By Mike Griffith

[email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 Police Blotter TThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn , page A-3 6 Pages, 1 Section, 3 Inserts Wednesday, January 31, 2018 50¢

Prescribed blazes benefit Eglin forests By Mike Griffith Beacon Correspondent Eglin Air Force Base conducted an 88-acre prescribed burn Thursday at Eglin’s White Point recreation area, just east of Bluewater Bay. Such burns are done periodically, to prevent wildfires by removing accumulated shrubbery, fallen branches and other debris that could become fuel for uncontrolled wildfires. The carefully planned burn was announced several days in advance so nearby civilian property owners and others would not be alarmed. As predicted by Eglin weather forecasts, smoke from the prescribed burn drifted out over Choctawhatchee Bay, allowing the smoke to dissipate before reaching inhabited areas. “Burn boss” Keith Hawk, of Jackson Guard, Eglin’s environmental and forestry management organization, maintained radio communication with his burn crew as he patrolled the area in a truck. Using a mixture of gasoline and diesel fuel dispensed from hand-held canisters, Jackson Guard personnel ignited a series of small fires throughout an 88-acre Please see FORESTS, page A-2

Jackson Guard burn crew members set a series of small fires on 88 acres of the White Point recreation area. Such prescribed burns are conducted periodically on the giant Eglin Air Force Base reserva- tion to foster the health of the longleaf pine ecosystem and reduce the buildup of dead vegetation that might feed potentially catastrophic wildfires. Beacon photos by Mike Griffifth Lawmakers would put all of Florida on the same clock legislative session in Tallahassee is edge of Alabama, which is also on Good-bye to Central time? scheduled to end March 9. Should Central time, and is the source of the bill be enacted, further much of the region’s tourist trade. Beacon Staff clocks in the state which gives residents an extra hour of daylight at approval by Congress would be If the changes sought by the The Florida Legislature is con- required to institute year-round Steube bill are achieved, sidering a measure asking federal the beginning of the day. The bill’s effect would be felt daylight-saving time. Approval of Floridians would see the perma- approval to shift the state’s the U.S. Department of nent shift of an hour of daylight Panhandle region to the Eastern even more so in the Panhandle due to the region’s proposed shift from Transportation would be needed to from morning to evening between time zone and to put all of Florida expand the U.S. Eastern time zone the first Sunday in November and on year-round daylight-saving the Central time zone into the Eastern one. Here, the measure Sen. Annette Sen. Greg Sen. Debbie to include the entire state. the second Sunday in March, time. Nine of Florida’s 67 counties, when nights are longer and stan- Senate Bill 858, sponsored by would delay daybreak by two Taddeo Stuebe Mayfield hours November to March, as including Okaloosa and Walton, dard time is in effect. In three south-Florida legislators, Tourism, whose vice chair, Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Melbourne, measured by the clock. lie west of the Apalachicola River, Northwest Florida, the effect would set in motion a process to George Gainer, R-Panama City, and Annette Taddeo, D-Miami. The bill was cleared by the in the Central time zone, where the would be magnified by an addi- abolish the current practice of represents a district that includes None of them responded to Senate Committee on Community clocks run an hour behind those of tional shift to Eastern time, with observing standard time from the Niceville-Valparaiso area. requests for comment before press Affairs on Jan. 26. It is now is the rest of the state, in the Eastern residents of the region losing two November to March. This would The bill is sponsored by sena- time. under consideration by the time zone. The part of Florida on hours of morning sun to the end the traditional “fall back” and tors Greg Stuebe, R-Sarasota, The annual two-month regular Central time borders the southern “spring ahead” tradition for all Committee on Commerce and Please see TIME, page A-2

Weekend diversions Area residents took part in a number of outdoor activities last weekend. The boardwalk leading from John Sims Parkway out over the northern shore of Boggy Bayou gave early-morning bird- ers a fine vantage point from which to observe wildlife. Niceville High School students Tommy Eggers, 15, Paige Kelly, 14, and Jayden Reece, 18, waved signs along State Road 20 in Bluewater Bay to promote a pancake breakfast and car wash benefitting the schoolʼs track and field teams. Clear weather on Saturday brought people out to Nicevilleʼs Turkey Creek Park to enjoy the sunshine, stroll along the boardwalk, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Northwest Florida in its natural state. The Northwest Florida State College campus was the site of a motorcycle training class. Beacon photos by Mike Griffith Page A-2 T HE B AY B EACON Wednesday, January 31, 2018

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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. “Considering all the “If it happens, thereʼs not “Enjoy the time I have left. defenses we have, much you can do. Unfortunately, Iʼm 99 percent positive I donʼt worry about it.” military bases are the first places Iʼd throw a party.” theyʼd hit. Iʼd get ahold of family Maurice Elliot, 53, and friends, and say goodbye.” Chaela Floyd, 30, Niceville, DeFuniak Springs, construction manager Mike Bradley, 52, administrative assistant Niceville, Gulf Coast Dental stocker We can help you smile again. Do you have gum or periodontal disease? There is now a FDA‐approved way to treat this chronic, debilitating disease. This laser technique involves no pain, no cutting, no stitches, “Pray.” “Iʼd try to find a bunker. I admit “Iʼd stock up on groceries, Iʼm not prepared. Itʼs not something just in case there was and best of all... Malcom McCoy, 40, I think about often.” a way of survival.” no down time! Fort Walton Beach, bricklayer Miranda Mumaw, 20, Anthony Ford, 54, Call us for a FREE Consultation! Crestview, Niceville, waitress home repair Dr. Steven G. Robinette Gulf Coast Dental Graduate of the Bluewater Bay University of Tennessee 4566 Hwy. 20 E. #108 What should we ask next week? Email your suggested question to: [email protected] College of Dentistry Courtyard Plaza Include "Suggested IP question" in the "subject" field. Practicing in NW Florida Niceville, FL 32578 with more than 22 years gulfcoastdental.com between west and east Florida (2) If the United States of experience. (850) 897‐9600 TIME most famously came to the atten- Congress amends 15 U.S.C. s. Dedicated to From page A-1 tion of the nation during the pres- 260a to authorize states to observe excellence in dentistry. evening period November to idential election of Nov. 7, 2000, daylight saving time year-round, it March. when national news organizations is the intent of the Legislature that The 60-minute time difference erroneously called the Sunshine daylight saving time shall be the State for Al Gore rather than the year-round standard time of the actual winner, George W. Bush, entire state and all of its political after the polls closed at 7 p.m. Rep. Heather Rep. Jeanette subdivisions. local time in Florida’s Eastern Fitzenhagen Nunez Section 2. As soon as practica- time zone, an hour before they ble after this act becomes a law, closed in the Panhandle. relating to time observances; pro- the Legislature of the State of A companion bill pending in viding title; providing legislative Florida shall submit a request to the Florida House of intent regarding the State of the Secretary of the United States Representatives would institute Florida and its political subdivi- Department of Transportation to daylight-saving time statewide, sions observing daylight saving initiate rulemaking to redesignate but would not end the Panhandle’s time year-round under certain those portions of Florida that cur- membership in the Central time conditions; directing the rently lie within the Central Time zone. Legislature to submit a request to Zone to the Eastern Time Zone. House Bill 1013, whose lead the Secretary of the United States The request must include a formal sponsors are Rep. Jeanette Nunez, Department of Transportation to certification, contact information, R-Miami, and Rep. Heather redesignate portions of the state in and any supporting documenta- Fitzenhagen, R-Fort Myers, was the Central Time Zone into the tion demonstrating that moving unanimously endorsed by the Eastern Time Zone; specifying the entire state of Florida into one House Local, Federal and requirements for the request; pro- time zone would serve the conven- Veterans Affairs Subcommittee. It viding an effective date. ience of commerce. is now under consideration by the WHEREAS, the State of Government Accountability Florida is known as the “Sunshine Committee, whose members State,” and include Brad Drake, a Walton WHEREAS, as the “Sunshine FORESTS County Republican. State,” Florida should be kept From page A-1 sunny year-round, The nine sponsors of the senate portion of the White Point recre- NOW, THEREFORE, Be It and house bills all represent dis- ation area, near housing subdivi- Enacted by the Legislature of the tricts in Florida’s Eastern time sions. Hawk explained that the State of Florida: zone. many small fires were carefully Section 1. (1) This section may The text of Senate Bill 858 planned and set such a way as to be cited as the “Sunshine reads as follows: create a low-temperature, low- Protection Act.” A bill to be entitled An act level fire that would burn out ground-level vegetation, fallen branches, and “duff”–accumulated organic matter that tends to build up on forest floors, creating potential fuel for dangerous wildfires. The many small blazes were set in a pattern that allowed cool air to flow throughout the area, for the most part preventing the blaze from becoming intense enough to rise into the upper canopy of the forest. Fire trucks from the North Bay Fire District stood by on White Point Road, in case they were needed to assist Eglin personnel in controlling the prescribed burn. During the dry season, December to July, Eglin conducts one of the largest prescribed-fire programs in the nation, burning tens of thousands of acres. About 362,000 of Eglin’s 464,000 acres are forested with longleaf pines, which evolved not only to tolerate periodic natural fires, but actually became dependent on them. Longleaf pine seeds germinate and put down roots quickly in the bare mineral-rich soil left behind by fires. Mature trees develop fire-resistant bark. Wednesday, January 31, 2018 T HE B AY B EACON Page A-3 Fire Department Reports Police Blotter Niceville The following accounts of the activities of police are according The Niceville Fire Department responded to the following calls NEW! to records of the Niceville and Valparaiso police departments, the Okaloosa from Jan. 22, 2018 through Jan. 28, 2018. County and Walton County sheriffʼs offices, other law-enforcement agencies, and the Okaloosa County and Walton County jails. 1 Structure Fire 23 Emergency Medical Calls 0 Vehicle Fire 4 Vehicle Crash 1 Other Fire 0 Vehicle Crash with Extrication On Jan. 16 the Okaloosa 0 Illegal Burn 10 Other Emergency Calls Arrests 0 False Alarms 2 Hazardous Conditions On Jan. 10 Niceville police Sheriff’s office arrested Taylor Nicole Coughlin, 22, of 621 Live STREET SiTUATION DATE TIME arrested Marcus Lamar Woods, S. R. 85 N...... Medical ...... 1/22/18 ...... 06:55 26, of 208 Kelly Rd., #8, Oak St., Freeport, on charges of E. John Sims Pkwy...... Medical ...... 1/22/18 ...... 10:07 theft of between $300 and $5000, McEwen Dr...... Service call ...... 1/22/18 ...... 10:59 In Stock Niceville, on charges of kidnap- Boyd Cir...... Service call ...... 1/22/18 ...... 13:10 ping/false imprisonment of passing a counterfeited bill or Cypress Dr...... Medical ...... 1/22/18 ...... 15:12 Now! promissory note, possess- Cypress Dr...... Medical ...... 1/22/18 ...... 15:29 an adult, burglary with Kazmira Ct...... Medical ...... 1/22/18 ...... 17:22 assault or battery, armed ing a controlled substance N. Partin Dr...... Alarm activation...... 1/22/18 ...... 18:06 without a prescription, W. John Sims Pkwy...... Medical ...... 1/22/18 ...... 22:31 burglary of a structure Big Oaks Ln...... Alarm activation...... 1/22/18 ...... 23:35 or conveyance, resisting and smuggling or intro- Farrah Ave...... Medical ...... 1/23/18 ...... 00:15 ducing contraband into a Valparaiso Blvd...... Medical ...... 1/23/18 ...... 07:10 Reverse Close an officer without vio- Bayshore Dr...... Medical ...... 1/23/18 ...... 09:35 lence, and probation vio- detention facility. McEwen Dr...... Cancelled...... 1/23/18 ...... 21:45 * * * Regatta Dr...... Medical ...... 1/24/18 ...... 04:02 lation. Edgewater Dr...... Cancelled...... 1/24/18 ...... 07:57 Umbrellas! Police responded to a dis- On Jan. 16 the Okaloosa Pine Lake Dr...... Medical ...... 1/24/18 ...... 18:35 Sheriff’s office arrested Sean Forest Rd...... Vehicle crash ...... 1/24/18 ...... 18:47 turbance, in which Woods had Drew Ct...... Medical ...... 1/25/18 ...... 06:10 allegedly assaulted another per- Michael McSweeney, 34, of 718 Valparaiso Blvd ...... Vehicle crash ...... 1/25/18 ...... 13:35 son and armed himself with a Powell Dr., Niceville, on an out E. John Sims Pkwy...... Medical ...... 1/25/18 ...... 14:09 of county warrant. E. John Sims Pkwy...... Gasoline spill ...... 1/25/18 ...... 19:20 knife. When confronted by Forest Rd...... Vehicle crash ...... 1/25/18 ...... 20:49 police, Woods fled, and when an * * * Friar Tuck Dr...... Medical ...... 1/26/18 ...... 00:14 Since 1986 On Jan. 17 the Okaloosa N. Partin Dr...... Service call ...... 1/26/18 ...... 05:03 officer caught up with him and 32nd Street...... Medical ...... 1/26/18 ...... 05:19 850-678-1593 ordered him to drop the knife, Sheriff’s office arrested Nathanial Hudson Cir...... Medical ...... 1/26/18 ...... 13:32 Lee Johnson, 30, of 108 Country Pontevedra Ln...... Service call ...... 1/26/18 ...... 16:44 www.bayoubookcompany.com Woods did not comply. The offi- E. John Sims Pkwy...... Vehicle crash ...... 1/26/18 ...... 18:25 Oak Creek Shopping Center, Niceville cer immobilized Woods with a Club, Niceville, on charges of Pontevedra Ln...... Service call ...... 1/26/18 ...... 19:17 giving false owner information to E. John Sims Pkwy...... Gas leak ...... 1/26/18 ...... 22:36 Open: Mon.-Sat. 9-6 Taser, and he was taken into cus- Longleaf Ct...... Medical ...... 1/27/18 ...... 06:46 tody. pawn items valued at less than 23rd Street...... Medical ...... 1/27/18 ...... 08:14 $300, pettit larceny, 3rd or subse- Grove Park Dr...... Brush fire ...... 1/27/18 ...... 11:45 * * * Benton Ave...... Medical ...... 1/27/18 ...... 11:51 On Jan. 12 Niceville police quent offense, and shoplifting. Matt Blvd...... Medical ...... 1/27/18 ...... 22:32 * * * Reeves St...... Structure fire ...... 1/28/18 ...... 02:49 arrested McKinzey Renee Magnolia Shores Dr...... Medical ...... 1/28/18 ...... 12:42 Clementino, 36, of 3914 On Jan. 17 the Okaloosa Mullet Creek Run...... Cancelled...... 1/28/18 ...... 14:54 Sheriff’s office arrested John Earl Finck Rd...... Medical ...... 1/28/18 ...... 18:44 Summerwood Court, Niceville, Garden Ln...... Medical ...... 1/28/18 ...... 19:00 on a charge of DUI. Vick, 52, of 358 Illinois Ave., Valparaiso, on charges of larceny Weekly Safety Tip: Working smoke detectors can alert you to a fire in your home in time During a crash investigation for you to escape, even if you are sleeping. Install smoke detectors or every level of of between $300 and $5000, and your home, and outside each sleeping area. If you sleep with the door closed, install on Old Coastal Highway, police one inside your sleeping area as well. identified Clementino as the driv- passing a counterfeited bill or er through video footage from a promissory note. The Niceville Fire Department has a Facebook page, check it out! nearby school. At the scene, she * * * On Jan. displayed signs of impairment discovered his residence had of possessing marijuana with such as swaying and slurred 18 Niceville police been burglarized. Items valued at intent to sell, manufacture or speech. She failed a field sobriety $35,000 were missing, to include deliver schedule 1 drugs, possess- test, but a breath test revealed no arrested Tracy Lynn 3 firearms, savings bonds, jewel- ing a controlled substance without alcohol. She told police that she ry and gold and silver coins. a prescription, and drug equip- had taken numerous medications, Davis, 39, of 287 During the subsequent ment possession and/or use. including ambien, clonazepam, investigation, police * * * Xanax, and Flexeril. A urine sam- Nimrod Cir., obtained a receipt indi- On Jan. 20 Niceville ple was collected for analysis. cating that some of the police arrested Sarah * * * Niceville, Tracy Lynn Davis on charges stolen items had been Catherine Browder, 31, On Jan. 13 the Okaloosa mailed to a gold dealer of 618 Gap Creek Dr., Sheriff’s office arrested Gregory of possessing a harmful new leg- end drug without a prescription, in Boca Raton. Fort Walton Beach, on Wyatt Griffin, 32, a framer, of Police also obtained a charges of drug equip- 318 Boxer Ave., Niceville, on delivering or distributing customer return card with ment possession and/or use charges of possessing a con- methamphetamine, possessing a Adkins’ signature, declaring and falsely identifying herself trolled substance without a pre- controlled substance without a under perjury that he was the to a law enforcement officer. scription and drug equipment prescription, possession of mari- owner of the items. The items that While investigating a retail possession and/or use. juana not more than 20 grams, he had attempted to sell included a theft at Walmart, an officer met The arrest was made on a war- and drug equipment gold coin valued at $1900, another Browder, who was a suspect in the rant stemming from an incident gold coin valued at $1200, a coin in Niceville on Sept. 25 in which possession theft. When the officer asked her and/or use. valued at $600, a gold necklace to stand up, Browder moved her Griffin was found walking in the with diamonds valued at $275, road on Grand Oak Drive, sob- Also purse, and a used syringe fell to arrested on and a pair of earrings valued at the ground. A further search of the bing and making little sense. He $25. told the police officer that he had the same purse revealed a burned spoon of a charges was A search warrant was executed type commonly used with nar- My Heart’s with You... nothing to live for and that in the on Adkins’ leased storage unit, past he had attempted suicide Gary Lee cotics. She also provided a false Johnson, which revealed 20 containers of identity card to police, but later multiple times. Gary Lee ammunition consistent with the He gave the officer permission 58, also of gave her actual name. OFF Johnson caliber of the stolen firearms, as 20% to take him to seek treatment, and 287 Nimrod * * * M Court, Niceville. well as coins and savings bonds On Jan. 20 Niceville police also gave consent for a search of valued at $1450, which the victim Police made a traffic stop at arrested Kevin Eugene Bean, 19, his backpack, which revealed identified as his. State Road 20 and Davis Drive on of 191 Marcia Dr., Mary Esther, white crystals which field tested Police also recovered one of a white van for expired registra- on charges of possessing a con- positive for methamphetamine, as the stolen firearms from a witness, tion, in which Johnson was the trolled substance without a pre- well as a digital scale and a cut who said it had been given to him straw. driver and Davis a passenger. A scription and drug equipment pos- M police dog conducted a free air by Berry, as restitution for damag- * * * ing the witness’ vehicle. The session and/or use. inc. On Jan. 13 Niceville sniff of the vehicle and gave An officer conducted an inves- MDiamond Works a positive indication for firearm was a Smith & Wesson JEWELRY REPAIR www.DiamondWorksJewelry.com police arrested Katherine M&P-15 semiautomatic rifle, tigative traffic stop on a vehicle the presence of narcotics. NEXT DAY SERVICE Park Place Plaza, Next to Santa Rosa Mall Barrett Caldwell, 35, of along with 85 rounds of 5.56 mm that matched a retail theft call 143 N. Wells St., A subsequent search of from Walmart, and identified Bean REMOUNTS 323 Page Bacon Rd., Mary Esther the van revealed sus- ammunition. 850-244-5252 | Mike Tarbuck, Jeweler-Owner Panama City Beach, on During a noncustodial inter- as the driver. Bean gave consent CUSTOM DESIGN a charge of driving pected marijuana and for a search of the vehicle, and the methamphetamine view, Berry described the firearm while license suspended, and admitted to installing acces- search revealed a cut straw of a 3rd or subsequent which field tested posi- type commonly used to snort nar- tive, suspected marijuana sories on it. She said she had given offense. the firearm to the witness because cotics. Bean told police he had An officer responding to a seeds, some acetaminophen/ Suboxone on his person and did hydrocodone pills, 3 she was scared, and did not want report of theft at Walmart saw a not have a prescription for it. ondannsetron pills, and one and a to get in trouble and lose her child. silver Nissan Rogue, which A further search revealed 4 half prednisone pills, as well as A criminal history revealed that matched the description of the other prescription pills which were several smoking pipes, a scale, Berry is registered as a convicted vehicle in which suspects had sent to a law enforcement lab for rolling papers, and a cut pen with felon. been seen leaving the store. The * * * analysis. The search also revealed officer stopped the car, which residue. * * * On Jan. 2 digital scales with small Caldwell was driving. A front 19 the amounts of suspected marijuana passenger matched the descrip- On Jan. 19 Valparaiso police arrested Billy Dean Adkins, 37, Okaloosa on them. tion of the suspect in the theft. A Sheriff’s * * * police database revealed that of 192 Chicago Ave., Valparaiso, on charges of giving false infor- office arrest- On Jan. 21 the Okaloosa Caldwell’s driver’s license had ed Aldric Sheriff’s office arrested Nancy been suspended in November, mation to a secondhand dealer for $300 or more, grand theft of Ramon Jane Timberlake, 25, of 1264 and that she had 3 prior driving Jackson, 38, Whitewood Way, Niceville, on while license suspended convic- between $300 and $5000, and dealing in stolen property. of 2422 charges of marijuana possession tions. Roberts Dr., not more than 20 grams and drug The front passenger, Brian Also arrested was Ginger Renee Berry, 44, also of 192 Niceville, Aldric Ramon equipment possession and/or use. Joseph Strickland, 28, also of 143 on charges Jackson * * * N. Wells St., Panama City Beach, Chicago Ave., Valparaiso, on a was arrested on charges of retail charge of possession of a weapon theft shoplifting, and giving a or ammunition by a convicted false name to a law enforcement Florida felon. officer. In November 2017, a victim Affordable * * * had returned from vacation and Climate Control Mini Storage CLIMATE CONTROL SPECIAL SIMPLER CARPET & TILE, INC. Receive 1/2 OFF The Bay Beacon First Month OR ONE & Beacon Express Month 1181 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville, Florida 32578 FREE! (850) 678-1080 • [email protected] Browse our selection of Hardwood & Laminate Call for Details The Bay Beacon and Beacon Express, incorporating the Bluewater Breeze, is 209 Government Ave., Niceville • 678-7925 (850) 897-3314 $ 00 published every Wednesday by Bayou Enterprises Inc. Free total-market home 88 delivery to Niceville, Valparaiso, Bluewater Bay and Seminole, Sales & Installation Mon.-Fri. 8am - 5pm Rental Available as well as mid-Walton County from Villa Tasso to Choctaw Beach. * SPECIAL Subscriptions: One year, mail, $104. One year, electronic subscription, $52. FREE Estimates Sat. by Appointment Storage Supplies/Boxes (NON-CLIMATE) All submissions for publication become property of The Bay Beacon. Serving Niceville-Valparaiso for 50 years 1466 Cedar St., Niceville Nicevilleʼs Newspaper Page A-4 T HE B AY B EACON Wednesday, January 31, 2018 Consignment and Thrift Shop and the Beauty of Okaloosa and Walton other charitable activities associated Counties, One Tree at a Time” by with the ESC. For more information Allen French. Mr. French, represent- Benefit breakfast

7 and to receive a copy of the new appli- ing the environmental organization, 6 20185 Twin Cities Elks Lodge #2747 is holding two pub- 4 3 2 14 cation, please go to the eglinthrift- Trees on the Coast, will discuss their 1 13 12 11 lic breakfasts on February 3 and March 3. The 10 21 shop.org website. mission and provide examples of tree 9 20 8 19 18 17 Lodge is located at 224 Seminole Ave (off John 16 planting projects completed and 15 Introduction to Zumba Want to try a fun way to planned. Sims) in Valparaiso behind the little white barber- workout. Back to Basics is The program will be held February shop. Donation is $8. We will be serving Biscuits CALENDAR offering a one time, no 1st in room 308/309 of the student n Gravy, Pancakes (blueberry and plain), Sausage, E-mail items to charge Zumba class taught services building 400 at the Northwest and Omelets/eggs to order and fruit and bever- [email protected] ages. Each summer in June, the Florida Elks by 5 p.m. Wednesday. by experienced Zumba instructor, Florida State College Niceville cam- Frances Bentley. If you're experienced pus. Socializing begins at 6:30 p.m. sponsor a Youth Camp in Umatilla for children 9- with Zumba or wanting to give it a try and the program at 7 p.m. Admission 13 years old who can attend at no cost. They do Scholarship Applications join us on February 1 at 6:30 - 8 p.m. is free and open to the public. Call or not have to be associated with the Elks. There are The Eglin Spouses’ Club will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of e-mail Dr. Don Baltz at (225) 252- numerous activities from swimming to archery awarding college scholarships to grad- Latter-day Saints 1100 South Palm 2760, for more information. Please and those that attend always want to return. Our uating high school seniors as well as Boulevard, Niceville. Wear comfort- visit our website at breakfast will help defray the cost for the bus that dependent spouses. The applications able clothes, workout shoes and bring Choctawhatcheeaudubon.org and our transports the children to the camp. For more should be postmarked no later than a water bottle. Facebook page at Choctawhatchee information on this activity, camp information or March 9. Financial support for these Audubon Society Program Audubon Society. information on joining the Twin Cities Elks Lodge, awards is provided by the Eglin “Trees on the Coast, Enhancing Boston butt sale call the lodge Tues.-Fri. from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at It is time for the City of Niceville’s 850-729-3557 or just camp information at 850-217- semi-annual Boston Butt Sale benefit- 7388. Elks Share and Elks Care. ting Boggy Bayou Fireworks. This will be just in time for the Super Bowl. Dream of an Artist’s Life featuring the and his work on Saturday, February 3, Jonathan Jernigan will be present- The cost is $30.00 each or 3 for $80. works of Emil Holzhauer. Throughout 5:30-7:30 p.m. Please join with ing “Cloud Storage - Advantages and They can be picked up backstage at 2017, fifty works from the friends, patrons, collectors and Disadvantages." He plans to cover a the Mullet Festival site on Friday, NWF State College Holzhauer enthusiasts in celebrating bit on each of the major providers like February 2 between 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Permanent Collection the homecoming of the Holzhauer Apple iCloud, Dropbox, and Google Order online for the chance to win were on loan from the Arts Collection. Local author Dr. Audrey Drive. a free additional Boston Butt at Center Galleries to the Museum und Edwards will be on hand to sign Attendees are encouraged to bring www.lightupthebayou.com. Galerie im Prediger in Schwäbisch copies of her book, Emil Holzhauer: their Mac devices. For more informa- Art Exhibit Gmünd, Germany, the birthplace of The Portrait of an Artist. Light refresh- tion, visit FWBMug.com, or contact The Mattie Kelly Arts Center artist Emil Holzhauer. The works were ments will be served. Jean Dutton at 862-3327 or jeancdut- Galleries are pleased to announce the shown there as part of a trilogy of ret- The Mattie Kelly Arts Center [email protected]. first exhibition of 2018: America – the rospective exhibitions honoring Galleries are open Monday through Linux User Group Meeting Gmünd’s most famous artistic exports, Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and 90 min- The Northwest Florida Linux User all of whom made their names in utes prior to most MKAC Mainstage Group NWFLUG will hold its next United States: Holzhauer, Emanuel performances. The Galleries are monthly meeting on Monday, Leutze, and Regina Baumhauer. always free and open to the public. February 5, from 5:30 p.m. until no America – the Dream of an Artist’s For more information about the later than 7:30 p.m., in Room 400 of THE BAY BEACON’S Life celebrates the return of galleries or the reception, please con- the Crosspoint United Methodist Holzhauer’s paintings to Niceville. tact K.C. Williams, Gallery Director, Church in Niceville, Florida. The exhibition is on view in the at 850-729–6044 or . Directions and details of the always McIlroy and Holzhauer Galleries Mac User Group free planned program can be found on through March 2. Accompanying the The February meeting of the Mac the group's website at . All interested show in the Corridor Gallery are Users Group will be held persons are invited to join us and bring AT YOUR SERVICE recent gifts to the Holzhauer on Monday, February 5 at your laptops. Persons planning to Collection, some of which are on pub- 6:30 p.m. in the NWF attend are encouraged to notify us via lic view for the first time. State College Student email to . ADVERTISE HERE! HOME REPAIR IRRIGATION The public is invited to attend a Services Center Room After School Artist Program special reception honoring the artist 308/309. On Monday afternoon, February Niceville 5, at 4 p.m. the After School Artist pro- AT YOUR SERVICE Irrigation gram is scheduled at the Valparaiso advertising makes sense! specializing in Community Library. This month’s art Irrigation project will encompass a Valentine’s Advertise this size space for only •Vinyl Siding Pump Repair Day theme. This program is for chil- $41.70 per week, advertising in At Your •Screen Rooms dren over the age of five and their •Crown Moulding • Pool Pumps caregivers. Please call the library at Service is easy AND affordable! Call us at •Lift Pumps •Replace Rotten 729-5406 to make reservations. 678-1080, email [email protected] •Adjust/Replace Anime Club or stop by the office at Wood & Screens Sprinkler Systems •Door Installation •Same Day Service The Anime Club at the Valparaiso 1181 E. John Sims Pkwy., (in most cases) Community Library will have its first Niceville, FL 32578 CALL KENT BENNETT meeting on Tuesday afternoon - 585-9511 (850) 685-3507 February 5 at 4 p.m. This will be a to take advantage of this incredible bargain! Serving Okaloosa County Lic# RX0066839 as KBES weekly program for children, teens and adults that are interested in study- ing Japanese culture and language. LANDSCAPING PAINTING The library has a growing collection of anime books and graphic novels for Since 1990 checkout and this program will Residential involve Japanese shows and movie. Authentic snacks will also be provid- • Irrigation Pump Repair • Interior/Exterior • Irrigation Systems Installed ed. For additional information call the • Decks • Drywall Repair library at 729-5406 or visit us on • Fences Painting Contractor • Repaint Concrete Facebook. • Landscape Packages Installed • Cabinet Do you see what I see • Low Voltage Karlina Neubauer Refurbishing Renowned artist and Landscape Lighting Owner/Operator on Site illustrator, Eluster • Sodding Richardson will inspire Call or Text Licensed & Insured Commercial Matthew Champion • Multiple Units and enlighten guests as he (850) 565-0573 presents “Do You See [email protected] 850.585.1513 What I See.” a free lecture at the Free Estimates [email protected] • www.karlinaspainting.com Heritage Museum of Northwest Licensed & Insured Florida, Friday, February 9 at 12:00 p.m. Explore how colors, shapes and emotions influence art through the PAINTING PAINTING & PRESSURE CLEANING eyes of an artist. “The eyes may be the window of the soul, but just like one’s attire, appearance gives an impression, KENNY A+ Professional so does one’s facial expression that Locally owned adorns the eyes”- Eluster Richardson. WILSON & operated Painting Bring a sandwich and join us for History Sandwiched-In, an informal PAINTING Where quality makes the grade! lunch-time education program at the 45 Yrs. Experience ANGIE'S LIST Heritage Museum of Northwest Service Provider Quality Work & • Interior & Exterior of the Year 2013, Florida, Friday, February 9 at 12:00 Clean Up A Standard • Textured Ceilings 2014, 2015 & 2016 p.m. Licensed & Insured • Pressure Washing Call today for a This lecture is free and open to the Free Estimates FREE ESTIMATE! public. Space is limited. Please call to • Licensed & Insured (850) 225-0981 reserve a seat. (850) 678-2615. 368-2710 APlusProfessionalPaintingInc.com “Where Buyers and Sellers Meet!” PRESSURE WASHING ADVERTISE HERE! Tired of looking AT YOUR SERVICE Beacon at a dirty home? CLASSIFIEDS advertising makes sense! Autos for Sale Homes for Rent Homes for Rent Homes for Rent Advertise this size space for only 2011 RAM 1500 OFF At Your Expires: 2/27/18 $41.70 per week, advertising in 4-door crew cab, 80.000 miles, The Best Rental Homes in our area have 10% GPS, rear camera. Red with match- Service is easy AND affordable! Call us at 678-1080, email [email protected] ing bed cover. $14,000. Call 850- One thing in common… Call Today! (850) 687-7578 279-6074 or stop by the office at Carriage Hills Realty, Inc. Reeves Pets 1181 E. John Sims Pkwy., (850) 678-9448 Pressure Washing Niceville, FL 32578 One male, one femaile beautiful www.reevespw.com to take advantage of this incredible bargain! AKC Yellow Lab puppies. 6 weeks #250 The Oaks, Niceville – 1/1 – 820 SF – $925 per month Licensed & Insured old. Mild natured. Excellent pet for Enjoy the sparking pool and grounds at the Oaks of Niceville. children. Champion bloodline. $500. This great upstairs 1/1 unit features all kitchen appliances Call 850-982-7515. including washer/dryer, refrigerator and built-in microwave. PRESSURE WASHING ADVERTISE HERE! TREE SERVICE TUTORING Services Sorry, NO pets and NO smoking. Available February 14, 2018. House cleaning services in 808 Regatta Drive, Niceville – 3/3 – 1,762 SF – $1,900 per month E&D Crestview and Niceville areas. Waterfront and panoramic view of bayou and pass to bay. Enclosed porch, Advertise your Bayou Background check and references. tiled kitchen, downstairs bath and foyer. Large bedroom downstairs with two ee Servic Call Cathy at 850-830-5377. large rooms upstairs, each with it’s own bathroom. Living room has fireplace Pressure business in this Tr e and built-in book shelves and entertainment center. Unit has one car garage size space for only Donʼt be fooled by Yard Sales with automatic garage door opener. Watch magnificent sunsets and Washing $22.50 per week. False Ads... dolphins play from the screened porch. Available now! Demand Proof of Multi-family Moving Sale. 105/107 “No Job Too Small” (Minimum 8 weeks.) Comp & Liability! Arrowpoint Cove, Valparaiso. Feb. 1815 Valparaiso Blvd., Niceville – 3/2.5 – 1,440 SF – $1,275 per month CALL US 2&3, 8am-2pm. Unique townhome with dedicated boat slip of Rocky Bayou. q4Houses q4Dock at 678-1080 Bright and fresh home with newer carpet and tile and comfortable q4Drive-ways q4RVs or email floor plan with great room, dining area and kitchen flowing together. q4Fencing q4Decks GET RESULTS! Sorry, NO pets and NO smoking. Available now! [email protected] Actually Call 678-1080 Licensed & Insured Ad design & layout Licensed & Insured to Place Your Ad Today! CALL OUR OFFICE TODAY WITH ANY QUESTIONS. no extra charge. (850) 699-7866 The Beacon Carriage Hills Realty, Inc. 678-9339 Newspapers 1821 John Sims Pkwy. • Niceville, Florida 32578 www.CarriageHills.com • [email protected] Beacon Express

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 OUR TOWN Page A-5

Volunteers clean up Bluewater Bay Keeping India polio free Niceville/Valparaiso Rotary Club member Christopher Loffler delivers two drops of oral polio vaccine to a young child in a rural village in Agra, India. Christopher, along with his Rotarian father, Peter Loffler, recently traveled to India to participate in National Immunization Days, an exhaustive twice a year effort where some 2.3 million vaccinators visit every house in every city, town, and village, some 200 million houses in all to vacci- nate every child in the country against polio. When Rotary International launched its marquis project, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, there A group of 33 BWB residents ranging in were approximately 380,000 cases of ages from 7 to 70 years old gathered for a polio worldwide in 124 endemic countries volunteer cleanup recently to remove over- and one hyperendemic country, India, grown vegetation along Bay Drive. The 3- which accounted for over 200,000 cases hour effort was a great community event alone. At the time, scientists did not with super results. Pictured left: Don believe India would ever be polio free. Federonis, LisaBella Fleshman and Giada However, on January 13, 2011, India saw Federonis. its last polio case and was certified polio free, three years later.

Zero Gravity competes Guild stitches in WSA Mobile chrismons with love The Embroiderersʼ Guild of America, Sand Dunes chapter, meets bi-monthly in the education center of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Niceville. In appre- ciation, guild members stitched 54 chrismons over the past two years for the parish Christmas tree. Chapter President (and Holy Name parishioner) Pam Burke assem- bled the ornaments, backing them with silk Recently, athletes from Zero Gravity Athletics competed in the from her motherʼs wedding dress, worn 62 World Wide Chear Assosiation in Mobile, Al. Several teams years ago. Photo shows guild members received 1st place along with many superlative awards. and Holy Name parishioners Nancy Reese Pictured is the Senior Level 5 restricted team, Supernova. Zero and Pam Burke with Father Steve Voyt. Gravity Athletics is in its first year, comprised of over 130 athletes spread over two locations; Niceville and Gulf Breeze. RBCS loses NHS overruns to North Bay Crestview 69-42 Haven 66-51 The Niceville Lady Eagles executed a near per- The Rocky Bayou Christian fect game plan Tuesday, Jan. 23 on the way to Academy boys basketball team a convincing 25-point win over the Crestview lost to North Bay Haven Academy Bulldogs. Niceville had 12 different players (Panama City) last Friday night by score led by Jasmine Grigg's nine points. On a score of 66-51. David Denbow Saturday, the Eagles will celebrate senior day was the leading scorer for the as they take on Port St Joe at 2 p.m. District Knights with 18 points. The playoffs begin for Niceville next Tuesday as Knights will be back at home on they host the district tournament. Games will February 6 when they take on be at 5:30 and 7:00. Left: Nakerra Brown hus- Vernon at 6 p.m. Parker Athearn tles down the court. Brown scored six points goes up for a three-pointer in the on the night for Niceville. Right: Antonette fourth quarter. Inset: Will Murray Lewis takes on three Crestview defenders on takes a shot at the basket during the way to the basket. Bottom: Senior Grace the fourth quarter. Murray scored Dowden leads the fast break down the court in eight points on the night for Rocky the fourth quarter. Beacon photos by Paula Mims Bayou. Beacon photos by Paula Mims Knights lose to Laurel Hill

Eagles take down The Niceville boys basketball team defeated Gulf Breeze Tuesday Jan. the Dolphins 23, 69-65. Trey Green-Harris scored 28 points for the Eagles, including three three-pointers. Pine Forest comes to play the Eagles this Thursday for Niceville's last home game of the season (4:00 Freshman, 5:30 JV, 7:00 Varsity). The Eaglette dance team performed at half time of the game. Inset left: Juanyeh Thomas looks to make a pass during the second half. Thomas scored 12 points for the By a score of 42-30, the Rocky Bayou Knight lost to the Laurel Eagles. Inset right: Trey Green Hill Hoboes Tuesday Jan. 23 at Rocky Bayou. The teams were Harris scores two of his 28 points tied 5-5 at the end of the first, but Laurel Hill kept the pressure on on the night. the Knights all night long. Rocky Bayou will spend the rest of the Beacon photos by Paula Mims regular season on the road before district playoffs begin. Olivia Battels takes on a couple of Hobo defenders on the way to the basket during the first half. Beacon photos by Paula Mims SIMPLY THE BEST At Gulf Coast Hearing Center, we feel we’re the best in town because we offer: • OUR NAME BRANDS: Oticon, Phonak, Signia • MOST UP-TO-DATE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY • FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • FAIR, AFFORDABLE PRICES • 30 DAY TRIAL PRIVILEGE Call today for a FREE Hearing Profile JAMES W. D AME HAS, BC-HIS

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HOBY pro- The program is designed selected by the faculty as Niceville Florida will participate grams are conducted Brian Son and Taylor for young people to increase High School’s Hugh O’Brian in activities aimed at annually throughout the Strickler, both juniors at their understanding of rural Youth Leadership (HOBY) repre- building confidence in United States, serving Niceville High School, have been electric cooperatives, sentative for the 2018 HOBY their leadership and local and international nominated to enter Chelco’s become familiar with the seminar in Tallahassee. North critical thinking abili- high school students. Youth Tour Program. NHS Brian Son Taylor Strickler Clara Beth historical and political envi- Florida HOBY, a regional chapter ties. Clara Beth is a sopho- Principal Charlie Marello recently allows deserving stu- Lafollette ronment of the nation’s capital, of the nationally recognized Hugh Founded in 1958 by more enrolled in the gift- presented them with certificates. dents to compete for an all visit elected officials and meet stu- O'Brian Youth Leadership actor Hugh O’Brian, HOBY’s ed program and AP/AICE courses Chelco sponsors the annual expense paid, weeklong trip to dents from all over the country. Program, will lead ambassadors mission is to inspire and develop at Niceville High School. contest for high school juniors that Washington, D.C. Electric cooper- ALL AROUND THE TOWN Rhino Shield & GENERAL REPAIR Brakes • Water Pumps Never paint your home again! 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