The poor economy hit home for Art Harriman, service director for the Highlands County office of the American Red Cross, when he learned Wednesday that his position had been cut due to financial considerations. ...more

February 24, 2009

Jeremy Graves is ready to dent some metal. By day, he loads twisted vehicles onto the tow truck he drives for Stepp's Towing Service. ...more

February 21, 2009

If that morning cup of coffee is part of a daily routine, the American Red Cross would like people to buy Fazzini's Blend Coffee and team up with them to raise funds for its services. ...more

February 5, 2009

I have to admit I was more than a little dismayed at the lack of attendance at the Jan.17 performance of "Don't Drink the Water" performed at the Highlands Little Theatre by local talent. All the people out there griping about nothing to do in the area just don't listen. For the past number of years, I have been giving praise to the actors and actresses at the Highlands Little Theatre, as well as the behind-the-scene people who do so much. The set design does not arrange itself, the costumes do not just jump on the cast, the lines don't just flow out of their mouths, the lighting doesn't just happen, the cast just don't happen to enter, exit and so forth at the right time. It takes hours of work! So it was heartbreaking to see the number of empty seats in the theater as if people just don't care. ...more

January 27, 2009

American Red Cross volunteers helped a family of five who lost their home to fire on Christmas Eve, according to Phil Attinger with the American Red Cross Polk County chapter. ...more

December 26, 2008

The American Red Cross national day of giving was Saturday, but with local donations down 43 percent, the Highlands County office also needs support. ...more

December 15, 2008

When Albert Delarosa, Sonia Vasquez and their three children were burned out of their home last week, the Highlands County community responded by giving the family everything they needed to get a new start. ...more

December 7, 2008

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your recent coverage of the 23rd annual Zenon Award Show on Sept. 27. The volunteers at HLT work extremely hard during the year to bring quality entertainment to the Highlands County community and this is their night of recognition for a job well done. ...more

October 8, 2008

A family of six was displaced Wednesday night when their double-wide mobile home at 5810 State Road 66, west of Payne Road, in Sebring, was destroyed by a fire. ...more

July 31, 2008

SEBRING — Wednesday's emergency preparedness drill at the Agri-Civic Center was only practice, but almost 200 volunteers and county employees acted like the mock exercise was real. Andrew Pease, a Sun 'n' Lake Elementary School student, gave up a day of summer break to volunteer and portray a "victim," along with his mother Mary and sister Becky. The 9-year-old took the drill to heart and said he was "a little scared." "My mom tells me to not talk to strangers, but I trust the police and others," said Andrew Pease. "This is like some kind of play, but it's real, too." ...more

June 19, 2008