SEBRING -- A record number of participants flocked to Sebring on Father's Day to take part in the 2010 Heartland Triathlon, testing themselves against the quarter-mile swim, 14-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run.

The kids took center stage on Saturday, June 19, at the 2010 Heartland Triathlon. More than 90 young athletes took to the waters of Lake Jackson and the streets of Sebring to test themselves against the course and the clock.

Highlands County residents went out of their way on Wednesay to honor those who have served their country in the armed forces. Veterans Day celebrations were held throughout the day around the county.

"Beauty and the Beast" and "Smokey Joe's Cafe" were the big winners Saturday night at the 24th Annual Zenon Awards, the Highlands Little Theatre's half award presentation, half variety show celebration of its talent.

The competition in the Junior and Teen Heartland Idol contests is fierce, prompting at least one judge to comment that it may be the strongest field ever. Things won't get any easier this week, as the junior finals are scheduled for Thursday, which will also be the first round of adult competition. The teen finals are scheduled for Oct. 1, when more adults will sing for the first time.

Eleven Avon Park High School students vied for the title of Miss Avon Park Chamber of Commerce 2009 Friday, April 24. Here are some scenes from the evening, and photos of the contestants.

The Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh From Florida is centered at Sebring International Raceway, but the hoopla spreads far and wide from the track. The annual Race Gala, Taste of the Race and Hairpin Spin are just three of the Race-related events that don't involve actual racing.

SEBRING -- Members of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce gathered Tuesday night for the organization's 92nd annual banquet. On the serious side of things, eight individuals were recognized for exception contributions to the city and county. On the lighter side, Dr. Holiday, a hypnotist, provided the evening's entertainment using volunteer audience members for the floor show. Chamber CEO and President Sarah Pallone said the event included entertainment for the first time to provide some relaxing fun after a year filled with turmoil.

It was a sad day for Avon Park as Police Sgt. Marc Wilbur was laid to rest on Wednesday afternoon. Services were held downtown at Union Congregational Church to a crowded house. It took more than 20 minutes for the 200-plus officers to file past the closed coffin, stopping to salute and show their last respects. The processional left the church and traveled along the Mall to U.S. 27 and on to Bougainvillea Cemetery, where Wilbur was buried in a moving graveside service.

With the help of American Bikers Aiming Toward Education and the Faith Lutheran Church, Santa Claus was able to make a special trip to the Redlands Christian Migrant Association day care center at Hope Village Friday afternoon. Santa arrived in the sidecar of a motorcycle and handed out gifts to the kids ... although some were more happy to see him than others. Photos by Christoper Tuffley.

SEBRING -- It was 5K meets K9 Saturday morning at Highlands Hammock State Park as the Humane Society of Highlands County hosted the Santa Paws 5K run and one-mile pet parade.

AVON PARK -- Saint Nick made his first stop of the season in Avon Park on Monday night during the annual Christmas parade.

Dozens of families turned out Thursday as Fred Wild Elementary School held its Family Fun Reading Night. Students in different grade levels performed skits they read aloud, recited poems, or read stories simultaneously in groups.

SEBRING - Under an overcast night sky with a threat of rain, 16 Heartland Idol semi-finalists gave it their all Thursday night on the Circle, but just 12 move on to next week.

About 30 airboats showed up on Lake Istokpoga last weekend to participate in a cancer benefit run for Phil Wack (at left, talking to Charlie White). More than 150 people came out to take a tour around the lake from an airobat and to participate in the barbecue afterwards. The benefit was coordinated by Wack's nephew David and Katie Wack, his sister Pam Williams, and Lonnie Tucker.

LAKE PLACID -- About 200 Lake Placid residents awoke early Sunday morning to honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001; and to show their respect and gratitude to the men and women who work every day to keep them safe.

Hundreds of people showed up at the Sebring International Raceway for the annual Kids Racing for Life event. The event, sponsored by Zoeller Ministries, give terminally-ill children and their families a chance to have an exciting weekend while riding in real race cars around Sebring's internationally known racetrack. News-Sun photos by Katara Simmons.

Heartland Idol kicked off its 2008 season Thursday night on the Circle of Sebring when about 30 people of all ages took the stage. Advancing in the adult division of Heartland Idol will be Leslie Bass, Shannon Marrero, Amy McCoy, Sara Michaud, and Julia Newell. Donnie Shaffer won the People's Choice on Thursday based on audience applause.

More than 20 young people took to the Heartland Idol stage Thursday on the Circle in Sebring. Jerriane Carlton, Sydni Hornick, Annabella Marrero, Larissa Meagher and Tamra McMahon advanced in the Junior division. Christopher Hawthorne, David Jolly, Taylor Miller, Ivanna Santos and Tiffany Zarko advanced in the Teen division. News-Sun photos by Katara Simmons.