In February 1996, Keith Jesperson, the serial killer known nationally as the “Happy Face killer,” admitted to an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigator he was responsible for killing a “Jane Doe” in August 1994, and dumping her body near the Holt exit on Interstate 10.

Okaloosa County District 5 Commissioner Mel Ponder was recently appointed to serve a third consecutive year as an at-large member on the board of directors for the Florida Association of Counties.

The Okaloosa County School District has announced that the Okaloosa Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical (STEMM) Academy has achieved a remarkable milestone by being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.

Okaloosa County District 1 Commissioner Paul Mixon, who is the County Commission’s vice chairman, recently was appointed to the Florida Association of Counties Health, Safety & Justice Policy Committee by the association’s president, Bill Truex of Charlotte County.

After a three-day trial, an Okaloosa County jury on Sept. 13 found 32-year-old Crestview resident Anthony Michael Gabriel guilty as charged for armed burglary of a dwelling with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On Sept. 9, six members of the Crestview Fire Department participated in this year’s Tunnel to Towers Foundation 9/11 Stair Climb at Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi.

A 54-year-old Crestview man was arrested on Sept. 2 after he allegedly shot and killed his wife at their home. Corey Ray Vallie, of 820 Moorhen Way, faces charges of first-degree capital murder and tampering with or destroying evidence in a life felony case.

One teen is in custody and warrants are pending against another following a pursuit of a stolen car that crashed into a Crestview business during the early morning of Aug. 26.

The Crestview office of the Seniors Vs. Crime program is down to two senior volunteers, with one moving soon, and needs seniors 55 and older who are willing to work a couple of hours per week helping other seniors.

The 20-voice Crestview Community Chorus sang in the season in the three performances of their Christmas concert. Titled “The Most Wonderful Season,” the evening was indeed a most wonderful concert.