News Cast December 16th:
Drug case resolved
An Okeechobee man was found guilty of drug charges in Highlands County.
Scott Heckerman, 47, was sentenced to six months in jail, fines of $400 and court costs of close to $1,000, court records show.
Heckerman is a seven time convicted felon. He had prior convictions for drug possession, drug sales, grand theft motor vehicle, fleeing police, various misdemeanors, and attempted burglary.
The guideline scoresheet called for four years in prison.
The drug trafficking charge in this case was reduced to drug possession.
Highlands County deputies pulled over a vehicle with a cracked front windshield on March 4th on the Sebring Parkway.
Heckerman, a passenger in the vehicle, was seen throwing a black bag into the back seat of the vehicle. Deputies also saw a pill that tested positive for fentanyl in the front seat.
They seized 16.6 grams of methamphetamine and 41 rounds of nine millimeter of ammunition.
Local firemen don’t want you or your family to get hurt at home during Christmas.
They put out some safety tips to keep your home and family safe.
They include keep live Christmas trees well watered and keep the tree lights away from anything flammable, like bedding, curtains and furniture.
They also advise to be careful when burning candles and to use proper extension cords for lights.
They also urge you to have a person spot the ladder while you hang lights on the tree or outdoors.
Cooking fires are often caused by not paying attention.
Glades County Fire Chief Lawrence Factor said is you have a grease fire don’t use water but use salt nad baking soda to put out the flames.
The First Year Teacher of the Year for Okeechobee Schools was Meredith Hillard of North Elementary School.
“I just want to cry,” Hillard said, “I feel honored.”
She said she has great parental support and great students in her class. She also thanked her co-workers and administration for giving her tremendous support.
She used to work with the Department of Children and Families. She felt a calling to help young people in a different way, started teaching, and fell in love with the career.
“I’m honestly speechless. Receiving this award was quite a shock. I’m so passionate about the community in general and every child in this community.”
Other nominees this year included Caitlin Lister of Central, Kristina Stas of Everglades, Edene Anover of Seminole, Trisha Sanchez of South, Robert Jablonski of Osceola, Amy Witmer of Yearling, Matthew Burkes of Okeechobee Achievement Academy, and Cynthia Hawk of Okeechobee High School.
The Florida Ethics Commission found probable cause in an ethics complaint filed against former Pahokee City Manager Greg Thompson.
They found Thompson abused his position to obtain a disproportionate benefit and misused his position when he directed City employees to conduct a closed bidding process for city all-terrain vehicles.
Only city employees were allowed to bid. Thompson named himself the winning bidder with no evidence that he had submitted a bid, the commission found.
There was no probable cause found on an allegation he had a conflicting contracted relationship that interfered with his public duties.
The FDOT will be resurfacing near and at the US 98 and 70 intersection tonight through Friday night.
The will reduce traffic to one lane in both directions at times. Flaggers and law enforcement will be on hand to help guide traffic.
They are working to improve the pavement, drainage, and enhance road safety.
Work will be going on between December 16-20, all of it at night.
The annual lighted Christmas Parade lasted for just over an hour this year.
Even some slight rain showers could not dampen the spirit and enthusiasm.
The parade was kicked off with first-responders from the Okeechobee County Sheriffs Office and Fire Rescue followed by elected officials that included the Board of County Commissioners and members of Okeechobee City Council.
The floats included several businesses, HCA Raulerson Hospital, the Seminole Tribe, local schools and churches.
The OHS Brahman Band participated along with several floats that offered live music.