A dramatic outburst interrupted closing arguments Monday in the trial of Tony Wiggins, who is accused of killing three men during a 2020 fishing trip in Frostproof. The father of victim Brandon Rollins interrupted the defense attorney, saying his son had told him Wiggins was the killer, before storming out of the courtroom. Prosecutors told the judge there was no evidence Rollins made that statement before his death. Jurors were questioned and instructed to disregard the outburst, and closing arguments resumed.
The new Aldi at DeSoto Square in south Sebring is on track to open by the end of the year. The store is being created through the conversion of the existing Winn-Dixie. Aldi says the roughly 12-thousand-square-foot store will offer its usual grocery format, with any additional space used for other retail tenants. An official grand opening date has not yet been announced.
UF/IFAS Extension is asking Highlands County residents and ranchers to help track a newly introduced pest that has been detected locally. The pasture mealybug can damage and kill grass, pasture and hay fields, and researchers say more information is needed to understand how it spreads. Residents who suspect an infestation are asked to collect samples or contact the Highlands County Extension Office at 863-402-6540 for assistance.
Highlands County has launched an updated version of its public interactive map. The county says the new map features easier navigation, a cleaner layout and improved access on phones, tablets and computers. The previous version is being retired, so residents, property owners and businesses who have the old map bookmarked will need to update their saved link.