WOKC Local News – August 13, 2026, 7:40 AM
Transcript
W. O. K. C. News. Man convicted of child rape with W. O. K. C. News. I’m Charles Murphy. An Okochobe jury returned a verdict of guilty on two felony charges against Gibson Yates, lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under 16 and sexual battery of a child. Yates will be back in court for sentencing on September 14th. The investigation began in May of twenty twenty four. The victim claimed Yates had touched her in an inappropriate fashion on multiple occasions, claiming he would take her to a special place in a wooded area. The victim claimed Yates threatened to harm her if she reported it. Deputies went to the location the victim described and found evidence that the victim said would be there. Another roadblock for the farm bill, this could delay it for two months and put it in jeopardy to pass this Congress. Democrats voting by party line to defeat the measure 11 to 10 at a Senate Agriculture Committee meeting. Senator Ben Ray Lujan says Democrats want the cuts to food stamps restored. That one big, beautiful bill created food insecurity for some four point five million Americans and included in that is an estimated one point five million children. So I don’t know anything beautiful about that. It’s unconscionable. It’s not beautiful. The bill will be back in the committee in September. The new five year farm bill has been a top priority for agriculture organizations which say producers need greater certainty after operating under a series of temporary extensions over the past decade. The legislation is the foundation for many USDA programs that affect our farmers, ranchers and our rural community. It would be illegal to put a moratorium on applications for data centers in the village of Indian Town that the ruling from attorney Wade Vose, two members, has suggested those moratoriums. Vernistine Williams Palmer wanted it for 18 months. Karen Onsinger suggested 90 days. Palmer says citizens are not happy with the village and how they’ve handled this issue. We don’t hear them. We do what we want to do. And then some have even implied that we’re paid off. Most are concerned about electric use, constant buzzing and sounds and large use of water. Among arrest, 50 year old Christopher Lamb of Okeechobee facing drug charges after a traffic stop. Deputies with the Narcotics Task Force stopping a red Nissan pickup for going 10 miles over the speed limit, allegedly in the 1600 block of State Road 70 East. Deputies say Lamb was sweating profusely and acting nervous. They found some methamphetamine and some drug paraphernalia after a canine alerted to the vehicle. Republican candidate for governor James Fishback came to Okeechobee, pushing for more rural train service using the Amtrak Silver Meteor that comes through Okeechobee. I think it’s great for tourism. It’s great for mobility, but it’s also great to allow folks who can get great paying jobs in Miami but are stuck in places like Okeechobee and need a reliable, a safe and an affordable way to get to work every single day. I’m Charles Murphy, WKC News.
Recorded from the WOKC daily newscast (Glades Media).