SEBRING — Kids ruled the Heartland Idol stage on Thursday night. About 350 fans, the largest audience yet this year, saw two new 2007 Idol champions crowned. Stacy Jingst, 17, took the teen idol title with a rousing rendition of "God Bless the USA" and 12-year-old Christopher Hawthorne picked up the top Junior Idol spot after singing the Stevie Wonder tune, "Superstition." Judge Rooter Rush told lead-off teen singer Lindsey Varis, 16, that none of the following four finalists could top her perfect score and said he happily anticipated the upcoming attempts. Judges gushed often about quality of entertainment as 10 finalists performed for the huge crowd. ...more

September 29, 2007

I would like to thank everyone who attended the POW-MIA in Avon Park, for it was a very spectacular program. Col. Hutchinson, with his JROTC giving tribute on the "Table" of the missing plate. The keynote speaker was introduced by Tom Macklin, and Elizabeth Steward, who is co-author of "An Enormous Crime," Barry and Susan Foster. Barry for all his help and write-up in the paper, and his wife Susan for the pictures she took. The city manager, CB Shirey, with all his help in getting our permits, and just being there for me. Wally Randall, I don't know what I would have done without you. Tom and Tammy Macklin, I know how you went out on a limb for me. David Flowers, I can't say what it meant to have you sing the American Trilogy, and play TAPS, just as the fireworks went off. I have not forgotten the Stardusters, who played patriotic songs for us to dance to before the program. ...more

September 28, 2007

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting the ceremony of the POW–MIA at Veterans Square down town Avon Park on Friday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. (Please bring your own lawn chairs.) ...more

September 18, 2007