LAKE PLACID — A pilot and passenger died after a fixed wing, single engine Piper Cub airplane crashed near Placid Lakes Airport at about 12:15 p.m., Friday said Capt. Paul Blackman of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. There were no other passengers in the single plane accident. Word spread like wildfire around the Caladium Capital of the World that citrus grover owner Mason Smoak piloted the plane. Blackman positively identified Smoak as the pilot, and David Maehr's name was release later as the other victim in the crash. He was a scientist at Archbold Biological Center specializing in bear research. ...more

June 20, 2008

When it comes to runaway energy costs and inflation, Congress fails to represent the American public. It would rather represent the super rich in their quest for greater profits. Congress has failed "we the people," for over 60 years. Greed of the super rich has and is controlling the government. World War II demanded that all would have to pay for the war, not so in this war that was a pre-emptive war, under false pretense that has lasted longer than World War II. Only blue collar workers have borne the cost in this war, both in manpower, deaths and finance. In World War II, war bonds funded the fight for freedom and also gave every American citizen a solid way to contribute to the war effort. Nearly $50 billion worth of bonds were sold during war time, a great majority, thanks to the efforts of American celebrities, actors, actresses, singers and others who used their names and notoriety to draw the crowds. Kate Smith was one prominent bond representative, as was actress Carole Lombard. Ms. Lombard, the young wife of Clark Gable, lost her life in a plane accident after a war bond rally in Indianapolis, during which she helped sell $2.5 million worth in bonds. Clark Gable was an actor turned Air Force gunner during the war ...more

June 2, 2008