Row One: If you can't make it to Mardi Gras in New Orleans - good news! Mardi-Gras has come to Okeechobee! The Wemmer family is celebrating Mardi Gras. They don't have a float in the parade but they are giving out baubles and beads with lots of happy faces and much good will. Notice that the masked figure in center of picture was captured by HIS STAFF and forced to participate!

Row Two left: Raulerson Hospital CEO Richard Lee presented the Frist award to Gina Ward, a 23 year veteran of the hospital who was obviously very surprised.

Row Two right: Gina Ward accepts Frist Award from the CEO.

Row Three left: Teacher of the Year Lonnie Steiert is happy to accept this honor.

Row Three right: Dr. Pat Cooper presented Jeanette Hester an award for retirement recognition.

Row Four left: Dr. Pat Cooper presented Ryan Reister, a fifth grader, an award for being selected State Elementary Chorus.

Row Four right: Mary Hurley presented spelling bee winner award to Andrea McKinney of Central Elementary School for top speller.

Row Five: Mary Hurley presented spelling bee winner award to Irfan Chaudhary of North Elementary School for top speller.

Ward Wins the Frist Humanitarian Award

     A near 24 year veteran of HCA Raulerson hospital was named the 2007 recipient of the hospitals most prestigious award on February 16.
      Gina Ward, who has worked her way up to an LPN and an RN during her tenure at Raulerson, said she was honored to win the award.
     “I feel very honored, and very important and special. It makes me feel awesome. It’s kind of the icing on the cake, the reward for your hard work and things you’ve done,” she noted.
     HCA Raulerson Executive Director Robert Lee presented Mrs. Ward with the honor. The award includes a monetary prize, a plague and a t-shirt, and was announced during a reception at the hospital cafeteria. About 100 people were on hand to honor Mrs. Ward and celebrate with her.
      Mrs. Ward said she has gotten a lot of opportunities from the hospital mostly thanks to their flexibility in working with her as she went to school to better herself.
     “I truly enjoy and love it here mostly because of my colleagues. They are caring people and the staff works well together. Our concerns are always heard by the administration and dealt with, I think our concerns are valued and are considered,” she noted.
     Mr. Lee also recognized the other Frist award winners in the audience that included the 2006 winner Sophia Graves. He read that Mrs. Ward was well thought of by her peers. He noted she exemplifies the spirit of caring, and is dedicated to patient care. He added Mrs. Ward is an excellent patient advocate who is dedicated to the service of her co workers.
     “She is kind, and is dedicated to the team. She is truly an example of a real person of faith, and a shining example of what we all want to be,” he noted.
      Mrs. Ward joked that she didn’t think she would win. She got a number of phone calls asking her to come to the reception, and didn’t think anything of it. She said she wondered to herself why don’t they get started, they won’t miss me.
     “I was shocked and surprised. I got a little nervous there when they said some things, I said hey that sounds like me, I was quite surprised,” she added.     

School Board meets; Lonnie Steiert choosen District Teacher of the Year

By Charles Murphy
     It is never easy to choose the best in anything, especially educators. However Okeechobee County Schools had the tough task last week of choosing their best for 2007.
     Yolanda (Lonnie) Steiert, a fifth grade teacher at Central Elementary, was named the 2006-2007 Teacher of the Year for Okeechobee County Schools.
     “I just thank all of the people I have worked with and really feel honored to win this award,” Steiert told the crowd.
     Steiert said she is a homegrown product and that she has a better understanding of the students in Okeechobee Schools than out of the area teachers would have. She praised all of the finalists and said the district has many wonderful teachers.
     Steiert joked that she told her class that if she won the award they wouldn’t have a party but would have more work to do.
     Assistant Superintendent Ken Kenworthy said they were honoring the Best of the Best in Okeechobee County. “We want you all to know that we are proud to be recognizing these individuals. For every one of these candidates there are a dozen back at their school that are just as good. Your kids are in capable hands.”
     The selection committee this year included Mr. Kenworthy, Joe Arnold, Kevin Folsom, Attorney Elizabeth (Libby) Maxwell, Donna Tenniswood, and Vicky Kennedy, last year’s recipient of the district award.
     Mr. Arnold said it is amazing what goes on in classrooms today. He said every school has some outstanding teachers. “It’s important to know how many good things are going on in classrooms around the County.”
     Arnold said the teachers work hard and provide a good education for their students.
     Mrs. Maxwell said it is wonderful tocome back to Okeechobee and see people she graduated from high school with and also teachers who taught her. “Okeechobee grows their own teachers. It means a lot to know the people that teach our kids and see how much they really care.”
     Maxwell said it was a very difficult decision that she agonized over for over a month.
     “They are an amazing group . We should be proud of our schools and I definitely am.”
     Mrs. Kennedy said it has been a wonderful year. She felt it was an honor to see what other teachers are doing. “It’s nice to be able to see what goes on in upper grades. I feel fortunate to be on this committee.”
     The candidates this year included Brandon Weaver, Agriculture Teacher at OHS, Barbara Quam, Language Arts teacher at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus, Joy Prescott, Elementary teacher of the Alpha Program at New Endeavor High School, Renea Finney, Science teacher at Osceola Middle School, Cindy Letcher, a science teacher at Yearling middle school, Yolanda Steiert, fifth grade student at Central Elementary School, Pam Matthews, physical education teacher at North Elementary, LaDonna Perry, second grade teacher at Seminole Elementary, David Wibbles, media specialist at Everglades Elementary School, Patricia Fusco, third grade at South Elementary School, and Madilynn Emmick an exceptional student education teacher. The School Board also honored Ryan Reister, a fifth grader who was selected to perform for the State Elementary Chorus. Also honored was OHS Senior Stephen Hirst as the 2007 District Sunshine State Scholar.
     Third grade teacher Debra Tilton, wass recognized for earning National Board Certification in the past year. She is a teacher at Everglades Elementary School.
     A number of retirements were also celebrated. Darrell Ferneau, a physical education teacher at Everglades Elementary School, is retiring after 33 years of service to the district. Mr Ferneau said it has been an honor and pleasure to serve Okeechobee County, “I’ve been lucky I’ve gotten to play at my work, and work at my play.” Jeannette Hester, Food Service Manager at New Endeavor High School retired after 25 years of service to the system. Judy Raulerson, County office secretary retired after 26 years of service to the school system.
     The Board also honored the various guidance counselors in the system to commemorate Student Services Week. Guidance counselors recognized included Bill Black, Michelle Branham, Drema Brewer, Ginny Bryant, Sharon Coker, Wendy Coker, Jeannine Gran, Mike Joseph, Linda McGlamory, Wendy Padgett, Deanna Sharpe, Tracy Sills, Melanie Stinnett, and Carl Witt. Staff members in the ESE program honored included Pam Chandler, Pam Harwas, Tresa Huggins, Laura Murray, Jo Norris, Kathy Williams, and Bill Wilson.
     In business actions the board expelled one junior from Okeechobee High School for possession of alcohol and drugs on campus.
     A proclamation was also approved for designating February, 2007 as Black History Month. Another proclamation for March 5-9th was approved. That time period will be School Breakfast Week in Okeechobee Schools.
     The Board proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month.
     A $2.79 million bid was approved for Chilberg Construction to build a 14-classroom addition at the Osceola Middle School. One alternate, a replacement for the intercom, clock and video retrieval system was approved for $125,000.
     The board approved a change order for $19,175 to replace the roof top unit replacement on Yearling Middle School. The total cost of the project is now $249,275.

Top spellers compete in District Spelling Bee

By Charles Murphy
      Sixteen of the best spellers in the Okeechobee County School system squared off when the District held their annual spelling bee in the music room at Everglades Elementary School.
     After close to an hour of communication, Irfan Chaudhary of North Elementary School won the competition. Andrea McKinney of Central Elementary School was the runner up.
     Chaudhary said he studied hard to win the competition. He enjoys reading and spelling. When asked about representing the District in the later competitions out of town, he said ‘Cool.’
     His father, local physician Muhammad Chaudhary, said his son enjoys spelling. He tries to encourage his children to work hard in school because it will help them when they select a career.
     Mrs. Joni Ard, welcomed the Spelling Bee students. She said the district is very proud of their accomplishments. She also thanked the parents for coming to cheer on their children.
     Superintendent Dr. Pat Cooper said it is an exciting event for the District, the students, and the parents. “We know that these students are already winners in their hearts and we recognize that.”
     Dr. Cooper said the students would do excellent. She urged them to take their time and really think about the more challenging words they were presented with.
     Judges this year included Sharon Vinson, Russ Brown, and Kathy Blair. Administrators in attendance included Assistant Superintendents Mary Hurley and Ken Kenworthy, Superintendent Dr. Pat Cooper and Everglades Principal Joni Ard.
     Mrs. Hurley served as the moderator. Mr. Kenworthy pronounced all of the words for students. He also gave the definition of the word if asked, and would place it in a sentence if requested by the student.
     All of the elementary schools and the two middle schools were all represented at the spelling bee. The top two would move on to represent Okeechobee in the District Spelling Bee in West Palm Beach. Students from grades two through eighth grade were eligible to compete. A second grader from Seminole Elementary qualified for the competition.
     Words correctly spelled by the contestants in the first round included fiesta, vanilla, magazine, mongoose, totem, hurricane, adobe, chocolate, ambulance, portfolio, and canary. One speller was eliminated in the first round
     The second round got a bit tougher with words like thermal, petunia, electoral, sultan, lilac, apathy, pretzel, embargo, rotunda, cosmetics, magnolia, and pragmatic. Six spellers were eliminated in the second round.
     Third round words included prescription, percolate, agnostic, seltzer, carnivore, pueblo, admiral, amnesia, and enthusiasm. Two spellers were eliminated in the third round.
     During round four words spelled were nightingale, cantata, ridiculous, stoic, mirage, iguana, and mongrel. One speller was eliminated in round four.
     Round five words include influenza, paradox, manicure, and strategy. Three spellers were eliminated in this round.
     With only three spellers remaining, round six words included origami, diary, scheme, cheddar, drowsiness, and twelve. Another speller was eliminated in round six.
     Two spellers remained in round seven. Andrea spelled the word infectious, and the second speller spelled delicate. Other words include clearance, appetite, and protein. Both spellers misspelled adequate moving the spelling bee to the next round. Words there include leisure, and sacrifice. However the spellers missed the word controversy and forfeit.
     Eventually the Bee came down to the word ceramics and persuade.
     Students competed first in school spelling bees at their school. It took many of them hours upon hours of studying just to qualify.
     It took the efforts of teachers, parents, and the students themselves to get them where they are in reading, writing and spelling.

Community Traffic Safety Team discuss traffic problems

By Charles Murphy
      The Sheriff’s Office asked for a speed reduction on U.S. 441 S.E. near Treasure Island when the Okeechobee Community Traffic Safety Team met last Wednesday.
     Captain Bud Slay said a resident requested the speed be reduced from 45 to 35 miles per hour due to a housing construction project going on. The Cottages on the Lake and other projects are being developed.
     The FDOT agreed to do a speed study on this section of the road.
     Sheriff Paul May noted there also have been concerns about the speed limits on Highway 70 West in Dewberry Gardens. One option is a no passing zone. Another option is turn lanes on S.W. 87th Terrace and other roads on Hwy. 70 West.
     Sheriff May said a resident had been involved in a wreck out there and he had suggested that the No Passing Zones be put in. S.W. 48th Avenue and other roads could qualify.
     The Sheriff said he held a meeting with FDOT officials and his traffic unit about Dewberry Gardens. On Saturday night there is a lot of pedestrians in this area. There also are a lot of vehicles pulling onto the road at Ochoa’s South of the Border bar.
     “We have tried to do something and nothing has been done,” the Sheriff added.
     FDOT Spokesperson Debra Stallings said unless it is a safety issue, slowing traffic down is not their objective.
     Sheriff May said a No Passing Zone would probably help the situation. It wouldn’t stop every motorist from speeding or passing in these areas.
     May said this is one of the more dangerous sections of road in Okeechobee County. He said he gets complaints on a regular basis from residents in this area.
     The state law prohibits motorists from passing within 100 feet of an intersection. However it is not a well-known law. Sheriff May said that you have to have concrete evidence to ticket a motorist for doing this.
     Sheriff May said they have a lot of drunk-pedestrians in this area. He implemented a policy where Sheriff Deputies would put drunk-pedestrians in jail and this has cut down on the number of accidents involving pedestrians.
     Mrs. Stallings said the FDOT still is hoping to get some safety projects in Okeechobee. Grants are available for projects that can cut down on the number of car crashes.
     She also reported that the FDOT has new funds for motorists that tear up the sides of the road. There is money to repair these sections of road. It is called the Off the Road Program.

"Dearly Beloved" a combination comedy, gospel concert opens March 2

     Fans of comedy and of gospel music will find a lot to like in the latest production by the Okeechobee Community Theatre (OCT), "Dearly Beloved," which opens Friday night, March 2, for a four-night run.
     The show not only boasts one of the funniest scripts ever produced in the theatre group's twenty-eight year history, but also a rousing southern gospel performance at its climax, that guarantees a "feel good" ending to the play's action.
     Performances of Dearly Beloved are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, March 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8:00 PM each evening at the Okeechobee Auditorium on Southwest Second Avenue at Seventh Street, immediately behind Golden Corral Restaurant. Reserved seat tickets are $10/00 each, and are on sale now at the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce during regular business hours.
     The gospel music in the show is so much an integral part of the action, according to OCT coordinator/director, Ron Hayes, that extra care has been taken to make sure that it is among the highlights of the production. Joyce Moore, a gospel singer, and former member of a southern gospel group in North Carolina, has served as an expert advisor to the cast to be sure that everything is right.
     Also helping to make the show a sure bet for an evening's entertainment is the group of local performers which, Hayes says, is "probably as perfect for their roles as we've ever had on our stage."
     Included in the cast are local minister, James Garner, and his brother and sister-in-law, John and Laurie Garner; Joyce Taylor and Pam Chesley, all of whom are appearing for the first time in an OCT production.
     Among the returning performers are Paul Buxton of Buxton Funeral Home, who will be remembered from past shows, including Dearly Departed, Carousel, Cemetery Club and 110 in the Shade.
     Paulette Wise, manager of the South Branch office of Bank of America, starred in the 2001 OCT production of Cemetery Club.
     Louise Chandler has been seen in a variety of roles in plays such as Annie Get Your Gun, Dearly Departed, G.I.Jukebox, and Blame It on the Movies.
     Josh Van Wormer and Cassie Chesley are both back following appearances in the fall OCT production of The Melody Lingers On.
     Terry Auriemma comes back to the OCT stage for the first time since her role in the musical, Damn Yankees.
     Dearly Beloved, follows the comic misadventures of a southern family as they prepare for the wedding of their daughter to the son of " what passes for high society in Fayro, Texas." The arrangements for the "Gone With the Wind" themed affair begin to fall apart when the mother of the bride learns that her sister has tried to save money by planning an alternative to an expensive catered dinner -- a pot luck supper with covered dishes brought in by the guests, and a main course donated by Clovis Sanford's House of Meat. To top it all off, just minutes before the nuptials are to begin, no one can find the bride and groom, so a highway patrolman is sent to track them down, while every attempt is made to keep the unsuspecting guests in their pews.
     The OCT performed the predecessor to this play, Dearly Departed, about seven years ago, said Hayes, "and it proved to be one of the best received plays we've ever done. This one is sure to be another big hit with audiences. The group has worked on it for more than two months, and we still laugh our way through each rehearsal."
     The Okeechobee Community Theatre, an all-volunteer organization, is a member of the Florida Theatre Conference, and the American Association of Community Theatre. More information can be obtained by calling Ron or Jacque Hayes, at 863-763-1307.

Lake Okeechobee Lake Levels
Present: 11.321 Feet
Source: South Florida Water Management District