[email protected] The voice of ... - University of Floridaufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu › UF › 00 › 09 › 96 › 41 › 00452 › 02-14-2018.pdf · Two more communications workers

By Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent

The Okaloosa CountyCommission agreed to add twoairport communications special-ists to the county airports depart-ment.

During their Feb. 6 meeting,commissioners also scheduled ahearing to consider changes toground transportation policies atthe Destin-Fort Walton BeachAirport, approved the use of spe-cial assessments to supplement advalorem property taxes for certainroad paving and other utility proj-ects, approved a streamlined fund-ing system for constructing the PJAdams Road near Crestview, andapproved some change orders forthe project to construct a newCounty courthouse in Crestview.

According to county HumanResources Director GinNealMcVay, the two new communica-

tions specialists are needed tokeep up with increasing activity atthe Destin Fort Walton BeachAirport (VPS).

“In 2016,” wrote McVay in a

report to the commission, “VPSrecorded 915,650 passengers, anincrease of 18% over 2015, themost in its 60-year history. CY17

TThhee BBaayy [email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 Police Blotter, page A-4

Okaloosa County SchoolBoard Chairman Lamar Whitemakes a point at a board meet-ing in Niceville last week. Heis flanked by board membersMelissa Thrush and DeweyDestin.

Beacon photo by Mike Griffith

By Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent

Okaloosa County SchoolBoard members and school dis-trict administrators discussedhow to find a permanent succes-sor for Staci Smith, who resignedas assistant superintendent ofhuman resources after her arreston charges of failing to reportsuspected child abuse.

At a nonvoting school boardworkshop held in Niceville Feb.

8, Schools Superintendent MaryBeth Jackson told board mem-bers that Smith’s position is cur-rently being filled by MarcusChambers, who is also the schooldistrict’s assistant superintendentof curriculum and instruction.

Before choosing a new per-manent assistant superintendentfor human resources, saidJackson, it will probably be nec-essary to make modifications to

Before a big home crowd at Twin Oaks Feb. 7, the Niceville High School boys soccer team defeated Chiles (Tallahassee) in an 8A regional semifinalmatch, 1-0, on a thrilling overtime goal by Brendan Ernsberger. Two nights earlier, the Eagles beat Leon (Tallahassee) in a quarterfinal match, also athome, 1-0. Pictured, Niceville's Tim Albert heads the ball against Leon. Tonight Niceville will take on Fletcher (Neptune Beach) at Twin Oaks at 7 p.m.for the regional crown. Separately, the Niceville girls soccer team also reached the regional final, which was scheduled against Bartram Trail at TwinOaks yesterday evening, Tuesday, after press time. More sports, A-5. Beacon photo by Paula Mims

District regroupsafter resignation

Beacon StaffA 76-year-old Niceville man remains jailed on

attempted-murder charges following attacks last weekon his sleeping wife and disabled son.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Judson Wood, of 1911Benton Ave., Niceville, on two counts of attemptedpremeditated murder in the early-morning Feb. 6assaults.

Sheriff’s investigators said Wood set upon his wife,Sharron, 68, and his son James, 49, as both slept intheir beds in the home he sharedwith them. They were struckseveral times in the head with ametal mallet. Deputies recov-ered a bloody mallet from anightstand next to Mrs. Wood.

Judson Wood was arrestedafter a roommate alerted author-ities.

According to a sheriff’sarrest report, Judson Wood toldinvestigators he had been think-ing about “putting James out of his misery” for morethan a month. Judson said that his own health wasdeclining, that his wheelchair-bound son’s need forcontinuous care was becoming too difficult, and thathe did not think anyone else would provide it.

Judson said he did not know why he attacked hiswife with a mallet he had taken from his porch,according to the report.

The two victims were rushed to Fort Walton BeachMedical Center in critical condition, suffering fromfacial fractures. Physicians said Sharron Wood willneed extensive facial reconstruction, according to asheriff’s report.

Bond denied, Judson Wood remained in OkaloosaCounty Jail yesterday. He is scheduled to enter a pleaMarch 21. A trial is tentatively set for May 7.

Heading toregion finals

Please see DISTRICT, page A-3

Please see AIRPORT, page A-3

Bond deniedin attackson wife, son

50¢Wednesday, February 14, 20188 Pages, 1 Section, 4 Inserts

Two more communications workers will be added at Destin-FortWalton Beach Airport to help deal with a 28-percent increase inpassenger traffic. Beacon photo

Growing airport is hiring

Okaloosa County Sheriffʼs OfficeA Niceville man, 76, is charged with two countsof attempted murder in attacks on his sleepingwife and son in the home the three shared at1911 Benton Ave.

Judson Wood

Breakfastfor a causeTwin Cities Elks Lodge #2747 served apublic breakfast earlier this month to fundscholarships for needy children attend-ing the Elks Youth Camp in June inUmatilla. Another benefit breakfast willbe held March 3 at the Elks Lodge, 224Seminole Ave., Valparaiso. For a dona-tion of $8, diners will be offered biscuitsand gravy, pancakes (blueberry andplain), sausage, omelets and eggs toorder, fruit, and beverages. Here, Elksmember Sylvia Kleppinger prepares bis-cuits. Courtesy photo

Page A-2 Wednesday, February 14, 2018THE BAY BEACON

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“Twelve, because usually theyʼre starting to hang out with their friends,

and with the phone they can get in touch with their folks if they need to.”

Rodney Morgan, 65, Niceville, electronics technician

At what age should a child get their first smartphone?Location: Winn Dixie shopping center

“Thirteen. Most kids are in middleschool then, and should have

some way to contact parents—with restrictions.”

Susan Brooks, 70, Bluewater Bay, retired

“Eleven, because thatʼs a little older. I have a smartwatch that can make

calls, but just in emergencies.”

Ethan Smella, 6, Bluewater Bay,

Bluewater Elementary School student

“Upon graduation from high school. I think theyʼre too

preoccupied with them now.”

Dave Dietz, 62, Bluewater Bay, retired

“At around 12 or 13. Kids that age know how to use one, and can use it for safety reasons.”

Lamon Johnson, 35, Atlanta, Georgia, roofer

“About 16. My grandkids didnʼt get one till then. With all the activities

at school, they need one then.”

Lou Riddle, 82, Niceville, house cleaner

Masquerade ballNiceville/Valparaiso Relay for

Life presents A Masquerade Ball onSaturday, February 24. Cocktailhour starts at 6 p.m., dinner served at7 p.m., event ends at Midnight. It isbeing held at Four Points bySheraton, 1325 Miracle StripParkway, Ft. Walton Beach.Advanced ticket sales: $50/person or$80/couple. There will be a limitednumber of tickets available on theday of the event. To purchase ticketsor for more information, please con-tact Margie Lummus at 850-499-0428 or email:[email protected]. Bookstore sidewalk sale

On Saturday, February 24 theFriends of the Niceville Library willhost a sidewalk book sale from 9a.m. – 1 p.m. in front of the Libraryand in the Library bookstore.

Everything will be $1 or less.Children’s books will be $.25. Allproceeds will go to the NicevilleLibrary.

More Calendar, A-6.

Ryan Mathewson has been awarded the ChoctawhatcheeDistrict Eagle Scout Project of the Year. His Eagle Scoutproject was for the Alaqua Animal Refuge. Ryan made threeplay structures for large dogs, small dogs and LaManchagoats. The animals play and use the structures forshade. Ryan is with Troop 52 of Valparaiso.

Eagle Scout wins Project of the Year

Time-zone shift plan is dropped

the job description of the positionitself. “We’ll be taking a hardlook at that,” said Jackson. “Theposition has changed over theyears, and now requires someonewho is an expert on certainthings.”

Jackson said that the schooldistrict human resources directormust be able to keep the schooldistrict in compliance with awide variety of state and federalrules and regulations, coveringsuch subjects as racial and gen-der discrimination, backgroundchecking, the rules for hiring orfiring various personnel, andother subjects.

Smith resigned her positionlate last month after being arrest-ed on three felony counts of fail-ing to inform authorities of sus-pected abuse of a student atKenwood Elementary School,Fort Walton Beach, in June 2016.She has pleaded not guilty,according to court records.

Three other district employ-ees were previously charged inthe case.

School Board ChairmanLamar White agreed that it willbe necessary to “look at the jobdescription for a humanresources assistant superintend-ent,” and to rewrite the jobdescription as necessary. He alsosaid, “We may have to inevitablyadvertise for that position.”

In other business, board mem-bers discussed a recent sugges-tion that the school district couldsave money by using such online

temporary lodging services asAirBnB to arrange accommoda-tions for students and accompa-nying adults on overnight schoolfield trips. Such accommoda-tions, usually in the homes ofpeople who have made themavailable for short-term rentals,may cost less than finding spacein hotels or motels.

Board members, however,appeared skeptical about sucharrangements. School boardmember Melissa Thrushsaid she is concernedabout whether suchaccommodationswould meet thesafety and accounta-bility requirementsfor school trips. Shesaid she did not thinkthat accommodations in peo-ple’s houses would meet thesame safety, fire, and other stan-dards as are required of full-timehotels and motels.

Thrust also said that suchaccommodations might createundue burdens on the adult chap-erones accompanying studentson overnight trips, such as hous-ing students in more than onelocation, and chaperones wouldnot be able to rely on the assis-tance of professional hotel ormotel staff members in helpingto supervise and keep track ofstudents.

Jackson agreed, saying, “Ihave taken many trips with stu-dents over the years,” and thatwhen she heard the idea of hous-ing students in private homes,“red flags went up.”

“Sometimes,” said Jackson,

“there are more important thingsthan saving money.”

Board members also askedJackson whether fingerprintingor background checks arerequired for volunteers, such asparents, who act as chaperonesduring school field trips.

Jackson replied that finger-printing and background checksare not required of chaperonesfor day trips, but are required for

chaperones on overnight trips,as well as for volunteer

sports coaches andother adult volunteerswho are likely tohave one-on-onecontact with stu-dents.

Also during the Feb.6 meeting, board mem-

bers heard a briefing from theschool district finance officeregarding a recent audit of schoolactivity funds. Auditors hadlooked at receipts and disburse-ments, especially regarding tick-et sales to athletic events andother school activities, and hadinterviewed principals and otherschool staff members.

One finding of the audit,board members were told, is thatbookkeeping related to the saleof tickets at school events shouldbe done with two people, but thisis not always noted on recordforms.

Board member Thrush saidthat she appreciated the hardwork done by school administra-tors and volunteers at the difficultjob of keeping track of ticketsales and other funding relatedactivities at school events. “The

staff and volunteers bear a phe-nomenal responsibility,” she said.

Board Chairman White saidhe was impressed by “the sheernumber of transactions” thatmust be kept track of in order toaccount for such things as ticketsales.

Board members also heard abriefing from a representative ofthe Okaloosa/Walton MentalHealth Association “BrainHealth Initiative,” an organiza-tion that helps students withmental health problems findtreatment and insurance to helpcover the cost of such treatment.Such assistance, board memberswere told, is especially importantfor those students who haveundergone a “psychotic break”or may be on the verge of one.

Jackson told board membersthat it is important to help stu-dents find the funding they needfor mental health care. “It is badnews,” she said, “when an ele-mentary student says, ‘I haven’thad my medication for twoweeks,’ for lack of funds.”

Although no votes were takenduring the Feb. 8 workshop, theitems discussed at the workshopwere expected to be addressedagain during the regular, votingmeeting of the Okaloosa SchoolBoard scheduled for Monday,Feb. 12.

hit an unprecedented passengergrowth of 28.42% with 1,175,894passengers and now stands at thecoveted top spot in the Country asthe fastest growing airport. Thistrend will continue as we have yetanother substantial announcementon February 13, 2018.”

“In addition to 16 new cities,all airlines at VPS have up gaugedfrom smaller regional jets to largermainline aircraft and increasedfrequency to key markets for a32% increase in available seatcapacity. As our system ofAirports grows, so does the criticalneed for additional personnel inour Airports Operation Center(AOC), which is the nerve centerfor all three County Airports toensure safety, operational functionand customer service.

“The AOC operates 24 hours aday, 365 days a year through theefforts of only six AirportCommunication Specialists withever increasing responsibilities.All passenger support, functions,airlines, tenants, operations, secu-rity and access control is funneledthrough the AOC and distributedto actions on the ground to includefrequent emergency responsecoordination with multiple agen-cies.”

Also during the Feb. 6 meeting,commissioners agreed to hold apublic hearing at 9 a.m., Feb. 20,to discuss changes to the county’sground transportation policy at theairport. Potential new policychanges may include addressingthe growing use of onlineridesharing services rather thanconventional taxi companies bytravelers going to and from the air-port.

According to a report fromcounty staff, “On March 4, 2014,the Board adopted Ordinance 14-01, which established rules andregulations governing the opera-tions of Ground Transportation at

the Destin-Fort Walton BeachAirport. The Ordinance wasamended on September 20, 2016upon the adoption of Ordinance16-17 which accounted for theaddition of transportation networkcompanies and numerous admin-istrative changes.”

“Effective July 1, 2017,Chapter 2017-12, Florida Laws,provides for uniformity of lawsgoverning TransportationNetwork Companies (TNC)throughout the state and prohibitsthe placement of additionalrestrictions or requirements bylocal entities. Chapter 2017-12,Florida Laws, allows for anAirport to provide a specific stag-ing and pick up area along withthe ability to access a pickup feeconsistent with any pickup feescharged to other ground trans-portation providers. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach GroundTransportation Policy has beenupdated with a proposed processand procedures needed to create astandard per trip fee which will beapproved via a Rate Resolution.”

In other business, commission-ers approved the use of specialassessments, rather than ad val-orem property taxes, help fundcertain roadbuilding and utilityprojects. According to a countystaff report, “The Board has previ-ously imposed various specialassessments for certain purposesand have collected those assess-ments on the tax bill, includingproviding road paving andimprovements and improvements

to ancillary drainage facilities.Additionally, staff is exploringother potential services that mightbe more appropriately funded byspecial assessments includingstormwater maintenance andimprovements and road gradingand maintenance within the unin-corporated areas of the County.”

“Under section 197.3632,Florida Statutes, for the County toutilize the tax bill process, a noticeof intent to use the non-ad valoremcollection process must be adopt-ed by the Board prior to January 1.Notice of the hearing must be pub-lished for four (4) consecutiveweeks prior to the hearing. Theadoption of the notice of intentdoes not in any way commit theBoard to go forward with theassessment but rather is a prelimi-nary procedure requirement topreserve the County’s ability touse the tax bill process.”

“The primary purpose of theadoption of the Notice of Intent isto notify the Property Appraiserand Tax Collector that assess-ments may be imposed. Theadoption of this resolution will notcommit the Board to actuallyimpose the assessments, however,if this resolution is not adopted,then the Board will not be able toinclude and collect them on the advalorem tax bill. For those sys-tems that the Board might contem-plate financing various capitalimprovements, the collection ofthe assessments on the tax bill willbe a requirement for the obtainingthat financing.”

THE BAY BEACONWednesday, February 14, 2018 Page A-3

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DISTRICTFrom page A-1

AIRPORTFrom page A-1

Beacon StaffCalling it another case of a

solution in search of a problem,Sen. George Gainer (R-PanamaCity) and other Panhandle legisla-tors worked to remove languagefrom legislation requiringNorthwest Florida to drop theCentral Time Zone and move intothe Eastern Time Zone.

That effort was killed Mondaywhen Senate bill 858 was amend-ed to keep Florida’s two geo-graphic time zones just as they arenow.

The legislation retains a provi-sion proposing to put the entirestate on daylight-saving timeyear-round, ending the twice-

yearly “spring forward”and “fall back” clockchanges. That provi-sion would give peoplean extra hour of sun-shine the in the evening,and an extra hour ofdarkness in the morn-ing, from November toMarch, the current peri-od when clocks are set tostandard time.

The bill still must clear com-mittee before reaching a vote inthe state senate.

The now-dead proposal to putOkaloosa and Walton counties,and the eight other Florida coun-ties west of the Apalachicola

River, on Eastern time,filed by a senator fromSarasota, “was madewithout any input fromthe residents ofNorthwest Florida,those who would havebeen directly impact-ed,” said Gainer, whosedistrict includes the

Twin Cities area. “Without first a vote

in Northwest Florida I wasadamantly opposed to this effort,”Gainer said. So instead theNorthwest Florida delegationconvinced the Senate bill sponsorto remove the language. The peo-ple of Northwest Florida can rest

assured that their time zone willnot change until they vote tochange it.”

Ten Florida counties currentlyreside within the Central TimeZone, while Florida’s remaining57 counties are in the EasternTime Zone with the dividing linebeing the Apalachicola River.

Gainer said he was joined inhis opposition to the shift by Rep.Brad Drake (R-Eucheeanna),Rep. Jay Trumbull (R-PanamaCity), Rep. Mel Ponder (R-Destin), Rep. Jayer Williamson(R-Pace), Sen. Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola) and Sen. BillMontford (D-Tallahassee).

Sen. GeorgeGainer

ArrestsOn Jan. 29 Niceville police

arrested Kaitlyn Dakota Ross, 19,of 710 27th St., Niceville, on acharge of marijuana possessionnot more than 20 grams.

An officer observed aGMC truck in which thedriver was not wearing aseatbelt, and made a traf-fic stop on BayshoreDrive near 31st Street.

During the stop, thedriver, Ross, appeared nerv-ous. The officer asked her ifthere was anything inside the vehi-cle she should not have, and shesaid there was not. The officerasked if he could search the vehi-cle and she said no.

A police drug dog conducted afree air sniff and gave a positiveindication of the presence ofdrugs. A subsequent searchrevealed suspected marijuanawhich field tested positive.

* * *On Jan. 29 the Okaloosa

Sheriff’s office arrested KaitlynElizabeth Skrivanie, 19, of 101Harding Rd., Niceville, on chargesof residential robbery (residentialhome invasion), and on an out ofcounty warrant.

* * *On Jan. 30 the Okaloosa

Sheriff’s office arrested Joel AaronDavis, 27, of 1712 26th St., #A,Niceville, on a charge of robberywith a firearm.

The arrest was made on a war-rant stemming from an incident inNiceville at10 p.m. Jan.29, whenD a v i sa l l eged lyentered theAOC FoodMart atR e d w o o dAvenue andState Road20, Niceville, pulled a shotgun,demanded money from the clerk,and fled with $309. The storemanager identified Davis as a pre-vious employee.

* * *On Jan. 30 Niceville police

arrested Salvador HowardBertubin, 48, of 6037 John NixRd., Crestview, on charges ofarmed burglary of a dwelling,structure, or conveyance, first-degree pettit theft of between $100and $300, resisting or obstructingan officer without violence, anddrug equipment possession and/oruse.

Police responded to a call of asuspicious person at Faith

Independent Baptist Church, andupon arrival noticed a male run-ning out of the back door of anearby residence and into a wood-ed area.

The suspect, Bertubin,was detained, and a searchof his person revealed aglass methamphetaminepipe.

Further investigationindicated that he had

entered the church andtaken a coffee maker val-

ued at $80, some cups valuedat $20, some Tootsie Rolls valuedat $4, donuts worth $3, and a pic-nic basket valued at $5. He wasalso found to have been armedwith a knife when he burglarizedthe church.


arrested Lyndsay MichelleCampbell, 30, of 234 White St.,#9, Niceville, on charges of pos-sessing a controlled substancewithout a prescription and drugequipment possession and/or use.

An officer investigating a sus-picious vehicle call observed ablue Hyundai reportedly parkedon White Street for over twohours, and contacted the driver,Campbell, who gave consent tosearch it. The search yielded a sus-pected marijuana pipe, 10 pills ofalprazolam, and 3 lisdexamfeta-mine pills.

* * *On Feb. 1 Niceville police

arrested Amanda Pearl Bridges,26, of 1812 Pointed Leaf Ln., FortWalton Beach, on a charge ofdrug equipment possessionand/or use.

An officer observed a2008 Hyundai Sonataspeeding on State Road20. The officer got up toapproximately 65 miles perhour in order to catch up to thevehicle, and observed it to have aninoperable tag light.

During the subsequent trafficstop, the driver, Bridges, appearednervous and frantic. Bridgesdenied permission to search thevehicle, but a police narcotics dogconducted a free-air sniff and gavea positive alert for the presence ofdrugs. A subsequent searchrevealed some aluminum foil withburnt residue, which Bridges saidshe used “to smoke opiums andpills.”

* * *On Feb. 5 Jared Stanley

Vinson, 19, no address given, wasbooked into the Walton Countyjail on charges of criminal mis-chief at less than $200, burglary of

an unoccupied structure,grand theft of between$300 and $5,000, andfelony failure to appear.

* * *On Feb. 1 the

Okaloosa Sheriff’s officearrested Corey Logan

Chavis, 28, of 39 Willow Ave.,Freeport, on an out of county war-rant.

* * *On Feb. 1 the Okaloosa

Sheriff’s office arrested DanielColon-Berrios, 39, of 4507Parkwood Square, Niceville, on acharge of battery on a person 65years of age or older.


Sheriff’s office arrested SamuelM. Hubley, 36, of 512 Bailey Dr.,Niceville, on charges of failure toappear on a felony charge.

* * *On Feb. 2 Niceville police

arrested Rhonda LynnMcCrummen, 46, at large, oncharges of grand theft of between

$300 and $5,000, resisting orobstructing an officer without vio-lence, and drug equipment posses-sion and/or use.

McCrummen was seen by aWalmart store employee attempt-ing to take numerous items valuedat a total of $854.84 from the storewithout paying for them. Policeresponded, and an officer engagedin a foot chase before catching upwith McCrummen. A search inci-dent to arrest revealed a glass pipecontaining a white powder whichfield tested positive for cocaine.

* * *On Feb. 2 Valparaiso police

arrested Tyson Lamar Richardson,25, of 124Old LandfillR d . ,DeFuniakSprings, ona charge ofmarijuanapossessionwith intentto sell, man-ufacture, ordeliver aschedule Idrug.

An officer stopped a BMW forspeeding and careless driving onState Road 397. During the stop,the officer smelled a strong odor ofmarijuana coming from the vehi-cle. Richardson admitted that heand his passenger had smoked a“blunt” in the car but that therewas no more marijuana in thevehicle.

Upon being advised that a nar-cotics investigation was going totake place, Richardson said,“Whatever you find in the car ismine.” The search revealed $6,680in the driver-side door compart-ment. The cash was in multiplestacks of various denominations.Also found was a bookbag con-taining a large vacuum sealedbag that contained about124 grams of a com-pressed green leafy sub-stance which field testedpositive for THC.

* * *On Feb. 3 the

Okaloosa Sheriff’s officearrested Michael BernardEvans, 32, of 105 Dyer St.,Niceville, on a charge of felonyviolation of probation.


Sheriff’s office arrestedDevin Scott O’Connell,20, of 1929 Benton Ave.,Niceville, on charges ofmarijuana possession notmore than 20 grams and drugequipment possession and/or use.

Fatal accidentAccording to a press release

from the Valparaiso PoliceDepartment, on Feb. 1, the

Valparaiso PoliceDepartment, theValparaiso VolunteerFire Department, andOkaloosa County EMSresponded to a residence

in Valparaiso where aman had been pinned

underneath a vehicle. The man had been repairing

the vehicle when it apparentlyslipped from its supports, causing

it to land on him. Theman, identified as JohnNewberry, was extricat-ed and treated byOkaloosa County

Emergency Services andtransported to a local hos-

pital where he succumbed tohis injuries.

OtherOn Feb. 3 Niceville police

responded to an address on E.John Sims Pkwy., where a manhad been seen in a yellow van withthe side door open and a dog on aleash on the outside of the van.The van was last seen turningwestbound on State Road 20 nearthe bait shop. Police were unableto locate the vehicle.


received a report from a man whosaid he had left his vehicleunlocked while it was parked at alocal gym. When he returned, theman found that his vehicle regis-tration, vehicle insurance card, anda credit union checkbook contain-ing 50 checks had been stolen.


responded to an address onDolphin Point Road where awoman reported that a firearm hadbeen taken from her vehicle. Shesaid she had last seen it on Jan 19inside the car. The missing weaponis a black Ruger 38 special.

Police BlotterThe following accounts of the activities of police are according

to records of the Niceville and Valparaiso police departments, the OkaloosaCounty and Walton County sheriffʼs offices, other law-enforcement agencies,

and the Okaloosa County and Walton County jails.

Fire Department Reports

The Niceville Fire Department responded to the following callsfrom Feb. 5, 2018 through Feb. 11, 2018.

1 Structure Fire 12 Emergency Medical Calls0 Vehicle Fire 2 Vehicle Crash 0 Other Fire 0 Vehicle Crash with Extrication0 Illegal Burn 10 Other Emergency Calls0 False Alarms 0 Hazardous Conditions

STREET SiTUATION DATE TIMERattan Palm Dr.........................Service call ............................2/5/18 .......................10:23N. Partin Dr...............................Medical ..................................2/5/18 .......................11:47W. College Blvd........................Good intent............................2/5/18 .......................16:40E. John Sims Pkwy..................Medical ..................................2/5/18 .......................16:45N. Palm Blvd. ...........................Vehicle crash.........................2/5/18 .......................17:46E. John Sims Pkwy..................Medical ..................................2/6/18 .......................11:59Reeves St.................................Medical ..................................2/6/18 .......................12:36Rattan Palm Dr.........................Service call ............................2/8/17 .......................14:09Scott St. ....................................Service call ............................2/8/18 .......................12:29Duncan Dr. ...............................Medical ..................................2/8/18 .......................18:32Reeves St.................................Cancelled...............................2/8/18 .......................20:25Cape Lane................................Medical ..................................2/8/18 .......................21:02W. John Sims Pkwy. ................Medical ..................................2/9/18 .......................01:37Pontevedra Ln..........................Service call ............................2/9/18 .......................08:47College Blvd. ............................Good intent............................2/9/18 .......................12:04Lincolnshire Dr. ........................Medical ..................................2/9/18 .......................20:36N. Partin Dr...............................Medical ..................................2/9/18 .......................20:58Pontevedra Ln..........................Medical ..................................2/10/18 .....................04:50Pontevedra Ln..........................Medical ..................................2/10/18 .....................19:15E. John Sims Pkwy..................Vehicle crash.........................2/11/18......................00:09E. John Sims Pkwy..................Alarm activation.....................2/11/18......................04:4323rd Street................................Structure fire ..........................2/11/18......................09:15Duke Drive................................Cancelled...............................2/11/18......................14:1221st Street ................................Medical ..................................2/11/18......................14:44Big Oaks Ln..............................Alarm activation.....................2/11/18......................17:58

Weekly Safety Tip: Check for EXIT signs when you are in a public building, so you willknow where to go in case thereʼs a fire.

The Niceville Fire Department has a Facebook page, check it out!

Niceville

ValparaisoThe Valparaiso Volunteer Fire Department responded to the following calls during the month of January, 2018

LOCATION SITUATION DATE TIMEOkaloosa Ave...........................Sick call..................................1/2/18 ........................10:16Seminole Ave. ..........................Sick call..................................1/3/18 ........................03:33Mississippi Ave.........................Sick call..................................1/3/18 ........................10:55Hidden Cove Cir.......................Breathing problem.................1/4/18.........................11:08Kelly Rd. ...................................Chest pain .............................1/5/18 ........................00:57Hidden Cove Ln.......................Fall .........................................1/5/18 ........................14:40Glen Ave...................................Unconscious..........................1/5/18 ........................17:58Lincoln Ave. ..............................Diabetic..................................1/6/18 ........................00:14Kelly Way..................................Chest pain .............................1/9/18 ........................08:08Westview Ave...........................Cardiac arrest........................1/9/18 ........................15:26Edge Ave. .................................Overdose...............................1/9/18 ........................23:19Valparaiso Pkwy.......................Abdominal pain .....................1/11/18.......................02:45Eglin North Gate ......................Vehicle fire .............................1/11/18.......................12:19Valparaiso Pkwy.......................Fall .........................................1/13/18 ......................14:40Westview Ave...........................Cardiac arrest........................1/13/18 ......................17:36Grandview Ave.........................Exterior gas leak ...................1/14/18 ......................13:41Edge Ave, .................................Fall .........................................1/18/18 ......................08:02Okaloosa Ave,..........................Breathing problem.................1/19/18 ......................05:26Old Hwy. 10..............................Seizures.................................1/23/18 ......................20:37Edge Ave. .................................Overdose...............................1/25/18 ......................00:03Kelly Mill Rd..............................Fall .........................................1/25/18 ......................10:02W. College Blvd........................Vehicle accident ....................1/25/18 ......................17:07Highland Ave. ...........................Fire service call .....................1/26/18 ......................02:33Edge Ave. .................................Fall .........................................1/26/18 ......................09:42Government Ave. .....................Fall .........................................1/29/18 ......................08:51Lincoln Ave. ..............................Breathing problem.................1/30/18 ......................08:21Hidden Cove Ln.......................Fall .........................................1/30/18 ......................23:50

In less than six weeks spring will be upon us. Make your spring cleaning lighter anddispose of left over holiday supplies and winter decorations that you no longer use. Twosimple steps to reduce the chance of fire include reducing fuel load and eliminating igni-tion sources. Left over newspapers and magazines are examples of combustible fuels.Inspect appliance power cords, surge protectors and extensions cords. Power cordsthat are run under carpets and furniture are more susceptible to damage. Damagedcords could cause a short and in turn fire. Contact your fire department at 729-5410with any questions or concerns. Our mission is your safety.

East Niceville

The East Niceville Fire Department responded to the following calls during the month of January, 2018.

STREET SITUATION DATEJuniper Ave...............................................Medical......................................................1/1/18Harding Rd. ..............................................Medical......................................................1/1/18Maple Ave.................................................Alarm activation........................................1/2/18N. Partin Dr...............................................Structure fire .............................................1/2/18Bluewater Blvd. ........................................Structure fire .............................................1/3/18Rocky Bayou Dr. ......................................Dumpster fire............................................1/4/18N. Partin Dr...............................................Alarm activation........................................1/4/18Drew Ct.....................................................Alarm activation........................................1/4/18E. John Sims Pkwy..................................Structure fire .............................................1/4/18Goldenrod Ct............................................Medical......................................................1/5/1822nd Street...............................................Medical......................................................1/6/18Woodbridge Rd........................................Alarm activation........................................1/6/18Bayshore Dr. ............................................Service call ...............................................1/7/18Jason Dr. ..................................................Medical......................................................1/8/18Meadowbrook Ct......................................Alarm activation........................................1/8/18Sasser St..................................................Medical......................................................1/8/18Bayshore Dr. ............................................Medical......................................................1/8/18Kazmira Ct................................................Medical......................................................1/9/18N. Palm Blvd. ...........................................Medical......................................................1/9/18Hospital Dr................................................Medical......................................................1/9/18Goldenrod Ct............................................Medical......................................................1/9/18Huntington Rd. ........................................Medical....................................................1/10/18Matthew St. ..............................................Medical....................................................1/10/18N. Partin Dr...............................................Medical....................................................1/10/18Turnberry Way..........................................Alarm activation......................................1/11/18E. John Sims Pkwy..................................Medical....................................................1/12/18Bahia Vista Dr. .........................................Medical....................................................1/13/18Rattan Palm Dr.........................................Medical....................................................1/13/18Bullock Blvd..............................................Medical....................................................1/13/18Kildare Cir. ................................................Medical....................................................1/13/18Ridgewood Way.......................................Alarm activation......................................1/13/18N. Partin Dr...............................................Medial .....................................................1/13/18Lake Amick Dr. .........................................Service call .............................................1/14/18Duncan Dr. ...............................................Medical....................................................1/14/18Kazmira Ct................................................Medical....................................................1/16/18King St. .....................................................Medical....................................................1/16/18N. Partin Dr...............................................Medical....................................................1/16/18Hattie Mae Ln...........................................Medical....................................................1/17/18Bahia Vista Dr. .........................................Medical....................................................1/17/18Pontevedra Ln..........................................Medical....................................................1/17/18Thomas St................................................Alarm activation......................................1/18/18Everglade Dr. ...........................................Medical....................................................1/19/18Laredo Ave. ..............................................Medical....................................................1/19/18E. John Sims Pkwy..................................Vehicle accident .....................................1/20/1823rd Street................................................Medical....................................................1/20/18McEwen Dr...............................................Medical....................................................1/20/18Sweetwater Run ......................................Alarm activation......................................1/20/18Blossom Creek Run ................................Alarm activation......................................1/21/18E. John Sims Pkwy..................................Medical....................................................1/21/18Cypress Dr................................................Medical....................................................1/22/18Kazmira Ct................................................Medical....................................................1/22/18N. Partin Dr. .............................................Alarm activation......................................1/22/18Farrah Ave................................................Medical....................................................1/23/18Valparaiso Blvd. .......................................Medical....................................................1/23/18Bayshore Dr. ............................................Medical....................................................1/23/18N. Edgewater Dr. .....................................Alarm activation......................................1/24/18Ruckel Dr..................................................Medical....................................................1/24/18Pine Lake Dr.............................................Medical....................................................1/24/18Forest Rd..................................................Vehicle accident .....................................1/24/18Drew Ct.....................................................Medical....................................................1/25/18Forest Rd..................................................Vehicle accident .....................................1/25/18Hopper St. ................................................Medical....................................................1/25/18Friar Tuck Dr.............................................Medical....................................................1/26/18N. Partin Dr...............................................Medical....................................................1/26/18Grove Park Dr. .........................................Brush fire ................................................1/27/18Matt Blvd...................................................Medical....................................................1/27/18Reeves St.................................................Structure fire ...........................................1/28/18Mullet Creek Run.....................................Medical....................................................1/28/18Harding Rd. ..............................................Gas leak..................................................1/30/18

Visit our website at www.enfd.net.


North BayThe North Bay Fire District responded to the following calls from Feb. 5, 2018 through Feb. 11, 2018.

STREET SITUATION DATE TIMEN. White Point Rd. ...................EMS call ................................2/5/18 .......................00:54Bluewater Blvd. ........................Alarm activation.....................2/6/18 .......................01:06N. White Point Rd. ...................EMS call ................................2/6/18 .......................00:45E. Hwy. 20 ................................Dispatched & cancelled........2/6/18 .......................09:05N. White Point Rd. ...................EMS call ................................2/6/18 .......................11:09Meadow Woods Ln..................EMS call ................................2/6/18 .......................21:13White Point Rd.........................EMS call ................................2/7/18 .......................00:39White Point Rd.........................Medical assist........................2/7/18 .......................05:42E. Hwy. 20/Bay Dr....................Vehicle accident ....................2/7/18 .......................11:25E. Hwy. 20 ................................EMS call ................................2/8/18 .......................10:53Mid Bay Bridge.........................Service call ............................2/9/18 .......................14:21Bluewater Blvd. ........................EMS call ................................2/9/18 .......................18:58Shipley Dr. ................................EMS call ................................2/9/18 .......................19:30N. White Point Rd. ...................Medical assist........................2/10/18 .....................01:30E. Hwy. 20 ................................Alarm activation.....................2/10/18 .....................08:4023rd Street................................Building fire............................2/11/18......................09:15

Visit northbayfd.org for more information.

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The Bay Beacon& Beacon Express

The Bay Beacon and Beacon Express, incorporating the Bluewater Breeze, ispublished every Wednesday by Bayou Enterprises Inc. Free total-market home

delivery to Niceville, Valparaiso, Bluewater Bay and Seminole,as well as mid-Walton County from Villa Tasso to Choctaw Beach.

Subscriptions: One year, mail, $104. One year, electronic subscription, $52. All submissions for publication become property of The Bay Beacon.

Nicevilleʼs Newspaper

Wednesday, February 14, 2018 Page A-5

The Niceville girls soccer team defeated Lincoln (Tallahassee)Tuesday Feb. 6 in 8A regional quarterfinal action by a score of 3-0 atthe Twin Oaks soccer complex. Liliana Fernandez, Kayla Fernandez,and Avery Hanson scored Niceville's goals. Four days later, theEagles faced Navarre in the regional semifinal. Niceville won by ascore of 2-0, with Jayden Horne scoring both goals. The Eagles, cur-rently ranked 10th in the nation, have reached the regional finals 8times in the past 16 years. Niceville's Kylee Divens fighting for con-trol of the ball against a Lincoln player. Beacon photos by Paula Mims

Nicevillegirls reachregional final

The Niceville girls basketball team wonthe 8A District 1 championship lastFriday night by a score of 65-34 over theTate Aggies. It was the Eagles seconddistrict title in a row. Jasmine Griggs ledall Eagles scorers with 12 points andGrace Annichairico chipped in 11. TheEagles hope to continue their winningways as they take on Leon on Thursdayat 7:00 p.m. in regional quarterfinalaction. Left: A young Eagles fan hadsome help cheering on Niceville fromthe varsity cheerleaders. Center: MaiaAmato gets a lay up in the second quar-ter. Right: Grace Dowden takes the ballup the court in the second quarter.

Beacon photos by Paula Mims

Lady Eagles windistrict championship

It was a busy and successful week for theNiceville Eagles boys soccer team. LastWednesday Feb. 7, Niceville faced Leon(Tallahassee) in 8A regional quarterfinal action atTwin Oaks. Tied 0-0 at the half, Niceville's LiamEtan came out and scored a quick goal to beginthe second half. Niceville would win the game 1-0. Two nights later, in front of another large crowdat Twin Oaks, Niceville found themselves facingChiles (Tallahassee). Niceville had a few goodshots on goal, but none of them connected andregulation play ended in a 0-0 tie. However,Niceville would not need long to secure the victo-ry. With about a minute into overtime, Niceville'sBrendan Ernsberger scored a thrilling goal to endthe game. On Wednesday night, the Eagles takeon Fletcher (Neptune Beach) at Twin Oaks at 7:00p.m. in the regional final. The Eagles celebratetheir quarterfinal victory over Leon, the team thathad bounced them from the playoffs in 2017.Inset: Niceville students celebrate after anotherEagle boys soccer win. Beacon photos by Paula Mims

NHS boyssoccer setfor regional final

The Niceville High School Lady Eagles girls'JV basketball team completed an undefeat-ed season with a 16-0 record. Front Row:Head Coach David Vardaman, HannahLangston, Whitney Sikes, Talia Hay. MiddleRow: Nakerra Brown, Tanollie Henry, MaeGenobili, Krystal Williams, Kylie Skelton,Rachel Smith. Back Row: Lauren Mahn,Maddy Dowden, Sloan Raney, EvieSchuelke, Caitlyn Stringfellow, MarielDoenges, athletic trainer. Not pictured: DejahPettway, Jeyna Lee, Coach David Dowden.

JV Eagles go undefeated

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Andrea WolfeGraphic Designer

Stephen W. KentEditor and Publisher

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BEACONSPORTSBEACONSPORTS

Umpires neededNiceville Little League is looking

for umpires for the 2018 season.Training is free and the equipmentwill be provided if you don’t haveyour own. Please contact BoVannatter at or (917)405-7440.Garden club meeting

Join our club meeting to learnabout “What’s in a Name.” Dr. GailBaker, retired biology professor fromNorthwest Florida State College, willdiscuss plant taxonomy,especially families, gen-era, species, and horticul-tural varieties, all ofwhich are required toproperly exhibit a plantspecimen in a flower show.

The Valparaiso Garden Club willmeet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday,February 14, at The TrinityPresbyterian Church Fellowship Hall

located on Chicago Avenue inValparaiso.Improving your metabolism

Join us for Dr. Ewing'sValentine's Day talk on Feb. 15. Thetopic will be Improving YourMetabolism Naturally. It will be heldat Dr. Ewing's Office, 705 John SimsParkway, Niceville, from 5:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m.

Dr. Ewing will discuss how tonaturally improve your metabolismand how you can overcome your per-sonal health challenges. Improveenergy and sleep, decrease inflam-mation, and change your life andhealth.

For information, call 850-678-8049.Historic technology

The Heritage Museum ofNorthwest Florida will hold theirquarterly field trip tour for HomeSchool students and their families,“Historic Technology,” Friday,February 16, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Students will learn how technolo-gy has evolved through the years,what a simple machine is, and howmachines are used to push and pullmaking work and other tasks easierfor humans. To reinforce the lesson,students will make and demonstratecatapults.

The Heritage Museum ofNorthwest Florida provides schooltours that meet the Florida standardsfor education grades K-6. “HistoricTecahnology” is a fun and engagingexperience children will rememberfor a lifetime. Call to register 850-678-2615.

Pre-registration is required. Nowalk-ins please. For more informa-tion visit or to register call 850-678-2615.MJ Live

Join us February 17 at 7:30 p.m.on the Mainstage for MJ LIVE: ATribute to Michael Jackson one ofLas Vegas’ top shows.

MJ LIVE: A Tribute to MichaelJackson features all of Jackson’sbiggest hits including "Bad", "BillieJean", "Beat It", "Dangerous","Smooth Criminal", "Black &White", "I Want You Back" andmany others in additionto a Jackson 5 segment.Feel the energy, excite-ment, spectacle and purejoy of this legendarysuperstar and his music. Awesomesound, lighting and effects alongwith mega talented MJ LIVE dancersand a live band. Experience the MJLive show as seen in TheStratosphere in Las Vegas.

Tickets for MJ LIVE are $35each with a special Group Discountfor 10 or more tickets purchasedtogether of $30 each. Contact ourBox Office for tickets and informa-tion (850) 729-6000 or purchaseonline exclusively through the MattieKelly Arts Center website.Book signing

Local author Shirley Barbee willbe signing copies of her latest novelEldridge Road at Bayou Book Co. onSaturday, February 17 from 11a.m. -1 p.m. Hoping to strike out on herown in the big city, Texas nativeLindsey Flora encounters a neighbor-

ing rival whose jealous actions couldspell disaster for all involved.

A wife and mother of 3 andgrandmother of 8, Barbee, a mastersdegree graduate from theUniversity of WestFlorida previouslyauthored Fifty and Flying,a humorous look at her career as aflight attendant.

For more information on the sign-ing phone Bayou Books at 678-1593.

Stained glass mosaicsJoin us at the Niceville Public

Library for a stained glass mosaicsclass with instructor Dulcie Scalf.The class will be held on two consec-utive Saturdays, February 17 and 24from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thereis a $30 fee for the class, whichincludes all the suppliesneeded to complete astained glass project on arock. Please sign up earlyfor this class since spaceis limited. Call the Niceville PublicLibrary at 279-4863 x 1507 to regis-ter or if you have any questions.

Science MondayScience Monday at the Valparaiso

Community Library will meetonFebruary 19 at 4 p.m. Thismonth’s project will involve makingBouncy Balls and the scienceinvolved to make them bounce. Thisprogram is for children over the ageof five and their caregivers. Pleasecall the library at 729-5406 to reservea seat for your child/children.

Writing tips from teen author Join us at the Niceville Public

Library on Wednesday, February 21at 3:00 p.m. as teen author NoahBarfield shares his experience as hegrew from a young boy with a dreamto become an established profession-al author. Learn some tips on how todevelop your commitment to writingas well as the ins and outs of publish-ing from this author of “LegendLand,” a first novel of action and fan-tasy set in a world where legends goto die.

For more information call theNiceville Library Youth Servicesdepartment at 279-4863 x1514.

Myositis Association support Residents of NWF, south AL

and south eastern MS diagnosedwith Myositis, their caregivers,family members and/or friends areinvited to attend The MyositisAssociation’s Northwest FloridaPanhandle KIT group quarterlymeeting in Niceville on February22, at 11:30 a.m.

The group will be viewing pre-sentations from The MyositisAssociation Annual Conference thattook place in September in SanDiego. Through the wonders of theinternet, we can watch videos ofpresentations, as they occurredwhile most of us were preparing forhurricane IRMA.

For more information and reser-vations, please contact Madge at850-279-4306 [email protected]

A group of TMA members whoreside in the Florida panhandle haveorganized a KIT group for patientsin the panhandle, southern Alabamaand southeastern Mississippi. Wewelcome new members and encour-age those with Myositis to join ournetwork of friends, providing con-tact with people who actually knowwhat Myositis is and share yourissues and concerns. Please comeand join us.

Surfing the Beach Quilt ShowFlying Needles Quilt Guild pres-

ents our Surfing the Beach QuiltShow. The 2018 quilt show will beheld February 23 and 24 at thePalms at Destin Resort andConference Center, 4201 IndianBayou Trail, Destin.

There will be vendors, bou-tiques, quilters walk w/sewingmachine demonstrations, sit n sewquilts of valor workshop, challengeblock competition, quilt appraisalsand raffles.

Weekend admission is $10 forFriday or Saturday, $15 for bothdays. Hours are Friday 9 a.m.-5p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

For information/applications,visit our website at flyingneed-lesquiltguild.org or call Deanne at716-269-9705.

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E-mail items [email protected] 5 p.m. Wednesday.

CALENDAR

Band on the run

Registration is open now for Band on the Run, a 5K Run/Walk onSaturday, February 17. This annual race is sponsored by the NHSEagle Pride Band. The event is open to all ages and skill levelsand begins at 8 a.m. at Niceville High School. To register, go toActive.com and search Eagle Pride or contact [email protected].

Lighthouse Therapy of Niceville, LLCA Helping Light in the Storms of Life

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Call 850-396-2795or Visit my Website at LighthouseTherapyofNiceville.com

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SPECIALIZING IN: Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Guilt/Shame/Insecurity, Anger, Difficulty Regulating Emotions, Grief, and Relationship Issues.

<$25,000 = $10/session $25,000-$35,000 = $25$35,000-$45,000 = $35$45,000-$55,000 = $45>$55,000 = $55/session

Session fees based on Annual Household Income

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SCIENCE vs. EVOLUTIONVIDEO SEMINAR

Is evolution scientific? Do the laws of science support naturalism or contradict it? Do the commonly cited evidences for Darwinian evolution actually prove it to betrue? If the evidence doesn’t support atheistic evolution,why do so many believe in it? Join a credentialed scien-tist as he explores the answers to these questions in thiseight-session video series.

You are invited to a free two-day video seminar!

When: March 9th, 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. & March 10th, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Who: Ages High School & AdultsWhere: Niceville Church of Christ,

801 E John Sims Parkway, Niceville

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Northwest Florida StateCollege recognized the superiorscholastic achievement of stu-dents completing the fall 2017semester by naming them to thePresident’s List and Dean’sList. The President's Listincludes students with nine ormore credits in the semesterwho earned a grade point aver-age of 3.8 to 4.0 in college-levelcourses during the semester.

The Dean's List includes stu-dents with nine or more creditsin the semester that earned aGPA of 3.5 to 3.79 in college-level courses during the semes-ter.

President’s ListNiceville: Elizabeth Adams,

Cynthia Alarcon, Charis Allen,Samantha Anders, SavanahArcher, Colby Avery, JacquelineBeauchamp, Natalie Bikakis,Ariel Blackwood, April Bolin,Abigail Bradley, Eugene Brown,Sierra Burkett, Kristin Cardwell,Pamela Carter, Christina Cary,Kimberly Cary, MorganChapman, Katarina Christie,Christine Clark, ChristaCloutier, Sarah Coleman, AnnaColquitt, Katherine Colquitt,Dhruvi Contractor, DustinDaniel, Bailey Deyong, MatthewDeyong, John Dickerson, IvelinaDobreva, Schuyler Donovan,John Dussault, Stephen Erk,Kimburlee Fanion, CourtneyFaulkner, Ulita Fingall, RyanFisher, Eric Fowler, DanaFranqui, Garen Fuentes,Matthew Fulton, Sarah Fulton,Georgia Gayle, K’Lynn Gilbert,Tyler Glenn, Kayla Greene,Christopher Hall, ThomasHampton, Kaelyn Hiers, CristyHigginbotham, Chloe Hill,Meggie Hodgeman, Rachel Hyde,Katelyn Karmeris, Allison Keen,Chloe Keicher, Elizabeth Kelton,Kyle Knuth, Lydia Kollar, AmelieLanoue, Ian Lunsford, ChadLutton, Carah Lytle, PatriziaMcAlarney, Eduard Meyer,Kathryn Middleton, AmandaMiller, Lauren Miller, SidneyMiller, Theresa Morvay, RichardMountain Michael Pickens, RileyPolomsky, Makayla Price,Phoenix Price, Claudio QuilesRios, Michael Robinette,Cathryn Robinson, LeidyRobinson, SydneySchermerhorn, Lyndsey Schwab,Gabriel Seabrook, BethanySimene, Dylan Smith, MorganSmith, Erik Spencer, Kyle Stipp,Elijah Sutton, Stacey Tabor,Edith Thomas, Saundra Thorson,Adam Tritschler, AnthonyTubolino, Alizabeth Turner-Ward, Aaron Wammock, KelliWilliams, Marsha Wright, JamesYacks, Claire Yandel.

Valparaiso: Jessica Edwards,Hollie Gutshall, Saria Hoskinson,Kaitlynn Morton, JanessaShorts, Jared Smith, SuzannaSober, Michael Southerland,Elijah Estep

Dean’s ListNiceville: Elise Alford,

Morgan Alford, RoseannAmborn, Melanie Armfield, RoyAvrett, Connor Ballasch, JoshuaBanaszak, Valerie Bogar, EzekielBrowning-Smith, Kendra-ArynCarver, Joshua Castle, EmilyChecchio, Lyndon Clifton,Geraldyn Couch, RonnellDonahoo, Hayley Eakins, RobertEasley, Jacob Eddy, Sarah Eddy,Caitlin Fidler, Alec Fletcher,Nicole Francks, Olivia Fuller,Spencer Giles, AndrewGrandgenett, Nicole Gustavson,Julia Hartzog, Ashley Helms,Jillian Hobbs, Meghan Horrigan,Melanie Ingram, Craig Jackson,Jenna Jones, Georgia Junker,Paige Kaufman, DennisLaClaire, Marshall Lear, CassidyLee, Anna Lyon, DaceyaMcDuffie, Daniel Moise,Bridgette Mueller, Kevin Nelson,Taylor Nelson, Chelsea Parker,Karter Peoples, Kendall Pfeiffer,Lon Ritenour, Madison Ruddell,Gabrielle Schrack, Scott Shovea,Jacob Shuler, Victoria Simmons,Dustin Smith, John Snell,Michele Snyder, Brooke Spires,Andrew Stephens, CassieStewart, Jacob Tawil, CarolineTerrell, Chrislyn Thompson,Brice Tingle, Tyler Tipton,Michelle Tolentino, Tara Vanek,Nathan Vetter, Emily Webb, LenaWebb, Jacob White, MadisonWires, Sydney Wires, TienaWyman, Nelly Zavaleta.

Valparaiso: Benjamin Baltz,Catherine Crump, JordanEberhardt, Emily Hunter,Annaleisse Lowe, Ashlyn Richter,Christina Walden.

The Niceville ValparaisoChamber of Commerce held itsAnnual Awards Celebration atNorthwest Florida StateCollege, Student ServicesCenter on Thursday evening,February 1, 2018 with aBreakfast at Tiffany’s Theme.

Master of Ceremonies for theevening was Sal Nodjomian,Matrix Design Group, Inc. Heassisted as 2017 Chairman of

the Board, Jenni Brunson, TwinCities Hospital, recognized sev-eral area businesses and individ-uals for their involvement in2017. He then facilitated thecustomary “Passing of theGavel” when nine PastChairmen of the Board passedthe ceremonial gavel to 2018Chairman of the Board, GordonKing, Okaloosa Gas District.

Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce annual awards celebration

Perkins-KildamJeff and Leslie Perkins of

Niceville, Fla., announce theengagement of their youngestdaughter, Kelly Ann Perkins, toMathias Kildam, son of Finnand Tina Kildam of Koldingand Foldingbro, Denmark,respectively.

The couple became engagedin Prague, Czech Republic, onDecember 27, 2017.

They are living happilytogether in Denmark enjoyingthe engagement.

Beacon Express OUR TOWNWednesday, February 14, 2018 Page A-7

Who’s NewsE-mail items to

[email protected]

Who’s News

Is PAYING forHearing Aids

NICEVILLE HEARING CENTER1001 College Blvd., W., Bldg. 2 • (850) 678-3277

www.NicevilleHearingCenter.com

DESTIN HEARING CENTER4012 Commons Dr. W.• (850) 830-0376

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FORT WALTON BEACH HEARING CENTER36 Eglin Pkwy. N.E. • (504) 442-6652www.NicevilleHearingCenter.com

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The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

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EngagementsE-mail items to

[email protected]

Kelly Ann PerkinsMathias Kildam

Small Business of theYear: Cafe Bienville

Large Business of theYear: Carr, Riggs, &

Ingram LLC

New Business of theYear: McAlister's Deli

You Rock!:DJ Diamond Dan

CommunityEnrichment: Niceville-Valparaiso Rotary Club

Board Member of theYear: Rachele Waltz,

Carr, Riggs & Ingram,LLC

Young Professional ofthe Year: Tyler

Jackson, Chelco

Volunteer of the Year:Michelle Williams,

Beach Community Bank

Community Connector:Ken Hair, Children In

Crisis, Inc

Chairman's Award:Teresa Halverson, The

Manor at Blue Water Bay.

Passing of the Gavel Past Chairman Participants including their year(s) of service: 1989 Dr. DavidGoetsch, 2003 Dave Morrow, The Ryland Morrow Allstate Agency, 2004 Scott Jackson, GulfPower Company, 2007 Dr. David Goetsch, 2009 Brian Walsh, Key Lime Construction, 2011-12Lorena Spillar, PrimeLending, 2012-2013 Duane Gallagher, The Manor at Blue Water Bay. 2016Alan Wood, CCB Community Bank. 2017 Jenni Brunson, Twin Cities Hospital. 2018 Gordon KingOkaloosa Gas District.

2018 Officers and Board Members were introduced as follows: Officers: Chairman of the Board– Gordon King, Okaloosa Gas District. Chairman Elect - Gordon King, Okaloosa Gas DistrictTreasurer - Teresa Halverson, The Manor at Blue Water Bay. Vice Chairman Special EventsDivision - Tracy Wood, NextHome Cornerstone Realty. Vice Chairman Membership Development- Dr. Mike Mosley, Rocky Bayou Christian School. Vice Chairman Community DevelopmentDivision - Garrett Floyd, Niceville Insurance Agency. Directors: Rev. Rurel Ausley, CrosspointUnited Methodist Church. Brad Butler, Gulf Power Company. Linda Dwyer, BayArea Awards &Engraving, Inc. Debbie Elliott, Synovus Tyler Jackson, Chelco. Chyrell Kuhn, Old South LandTitle. Steve Ruckel, Ruckel Consulting & Coaching. Dr. Devin Stephenson, Northwest FloridaState College. Kimberly Stevens, Walmart. Bob Marinan, Boeing Company. Sal Nodjomian, MatrixDesign Group, Inc. Tim Parsons, Northrop Grumman Corporation Brian Walsh, Key LimeConstruction, LLC. Rachelle Waltz, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC. Michelle Williams, BeachCommunity Bank. Life Directors: Dave Morrow, The Ryland/Morrow Allstate Agency, Dr. DavidGoetsch, Mayor Randall Wise, City of Niceville.

Since 1992, the voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso.

ALL AROUND THE TOWN

One Hour Air Conditioningand Heating, along with its sistercompanies, Ben FranklinPlumbing and Mister SparkyElectric, all based in Niceville,continue to expand, as they alsoexpand their ability to servecustomers.

“Our company, and its abilityto serve our customers, hasdoubled in size during the lasttwo years, and now has abranch in Alabama, enabling usto serve the greater Birminghamarea as well as the entireFlorida Panhandle,” said OneHour representative ZachSinclair.

“This doubles the populationthat we are able to serve, whichnow includes about 750,000people in the FloridaPanhandle, as well as about900,000 in the Birminghamarea,” said Sinclair.

Visible evidence of thisexpansion can be seen at thecompanyʼs new training facilityon Highway 85 North, in a largebuilding formerly occupied bythe Okaloosa Tax Collector ʼsOffice. The new facility,explained Sinclair, will bedevoted to training One Hourapprentices and technicians inheating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, as well as in

plumbing and electrical powersystems. The new trainingfacility eliminates the need fortechnicians to travel to suchplaces as Mobile or PanamaCity for training courses. Inaddition to training at theNiceville facility, technicians alsohave access to online courses

and communication systemsthat enable them to keep up withthe latest changes in technology.

“We now have the capabilityto take someone with no priorexperience and give them thetraining they need to becomenationally certified,” saidSinclair. “We are always hiringpeople who want to work, learn,and who seek an opportunity tomove forward in their careers. Ittakes hard work and dedication– itʼs not an easy thing, but itʼs agreat opportunity for anyonewith a great attitude.”

The new training facility alsoserves the needs of customers, asit allows all three brands in theOne Hour family to continue togrow, expand their capabilities,and serve customers better.

The combined knowledge andresources of One Hour AirConditioning and Heating,combined with those of Ben

Franklin Plumbing and MisterSparky, offer each customerwhat Sinclair called “a betterhome solution,” by allowinghome or business owners theability to have the three keysystems of any home orbusiness – energy, air, andwater, maintained and kept up-to-date by a single, reliablecompany with a great reputation.

With its growing staff andresources, the company alsoexpands its ability for communityinvolvement and support forlocal charities and communityevents – a tradition which hascontinued ever since One Hourfirst opened to serve theNiceville/Valparaiso area.

Call 850-389-4611 for yourappointment today, or accessany of the One Hour websites atwww.onehouremeraldcoast.com,www.benjaminfranklinemeraldcoast.com, or www.mistersparky.com.

Advertising Feature

One Hour Air Conditioning and HeatingExpanded training for expanded service

One Hourʼs new training facility isin Niceville, at the former locationof the Okaloosa Tax Collectorʼsoffice. The new facility includes aspacious training classroom,which eliminates the need fortechnicians to travel to placessuch as Mobile or Panama City.

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Recently, the local Habitat for Humanity cele-brated its 59th dedication ceremony for theRuckowski familyʼs new home in Crestview. Farright, Barbara Harrison, Outreach chair for theSand Dunes Chapter of the Embroiderers ̓Guildof America, presented the family with a“Welcome" sampler stitched by KimberlyMortimer and framed by Cynthia Hardesty, bothchapter members.

EmbroiderersʼGuild welcomesfamily to new home

Competition Cheer Team wins Florida High School AthleticAssociation Region One Championship. Back Row L to R:Coach Tanya Herndon, Kaylie Sparks, Maddie Roberts,Miranda Head, Erica Scarborough, Ellie Pope, ErinScarborough, Asst. Coach Shaniqua Anthony. Front Row L toR: Reagan Howell, Lauren Williams, Dana Lander, GretchenMueller, Ellie OʼLaughlin, Rachel Wandrick. The girls will nowtravel to the FHSAA State competition in Gainesville, followedby nationals in Orlando.

NHS Cheer wins regionals

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Documents

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