True Country WOKC
Sunrise on Lake Okeechobee, photo credit to Gary Ritter
*send us your photos to Countrystore@wokc.com & we may post them on our website! Be sure to include your name for credit!
Texaco Country Showdown Info
******Hurricane Preparedness Seminar for June 11th
First Responder/Firefighter Classes in Glades County
Employees of 1st Quarter 2013 at Sheriff’s Office
Charles Murphy News 5/23
News Cast for May 23rd:
Two adults were arrested after a fight at the sports complex that also involved three teens. 37 year old Ramona Baker was charged with two counts of aggravated battery and affray. 29 year old Carlotta Hopson was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Deputies say a tire wrench and baseball bat was used in the fight that was apparently video recorded by onlookers.
18 year old Ethan King was charged with grand theft auto and vehicle burglary for allegedly stealing a Chevrolet pickup in Seminole Cove and abandoning it in Jupiter Farms.
33 year old David Lewis was charged with possession of methamphetamines and listed chemicals after a drug bust by DEA agents and the Okeechobee narcotics task force Wednesday morning just off SW Ferrell Road.
Brian Runyon, a local taxi cab owner, is upset Okeechobee County would not agree to regulate cabs. He says the city does a good job of regulating cabs which protects the consumer. Runyon says there have been cabs not properly insured in town and one which was a pickup truck that made riders sit in the bed of the truck in recent years.
Brian Runyon on taxi regulations needed
The federal government spent 79 million last year on easements for grasslands and wetlands in this area and expect to spend as much this year. Land owners have until May 28 to apply with the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service. Other programs are the grassland reserve program and the Everglades Initiative which involves voluntary conservation practices.
Roney Gutierrez on wetland, grassland and everglades initiative deadline May 28
Sports Cast for May 23rd:
Phil Jones was named co-MVP of the Brahman boys’ basketball team at their annual awards banquet. He led the team in scoring with over 14 points per game and also in assists. He was also named to play in the senior all-star game at Indian River State College for Treasure Coast all-stars this year. He praised his teammates for helping him win this award for the 2nd time.
Jones was a four year player on the varsity team. He says the team played against tough teams this year but didn’t let that affect their effort. Jones said Okeechobee had the talent to compete this year and have a bright future with the returning cast of players. He intends to pursue college basketball, Aurora University in Illinois and perhaps Miami Dade Community College.
Phil Jones on basketball MVP award
The Hersheys’ Track and Field 11 and 12 year old girls division winners this month included Taylor Gibson in the 100 meters, Angela Salmeron in the 200 meters, Mallore Thomas in the 400 meters and Lillian Henry in the 800 meters. Caroline Sweat won the softball throw and Salmeron took the standing long jump. Osceola middle school won the 4 by 100 relay race led by Saryna Boone, Angela Salmeron, Anyder Ashley and Ariel Girardi.
Florida Families First Budget Invests to Protect Florida’s Natural Resources
Florida Families First Budget Makes Strategic Transportation Improvements
O.L. Raulerson Scholarship BBQ Photos
Operation Drug Take Back Results
Shooting and Death Investigation
Jane Doe In Moore Haven
Eighth Annual Motorcycle “Ride for Rights”
WOKC Okeechobee’s True Country Events
- The Shrine Club will be having the weekly spaghetti dinners on Tuesday night from 4-7pm and reservations are not required. The Shrine Club is located at 1740 SW 53rd St. (off HWY 78) with smoke free dining, there will be dancing and music from 5-8pm and the dinner is available for a donation of $6 dollars. Call Kip Gardner for more information @ 863-357-0427.
- The Humane Society & Pet Rescue is looking for 5 to 10 adults’ responsible volunteers to give 2 to 3 hours of their time a week to supervise community service workers. Days and times available (you pick the day or days you want) 8 am until 10 am or 12:30 to 3:30. To sign up please come to our office on any Thurs or Fri 10 until 2 for interview. Own transportation is a must, and clean police record.
- The 2013 OHS Brahman Senior Class is set to graduate June 6th. As in the last twenty-four graduations, our community will unite to offer our best wishes to our graduates by hosting the annual, all-night GRAD NITE Celebration. The celebration is open to all graduating seniors and their guest. This highly anticipated event will continue to be filled with food, fun, games, prizes and as always, NON ALCOHOLIC. Plans are underway to make this year’s event the best ever with new games, events and chances to win! We are keeping the best of the past while raising the standard for this and future events. Your help is needed. A celebration such as Grad Nite does not happen year after year without the support of the community including people and businesses. Whether it is volunteering your time, donating prizes and food, or writing a check, it is all appreciated. If you would like to donate funds, please make your tax deductible check payable to the Okeechobee Educational Foundation and contact Kristy Crawford (Center State Bank) at 863-763-5573 or email her at krcrawford@centerstatebank.com to arrange a pick up. Checks can also be mailed to the Okeechobee Education Foundation at 700 SW 2nd Ave, Okeechobee Florida 34974. To donate prizes and other items to give away, contact Kristi Crawford, information is above. To volunteer your time, contact Jim Benton (Faith Farm Ministries) at 863-763-4224 or email jbenton@faithfarm.org. Volunteers are needed for everything from set up to clean up, hosting games, serving food and security. To donate food, contact Gena Gray-Lagos (OHS) at 863-462-5025, or email gena.gray-lagos@okee.k12.fl.us
- The Okeechobee County Civil Air Patrol is in need of volunteers and cadets. Cadet membership is for ages 12-18 and has many opportunities for scholarships, training events, camping, even flying. The Civil Air Patrol will pay for cadets to get their private pilot’s license, attend camps, and even college. There are countless opportunities in the cadet program. Senior membership is for anyone above 18, seniors can serve their community by preforming search and rescue, disaster relief, and homeland security missions. Senior membership is a great way to earn community service, serve your community state and nation, and have some fun doing it. For more information on the countless opportunities available in the Civil Air Patrol contact Lt. Angel Garcia at 863-532-0525
- Okeechobee County Parks and Recreation is having a 7 week Summer Play Camp. Signups start May 6th from 8:30am to 5pm at the Sports Complex, 640 NW 27th Lane. There are only 80 spots available and it is on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like to pick an application early, just stop by 640 NW 27th Lane or call 863-763-6950. Applicants must have a copy of their reduced or free lunch letter in order to receive the reduced rate for the weekly camp. There is a $5 registration fee, which includes a camp T-shirt. For more information, click on the flyer. Summer Camp Flyer 2013The camp dates are Monday through Friday from June 17th to August 2nd, excluding July 4th at the Okeechobee County Civic Center, 1750 HWY 98N. Regular camp hours are from 8:30am to 4:30pm, extended hours from 7:30am to 8:30am and 4:30pm to 5:30pm for an additional fee. Ages 6 to 12 are welcome to join. Kids will visit Lion Country Safari, Gatorland, SkateTown U.S.A., Stardust Lanes, Brahman Movie Theater, and Legoland. Volunteer opportunities are available for ages 13-15 of the selected youth; they’ll assist the staff with setting up games and activities, camp fees are waived but they’ll have to pay activity fees for that week’s planned trips.
- The Humane Society Pet Rescue will be having a pet vaccination clinic on Saturday, May 25th from 1pm to 2:30pm at the Humane Society, off 98N past the Livestock Market. Their veterinarian looks at your pet without any hidden fees, rabies vaccines are only $12 dollars. Bring your pet on a leash, or feline in a carrier.
- The B.R.A.T. Club is hosting a “Teen Dance” party this Saturday, May 25th from 7-10pm at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus, 610 SW 2nd Ave. Ages 12-16 are invited to attend and admission is 7 dollars and includes pizza, soda and chips. For more information contact Teresa at 863-801-4996.
- Okeechobee Goat and Lam 4-H Club hosts a “Farm Swap” this Saturday, May 25th from 9am to 12pm at 801 SW Park St, Jones Supply Parking Lot. Stop by for hot dogs and chips, no vendor fees and they must arrive by 8am. Buy, sell or trade animals, tack, plants and other farm related items. Any questions contact Debbie @ 863-634-6181.
- VFW Post #10539 is hosting a Memorial Day BBQ this Sunday, May 26th from 2pm till it’s gone! They’ll have Don Orf’s chicken and ribs with potato salad and baked beans for just $7 dollars! All proceeds benefit the veterans. Music by Al Jones as well, stop by and have some fun!
- Fountain of Life Church is having guest speaker Dr. Charles Gauldin, Associate Professor of Religion at Southeastern University in Lakeland. He is a renowned bible scholar and evangelist. Fountain of Life is located at 1302 SW 32nd St in Okeechobee, call 863-763-8945 or 863-801-1297 for more information.
- Considering adoption? Join the Children’s Home Society of Florida at their Adoption Orientation session on Thursday, May 30th at 5:30pm. This session will be at the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County at 804 S. 6th Street in Fort Pierce, Florida. This is fun, casual and a free open house style orientation will provide overview of foster care adoption and answer all questions related to adoption and CHS adoption process. To RSVP or for more info call Children’s Home Society of Florida at 772-429-2001
Sport Related Events
*send all of your event information to Countrystore@wokc.com, fax: 1-888-875-1570, or stop by the station at 210 WN Park St. Suite 102 anytime between 9am and 4:30pm!
