Orlando Woman Charged With DUI With Serious Bodily Injury After Crash Critically Injuring 2 Young Children In Frostproof Crash

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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May 22, 2023

32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.

According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.

When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment.

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:

· Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)

· Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)

· Reckless driving (F3)

· One count DUI with property damage (M1)

· One count DUI (M2)

Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Garlic Steak Bites

Cooking

Maria Iannucci

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September 24, 2025

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Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Garlic Steak Bites

by James Coulter

If you’re a meat lover like me, there’s nothing better to sink your teeth into than a nice, juicy steak. But sometimes you don’t have the patience to fire up the grill and sear your steak. Sometimes you want something quick and easy. In that case, you should try this recipe for slow cooker garlic steak bites and potatoes.

If you’ve been following my cooking articles, you know that I love my slow cooker. It is, hands down, the best cooking instrument. You simply dump your ingredients in the pot, then set it and forget it. Then, when dinner rolls around, your supper has already been made.

My niece recently prepared this garlic steak bites recipe she discovered on TikTok. It went well with the potatoes and peas. A nice, easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste for convenience. The steak was juicy and succulent with the perfect blend of garlic. Then again, in our family, any amount of garlic is a good amount.

So, if you’re looking for a quick, simple meal for the meat lovers in your family, give this quick, simple recipe a try:

Slow Cooker Steak Bites and Potatoes (from Janelle Rohner on TikTok)

Slow Cooker Garlic Steak Bites

Ingredients

2-3 lbs. chopped beef

2 cups beef bone broth

1 bag baby red potatoes

1 pkg. onion dip mix

3-4 tbsp. butter

Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Directions

1. Brown beef in a frying pan with oil. Add salt, pepper, and garlic to taste.

2. In a slow cooker, add mini potatoes to the broth and onion dip mix. Add the butter and plenty of garlic to taste.

3. Add beef to slow cooker. Cook with lid on at high setting for four to five hours (or at low setting for six to eight hours).

Horses with a Mission Hosting Annual Fall Gala on Oct. 4

Maria Iannucci

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September 24, 2025

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Horses with a Mission Hosting Annual Fall Gala on Oct. 4

by James Coulter

A local non-profit organization that offers therapeutic riding lessons to people with special needs will be hosting its annual gala fundraiser.

On Sat. Oct. 4, 2025, Horses with a Mission will host its annual fall gala at Arlington Ridge Country Club in Leesburg, FL.

Festivities will include a banquet dinner, cash bar, cocktails, raffles, and live entertainment performed by guitarist J.R. Reich.

This year’s event is named “Raise the Roof,” as proceeds will go towards helping Horses with a Mission build a new roof for its facility, which is planned to be constructed later in October.

Sponsors include Dignity Memorial, Bikes and BBQ for Autism, AVIV, Brix PMC, and Links Printing. Repeat donors include Total Wine and More, Sumter Tire, and Brownwood Jewelers.

Horses with a Mission is a non-profit organization that, according to its website, is dedicated to “giving people with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities a chance to bond and experience the therapeutic benefit of horses.”

Victoria D’Angelo has been running Horses with a Mission since 2018. The program started in 2010, but the woman originally running the program was set to retire until D’Angelo decided to step forward and take over.

Since then, the program has grown from serving 10 children in 2018 to 65 children now and 70 on a waiting list. D’Angelo owes her organization’s success to its commitment to serving the community.

“It opens the door with kids who have special needs to be able to come and ride and get the help that they need,” D’Angelo said. “There is such a need in our community for this program, and there are not a lot [of programs] that do this with horses to help different kids with different abilities.”

To learn more about the upcoming gala, visit the Horses with a Mission website at hwamfl.org.

D’Angelo and volunteer coordinator Mickey Hollis recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss Horses with a Mission and their upcoming gala. Listen to the full podcast on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-68-horses-with-a-mission-wvictoria-dangelo-mickey-hollis

Central Florida Business Expo in Lakeland Sept. 24 To Feature Lake Wales’ Business Incentive Program

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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September 23, 2025

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Central Florida Business Expo in Lakeland Sept. 24 To Feature Lake Wales’ Business Incentive Program

CITY OF LAKE WALES- Entrepreneurs and investors interested in expanding or relocating their business operations to Lake Wales, FL. may explore the City’s various incentive programs. Visit us at the Central Florida Business Expo on Wednesday, September 24th, Lakeland Florida. https://cflbe.com/show-schedule/

The City’s Business Impact Fee Mitigation Program offers qualified applicants up to a 90% reduction of applicable impact fees for high-wage job creation. Up to a 50% reduction of applicable impact fees is available to approved applicants who construct new commercial building inventory of at least 20,000 square feet. Check out the details: https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14071/CRA-Business-Incentive-Program

The Business Incentive Program offers qualified applicants up to a 50% reimbursement match of rehabilitation investment in targeted CRA areas (single-story building); not to exceed $50k. Up to a 100% reimbursement match is available for multi-story buildings; not to exceed $100k. Check out the details: https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14071/CRA-Business-Incentive-Program

Learn more about the community’s vision for lake Wales, economic strategy, and nearby attractions. Visit: www.lakewalesfl.gov/973/Grow-With-Us

Garden Lovers: Mark Your Calendars for Rootstock Fall Plant Sale at Bok Tower Gardens Oct. 4

Maria Iannucci

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September 23, 2025

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Garden Lovers: Mark Your Calendars for Rootstock Fall Plant Sale at Bok Tower Gardens Oct. 4

Rootstock Fall Plant Sale at Bok Tower Gardens will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fall in for Bok Tower Gardens’ Rootstock Plant Sale – a garden lover’s dream! Shop from the state’s top plant vendors, take a hayride through the Pine Ridge Reserve and enjoy live music with Highway 41 South.

October marks the start of the Florida gardening season and there is no better way to celebrate than a day in the Gardens.

This plant sale is held biannually in October and April.

Event Date & Time

Saturday, October 4, 2025
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location

Visitor Center Picnic Area

Price

Free for Members / $20 for non-member adults, $10 for non-member child (includes admission) Children 5 and under receive free admission.

Music on the Terrace
Hwy 41 South
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Pine Ridge Preserve Hayride
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

One Trustee Resigns, Another Considers Options After Spouse’s Employment Conflicts Arise At LWCS Board

Lake Wales

carl

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September 23, 2025

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One Trustee Resigns, Another Considers Options After Spouse’s Employment Conflicts Arise At LWCS Board

By Anita Todd

LAKE WALES – What began as a routine update by Council at the Sept. 22 Lake Wales Charter Schools Board Work Session quickly escalated into a discussion over state law, revealing that one new board member had already stepped down and another, Rafael Unzueta, was needing a workaround so he could remain on the board despite his spouse’s employment.

The law in question, Florida Statutes 1002.33(26)(c), “prohibits an employee of a charter school, or their spouse, from serving on the governing board of that charter school. This provision ensures that charter school employees or their family members do not hold a position of authority on the board overseeing the school.”

When System Counsel Shawn Arnold began addressing the matter, newly elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Rafael Unzueta, recused himself from the discussion and handed the proverbial gavel to Vice Chair Dr. Lori Hutto.

“I was asked to evaluate the fact that two trustees had spouses working at the schools,” Arnold began. “In this instance there’s a trustee who has resigned from the board so that their spouse can continue to be employed at the school. In the other instance, the trustee will remain on the board with a proposed solution for this board to consider.”

It became clear that Keith Thompson, elected in May, was the Trustee who had resigned, as his wife is an employee at Lake Wales High School. With Unzueta recusing himself as Chair during the discussion, it was also evident that he was the Trustee seeking a way to remain on the board. His wife is an employee of LWCS, as well.

The proposal was outlined by Counsel: “The spouse would no longer be an employee of Lake Wales Charter Schools. Instead, that individual would be employed by another charter school (system), placed on that school’s payroll, covered by that school’s insurance, workman’s comp, policies and other things like that, and, ultimately, supervised by that school’s administration. Lake Wales would then contract for the services of that employee.”

Andy Blair was the first to voice opposition to what quickly became known as the “workaround.”

“I have the utmost respect for Rafael and his wife, Julie. But it seems like we are trying to get around a statute. I think we’ve worked really hard to do everything out front. If we are going to follow the law, let’s follow the law. I have a moral issue with trying to work around this. This appears to me, and I know it’s not but, it appears to me as a backroom deal. It has the appearance of shenanigans … I can’t support this.”

Hutto agreed with Blair: “I have to echo what Andy said. I have the utmost respect for Mr. Unzueta. But I think we have worked through a lot, and I think we’ve regained the trust of our community. If there’s ever any gray area, I’m reluctant to go there just because we have worked so hard regaining trust, becoming more transparent, being more open.”

Tonya Stewart, however, felt the option deserved consideration. “I don’t want the appearance of impropriety, but I don’t want to jump the gun either. I have full confidence in our attorney and if he thinks there’s a way we can be in full compliance, I want to hear it.”

Editors Note: We inadvertently attributed this quote to Dr. Lynn Johnson in error.

New teacher representative Jaime Winfree spoke about how teachers would perceive the proposal. “There’s no workaround for the teachers’ vote. We don’t get to find some back door way for me to vote for 700 teachers. This law went into effect 11 years ago. We’ve had spouses on this board for a long time. We’ve been out of compliance for a long time, so either we right the ship or we don’t. But teachers need to feel like we are going to do the right thing at all costs.” Winfree is referring to the fact that her seat, Seat 1, represents the all the System’s teachers but has no vote.

Blair reiterated his stance: “Just because it’s legal doesn’t make it right.” This was in reference to the “work around” that the Counsel proposed.

When asked about next steps, Counsel clarified: “I was asked to give an update. There is no action or motion required.”

During the Board Meeting immediately following the Work Session, after extended discussion, the Board agreed that the proper procedure is to create a nominating committee for seat 7. For the October meeting, an agenda item will be added to address Seat 7, vacated by Thompson.

When asked if Unzueta (seat 8) had resigned during the break between the work session and the regular meeting, Superintendent Dr. Julie Conrad clarified: “Mr. Unzueta is just absent from the Board meeting.”

In Loving Memory of Edwin “Ed” Duane Harris, 78, of Waverly

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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September 23, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Edwin “Ed” Duane Harris, 78, of Waverly

Edwin “Ed” Duane Harris, of Waverly, Florida, peacefully passed away on September 18, 2025, at his home with loved ones present.

Ed was born in 1947 in Lake Wales, Florida, and attended Harris Happy Hour School, which was run by his parents. He graduated from Lake Wales High School (LWHS) with the Class of 1965. After graduation, he went on to study at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, and later at Concordia in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. In 1979, he earned his master’s degree from Florida State University (FSU).\

Life brought challenges as well as triumphs. Ed faced some difficult years between 1983 and 1989, but he was proud to celebrate his recovery and lived 35 years clean, with his clean date on January 14, 1990. His strength and resilience were a true inspiration to those around him.

In 1983, Ed moved to California, where he began his career as a social worker, dedicating his life to helping unwed mothers and families in need. In 1996, his work took him to Hawaii, where he continued to serve others. After a fulfilling 26-year career, he retired in 2009 and returned to Florida in 2010, making his home in Waverly.

Ed will be remembered for his love of his cats, his peaceful yard that felt like a Hawaiian park, and his joy in cheering for his beloved Florida State Seminoles. He had a thoughtful and generous nature—often bringing friends flowering plants when he visited or putting great care into cards and gifts filled with heartfelt words.

In his later years, Ed endured many health struggles, including prostate cancer, congestive heart failure, and throat cancer. Despite these hardships, he faced life with courage and grace.

He is survived by his sister, Lynette Brohm, and her husband, Bob, of California, as well as many loved ones and countless friends, including his NA family in Florida, California, Hawaii, Kansas, and across the world. He was preceded in death by his brother and his beloved son, Eddie (April 23, 1969 – December 24, 1971).

A Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Marion Nelson Funeral Home, 454 S. Buck Moore Road, Lake Wales, Florida.

In true Ed spirit, instead of bringing flowers for the funeral, friends are invited after the service to take home a plant from his garden. His wish was that these plants would continue to grow and spread joy, just as he always did. Guests are welcome to reflect on his memory, remembering the simple, peaceful moments he cherished most.

In honor of Ed’s giving spirit, he would also love for donations of blankets and towels to be made to local veterinarians, helping animals as he always cared for his own.

After Contentious Negotiations and a Brief “Impasse,” Lake Wales City Officials and West Central PBA Reach a New 2-Year Agreement for LWPD Officers

Maria Iannucci

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September 22, 2025

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After Contentious Negotiations and a Brief “Impasse,” Lake Wales City Officials and West Central PBA Reach a New 2-Year Agreement for LWPD Officers

After lengthy discussion and concern over fair compensation for officers at the Lake Wales Police Department, an agreement has been achieved between the agency and its union representatives.

Recently, the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, the local chapter of the Florida PBA that represents a multitude of local law enforcement agencies, shared its reaction to the approval of City of Lake Wales’ annual budget. The budget was approved on Sept. 3, 2025.

In a previous article, published on Sept. 6, 2025, Lake Wales Daily published a summary of the budget approval and detailed some of the categories targeted for funding. The budget appears to maintain a focus on further implementing the Lake Wales Connected plan. A link to that article is available here:

City of Lake Wales Approves $123 Million Budget, Focuses on Projects to Further Implement Lake Wales Connected Plan

An excerpt from the Sept. 6 article reads, “At their regular meeting on Wed., Sept. 3, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the budget and millage rate for the next fiscal year.

“The budget has an estimated total of $123,558,276, with a general fund estimated at $37,890,370 and operating expenditures that are ‘14.6% more than last year’s total operating expenditures.’”

This article garnered the attention of the president of the West Central Florida PBA, Nick Marolda, who represents law enforcement personnel at LWPD and other agencies. Marolda’s focus as a top representative of the union is to engage in collective bargaining for wages and working conditions, as well as legal defense and advocacy for the members and families they serve.

Marolda, himself a retired Lakeland police officer, says the impasse was declared by the West Central Florida PBA on Sept. 4, according to an email received by Lake Wales Daily. The article under discussion involves wages for officers, an item noticed to the City in May 2025, according to Marolda.

While the current 3-year collective bargaining agreement between the City and the union runs through September 30, 2026, certain articles are permitted to be negotiated during this timeframe.

An email sent Sept. 9 by Marolda to Lake Wales Daily included a copy of an open letter published by Florida PBA this week, detailing his disappointment that the newly-passed budget did not include items with regard to public safety, specifically pay-increase potential for officers.

The email arrived with an explanation of why the statement was provided: “I am trying to garner support for our brave men and women at the Lake Wales Police Department.”

Union leadership raised concerns that officers at the Lake Wales Police Department face challenges with competitive compensation compared to other agencies in the region.

While Marolda credited the City for its plan for “resurfaced city streets, restored alleyways, and refurbished city parks,” which he called, “wonderful line items,” his letter also put forth concerns over the lack of dollars tagged for law enforcement, given the other improvements detailed in this year’s budget.

“The officers who patrol the streets of the city is spending big money onto resurface, and the officers that patrol the alleyways at 3 AM that the city is looking to restore, and the officers to patrol the neighborhoods, playgrounds and pavilions each day, so that law abiding citizens can feel safe while walking the trails and playing with their children,” Marolda said.

Following those remarks and public discussion, the West Central Florida PBA issued a formal update confirming that a deal was ultimately reached with the City of Lake Wales.

In a statement released by PBA President Nick Marolda, the union announced that the sworn men and women of the Lake Wales Police Department ratified a new collective bargaining agreement through September 30, 2027. The contract provides:
• A 10.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) within the next 12 months
• Memberships at the Lake Wales Recreation Center for all bargaining unit members
• Expanded retirement benefits, including DROP participation up to 96 months, with new access for members already enrolled

Marolda noted that recent public awareness of the negotiations helped bring attention to the issue and encouraged both sides to reach an agreement. The West Central PBA also expressed appreciation for the community’s recognition of the importance of supporting law enforcement officers.

The statement concluded by emphasizing the sacrifices officers make daily to protect the city and reaffirming the PBA’s mission to ensure every officer returns home safely from duty.

In Loving Memory of Kathleen McGhee, 89, of Frostproof

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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September 22, 2025

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Kathleen McGhee, 89

Kathleen McGhee, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, at AdventHealth Sebring, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. Born on May 2, 1936, in Brundidge, Alabama, Kathleen’s journey through life was marked by a deep commitment to her family and her unwavering faith in the Pentecostal tradition.

Kathleen dedicated a significant part of her life to her career as a grader for Citrus World, where she made lasting connections and contributed wholeheartedly to her work. Her kindness and positive spirit touched the lives of those around her, making her not just a colleague, but a friend to many.

She is cherished by her daughters, Jennifer Watts and her husband Timmy of Frostproof, and Anita Tuel and her husband Todd of Ladson, South Carolina. Kathleen’s family grew with 17 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Her influence and teachings will continue to guide them through their lives, as she instilled in them the values of love, integrity, and faith.

Kathleen’s life was also marked by the heartache of losing loved ones. She is reunited in spirit with her beloved husband, Leo McGhee, who preceded her in death, as well as her children, Jimmy Ray McGhee, Candy McGhee, Myrtle Jefferies, and Timothy McGhee. Her grandson Chris Jefferies, along with her siblings Merle, Joe, Pearl and Leroy, and her devoted parents James and Kate Maulden, also welcomed her with open arms on the other side.

A graveside service to honor Kathleen’s life will be held on September 23, 2025, at Silver Hill Cemetery in Frostproof, Florida, starting at 10:30 AM. This gathering will be a time for family and friends to celebrate her remarkable life. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

In Loving Memory of Robert Henry Perkins, 89, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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September 20, 2025

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Robert Henry Perkins, 89

Robert Henry Perkins, a devoted family man and patriotic veteran, passed away on September 14, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital. Born on April 22, 1936, in Warsaw, New York, Robert led a life marked by service and dedication.

A proud military veteran, Robert served in the United States Army for two years before retiring from the United States Air Force after an impactful twenty-year career. His military service shaped his character and instilled in him a sense of pride that he carried throughout his life.

Robert earned an Associate Degree and worked diligently as a Radio-Telephone Supervisor for the United States Government. He was known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his passionate spirit and unwavering patriotism. His love of country was mirrored in the way he embraced the outdoors, finding joy in golfing, hunting, and fishing.

In the last three years of his life, Robert made the move to Lake Wales, Florida from Arkansas, where he became a part of a new community. His presence was felt by many who came to know him and appreciate his warm demeanor.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Sandy Bufo; his son, Robert Perkins, and his wife, Katie; another son, also named Robert Perkins; grandchildren, Lexie and Addie; his sister, Rose Gunter, and her husband Johnny, of Babson Park; his brother, Charles Perkins, Sr., and his wife Joyce of Lake Wales; as well as his niece Diane Perkins and nephew Charles Perkins, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Perkins, and his parents, Stanley Perkins and Eura Perkins.

Robert Henry Perkins will be remembered for his service to his country, his love for his family, and his enjoyment of life. Services in his honor will take place at a later date in Kentucky, where his family will gather to celebrate his remarkable life and legacy. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Committee Invites Public to Sept. 22 Meeting

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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September 20, 2025

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Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Committee Invites Public to Sept. 22 Meeting

The Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Committee will host their next meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 6pm. The meeting will be held in New Hope Baptist Church, located at 113 E. Central Ave., thanks to Police Chaplain Stephen Bolden.

These committee meetings are open to the public. The purpose is to promote a dialogue and create positive relationships between the community and the police department. Board members and members of police administration will be present.

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