A USA Today poll has ranked Sebring as one of the worst cities in the United States to raise children.
The study by 24/7 Wall Street says Sebring appears to have one of the least effective education systems of any US metro area. The report says only an estimated 64-percent of area high school students receive a diploma within four years. No other metro area in the US had a lower rate.
In addition to being a sign of a sub-optimal education system, the report says that low graduation rate may be attributed in part to the economic situation of the area.
An estimated 33-percent of children are said to live below the national poverty level.
Sebring was ranked 24th of the bottom 25.
Highlands County Sheriff’s officials say they have captured a man wanted for questioning in connection with a stabbing incident. 56-year-old Joseph Frances Hutton reportedly left the Sunshine Mini Storage before deputies could arrive.
Witnesses said that 60-year-old Robert Charles Pressley was the primary attacker, but Hutton also was involved. Pressley also was taken into custody. He has been charged with attempted murder, armed robbery and a number of drug counts.
Now Sheriff’s officials say five more people have been picked up as a result of the investigation. They also face numerous drug counts.
Highlands County School Board members have taken a step to make it easier for students to say something if they see anomalies on campus. The board adopted a resolution to implement Heartland Crime Stoppers as a tool by which students and the community may anonymously report threats to schools or school activities.
It’s part of an effort by schools and law enforcement agencies encouraging students to “See Something-Say Something.”
Posters will be placed in schools and information on using this system will be shared with students.
School Board chairman Jill Compton-Twist has called on the board to hold a workshop on school safety in the system.