A Kissimmee River Estates woman was safe Thursday after reporting her ex-boyfriend kidnapped her, dragged her from her remote Highlands County home Wednesday night and then drove her into Okeechobee County. Highlands County Sheriff's investigators have issued a "be on the lookout" for David Michael Yates, 40, of last known address, 2265 Cross Roads, Lucedale, Miss. ...more

December 27, 2007

SEBRING –– An executive search firm based in Palm Beach County will assist Highlands County commissioners in picking a new county administrator. After interviewing three firms on Tuesday, the commissioners hired Colin Baenziger & Associates for the job. Naming a citizens advisory committee will be the next step in the process of replacing county Administrator Carl Cool, who announced in early summer that he will retire on June 30, 2008. Cool, 57, has been the county's chief executive officer for more than 16 years, since June 1991. Edgar Stokes, chairman of the county commissioners, said he expects that a citizens advisory committee will be appointed by mid-January. Stokes also said between 10 to 15 people will probably be appointed to the committee. Colin Baenziger said a citizens advisory committee should be involved in picking the county's top administrator. Over the next several weeks, he will talk with commissioners about the precise roles of the committee. ...more

November 28, 2007

WESLEY CHAPEL - A 35-year-old man whom authorities call the "No. 1" suspect in a recent Okeechobee County homicide was arrested Sunday on federal probation violation charges stemming from prior bank robbery, narcotics and weapons possession convictions. ...more

November 19, 2007