News Update for 6/14/23

A May 15 accident that cost the life of an Avon Park Middle School student is spawning changes in railroad crossings in the City of Charm. 13-year-old Malik Pearson was struck by an Amtrak passenger train as he walked home from school.
Avon Park City Manager Mark Schrader has since met with officials of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and CSX Transportation – who own the track. They say they have obtained funding for a pedestrian gate. Schrader says he also will get with the school board, to help manage how students walk along the railroad tracks as they traverse to and from classes.

It’s been a long investigation, but Highlands County Sheriff’s officials have made a couple of arrests in what is described as a massive fraud ring. Arrested were 33-year-old Mark Marlin Moree and 35-year-old Ashley Christine Schenck. The pair face charges of grand theft, trafficking in stolen credit cards, scheming to defraud and forgery counts.
Sheriff’s officials say it began with the complaint of the theft of blank check books. However, in a search of the couple’s Sebring home, they found hundreds of stolen credit cards, mail, stolen merchandise and narcotics.
Investigators say there are hundreds of victims in Highlands and surrounding counties. The case remains under investigation.

There were some tense moments at the Circle K store at Highway 27 and US 98 south of Sebring yesterday. Seems a soda machine malfunctioned, filling the back office area with CO gas and setting off an alarm.
Firefighters from Desoto City responded and ventilated the area – there were no injuries.

Today is June 14 – it’s both Flag Day and the birthday of the United States Army. In honor of that, there will be observances at the Military Sea Services Museum in Sebring. There will be a ceremonial cake cutting this afternoon at 1:00, and free tours of the museum.