[email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 TThhee Police Blotter BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn , page A-3 6 Pages, 1 Section, 5 Inserts Wednesday, October 9, 2019 50¢

The Springhill landfill in Garbage in, power out Jackson County is des- tination for Okaloosa County’s garbage and, Company makes electricity from landfill gas at least for now, its recyclables. Inset, one By Mike Griffith than continue sending the trash location would have cost resi- of 186 pumps that draw Beacon Correspondent and recyclables to a landfill near dential trash customers about an methane gas from rot- Where do your household Pensacola operated by the extra $1 a month, as the ECUA ting waste and send it trash and recyclable materials Emerald Coast Utility Authority lately has not been able to find a to a power plant. go after your yellow- or green- (ECUA), where recyclables market for selling much of its Beacon photos by Mike Griffith topped trash bins are dumped were being separated from regu- recyclable materials such as into the big Waste Management lar garbage. paper, aluminum, glass, and truck and hauled away? The county commission’s plastic, to offset operating costs. The Beacon recently visited decision will be revisited, how- Such materials were formerly Waste Management’s Springhill ever, at a public workshop sold mostly to China and some landfill in Jackson County, some scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Oct. other Asian countries, but those 87 miles northeast of Niceville, 10, at the county administration customers are no longer buying where the Okaloosa County building in Shalimar. nearly as much such material as commission recently decided to The county’s contract with previously. send all of the county’s trash ECUA expired Sept. 30. Houston-based Waste and recyclable materials, rather Continuing to send waste to that Please see GArBAGe, page A-2 Niceville High School marks Homecoming 3 seek post as schools boss Beacon Staff Two men from Niceville and one from Fort Walton Beach have so far announced plans to run for Okaloosa County super- intendent of schools in 2020. Last week, Marcus Chambers, Niceville, the current superintendent, became the third candidate to “prefile” campaign papers with the county elections supervisor. Previously filing such papers were Ray Sansom, Niceville, and Christopher Tillis, Fort Walton Beach. Prefiling allows a candidate to raise and spend campaign money. Candidate qualifying for next year’s ballot will take place in June 2020. Of the three, Sansom, who announced early this year, has collected the largest campaign war chest—$76,450 as of Aug. 31, according to county records. All three of the announced candidates are Republicans. Assuming all qualify for the bal- lot, they will face one another in the Aug. 18 GOP primary elec- tion. If no non-Republican qual- ifies for the ballot, the primary will be open to all voters and will decide the outcome. Otherwise, the primary winner will face at least one other candidate in the Nov. 3, 2020, general election. Chambers, 44, was appointed Niceville High School celebrated Homecoming last Friday. A host of activities at eagle Stadium preceded the home team’s 35-14 rout of West Florida. Center: Over 25 superintendent earlier this year clubs took part in the parade. Clockwise from top left: The NHS majorettes prepare for the Homecoming parade. Homecoming Court freshman class representatives by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the lawton Brown and Alex Nachia. Niceville cheerleaders. Homecoming Court ladies Alex Nacchia, Marleigh Moore, Amy erickson, Jenna Skalicky, Peyton Chambers, Tori vacancy created by the gover- Thorson, Taylor Flint, and Tanollie Henry. Principal Charlie Marello. Niceville High School AFJrOTC. The freshman float. Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers. nor’s removal from office of Homecoming Queen Peyton Chambers and King Kobe Babin. The football team. The Junior Classical league. Michael Dye leads past and present members of Niceville's Mary Beth Jackson following a Opus One chorus in the National Anthem. Head drum major Amy erickson directs the eagle Pride band. This Friday, unbeaten Niceville will host Tate in a district game at 7 p.m. Beacon photos by Paula Mims Please see SCHOOlS, page A-6

County boosts D-Day veteran transit fares is honored Dist. 1 Congressman Matt Gaetz pres- By Mike Griffith The system’s 10 fixed routes ents WWII veteran Phil Hooper, Beacon Correspondent carried some 120,000 passen- Niceville, with wartime medals Friday Bus fares will soon rise for gers in the fiscal year ended at the Army 7th Special Forces Group Sept. 30, 2018. Paratransit rides (Airborne) camp. The decorations, passengers on the Okaloosa including a Bronze Star and a Purple County transit system. The were 97,000. Heart, replace those Hooper had mis- county commission approved The fare hikes, expected to placed in the ensuing decades. He the fare hikes, the first since boost annual revenue by as served with the 101st Airborne Division 2013, on Oct. 1. much as $150,000, are expected in the Normandy landings June 6, For example, single-ride to take effect on Nov. 4. No 1944, and was wounded later that year fares on fixed bus routes will members of the public spoke at Bastogne. Army photo by Sgt. L'Erin Wynn increase from $1.50 to $2, and during a public hearing on the 31-day passes from $30 to $40.. increases. Co-pays for paratransit pas- In a report to the county com- sengers, usually transportation- mission, transit system Director disadvantaged riders such as Tyrone Parker and County elderly or disabled people need- Administrator John Hofstad Okaloosa County ing dial-a-ride service to and stated, “This increase is due to One of 10 routes served by the growing operational costs to Okaloosa County transit. The from such specific locations as system also operates a dial-a- medical appointments, will rise maintain the day to day and ride service for certain cus- by about $1 a ride. Please see TrANSIT, page A-3 tomers.

A+ Professional Painting BHHS PenFed Realty Eglin Federal Credit Union L'Orange Auto Services One Hour A/C & Heating SPF Cleaning LLC. Advanced Home Repair Bluewater Roofing Co. Geico Lighthouse Therapy Publix Summitt II in Hair Ashley Furniture Home Store Carriage Hills Realty Gulf Coast Dental Mattress Depot Purdy Painting Twin Cities Transmission Bayou Book Co. CCB Community Bank Gulf Coast Hearing Center McLaughlin Funeral Home Ritz Salon Winn-Dixie Bayou Tree Service Diamond Works Holiday Inn Express Niceville Family Dental Simpler Carpet Best Buy Carpet E&D Pressure Washing Holt Phillips Services Niceville Insurance Agency Smileology of Niceville Best Western, Niceville Easy Care Walk-In Clinic Immanuel Anglican Ollie's Bargain Outlet Spectrum Painting Page a-2 T HE B AY B EACON Wednesday, october 9, 2019

THe InquIRIng PHoTogRaPHeR —by Mike Griffith Should President Trump be impeached? Locations: Niceville Post Office, Turkey Creek, and The Wharf

“I’m really not sure, but “Yes. I think he’s a “absolutely not. He “My first thought is no.” “as someone to get us “The impeachment I wish Pres. Trump racist.” hasn’t done anything Robert Garza, 70, out of debt, he’s the man, process is a waste of would learn to keep his Sandrina Bonner, 43, that is impeachable.” Victoria Texas, but as president, I don’t time. Wait for the election mouth shut.” Niceville, Doreen Hart, 50, retired think he should be there.” and let the people Zelda Hurd, 85, housekeeper Niceville, Sean Collins, 46, decide.” Niceville, homemaker Niceville, Charles Dietzold, 67, retired counter-top installer Green Lane Pennsylvania, retired What should we ask next week? Email your suggested question to: [email protected] Include "Suggested IP question" in the "subject" field.

waste and paper, decomposes decomposition gas per minute, Trucks bring waste, includ- Life Tributes gaRBage and produces gas. Plastics, he which, when burned in genera- ing garbage and recyclables, to E-mail items to From page a-1 said, break down slowly, but do tors, produces about 4.8 the Springhill landfill, where it [email protected] Management is Okaloosa not produce gas, and materials megawatts of electricity, enough is all dumped together and cov- County’s contractor for collect- such as aluminum and for 4,000 homes. ered with earth. Each such truck William “Bill” ing and disposing of trash and glass do not decom- The landfill has an usually contains about 23 tons, recyclables. At the Springhill pose. operating “footprint” and the landfill takes in about Porter Merryman landfill, company representa- The gas produced of about 228 acres, 2,400 tons each day, of which 1954-2019 tives Ronnie Bell, Rob Iversen, within the landfill, which is divided into about 400 tons a day come from Bill mowed his last lawn and and Calvin Wilkinson gave a Bell explained, is eight sections, or Okaloosa County. The rest fixed his last mower here on tour and explained how the extracted using “cells.” Before being comes from other Florida coun- earth as he was called to be landfill operates. pumps, similar to filled with trash, each ties, as well as from some com- God's gardener on September Although the landfill does lawn irrigation pumps, cell is lined with multi- munities in Alabama and 22, 2019. William “Bill" not separate recyclables from which then send the ple layers of plastic Georgia. Merryman was born on July 20, ordinary garbage, it does recycle gas to an electric gen- and clay, to prevent Bell said that the amount of Ronnie Bell 1954, in Roswell, N.M. He was the garbage to the extent that it erating plant at the any water that contacts garbage brought daily to the a 1973 graduate of Anderson extracts decomposition gas, landfill. The electricity thus the garbage from polluting local landfill tends to vary with the High School, Ky. mostly methane, as carbon- produced is sold to Alabama groundwater. Rainwater and levels of activity in the commu- After graduation, Bill based waste slowly rots deep Power, which resells it to its other liquids inside the mound nities that send it. For example, worked as a linesman for inside the buried portions of the customers. are pumped out and trucked to a he said, the amount coming Kentucky Power before moving landfill. Bell said that most The operation produces wastewater treatment plant in from Fort Walton Beach, Destin, back to Florida to start his household garbage, such as food about 1,800 cubic feet of Marianna. South Walton County, and other career as a small engine William Porter Merryman resort communities tends to mechanic at Eglin Air Force peak during the summer tourist Base golf course. Niceville High School to ensure season, while that coming from He worked at several golf the field was in top shape for in and around Tallahassee courses in the area, before join- Friday night football, where you reaches its peak during the col- ing the maintenance department would find him in the stands lege school year for FSU and at the City of Niceville. rooting for his adopted Eagles. FAMU, especially during foot- Retirement from the city did not A celebration of life was held ball seasons, when games and keep people from seeking out September 24, at 11:00, at tailgate parties generate a lot of his expertise and he continued Turkey Creek Pavilion South. refuse. to work on equipment from his To celebrate Bill’s kind heart As garbage is delivered to garage. and giving nature, the family cells of the landfill, it is covered When he was not working on ask that you pay it forward by with earth and then with a layer equipment, he could be found performing a random act of of plastic to minimize the volunteering his time at kindness in his memory. amount of rainwater getting into it. Once a cell is full, more earth is added, and grass is planted on top, and it is allowed to return to an apparently natural state, FREE HEARING PROFILE albeit far higher than the sur- rounding landscape. FoR SenIoR CITIZenS — Like the aging process, The landfill is in the center hearing loss is usually a gradual occurrence that very of 1,000 acres owned by Waste often goes undetected by the affected person. People Management, providing a sur- mumbling, asking them to repeat, missing key words, Dr. Jordan Harper rounding buffer of forest and turning the TV volume too loud are all symptoms of hearing loss. If you notice one or more of these wetlands. The landfill, said symptoms, call today for your appointment. Now practicing at Bell, is a part of the Florida Wildlife Habitat Council. He Call today for a Niceville Family Dental said the landfill, which Waste FREE Hearing Profile JAMES W. DAME Management acquired in the HAS, BC-HIS mid-1980s after it had been run • Cosmetic Dentistry • New patients welcome! by Jackson County, has space to • Veneers • Accept all PPO dental accommodate trash for about • Full Mouth Restorations insurances the next 67 years. After it is finally closed the company is • Implants • In house dental insurance obligated for another 30 years • Crowns/Bridges offered! of post-closure care. Bell said 4400 Hwy. 20 E., Ste. 211, Bluewater Bay • (850) 279-4545 • Comprehensive Care • Free 2nd Opinions he cannot be certain exactly COUPONS • Children of all ages what will become of the landfill $ 00 Reg. batteries after that, but he suggested that 1,800 $2,10000 by Varta Providers for Cigna Savings Plan, Assurant Insurance, 729-1223 using it as a wildlife conserva- “Siya 2” All Models & Sizes $3 per pack and United Concordia Elite Plus Expires: 10/31/19 iPhone Compatible Expires: 10/31/19 Limit 4 Most Insurance Plans Filed tion area would be a good 908 S. Palm Blvd. Niceville choice. HIGH QUALITY • LOW PRICES • EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE www.nicevillefamilydentalcenter.com

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Find us on Mid-Bay Plaza,RitzRitz Bluewater BaySalonSalon897-4466 Wednesday, October 9, 2019 T HE B AY B EACON Page a-3 Police Blotter Fire Department Reports The following accounts of the activities of police are according north Bay to records of the Niceville and Valparaiso police departments, the Okaloosa County and Walton County sheriff’s offices, other law-enforcement agencies, The North Bay Fire District responded to the and the Okaloosa County and Walton County jails. following calls from Sept. 9, 2019 - Sept. 30, 2019.

street situation Date time Windlake Ct...... False alarm...... 9/9/19 ...... 03:41 E. Hwy. 20 ...... Medical assist...... 9/9/19 ...... 10:04 arrests possession of a weapon or ammu- Hidden Lakes Ct...... Medical assist...... 9/9/19 ...... 18:22 (850) 729-0176 nition by a convicted Florida Scenic Hwy...... Dispatched & cancelled...... 9/10/19 ...... 05:41 On Sept. 21 the Okaloosa felon, armed burglary to a White Point Rd...... EMS call ...... 9/10/19 ...... 10:09 1073 E. John Sims Pkwy., Niceville Sheriff’s office served an arrest E. Hwy. 20 ...... Medical assist...... 9/10/19 ...... 14:36 dwelling or structure, and grand Southlake Ct...... EMS call ...... 9/11/19 ...... 18:31 warrant to Christopher Michael Royce Mitchell, Lic. Broker theft of a motor vehicle. E. Hwy 20...... EMS call ...... 9/11/19 ...... 18:55 Renziehausen, 42, of 653 St. Joseph Cv...... Alarm activation...... 9/11/19 ...... 20:50 * * * Caribbean Way, Niceville, on a Grenada Way ...... EMS call ...... 9/11/19 ...... 21:15 On Sept. 27 the Okaloosa White Point Rd...... EMS call ...... 9/12/19 ...... 04:45 charge of petty theft. Sheriff’s office arrested Southlake Ct...... EMS call ...... 9/12/19 ...... 06:51 The warrant was based Oakmont Pl...... Good intent call ...... 9/12/19 ...... 15:51 Deborah Ann Jennings, $ on an incident in Niceville E. Hwy. 20 ...... EMS call ...... 9/12/19 ...... 19:14 926,000 59, of 1767 Hopper St., Southlake Ct...... Medical assist...... 9/12/19 ...... 22:27 on Aug. 8, in which 4 beds, 3 baths, 3,188 sqft Niceville, on charges of White Point Rd...... Medical assist...... 9/12/19 ...... 22:24 Renziehausen had Hidden Lakes Dr...... Detector activation...... 9/13/19 ...... 02:13 243 NE Beachview Drive resisting or obstructing Lakeshore Dr. N...... Grass fire...... 9/13/19 ...... 18:02 allegedly taken $60 from Chanie Erb (850) 585 1665 an officer without vio- Rosewood Way E...... Assist invalid...... 9/13/19 ...... 18:02 - the bar top at his work- Newcastle Ct...... Medical assist...... 9/14/19 ...... 20:58 lence and possession of place, the American Biscayne Ln...... Dispatched & cancelled...... 9/15/19 ...... 23:17 cocaine. Cat Mar Rd...... Fire ...... 9/16/19 ...... 09:00 Legion hall. Jamaica Way...... Dispatched & cancelled...... 9/17/19 ...... 18:54 $ * * * Other Merchants Way ...... Dispatched & cancelled...... 9/17/19 ...... 16:56 565,000 On Sept. 21 Niceville police On Sept. 23 Niceville police Merchants Way ...... Medical assist...... 9/17/19 ...... 17:53 White Point Rd ...... EMS call ...... 9/18/19 ...... 07:52 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,882 sqft arrested William Jordan Bennett, responded to an address on 26th Ardmore Ct...... EMS call ...... 9/18/19 ...... 09:02 120 Sandstone Street 23, of 335 Pontevedra Lane, Street where a caller said someone Lancaster Dr...... EMS call ...... 9/18/19 ...... 10:11 Cathy Alley (850) 585-2303 E Hwy 20...... Detector activation...... 9/18/19 ...... 13:46 Niceville, on a charge of trespass- had slashed the tires on his vehi- Armadillo Trl ...... EMS call ...... 9/18/19 ...... 14:52 Tiffany Hedges (850) 585-0020 ing after warning. He had been cle. Shipley Dr...... EMS call ...... 9/19/19 ...... 04:24 hanging around the Tom Thumb * * * E Hwy 20...... Medical assist...... 9/20/19 ...... 07:16 Rocky Bayou Dr ...... Hazmat release ...... 9/20/19 ...... 08:53 $ on Valparaiso Boulevard, drinking On Sept. 24 Niceville police Cat Mar Rd...... Medical assist...... 9/20/19 ...... 16:29 519,900 and asking people for money. responded to an address on Helms County Line Rd ...... Building fire...... 9/21/19 ...... 05:39 3 beds, 3 baths, 2,049 sqft * * * Street regarding a disturbance. Ida Coon Dr...... EMS call ...... 9/20/19 ...... 9:24 Robert Ave...... Dispatched & cancelled...... 9/21/19 ...... 19:00 506 Van Buren Street On Sept. 22 the Okaloosa * * * Laura Lane ...... smoke detector activated ...... 9/22/19 ...... 12:44 Amanda Grandy (850) 333 2154 Sheriff’s office arrested Amanda On Sept. 24 the Okaloosa Bay Dr ...... EMS call ...... 9/22/19 ...... 15:41 - Capri Cv ...... Dispatched & cancelled...... 9/22/19 ...... 15:41 Tammy Summers (601) 597-3777 Pearl Bridges, 28, of 105 Sheriff’s office responded to an Cat Mar Rd...... EMS call ...... 9/22/19 ...... 19:46 Windlake Court, Niceville, on address on Highway 20 East White Point Rd ...... Dispatched & cancelled...... 9/23/19 ...... 05:59 charges of smuggling contraband regarding some found or recov- White Point Rd ...... EMS call ...... 9/23/19 ...... 06:36 $ Magnolia Plantation...... Water problem ...... 9/23/19 ...... 10:17 415,000 into a detention facility, possess- ered narcotics. Hwy 20 E...... EMS call ...... 9/23/19 ...... 09:49 ing a controlled substance without ** * Hwy 20 E...... EMS call ...... 9/23/19 ...... 12:52 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,323 sqft a prescription, and drug equip- On Sept. 25 the Okaloosa Hwy 20 E...... EMS call ...... 9/24/19 ...... 20:59 167 Red Maple Way Lancaster Dr...... Medical assist...... 9/25/19 ...... 07:27 ment possession and/or use. Sheriff’s office responded to an Turnberry Pl...... EMS call ...... 9/25/19 ...... 08:40 Cathy Alley (850) 585-2303 * * * address on John Sims Parkway Hwy 20 E...... EMS call ...... 9/25/19 ...... 09:12 Tiffany Hedges (850) 585-0020 Hwy 20 E...... Steam not smoke ...... 9/25/19 ...... 10:45 On Sept. 24 John Edward East regarding a narcotics felony. Bay Dr ...... EMS call ...... 9/25/19 ...... 12:08 Powers, 51, of 223 Bayberry Dr., * * * White Point Rd ...... EMS call ...... 9/26/19 ...... 09:32 $ Niceville, was booked into the On Sept. 26 the Okaloosa Windlake Dr...... EMS call ...... 9/27/19 ...... 05:14 359,900 Hwy 20 E...... EMS call ...... 9/27/19 ...... 09:51 Walton County jail on a charge Sheriff’s office responded to White Point Rd ...... Medical assist...... 9/27/19 ...... 10:30 4 beds, 2 baths, 2,122 sqft of disorderly intoxication in an address on Highway 20 Cat Mar Rd...... EMS call ...... 9/27/19 ...... 13:41 1405A Cat-Mar Road a public place causing a East regarding a theft. Gleneagles Dr ...... EMS call ...... 9/27/19 ...... 19:46 White Point Rd ...... EMS call ...... 9/28/19 ...... 05:13 Amanda Grandy (850) 333-2154 disturbance. He was * * * Cat Mar Rd...... Dispatched & cancelled...... 9/28/19 ...... 11:08 Tammy Summers (601) 597-3777 released on bond the fol- On Sept. 27 the Hwy 20 E...... Medical assist...... 9/28/19 ...... 16:03 lowing day. Okaloosa Sheriff’s Hwy 20E...... EMS call ...... 9/28/19 ...... 18:56 Visit northbayfd.org for more information. $ * * * office responded to an 359,900 On Sept. 24 the address on Highway 20 4 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,122 sqft Okaloosa Sheriff’s office East regarding a report of 1407B Cat-Mar Road arrested Bray C. Danner, 42, battery. Hallmark Amanda Grandy (850) 333 2154 of 1183 Muirfield Way, * * * - Tammy Summers (601) 597 3777 Niceville, on a charge of video On Sept. 27 the Okaloosa Fall 3-Wick - voyeurism on a child less than 16 Sheriff’s office responded to an Candles years of age. address on Parkwood Square $310,000 * * * regarding a report of battery. On Sept. 24 Valparaiso police * * * BUY ONE, 4 beds, 2 baths, 2,103 sqft arrested Erica Lynn Edwards, 32, On Sept. 28 Niceville police 2424 Roberts Drive of 2 19th St., Niceville, on a responded to an address on Deer GET ONE FREE Chanie Erb (850) 585-1665 charge of possessing a controlled Street regarding a burglary in substance without a prescription. which a coin collection, a .22 pis- * * * tol, some wedding rings, a metal $295,000 On Sept. 25 Jacob Skyler detector, and a laptop computer Roberson, 19, of 87 Live Oak St., had been taken. 4 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,277 sqft Niceville, was booked into the * * * 20 Hickory Avenue Walton County jail on charges of On Sept. 29 the Okaloosa Marion Russell (850) 582-5813 operating a motor vehicle without Sheriff’s office responded to the Donna Bennett (850) 585-5746 a valid license, and fleeing or Destin-Fort Walton Beach eluding a law enforcement officer Airport, regarding some found or $279,000 with lights and siren active. recovered narcotics. 2 beds, 2 baths, 987 sqft * * * * * * 502 Gulf Shore Drive Unit 111 On Sept. 27 Colton Shane On Sept. 29 the Okaloosa Bryan, 28, of 354 Columbus St., Sheriff’s office responded to an Amanda Grandy (850) 333-2154 Tammy Summers (601) 597 3777 Valparaiso, was booked into the address on Highway 20 East - Walton County jail on charges of regarding a report of battery. reckless driving, first offense, * * * Since 1986 $ driving while license suspended, On Sept. 30 Niceville police 850-678-1593 229,900 habitual offender, fleeing or elud- responded to an address on Tee www.bayoubookcompany.com 4 beds, 2 baths, 1,820 sqft ing in law enforcement officer at Street where two unlocked vehi- 506 Cypress Street Oak Creek Shopping Center, Niceville high speed, driving while license cles had been entered, and a wal- Open: Mon.-Sat. 9-6 Stephanie Barfield (850) 543-3633 suspended, first offense, operating let, credit cards, and cash had been a motorcycle without a license, stolen. violating an order revoking bond, $182,500 4 beds, 2 baths, 1,627 sqft drug companies pay for expens- 364 Okaloosa Avenue transit es incurred by governments in Cathy Alley (850) 585-2303 From page a-1 coping with abuse. Tiffany Hedges (850) 585-0020 overall operations of transit Following a staff presenta- services in Okaloosa County. tion, County Attorney Greg Proposed fare increase changes Stewart told commissioners, $135,000 are in line and comparable to “Movinag quickly is important,” 56 acre lot similar size systems in the as the primary case is already New Ebenezer Rd. region and the State of Florida. being heard by a federal court. Commissioners unanimously Commissioners unanimously Mandy Campbell (850) 902-6911 approved the higher fares, and chose to join in litigation praised the progress that the for- pressed by a Birmingham, Ala., merly troubled transit system law firm allied with a New York has made since being put under firm in the case. Staffers said the management of a new con- these firms already represent tractor and subjected to closer Walton County in the case. DirECtOrY county oversight early this year. “You have worked hard to Cathy Alley, Realtor® ...... (850) 585-2303 keep prices low, and done a Vicki Alexander, Realtor® ...... (850) 217-0587 wonderful job,” said Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel. Donna Bennett, Broker Assoc...... (850) 585-5746 Since changing managers, she Stephanie Barfield, Realtor®...... (850) 543-3633 said, the transit system has ® “achieved a 90 percent on-time Mandy Campbell, Realtor ...... (850) 902-6911 rate.” Lisa Deering, Realtor® ...... (702) 885-1029 Commissioner Graham Stacey Driver, Realtor® ...... (850) 621 6601 Fountain said that he used to - receive many complaints about Chanie Erb, Realtor® ...... (850) 585-1665 the county’s transit system, but Amanda Grandy, Realtor® ...... (850) 333 2154 that since new management has - taken over, such complaints Tiffany Hedges, Realtor®...... (850) 585-0020 have been “nonexistent.” Beth Little, Realtor® ...... (850) 543-8617 In other business, commis- sioners decided to join in litiga- Marion Russell, Broker Assoc...... (850) 582-5813 tion concerning the nationwide Tammy Summers, Realtor® ...... (601) 597-3777 epidemic of opioid drug abuse. Various lawsuits seek to have Page A-4 T HE B AY B EACON Wednesday, October 9, 2019 over twenty years. Fred travels each tour information meeting will be Quilting Class summer to study hummingbirds in held on Thursday, October 10 at 6 Heritage Museum of Northwest western states and has done research p.m. at NWFSC’s Niceville Campus Florida is excited to welcome Kathy in Alaska and Canada. Join us on located at 100 College Boulevard Everett for a brand new six-week October 9 for our greeting time at East in Building 110, Room 328, hand-quilting class. Kathy is a long- 9:00 a.m. and program at 9:30 a.m. which is found in the Mattie Kelly time quilter who will show you how Our club meetings are held at the Arts Center. For more information, to make a table runner from start to Trinity Presbyterian Church fellow- contact: Dr. David Simmons, sim- finish, all by hand. ship hall located at 44 Southview [email protected] Kathy has chosen autumn as the Ave, Valparaiso. All are welcome. Bluewater Bay garden Club theme for the quilt fabric, just in time Thank you, June Jones Publicity The Bluewater Bay Garden Club for the Thanksgiving holiday. Chairman Valparaiso Garden Club will have their next meeting on The classes will take place at the E-mail items to October 10, at 9:30 a.m. at the museum from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on [email protected] NWFSC Trip to Spain by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Northwest Florida State College Bluewater Clubhouse on October 11, 18, and 25, and on Space permitting, items may run the is hosting a trip to Spain in May of Bluewater Boulevard. November 1, 8, and 15. Wednesday before the event. 2020. The trip is art-themed and is Social time 9:00 a.m. Our Students should plan to attend all titled, Walking in the Footsteps of guest speaker will be six classes, and all materials will be valparaiso garden Club Don’t miss this program on Great Artists: An Artistic Tour of Larry Williams, provided. Please visit our website or Hummingbirds, presented by Fred Spain. The two-week trip will Okaloosa County Horticultural call us at (850) 678-2615 to register. Basset, founder of include visits to the Spanish cities of Agent. He will give us a program on Information about our other class Hummingbird Research, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Toledo, Florida-Friendly Gardening Pest offerings can be found on our web- Inc. Fred is a certified Madrid, Segovia, Zaragoza, Control. This will be a very informa- site. master bird-bander who Barcelona and more. The tour is tive program for us if you would like Plew Elementary fundraiser has worked with birds for open to the public. The first Spain to attend, bring a guest and have Panthers in the Yard. This yard lunch with us. The restaurant was sale & craft event will be held on taken over by Slick Mick’s and will Saturday October 12, 9a.m.-2p.m. in serve their new menu. All are wel- the Plew Elementary Parking Lot come to attend. For further informa- located at 220 Pine Ave Niceville. tion, call Claudene Schaetzle at 850- Vendor Space Available: $10-$20. 729-0348. Donations will be accepted. All pro- History Sandwiched ceeds benefit the Plew Parent Bring a sandwich and take your Leadership Association. For more lunch break at the Heritage Museum information contact Teresa at (850) of Northwest Florida for History 830-5903. Sandwiched-In, an informal educa- Huge yard sale tion program. Rocky Bayou Kiwanis Club will Lunchtime is more than just have a yard sale on Saturday, about food. At the October 12, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 175 Heritage Museum, it's an John Sims Pkwy. Valparaiso, behind opportunity to learn. Our Dominic's Pizzeria one mile East of History Sandwiched-In the East Gate/Eglin AFB. talks happen on the sec- All proceeds from the event will ond Friday of each month from go to the community projects 12:00-1:00 p.m., and we're excited account, which allocates the funds to about the line-up of speakers for the meet special needs in our communi- rest of the 2019 calendar year. More ty. For more in information call details and speaker bios can be found Grant Williams, President 850-830- on our website. 0376 or visit www On October 11, Rachel Hine will RockyBayouKiwanis.com. present "Tombstone Tales" and on Love & Marriage November 8, Diane Fraswer will Joining us from Brazil, the NFSO present "Quirky Science History". will be under the baton of Manfredo This lecture is free and open to Schmiedt for Love and Marriage, the public. Space is Limited. featuring music from Grieg’s popu- Please call 850-678-2615 to lar Peer Gynt Suite and the epic reserve a seat. Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz. Steinway Artists, husband/wife piano duo Marina Lomazov and Joseph Rackers, will join us as our guest artists, dazzling with Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos. The concert will be on October THE BAY BEACON’S 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theater at Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets are $25 Adults and $16 Youth. Free for NWFSC students with Raider ID. Tickets can be pur- At Your Service chased on line at www.MattieKellyArts Center.org or PAINTINg & PrESSurE CLEANINg HOME rEPAIr ADvErTISE HErE! by calling 850-729-6000. Octoberfest Come one, come all. Lets cele- Advertise your A+ Professional brate Fall. Superior Residence of Locally owned SimpLer Carpet & tiLe, inC. Niceville is hosting Octoberfest ben- business in this & operated Painting efiting the Twin Cities Pavilion a size space for only Where quality makes the grade! local, non-profit assisted •Vinyl Siding living community. •Screen Rooms $22.75 per week. ANGIE'S LIST (Minimum 8 weeks.) Service Provider Octoberfest will be •Crown Moulding • Interior & Exterior of the Year 2013, Browse our selection of Hardwood & Laminate held on October 12, CALL uS 2014, 2015, 2016 •Replace Rotten • Textured Ceilings 2017 & 2018 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Superior Wood & Screens at 678-1080 209 Government ave., niceville • 678-7925 Residence of Niceville, 2300 Partin or email • Pressure Washing Call today for a •Door Installation FrEE ESTIMATE! Sales & installation mon.-Fri. 8am - 5pm Dr. N., Niceville. There will be food, [email protected] • Licensed & Insured (850) vendors, games, music and the best Ad design & layout 225-0981 Free estimates Sat. by appointment fall fun. 585-9511 no extra charge. APlusProfessionalPaintingInc.com Lic# RX0066839 Serving Niceville-Valparaiso for 50 years

PAINTINg & PrESSurE CLEANINg PAINTINg & PrESSurE CLEANINg “Where Buyers and Sellers Meet!” Commercial residential Beacon CLASSIFIEDS Boats for Sale Homes for Sale Homes for Sale SpectrumSpectrum PaintingPainting Boat motor and trailer $3,250.00, OBO. Interior / Exterior Design 1970 14’ fiberglass V-hull fishing boat, 1970 trailer, 2018 Yamaha 25HP 4- 35 Years Work Experience stroke motor, electric start, tiller with Carriage Hills Realty, Inc. 17 Years in Niceville, BWB extended warranty, expires 03/03/2023. Presents & Surrounding Area 850-543-4161. No texts. 916 N St Andrews Cove FrEE ESTIMATES • FuLLY LICENSED & INSurED Help Wanted Ken’s Gas Piping accepting applica- 897-0700 tions for gas pipers. Experience pre- ferred, but will train, if necessary. Construction experience a plus. Must PrESSurE CLEANINg PrESSurE WASHINg rOOFINg have valid driver’s license. Apply at 419 Adams Ave. Valparaiso. Phone 897- 4149 SPF E&D residential & Commercial roofing Cleaning, LLC Shingles, Metal & Flat roof Items for Sale OPEN HOuSE Pressure MOVING SALE!! Sunday, Oct 13th from 1 – 4 pm Commercial/Residential 4279 Armadillo Trail. Call for appoint- 4 Bedrooms • 2 1/2 Baths • golf Course Home • Lots of upgrades! • Exterior Pressure ment 334-797-631 Washing great room w/ wood burning fireplace • Formal Dining Area Cleaning Call Today!Scott Huckstep Musical Instruments Florida room • Large, updated Kitchen • Water Proofing “No Job Too Small” 850-712-7469 • Exterior Caulking First floor Master Bedroom • upstairs Den • Gutter Service q4Houses q4Dock • Great Rates • Lifetime Labor Warranty I BuY guITArS Beautiful yard with updated outdoor living area • Professional Window • Free Estimates Looking for old guitars, basses and q4Drive-ways q4RVs Cleaning Fencing Decks • Financing Available amps. Cash paid. Ray at 404-895-3459 • Multi-Story q4 q4 Contact Joyce Anderson, 850.585.8513 or Licensed Barbara Pendergraft, 850.217.7261 HABLAMOS ESPANOL Licensed & Insured 20 Years Experience Yard Sales 850-353-1026 Bonded • Insured for showing or more information. (850) 699-7866 License # CCC 1331434 Niceville, Fl Insured Lic#140514 Huge Rocky Bayou Kiwanis yard sale! 1821 John Sims Pkwy. • Niceville, Florida 32578 October 12, 8a.m. to 3p.m. 175 John (850) 678-5178 TrEE SErvICE Sims Pkwy. Valparaiso. Behind www.CarriageHills.com • [email protected] ADvErTISE HErE! ADvErTISE HErE! Dominic’s Pizzeria one mile from the East Gate. Costume jewelry, bed- Services Services spreads, glassware, shoes, furniture Advertise your Bayou AT YOUR SERVICE and lots of miscellaneous. business in this ree Service PLEW ELEMENTArY LighthouseTherapyofNiceville.com T advertising makes sense! CrAFT YArD SALE size space for only Don’t be fooled by ”PANTHERS IN THE YARD” vendor AffordAbLe MentAL HeALtH tHerApY $22.75 per week. False Ads... Advertise this size space for only space available. $10-$20. SET UP and (Minimum 8 weeks.) Demand Proof of $41.70 per week, advertising in At Your SELL or SHOW UP and SHOP! $10 Session Fee IF Income is <$25k Comp & Liability! Service is easy AND affordable! Call us at Donations accepted. 100% of proceeds CALL uS benefits Plew Elementary. Contact at 678-1080 678-1080, email [email protected] Teresa 850-830-5903 for info. Sat. Oct Serving uninSured or MedicAid AduLtS onLY or email or stop by the office at 12th 9-2 See you there TREASURE 1181 E. John Sims Pkwy., HUNTERS! Cozette (Cozy) Drake, LCSW [email protected] Actually Ad design & layout Niceville, FL 32578 Specializing in PTSD, trauma and anxiety Licensed & Insured See news happening? no extra charge. to take advantage of this incredible bargain! 1821 John Sims Parkway E., Niceville 678-9339 Call The Bay Beacon at 678-1080 850-396-2795 Wednesday, October 9, 2019 T HE B AY B EACON Page A-5 GOP hears Allen West Rocky students Climate Engineers rewarded for hard work celebrate ribbon cutting

The Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee has met at Niceville City Hall for years. Its members include Niceville residents and residents from other municipalities in Okaloosa County. Recently they were honored to have Lieutenant Colonel Allen West (Ret.) as the speaker at their Rocky Bayou Christian School’s Elementary special servic- annual Lincoln Dinner fundraiser. Lt. Col. West has a 22-year es class (Talent Development – Plus) enjoyed a lunch out Climate Engineers of Florida celebrated their Chamber mem- career in the U.S. Army, is a former U.S. Congressman from together at McDonalds in Niceville. Students ordered their bership with a Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Florida, is a FOX News Contributor, and continues to be active- own lunches and paid and received change. This trip Ribbon Cutting. Chamber Ambassadors, Board of Directors, ly involved in many organizations. (L-R: Lt. Col. Allen West; enhanced life skills and also was a reward for successfully friends and family members joined owners Jonathan and Okaloosa State Committee Woman, Sandra Atkinson; and completing all their academic work for the week. Michelle Dandridge for the event. OCREC Chair, Jeff Hinkle.)

Rocky shows their spirit

Ruckel remains undefeated Ruckel Middle School's cross country team host- ed a meet last Wednesday and competed against Shoal River and Bruner. The girls team had a per- fect score of 15, and the top three girls were Lexi Roberts, Hailey Holtery, and Mackenzie Thompson. All three girls ran a personal best time for the course. The boys scored a 25 and the top The Rocky Bayou Christian School Knights scored 10th out of three finishers were Seamus Hodge, Toby Siren, 18 teams and Lady Knights scored 8th out of 14 teams at the and Nate Meissner. The Rams recently travelled to JD Mack Invitational 28 Sep in Jay, FL. Even though they com- Lakeland, Florida and earned a bid for the state peted well, something more important, unexpected and beau- championships in late October. Inset left: Hailey tiful happened bringing joy to coach and parents. Although Holtery. Insert right: Ruckel's Ayden Campbell some were injured, the whole team rallied unscripted to run in races to the finish line. our final Lady Knight who was suffering from injury and liter- Beacon photos by Paula Mims ally is an Overcomer.

Niceville beats Tate

Lewis falls to Baker At their last game of the season at Niceville High School, Lewis School celebrated its eighth grade band members, cheerleaders, and football players. Lewis was down 22-0 at the half, but tried to mount a second half comeback, but fell short by a score of 22-14. Below, Eighth grader Hayden Keefer and his family. Beacon photos by Paula Mims

Niceville High School volleyball celebrat- ed senior night with a three-set win over the Tate Aggies by a score of 25-15, 25-21, and 25-10. Peyton Chambers had 42 assists and Angie Dzoba led the team with 16 digs. (L-R) Angie Dzoba, Isabella Bexley, Marissa Rung, and Peyton Chambers. Paige Broussard with a hit in the first set. The Eagles have one last home game on Thursday, October 10 against Pensacola Catholic (JV 5:00/Varsity 6:00) before district playoffs begin at Niceville on October 15th. Beacon photos by Paula Mims

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gulfcoastdental.com (850) 897-9600 4566 Hwy 20 East Suite 108 • Niceville | Located in Courtyard Plaza Bluewater Bay Page A-6 T HE B AY B EACON Wednesday, October 9, 2019 SChOOlS Maney seeks Fla. House seat From page A-1 child-abuse scandal. A 21-year Beacon Staff accomplishments as a after him and when he was employee of the school district, Former Okaloosa leader of integrity and inducted into the Florida Veterans Chambers was an English County Judge Patt vision who is both Hall of Fame and received the teacher, a coach, an assistant Maney this week pre- transactional and trans- Governor’s Medal of Honor. principal, a principal (at Niceville qualified to run for formative in addressing Maney serves on the Florida High School), and an assistant election to the Florida challenges.” Veterans Hall of Fame Council, He added: “In addi- the state Supreme Court’s superintendent of schools before Marcus Chambers Ray Sansom Christopher Tillis House of being appointed to the top job. Representatives for tion to my judicial Steering Committee on Problem “I am running for superintend- legislator and Okaloosa County honest to the public. My top pri- District 4 in 2020. duties, I have worked to Solving Courts, the Mid-Bay support economic Bridge Authority, the Southern ent because I believe in the commissioner, manages six ority is to make Okaloosa Maney is the fourth Patt Maney impact that teachers, staff and dropout-prevention schools in County proud of our schools active candidate for the development as well as to Regional Education Board, and administrators can make in the Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa again.” seat currently held by Mel improve the lives of our citizens. as civilian aide to the Secretary of lives of students,” Chambers said. counties. He holds a master’s Tillis, 43, a 1994 graduate of Ponder, Destin, who said he is not I have a record of demonstrated the Army (Florida-North). “For students, educators are the degree in education from Choctawhatchee High School, running for another term, and service in education, transporta- “We live in a diverse county,” gateway to the future and I will University of West Florida and an earlier this year completed a instead announced a campaign tion, mental health and issues Maney said. “I have not only continue to do everything in my educational specialist degree bachelor’s degree in accounting for the Okaloosa County affecting military veterans and served as a judge but have suc- power to equip our district with from Liberty University. from University of Phoenix. Commission. their families.” cessfully worked with the the tools and resources we need “Through my leadership expe- “I am running for superin- Maney, a Shalimar The Dist. 4 candidate field Legislature to pass laws for the to make the future of our students riences of the past 30 years, I tendent of schools because the Republican, said, “I believe my also includes Jonathan Tallman benefit of the state as well as our bright.” have learned that I enjoy casting a superintendent of schools and background of service to the peo- of Niceville, Jeff Hinkle of county. In addition to close to 29 Chambers added: “As superin- new vision for an organization, the school board refused to order ple of Okaloosa County, the State Destin, and Sandra Atkinson of years in the judiciary, I have tendent, I have the ability change and making the tough decisions a forensic audit to find out where of Florida and our nation make Mary Esther. All are Republicans. served on the state’s Suicide lives for the better, impact the needed to bring it back to health,” all of the money went during the me exceptionally qualified to be A combat-wounded Army Prevention Coordinating future of students and employees Sansom said. Jackson administration,” Tillis an effective servant leader repre- veteran who retired with the rank Council, the Florida Defense and provide a school environ- Sansom added: “I believe that said. senting our county. I understand of brigadier general, Maney said Support Task Force, the Supreme ment that not only is conducive to the unique opportunities that I “My goal as superintendent is that a representative’s job is to lis- his work with veterans was rec- Court’s Mental Health and learning but one that also places have had qualify me to create a to fully clean house, and ensure ten and represent the people. I ognized when the Legislature Substance Abuse Task Force and safety as a priority.” culture that is supportive of we are good stewards of the tax- believe our representative must named the Florida law establish- the DUI Program Review Board.” Sansom, 57, a former Florida teachers, open to the parents and payer's money,” Tillis added. have a successful record of ing Veterans Treatment Courts All Around The Town Twin Cities Transmission & General Repair The Best Automotive Repair in Niceville

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