Local community activist Bill Youngman was honored at the Highlands County commission meeting. A resolution in his honor was read in his behest for this role in following and advocating for county issues. Youngman attended many commission and committee meeting, advocated for the e-verify system. He was noted for his extensive preparation in his presentations to the commission on everything from the county’s asphalt plant to the tourist tax.
After responding to a couple of brush fires earlier this week, Officials of the Florida Forest Service are reminding residents about their responsibilities when it comes to open burning.
Although burning yard waste currently does not require a burn authorization from the Forest Service, as long as the burn meets specific requirements and there are no local, city or county ordinances in place that prohibit burning.
Those wanting information many call the Florida Forest Service for additional information.
Firefighters in Avon Park were called out yesterday to douse the flames at a house on Dyal Street. Neighbors reportedly spotted the fire and called it in. Apparently, nobody was home at the time of the blaze.
Where and how it started remains under investigation. There were no injuries reported in the incident.
A Highlands County man has been convicted of first degree murder in connection with a 2016 shooting. Freddie Washington was convicted yesterday of the murder count, as well as charges of aggravated assault and tampering with evidence.
Washington had been accused in connection with the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Aaron Hankerson at the Shooters night-club in Sebring.
Sentencing in the case has been set for July 5th.
Officials from Highlands County Animal Services are looking for the owners of some livestock. Two black heiffers and a black bull calf are in custody at the Animal Services Offices.
Reportedly, authorities say they want a $160 fine plus a $10 a day boarding fee. So far, officials have not said when or where the cows were found and have released no other details.
They say if somebody doesn’t show up in the next three days the livestock will be auctioned off, donated or destroyed.