LAKE PLACID — Play ball, but don't forget the ibuprofen. Allan Chipps plays catcher and at 90 years old is the oldest player in the Lake Placid Senior Softball League. He exceeds the minimum age requirement by 40 years, although for those who sport hair beneath their caps, the common color is gray. Participants are required to have reached the half-century mark and no one old enough is turned away. Even with five teams of 13 members each, there is a waiting list of eight prospective sluggers for the games played at Lake June Ball Fields. ...more

February 7, 2008

As mayor of Sebring I was the beneficiary of a very appreciative letter in Highlands Today, as assisting Charles Bell, who had an automobile breakdown on Saturday night in Sebring. Regrettably, I was not the mayor who assisted him. Although offering assistance would be within my character profile, I must acknowledge and decline the kind remarks, and hopefully identify the true Good Samaritan, as he deserves the thanks. My attempt to contact Mr. Bell was unsuccessful, so I cannot help identify the mayor who assisted. I am glad that we have a community of wonderful citizens who will stop to help those in need, and I appreciate Mr. Bell taking the time to express his thanks. ...more

February 2, 2008

The Schooni's Family Restaurant team rallied in the late innings for a 7-6 victory over the Seminole Tire team in Lake Placid Senior Softball league play on Wednesday at the Lake June Ball fields. ...more

January 25, 2008

Thank you Mayor George Hensley for opening words at the Orange Blossom shuffleboard tournament. Sebring's Orange Blossom Tournament was sponsored by Dell Realty and the Blue Crab Restaurant and Sports Bar. The people who made this happen, John Bushee, Tony Beckwith, Jim Edwards, Harold Miller, Jim Mondry, Don Rohman, George Rosema, Peter White and Carl Wile. These people worked in the cold outside from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days. ...more

January 8, 2008

SEBRING — Renovations to Sebring Fire Department's Central Station were supposed to be completed by now, but the major work hasn't even started yet. The $500,000 project, which started in February, originally was slated for a December 2007 completion, but now city officials said a more realistic target is summer 2008. The project to renovate the historic station, located at 301 N. Mango St., will soon be rebid for a third time. The first bids were rejected because the fire department staff had not had adequate time to review the specifics of the project before the project was bid. "They had a lot of input about changes they wanted to see, and we didn't have time to include that in the original bids," City Administrator Bob Hoffman said. "We asked city council to reject those bids so that their suggestions could be included." ...more

December 21, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - The northbound lanes of Interstate 275 near 54th Avenue North remain closed while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a fatal car crash. ...more

November 30, 2007

LAND O' LAKES - A 21-year-old man was killed and two others were injured Sunday night after the vehicle they were in went out of control, rolled over and ejected them. ...more

November 20, 2007

SEBRING — Three of Sebring's prominent residents have died within less than one week. Former Police Chief Lonnie Curl, 87, died Tuesday at his Sebring home. Former Police Chief Bob Baker attended Curl's funeral Friday and then died of a heart attack later that night. Former Postmaster Ray Graddy, 92, died Saturday. "To me Ray Graddy represents what the old pioneers of Sebring are all about," said Craig Johnson, a friend of Graddy. "He cared about his community, and he gave back." Johnson said Graddy was a nice man who always treated people well. ...more

November 20, 2007

SEBRING — Iraq War veteran Joshua Gdovin was pleased and a little surprised when a child greeted him with thanks at a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Beach on Monday. The Avon Park Battery "B" 3-116 Field Artillery National Guard member attended the ceremony on the shores of Lake Jackson, along with about 150 others, many dressed in uniform. "The kids came up and shook hands and I was so proud of what's going on," said the 22-year old who joined the service in 2003. "The more people here, the better." Like many with similar thoughts, Gdovin said he was moved to hear "Taps" played at the close of the ceremony. ...more

November 13, 2007

SEBRING — Six local dignitaries, officials and clergy spoke during a peace vigil on Thursday night at the Circle. Many in the crowd, which grew from 100 at the vigil's start, arrived early for the Heartland Idol competition, which followed the rally. The 10-member sponsoring organization, Peace of Highlands County Inc., was well represented. Catherine Blumenthal, president of Temple Israel, talked of love and read from the Bible. "We live in two worlds," said Blumenthal. "The one that is and the one that might be." ...more

November 3, 2007