backpack within was found to have several controlled prescription medications in a plastic bag, in addition to methamphetamine.
Stephanie Niccole Hanley was charged with the following:
Burglary to an unoccupied conveyance-unarmed
Grand Theft of a motor vehicle
Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription-Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to deliver or distribute
Possession of a controlled substance-Misdemeanor
Possession of drug equipment
Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license
As Troopers placed Hanley under arrest, a grey Hyundai pulled up. The driver, identified as Giovanne Junior Rivera Torres, 36, of Orlando, advised he was Hanley’s husband. After checking the Florida tag attached to the Hyundai, it was found that it was not assigned to the vehicle. Rivera Torres then asked the Troopers “how long this would take,” as he had left Hanley’s four-year-old daughter unattended at the residence.
Troopers responded to Hanley’s residence and found that her four-year-old daughter had been left alone and unattended at the residence for over an hour. Giovanne Junior Rivera Torres was then placed under arrest for child neglect without great bodily harm.
Both Stephanie Niccole Hanley and Giovanne Junior Rivera Torres were transported to Polk County Jail without incident.
HAINES CITY – Wake up and smell your new coffee, Haines City: Cafecito Roast, made especially for the city’s residents.
Launched just last month, Haines City is Polk County’s first municipality to introduce its own coffee. Cafecity Roast has a taste combination of chocolate, marshmallows and graham cracker.
“We just launched last month so we are waiting until a full 30 days to see how we have been doing,” said Merissa Green, Communication and Marketing Manager, City of Haines City, regarding the sales of the coffee.
Green also said that the city is planning tastings toward the end of this month so shoppers can “taste before they buy.”
Polk Roasters in Winter Haven created the s’mores-flavored coffee, and Nostalgia Products has been chosen to create a social media campaign to promote it.
“Coffee brings people together, and when people drink Cafecito Roast, we want them to think about Haines City being the best place to live, work, and play,” said James R. Elensky, Haines City City Manager.
Last fall, city employees were selected to participate in taste tests and then contributed to choosing the coffee’s name. Lucia Gonzalez, Public Records Manager, City of Haines City, designed the coffee’s label.
The City of Haines City has posted information several times regarding the coffee on Facebook. Each time, the posts generated excitement and buzz about Cafecity Roast.
According to Green, some of the proceeds from the coffee sales will go toward supporting local non-profit organizations.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd also has his own branded coffee. Judd Java was named after the Sheriff a couple years ago and proceeds go toward a new K-9 officer for the county.
Cafecito Roast, available in 12-ounce bags for $19.95, can be ordered by visiting www.hainescitycoffee.com.
For more information, visit cityofhainescity.com or call 863.421.3600.
Part of my new year resolution this year is to cut back on fast food. As such, I’ve been preparing most of my meals at home.
For lunch, this often involves making mostly sandwiches. Sandwiches prepared from cold cut lunch meats are good. But nothing beats a good tuna melt or chicken salad sandwich.
It’s simple, of course. But my secret is to add a little punch to my salad with a few sprinkles of curry powder and a small pinch of chili powder. A little really goes a long way with flavor.
Otherwise, this recipe is what you would come to expect from chicken salad: mayonnaise, carrots, celery, pickles and relish. If you’re feeling adventurous, add diced apple or raisins.
Of course, you can always substitute the chicken with tuna. Or, if you’re looking for a vegetarian/vegan option, try a can of chickpeas slightly cooked and mashed. Add some mashed avocado for an extra veggie boost.
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Chicken Salad Sandwich
12.5 oz. can chunk chicken breast
3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1-2 teaspoons mustard, yellow or brown
1-2 tablespoons relish
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
1-2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1. Combine ingredients into bowl and stir together until mixed.
2. Scoop several tablespoons of salad onto bread, toasted or untoasted. Add desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles.
LAKELAND, FL (January 15, 2025) – On January 15, 2025, traffic crash investigators with the Lakeland Police Department arrested Daniel Kovacs in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash which occurred on November 23, 2024, in the 700 block of South Florida Avenue. Kovacs was arrested at his home around 1:45 p.m.
During the post-crash investigation it was determined the suspect vehicle was possibly a silver or grey Range Rover. On November 25, 2024, as investigators were checking with local repair shops, an employee of The Lakeland Body Shop Collision Repair contacted LPD and advised there was a vehicle dropped off for repairs which matched the suspect vehicle in this incident. Investigators examined the vehicle and found evidence consistent with the crash circumstances and evidence found at the scene. The vehicle had been recently washed, and attempts had been made to fix the damage with tape and zip ties. The vehicle was a 2022 silver Land Rover Range Rover Sport registered to Kovacs.
Investigators gathered video surveillance and other evidence which showed prior to the crash Kovacs spent a few hours at a downtown restaurant where he was seen consuming alcoholic beverages with another male, Miguel Rodriguez (age 41 of Windemere, FL). Further video showed Kovacs left the downtown area driving his Land Rover with Rodriguez as a passenger just prior to the crash which occurred at 12:02 a.m. Surveillance video from the crash scene showed the Land Rover colliding with the victim, Robin Brown (age 67 of Lakeland), and leaving the scene without stopping to render aid to the victim.
Having developed sufficient probable cause, investigators arrested Kovacs; charging him with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Resulting in Death (F1) and Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3).
“This certainly is a heartbreaking case in which we are grateful for the cooperation of many Lakeland businesses who provided the evidence needed to ensure justice was served for Robin Brown. Our investigators have poured many dedicated hours of their time into this case to ensure that as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Brown as they mourn her loss.” – Chief Sam Taylor
This case remains an open and active Investigation.
On January 7, 2025, Haines City Police Officer Sean Bruner was patrolling his assigned beat, when a concerned citizen called in on 911, regarding an unresponsive driver in the area of Davenport Blvd. When Officer Bruner arrived, he observed the driver, Miguel Anguel Rodriguez, unresponsive behind the wheel with his foot on the brake, the car in gear, and the engine running.
Concerned for the safety of the driver and other motorists, Officer Bruner positioned his patrol car in front of Rodriguez’s vehicle, to prevent it from lunging forward into traffic. Officer Bruner then attempted to wake Rodriguez, but was unsuccessful. Officer Bruner then had to force entry into the passenger-side window, so he could put the vehicle in park, and remove the keys from the ignition. Once inside the vehicle, Officer Bruner observed Rodriguez briefly open his eyes and enter in and out of consciousness, unaware of the events unfolding. Officer Bruner also observed 12 opened and consumed bottles of wine inside the vehicle.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported Rodriguez to the hospital, where tests confirmed dangerously high levels of alcohol in his system.
“This incident underscores the serious dangers of driving under the influence. We are grateful for the citizen who contacted law enforcement and that no one was injured. We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers and will hold Mr. Rodriguez accountable for his actions.” – Police Chief Greg Goreck
Miguel Anguel Rodriguez was charged with one count of DUI, indicating a Blood Alcohol Content of .523. The legal presumption of impairment in the State of Florida is a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or higher. Rodriguez does not
have any prior DUI arrests, but does has a history of miscellaneous traffic citations. Chief Goreck stated that he has almost 30 years in law enforcement, over ten of those exclusively dedicated to Traffic Homicide and DUI investigations, and that Rodriguez’s BAC was the highest level he remembers seeing, where the driver was still alive.
On Saturday, January 11, 2025, Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 22-year-old Emerick Priddy of West Palm Beach, FL, after he groomed a 14-year-old Polk County girl online then traveled here to engage in sexual activity with her.
Deputies spotted the suspect’s Honda Civic parked in a parking lot just before 3:00 a.m. that morning. They found Priddy in the backseat with the victim. Both were in various stages of undress.
Priddy told deputies that he was 17 years old, but when they ran his driver’s license in the system, they learned he is actually 22 years old.
The investigation revealed that Priddy met the victim on Snapchat, and convinced her to sneak out of her home in the middle of the night and meet him. He then drove from his residence in West Palm Beach to her home in Polk County, where the victim climbed out of a bedroom window and got in Priddy’s vehicle. Priddy then drove her to the park, where they got into the backseat and engaged in sex. He told the victim when he met her online that he was 17 years old. She told him that she was 14 years old to which he replied, “its prolly a one time thing” and “I aint worried.”
Priddy was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
Traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)
Lewd battery (F2)
Transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3)
Interference with child custody (F3)
Use of a two-way communication device in a felony (F2)
“Emerick Priddy picked the wrong county to come to and sexually batter a child. He’s now facing five felonies and hopefully will be registered as a sexual offender for the rest of his life.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
