Florida Mission Stories March 2025

 Disruption at county commission meeting

Controversial protests continue to plague Okeechobee County Commission meetings. The protestors, who have appeared at every meeting for the past month, claim to be speaking out against the false arrest of NFL Football Player Warren Sapp. Sapp was charged with obstruction of justice at a traffic stop in 2024. The charges were later dropped.

At the March 29 meeting, a former county commissioner was arrested and charged with battery after getting into a physical altercation with one of the protestors, who the commission felt was disrespecting the flag by dragging a “back the blue” flag on the ground.

Former commissioner arrested after alleged battery | South Central Florida Life

The Lake Okeechobee News will continue to follow the story, as the commissioners ponder how to keep meetings civil while protecting freedom of speech.

BOCC discusses solutions to protestors' interruptions | South Central Florida Life

Lake release schedule changes

The Lake Okeechobee News continues to update readers on the progress of releases from Lake Okeechobee. The releases are designed to bring the lake level down to allow submerged aquatic vegetation to recover. But coastal communities have objected to the releases, citing potential damage to coastal ecosystems from the freshwater flow.

USACE reduces lake releases east and west | South Central Florida Life

Katrina Elsken Guest Speaker at Career Day

 

Katrina Elsken, of the Lake Okeechobee News, was one of the guest speakers for Clewiston High School's annual Career Day on March 14. She shared print editions of the newspaper and also showed them the website.

Exciting Changes in the Shining Star Program

The Quarterly Shining Star program is moving to monthly and it will be organized by your local executive leader.  They will be sharing the new monthly contest guidelines per your area in the near future.  Winners will receive their award as a bonus in their next pay.

First Quarter 2025 Shining Star Award Winners

 Independent is pleased to announce the Shining Star Award winners for the quarter ending March 31, 2025.  This award recognizes outstanding dedication, creativity, and impact within Independent.  Numerous nominations were received and reviewed.  All nominees are well deserving of the award.

These individuals consistently exceed the expectations of their position while performing at a level above and beyond normal job requirements.  Their actions have made important and significant contributions in their area and Independent.  We look forward to receiving many nominations in the future for the Shining Star Award.

Congratulations to this quarter’s winners:

Robert Sheridan, Corporate Services Accounting

Rob stepped up and took a major role in the implementation of the new Accounting system (Gravity). He went above and beyond the scope of his duties to ensure a smooth transition of the project.

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Craig Anderson, Daily State News Editorial Team

Craig is an outstanding reporter with exceptional skills and dedication. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, the nominator praises Craig as one of the best reporters they've worked with. His professionalism and commitment to clients have made him a key contributor to the success of the paper. He is highly respected by clients, particularly in Middletown, and is frequently praised by business owners for his work and personality. Craig's dedication to both his craft and the community is unmatched. Craig covers a variety of events, including grand openings, and is deeply involved with the Chamber of Commerce. He treats all businesses with equal respect, regardless of size, and works diligently to grow the publication while fostering the success of local businesses. His skillset and positive personality make him an invaluable asset to the team.

Clay Satterfield, Delaware Printing Pressroom

Clay has played a major role at DPC assuring that all products are produced efficiently and on time. He knows how to run every single machine efficiently and productively from the press to the mailroom. He is consistently punctual and reliable. He is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

He has continually shown his ability to grasp any new projects that are put in front of him. We are extremely thankful for him helping out during crises but most importantly until the position of machine operator was filled.

Clay displays exceptional qualities as a worker here at DPC. Again, he is always willing to take an extra shift if need be. Clay is an exceptional employee, and a good role model for others.

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Welcome Stacy Mantle

 

Welcome Stacy Mantle who joins our Arizona team as the Educational Solutions Journalist.

Hello, everyone!

 My name is Stacy Mantle, and I’m thrilled to be joining the INI team as Education Solutions Journalist!

A little about me… My husband and I just celebrated 21 years of marriage, and I was lucky to become stepmom to his son and daughter, who have given us two adorable grandkids. 

Now that the kids are grown, our home is ruled by a rambunctious rescue dog (part Kelpie, possibly part Velociraptor) and a cantankerous mini Blue Heeler with a serious Napoleon complex. Since we don’t have livestock, our herding dogs spend their days  trying to round up our cats—mostly to no avail.

I’ve lived in Arizona for 35 years in several towns, but Payson is where I’ve put down roots.

My career started in business, but I realized I wanted to make a difference. I transitioned into teaching English and World History to middle schoolers, which opened my eyes to the challenges teachers and students face daily. That led me into curriculum development, where I spent 20 years developing content for companies like ENI, Pearson Digital, McGraw Hill, and more. Eventually, I expanded into the pet industry, becoming a columnist for Pet Age Magazine and editor of PetsWeekly. But education is in my soul, and I’m excited to see how we can drive change and awareness through INI.

When I’m not writing, I’m busy soapmaking, shooting medieval weapons (archery), off-roading, and enjoying the wilderness. Weekends usually find me volunteering with animal rescues, collecting pecans from our trees, or wandering along Tonto Creek with my husband and dogs. 

And, if you ever need handmade soap, fresh organic pecans, or pet advice—I'm your gal!

Looking forward to working with all of you!

 

Inspirational Quote

 

Employee Fact Sheet Financial Wellbeing

 Wealthy Habits: Building a Strong Financial Future

Benefits Corner

Did you know INI has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) because life can be challenging.

Life can be challenging. We’re constantly trying to balance our careers, families, leisure activities, health and wellness. It’s not easy…and every now and then we all can use a little help. With your EAP, you can get short-term counseling, referral services, and work/life/legal resources able to help with the following issues and concerns:

 

•   Emotional & Mental Health

•   Family

•   Relationships & Marriage

•   Workplace

•   Substance Abuse / Addictions

•   Financial

 

Life issues can lead to missed work along with reduced productivity and overall morale. It’s free, voluntary and strictly confidential. So…why not take advantage of it? Employees and immediate family members are eligible to use the EAP services. Domestic Partners and Life Partners residing with the employee are also eligible. To speak with an EAP counselor, call 1-800-386-7055. You can also get more information online by visiting www.worklife,uprisehealth.com and entering the access code: worklife.

April Anniversaries

 

4/1	6	Kampmeyer, Ann Frances	AZ Publications Advertising
4/7	4	Gray, Cooper	De Printing Press
4/12	21	Ryder, Allan H	De State News/editorial
4/12	23	Dale, Lisa Lynn	Corp. Accounts Receivable
4/13	10	Conner, Courtney W	De Printing Press
4/14	1	Teekasingh, Laurence	Valley Printing Press
4/14	11	Koyanagi, Cathy Jayne	Salisbury Independent Admin.
4/15	47	Kircher, Lori A	Corp. Accounts Receivable
4/17	3	Ochoa, Joey Rene	Valley Printing
4/18	37	Clendaniel, Sheila L	Corp. Acctng/payables/payroll
4/29	7	Thomas, Stephanie Leigh	Valley Printing