T T h h e e B B a a y y B B e e a a c c o o n n [email protected]The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 Police Blotter, page A-4 An Okaloosa County sheriffʼs deputy patrols a Niceville High School softball game last spring. The supervisor of the countyʼs school resource officers says that this year, deputies may carry rifles at ath- letic events. Beacon photo by Paula Mims By Mike Griffith Beacon Correspondent The company that picks up recyclables in much of Okaloosa County, says it is finding it harder to make money on the business. As result, the company is becoming more picky about what waste it will accept in the yellow-topped curbside recycling bins that customers set out for collection. Pamela Ducas, public sector manag- er for Waste Management, the big waste-collection and disposal contractor, has been telling public officials about recent worldwide and local problems with recycling, and about what Niceville residents can do to prop- erly recycle waste from their homes and businesses. During one such briefing to the Niceville City Council Aug. 14, Ducas said that much of the recy- clable material collected in Niceville and elsewhere through- out the U.S. is shipped to other countries for processing, notably China, which until recently has pur- chased more recycla- ble material than other countries. Now, however, China has become much more restrictive about what materials it will accept, and especially about how much contamination or non- recyclable materials may be included in a shipment. That By Mike Griffith Beacon Correspondent Get used to the sight of deputy sheriffs carrying military-style rifles at school football games, said Lt. Gary Venuti, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office school resource officer program supervi- sor. Venuti addressed members of the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce in Niceville Aug. 21. Firepower such as that of the U.S. military’s M4 auto- matic rifle is needed to prepare police to cope with today’s threats, Venuti explained. “We’re not living in the same world we used to,” he said. School shootings such as the Aug. 14 mas- sacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, which killed 17 and wounded a like number, “have changed everything.” In rampages such as the one in the Broward County city of Parkland, or one that killed 58 and injured 851 at a country-music festival in Las Vegas in October 2017, attack- ers have used semi- automatic long guns, overmatching police officers carrying only sidearms. Police must be prepared to Local school athletes were busy last week, with fall sports on everyone's mind. The Niceville High School volleyball team earned its fourth win of the season Saturday against Lincoln Tallahassee, 25-23, 23-25, 28-26 and 25-15. In Niceville's football opener Friday night, Lincoln won, 27-15, overcoming the Eaglesʼ halftime lead. Northwest Florida State College was the site of the first cross-country meet of the season for area high schools and middle schools Saturday. Both the Niceville High girls and boys teams won the team 4x1.5 mile relays. In the 5,000-meter open race, the Niceville girls placed six runners in the top 10, and the boys eight in the top 10. In its season football opener, Ruckel Middle School was defeated by the Destin Marlins Thursday in Niceville. Ruckel had a 7-6 lead at halftime, but Destin scored two second-half touchdowns to win 22-7. Beacon photos by Paula Mims School resource officers are issued heavier arms Hauler gets picky about recyclables By Mike Griffith Beacon Correspondent The trustees of Northwest Florida State College have awarded $32,285 in “incentive compensation” to college President Devin Stephenson. The bonus, approved Aug. 21, is intended to reward Stephenson for excellent per- formance during his first year as the institution’s chief executive. Trustees Chairman Brian Pennington said that during the past year, under Stephenson’s leadership, the college has met or exceeded 96 percent of the goals and “key performance indi- cators” established when he became president. Stephenson’s contract, said Pennington, authorizes the trustees to award him up to 15 per- cent of his base salary as incentive compensation for meeting or exceeding goals set by the trustees. The $32,285, said Pennington, repre- sents 14.4 percent of Stephenson’s $224,000 annual salary, to which it is added. In discussion preceding the unanimous vote to authorize the extra compensation to Stephenson, Trustee Craig Barker initially sug- gested that Stephenson should receive 90 per- cent of the maximum incentive pay allowed. Trustee Charlotte Flynt, however, said that because Stephenson had led the college to accomplish 50 of 52 specific goals and key per- formance indicators, he should receive 96 per- cent of the maximum incentive pay allowed. Trustee Shane Abbott said he believed that Stephenson’s performance has been excellent, Welcoming back fall sports Please see OFFICERS, page A-3 Please see COLLEGE, page A-5 Please see HAULER, page A-5 College chief earns bonus for year’s achievements 50¢ Wednesday, August 29, 2018 6 Pages, 1 Section, 5 Inserts College President Devin Stephenson, center, chatted with trustees Don Litke and Charlotte Flynt before a trustees meeting Aug. 21. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith Lt. Gary Venuti The Niceville High School chapter of the Veterans Heritage Project recently earned the Congressional Medal of Honor Society 2018 Citizen Honors Community Service Hero Award. The Veterans Heritage Project made the award based on the impactful service to veterans and youth in the states of Florida, Arizona and Illinois. Front row from left: Angelee Morales Rios, Hannah Sjostrom, and Gretchen Erickson, Veterans Heritage Project rep- resentative. Middle row: Collin Szymczak, Taylor Strickler, Rosalina Lombardi. Back row: Alex Pugh and Jennifer Sjostrom, AP Language teacher. NHS students receive VHP Medal of Honor
Transcript
TThhee BBaayy [email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 Police Blotter, page A-4
An OkaloosaCounty sheriffʼsdeputy patrols aNiceville HighSchool softballgame last spring.The supervisor ofthe countyʼsschool resourceofficers says thatthis year,deputies maycarry rifles at ath-letic events.
Beacon photo byPaula Mims
By Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent
The company that picks uprecyclables in much of OkaloosaCounty, says it is finding it harderto make money on the business.
As result, the company isbecoming morepicky about whatwaste it will acceptin the yellow-toppedcurbside recyclingbins that customersset out for collection.
Pamela Ducas,public sector manag-er for WasteManagement, the bigwaste-collection anddisposal contractor, has beentelling public officials about recentworldwide and local problemswith recycling, and about whatNiceville residents can do to prop-
erly recycle waste from theirhomes and businesses.
During one such briefing to theNiceville City Council Aug. 14,Ducas said that much of the recy-clable material collected inNiceville and elsewhere through-
out the U.S. is shippedto other countries forprocessing, notablyChina, which untilrecently has pur-chased more recycla-ble material than othercountries.
Now, however,China has becomemuch more restrictiveabout what materials
it will accept, and especially abouthow much contamination or non-recyclable materials may beincluded in a shipment. That
By Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent
Get used to the sight of deputysheriffs carrying military-stylerifles at school football games,said Lt. Gary Venuti, the OkaloosaCounty Sheriff’s Office schoolresource officer program supervi-sor.
Venuti addressed members ofthe Niceville-Valparaiso Chamberof Commerce in Niceville Aug.21.
Firepower such as that of the
U.S. military’s M4 auto-matic rifle is needed toprepare police to copewith today’s threats,Venuti explained. “We’renot living in the sameworld we used to,” hesaid. School shootingssuch as the Aug. 14 mas-sacre at MarjoryStoneman Douglas HighSchool in Parkland, which killed17 and wounded a like number,“have changed everything.”
In rampages such asthe one in the BrowardCounty city ofParkland, or one thatkilled 58 and injured851 at a country-musicfestival in Las Vegas inOctober 2017, attack-ers have used semi-automatic long guns,
overmatching policeofficers carrying only sidearms.Police must be prepared to
Local school athletes were busy last week, with fall sports on everyone's mind. The Niceville High School volleyball team earned its fourth win of the seasonSaturday against Lincoln Tallahassee, 25-23, 23-25, 28-26 and 25-15. In Niceville's football opener Friday night, Lincoln won, 27-15, overcoming the Eaglesʼhalftime lead. Northwest Florida State College was the site of the first cross-country meet of the season for area high schools and middle schools Saturday.Both the Niceville High girls and boys teams won the team 4x1.5 mile relays. In the 5,000-meter open race, the Niceville girls placed six runners in the top10, and the boys eight in the top 10. In its season football opener, Ruckel Middle School was defeated by the Destin Marlins Thursday in Niceville. Ruckelhad a 7-6 lead at halftime, but Destin scored two second-half touchdowns to win 22-7. Beacon photos by Paula Mims
School resource officersare issued heavier arms
Hauler gets pickyabout recyclables
By Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent
The trustees of Northwest Florida StateCollege have awarded $32,285 in “incentivecompensation” to college President DevinStephenson. The bonus, approved Aug. 21, isintended to reward Stephenson for excellent per-formance during his first year as the institution’schief executive.
Trustees Chairman Brian Pennington saidthat during the past year, under Stephenson’sleadership, the college has met or exceeded 96percent of the goals and “key performance indi-cators” established when he became president.
Stephenson’s contract, said Pennington,authorizes the trustees to award him up to 15 per-cent of his base salary as incentive compensationfor meeting or exceeding goals set by thetrustees. The $32,285, said Pennington, repre-sents 14.4 percent of Stephenson’s $224,000annual salary, to which it is added.
In discussion preceding the unanimous voteto authorize the extra compensation toStephenson, Trustee Craig Barker initially sug-gested that Stephenson should receive 90 per-cent of the maximum incentive pay allowed.
Trustee Charlotte Flynt, however, said thatbecause Stephenson had led the college toaccomplish 50 of 52 specific goals and key per-formance indicators, he should receive 96 per-cent of the maximum incentive pay allowed.
Trustee Shane Abbott said he believed thatStephenson’s performance has been excellent,
Welcoming back fall sportsPlease see OFFICERS, page A-3
Please see COLLEGE, page A-5
Please see HAULER, page A-5
College chiefearns bonusfor year’sachievements
50¢Wednesday, August 29, 20186 Pages, 1 Section, 5 Inserts
College President Devin Stephenson,center, chatted with trustees Don Litkeand Charlotte Flynt before a trusteesmeeting Aug. 21. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith
Lt. Gary Venuti
The Niceville High School chapter of theVeterans Heritage Project recentlyearned the Congressional Medal ofHonor Society 2018 Citizen HonorsCommunity Service Hero Award. TheVeterans Heritage Project made theaward based on the impactful service toveterans and youth in the states ofFlorida, Arizona and Illinois. Front rowfrom left: Angelee Morales Rios,Hannah Sjostrom, and GretchenErickson, Veterans Heritage Project rep-resentative. Middle row: CollinSzymczak, Taylor Strickler, RosalinaLombardi. Back row: Alex Pugh andJennifer Sjostrom, AP Languageteacher.
NHS students receive VHP Medal of Honor
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respond with superior firepower,especially at football games orother outdoor events that drawlarge crowds, Venuti said.
In Okaloosa County, Venutisaid, each of the 44 public schoolsis patrolled by a sheriff’s deputy,called a resource officer, and highschools have at least two. Theextra staffing at high schools, hesaid, is needed to cope with thelarge number of students and thelarge size of high school campus-es.
At Niceville High School, forexample, there are about 2,100students. The campus includesseven outbuildings as well as thesprawling main academic build-ing, all of which must be keptsecure and entry-controlled, aswell as parking lots and drivewayswhere traffic must be monitoredand students and staff kept safewhile entering or leaving buildingsand congregating around them.
In recent months, Venuti said,
Okaloosa County sheriff’sdeputies have been undergoingspecial training, preparing them tocope with whatever may arise.This includes practice with riflesand other weapons, as well as run-ning a mile after each training ses-sion to ensure physical fitness.
Each school in the OkaloosaCounty School District has beenundergoing secu-rity assessments,and operationsplans have beenwritten for a vari-ety of scenarios,ranging frommass shootingsto bomb threats,suicides, gang activity, or old-fash-ioned schoolyard fistfights.
Mental health therapists havealso been assigned to each school,so that students can promptlyreceive whatever help they mayneed to cope with such things asmental illness, drug abuse, or post-traumatic stress, whether it resultsfrom an incident at school, ormore often, from incidents that astudent may have been involved inat home, such as domestic abusecases or addiction problems oftheir parents.
Last year, said Venuti, therewere a record number of “BakerActs” in area schools, cases inwhich someone was involuntarilycommitted to a hospital for psy-chiatric evaluation and/or treat-ment.
Even when special emergen-cies do not occur, Venuti said,school resource officers stay busy
throughout eachday, preparingcrisis plans,engaging intraining and edu-cation, briefingstudents on suchtopics as drugawareness and
traffic safety, and most important-ly, constantly building relation-ships with the students andemployees they are there to pro-tect.
“Our relationships with stu-dents,” Venuti said, “are moreimportant than how many fencesor metal detectors we have.”
Asked about the threat of drugsand gang activity in local schools,Venuti said “We are on top of it.”He said that resource officersmove quickly whenever theybecome aware of drug activity in
their school. He said that the school
resource officer force is now thelargest division within the sheriff’soffice, which recruits “the best ofthe best” to become school offi-cers, seeking experienced deputieswith the “street knowledge” todetect and deal with such things asdrug or gang activity.
The most important part ofcrime prevention within a school,he said, is building rapport withstudents, assuring them that theofficers are there to help, whilealso letting them know that thereare some lines that no student maycross without running afoul of thelaw.
Drugs, Venuti added, are notjust a problem among students orteenagers. “There is an epidemicof drug abuse going on off-cam-pus,” he said, and that scourgeoften involves members of stu-dents’ families. School resourceofficers, he said, work closely withother deputies and city police, andensure that faculty members aremade aware when a student is “incrisis,” due to having been a victimor witness of abuse, or of a drug-related incident involving some-one at home.
Resource officers also help totrain fellow faculty members inemergency responses, such as the“run, hide, fight” responses thatmay be needed in case of a shoot-ing.
The newest security concernat schools, Venuti said, is aerialdrones. Such devices, while they
are popular toys and are some-times useful educational tools,can potentially be used asweapons, especially duringcrowded outdoor events such asfootball games. Law officers arebeing trained to be aware of, andif necessary respond to, attacksfrom the sky.
THE BAY BEACONWednesday, August 29, 2018 Page A-3
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Betty Bass Bledsoe, 81, ofMountain Home, Ark., has passedinto the arms of Jesus and herbeloved husband on August 21,2018. She passed away surround-ed by family.
You may go online to offercondolences or sign the guest-book at http://www.connerfamily-funeralhome.com
Betty Bass Bledsoe
Register now for the
TRAVELING EAGLESFall 2018 Camp
The Niceville Traveling Eagles, in coordination with the Northwest Florida State College Baseball Program,
are offering a program to help prepare players for their Spring teams
Every Wednesday at the Niceville Softball ComplexOrganized by NWFSC Coach Doug Martin
and run by the Raider staff and players
To Register Visithttps://leagueathletics.com/?org=TRAVELINGEAGLES.COM
Date: September 19-26; October 3, 10, 17, 24Time: 8U-10U — 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
11U-13U – 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Cost: $125 (includes practice hat and shirt)
M4 carbines are being issuedto school resource officers.
ArrestsOn Aug. 8 the Okaloosa Sheriff’s
office arrested Shane Robert Finch,36, transient, on a charge ofpossession of a weapon orammunition by a convictedFlorida felon.
The arrest was madeon a warrant stemmingfrom an incident inNiceville on Sept. 17, 2017,in which a Niceville policeofficer responded to the Twin CitiesPavilion in reference to a distur-bance.
An employee at the Pavilion hadsaw a male and female in an alterca-tion in and near a Lincoln. Police
later spotted the vehicle described,and an officer stopped it. By thattime, only the driver, Finch, was inthe car.
Further investigationrevealed that the vehicle hadbeen reported stolen in FortWalton Beach, and thatFinch was in possession ofan M4 rifle and ammuni-
tion. Finch has two felonyconvictions.
* * *On Aug. 10 Niceville police
arrested Rebekah Reba Martin, 47,of 202 Seminole Ave., Valparaiso, oncharges of shoplifting, possessing acontrolled substance without a pre-scription, and drug equipment pos-
session and/or use. Martin was seen attempting to
leave Walmart without paying forfirst-aid items and cosmetics whichshe had concealed, at a total value of$60.41. Police were summoned, andfound Martin to have approximately0.76 grams of suspected cocaine andapproximately 0.74 grams of sus-pected methamphetamine, both ofwhich field tested positive. She alsohad three cut straws, a bent spoon, abelt, and five syringes, one of whichcontained a liquid which field test-ed positive for methampheta-mine.
* * *On Aug. 13 Niceville
police arrested BrandyNicole Hart, 36, of 2812Lee Trevino Court,Shalimar, on charges ofknowingly driving whilelicense suspended or revoked–habit-ual offender, and knowingly drivingwith no insurance.
An officer stopped a Cadillacwith an expired registration, at theStarbuck’s coffee shop on John SimsParkway. Hart, the driver, said shedid not have insurance on the vehi-cle, and her license was not valid. Apolice database revealed that herlicense has been suspended sinceDecember 2016, she has six convic-tions, and is listed as a habitual traf-fic offender.
* * *On Aug. 13 the Okaloosa
Sheriff’s office arrested StephenDouglas Husty, 36, at large,Niceville, on a charge of probationviolation, felony.
* * *On Aug. 14 Gregory Wyatt
Griffin, 33, of 408 Detroit Ave.,Valparaiso, was booked into theWalton County jail on charges ofdrug equipment possession and/oruse, and possession of a controlledsubstance without a prescription.
* * *On Aug. 14 Niceville police
arrested Codie RochelOwens, 32, of 612 PowellDr., Niceville, on a chargeof falsely identifying her-self to a law enforcementofficer.
Owens was a passengerin a vehicle during a trafficstop, during which she provid-ed a police officer with a falsename. A police database revealed thename to be false, and during subse-quent questioning, Owens gave herreal name, under which she had anactive warrant from the OkaloosaCounty Sheriff’s office.
* * *On Aug. 14 Niceville police
arrested Patrick Ryan Edenfield, 37,of 248 Boundary Line Rd., Freeport,
on a charge of driving while licensesuspended, fourth or subsequentoffense.
Edenfield was the driver of a1993 Ford pickup stopped nearBailey Drive for having both taglights extinguished. During the traf-fic stop, Edenfield said he did nothave his driver’s license on him andhad no other identification. A policedatabase indicated that he had a sus-pended driver’s license, with six con-victions for driving with his licensesuspended or revoked.
* * *On Aug. 15 James Dean
Deavers Sr., 43, of 25Howard St., Niceville, wasbooked into the WaltonCounty jail on charges of
obstructing without vio-lence, and an out of county
warrant.* * *
On Aug. 15 the OkaloosaSheriff’s office arrested ChristopherLee Green, 30, of 105 Harding Rd.,Niceville, on charges of giving falseowner information to pawn itemsvalued at less than $300, theft ofbetween $300 and $5,000, and fraud-ulent/illegal use of credit cards, usedmore than twice within six months,for less than $100.
* * *On Aug. 15 the Okaloosa
Sheriff’s office arrested SeanThomas Salisbury, 33, of 219Hudson Cir., Niceville, on charges ofcarrying a concealed firearm, posses-sion of a weapon or ammunition by aconvicted Florida felon, and posses-sion of a controlled substance with-out a prescription.
* * *On Aug. 15 Niceville police
arrested Ritchie Allen Riley, 39, of177 Juniper Dr., Freeport, on chargesof driving while license suspended,second or subsequent offense, pos-session of marijuana not more than
20 grams, and drug equipmentpossession and/or use.
An officer observedRiley traveling in a 2004Toyota Tundra, and sawthat Riley was concealinghis face from the officer’sview and watching theofficer in his rearview mir-
ror. The officer was unableto pursue in heavy traffic, but
another officer later locatedRiley, and a police database indicat-ed that the registered owner ofRiley’s vehicle did not have a validlicense.
Riley was stopped on Juniper
Avenue, and it was confirmed that hedid not have a valid license. Aninventory of his vehicle revealed sus-pected marijuana which field tested
positive, and Riley said he had beenusing marijuana for a couple ofmonths.
* * *
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 followingcalls from Aug. 20, 2018 through Aug 26, 2018.
0 Structure Fires 18 Emergency Medical Calls0 Vehicle Fire 7 Vehicle Crash 1 Other Fire 0 Vehicle Crash with Extrication1 Illegal Burn 5 Other Emergency Calls0 False Alarms 0 Hazardous Conditions
STREET SITUATION DATE TIMEE. John Sims Pkwy..................Medical ..................................8/20/18 .....................10:41E. College Blvd. .......................Medical ..................................8/20/18 .....................14:46Persimmon Way ......................Medical ..................................8/20/18 .....................15:262nd Street.................................Illegal burning ........................8/20/18 .....................15:49E. John Sims Pkwy..................Vehicle vs Pedestrian ...........8/20/18 .....................15:51E. John Sims Pkwy..................Medical ..................................8/21/18 .....................08:5925th Street................................Cancelled...............................8/21/18 .....................09:25E. John Sims Pkwy..................Good intent ...........................8/21/18 .....................10:43Kelly Road................................Medical ..................................8/21/18 .....................18:44Bay Shore Dr............................Cancelled...............................8/21/18 .....................21:3620th Street................................Service call ............................8/22/18 .....................02:54E. John Sims Pkwy..................Vehicle crash.........................8/22/18 .....................08:03N. Partin Dr...............................Medical ..................................8/22/18 .....................16:32E. John Sims Pkwy..................Vehicle crash.........................8/22/18 .....................16:57E. John Sims Pkwy..................Vehicle crash.........................8/23/18 .....................15:13N. Partin Dr...............................Medical ..................................8/23/18 .....................16:56N. Partin Dr...............................Medical ..................................8/23/18 .....................17:44Reeves St.................................Medical ..................................8/23/18 .....................18:33E. John Sims Pkwy..................Vehicle crash.........................8/23/18 .....................20:44Pine Court ................................Medical ..................................8/24/18 .....................04:34Darlington Oak Dr. ...................Medical ..................................8/24/18 .....................08:54Weeden Island Dr. ...................Medical ..................................8/24/18 .....................13:02Howell Rd.................................Vehicle crash.........................8/24/18 .....................13:57E. John Sims Pkwy..................Medical ..................................8/24/18 .....................15:21Regatta Dr. ...............................Medical ..................................8/25/18 .....................10:00S.R. 85 N..................................Medical ..................................8/25/18 .....................11:35E. John Sims Pkwy..................Vehicle crash.........................8/25/18 .....................13:24McKinney St. ............................Service call ............................8/25/18 .....................15:1627th Street................................Medical ..................................8/26/18 .....................03:44Garden Ln. ...............................Kitchen fire.............................8/26/18 .....................12:04N. Partin Dr...............................Medical ..................................8/26/18 .....................16:54Rum Still Cir..............................Medical ..................................8/26/18 .....................18:04
Weekly Safety Tip: Store unused charcoal in a cool dry place, because damp char-coal can ignite itself. Use a metal pail/garbage can with a tight lid and place in anopen space where heat can escape if self-ignition should occur.
The Niceville Fire Department has a Facebook page, check it out!
Niceville
North BayThe North Bay Fire District responded to the following calls from August 20, 2018 through August 26, 2018.
STREET SITUATION DATE TIMEBarracuda.................................Dispatched & cancelled........8/20/18 .....................15:13Terra Cotta Way.......................Dispatched & cancelled........8/20/18 .....................16:35Emerald Coast Pkwy. ..............System malfunction ..............8/20/18 .....................16:42Oakmont Pl. .............................EMS call ................................8/21/18 .....................05:57Nelson Point Rd.......................EMS call ................................8/21/18 .....................08:54Southlake Ct.............................Medical assist........................8/21/18 .....................10:31E. Hwy. 20 ................................Medical assist........................8/21/18 .....................12:20N. White Point Rd. ...................Medical assist........................8/21/18 .....................15:41E. Hwy. 20 ................................EMS call ................................8/21/18 .....................21:27Merchants Way........................Medical assist........................8/21/18 .....................22:40N. White Point Rd. ...................Medical assist........................8/22/18 .....................11:22E. Hwy. 20 ................................Vehicle accident ....................8/22/18 .....................18:00N. White Point Rd. ...................EMS call ................................8/23/18 .....................11:58E. Hwy. 20 ................................EMS call ................................8/23/18 .....................12:26E. Hwy. 20 ................................Detector activation ................8/24/18 .....................08:34Antiqua Way.............................Service call ............................8/24/18 .....................09:57White Point Rd.........................Dispatched & cancelled........8/24/18 .....................12:58N. White Point Rd. ...................EMS call ................................8/26/18 .....................08:31Merchants Way........................EMS call ................................8/26/18 .....................12:43
Visit northbayfd.org for more information.
Page A-4 Wednesday, August 29, 2018THE BAY BEACON
1181 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville, Florida 32578(850) 678-1080 • [email protected]
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
Wildwood ApartmentsLocated at 400 Kelly Rd., Niceville
is accepting applications for1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments
Earn extra cash of $45 to $140 ormore each week in your spare time!The Bay Beacon seeks a reliableindependent contractor to insert,bag, and deliver newspapersTuesday night. You must be over 21and have a reliable vehicle, a gooddriving record, a Florida driverʼslicense, and proof of current liabilityinsurance. No collecting duties.Earnings vary according to routeand work load. Stop by the BayBeacon for an information sheet andto fill out an application. The Beacon1181 E. John Sims Parkway,Niceville • 678-1080 (Parkway EastShopping Center across fromPoFolks)
Looking for 2 year old femaleGolden Retriever. Top dollar paid forright dog. Call Bill at 897-0026.
House cleaning services inCrestview and Nicevil le areas.Background check and references.Call Cathy at 850-830-5377.
Care giver. $14/hr. 20-25hours/week. Light housework. Hoursvary. Call Dena at 865-4945.
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and that he is worth the extraincentive pay, but expressed con-cern that a bonus of more than 14percent is about seven times thepercentage pay increase given tofaculty and staff members at thecollege, and might therefore beperceived as unfair.
Other trustees, however, saidthat the extra pay given toStephenson is not a regular raise,but is an incentive payment, inaccordance with the original con-tract the college signed withStephenson when he was hired.Flynt’s reasoning carried the day.
Pennington said that even withthe extra incentive pay, “Our pres-ident is paid less than others in ourcohort” of colleges within theFlorida state college system. Healso said that Stephenson had notreceived a regular, permanent payraise since taking office.
In other business, the trustees,meeting in Niceville, heard abriefing from Pauline Anderson,college dean of research, analyt-ics, and planning. Anderson saidthat during the past year, the col-lege has moved from a “Bronze”to a Silver” classification in thestate of Florida’s “performance-based funding” program, in whichtop-performing colleges receiveextra state money above andbeyond their regular budgets.
By moving to a higher bracket,Anderson said, Northwest FloridaState will receive about $960,000more in such funding this yearthan had it remained in the Bronze
category. The top category for per-formance-based funding, saidAnderson, is the Gold category,and NWFSC is aiming for thatlevel.
She said that determination ofwhere a college ranks in the per-formance-based funding system isbased on three factors:
—Retention: What percentageof students successfully continuetheir education from one year tothe next.
—Completion: What percent-age of students who enter the col-lege graduate with academicdegrees or professional certifica-tions.
—Placement: What percentageof graduates either move on tohigher education or find jobs intheir field of study, with entry payat or above the average in theirfield.
To improve the college’s stand-ing, Anderson said the college hasbeen carefully tracking theprogress of its students, and iden-tifying students who may be strug-gling, in time to intervene withwhatever help they need to suc-cessfully complete their studies. Inaddition, she said, the college istrying to eliminate barriers tocompletion, such as by reducingthe amount of money studentsmust pay for textbooks.
One way of reducing textbookcosts, she said, is by making max-imum use of “open educationalresources” such as online materialor previously published texts,rather than requiring students tobuy new books.
Prior to their regular meeting,
the board held a brief meeting intheir capacity as trustees forCollegiate High School, a charterschool sponsored by the collegeand located on its main campus inNiceville. During that meeting,trustees commended PrincipalAnthony Boyer for his school’sperformance during the past year.
Collegiate High enrolls about285 high-achieving students ingrades 10-12.
Pennington said an annual
report on the secondary school’saccomplishments was “stellar.”Among them were an A ratingfrom the state of Florida, theaward of National MeritScholarships to two students, andthe fact that students have exceed-ed state averages in numerousmeasurements, to include gradua-tion rates, performance on collegeentrance examinations, a 96-per-cent satisfaction rating among par-ents, and other yardsticks.
THE BAY BEACONWednesday, August 29, 2018 Page A-5
209 Government Ave., Niceville • 678-7925Sales & InstallationFREE Estimates
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THE INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER —by Mike Griffith
“The school board elections are important to me. I have
elementary and middle school age children.”
Jennifer Johnson, 35, Niceville, mother
“As a business owner, the sales tax is important to me, because it works differently
depending on whether I clean residential or
commercial properties.”
Wayne Shipe, 54, Valparaiso,
janitorial service business owner
What is the most important issue in this yearʼs state and local elections?
Location: Walmart
“Implementing the peopleʼs will regarding medical marijuana. Despitethe previous election, politicians are
dragging their feet. Meanwhile, we have an opioid crisis for lack
of alternative treatments for pain.”
Kaileigh Rhodes, 31, Niceville,
stay home mom
“Honesty.”
Diane P., Bluewater Bay,
housewife
“The sales tax is important.”
David Polk, 77, Niceville,
retired military
“The politicians should listen more to the people, rather than their own agendas.”
Sara Martin, 35, Niceville,
stay-home mom
What should we ask next week? Email your suggested question to: [email protected] Include "Suggested IP question" in the "subject" field.
COLLEGEFrom page A-1
Limited Edition Unisex Erase Hate Bracelet
Erase HateBraceletNEW!
850-678-1593www.bayoubookcompany.comOak Creek Shopping Center, Niceville
Open: Mon.-Sat. 9-6
Since 1986
country now accepts for recyclingloads contaminated with no morethan 0.5 percent non-recyclableitems. By contrast, as much as 25percent of the waste put intoWaste Management recyclingbins is not recyclable, Ducas said.
As a result, WasteManagement has faced difficultyin collecting and selling recycla-ble materials profitably. WasteManagement has sought othermarkets for recyclables in othercountries such as India, but thosecountries are also becoming morerestrictive about what they willtake, forcing the Houston-basedgarbage-collection company, thenation’s largest, to be more strictabout what materials it acceptsfrom home and business ownerswho place recyclable items in the
yellow-top bins found throughoutNiceville and elsewhere inOkaloosa County.
Ducas told council membersthat acceptable recycling materialsinclude clean paper and card-board, aluminum cans, and glassor plastic bottles, as long as theyare clean and empty.
Items not accepted for recy-cling include plastic bags, foamcontainers, and dirty paper orcardboard containers, such aspizza boxes stained with grease orwhich have bits of food stillinside. Anyone who leaves unac-ceptable items in a recycling binrisks having their bin not emptiedby Waste Management, whoseworkers would leave a tagexplaining the problem, and howto properly dispose of unaccept-able items, usually by puttingthem in the green-topped contain-ers used for regular garbage.
HAULERFrom page A-1
Kayak TourJoin a Park Ranger on Thursday,
August 30 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. for aunique opportunity to paddle RockyBayou. The paddle will goalong the shoreline ofRocky Bayou to RockyCreek and back to thepark. Rocky Bayou is afresh to brackish watersystem supporting a large variety offish and shellfish, including the feder-ally endangered Okaloosa darter.
Osprey and bald eagles are knownto nest within the area. Ospreys in par-ticular, are often sighted by campers,kayakers and locals.
Space is limited to 12 people forthe trip. There are 5 double kayaks and2 single kayaks available to rent oryou may bring your own vessel. A
signup sheet will be available in theranger station at Fred Gannon RockyBayou State Park and will be on a firstcome first serve basis.
Park admission fees do apply andis $5.00 per vehicle. Fred GannonRocky Bayou State Park is located at4281 S.R. 20, Niceville. For moreinformation, call (850) 833-9144.Road Designation/Reception
The public is invited to attend aspecial event to honor the late MayorJohn B. Arnold on Friday, August 31,at 10 a.m. in front of the ValparaisoCity Hall. During this ceremony,Valparaiso Parkway will be designat-ed as John B. Arnold, Jr. MemorialHighway. A reception will immedi-ately follow in the City’s CommunityRoom.Tuesday Tours
Rocky Bayou Christian Schools,Niceville and Crestview campuses,invites you to join them on Tuesdaysat 9 a.m. for a tour ofthe campus and class-rooms. Potential stu-dents are also able toschedule a shadow dayto see what a day at Rocky reallylooks like.
No RSVP required. Questions?Call the Admission office at 850-279-3729.Linux User Group Meeting
The Northwest Florida Linux User
Group (NWFLUG) will hold its nextmonthly meeting on Monday,September 3, from 5:30 p.m. until nolater than 7:30 p.m. in the front roomof the Props Ale House in Niceville.Directions and details of the (alwaysfree) planned program can be foundon the group's website athttps://nwflug.org. All interested per-sons are invited to join us (and bringyour laptops). Persons planning toattend are encouraged to notify us viaemail to [email protected] Fitness
Valparaiso Goodwill CareerCampus Training Center will be pro-viding a free Financial Fitness trainingto anyone who is interested onSeptember 6. Class will be from 5p.m.-8 p.m. This will be a crash coursein financial management toinclude basics such as check-ing and savings accounts andmore complex managementtools such as budgeting andcredit scores. This class willconclude with a discussion about howthis knowledge can help in the homebuying experience. There is limitedseat availability so if you are interest-ed please call 850-729-8690 to regis-ter. Located at 143 N. John SimsPkwy.Make Sleeping Mats
Back to Basics is hosting a classon making sleep mats for those in
need. These sleep mats are made bycrocheting strips of plastic grocerybags. Please join us if you know howto crochet and would like to help inthis service project. If you don'talready know how to crochet we canteach you. Lots of help is also neededin preparing, flattening and cutting thebags to make "plarn" (plastic yarn).Sleep mats provide a comfortablecushion for homeless people to placeblankets or sleeping bags. Becausethey're made of plastic, they're easy toclean and use in wet conditions with-out water seeping into the sleepingbag. They also help keep plastic out oflandfills. We will be meeting to makethe mats Thursday, September 6 from6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cor-ner of 27th and Palm, Niceville.Please bring plastic grocery bags, size10 or larger crochet hooks, scissors(and if you have them rotary cutter,large plastic ruler and cutting mat).Everyone is welcome to attend.
We are collecting plastic grocerybags now for a community serviceproject on September 6, making sleepmats for the homeless. If you have anybags to donate please drop them off atthe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the corner of 27th andPalm in Niceville on Sundays from 9a.m. to 4 p.m. or Wednesday eveningsbetween 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Since 1992, the voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso.
ALL AROUND THE TOWN
The term “air pollution”usually brings to mindautomobile exhaust, or the stuffbelching from industrialsmokestacks. However, some ofthe most polluted air you everbreathe may be inside your ownhome.
The air in your home maycontain pet dander, fumes fromcooking, smoke from yourfireplace, and house dust,largely made of our own skincells. Such pollutants may helpbreed bacteria, fungus, andother things you would rather nothave in your lungs. Your indoorhome environment can trap allthese things inside of your livingspace, unless you have an airconditioning and ventilationsystem capable of filtering themout.
One Hour Air Conditioningand Heating can provide andmaintain such a system for you,ensuring that you and yourfamily breathe properly filtered,clean air, at the temperature youdesire, making “the comfort ofyour own home” trulycomfortable.
“Indoor air quality affectsallergies, respiratory infections,and other symptoms,” saidJason Ring, Senior VicePresident of Branded
Operations at One Hour Air. “Weprovide a variety of products tohelp alleviate respiratory
symptoms that may result fromindoor air pollutants. It isimportant to have the rightfiltration system, because thewrong filter may trap pollutantswithin your home rather thanfiltering them out.”
Many modern air-conditioningsystems, said Ring, includeelectrostatic filters that areexcellent for killing germs andviruses, as well as fungusspores.
Other systems generateozone to oxidize germs andother pollutants, or employultraviolet light to kill germs andeliminate unpleasant odors.
“Our technicians can help youeducate yourself about the threeelements of indoor air pollution,”said Ring.
“The first element is dust andpollen. The second consists ofgerms, bacteria and viruses, andthe third element includes toxicgases and odors.”
Choosing the right filtrationsystem for your home dependson your lifestyle and budget, and
the types of pollutants likely tobe present.
“Our systems,” said Ring,“have a 97% capture rate ofmost types of indoor airpollutants.”
Another key to home airquality is changing filtersregularly. Your filters may needchanging at intervals from 30days to 6 months, depending onsuch factors as the type filter,the number of pets you have inyour home, and the overalllifestyle of your family.
It is also important to have theductwork in your attic inspected,ensuring that it is clean, free ofleaks, and that ducts are theproper size for your home andair-conditioning system.
“Our technicians,” Ring said,“will install and maintain an airconditioning and heating systemto keep you comfortable andhealthy throughout the year.”
For more information, or toschedule an appointment, callOne Hour Air Conditioning andHeating at 850-389-4611.
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One Hour Air technicians will ensure that your attic ductwork is the right size for your home, in good condition,and sealed against leaks.
Call today for a FREE Hearing Profile JAMES W. DAME
HAS, BC-HIS
COUPONS
4400 Hwy. 20 E., Ste. 211, Bluewater Bay • (850) 279-4545
H I G H Q U A L I T Y • L O W P R I C E S • E X C E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E
FREE HEARING PROFILEFOR SENIOR CITIZENS — Like the aging process,hearing loss is usually a gradual occurrence that veryoften goes undetected by the affected person. Peoplemumbling, asking them to repeat, missing key words,turning the TV volume too loud are all symptoms ofhearing loss. If you notice one or more of thesesymptoms, call today for your appointment.
