22 JULY 2015

[WZEP AM 1460]

WZEP AM 1460 First News

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Brought to you by

COPE CENTER

CLARY-GLENN FUNERAL HOME

 

 

Need to know what events are going on? Try the WZEP AM 1460 Community calendar.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S6a6CXueaQr_TB5Nekoy0imjziz3bNneDO1JdEXSm5w/edit?usp=sharing

 

News Segment 1

 MOTHER CONVICTED IN DEATH OF SON

By: T.H. Merritt

State Attorney Bill Eddins announced last night that Stephanie Ann Howell was sentenced Tuesday by the Honorable Kelvin Wells to 12 years in state prison.  Howell was convicted on June 17, 2015 by a Walton County Jury of Child Neglect resulting in Great Bodily Harm in the drowning death of her 3 year old child on September 3, 2014.

 Before passing sentence, Judge Wells stated the death of Karson Howell was a “terrible tragedy” but also noted that this event was “not isolated” and that it “is time to take responsibility”.

 Howell had been the subject of numerous investigations by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Department of Children and Families.   The State Attorney says Stephanie Howell’s other children have been in the custody of a family member since September 2014 and appear to be adjusting well.

Howell was convicted following a joint effort from the State Attorney’s Office of the First Judicial Circuit, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Families First Network and the Department of Children and Families.

 LOUISIANA SENTENCED IN McDONALD’S ROBBERY

By: T.H. Merritt

 The Honorable Kelvin Wells, sentenced Christopher Wayne Smith, a 21 year old from Slidell, Louisiana, following his entry of a plea in May to three counts consisting of Robbery with a Firearm, Burglary of Structure with a Battery, and Aggravated Assault.

 Judge Wells sentenced Smith to 25 years in state prison for the robbery with the first 10 years being a minimum mandatory. On the other counts, Smith was sentenced to a concurrent 25 years in prison on the burglary with a battery and 5 years for the aggravated assault to run concurrent.

 Prior to pronouncement of the sentence, Judge Wells informed the defendant “the things you and your friends did will always affect these people” referring to the victims who were robbed at gunpoint.   In addition, Judge Wells ordered that the defendant pay court costs, cost of prosecution, restitution, and have no contact with the victims.   

 On November 11, 2014 in the early morning hours the defendant and two of his accomplices, all from out of state, arrived at the McDonalds on State Road 285 in Mossy Head with the intent to score cash to fund their trip to Miami. The defendant entered the restaurant with a co-defendant, Kelly Stewart who previously was sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections for his role in the robbery. The defendant used a firearm to force one employee to walk him to the safe and upon arrival at the safe Smith placed the gun at another employees head and demanded cash while Stewart remained at the front of the restaurant. The duo then fled to the co-defendant’s awaiting car and proceeded toward the interstate. However, an off-duty deputy was able to stop the vehicle moments after the robbery on the interstate entry ramp. As officers approached, the co-defendants were detained and confessed their role in the operation. The gunman, Chris Smith, had fled the area and was arrested a short time later while walking down the railroad tracks in Mossy Head. Authorities were able to locate the stolen cash, the firearm used, and other forensic evidence tying the trio to the crime.

 The Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol assisted in the case.   

  News Segment 2

 CHIPLEY BOMB THREAT LEADS TO EVACUATION

 An early morning bomb threat led to the evacuation of the Walmart store in Chipley Tuesday.  According to reports, a call was made to store shortly after 1 a.m. referencing a bomb.

 "You're going to have a code blue in a little bit," the caller told staff.

 The store contacted the Chipley Police Department, which responded by evacuating the building and performing a sweep of the store and its perimeter. After about an hour, the team declared the building clear.

 Sgt. Mike Richter of the Chipley PD stated while the call didn't appear to be a real threat, it was treated as though it were. "It may have been juveniles who just threw out a color, and it happened to be the code for a bomb. At any rate, we take all such threats seriously, "Richter said.

 "We take every threat seriously," said Chipley Police Chief Kevin Crews. "Bomb threats aren't funny, and law enforcement officers were pulled away from doing other things they need to be doing to protect the community."

 Crimestoppers of Washington County is offering up to a $500 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person who called in the bomb threat.

 Making a false bomb threat is a second degree felony in Florida and is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 15 years in prison.

 UPCOMING MEETINGS

By: T.H. Merritt

 The Defuniak Springs City Council will hold their regular meeting to discuss city business on Monday, July 27^th at the City Hall Council Chambers at 71 US Highway 90 West. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM.

 The Walton County Commission holds their meeting on Tuesday, July 28^th at the Walton County Courthouse Boardroom in Defuniak Springs. Among county business to discuss is the burning issue of whether to remove the Confederate Flag from the War Memorial at the courthouse.  Santa Rosa Beach lawyer  Daniel Uhlfelder is leading the current drive to have the flag stripped from its current location. Commissioners delayed a decision at their last meeting in South Walton to give other county residents a chance to comment. They take up the issue at 9 AM, Tuesday, July 28^th at the County Courthouse in Defuniak Springs.  WZEP First News Now will be there for the decision.

 SHERIFF’S POSSE MEMBER RECEIVES AWARD

By: T.H. Merritt

 Sheriff’s Posse member and volunteer Lane Thompson has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.  Lt. Doc Savage presented Thompson with the prestigious award during the Posse’s meeting Monday evening at the Sheriff’s South Walton substation.

 The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes United States citizens and lawfully admitted, permanent residents of the United States who have achieved the required number of hours of service over a 12-month time period or cumulative hours over the course of a lifetime.  With a shared mission of inspiring more to answer the call to service, PVSA celebrates the impact we can all make in bettering our communities and our world.

 The Citizen Posse Unit is a volunteer service consisting of individuals who provide non-emergency assistance to citizens and law enforcement officers. Its purpose is to save taxpayer money while providing sworn law enforcement officers with more time to respond and focus on violent criminals and complex criminal investigations.

 Citizen Volunteers and Posse members are required to serve a minimum of 16 hours per month. Applicant must pass a criminal history investigation and interview. Uniforms and necessary equipment will be provided by the WCSO.

Along with the ultimate honor of presidential recognition, Thompson will receive a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion or coin and a congratulatory letter from the president of the United States. 

 News Segment 3

 CHELCO ANNOUNCES NEW LIGHTING RATES

 In September, CHELCO will introduce new rates for outdoor yard lights. In most cases, the rate change will mean an increase of 57 cents from $5.56 per month to $6.13.

  Decorative lights will also see rate changes, but members with multiple specialty lights, such as homeowners' associations, commercial accounts, governmental entities and municipalities, will be contacted directly with rate information.

 OKALOOSA SHERIFF RECEIVES MONEY FROM BP SETTLEMENT

By: T.H. Merritt

 The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will receive half a million dollars from County Commissioners from the recent BP settlement. Sheriff Larry Ashley has earmarked the money to hire nearly a dozen new deputies, replace patrol cars and hire three new civilians to help the agency deal with a growing population and an uptick in crime.

 The settlement is pending approval by a federal judge.

 WALTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND ASSOCIATION LOOSES FREEZER

By: T.H. Merritt

 The Walton High School Band Parent Association is raising funds for a small freezer for their high school concessions.  They recently lost their freezer and all the contents after it was discovered it had been unplugged.  With the recent heat wave, you can imagine the mess it was to clean up.

 Chairman Julie Elio says the concession stand at all home varsity games is their biggest fundraiser for the organization. The funds help cover music and supplies, transportation to and from games and competitions and band & guard equipment.

 If you would like to help the Walton High School Band Association to acquire a new freezer, call 333.2239.

 News Segment 4

 GENEVA COUNTY SHERIFF COMES CLEAN

By: T.H. Merritt

 Geneva County Sheriff Tony Helms continues his popular program of having county jail inmates pick up trash along Geneva county roads. Sheriff Helms recently hired a full time Deputy to oversee the program and has hired additional help.  He urges residents not to throw trash on highways and says anyone caught littering will have the opportunity to meet his new Deputy and help keep the roadways clean.

 OKALOOSA SHERIFF RECEIVES MONEY FROM BP SETTLEMENT

By: T.H. Merritt

 The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will receive half a million dollars from County Commissioners from the recent BP settlement.

 Sheriff Larry Ashley has earmarked the money to hire nearly a dozen new deputies, replace patrol cars and hire three new civilians to help the agency deal with a growing population and an uptick in crime.

 The settlement is pending approval by a federal judge.

 CITIZENS TO THE RESCUE

By: T.H. Merritt

 A group of armed men showed up this week at an armed forces recruiting center in Dothan.  However, they were the good guys.

 In the wake of the shootings in Chattanooga, TN that killed several U.S. Marines and a Sailor, citizens from across America have been voluntarily standing armed guard outside recruiting facilities across the country. Their goal is to do what the federal government won’t – allow military personnel to protect themselves with firearms. They vowed to stay as long as necessary.

 Locally, Florida Governor Rick Scott issued an executive order over the weekend directing Florida Adjutant General Michael Calhoun to increase security at National Guard armories, move recruiters from storefronts to armories and arm all full-time national guardsmen while on duty.

Of the two national guard armories in our area – Crestview and Bonifay – Crestview Assistant Police Chief Rick Brown tells WZEP they have received no requests to increase security at the Crestview Armory.

 On Tuesday, one man was arrested after making a bomb threat to the national guard armory in Tallahassee.

  Obituaries - Listen in the morning, just after noon and the 4pm hour

 Mrs. Bertie Adkinson, age 93, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2015. Visitation 9:00~10:00 AM, Thursday, July  23, 2015 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery.

 Mrs. Annette Louise Spear, age 68, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2015. Visitation will be held from 6:00~8:00 PM, Tuesday, July 21, at Clary-Glenn Freeport Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 22,at Freeport First Baptist Church. Graveside will be held 1:00 PM, Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cBqotV0MFzjcmLZXOcmLCibIZvvIkd5SAXr52oP0Aps/edithttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1cBqotV0MFzjcmLZXOcmLCibIZvvIkd5SAXr52oP0Aps/edit

 

 

Copyright by Kyzer Communications DBA WZEP AM 1460: Permission for use of WZEP News and Information granted by written request. Blanket permission is pre-granted to the following: DFS Herald-Breeze, NWF Daily News, WTVY, WJHG, WMBB, FNN, CBS, Foster Folly News, Walton Outdoors, Florala News, Holmes County Times-Advertiser, Chipley Bugle, 30-A.com, SoWal.com and government agencies. Note To Other Media: If any of these are the basis or imputers for a story you write or develop, contact WZEP News at 892-3158 to request written permission and indicate “as reported on WZEP AM 1460.”

 

Newsletter Subscribe or Unsubscribe

If you would like to be added to or removed from our newsletter mail list, please go to our website and use the Google Groups submission box. You do not have to have a Google Groups account to get the newsletter. You may also simply email from the account you wish to receive the newsletter at by letting us know at wz...@wzep1460.com or by sending an email to wzep-su...@googlegroups.com  wzep-uns...@googlegroups.com

Contact WZEP AM 1460

Visit our website for more at http://www.wzep1460.com

Located: 449, N. 12th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Mail: PO Box 627, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

Station: 850-892-3158 wz...@wzep1460.com Fax: 850-892-9675

Sales: 850-892-5130 sa...@wzep1460.com Sales Cell 850-333-1853

News: T.H. Merritt, News Director Cell 850-333-1852