News Update for 8/23/22

It’s the calm before the storm. Tomorrow is Election Day for the primaries. That being said, better than 15-percent of Highlands County voters already have cast their ballots.
Highlands County Supervisor of Elections Karen Healy says she has recieved some 7,232 votes by mail, with another 3,457 people coming to the polls for early voting. In all, 10,697 ballots are in.
All precincts will be open tomorrow from 7am until 7pm for voters across the county.

Sad news as it appears the Champion for Childrens’ Circle Theatre soon will be closing. Members of the Champion for Children Foundation have voted to cease operations there, and will close it in October. Apparent it will be put it up for sale immediately. No asking price was disclosed.
The final show under the current administration will be October 8th with five-time Grammy Award winning bassist Victor Wooten.
It’s also the local end for manager Harry Havery. He says he is closing his Musicland instructional facility and bringing an end to the California Toe Jam Band. He did not disclose future plans.

Highlands County Sheriff’s deputies made an arrest in connection with a burglary incident in Avon Park, but they had to get up high to do it. Lawmen, with the help of K9 Drax, climbed to the roof of the Highlands Plaza where they found the suspect.
The man reportedly jumped to an awning, then to the ground, where he was taken into custody. The suspect – whose name has not been released – was charged with various counts including burglary, theft, criminal mischief, trespassing and resisting arrest. He was booked into the Highlands County jail.

Units from West Sebring and Desoto City were called out over the weekend when lightning hit a mobile home off Brunns Road. There was significant damage to the roof, but the resident and his dogs reportedly escaped without injury.