Much to the delight of many, this being Thanksgiving week, this blog will be a short one. So, let us begin with the most outrageous, most stupid thing, (that we’re aware of) done by Osceola County School Board member Jay Wheeler. In fact, rather than us tell you, we’ll allow HIM to tell you in his own words, right here! We’ve taken an excerpt from Jay’s 11/22/09 school board update, in which he says the information provided is his own and no connection to the school board. Okay, jay, as you wish! Take it away Jay……

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**11/19/09 Was the first annual teach in. This is the equivalent of a career day. In all we had 1038 people from all over the community signed up to participate. My day started at Flora Ridge Elementary School with Mr. Hefners 5th grade class. My lesson for the day is on how to become an elected official. Next was off to Osceola High School to teach Mr. Halperins class. Next was off to Celebration High School to teach Mr. Santiago’s geography class. Mr. Santiago is my kind of guy, he has a Red Sox clock up in his room ! Next was off to Mrs. Jansings third grade class at the Celebration K-8 School. In each class I showed students a campaign report, and explained the rules for reporting and taking campaign contributions. Every student wanted and got an “Elect Jay Wheeler” sticker, CHS teacher Mrs. Myers told me that one of her students late in the day had it on his forehead. They all got “elect Jay Wheeler” emery boards too. One student at OHS wanted a bumper sticker for his moms car, another took my re-elect Jay Wheeler T-shirt. Fun day. At Flora Ridge Elementary School Sam Lupfer from Bouchard Insurance taught, at OHS as I was leaving Osceola County Attorney Jo Thacker was just arriving to teach. At the Celebration K-8 School I know Shel Hart and Dr. Tim O’Leary both taught. Dr. Grego taught at Narcoossee Middle School, Board Member Cindy Hartig taught art all day at Sunrise Elementary School. In the middle of all that had a parent teacher meeting with our 7th graders geography teacher to see what we can do to help her with her grade. The teacher is Mr. Kaina, who was very well prepared & knows his subject material inside and out. Later that afternoon was a value adjustment board meeting at the Osceola County Administration building. After the meeting Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins and I met. We talked about budgets, construction, schools, economic development, Gator football, etc. Fred taught that day at Harmony Community School. **

In case some of you hadn’t noticed what we see as a major problem is Mr. Wheeler, besides being on the School Board, also admits that he campaigned and handed out various campaign material, ON SCHOOL PROPERTY and DURING SCHOOL HOURS! Just how STUPID was that? And, what did the teachers, who participated in this little event, say? Did they quickly report this to the Principal? (not that we know of) Was it reported to the District office? Nope. So, basically, in his own words, we ended with students wearing a stupid bumper sticker on one of their heads, and God knows where the rest of the campaign material ended up at. And all these materials were handed to UNDER AGED CHILDREN without parent consent. We’ve been told that at least one person has signed the complaint form to send to Tallahassee because the State Attorney’s office doesn’t want complaints any longer.(according to an email from one of Lawson’s handlers). Clearly, we do know this was against the Osceola County School Policy and we wonder just what the remainder of the School Board will do. Probably nothing, but what was done was totally, and completely wrong. Mr. Wheeler continues to demonstrate his complete lack of class, and also his desperation in the political world in campaigning on school grounds to children.

Regardless of our own political views, what about equal time for other school board candidates? We would imagine that any school board candidates who would like to use children as political pawns to contact those teachers who allowed their classrooms to be taken over by Wheeler and ask for their equal time as well. We’d suggest, however, instead of emory boards with the Wheeler name on it, you might consider a nice bug piece of candy with your name on it. It’ll get much more enthusiastic support! Was it not enough when certain schools would hold an evening open to parents to come and listen to candidates? Has Mr. Wheeler decided to take, yet another privilege for himself, again? It always seems that when it’s convenient for Mr. Wheeler, he’ll simply cast aside others’ feelings, rules, and even, perhaps, laws, to satisfy himself. Yes, Mr. Wheeler is a self centered, egotistical and obnoxious so and so who doesn’t even care enough to try to learn. Now, by using our children for his own political gain, Mr. Wheeler has finally hit a new low, even for the likes of himself!

Over at the Board of County Commissioners, it seems as though we may have jumped a gun, so to speak, regarding that HR Director Gary Pearce. Although we had written confirmation that he did, indeed, resign, we have now learned that there must be some type of arrangement between him and the manager since there’s no specific time or date of departure. This too is confirmed. So, we have someone who is not qualified to hold the position, who has verbally resigned yet, still holding the position he isn’t qualified for, while the manager seemingly contemplates what next to do. Now, there’s an example of good management skills. We just hope Pearce enjoys all those college credits the taxpayers have given him!

We continue to receive emails regarding KUA, their Board, and their General Manager. All we can say, factually, is the “story” about having to wait for approval by the PSC is a TOTAL fabrication and that anyone who believes that tale, is just not checking it out for themselves and taking the word of someone who has consistently used this as an excuse with no foundation of truth. Really, that’s it on that. (isn’t it great when you KNOW you’re right?)

Okay, it’s the Holiday season so here comes our pitch. It’s okay, because this won’t hurt a bit. We know you’re aware of the effort trying to give every kid in osceola County a Christmas. That’s a real good thing. Also, on our front page, the article regarding helping the Osceola Band Programs is an idea which has so much merit AND need. These programs are slowly being cut out of the school budgets and no one is stepping up to help them cover their costs. The night out on the front page will earn some sorely needed funding for the bands. Then there’s the St Cloud Food Pantry, who just had there shelves loaded up last week, and are quickly emptying. And, of course, the Council on Aging, whose annual Senior Santa Program is facing some very difficult financial times. NONE of these are government funded, government run programs yet all depend on generosity of those around the County. (Okay, here comes the pitch) No matter what you can give, cash or otherwise, no matter which program you decide to assist (do all 3 if you’re lucky!), just do SOMETHING and we promise you that you’ll feel a twinge of satisfaction knowing your donation of whatever went to such a worthy cause. Also know that the Big Guy upstairs will be smiling upon you!

Have a wonderful and Safe Thanksgiving! God Bless you all. Be healthy, and always, be safe.

Now some messages from our friends;

Deputies Looking for Suspects in Suspicious Incident

Osceola County – Osceola County Sheriff’s detectives are notifying the public about suspects who might be impersonating law enforcement officers and using blue lights illegally. The investigation began on November 18 when deputies took a report of a suspicious incident. The reporter told deputies she was driving west on U.S. 192 near Formosa Gardens Boulevard when a dark colored Nissan Altima pulled up behind her flashing red and blue lights from a light bar mounted on its front dashboard. The victim thought it was a law enforcement officer and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle, occupied by three Hispanic males drove next to her, made a derogatory comment and drove south on Formosa Gardens Boulevard. The victim was unable to see the license plate but noticed a Dominican flag covering the rear window.
The investigation is on-going and deputies are encouraging anyone who may have come into contact with or may have been pulled over by this vehicle to come forward with information. Individuals may call the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222 or Crimeline at (407) 423-TIPS.
Florida law prohibits anyone from impersonating a law enforcement or using blue lights illegally. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office encourages motorists who are unsure if they are being pulled over by a law enforcement officer to drive to a well lit area. Ask the officer for identification and/or call 911 to verify if the call is legitimate.
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5 Suspects Arrested for Armed Robbery at Econolodge

Osceola County – Osceola County Sheriff’s detectives arrested five suspects for their involvement in an armed robbery at the Econolodge in Kissimmee. The investigation began on October18 when deputies took a report from a motel guest. The guest stated at approximately 9:00 p.m. he was in his room watching television with his girlfriend when someone knocked on the door. When he opened the door an unknown male entered the room with a handgun demanding money. Another suspect also entered the room demanding personal items and money while another suspect waited outside. The suspects fled the area with an undisclosed amount of money in a car driven by a fourth suspect. The victim told deputies earlier in the day he had reported money missing from his room.
The investigation led them four suspects: Juan Rivera, Eric Pursell, Dionisio Perez and Benjamin New. After interviewing the suspects, detectives learned Elliott, a maid with the Econolodge took money from the victim’s room earlier in the day and told the four suspects about the additional money the suspect had in his room which led to the armed robbery. Elliott was charged with Attempt to Solicit/Principal to Armed Robbery, Home Invasion, Armed Robbery/Home Invasion and Grand Theft. The other four suspects were charged with Armed Robbery/Home Invasion, Armed Occupied Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Grand Theft and Battery. Elliott, Rivera, Perez and New were booked into the Osceola County Jail. Pursell was booked in the Osceola County Juvenile Detention Center.
Glenda Elliott (DOB 2/14/64), 162 Bowie Lane, Kissimmee
Juan Rivera (DOB 9/19/91), 153 Ivy Lane, Kissimmee
Eric Pursell (DOB 2/21/93), 272 Satinwood Circle, Kissimmee
Dionisio Perez (DOB 8/29/90), 2858 Berkshire Circle, Kissimmee
Benjamin New (DOB 3/6/90), 1603 Magnolia Kissimmee
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Osceola County Opens Robert Guevara Community Center with Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Osceola County, Florida – Osceola County Chairman John Quiñones was joined Friday evening by three of late County Commissioner Robert Guevara’s children - and hundreds of residents - to cut the ribbon and celebrate the official opening of the recently renovated Robert Guevara Community Center in Buenaventura Lakes.

“I am thankful that our community will now enjoy a modern facility that will serve both young and seniors alike,” said Chairman Quiñones.

Renovations to the community center began in the summer of 2009 and included the addition of 2,917 square-feet of space to the original 6,474 square-foot facility, providing a total of approximately 9,400 square feet of interior space.

This state-of-the-art community center will serve as headquarters for many programs held both year-round and during the week, in addition to weekend celebrations. The expanded and improved features include offices, a large conference room, a new exercise / dance studio, several meeting rooms, kitchen, and a large multi-purpose assembly room, complete with a dance area, for scheduled activities that can accommodate 389 people.

The Robert Guevara Community Center opened under budget, at a final cost of $1,400,000.

For more information, contact the Osceola County Public Information Office at 407-742-0100.
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Osceola County Offices, Courthouse and Resource Recovery Center Will Be Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

Osceola County, Florida – In observance of Thanksgiving, Osceola County Administration offices, the Osceola County Courthouse and the Bass Road Resource Recovery Center will be closed on Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th.

For residents of unincorporated Osceola County, there will be no curbside garbage collection on Thursday, November 26th (Thanksgiving Day); regular garbage collection will resume on your next scheduled pick-up day (Monday, November 30th).

County offices, the Courthouse and the Resource Recovery Center will re-open on Monday, November 30th.

Please contact the Osceola County Public Information Office at 407-742-0100 for more information.
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St. Cloud Fire Rescue staff members raise funds for American Lung Association

St. Cloud, Fla. – St. Cloud Fire Rescue members participated in the 2009 Fight for Air Climb Orlando Nov. 14 at the Bank of America Center in Orlando to raise funds for Central Florida’s American Lung Association (ALA).
The ALA’s mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The Fight for Air Climb Orlando is a vertical 25-story climb to the top of the Bank of America Center. St. Cloud Fire Rescue was represented by two teams - firefighters and administration staff. Other participants joining the teams were from Osceola Health Department, Osceola Sheriff’s Office, and Kissimmee and Orlando residents. These teams raised a total of $2321 to help prevent lung cancer.
Climbing the Bank of America Center was quite an experience for those who participated. Staff members agreed that reaching the top was a great accomplishment, but the purpose of Climb Orlando was even greater. It reminded everyone of the importance of taking care of themselves – even by just taking the stairs instead of the elevator when possible will help in maintaining or improving their health. St. Cloud Fire Rescue participants are very proud to have taken part in this awareness campaign and fund-raiser.
The total amount raised at this event was $95,275. More information about lung health is available at www.lungusa.org or by calling (800) LUNG-USA.
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KPD Wants This One!

Kissimmee, Fla. (November 23, 2009) – Detectives from the Kissimmee Police Department are looking for a suspect who robbed the Expedia Wireless store located at 223 South John Young Parkway in Kissimmee.
At approximately 10:40 a.m. a suspect entered the Expedia Wireless store. After waiting approximately 5 minutes for other customers to leave the store the suspect approached the counter and proceeded to rob the store. The suspect never showed a weapon to the store clerk, but implied he had a weapon. The suspect fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and the clerk’s personal cell phone. The clerk was not injured during the robbery.

The suspect was described as black male wearing long dark pants, dark shirt and a dark bandana. This same suspect committed another robbery at a T-Mobile store located at 1628 Pleasant Hill Road a short time later. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is investigating that case.
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Osceola Students To Perform With Country Singing Star Kenny Rogers

Legendary superstar Kenny Rogers will add warmth to the holidays like only this consummate entertainer can when his highly-acclaimed “Christmas & Hits Tour,” featuring live performances of holiday classics and many of his biggest hits, comes to Osceola County on November 30 at 8:00 p.m. at the Silver Spurs Arena.
Five Osceola County elementary students, plus a 30-member high school choir, will join Kenny on stage for an unforgettable experience. The following Osceola County students will be performing as part of Kenny Rogers’ “Christmas to Remember” concert:
Elementary students under the direction of Luralee Anderson:

* Ariana Arleo- St. Thomas Aquinas – age 9
* Lauren Christopher- Partin Settlement Elementary – age 8
* Megan Greco- Bellalago Academy – age 9
* Christian Montalvo- Bellalago Academy – age 10
* Chase Shendok- Partin Settlement Elementary – age 7
The High School Choir will feature 30 members of Osceola High School’s Concert Chorale under the direction of Greg Carswell.

These students EARNED their recognition! BIG applause to each of them!!!!
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!!!!!