Arcadian Newspaper February 4, 2016

ARCADIAN

Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 24 pages / 75 cents

A HISTORIC BIRTHDAY Arcadia native Jack Pooser relives his remarkable aviation career as he celebrates his 95th birthday.

THE

“Serving DeSoto County since 1887”

INSIDE

The Arcadian won 2 first-, 3 second- and 5 thirdplace awards in the Fla. Press Club 2015 contest!

That’s so DeSoto ............7

Safety seminar .............11

Arcadia woman’s death under investigation

By COURTNEY CLAYTON

ARCADIAN STAFF WRITER The suspicious death of an Arcadia woman at a North Port motel is still under investigation.

Linda Marie Smith, 59, was found dead in a Budget Inn motel room on Friday afternoon.

According to the North Port Sun, two capuchin monkeys were in the room with her.

Michael Neil Stein, 48, was also in the room. He reportedly lived with Smith in her Arcadia home.

Investigators also found a note in the room, but have not revealed its contents.

The Sun reported on Saturday that when North Port Fire Rescue arrived to the scene, Smith was determined dead, and Stein was in need of medical attention.

North Port spokesman Josh Taylor told the Sun on Friday that, “At this point, we treat it like a homicide just in case, but that does not mean that this man killed this lady. There are lots of possibilities — anything in

between, this was self-inflicted to a homicide.”

However, Smith’s body showed no signs of gun shots, stab wounds or other trauma.

Stein was arrested in July 2014 for petty theft after he allegedly attempted to steal a number of grocery items from a Walmart Supercenter in Punta Gorda.

According to the arrest report, Stein was observed by an off-duty detective shoplifting food and hardware items. He was then watched as he passed the

What’s for dinner DeSoto?

History Mystery............19

A look at local food trends through the past decade

INDEX Viewpoint .................4 Calendar ...................6 Police Beat ................8 Obituaries .................9 Religion ....................10 Sports .....................14 ůĂƐƐŝĮĞĚƐ .............. 2 0

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MACK GOODE

community that loves its steaks Restaurants like The and ribs, healthy Depot and the Cutlery eating options are close. Others like on the rise.

Magnolia’s Seafood and Deborah Browning, Grill and Hot Skillets the newest owner of are quick to take their 86-year-old Wheeler’s place. restaurant, confirmed Two Winn-Dixies the cafe’s homemade become one and peanut butter pie reSweetbay supermarmains “world famous.” ket vanishes. Now, “Pancakes,” she said, Arcadians await the ar- “are still what’s for rival of a Publix. While breakfast, burgers for there’s no doubt DeSoto lunch and steak and County is still a chicken for dinner.”

The restaurant has added more healthy options recently, including green tomatoes, corn and cabbage.

“Also new for us,” she added, “are greek salad, banana nut french toast and a hash brown casserole along with ‘swai’ (white) BY

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PAGE 12

Vowels said, “and introduce fish.” kiosks where you can All-natural ingrebuild your own burger. dients (instead of The McDonald’s of the some packaged foods) future is where we’re are another way the restaurant is looking to headed.”

While some eateries give its customers more keep their eyes on the choices. future, others find that Fast food franchises traditional offerings also combine older menus with new items. work best. Among those staying with the Tim Vowels’ family tried-and-true are El has owned the local McDonald’s since 1985. Pirata, Reef and Beef and Slim’s Bar-B-Q. Vowels said, “While Halfway into the burgers are still king, 18 years that the our salads have Barragan family has evolved. Over the past provided “Bienvenidos” several years, we have to Arcadians they introduced successful moved El Pirata to a frozen beverages larger place. The menu like lattes, mochas specialties are largely and smoothies. The unchanged. Nachos Happy Meal now includes fresh fruit like and fried ice cream are the most popular apple slices or orange starters and dessert. ‘cuties.’”

“Chicken salad orders This year, McDonald’s are increasing,” Enrique corporate chose the Barragan commented, Arcadia restaurant as a “and we can make what test market.

“We will experiment with table service,” FOOD | 5

cash registers with food items concealed under shopping bags in his cart, along with hardware items stuffed in his pocket.

In the arrest report, Stein, who said he was self-employed, classified Smith (who was not involved in the crime) as his “girlfriend” and “nearest living relative.”

Sources say Smith was suffering from cancer prior to her death, and while she did not

ARCADIA | 2

Roads dominate city meeting

By COURTNEY CLAYTON

ARCADIAN STAFF WRITER The Arcadia City Council met Tuesday for their regular meeting, and after approving several action items unanimously, City Administrator Terry Stewart spent significant time on arguably the hottest topic in town: Arcadia’s crumbling roads.

“The condition of our roads is nothing new,” Stewart said.

He said one of the reasons the roads continue to undergo damage is the city has very little drainage in the roadways.

After it rains, the water sits on the road, and while asphalt is a hard surface, it is not “impervious,” Stewart explained.

“There are still cracks and fissures,” he said, and after the water soaks through long enough, the asphalt can break away and float in a puddle, which forms a pothole that jams more water underneath the pavement.

“I know a lot of people are upset out there,” Stewart said, and then he proceeded to show the Council and public a piece of asphalt from one of the city’s roads. The height of the piece was a half-inch, which he said was “unheard of.” (Most road’s asphalt is at least 1 1/2 inches thick.)

“I don’t know how far back this goes, but this is what we are up against,” Stewart said.

Stewart added he didn’t think many knew what the city’s solution

ROADS | 3

Arcadian | Page 2

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The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

UPCOMING GOVERNMENT MEETINGS DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners — meets at 9 a.m. at the County Administration building, Room 103, 201 E. Oak St., Arcadia. For more information or to view an agenda, call 863-990-4800 or visit www.desotobocc.com.

DeSoto County School Board — meets at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board meeting room of the DeSoto County School District, 530 La Solona Ave., Arcadia. For more information or to view an agenda, call 863-494-4222 or visit www.desotoschools.com.

ARE YOU GOING TO WESTMINSTER? Leslee Peth is director of advertising for the Charlotte Sun and publisher of the Punta Gorda Herald.

She is celebrating her 22nd year of attending the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Leslee shows Salukis and went to her first dog show in Toronto when she was just 8 years old. Three years later, her parents bought her a Boxer, her first show dog, and she has been an avid enthusiast ever since, having been successful as a child in Junior Showmanship and exhibiting her family’s Boxers. Over the years she has also owned and showed Standard Poodles and Italian Greyhounds.

Leslee will be in New York covering the dog show for Sun Coast Media Group newspapers. If you or anyone you know will be showing a dog at Westminster this year, please send her an email at lpeth@ sun-herald.com. She’d like to speak with you.

For the full Westminster Week schedule, please visit www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY COURTNEY CLAYTON

SUN NEWSPAPERS

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This is the home Linda Marie Smith lived in for years prior to her death. According to eyewitnesses, Smith lived with Michael N. Stein, 48, also of Arcadia, with his two monkeys. Stein was the previously unindentified man found in the motel room where Smith died. No charges are pending or have been filed as of press time. home for over 10 years.

Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (who FROM PAGE 1 picked up the two monkeys, which appeared healthy and in crates) normally drive on her own due to said the animals are doing well in her health condition, an eyewitness a licensed facility. They will remain said she was seen just days before her there until authorities can resolve death driving down the street near her the case. residence.

Stein is still undergoing questioning In 2004, Smith was cited by DeSoto by authorities, and Taylor said no County Animal Control for failing to criminal charges have been filed and give a rabies vaccination to an animal none are pending. in her possession.

The case will remain under active Smith and Stein were described as investigation until the medical ex“reclusive” by neighbors, and were aminer delivers the autopsy report believed to have lived in their Arcadia determining Smith’s cause of death.

ARCADIA

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

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DMH has new credentialing process

By COURTNEY CLAYTON

ARCADIAN STAFF WRITER DeSoto Memorial Hospital held its finance and monthly board meeting Thursday, which included several updates.

DMH CEO Vince Sica said the Florida Hospital Association has created a new web site, www.missiontocare.org, which allows someone to look up any hospital in Florida and see the charges and payment of any procedure. It also lists ratings for the quality of care each hospital provides.

The data is collected by the Center for

ROADS FROM PAGE 1 entailed, and proceeded to outline the plan to address the road problems.

In the last week, there have been day crews working up to seven hours a day trying to patch the roadways.

While the city is still using the cold patch method, that will soon change.

During its last meeting, the Council approved a budget amendment to allow $100,000 to be taken from the $1 million set aside in the budget to fix the roadways in 2016 and use it to cover the costs of hot patch equipment, truck for towing the machine and two part-time employees.

The Council took the first step toward putting together the team and equipment by approving to piggyback Charlotte County’s contract with

Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as from patients.

“Our prices are lower and our quality is better,” Sica said.

Board member Dr. Steven Mishkind said there have been changes in the way someone is appointed to the medical staff. After several doctors have resigned, there are vacancies in the medical staff that need to be filled and Mishkind said the new process, which includes a more thorough method of verifying a candidate’s background as well as a credential committee, is an improvement from before.

“This is the way appointments need to be done and have not been done in the past,” he said.

Now, a doctor who is part of the credential committee will follow up with phone calls about the reputation of potential candidates to verify certain items.

At the end of the finance meeting, the board addressed DeSoto County Commissioner Bob Miller’s recent request to see how the half-percent sales tax is processed and used through DMH. The board’s attorney, Connie Collins, said an agenda item will be added to the next Commission meeting. She added the

county’s main concern was where the money from the sales tax has been going, and that Miller wanted to ensure the sales tax money the hospital has received has been going to pay the mortgage.

“We don’t touch it (money). It’s all electronic,” Sica said.

DMH CFO Dan Hogan added the money is in a designated separate account.

Collins said it should be fairly simple to provide the Commissioners with information that assures them the sales tax money has been paying the mortgage.

The next board meeting is Feb. 25 in the McSwain room on the hospital’s first

Bartow Ford for the purchase of an F-350 truck for $26,849.

Stewart noted the $1 million budget was the first critical step to move forward. The next part was to have engineers craft a set of specifications and put together a request for proposal after they examined the conditions of Arcadia’s roads. Stewart said the RFP has been crafted in a such a way that the city has asked for unit prices, so if more work is needed on a project it can be contracted. The Council will then choose a contractor, which will take 45-60 days to get a final selection, which Stewart expects to be finished by late March.

“There is so much work out there.

We are not going to accomplish it all in this year,” Stewart said. “As we pave the roads, we know we won’t be able to solve them fast enough to solve pothole problems.”

Therefore, city and staff are

attacking the problem two-fold: By repaving roads and fixing potholes.

Another important step is the geographical information system map of the city’s water and sewer lines which will video below the surface to locate the city’s underground utilities. The city can’t repave roads with underground utilities because the utilities would need to be repaired first.

While the pothole patcher is not ready and work is still underway to

find a contractor to pave the roads, the city is doing what it can in the meantime. For example, work is expected to begin soon on an area near the Sheriff’s Office by Hillsborough Ave., and Cypress St. “We ask for people to be a little more patient ...we are going to benefit from this in so many ways. A lot of good things are happening. I think the citizens of our city will enjoy and like what they see happen over the next

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY COURTNEY CLAYTON

A sinkhole occurred Monday on Hickory St. and west of N. Brevard Ave. A work crew arrived quickly to fix the problem.

Viewpoint DeSoto

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

Derek Dunn-Rankin — Suncoast Media Group Chairman David Dunn-Rankin — Suncoast Media Group President Joe Gallimore — Arcadian Publisher Steve Bauer — Arcadian Editor

www.sunnewspapers.net Arcadian | Page 4

E-mail letters to sbauer@sun-herald.com

OUR VIEW

Turn off red-light cameras OUR POSITION: Study calls into question cameras’ effectiveness. recent study by the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles promises to reignite opposition and fuel an effort in the Legislature to ban the use of red-light cameras at intersections in the state.

As we’ve long argued, the study indicates intersection cameras have a minimal effect on public safety. They do, however, raise revenues for the local governments that install them, and that provides strong incentives for cities and counties looking for a budget-booster.

When the state law was passed in 2010, advocates insisted it would help prevent crashes caused by motorists running red lights. The emotional appeal was strong: The original bill is called the Mark Wandell Traffic Safety Act to honor the memory of a man killed by a driver running a red light.

Some national studies backed this up. Others, from the 20-some states and the District of Columbia where automated camera systems have long been intersection fixtures, indicated otherwise. At best, the presence of cameras may reduce more severe broadside crashes. But they also increase rear-end crashes.

But here?

The new study surveyed 71 local governments with cameras at 276 intersections. It showed total vehicle crashes had risen by nearly 15 percent after the cameras were installed. The intersections had 3,453 crashes before the cameras, 3,959 afterward.

Rear-end collisions increased by 10 percent — confirming the thread in all the studies we’ve seen. These apparently occur more often when motorists concerned about tickets slam on their brakes; they get hit from behind.

Most surprising in this study, though, crashes with serious injuries also increased by a whopping 29 percent. Presumably, these included the dangerous T-bone crashes. Crashes involving pedestrians and bicycles also increased by nearly 17 percent.

Now, over the same reporting period, the total number of crashes in Florida also rose — this time by an astounding 50 percent. So it can be argued, at least, that the rise in camera-ready intersection crashes was below that the overall increase.

What isn’t in doubt is the payout incentive for local and state government.

From July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014, some 941,000 violations were issued by remote cameras. The following year, that number inched up to 963,039.

The fine — which comes in the mail from a private contractor that installs and operates the system — is $158 per violation. Of that, $75 goes to the local government and $83 to the state in tack-on fees. All totaled, that’s more

A

OUR VIEW | 8

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Disappointed in fair coverage Editor: I was very disappointed in

the coverage of the DeSoto County Fair. The pictures in the Jan. 28 edition were terrible — most made the people unrecognizable. I was

most disappointed that Miss DeSoto County 2016 Skye Dyer and other royalty in the pictures were never named.

These young people work

hard to achieve these titles and should be recognized.

Elaine Galliher Arcadia

GRITS & PIECES

Don’t worry, be nappy

A

re you tired of your bed mate pulling covers, hogging the bed and snoring like they’re sawing logs? Well, just imagine how different life would if we didn’t have to sleep! I know there are folks who take great delight in snoozing who might take offense to this notion, so perhaps they should skip this and read something else. Or go take a nap.

Just think of all the spare time you’d have if you didn’t have to be unconscious for approximately one-third of your life. Did you get that? A third! And by the time you subtract another third for working, a couple of hours eating, plus shower and bathroom time and travel, you’re down to just a precious few of the 24 allotted hours per day for some “you” time. And even when you do find time for you, there’s often somebody trying to take that up, too.

Scary, isn’t it?

Let’s assume we didn’t have to sleep.

Suddenly, we have no need for a bed or even a bedroom — instant man cave, guys! And ladies, you’d have more time on your hands by not having to make the bed, kill the dust bunnies underneath it, fluff the pillows and you could even turn it into your “she shed.”

With no sleeping, of course the electric bill might be a little higher because you’d be up all night, but

Grits & Pieces Luke Wilson trubador55@embarqmail.com

just think of all the time you’d have to get more stuff done. That honey-do list would be whittled right down to nothing in no time. Of course all the guys know I’m kidding, because we all know wives can write lists a lot faster than we can complete the projects found on them.

Is sleep really that great? I know there are those who love dreaming so much that they can’t wait to hit the sack and get right to it. This would be a trade-off, as they have to settle for daydreaming.

But at least they wouldn’t have to worry about walking or talking in their sleep.

And look at the money they’d save on pajamas (also known as Walmart casual wear).

There are two kinds of people in this world — early birds and night owls. If sleep was not a factor, would those two birds become extinct? I say no because there are those who love to get started on stuff first thing every morning and

those (like me) who put everything off until it turns into a two-minute football drill and it’s fourth-and-goal. Correct me if I’m wrong, but those two birds are usually married to each other.

We know that sleeping is essential. It gives our bodies time to recharge and refresh, and a break from the rest of the world that we’ve probably never even thought about before. And there might be some aspects of it we’d miss if we were turned into perpetual insomniacs.

Dreaming and snuggling come to mind, as does that most welcome cool side of the pillow we experience every time we flip it over. And if we didn’t sleep, all those sheep jumping over rail fences would never get counted.

I’m not the first to ponder a no-sleep life. You’ve heard the saying before, too: “I can sleep when I’m dead.” Well, that’s a serious snooze known as the big sleep or a dirt nap. You’ll be pushing up daisies and the gophers will be delivering your mail, as they say. That’s a bit more sleep than I’m interested in.

So for now, this night owl will be burning the midnight oil and sleeping when he has to. And if the day drags out long and the Sandman starts stalking me, I’ll just kick back in my recliner and check my eyelids for holes for a little while. To paraphrase a 20 year-old song, “Don’t worry, be nappy.”

LETTER SUBMISSION POLICY Letters are welcome on virtually any subject, but we do have some rules. Please keep them to less than 250 words. Letters will be edited to length as well as grammar and spelling. All letters must be signed with full name - not initials. An address and telephone number must be included; they are not for publication, but must be provided so we may verify authorship if necessary. Due to the number of letters received, we reserve the right to run only one letter per person per month. The Letters to the Editor section is intended as a public forum for community discourse and the opinions and statements made in letters are solely those of the individual writers. The Arcadian takes no responsibility for the content of these letters. Please send or bring correspondence to the Arcadian, 108 S. Polk Ave., Arcadia FL 34266, or fax to 863-494-3533. Readers with access to the internet may e-mail Letters to the Editor at sbauer@sun-herald.com.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

FOOD FROM PAGE 1 you like vegetarian.”

Tradition is also strong at Reef and Beef. Joaquin Barazas, the manager of 12 years, said, “Steaks are the most popular, although cajun style salmon and crawfish are big sellers. Our salad bar is huge now.”

Martha Clement, owner of Slim’s, said that during her 35 years there “what used to be” still works best. They have been able to expand once and wouldn’t mind more space. Homemade desserts like Aunt Flo’s key lime pie and Florida orange cheesecake never go out of style. But Clement noted that fresh fish as become a big hit, too.

“For a rib joint,” Clement noted, “we sell a lot of fish. Everything is super fresh — from our barbecue meats to the daily green vegetable. Grilled salmon and mahi are big hits.”

Downtown favorites include Oak Street Deli and Mary Margaret’s Tea and Biscuit restaurant. Both have outdoor signs reading, “Soup, salad, sandwiches and desserts.”

Oak Street Deli owner Holly Incitti said in the eight years since she opened the deli, meatloaf, shepherd’s pie, lasagna and roast chicken have stayed at the top of customers’ lists.

“We also feature homemade soups and desserts like pineapple upside down cake,” she said. “Recently, we added French dip and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, which are selling like hot cakes.”

Mary Margaret’s Restaurant owners, Dennis Tyson and Brian Neveau, said since they first opened the restaurant six years ago, it’s grown 50 percent.

“We could grow another 50 seats,” Neveau said. “Our signature dishes, like turkey and asparagus sandwiches, seafood bisque and our tea with a secret ingredient are among the favorites. Our biscuits are actually homemade British scones and our elegant desserts include

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white chocolate bread pudding.”

Serious about senior health Healthy food options for older residents are now being offered by Arcadia Oaks, the Desoto Friendship Center and Trinity United Methodist Church.

All three serve most of their meals to the elderly but their offerings vary.

Arcadia Oaks Administrator Evelyn Donato said, “Our menus have remained much the same, with our residents and guests preferring burgers and fries, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, along with fried or barbecued chicken.”

Donato added that increased efforts to provide a “smart, balanced diet” are the recent addition of fresh fruit and juice choices.

The Senior Friendship Center offers lunches on weekdays. These wholesome meals are approved by a project nutritionist and meet all federal guidelines for one-third of a 60 or older adult’s daily requirements.”

“When I started 24 years ago,” Executive Director Karen Blanchette said, “desserts were daily inclusions and salt and fat weren’t much of an issue. Given the Area on Aging guidelines, our healthier menus now include whole grain bread, low fat milk, lots of fruit and chicken dishes like cacciatore, parmesan and teriyaki.”

Among many churches offering “emergency food pantries” and free meals is the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Church secretary Marcia Brown said, “We serve several hundred lunches a week. This is because we have excellent cooks and we receive lots of generous donations like pizzas from Pizza Hut. What people like most is meat and potatoes. Our numbers keep growing even though we have cut back on desserts.”

seen a seismic shift in food options for students.

Sheerynne Iverson, who holds a degree in health and food science education and has been Associate Director of Food Service for Desoto’s School District for 14 years, has seen major changes in the past five years.

“We have increased the fresh fruit and vegetables and decreased the amount of salt while experimenting with other seasonings,” she said. “With the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act passed several years ago, students can eat school meals free.”

Iverson providing monthly school menus from January 2006 and January 2016, and the comparisons between the two are astounding. The addition of a breakfast menu is one major addition in the past 10 years.

“The biggest change,” Iverson noted, “is ‘Nu News,’ with the ‘Nu’ standing for nutrition. We have increased whole grains in our breads, for example.”

“Toasted cheese” has become grilled cheese, hot dogs are now chicken dogs

and pepperoni pizza remains pizza with pepperoni.

How have food trends changed in the last decade is evident by the fact that K&J’s Homegrown Produce and Farmer’s Market has tripled in size since first opening.

K&J’s weekly ads emphasize chicken, pork and steak, and their biggest bins overflow with local corn and watermelons. Fresh items dominate, with frozen items being a smaller selection.

Co-owner Kenny Moore said, “We started with produce and added meats a few years back. We don’t have to advertise our fish because word of mouth does that for us. And we sell more seafood than most supermarkets.”

Indeed, K&J’s fish selections range from crab and salmon to scallops, shrimp and smelt. What K&J lacks in size it makes up for in variety.

Since variety is the spice of life, DeSoto residents have no shortage of options when it comes to their meals.

And the best news of all? Even more variety is just around the corner.

Healthier school choices With the national spotlight shining brightly on the problem of youth obesity, DeSoto’s public schools have

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Arcadian | Page 6

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SATURDAY

NOTE: All phone numbers are in Area Code 863 unless stated otherwise.

TODAY • The Sierra Club will sponsor a walk at the Lake Placid Unit of the Lake Wales Ridge, at 9 a.m. Master Naturalists John Phillips and Jamie Reynolds will lead you through the best example of Florida scrub habitat. For reservations and directions call 941-639-7468.

• Free food for those in need will be distributed from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Mt. Olive Church, 7683 SW Hull Ave., Arcadia. Call 941-379-6333 for more information.

• Caregiver support group meets at 1:30 p.m. at DeSoto Memorial Home Health Care at DeSoto Memorial Hospital Medical Plaza, 1006 N. Mills Ave. For more information, call DeSoto Memorial Home Health Care at 494-8432 or Hospice of Southwest Florida at 993-0662.

• The Family Safety Alliance meeting for DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties is held the fourth Thursday of every month at 4 p.m. at the McClure Center, 4215 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch.

For information, call 941-316-6009.

• Free Tai Chi classes, Moving for Better Balance, for seniors 60+, are held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and Thursday and will run from Sept. 14 through Dec. 7 at the Arcadia Garden Club.

Pre-registration is required; call 866-413-5337 to register.

• DeSoto County Historical Society Research Library is open in the Ingraham Seed House, 120 W. Whidden Street: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays (except for the second Thursday of the month), and second and fourth Saturdays, and by appointment.

• The John Morgan Ingraham House museum, 300 N. Monroe Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, except the second Thursday, and second and fourth Saturdays,.

• The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food9 a.m. to noon every Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 304 W. Oak St. • Kiwanis meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at Beef O’Brady’s.

•Friendship Center, 219 W. Oak St. for crafts, 9:30-11 a.m. Lunch available with a 48-hr. advance notice; call 494-5965.

• The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food 6-10 a.m. Monday through Friday at the Center for the Needy, 161 S. Orange St. • Relaxation Yoga Class every Thursday, 5 p.m. Sign-in 4:50 p.m. Held in the Health Dept. conference room, 34 S. Baldwin Ave. Drop-in $7/class, 8-class package $40 ($5 per class). Bring your own mat. For more information, call Christine at 244-1925.

• DeSoto County Library story time is at 3 p.m. at 125 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia. Call 993-4851 for more information.

• Faith Mission provides free lunches for anyone in need, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1109 S.E. 9th St., Arcadia. Donations accepted.

• Alcoholics Anonymous Second Tradition meets at 7 p.m. at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church, 327 W. Hickory St.

FRIDAY • The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food 6-10 a.m. Monday through Friday at the Center for the Needy, 161 S. Orange St. • Arcadia Quilt Club meets from 9-11:30 a.m. Fridays at the Palace Dance Hall, 1627 N.E. Floridian Circle, Arcadia.

•Friendship Center, 219 W. Oak St. Low impact exercises from 9:30-10 a.m.followed by Bingo from 10-11 a.m. Lunch available with a 48-hr. advance notice; call 494-5965.

• Alcoholics Anonymous Hispanic meets at 7 p.m. at 426 N. Brevard Ave., next to El Charro Rest.

• Alcoholics Anonymous Second Tradition meets at 8 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 900 W. Oak St. • Faith Mission provides free lunches for anyone in need, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 1109 S.E. 9th St., Arcadia. Donations gratefully accepted.

• The Olde Town Market and Main Street Farmer’s Market are held the first Saturday every month in downtown Arcadia from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh produce, pickled products, jams, jellies, homemade granola bars, baked goods, fresh and dried herbs, arts, crafts, woodworking, quilts, sewing, plants and other goodies. For vendor info call the Arcadia Main Street office at 494-2020.

• DeSoto County Library has Book Buddies, when children read to dogs, on the first Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m., 125 N. Hillsborough Ave. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 993-4851 for more information.

• Boaters Get-Together meets at 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month at Nav-A-Gator Grill, 9700 S.W. Riverview Circle (off Kings Hwy/C.R. 769). For more information, call 941-627-3474.

• DeSoto County Library children’s movies are offered at 10:30 a.m. at 125 N. Hillsborough Ave. every Saturday. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 993-4851 for more information.

• The Palace Promenaders meet for square and round dance from 7-9 p.m. every Saturday at the Palace Square Dance Hall, 1627 N.E. Floridian Circle. Art Miller, caller, and Jennie Martin, cueing. Call Jennie at 494-2749 or Mary at 941-380-5336 for information.

SUNDAY • Volunteers needed for the Friendship Center open Monday through Friday, 9 .am. – 4 p.m. Call 494-5965 if you have 4 hrs/ week to share. Positions available for receptionists (morning or afternoon), help serving meals, help with activities, special talents, and more.

• Alcoholics Anonymous Serenity Group meets at Grace Lutheran Church, 900 W. Oak St. (State Road 70) at 8 p.m. Sunday.

• Hispanic Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. Sunday at 426 Brevard Ave. next to El Charro Restaurant.

MONDAY • The DeSoto County Special Olympics committee meets at 3 p.m. on the second Monday every month at The Last Chapter Coffee Shop on W. Oak St. The meeting is open to anyone who is interested in coaching or working with adults or youth in sports.

For more information, call Joyce at 873-8219 or 494-3440.

• DeSoto County Veterans Honor Guard practices at 6 p.m. second Monday monthly at the American Legion Post.

• The American Legion Post K-11 meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday, 2124 N.W. American Legion Drive. For more information, call Roger Bumgarner at 993-0129.

• The Amvets Ladies Auxiliary meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday each month.

• The American Merchant Marines Veterans, Robert J. MacAlvanah Chapter (Suncoast Chapter), meets at noon every second Monday at The Family Table Restaurant, 14132 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port. All Merchant Mariners and their spouses are welcome. For information, call 941-625-3234.

• The GFWC Arcadia Woman’s Club meets at the clubhouse in Veterans Memorial Park, 2288 N.W. American Legion Way, with a pot luck lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a meeting. For more information call 494-2966.

•The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food 6-10 a.m. Monday through Friday at the Center for the Needy, 161 S. Orange St. • Free Tai Chi classes, Moving for Better Balance, for seniors 60+, are held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and Thursday and will run from Sept. 14 through Dec. 7 at the Arcadia Garden Club.

Pre-registration is required; call 866-413-5337 to register.

• The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free meals every Monday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 304 W. Oak St. • DeSoto County Oath Keepers will hold a “meet and greet” at 1 p.m. every Monday at the Last Chapter Coffee House, 15 W. Oak St. For details, email Dave “Preacher”Wills at prchusmc@ embarqmail.com.

• Women of Worship“WOW”Women’s ministry meets at 6:15 p.m. Monday at Freedom Fellowship Christian Ministries, 1528 N.E. Turner Ave. All are welcome.

•Friendship Center, 219 W. Oak St. Low impact exercises from 9:30-10 a.m. and your choice of games from 10-11 a.m. Lunch available with a 48-hr. advance notice; call 494-5965.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016 • Alcoholics Anonymous Second Tradition meets at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church, 327 W. Hickory St. at 8 p.m. Monday at 327 W. Hickory St. • Alcoholics Anonymous Brown Baggers Group meets at noon Monday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 304 W. Oak St. • Al-anon is a mutual support program for people who are living with, or have lived with, someone whose drinking created problems for themselves or others. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. every Monday at Fort Ogden Methodist Church, 6923 S.W. River St. in Fort Ogden. For information call 1-888-425-2666 or visit www. nfldistrict13al-anon.org.

• The DeSoto County Homeless Coalition Community Resource Center is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1425 Martin Luther King St. The center provides referrals for mainstream resources, elderly food stamps (by appointment) and computer service. Salvation Army has office space on Wed. by appointment.

For more information, call 491-5683.

TUESDAY • DeSoto County Commission Board meets at 9 a.m. at the County Administration building, Room 103, 201 E. Oak St., Arcadia.

• DeSoto County School Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board meeting room of the DeSoto County School District, 530 La Solona Ave., Arcadia.

• The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food 6-10 a.m. Monday through Friday at the Center for the Needy, 161 S. Orange St. • Rotary Club of Arcadia meets at noon every Tuesday in the McSwain Room at DeSoto Memorial Hospital.

• The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food 9 a.m. to noon every Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 304 W. Oak St. • Freedom Fellowship Christian Ministries Support Group meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 1528 N.E. Turner Ave. •Friendship Center, 219 W. Oak St. Join us for Movie of the Week, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Lunch available with a 48-hr. advance notice; call 494-5965.

• Every Tuesday night, line dance class at the Palace Dance Hall (17N). Beginners welcome. $3 donation. For more info, call Jennie Martin at 494-2749.

• Weight Watchers meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1509 E. Oak St. For details visit www. weightwatchers.com and“find a meeting”or call 800-651-6000.

• Faith Mission provides free lunches for anyone in need, at 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1109 S.E. 9th St. Donations gratefully accepted.

• DeSoto County Library holds story time at 3 p.m. Tuesdays at 125 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia. Call 993-4851 for more information.

• The Peace River Woodcarvers meet at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, at the Turner Exhibit Hall, 2250 NE Roan St., Arcadia. For information, call Dale Weese at 941-740-4790 or Bob Rippner at 244-3657.

• Alcoholics Anonymous Second Tradition meets at 8 p.m. at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church, 327 W. Hickory St. • AA Hispanic Group meets at 8 pm. at La Clinica, 1901 10th Ave.

WEDNESDAY • The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food every second Wednesday from 3-5:30 p.m. at St. Edmund Episcopal Church, 327 W. Hickory St. • DeSoto Toastmasters meets at noon to 1 p.m. at First State Bank of Arcadia, 400 N. Brevard Ave. • Been There Rancher’s and Farmers’Club meets every second and fourth Wed. through April at 1 p.m., first clubhouse inside South Entrance Arcadia Village Country Club. North of Walmart, State Road 70. Call Max R. Fitzpatrick at 863-494-6257. Free. Tours, speakers, conversation, friends, fun – all welcome.

• The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food 6-10 a.m. Monday through Friday at the Center for the Needy, 161 S. Orange St. • The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free meals every Wednesday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 304 W. Oak St. •Friendship Center, 219 W. Oak St. Low impact exercises from 9:30-10 a.m. followed by discussion of Healthy Eating and Recipe Sharing from 10-11 a.m. Lunch available with a 48-hr. advance notice; call 494-5965.

• Hour of Power Prayer time is held at noon at Freedom Fellowship Christian Ministries, 1528 N.E. Turner Ave.

SPECIAL • Do you know someone who can braid a cow whip, cane a chair or weave a palm frond hat? The DeSoto County Historical Society seeks people who can demonstrate traditional skills or old-fashioned crafts for the 12th Annual Pioneer Day and BBQ Rib Cook-off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 19, at DeSoto Veterans Park on State Road 70, just west of Arcadia.

The Society also invites businesses, churches, families, organizations, schools, and others to showcase their history.

Space is free for those who provide information only. More details available at www.historicdesoto.org/PioneerDay.html or call 266-5774.

• DeSoto Arts and Humanities Council is selling 2016 wall calendars featuring original paintings of DeSoto County landmarks and scenery. Only $5 each. Available at The Arcadian, Glass Antique or Not, Not Just Frames, Peddler’s Boutique and Stuff with a Past, or email desotoartscouncilinfo@gmail.com or call 863-703-0373.

• Tickets for the March 2016 Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo are on sale now. Prices range from $15 - $30 per ticket. Dates are March 10 - 13 - they have added a fourth day! Tickets are available at www.arcadiarodeo.com or call 800-749-7633.

• The Center for the Needy is desperately in need of essential supplies such as clothing, food, personal hygiene goods, household items, and cash donations. Call 444-0499 for information or pickup.

• Faith Mission provides free lunches for anyone in need, a 1109 S.E. 9th St., Arcadia. They are in need of cash donations to help pay for utility bills and other expenses.

• Community Resource Center at the Friendship Center, 219 W. Oak. Large selection of information on resources available to DeSoto residents. Open Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and 9 a.m.-1 pm. Fri. • AA“Brown Bagger”meetings are offered every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 304 W. Oak St. • Alcoholics Anonymous Serenity-Big Book meets at 8 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 900 W. Oak St. (State Road 70).

•“Art for Kids”is at 3 p.m. every Wednesday in the DeSoto County Library’s children’s wing.

THURSDAY • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and other Relations Raising Relations meets monthly on the second Thursday from 9-11 a.m. at the Friendship Center, 219 W. Oak St. • The DeSoto County Veterans Council meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. For details, call Ron Jones at 941-806-7108.

• TEAM Arcadia meets on the second Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at Mary Margaret’s Tea & Biscuit, 10 S. Polk Avenue.

• DeSoto County Historical Society meets at noon every second Thursday monthly at the Family Service Center annex, 310 W. Whidden St., Arcadia. Lunch is available for $6 at 11:30 a.m.

• Arcadia-DeSoto County Habitat for Humanity meets at 6 p.m. second Thursday monthly at the SunTrust Bldg., second floor, 10 S. Desoto Ave. Call 494-4118 or email desotohabitat@embarqmail. com for more information.

• The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food from 9 a.m. to noon every Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 304 W. Oak St. • Kiwanis meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at Beef O’Brady’s.

•Friendship Center, 219 W. Oak St. for crafts, 9:30-11 a.m. Lunch available with a 48-hr. advance notice; call 494-5965.

• The All Faiths Food Bank distributes free food 6-10 a.m.

Monday through Friday at the Center for the Needy, 161 S. Orange St. • DeSoto County Library story time is at 3 p.m. at 125 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia. Call 993-4851 for more information.

• Faith Mission provides free lunches for anyone in need, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1109 S.E. 9th St., Arcadia. Donations gratefully accepted.

• Alcoholics Anonymous Second Tradition meets at 7 p.m. at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church, 327 W. Hickory St.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

www.sunnewspapers.net Page 7 | Arcadian

Family Album FAMILY ALBUM PHOTOS

Happy 90th birthday

Birthday wishes

PHOTO PROVIDED

Send us a photo to celebrate a birth, birthday, engagement, wedding, anniversary, etc. The Arcadian will run it free. We must have it no later than noon on Monday. Bring your photo to the office or e-mail to Arcadian.editor@gmail.com

Happy 90th birthday to Dottie Stover on her special day Feb. 8!

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Call for picture entries The Arcadian is asking those in the DeSoto community to submit a recent photo for our new Picture of the Week section called That’s so DeSoto. Whether it’s a hanging sunset, grazing cow, the animal caught in the best wrong place, or action we just shouldn’t miss, any subject is welcome.

Please send your entry along with a brief explanation of where the picture was taken and how you came across the snapshot. Please also include your name, and you may see it and your picture in the following week’s edition. Email your entries to Courtney at cclayton@sun-herald.com.

That’s so DeSoto: Ready for a nap

Happy fifth birthday today to our great granddaughter Kyla Davis, and happy 13th birthday to our grandson Dylan Dicea on Feb. 17. We love you both so very much.

Grandma and Grandpa Davis

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PRISCILLA MCDANIEL

Priscilla and her husband were taking a drive in Pine Level after dinner and found this alligator situated and content before the sunset.

Arcadian | Page 8

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The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

Report: Nocatee store employees charged with EBT fraud the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of a S.M. Khalid Zaman, 46, of Arcadia, and Afroja Akter, 34, also of Arcadia, on charges concerning EBT fraud.

The charges came after there was an anonymous complaint filed in September 2014 that indicated employees at a convenience store in AKTER Nocatee were allegedly participating in EBT fraud, which entails the store was trafficking Food Stamp/ Cash Benefits it was authorized to receive.

According to the arrest report, store personnel were exchanging or trading ZAMAN the EBT benefits for cash or unauthorized purchases such as cigarettes or alcohol.

In September, detectives traveled to the store where Afroja Akter was working as the clerk. They watched while an individual purchased two packs of cigarettes and then received $50 cash from Akter.

The individual was then able to show that his EBT card was charged $89.39 for the transaction.

Detectives continued the investigation, and reportedly in January, there was another transaction at the Nocatee store resulting in EBT fraud. According to the report, detectives discovered an individual told the store owner, S.M. Khalid Zaman, that he needed $100. Zaman allegedly agreed to charge $150 on the man’s EBT card and give him $100 in cash.

According to the report, there is probable cause that Akter and Zaman attempted ongoing conduct with the intent to defraud one or more people, and obtain property from one or more people through fraudulent representations. Based on the two transactions that took place in September and January, the report said it is apparent that Akter and Zaman have been working together in a systematic scheme to defraud EBT cards for a profit.

According to the transaction history detectives are aware of, Akter and Zaman allegedly attempted to profit a minimum of 50 cents on the dollar for each completed transaction that included the sale of prohibited EBT items such as cigarettes or an exchange for cash.

Akter and Zaman were arrested Jan. 27 on the charges of obtaining property by fraud or swindle, under $20,000, and unauthorized use of public assistance, less than $200.

Afterwards, Zaman reportedly admitted in an interview with a detective that he gave cash to a customer in exchange for charging their EBT benefits at a higher price. Specifically, Zaman said he

|POLICE BEAT The information for Police Beat is gathered from police, sheriff’s office, Florida Highway Patrol, jail and fire records. Not every arrest leads to a conviction and guilt or innocence is determined by the court system.

charged a man’s EBT card with $150 and gave him $100 cash. He said he used the profit to buy food.

The arrest report said that during Akter’s interview, she confessed to allowing the purchase of prohibited EBT items such as alcohol and hot food in exchange for charging the EBT card a transaction fee of 50 cents on the dollar.

Akter also told detectives she had been engaging in such transactions for two years and could not say how many times it happened.

Zaman and Akter were then transferred to DeSoto County Jail on Jan. 27 and were released later that day on a $9,000 bond.

Firefighters contain Allied Recycling fire A small fire occurred at Allied Recycling off U.S. Highway 17 Sunday evening. The DeSoto County Fire Rescue determined the fire started from a spontaneous combustion and was contained to a fluff pile (materials that are ground up).

At 5:55 p.m. nine personnel responded to the scene. With five fire trucks and 6,200 gallons of water at the ready, the firefighters extinguished the flames by 7:10 p.m. Fire Rescue has reported that no one was harmed and no further damage was assessed.

The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests: • Alton Antonio Burch, 32, 200 block of S. Dade Ave., Arcadia. Charge: failure of sex offender to report name or residence change. Bond: $10,000.

• Andrew Christian Collins Harkless, 23, 2700 block of N.E. Hollingsworth St., Arcadia. Charge: domestic battery. Bond: • James Edward Layport, 44, 1100 block of S.W. Report: DeSoto man charged with possessing Mills Ave., Arcadia. Charge: violation of probation.

Bond: none. child pornography • Jorge Alberto Roman Pastor, 28, 1900 Heron The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Cove, Arcadia. Charges: hit and run, and driving has charged Keith Flar, of Arcadia, without a valid driver’s license. Bond: $5,120. with 19 counts of possession of child • Teri Deanna Bishop, 36, 1500 block of Magnolia pornography.

Terrace, Arcadia. Charge: failure to support child A detective was called or spouse more than $5,000, fourth or subsequent to the Florida Civil offense. Purge: $150.

Commitment Center on • Eliberto Cisneros, 23, 1800 block of Disong Road, Highway 70 on Jan. 13 Arcadia. Charge: failure to appear. Bond: $2,000. in response to a child • Russel Eugene Cooley, 61, Sun City Center, Fl. pornography investigation.

Charge: out-of-county warrant. Bond: $1,000.

There were reported com• Robert Allen Lanier, 35, Okeechobee. Charge: plaints that Flar possessed failure to appear. Bond: released on recognizance.

FLAR child pornography. Flar is • Daniel Ray Gudes, 62, 2700 Wilburn Terrace, already a registered sexual predator and Arcadia. Charge: failure to appear. Bond: $4,000. had been committed to a facility since • Graciela Jimenez Contreras, 44, 1300 block of 2011.

N.E. Sunset Ave., Arcadia. Charge: driving while According to the arrest report, Flar license is expired, more than four months. Bond: had previously been convicted of two $120. counts of sexual battery on a victim • Nathan Dewayne Brown, 31, 6400 block of N.E. under 12, lewd and lascivious exposure County Road 660, Arcadia. Charge: robbery without to a victim under 18 and two counts of firearm or weapon. Bond: $1,500. armed robbery.

• Joesph Edward Castaldi, 31, 5200 block of E. Investigators searched Flar’s dorm, Pine Ave., Arcadia. Charge: violation of probation. which allowed a five-foot high privacy Bond: $2,000. wall, and discovered he had items • Sonja Rosea Davis, 52, 500 block of S. Dade such as flash drives, MP3 players and Ave., Arcadia. Charges: possession of cocaine, and a floppy disk. Flar acknowledged that possession or use of drug equipment. the belongings (considered contraband • Amanda Allison Hunter, 25, Bradenton. Charges: according to the facility’s rules and two counts of battery on an officer, firefighter policies) were his, and an inspector or EMT, resisting an officer with violence, and then proceeded with the search. disorderly public intoxication causing disturbance.

Within one flash drive, there was a Bond: none. folder titled “Shh,” and another called • Daniel Paul Fugate, Loretta, Fl. Charge: failure to “Photo.” In these folders, there were appear. Bond: released on recognizance. child pornographic images.

• David James Stroman, 53, 1100 block of Golden Reportedly, Flar admitted to detecDr., Arcadia. Charge: violation of probation. tives he was aware of the pornographic • Ashely Nicole Tyson, 21, North Port. Charge: images and had obtained one of them petty theft. Bond: $120.

• Joseph Edward Castaldi, 31, 5200 block of E. through trading services such as barberPine Ave., Arcadia. Charge: violation of probation. ing for the computer storage devices.

Detectives then searched the remainder Bond: $2,000.

• Demetrius Maurice Clark, 25, 200 block of of Flar’s devices and found numerous Marshall Ave., Arcadia. Charges: out-of-state depictions of child pornography of fugitive, possession of less than 20 grams of children of ages 3 to 11.

Flar was arrested Jan. 26 on 19 counts marjuana, and possession or use of drug equipment. of possession of child pornography and Bond: none.

• Theron Stuart Murphy, 32, unknown, Arcadia. was transported to the DeSoto County jail where he is being held on a $47,500 Charge: aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability. Bond: $50,000. bond.

• Jose Miguel Ruiz, 20, 6100 block of S.W. Wilcox St., Arcadia. Charge: violation of probation. Bond: none.

• Christopher Stephen Sandusky, 27, Fort Ogden.

Charges: criminal mischief with property damage between $200-$1,000, battery, and tampering with a misdemeanor proceeding. Bond: $10,500.

• Paulino Lopez Torres, 45, 1100 block of 3rd Ave., Arcadia. Charges: two counts of aggravated child abuse. Bond: $50,000.

• Daniel Ray Gudes, 62, 2700 block of Willburn Terrace, Arcadia. Charge: failure to appear. Bond: $4,000.

• Anthony Brian Lee, 44, 900 block of S.W. Monroe Ave., Arcadia. Charge: simple assault. Bond: $120.

• Jaime Mendez Hernandez, 30, 2400 N.W. Howard Ave., Arcadia. Charge: battery. Bond: released on recognizance.

• Augustine Antonio Hilario, 47, 1st Ave., Arcadia.

Charge: trespass. Bond: $490.

• Bernardo Pujol, 53, 3300 block of S.W. Live Oak Drive, Arcadia. Charge: battery. Bond: $2,500.

• Ashley Leegail Stevenson, 24, Las Vegas. Charge: trespass. Bond: $250.

• David James Stroman, 53, 1100 block of Golden Drive, Arcadia. Charge: violation of probation. Bond: released on recognizance.

• Gregory Ray Parker, 45, 200 block of Smith Ave., Arcadia. Charges: giving false information to a law enforcement officer, possession or use of drug equipment, and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. Bond: $360.

• Holland Jacob Incitti, 24, 2700 block of N.E. Earnest Ave., Arcadia. Charges: carrying a concealed weapon, and impersonating a law enforcement officer. Bond: $3,000.

• Carrie Anne Corbin, 39, 2700 S.E. Brown Road, Arcadia. Charges: two counts of possession or use of drug equipment, and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. Bond: $360.

• Timothy Lee Evans, 21, 1400 block of Sugar Babe Road, Arcadia. Charges: smuggling contraband into detention facility, sale of listed drugs, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession or use of drug equipment, and two counts of violation of probation. Bond: none.

• Camelia Rose Corson, 25, Zolfo Springs. Charge: violation of probation. Bond: none.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests: • Brent Aaron Hughes, 31, 500 block of N. 12th Ave., Arcadia. Charges: loitering, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession or use of drug equipment, and bond forfeiture or revocation. Bond: $19,000.

— Compiled by Courtney Clayton

ROADWATCH U.S. 17 from C.R. 760A to Heard Street and within the City of Arcadia construction project — Crews are expanding U.S. 17 to four lanes. Work is underway for two new travel lanes to the east of existing U.S. 17 travel lanes and includes utility activities, installation of drainage and fill soils and new roadway construction. The contractor plans short duration flagging operations on U.S. 17 from C.R. 760A to Welles Ave. and at various side streets form S.W. Skates St. to Robin Rd. Northbound and southbound U.S. 17 traffic has switched to the new portion of U.S. 17 from south of C.R. 760A/McCaskill St. to north of C.R. 760/Welles Ave. Traffic remains on the existing lanes of U.S. 17 north of Joshua Creek.

Motorists should continue to observe the posted speed limits. Work vehicles are entering and exiting the roadway during the week. Please use caution and plan additional travel time. Expected project completion is in the summer of 2017. The contractor is Prince Contracting.

OUR VIEW FROM PAGE 4 that $152 million in revenue.

A cash machine.

Considering the high costs and the questionable public safety benefits, we see no good reason this program should continue. Armed with the new study, legislators are pushing a bill that would shut down red-light cameras in July 2019. The bill overwhelmingly passed a House committee last week but has a long road ahead.

As the old argument goes, once government opens a revenue stream, it’s extremely hard, if not impossible, to close the spigot.

We can hope, but why expect the opposite this time?

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

www.sunnewspapers.net Page 9 | Arcadian

| OBITUARIES Charles Robert Guard Charles Robert “Bob” Guard, 90, formerly of Arcadia, Fla., passed away Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, in Tavares, Fla. He was born Nov. 15, 1925, in Bremen, Ind. Bob moved to Arcadia in 1956. He moved to Tavares in 2014. Bob was a carpenter contractor. He worked for DeSoto County High School as carpenter shop teacher and basketball coach. Bob worked closely with the 4-H Club. He loved tending to his goats and many pet animals. Bob graduated high school and joined the Navy during World War II. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the Victory Medal.

Bob was a generous man. He had a good sense of humor, a positive attitude, and was a good storyteller. Bob never met a stranger. He loved to donate to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bob was of the Church of Christ faith. He always said that his greatest accomplishment was having seven good children.

He had three phrases to live by: Helping Hands, Guiding Light, and Caring Heart.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Nichakon “Pat” Cheangtong Guard of Tavares; daughters, Susan Dazey, Bobbie (Paul) Erickson and Raynae Skinner; sons, Garry (Mary) Guard, Randy Guard and Bill (Phyllis) Sardi; grandchildren, Debbie Latimer, Cheryl Keller, Tara Kay Woebse, Amy Nizamoff, Christopher Erickson, Randall Guard, Caleb Guard, Sabrina Stainbrook, and Robert (Rosa) Stainbrook; great-grandchildren, Josh Dazey, Cacee Keller, Jamee Keller, Kimberly Woebse, Cody Woebse, Bret Nizamoff, Tori Nizamoff, Steven Erickson, Bobbie Erickson, Cash Erickson, Shelby Stainbrook, and Aiden and Julian Stainbrook; great-great-grandchild, Nehemiah Camarillo; sister, Phyllis Walters; brother, Dean Guard; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his spouse, Frances Marie Guard; daughter, Karen K. Tanner; brothers, Wayne and Paul Guard; and sisters, Dollie Corwin, Lucille Parcell and Marjory Roeder.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Guard will be from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at the chapel of Ponger-KaysGrady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia. The U.S. Navy Honor Guard will render Military Honors at 2 p.m.

The family requests that donations be

For more Words of Comfort, go to www.inheavenshome.com

OBITUARY POLICY Obituaries are accepted from funeral homes only.

There’s no charge for publishing an abbreviated death notice. Full obituaries and repeat death notices will be subject to an advertising charge.

Obituaries must be submitted to the Charlotte Sun; call 941-206-1000 for details. Please send e-mails to obituaries@sun-herald.com. The American flag accompanying and obituary indicates a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com.

Arrangements are by Ponger-KaysGrady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia.

Bettie Ann Gaskins Bettie Ann Gaskins Ryan, 91, of Zolfo Springs, passed away January 17, 2016.

Bettie was born to James H. and Belle Strickland Gaskins in Nashville, Ga. on May 19, 1924. Her parents died in 1928 and 1929. She and her five brothers were sent to the Masonic Home of Macon, Ga. where they lived until graduating from high school.

Bettie was employed by Security National Bank in Washington, DC advancing to Sr. Vice President of Mortgage Loans. After retirement, she and her husband, Phil Ryan, relocated to Anderson, S.C. and later to Zolfo Springs, FL. They loved golfing, bowling, and traveling.

Bettie is survived by a brother, Jack ; sister-in-laws, Leita Gaskin and Neoma Gaskins; Step-daughters, Christina Malino-Butts and Marguerite Beckler; nieces, Mickey, Becky and Elayne; nephews, Clifford Gaskins, Bill Gaskins and Lee Gaskins .

Bettie enjoyed a long and full life with family and special friends Pat Gilbert and Carol Colby.

Bettie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Phil, brothers, Homer, Daniel, Clifford, and J. T. Gaskins.

Private services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com. Ponger-KaysGrady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia, FL is in charge of arrangements.

DEATHS | 22

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The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

Those fabulous February presidents F

ebruary is the month Americans celebrate the birthdays of two unforgettable presidents: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While we do this officially on President’s Day, many still prefer to do so on the dates they were born: Lincoln on Feb. 12 and Washington on Feb. 22.

Lincoln was a man of many firsts: The first president to be elected without being a native of one of the thirteen original colonies; the first to have a beard; the first to be a Republican; the first to hold a patent; the first to be photographed at his inauguration; and sadly, the first to be assassinated.

At the age of nine, Lincoln made a promise to his dying mother that affected him throughout his life: “I want you to live as I have taught you, to love your Heavenly Father and keep His commandments,” she had said. And during Lincoln’s long, hard road from poverty to the presidency, he never forgot those words or his promise.

Roger Campbell Ministries Writing in “The Man and his Faith,” G. Frederick Owen said of Lincoln: “God, to him, was not the God of the philosophers, but the God of Nancy Hanks Lincoln and of the Bible. Religion to him was not a philosophy which he was to formulate, but a personal experience into which he was to enter.”

In spite of his high standards, his honesty and his regular Bible reading, however, Lincoln seemed to ever be on a search for a relationship with God he had not yet found.

Then came Gettysburg — and his entire night of prayer before that bloody

battle. According to this praying president, seeing the graves of the soldiers who fell at Gettysburg moved him to absolute faith in his mother’s Lord. No wonder his brief but powerful “Gettysburg Address” has endured. It was delivered by a man who tearfully told his friends that he had now received “the best gift which God has given to men.”

On April 21, 1891, a three-day auction began to sell a collection of George Washington relics. Among these was a letter from the former president to his brother, John, dated July 18, 1755, in which he told about his survival of a hail of French musket fire in battle.

Describing his peril at that time, he wrote: “I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets go through my coat and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me.”

Obviously, George Washington was

spared for good reasons. He had important work to do … and so do we.

Backing my car out its place in front of the post office, I glanced to my left and saw a car full of men with one pointing a long gun directly at me. I fully expected to be shot but the only sound I heard was the roar of the engine as my car sped ahead to safety.

During his presidency, Washington wrote that it would pain him to believe Americans would fail to consider the power of God, “Who is alone able to protect us.”

We’ve all been protected from dangers that could have taken our lives. How then shall we live? The Psalmist prayed, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). What a good prayer for us all.

— Roger Campbell was an author, a columnist and broadcaster who was a pastor for 22 years. Contact us at rcministry@ameritech.net.

AOPA visits Friends of Arcadia Airport SUBMITTED By GEORGE CHASE

FRIENDS OF ARCADIA AIRPORT PRESIDENT Friends of Arcadia Airport recently hosted corporate members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association at Aviation City. The visit had been planned for some time to allow AOPA members to see in-person and shoot video of the new Fly-In/Camp-Out Center built and donated to the Arcadia Municipal Airport by Friends.

Incorporated in 1939, AOPA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to general aviation. From the start, it has fought to protect the freedom to fly while keeping general aviation safe, fun and affordable. Today there are over 400,000 individual members nationwide.

Dawn Veatch, senior director of government affairs and airport advocacy, and Adam Williams, manager of airport policy, contacted Friends about a new video that AOPA is producing.

AOPA described their video as the following: “The video subject covers the obvious uses of our general aviation airports. But what we plan to do is expand the audience’s knowledge on what real economic value their airport can and does contribute to their community. Some are not so obvious.

The video will be developed for a non-aviation audience so the basic will

PHOTOS PROVIDED

From left: AOPA executives Dawn Veatch and Adam Williams, Friends President George Chase and County Commissioner and Friends Board Airport Manager Shelley Peacock.

Member Bob Miller was interviewed by the AOPA Airport Manager Shelley Peacock reservations to fly in and camp out from video crew during their visit to Aviation City. joined Friends President George Chase, as far away as Illinois, Tennessee and need to be articulated. We plan to share Veatch, Williams and the video produc- Georgia, as well as many Florida cities. tion team at Mary Margaret’s restaurant Every one of them has visited local the video and the accompanying info for a lunch meeting prior to the airport shops and restaurants and has praise gram with Rotary and Lion clubs and other business organizations, chambers visit. Arcadia’s airport and its role within for the new facility.” the community were among the topics of commerce, city fathers and county During the visit the AOPA crew of discussion. commissioners, etc. Our mission and shot video of the site and interviewed Williams has been working with objective is to preserve the freedom to Friends board members County Friends on the Aviation City project for fly, which we are slowly losing every Commissioner Bob Miller and Peacock. months, and AOPA is a big supporter of They also took video and met with other day because of airport closures. We Friends efforts in developing this kind have to educate those who are in the Friends members who were utilizing the of aviation facility. AOPA believes this decision making positions and prevent pilot shelter and fire pit. type of activity can produce positive rethe threats and precursors to closures/ Friends is proud to be included in this sults at local airports across the country. informational video which will be used restriction in the future.”

Chase said, “Aviation City exemplifies as a tool for AOPA’s Airport Support The new video is scheduled to be the ‘build it and they will come’ theory. Network volunteers nationwide. For released at Sun-N-Fun this April. Actor Since the site has opened there has Harrison Ford is slated to conduct the more info on Aviation City visit www. been a steady stream of pilots making opening and closing ceremonies.

FoAA.us or email friends@foaa.us.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

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Ranching history focus of public presentation SUBMITTED BY ADRIAN CLINE Cattle were introduced into the present day United States when Juan Ponce de Leon brought Spanish cattle to Florida in 1521. Bob Stone’s multi-media presentation explores and celebrates the history and culture of the nation’s oldest cattle ranching state from the colonial period to the 21st century.

You will see and hear all aspects of Florida cattle ranching traditions including material culture such as cracker cow whips and unique ranch gate designs; swamp cabbage; cowboy church and cracker cowboy funerals; Seminole ranching past and present; occupational skills such as roping and branding; our vibrant rodeo culture;

side-splitting cowboy poetry; feisty cow dogs; and much more.

The DeSoto County Historical Society and the Florida Humanities Council are pleased to host Stone’s show Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Calgary Baptist Church, 1509 East Oak St. in Arcadia This is presented at no cost to the public.

A dinner of roast beef, including dessert and beverage, is available for $12 at 5:45 p.m. (by reservation only). Tickets are on sale at Mary Margaret’s Tea and Biscuit, 10 South Polk Ave. in Arcadia; the Ingraham Seed House, 120 West Whidden St. in Arcadia from 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. on Thursdays; and at First State Bank, 400 N. Brevard Ave in Arcadia.

Bob Stone is an independent folklorist and media producer based

in Gainesville. In 2011, the Florida Department of State honored him with the Florida Folk Heritage Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a lifelong advocate of the folk arts and folk artists of Florida.

He conducted extensive field documentation and served as co-curator for the large traveling exhibition Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition, which has been viewed by more than 520,000 visitors from Florida to Nevada. He edited the exhibition catalog, which was published in February 2013 by the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation. His documentary photos have been shown in numerous exhibitions and published in Newsweek, The New York Times,

Forum, Wooden Boat and other print media. He is the author of “Sacred Steel: Inside an African American Steel Guitar Tradition,” University of Illinois Press, 2010.

For additional information on this show and dinner, please contact Adrian H. Cline at 863-494-5758 or email adriancline@outlook.com.

This program is sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council with funding from the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.

FHC is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, which funds and coordinates statewide public humanities programs and publications that explore people, places, and ideas that shape our state.

Toby’s hosts severe weather, fire safety talk for use as a shelter. RVs, mobile homes and automobiles are not considered safe for a tornado.

Lieutenant Rodney Tumbleston Both DeSoto County Emergency and firefighter paramedic John Haney Management and Fire Rescue gave a provided information on fire safety, how presentation on severe weather precauto help the firefighters and paramedics tions and fire safety to a packed house help you and what to do during an at Toby’s RV Resort last week. emergency. Residents were interested At the top of everyone’s list was, “Where in learning about automatic external do we go if there is a tornado coming our defibrillators, which can save the life of way?” someone in cardiac arrest.

Interim Emergency Management The group listened intently and Director Tom Moran and Emergency PHOTOS PROVIDED asked many questions. We are all in this Management Specialist Jean Garland Toby’s RV Resort recently hosted an informational together and we need to have a whole were on hand to provide answers, event regarding severe weather and fire safety. community approach to emergency telling the crowd the best way to preparedness and fire safety. prepare is to have a weather alert a predetermined safe room that does DeSoto County has a Community A member of the DeSoto County Public Safety radio. When you receive an alert for a Department talks to Toby’s residents about fire tornado warning, you can reduce your not have windows. The building should Emergency Response Team and we safety during a recent informational event. be of sturdy construction and available welcome new members. chance of injury by getting indoors to

SUBMITTED By THOMAS MORAN

INTERIM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

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The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

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When Hardee County law enforcement caught a DC-4 loaded with marijuana in a pasture in 1980, they called Pooser to fly the plane to Lakeland. Former DeSoto Sheriff Frank Cline also called on Pooser to fly seized planes.

From left: Former U.S. Senator Claude Pepper, Jack Pooser, Talmage Guy and Clyde Livingston pose together when Pooser was a personal pilot flying an Aero Commander. Pooser is celebrating his 95th birthday today.

Dorr Field supervisors: During World War II, Jack Pooser, third from left, worked as both a mechanic and inspector while working at Dorr Field in Arcadia.

Pooser celebrates his 95th birthday today.

The sky’s the limit:

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Arcadia aviation ace Jack Pooser reflects on 95 years of memories

BY CAROL MAHLER Born Feb. 4, 1921, in Arcadia, Jack Pooser grew up during the golden age of aviation. Arcadia had two cadets trained at Carlstrom Field until 1923, and those planes flew over the Pooser home on Coon Prairie. “Everything east of Mills Avenue ... we called ‘Coon Prairie’ in the old days,” he said.

Pooser has always loved airplanes. His sister Frances recalled that as a boy, he always had to sit near the window in the car. He said, “I knew how to cut a piece a wood and make a propeller out of it, and hold it out in the air stream and it went a-spinning.”

Pooser, Frances and their brother Mike attended Memorial Elementary School — named “in memorial” to those killed in World War I. When Pooser was in first grade, they celebrated Arbor Day. He said, “Each kid brought a dime and the class bought a palm tree for 60 or 80 cents if you can believe that.”

His teacher tucked the names of the students into a baking powder can that was planted with one palm. Eighty years later when John and Linda Conroy of the Fish Branch Tree Farm replaced that Washingtonian palm and some others, they couldn’t find the can. Pooser buried a PVC “time capsule” with the new tree.

Bill Seward, son of downtown merchant William Seward, had an airport east of town. The Seward IGA grocery store ads often included an invitation to purchase airplane rides on Sundays.

“I went out there just to be there, but pretty soon he put me to work,” Pooser said. He sold tickets for airplane rides to those who drove in. That job earned Pooser an airplane ride with “daredevil” Roscoe, who was advertised to “skillfully descend from an airplane without a parachute.” Roscoe, as it turns out, was Seward’s pet rooster!

Tall and skinny, Pooser played “end” for the DeSoto County High School football team, and his varsity letter still hangs in the closet.

His first job was delivering the Tampa

Pooser in one of the many planes he flew during his amazing career as a pilot, instructor and mechanic.

He turns 95 today.

Pooser flew prize dairy cows from New York to Miami to Columbia for Southern Air Transport, an airline based in Miami and established by Fred C. Moor, a former instructor at Carlstrom Field.

Dated March 1941, this identification card allowed Jack Pooser to work first as a mechanic — and then as an inspector — at Dorr Field in Arcadia.

Tribune. After graduating in 1939, he worked at Tom Pate’s gas station until Embry-Riddle Corporation rebuilt Carlstrom Field as a primary flight training school before World War II, and he was hired as a mechanic.

“It paid quite a bit more than the gas station,” he said.

After studying the book — plus working daily — he passed the test for his airplane mechanic’s license. Then he became an inspector. He still wanted to fly, so he learned to say, “Well, I need to know how this airplane does in the air.”

He also brought the Stearman biplanes that had rough landings or crashed back to Dorr Field.

John “J. A.” Conroy of Gardner came to work at Carlstrom Field, and so did his sister Marie. Pooser met her at Dorr Field where she updated pilot logbooks.

One Saturday, Marie brought her nieces to Arcadia, and they spent the day with some cadets. Pooser remembered that one said, “‘I’m going to solo tomorrow, and I’ll come by and put you on a little air show.’”

On Monday morning as the nieces waited for the school bus, the cadet flew overhead and crashed. Later that day, a MacDill Field bomber hit the ground nearby. Pooser commented, “By chance, I was doing something else,” and someone else inspected those planes.

After that, Pooser said, “I knew I had to do something to impress Marie.” So with the help of two friends, he jumped

For the Florida Department of Forestry, Pooser flew a modified T-43 based at Arcadia Municipal Airport. He used the plane to help spot forest fires and assist firefighters who were working on the ground. from an airplane over Dorr Field after “everything had shut down for the day.”

His parachute — a seat pack used for emergencies — opened, but he landed in a pond and had to walk a half-mile with a wet parachute.

“It must have impressed Marie,” he said, “because from then on we were going pretty steady.” They married in 1943.

After the war, Pooser and Marie moved to Marietta, Georgia, where he built B-29 bombers and she worked for the same company. When it closed, they moved home to Fish Branch.

Her father, John Conroy, Sr., had died in 1945, and her mother didn’t want to live alone. So her children — including Marie and Pooser — bought her property. Pooser then went to West Palm Beach and Miami to work as a co-pilot/ mechanic with small airlines.

One was founded by a former instructor at Carlstrom Field. His son, Fed C.

Moor III, wrote a book about the history of the airlines that features Pooser: “Then Came The CIA: The Early Years of Southern Air Transport.”

Special aviation adventures Pooser recalled the first time he transported cattle in an airplane.

“No one had hauled cattle from New York to South America in an airplane ... that was history being made” with some prize-winning dairy cows.

Once, a Brahma that he picked up in Corpus Christi, Texas, poked its horn through the fuselage of his Curtiss C-46.

Two times, he flew passengers from the Pentagon out to Nevada to witness atomic bomb test explosions. Even from about six miles away Pooser said you could feel the impact.

“We saw the shock waves, and the ground was shaking,” he said.

Once, he flew a DC-4 loaded with gold

from Medellin, Columbia, to Miami. He had stopped in Nassau to fuel the plane and change crews, but the relief crew was delayed.

Pooser said, “We parked the airplane with 6,000 or 8,000 pounds of gold on the ramp there and went home and went to bed.”

Amazingly, no one disturbed the unlocked plane or cargo.

Pooser also brought back animals from South America that he gave away or sold.

A parrot that he gave to his mother-inlaw is now owned by his sister Frances.

Sometimes monkeys died during transport, so he jettisoned the carcasses — over Cuba. Once he flew a tame donkey home and then drove it to Lake Placid in his new car.

“I stripped the back seat out and put some tarpaulin down and some hay ... It didn’t mess my car at all.”

He also worked for an airlines based in Martha’s Vineyard during the summer and in Sarasota during the winter. When they stopped the flights in Sarasota, Pooser didn’t want to move to New England.

By that time his wife Marie was sick with leukemia, so Pooser stayed home, working his cows and improving his pasture. She died in 1962.

The owner of the Dixie Lily Company, who lived in Miami, hired Pooser to fly a Aero-Commander — his favorite plane.

He flew the owner’s daughter home from college, chauffeured the owner to see their horses in Kentucky and watch his daughter compete with their horses.

He also enjoyed trips to Mexico City, Acapulco, and other destinations.

Finally, Pooser worked for the Florida Department of Forestry flying a “spotter

plane,” an ex-military T-34.

He recalled, “Early springtime when everything got dry, they needed an airplane up there to spot the smoke and to keep the (firefighters) out of trouble if they could. They wanted me to move to Bradenton, but I didn’t want to go so that was the end of my airplane days.”

Jimmy Cassels hung around the airport and learned to fly gliders while Pooser flew the “spotter” plane, and Cassels learned to recognize its sound.

Sometimes Pooser loaded Jimmy and his bike and drove him home. Pooser’s sister Frances told him that Jimmy’s mother was a single teacher, and before long they were dating. They’ve been companions for 40 years.

Pooser often helped out at the Conroy Ranch, and Connie Mendez worked with him and J.A. Conroy “making hay” and other work.

Even so, everyone knew Pooser as a professional pilot. In 1979, when a marijuana-loaded C-46 plane was caught in DeSoto County, former Sheriff Frank Cline called Pooser to fly the plane to the Arcadia Airport.

In 1980, Hardee County Sheriff N. H. Murdock seized a DC-4 full of marijuana and asked Pooser to fly it to Lakeland.

There were many others, too.

For the past 22 years, Pooser has lived in Arcadia about a mile from where he was born at the beginning of the airplane’s amazing evolution. He “made history” as he flew.

CELEBRATE WITH JACK TODAY Celebrate Jack’s birthday and enjoy a piece of birthday cake with him today at his home, 145 Asbury St.

John Conroy and Jack Pooser planted a new palm tree outside of Memorial Elementary to replace one purchased by Jack and his fellow students when he was a first grader in 1927.

Jack Pooser knew how to fly cows in an airplane and how to work with them on the ground. This photograph of cowmen at Conroy cowpens hangs in Smith’s Ranch and Garden. From left: Floyd Purvis, Charles Harmon, Beau Copeland, J.A. Conroy, Jack Pooser and Theo Johns.

DeSoto

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

EXTRA

SPORTS

JV BOYS WIN FINALE The junior varsity boys’ basketball team finished their year on a high note with a 59-52 win over SMA.

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PAGE 16

Powell’s career night not enough in loss

By STEVE KNAPP

ARCADIAN SPORTS WRITER

ARCADIAN PHOTOS BY STEVE KNAPP, sbigdaddyknapp@aol.com

Prince Powell started drawing double and sometimes triple coverage as he hit a career-high 36 points for DeSoto County in a 75-59 loss at Port Charlotte.

Sometime soon senior Prince Powell has to be elevated to “King” Powell.

Just as he’s done in every game down the stretch for the DeSoto County boys’ varsity basketball team, he again carried the squad on his back. His career-high 36 points nearly brought the Bulldogs a huge upset victory.

Without any help from teammates, however, the Bulldogs lost to Port Charlotte 75-59.

Everything was against the Bulldogs as they traveled to go against the 20-3 Pirates. Port Charlotte had won 10 straight games and are planning on going deep into the district and regional playoffs. They are the No. 1 seed in district 6A-10. The Pirates had a big crowd and a jazz band in the stands, not to mention that it was senior night.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ players (4-15) are already planning on what spring sport they want going to play.

They came into the night on an eightgame losing streak that dated back to the first week of January against the same Port Charlotte squad.

In the locker room before the game DeSoto Coach Richard Koonce told Powell, “I want to see 30 (points) out of you tonight.” He should have asked for 40, and Powell probably would have produced.

Powell hit back-to-back three

pointers early in the game to give the Bulldogs their biggest lead at 13-8. He scored 20 of the team’s 27 first-half points as he kept the team within striking distance of the Pirates.

The Bulldogs trailed 36-27 at the break. Powell kept DeSoto close for as long as he could, but late in the third period the Pirates started pulling away. After Powell banged in another trey, Port Charlotte’s athletic director walked to the concession stand and speaking to nobody in particular mumbled, “Who is that kid”?

That “kid” has been setting new career high scoring marks in about every other game. Earlier this month it was a career-best 22, then 25 and then 27 points.

The soft-spoken Powell, whose birthday was two days later, said.

“I’ve been more aggressive and taking more shots. We aren’t the best team around so when we play a team with more talent I just have to be more aggressive.”

After the game, coach Darrel Nicklow was congratulating Powell and said, “Now you’re up there in Nicklow territory.” When asked if he ever scored 36 points in a game, the jovial Nicklow winked and responded, “Usually by halftime.”

The Bulldogs finished their regular season with a win at Sarasota Military Academy two days later. They will travel to Hardee for the first round of district action this week.

Prince Powell passes to Caleb Blackwood during game action against Port Charlotte. The Pirates rolled over DeSoto County 75-59. Powell hit a career-high 36 points, with 20 of them by halftime.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

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LaBelle ends boys’ soccer playoff run

By STEVE KNAPP

ARCADIAN SPORTS WRITER If that headline looks familiar, it’s the same one we ran Feb. 5, 2015. A year after falling to LaBelle in regionals, the Cowboys again ended the Bulldogs hopes of making a playoff run with a 4-1 victory over DeSoto.

There were so many similarities between the two games.

Last year both teams had 21-3 records. This season the Bulldogs were 16-2-2 and the Cowboys were equally as successful with a 15-2-2 mark. Last year the Bulldogs were district champions, and this year it was the Cowboys who reigned supreme in their district.

The first goal of the game came just four minutes into the contest. Keeper Cesar Barajas had stopped the shot, but dropped the ball. As it rolled a few feet away an alert Cowboy player completed his run and scored a relatively easy goal.

LaBelle added another goal before the half and one more at the 27-minute mark. Sergio Alvarez put the Bulldogs on the board with 17 minutes left in the game, but another score by the Cowboys with just over four minutes left ended the scoring for the night and put an end to the DeSoto County season with a 4-1 loss.

Despite allowing four goals, the defense played relatively

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY STEVE KNAPP, sbigdaddyknapp@aol.com.

The 2015-2016 DeSoto County boys’ varsity soccer team before their regional playoff game at LaBelle. well. The offense just couldn’t put the “biscuit in the basket,” as the Cowboy keeper rejected all but one shot. The passing wasn’t as crisp and accurate as it had been throughout the season.

The term “no regrets” was used by the coaching staff, as they wanted to impress upon the players that as long as they left everything out on the field and gave it all they had, then there would be no regrets.

DeSoto did that, but were beaten by a better team.

“They wanted to win it; they did what they had to do. We wanted to win it, but it didn’t work out for us. Luck wasn’t on our side tonight but as long as you have no regrets then keep your head up,” Coach Kevin Martinez said.

“We can’t beat ourselves up about this. They were a better team and we lost. You seniors have won three district championships — that’s something to be proud of,” Head Coach Omar Rendon told the team after the game.

The team just wasn’t the same after the holidays. At the break the Bulldogs were undefeated, with just one tie against them. Compare that to January, where they lost three games and had another tie.

Sportsmanship at its best At every DeSoto County High School sports award ceremony, Don Knoche gives out awards for those who show good sportsmanship during

the season. Knoche talks about the importance of being a good sport and not embarrassing yourself, school or community.

Near the end of the game there was some normal pushing by players from both teams as the Bulldogs’ frustrations came out. Some LaBelle fans were yelling things like, “Way to show your sportsmanship.”

What fans didn’t see after the game, however, was a pure act of sportsmanship by one

SOCCER | 22

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The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

JV boys fall to Pirates, but end year on a win

By STEVE KNAPP

ARCADIAN SPORTS WRITER After being down six points at the end of the first period and then down by eight at the half, the DeSoto County junior varsity boys’ basketball team managed to pull within two points entering the last period in their game at Port Charlotte last week.

Seven times in the final eight minutes of play the Bulldogs were tied or down by a point and had the ball.

On each occasion they were unable to take the lead. It just wasn’t in the cards for the young Bulldogs as they lost to the Pirates 52-35.

With the score knotted at 28, Tyler Vest stole the ball and had an empty court in front of him. Before he could reach the center line, however, the ball was stolen back. Vest, who had hit a pair of treys during a 10-2 Bulldog run that eventually evened the score in the third period, led the team with 12 points.

With the score tied again at 31, the Bulldogs had a shot at the basket

and three straight put backs all failed to fall as their attempt to take their first lead of the game came up short.

The Pirates went on a 15-0 run during the final three minutes of the game. Forced to shoot threes to get back into the contest, DeSoto couldn’t get anything to fall. The score went from a two-point deficit with three minutes to play into a 17-point loss.

The game was much closer than the score indicated.

Bulldog Coach Darrel Nicklow told the team, “I’m proud of you all for the way you hung in the game all the way even when things didn’t go our way at the end. You played hard and showed a lot of character. We just don’t want to think about those last three minutes.”

The team finished the season with a 6-12 record. Shaka Gilchrist talked about what they need to do to turn that record around next season. “We need to continue to work on our dribbling and our shots and getting back on defense quicker,” he said.

Sophomore Ray McCroy added,

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY STEVE KNAPP, sbigdaddyknapp@aol.com

The 2015-2016 DeSoto County JV basketball team finished their season with a 6-12 record.

“I’ve got confidence in Coach Nicklow; he’ll make us a better team next year.”

Lady Dawgs celebrate Senior Night Shaderra Daley, Esmeralda Mar and Shanita Nurse wait by the locker room as the junior varsity team plays. They are three of the seniors for the DeSoto County girls’ varsity basketball team.

ARCADIAN PHOTOS BY STEVE KNAPP, sbigdaddyknapp@aol.com

DeSoto County varsity girls’ basketball coach Joe Davis is flanked by his seniors on Senior Night. Pictured is team manager Elizabeth Pacheco, Shanita Nurse, Esmeralda Mar, Monica Lopez, Shaderra Daley and the other team manager Erika Ramirez.

Esmeralda Mar stands with her family during the Senior Night ceremony. Mar will be the first person in her family to graduate from high school. She has plans to become an obstetrics nurse and show her family that she can go far in life.

The team finished their season with a 59-52 win over Sarasota Military Academy the next night.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

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Varsity Lady Dawgs fall in home finale

By STEVE KNAPP

ARCADIAN SPORTS WRITER

ARCADIAN PHOTOS BY STEVE KNAPP, sbigdaddyknapp@aol.com

Shatericca “Big Red” Luther boxes out on a free throw attempt in the Bulldogs’ 63-31 loss to Okeechobee.

DeSoto County’s Tigeona Hatcher and Janine Lorraine provide good defense for the Bulldogs in their season ending loss to Okeechobee.

The final home game for the DeSoto County girls’ varsity basketball team didn’t go as they’d hoped it would. It was Senior Night and after the pre-game ceremony honoring the graduating players, they were doubled up by the Okeechobee Brahmans 63-31.

It sounded like “free whistle giveaway night” at the game with the constant stopping of the game by the officials.

There were more fouls (15) than points scored in the first period as the Bulldogs trailed 10-2. One Brahmans player already had four fouls before the first period ended.

By halftime DeSoto Coach Joe Davis joked (somewhat) to the Okeechobee coach that the game might end up as a “one-on-one” game with everybody else fouling out. By the time halftime rolled around there were 27 fouls called, which was more points than the Brahmans scored with their 25-15 lead.

The Brahmans opened the second half with a 14-0 run which was stopped by a Monica Lopez free throw. By then the damage was done and any thoughts of a comeback by the Lady Bulldogs was gone.

With the game just one basket away form starting the running clock, the Bulldogs managed to score just enough that they needed to in order to keep the clock turned off.

Shaderra Daley made a couple of key baskets just as the Brahmans attempted

Sometimes the best moves you see at a basketball game are in the stands. Ellis Hodges, a middle school football and basketball player, does a little pregame dancing. to take a 35-point lead. Daley fouled out with under three minutes to go and finished with nine points in the loss.

Tigeona Hatcher led the Bulldogs with 15 points in a game that featured 43 fouls.

Arcadian | Page 18

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Richardson’s career best carries JV squad

Dawgs lose 59-57 thriller to Imagine

By STEVE KNAPP

ARCADIAN SPORTS WRITER

By STEVE KNAPP ARCADIAN SPORTS WRITER With the season coming to an end, DeSoto County junior varsity girls’ basketball player Aleaha Richardson has saved her best performances for last.

After picking up 22 points for her career best, she came back with 25 in a loss to Charlotte. That wasn’t good enough, however, so in the final game of the season the next night, Richardson slammed down 30 points. Her performance earned her the DeSoto County Athlete of the Week award.

In the Bulldogs’ loss to the undefeated

ARCADIAN PHOTOS BY STEVE KNAPP, sbigdaddyknapp@aol.com

DeSoto County’s Carmen Cordero gets fouled as she tries to put up a shot against Okeechobee.

JV | 23 Cordero scored six points in the 52-36 win.

Defense is so important in any sport, and the Bulldogs’ Jaida Lee plays tight coverage in the season finale.

Lee scored six points in the 52-36 win.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

The DeSoto varsity boys’ basketball game last Tuesday at Imagine of North Port was one the Bulldogs didn’t deserve to win; but they didn’t deserve to lose, either.

At halftime Coach Richard Koonce told his team, “You played the worst quarter in the history of basketball in the first period and you played pretty good in the second quarter so now we’re back in the game.”

The Bulldogs trailed 25-24 at the half after being outscored 15-7 in the first eight minutes.

The first quarter was painful to watch as players missed layups, free throws and had a lot of shots roll around the rim only to fall harmlessly to the floor. It looked a lot like a carnival game where the rim is a couple of inches smaller than normal and the ball just won’t fall through.

The Sharks took a 12-point lead late in the third period until senior Prince Powell narrowed that to nine with a bucket and a “plus one.” Early in the final period, Shawn Campbell cut the lead to a pair of points with his own three-point play.

The Bulldogs played hard and their shots started to fall. However, they never were able to take the lead.

Powell got them to within a point with his trey from the left wing with two minutes left.

Arthur Hinson, who had just been called up from the junior varsity squad, gave DeSoto its first lead at 52-51 with a put back from underneath the bucket. He had the chance to stretch the lead on the next possession, but the ball slipped out of

ARCADIAN PHOTOS BY STEVE KNAPP, sbigdaddyknapp@aol.com

Quay Fudge goes up for what should have been an easy layup, but it rolled around the rim and failed to fall. Fudge finished with 14 points in the loss. his hands as he went up in a crowd in the paint.

With the score tied at 52 with 47 seconds left to play, the Bulldogs played a little possession ball as the clock ticked down to nine seconds.

Timeout was called and a play was set up for Quay Fudge to make the

DAWGS | 24

The Bulldogs listen to Coach Koonce during the halftime break in their 59-57 loss at Imagine.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

www.sunnewspapers.net Page 19 | Arcadian

History Mystery: Who was Jonas Bierwert?

I

n 1921, Clyde A. Byrd and his wife Wenda, daughter of Jake Wey and Emma Greene Wey, purchased a lot on the west side of Polk Ave. just north of the Opera House. According to the newspaper, Byrd hired Jonas Bierwert, a local contractor, to build an office of “hollow tile and brick.”

The office — built “in modern style” — was for the Southern Utilities Company (later Florida Power and Light). It used a new masonry material available in the 1920s: Hollow tile that was as strong as fired brick, but lighter and cheaper. The 40-footby-42-foot building at 11 N. Polk Ave. cost $4,000.

Bierwert had moved to Arcadia, where he was enumerated in the 1910

History Mystery Carol Mahler carolmahler3@gmail.com

U.S. Census. Age 53, he farmed rented property and was married for 30 years to Charlotte, age 49. Two of their four children lived with them and attended school: Lucille (age 15) and Dorothy (age 6). Both were born in Illinois, where Jonas Bierwert was listed as a

HISTORY | 24

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The building that currently houses DeSoto Abstract and Title Co. used to be the office building for the Southern Utilities Company.

The Bell home on 227 N. Brevard Ave.

The Bierwert Home on 233 N. Brevard Ave.

Arcadian | Page 20

www.sunnewspapers.net

1090 MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE ARCADIA REDUCED TO $25K Negotiable 2/2 1,298sq ft. Appliances & furniture incld. Sun Rise Mobile Home Park Lot #5.

Lot rent $265/mo incld water, garbage, sewer & pool access 55+ community 863-993-1908

1320 APARTMENTS FOR RENT MCPINES APARTMENTS 1 & 2 Bedroom Apts., w/AC, Carpet, appliances, spacious closets, window treatments offered at affordable rental rates beginning at $361 Handicap Unit, Income Limits Apply. For rental info & applications McPines Apartments 1514 E. Cypress St. Arcadia 863-494-4811, M-F 9:00AM 5:00PM (TDD 1-800-9558771) Equal Housing Opportunity Provider & Employer

2030 MEDICAL PHYSICIAN: Arcadia Medical Associates seeks Physician (Internal Medicine/Family Practice) to work in Arcadia, FL. Must have M.D. or foreign degree equivalent with ECFMG certification, have completed residency training in Internal or family medicine and have or be able to obtain FL medical license.

Reply by resume to Jennifer Blackmon at 425 Nursing Home Drive, Arcadia, FL 34266.

Cash in with Class!

2050 SKILLED TRADES IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

★PIPE FOREMAN for underground utilities, 3+ years exp required ★LEAD PIPE LAYER ★TOPMAN/TAILMAN ★BACKHOE OPERATOR ★WHEEL TRACTOR OPER exp preferred.

For well-established local construction company.

Excellent pay and benefits.

Apply in person 3801 N. Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34234. Or send resume to: JobsAtDerr@gmail.com EOE DFWP

2100 GENERAL CAREGIVER NEEDED, for Arc DeSoto, 863-494-2328 HR ASSISTANT, Orange-Co/ Alico, Inc. - Arcadia seeks F/T individual w/knowledge of Human Resources administration. Qualified applicants must have excellent organizational and data processing skills as well as strong working knowledge of Windows-based programs.

Rich Benefits Package. EOE/DFWP E-mail resume’ to: hrdepartment@alicoinc.com or Fax to: (863) 494-2655

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

2100 GENERAL

3116 NOTICE OF ACTION

3116 NOTICE OF ACTION

3116 NOTICE OF ACTION

3120 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NURSERY – DRIVER/LABORER

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2016DR04 KAREN L ROJAS and GABRIEL ROJAS HERNANDEZ, Respondent NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: GABRIEL ROJAS HERNANDEZ Last Known Address: 6065 COUNTY ROAD 660, DEPORTED TO MEXICO YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Divorce has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the Petitioner, KAREN LORRAINE ROJAS whose address is 6279 SW WILCOX ST ARCADIA FL 34266 on or before 2/15/16, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 115 East Oak St., Arcadia, FL 34266 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in this petition.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office notified of your current address. (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915).

Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the Clerk's office.

Dated: November 24, 2015 NADIA K. DAUGHTREY INTERIM CLERK OF COURTS By: /s/ Marlene Harris Deputy Clerk Published 1/14/16, 1/21/16, 1/28/16 & 2/4/16 131159 3263106

Current residence unknown, but whose last known address was: 10221 SE HIGHWAY 31 ARCADIA, FL 34266 -ANDTO: UNKNOWN TENANT 1; UNKNOWN TENANT 2; and all unknown parties claiming by, through, under or against the above named Defendant(s), who (is/are) not known to be dead or alive, whether said unknown parties claim as heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, spouses, or other claimants Current residence unknown, but whose last known address was: 10221 SE HIGHWAY 31 ARCADIA, FL 34266 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property in De Soto County, Florida, to-wit: BEGIN AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE NE 1/4 OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 39 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA; THENCE N 89 DEGREES 54`50" E ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID TRACT, 600.80 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE SAME LINE, 580.88 FEET TO THE WEST RIGHT-OFWAY OF STATE ROAD #31; THENCE N 00 DEGREES 13`22" E ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY, 374.99 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 41 FEET OF THE NORTH 1/2 OF THE SE 1/4 OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE NE 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 22; THENCE S 89 DEGREES 54`25" W ALONG SAID NORTH LINE 580.00 FEET; THENCE S 00 DEGREES 13`21" W, 374.92 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on EXL LEGAL, PLLC, Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 12425 28th Street North, Suite 200, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, on or before 2/29/16 or within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice of Action, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at 115 East Oak Street, Room 101, Arcadia, FL 34266, either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint petition.

WITNESS my hand and seal of the Court on this 8th day of January, 2016.

Mitzie W. McGavic Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ M. Marshall Deputy Clerk IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE DESOTO COUNTY CLERK`S OFFICE, 115 EAST OAK STREET, ARCADIA, FLORIDA 34266, (863) 993-4876, AT LEAST SEVEN (7) S O O SC

DAYS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED COURT APPEARANCE, OR IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIVING THIS NOTIFICATION IF THE TIME BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APPEARANCE IS LESS THAN SEVEN (7) DAYS; IF YOU ARE HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, CALL 711. Published 1/28/16 & 2/4/16 146641 3270722

tice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is 1/28/16.

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Kimberly A. Colgate E-Mail Address: kcolgate@fllawyer.com Florida Bar No. 0875661 Kimberly A. Colgate, P.A. 7707 Holiday Drive Sarasota, Florida 34231 Telephone: (941) 927-2996 Personal Representative: /s/ Lorraine M. Harris 3675 Egerton Circle Sarasota, Florida 34233 Published 1/28/16 & 2/4/16 258500 3271139

ARTISTREE SEEKS A DRIVER / LANDSCAPE LABORER TO HAUL PLANTS FROM IN-STATE NURSERIES TO OUR LOCATION (DAY HAULS ONLY). ABILITY TO DRIVE A GOOSE-NECK TRUCK /TRAILER. FL PLANT KNOWLEDGE A PLUS! OTHER JOB DUTIES: PLANTING, DIGGING, CLEAN-UP ON INSTALLS. LIFT 60 LBS 2-3 HRS A DAY. CLEAN LICENSE REQUIRED. APPLY: 299 S. HAVANA RD, VENICE, OR HR@ARTISTREE.COM

3114 INVITATION TO BID INVITATION FOR BID The City of Arcadia is seeking sealed bids for one (1) Trailer Mounted Pothole Patcher as described within the context of the Invitation for Bid. Sealed bids are to be submitted no later than Friday, March 4, 2016 at 2:00 PM, at the City of Arcadia Purchasing Department. For more information concerning this Invitation for Bid please email aahorkey@arcadia-fl.gov or call 863-494-4114. Published 2/4/16 114862 3274747

Great Deals in the Classifieds!

3116 NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA JUVENILE DIVISION CASE NO: 142010DP000188 IN THE INTEREST OF: Victor, Jason 12/2/2006 Minor Children NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Brandon Dunkle, father and/or any UNKNOWN PARENT father/mother YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights on J.V.; has been filed against you. you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Brian L. Gillis, of the Department of Children and Family Services, Petitioner’s attorney, whose address is 805 North Mills Avenue, Arcadia, Florida 34266, on or before February 9, 2016 at 9:00 AM and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Petitioner’s Attorney or immediately thereafter.

Failure to appear at this hearing constitutes consent to the termination of parental rights of this child (or these children).

Pursuant to Sections 39.804(4)(d) and 63.082(6)(g), Florida Statutes, you are hereby informed of the availability of private placement with an adoption entity, as defined in Section 63032(3), Florida Statutes.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL of this Court on this 12th day of January, 2016.

Nadia Daughtrey As Interim Clerk of the Court By: Jo Rowan, Deputy Clerk Published 1/15/16, 1/21/16, 1/28/16 & 2/4/16 322378 3265917

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2015CA000523AXMA WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, v.

THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, GRANTEES, DEVISEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES, AND CREDITORS OF LOUIS RAY SCOTT, DECEASED, ET AL. Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, GRANTEES, DEVISEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES, AND CREDITORS OF LOUIS RAY SCOTT, DECEASED, AND ALL CLAIMANTS, PERSONS OR PARTIES, NATURAL OR CORPORATE, AND WHOSE EXACT LEGAL STATUS IS UNKNOWN, CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, GRANTEES, DEVISEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES, AND CREDITORS OF LOUIS RAY SCOTT, DECEASED, OR ANY OF THE HEREIN NAMED OR DESCRIBED DEFENDANTS OR PARTIES CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED C

Find your Best Friend in the Classifieds!

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2016DR02 KODY-ANN WILLIAMS and LLOYD RHODEN, JR, Respondent NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: LLOYD RHODEN JR Last Known Address: 107 CLIFTWOOD ST, SPRINGFIELD, MA 01108 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Divorce has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the Petitioner, KODY-ANN WILLIAMS whose address is 202 N MANATEE AVE., ARCADIA FL 34266 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in this petition.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office notified of your current address. (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915).

Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the Clerk's office.

Dated: JANUARY 4, 2016 NADIA K. DAUGHTREY INTERIM CLERK OF COURTS By: /s/ Marlene Harris Deputy Clerk Published 1/14/16, 1/21/16, 1/28/16 & 2/4/16 131159 3264709

3120 NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2016 CP 000001 AXMA Division Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF Russell William Nowicki Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Russell William Nowicki, deceased, whose date of death was October 9, 2015, and whose social security number is 591-xx-xxxx, is pending in the Circuit Court for Desoto County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 115 East Oak Street, Room 101, Arcadia, Florida 34266. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this no-

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF File No. 142016CP000005CPAXMA Barbara Smith Brown a.k.a. Barbara S. Brown Deceased.

Division Twelfth NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Barbara Smith Brown a.k.a.

Barbara S. Brown, deceased, whose date of death was December 28, 2015, is pending in the Circuit Court for DeSoto County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 115 East Oak Street, Arcadia, Florida 34266. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

3120 NOTICE TO CREDITORS BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is January 28, 2016.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Eugene E. Waldron, Jr. Primary Service E-Mail: Service@eewj.com Secondary Service E-Mail: Ewaldron@eewj.com Florida Bar No. 0794971 Eugene E. Waldron, Jr., P.A. 124 N. Brevard Avenue Arcadia, Florida 34266 Telephone: (863) 494-4323 Personal Representative: Linda Pippin 905 Jones Street Old Hickory, Tennessee 37138 Published 1/28/16 & 2/4/16 228541 3271368

3122 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA. CASE No. 14 2008 CA 001168 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK), SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES 2006-2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-2, Plaintiff, vs.

MEDINA-CENDEJAS, ANA, et. al., Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in Case No. 14 2008 CA 001168 of the Circuit Court of the 12TH Judicial Circuit in and for DESOTO County, Florida, wherein, THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK), SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES 2006-2, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-2, Plaintiff, and, MEDINACENDEJAS, ANA, et. al., are Defendants, clerk will sell to the highest bidder for cash at, DESOTO COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 115 OAK STREET, ARCADIA, FL 34266 www.desotoclerk.com, at the hour of 11:OO A.M., on the 8th day of March, 2016, the following described property: BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE PROLONGATION OF THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 4 OF BLOCK 25, ORIGINAL SURVEY OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, FLORIDA, WITH THE EAST LINE OF MONROE AVE; THENCE S 21 DEGREES W ALONG THE E LINE OF MONROE AVE 80 FEET; THENCE S 69 DEGREES E 143 FEET; THENCE N 21 DEGREES E, PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF MONROE AVE, 80 FEET TO THE PROLONGATED N LINE OF SAID LOT 4; THENCE N 69 DEGREES W ALONG THE PROLONGATED N LINE OF SAID LOT 4, 143 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

DATED this 26th day of January, 2016.

GREENSPOON MARDER, P.A. TRADE CENTRE SOUTH, SUITE 700 100 WEST CYPRESS CREEK ROAD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309 Telephone: (954) 343 6273 Hearing Line: (888) 491-1120 Facsimile: (954) 343 6982 Email 1: alyssa.neufeld@gmlaw.com Email 2: gmforeclosure@gmlaw.com By: /s/ Alyssa Neufeld, Esq. Florida Bar No. 109199 Publish at: DESOTO SUN HERALD 108 South Polk Arcadia, FL 33821 25963.1747 IMPORTANT If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this

www.sunnewspapers.net Page 21 | Arcadian

3122 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE

3122 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE

proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Clerk of the Court's disability coordinator at DESOTO COUNTY JURY OFFICE, 115 EAST OAK STREET, ARCADIA, FL 34266, 863-993-4876. at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Published 2/4/16 & 2/11/16 146548 3274551

Defendants, clerk will sell to the highest bidder for cash at, DESOTO COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 115 OAK STREET, ARCADIA, FL 34266 www.desotoclerk.com, at the hour of 11:OO A.M., on the 8th day of March, 2016, the following described property: LOT 13, BLOCK 32, KING AND BAKER SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA, IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 105, AND RERECORDED IN PLAT BOOK C-5, PAGE 63, INCLUDING ANY REVERSIONARY INTEREST IN THE ALLEYWAY ADJOINING THERETO BY VACATION OF ALLEYWAY AS SHOWN IN O. R. BOOK 115, PAGE 215, PUBLIC RECORDS OF DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA, SAID INTEREST BEING DESCRIBED AS TO THE CENTER LINE OF THE ALLEYWAY ADJACENT TO THE WEST BOUNDARY OF SAID LOT 13. TOGETHER WITH A 1990, MERIT MOBILE HOME, ID# LF240F29845A & LF240F29845B, TITLE #48658821 AND 48658824; PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REAL PROPERTY AS EVIDENCED BY REAL PROPERTY STICKERS R0464278 AND R0464279 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. DATED this 26TH day of January, 2016.

GREENSPOON MARDER, P.A. TRADE CENTRE SOUTH, SUITE 700 100 WEST CYPRESS CREEK ROAD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309 Telephone: (954) 343 6273 Hearing Line: (888) 491-1120 Facsimile: (954) 343 6982 Email 1: alyssa.neufeld@gmlaw.com Email 2: gmforeclosure@gmlaw.com By: /s/ Alyssa Neufeld, Esq. Florida Bar No. 109199 IMPORTANT If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Clerk of the Court's disability coordinator at DESOTO COUNTY JURY OFFICE, 115 EAST OAK STREET, ARCADIA, FL 34266, 863-993-4876. at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Published 2/4/16 & 2/11/16 146548 3274562

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO: 2010-CA-000194 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, vs.

PENNY JO CROOKS A/K/A PENNY CROOKS; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF PENNY JO CROOKS A/K/A PENNY CROOKS; IF LIVING, INCLUDING ANY UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF SAID DEFENDANT(S), IF REMARRIED, AND IF DECEASED, THE RESPECTIVE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, CREDITORS, LIENORS, AND TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE NAMED DEFENDANT(S); GENERAL MOTORS ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION; JOHN DOE; JANE DOE, Defendant(s).

RE- NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion to Reset Foreclosure Sale dated January 13, 2016 entered in Civil Case No. 2010-CA-000194 of the Circuit Court of the 12TH Judicial Circuit in and for DESOTO County, Florida, wherein BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. is Plaintiff and Crooks, Penny, et al, are Defendants. The Clerk shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash on the South Door of the Courthouse located at 115 East Oak Street, Arcadia, Fl 34266 on March 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes, the following described property located in DESOTO, Florida, as set forth in said Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 9 AND 10, BLOCK 7, FLORACADIA SUBDIVISION, AS PER MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, INAND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA, IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 2.

TOGETHER WITH A 2OOO GENE MOBILE HOME, ID NOS GMHGA1110026605A & B, PERMANENTLY AFFIXED TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED LANDS, AS REAL PROPERTY NO. HUDLABEL HUMBERGO- 1264504GEO- 126405 Property Address: 6231 SW Miami Avenue, Arcadia, Fl 34266 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Dated this 14th day of January, 2016.

Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ M. Marshall Deputy Clerk Published 2/4/16 & 2/11/16 371198 3274523 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA. CASE No. 015CA000382AXMA HMC ASSETS, LLC SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF CAM X TRUST, Plaintiff, vs.

ALDERMAN, WAYNE, et. al., Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in Case No. 2015CA000382AXMA of the Circuit Court of the 12TH Judicial Circuit in and for DESOTO County, Florida, wherein, HMC ASSETS, LLC SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF CAM X TRUST, Plaintiff, and, ALDERMAN, WAYNE, et. al., are f

3130 NOTICE OF SALE IN THE CIRCUIT CIVIL COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION Case No. 08-CA-000240 Division DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-3, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 Plaintiff, vs.

IAN C. PHILLIPS, LORRAINE PHILLIPS, ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED DEFENDANT(S) INDIVIDUAL WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE , WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS, AND UNKNOWN TENANTS/OWNERS, Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Final Judgment of Foreclosure for Plaintiff entered in this cause on August 12, 2015, in the Circuit Court of Desoto County, Florida, The Clerk of the Court will sell the property situated in Desoto County, Florida described as: LOT 3, MRS. EMMA C. JOHNSON'S WEST END ADDITION TO C CCO G O

3130 NOTICE OF SALE

3132 TAX DEEDS

6038 ELECTRONICS

ARCADIA, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK C-5, PAGE 3, AND IN PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 4, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA and commonly known as: 415 W. IMOGENE STREET, ARCADIA, FL 34266; including the building, appurtenances, and fixtures located therein, at public sale to the highest and best bidder for cash on front steps of the DeSoto County Courthouse on February 16, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. Any persons claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Dated this 22nd day of January, 2016.

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Nadia K. Daughtrey By: /s/ M. Marshall Deputy Clerk Published 1/28/16 & 2/4/16 101348 3270744

AND Z.S. HOLLINGSWORTH ADDITION TO BROWNSVILLE, AS PER MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA, IN PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 5.

Names in which assessed: GOED CITY INC 199 NASSAU ROAD ROOSEVELT, NY 11575 All of said property being in the County of DeSoto, State of Florida. Unless such certificate shall be redeemed according to law, the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the South Courthouse Door FEBRUARY 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Dated this 19TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2016.

MITZIE W. McGAVIC CLERK OF COURT DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA By: CRYSTAL HENDERSON, Deputy Clerk Publication Dates 1/21/16, 1/28/16, 2/4/16 & 2/11/16 112132 3268287

19” FLAT SCREEN Phillips $30 Text 941-467-9985 32” FLAT SCREEN Westin House $45 Text 941-467-9985

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED Notice is hereby given that DOLLY COOK the holder of the following certificate has filed said certificate for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it was assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 509 Issuance Date: JUNE 1, 2013 Tax Deed File Number 15-31-TD Description of Property: WEST 50 FEET OF LOT 11, BLK 3 WALDRON’S ADDITION, A SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 23, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA. ROSEVELT MITCHELL 2169 SW POYDRAS AVE ARCADIA, FL 34266 All of said property being in the County of DeSoto, State of Florida. Unless such certificate shall be redeemed according to law, the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the South Courthouse Door FEBRUARY 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Dated this 19TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2016.

MITZIE W. McGAVIC CLERK OF COURT DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA By: CRYSTAL HENDERSON, Deputy Clerk Publication Dates 1/21/16, 1/28/16, 2/4/16 & 2/11/16 112132 3268295

6250 APPLIANCES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 14-2009-CA-000809 FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND/OR ASSIGNS Plaintiff, v.

GUSTAVO G. SCHAGEN A/K/A GUSTAVO SCHAGEN; ROSANA M. SCHAGEN A/K/A ROSANA SCHAGEN; UNKNOWN TENANT (S); AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S), WHO (IS/ARE) NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIM AS HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, SPOUSES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS; SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC. Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Summary Final Judgement of Foreclosure entered on December 9, 2015, and the Order Rescheduling Foreclosure Sale entered on January 29, 2016, in this cause, in the Circuit Court of DeSoto County, Florida, the clerk shall sell the property situated in DeSoto County, Florida, described as: LOT 13 AND 14, ROSIN AND STROUD’S ADDITION TO ARCADIA, AS PER MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA, IN PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 123 AND IN PLAT BOOK C-5, PAGE 12. a/k/a 502 WASHINGTON STREET, ARCADIA, FL 34266 at public sale, to the highest and best bidder, for cash, at the South door of the Deosot County Courthouse, 115 East Oak Street, Arcadia, FL 34266, on March 10, 2016 beginning at 11:00 AM. If you are a person claiming a right to funds remaining after the sale, you must file a claim with the clerk no later than 60 days after the sale. If you fail to file a claim you will not be entitled to any remaining funds.

Dated at Arcadia, Florida, this 29the day of January, 2016.

Nadia K. Daughtrey Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ M. Marshall Deputy Clerk Published 2/4/16 & 2/11/16 146641 3274458

3132 TAX DEEDS NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED Notice is hereby given that ILENE KLASFELD the holder of the following certificate has filed said certificate for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it was assessed are as follows: Certificate Number:1303 Issuance Date: MAY 31, 2012 Tax Deed File Number 15-30-TD Description of Property: LOT 12, BLOCK 2, AND THAT CERTAIN UNNUMBERED LOT LYING SOUTH OF LOT 12, BLOCK 2, ALL BEING IN H.L. AND Z S HOLLINGSWORTH AD

6001 ARCADIA AREA GARAGE SALES 830 N. MILLS AVE. Yard Sale Saturday Feb. 6 9am - 1 pm SAT FEB 13 9am-1pm, Second Hand Rose, gently used women’s clothing & acces.

Siesta Clubhouse inside Arcadia Village. 2692 Ne Hwy 70.

THURS.-SAT. 10-3 10307 SW Lettuce Lake Ave. # 225. Appl., Furn., household, Invacare Full Elec Hosp Bed. Doublewide MH also for Sale.

Need a new Home?

Look in the Classifieds!

6070 ANTIQUES COLLECTIBLES ANTIQUE STAND 2 drawer, wood. $10 941-467-9985

6120 BABY ITEMS CRIB AND MATTRESS Like New 5-in-1 $40 Text 941-4679985 for info

6138 TOYS/GAMES KIDS BOUNCE House Text 941-467-9985

$40

COFFEE POT New in box $5 Text 941-467-9985 GE FRIDGE & STOVE $100 for fridge, $50 for stove text 941467-9985 for info

TOASTER OVEN New in box $10 Text 941-467-9985 WAFFLE MAKER New. $5 Text 941-467-9985

6260 MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE SHARKS TEETH/FOSSILS Text 941-467-9985 for info

6270 WANTED TO BUY/TRADE METAL FILE CABINETS New senior resident urgently appeals to the public to either sell cheaply or donate any size metal file cabinet to her. P/U at Hwy 70 at Winn Dixie, Arcadia. or Kings Hwy and veterans prky Port Charlotte. 863-494-7773 from 4pm-9pm

7260 AUTOS WANTED

6035 FURNITURE BED, QUEEN Mattress and Box Brand New will sell. $175 Also have KING. 941-6295550 MATTRESS AND Box. New will sell $100 941-629-5550 COFFEE TABLE Oval, wood. $10 Text 941-467-9985 HEAD/FOOTBOARD Queen size $15 Text 941-467-9985 KITCHEN TABLE Picnic style, wood. $20 Text 941-467-9985

WE BUY & PICK UP JUNK CARS 941-661-1928

7330 BOATS-POWERED 24’ HOUSE BOAT OBO or Trade for Motorcycle 2nd Ave. Arcadia aft 5pm 304--238-4328

Arcadian | Page 22

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The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

January students of the month named SUBMITTED By DEVIN LaCAVA

DESOTO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT Sixth grader Riley Randolph — Riley’s the kind of individual you want other young people to emulate. He’s a model student whose curiosity, enthusiasm and hard work cause him to search for new was to solve problems and have earned him fantastic grades.

He’s a model friend who’s the first to offer a kind word or make someone’s day with a really corny joke. He stirs a sense of hope in all of us, because our future looks really bright when you picture it in the hands of someone like Riley, who is a model of integrity.

Seventh grader Alyssa Gonzalez — Alyssa has only lived here for a few months, but she already seems to embody the best of DeSoto County.

She’s quiet, peaceful and loves to read and take long bike rides and eat ice cream. She works hard to earn high marks in all of her classes. Best of all she’s honest, kind and generous; a perfect representation of the students of this community.

Eighth Grader Analiz Ibarra — With three brothers and a sister, Analiz stays quiet and elusive. She loves to read Rick

DEATHS FROM PAGE 9

Elizabeth Joan Holley Fennell Elizabeth Joan Holley Fennell, 81, of Arcadia, Fla., went to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016.

She was born Feb. 21, 1934, in Arcadia, to William Mack and Flora Ellen Holley.

Elizabeth was of the Baptist faith. On Oct. 21, 1954, she married John Fennell Jr. She raised her family in Arcadia while her husband was employed by the United States Army. Elizabeth worked for the DeSoto County School District in the cafeteria at West Elementary and DeSoto High School for 25 years. Her family was her biggest concern and she didn’t start working until her youngest child was in school. Elizabeth was a life member of the VFW Post 3880 and a Gold Star wife.

She is survived by her children, Linda Wynn of Fort Myers, Fla., John (Dawn) Fennell of Orlando, Fla., and Judy Dazey of Arcadia; seven grandchildren, Matthew Kerce, Jaime Wynn, Tambra and Blake Fennell, and David, Kristal and Staci Wynn; five great-grandchildren, Chloe Kerce, Taylor, Jailyn, and Chandler Wynn; and her newest one, born two weeks ago, Nevaeh Louise Kerce; her caregiver and best friend, Minnie Jean Jones; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters, Mary C. Holley, Flora Bell Wilmott, Laura Lewis, Nita Norris, and Virginia Coker; and son-in-law, Gary D. Wynn Sr. Graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. today at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Arcadia. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com.

The family would like to thank Life Care Center of Punta Gorda, Fla., for the love and care that she received while residing there.

Arrangements are by Ponger-KaysGrady Funeral Homes.

PHOTO PROVIDED

January’s students of the month were honored at the Chamber of Commerce’s recent early bird breakfast.

Riordan books with action hero Percy Jackson. However, being an all-star student, she only allows herself that luxury after her homework and home chores are done. Her favorite class is science, where she loves to experiment. She plans on combining her love of reading and science by becoming a veterinarian who also owns a bookstore!

Ninth Grader Kayla Gibson — Gibson is the daughter of Marla and John Gibson. Her favorite class is JROTC, but she also enjoys HOPE and Spanish class. Her hobbies include softball and fishing. She’s also a member of the local 4-H chapter and Links to Success. After graduation she plans to attend college. Kayla said that it is very nice to be recognized for all of

her hard work.

Tenth Grader John Pennepacker — The son of John and Debbie Pennepacker, John’s avorite class at DeSoto County High School is construction. His hobbies include playing sports and drawing. He’d like to attend school to become a great artist after graduation. He’s honored to be recognized for all of his hard work and to be chosen as student of the month for the sophomore class.

Eleventh Grader Ruben Juarez — The son of Pabla and Antonio Juarez, Ruben’s favorite class is Digital Design 2. He enjoys playing video games. Ruben’s math teacher, Mrs. Gebeau, was very inspired by his kindness, hard work and

willingness to go above and beyond in the classroom to help out his fellow students. His future plans are to go to school to become a video animator.

Ruben was very surprised to find out that he was chosen as student of the month for the class of 2017!

Twelfth Grader Andrea Parocua — The daughter of Soledad Parocua, Andrea’s favorite class is ceramics.

She’s an active member of the Delta Omegas. Andrea has over 100 volunteer hours, but in her spare time she enjoys drawing and watching Netflix.

After graduation her plans are to become a pharmacist, She said that she was genuinely surprised and happy to have been chosen by her teachers for this honor.

Varsity girls’ tennis wins opener Kilgore and Jessica Backer, fought hard to tie the match. Kilgore won 6-2, 6-3 and Coach Devin LaCava credits Backer The DeSoto girls’ varsity tennis team with her perseverance under the lights began the season with a close win against to pull off a three-set win (6-2, 5-7, 6-4) Lake Placid on Monday at home. Since after battling back from a 3-0 deficit in the boys’ varsity tennis team also had a the final set to win the almost three-hour match at the same time, both teams had match. to share four courts. As a result, the girls When DeSoto and Lake Placid were had to play two matches at a time. tied at 2, the Lady Dawg’s number five Up first to play were DeSoto’s top two Caroline Livingston pulled off a decisive players, Bonnie Evans and Elizabeth two-set win 6-1, 7-6 (3).

Reyes, who both lost in straight sets.

In doubles competition, DeSoto’s Evans lost 6-2, 6-1, and Reyes fought number one, Evans and Reyes, lost 8-2, a closer battle in her first set but was while Backer was still playing her singles unable to recover the momentum and fell match. After she finished, she and Kilgore 6-4, 6-1. clinched the victory for DeSoto with an DeSoto’s three and four, Samantha 8-1 win.

By COURTNEY CLAYTON STAFF WRITER

SOCCER FROM PAGE 15 DeSoto player.

Junior Alex Tamayo made an effort to catch LaBelle’s coach after the game

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY STEVE KNAPP, sbigdaddyknapp@aol.com

Bulldog Junior Jesiel Rivera prays before and after every game, as he shows how grateful he is for his team.

and shake his hand. “I feel they played a better game than we did and they deserved the win,” Tamayo said. “I wanted to be a good sportsman and give my hand to him.

A special bond When you hear teams talk about “unity” and “family” you won’t find many teams that actually show their respect for each other more than the boys’ soccer team. They are an outstanding group of young people that the community can be very proud to have representing them.

Before the final game they had a pre-game huddle followed by a prayer.

After that they hugged each of their teammates as they gave encouragement to each other. When the game ended and all of the fans and LaBelle players had long left the field, the Bulldogs were still on the sidelines.

They formed a circle and after Martinez spoke, anybody who had something to say would enter the circle and talk to the team. There were

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY COURTNEY CLAYTON

DeSoto’s number two, Elizabeth Reyes, looks across the court before she serves early in the first set. While she and the girls’ number one, Bonnie Evans, lost their matches to Lake Placid, the Lady Dawgs rallied back in later matches to defeat Lake Placid for their first match of the season. sentiments like, “Next year keep your grades up, practice seriously, respect each other, give it all you have all the time and don’t be doing things that can hurt the team.” They truly care for each other and really show the meaning of the word team.

After Rendon spoke, the team ended their season with another prayer. There was nobody left in the parking lot except for a few DeSoto fans, and they waited for the team to spend their final minutes of the season together.

The last player to leave the field was junior Jesiel Rivera. As he does before and after each DeSoto game, Rivera was on the field on his knees in prayer.

“I don’t pray for us to win, just to do well. I am grateful to be with these players and for everything we have. That is why I pray, to show how grateful I am,” he said.

With a family of talented teammates wearing the DeSoto blue and white and the way they respect and enjoy each other’s company, they all have a lot to be grateful for.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

JV FROM PAGE 18 Charlotte Tarpons, Charlotte opened the game with a 19-0 run and then started the second half with a 29-0 run that lasted the entire third period and into the fourth.

www.sunnewspapers.net Page 23 | Arcadian

Richardson had 16 of the 21 Bulldog points in the first half against Charlotte, and scored all nine of the DeSoto County second-half points. The 25 points was the most Charlotte had given up to any one player in their 19-0 season.

Richardson had help the next night as the Bulldogs hosted Okeechobee in the season finale. They beat the Brahmans

52-36 to finish the season with an 8-10 record, which is the best any JV girls basketball team has had in several years.

DeSoto County never trailed in the game as they scored 26 points in each half to easily pick up the win. Besides Richardson’s 30, both Carmen Cordero and Jaida Lee added six apiece as they cruised to a 16-point win.

Coaching in her first year at DeSoto, Jasmine Rudolph said, “I think we have improved in every area of the game. We always work on fundamentals. They have gotten to know each other and have bonded and work together well, but now we need to work on the little things and continue to improve in the fundamentals of the game. I’m very proud of them.”

Arcadian | Page 24

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HISTORY FROM PAGE 19 contractor/building in the 1900 U.S. Census.

Their daughter Winifred was born in Michigan in 1882, and son Don in Missouri in 1891. Married in Michigan in 1879, Jonas and Charlotte were both Canadians. Jonas, whose parents were born in Germany, immigrated to the U.S. in 1865, and Charlotte

DAWGS FROM PAGE 18 last shot, but the ball missed the mark. Caleb Blackwood was under the bucket and came up with the rebound and heaved a desperation shot that missed and the game went into overtime.

Elijah Arthur, another recent call up from the JV team, nailed a three pointer to put the Bulldogs ahead a minute into overtime. Again it was Powell who gave the Bulldogs a lead with 36 seconds left at 57-56.

With a chance to ice the game, JonShea Reed went to the line for two free throws and missed them both.

Fortunately Fudge came up with the big rebound and Powell was fouled and went to the line for two shots. He also missed them both.

The Sun / Thursday, February 4, 2016

Bradshaw, whose parents were born in England, in 1871.

In the 1920 U.S. Census, Bierwert worked as a house carpenter, and she as a nurse.

Their daughter Dorothy (age 15) attended school.

Their residence was listed as 233 N. Brevard Ave. In 1913, Charlotte L. Bierwert purchased two lots from Fred S. Gore and his wife Rose I. Gore. As the sales price was $200, the land was probably vacant.

A few days later, Charlotte sold the southern lot to Blanche Bell, wife of W. D. Bell. Bierwert may have built both the Bell residence at 227 N. Brevard Ave. and the Bierwert home at 233 N. Brevard Ave. In the 1930 U.S. Census, the Bell residence was valued at $5,000 and the Bierwert home at $4,000.

Blanche Bell was the daughter of David Williams, Arcadia’s first postmaster and first elected tax collector, and granddaughter of Thomas

Reed made a big rebound on the missed shot by Powell and was fouled again. He went to the charity stripe for another pair of free throws to the dismay of Bulldog fans in attendance he missed both shots.

Imagine had the ball with 12 seconds left and fed it to their “money man” Quadir Waters. Waters had scored 26 points, but had also missed his last four free throws.

Waters hit a big three pointer with under four seconds left to give Imagination a 59-57 lead.

Powell took the inbounds pass and launched a half court shot that hit the rim but didn’t go through the net.

True to their season-long playing style, the Bulldogs fell behind early and rallied late. Their shots were just slightly off all night, but they battled and should have gotten the win for their efforts.

This time the rally wasn’t enough as the horrendous free throw shooting did them in. As a team they shot 13-for-31 from the free throw line. That’s why they lost the game and that’s why they deserved to lose it.

Powell again took charge and led the team with 19 points. He was 2-for-2 from the free throw line in the first half, but slumped to just 2-for-9 in the second half.

He was the leading scorer in each of the four periods for DeSoto County. Fudge tallied 14 points and Campbell also hit double figures with 10 points.

“They didn’t beat us; we let them stay close and see what happened? We missed six free throws in the last 30 seconds. I don’t know what to do. What do we do in every practice every day?

Shoot free throws,” Koonce said after the game.

Williams, one of the area’s first settlers. She worked as a secretary for — and then married — Walter Douglas Bell in 1905. He was her former school teacher, plus an attorney and mayor of Fort Myers. In Arcadia, he served as judge, state representative, newspaper editor and attorney. The Bell family posed on the front porch (before it was enclosed) of the 227 N. Brevard Avenue house in the historic photo on page 192 in Howard Melton’s book

“Footprints and Landmarks: Arcadia and DeSoto County, Florida.”

In the 1935 Florida Census, both Jonas and Charlotte lived in their home with their daughter Dorothy, her husband Albert B. Sherouse, and their son Don. Charlotte died on March 30, 1936, and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. There seems to be no record of Jonas’ death. It’s possible he constructed several other homes or buildings in Arcadia.

ARCADIAN PHOTO BY STEVE KNAPP, sbigdaddyknapp@aol.com

DeSoto County’s Prince Powell drives on Imagine’s Quadir Waters for two points. Powell led the Bulldogs with 19 points while Waters led Imagine with 26, including the game winning trey in the 59-57 win.