Sam the koala, who gained worldwide fame and sympathy when she was rescued during Australia's devastating wildfires earlier this year, was euthanized Thursday after a veterinarian found that cysts from a disease that is one of the main killers of koalas were inoperable. ...more

August 7, 2009

The West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department has not just been busy, it's been very busy. ...more

March 11, 2009

One of the lowest moments of President Bush's second term was his congratulatory slap-on-the-back of former FEMA head Michael Brown - "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job" - amid the government's chaotic response to Hurricane Katrina. Many people at the time thought it too bad that Craig Fugate was not in charge of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. ...more

March 6, 2009

President Barack Obama announced Wednesday his intention to nominate Florida's disaster management chief, Craig Fugate, to head the much-criticized Federal Emergency Management Agency. ...more

March 5, 2009

Sept. 15, 2008 ...more

September 15, 2008

...more

May 29, 2008

Last Saturday, May 17, our home caught on fire in our kitchen. We would like to thank first God for no injuries. Highlands County Sheriff's Office for being the first to repond. EMS for helping us put out the fire. Three volunteer fire departments: Highlands Park, Lake Placid and Sun 'n Lakes. Chief Richard Giavoni, thanks! Chief of Lake Placid Police and volunteer firefighter Phil Williams. Bringing out our wedding picture is really something we will never forget. Thanks. American Red Cross, you meant so much to us at that time. Especially the stuffed animal that you gave my daughter. The Baldwin Family, thanks. You were there the whole time. ...more

May 26, 2008

WAUCHULA — Although it was only for a fairly uneventful hearing, Jean Claude Meus made his first appearance in three years Monday afternoon at the Hardee County Courthouse. Attorneys from both parties filed motions, which were granted by Judge Jeff McKibben, to allow the lawyer time to collect witness depositions before a tentatively scheduled evidentiary hearing. In 2003, Meus was convicted of the death of Nona Moore, 40, and her 8-year-old daughter Lindsey. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. ...more

January 30, 2008

WAUCHULA — A hearing has been set for Jean Claude Meus that could lead to a evidentiary hearing and potentially a new criminal trial. ...more

January 8, 2008

He was a mainstay in local politics in the 1960s and '70s, a key member of the city's volunteer firefighter squad and a gardener who wowed friends with giant squash and tomato plants. ...more

January 1, 2008