columns | Crestview News Bulletin

DICKSON: Working toward a healthier me

Written by archive on April 12, 2015. Posted in columns, Sports.

As I worked out Friday at Planet Fitness in Fort Walton Beach, I thought about what a difference a year makes.

The second weekend in April 2014, I had an episode that landed me in Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Doctors thought I might be having heart problems, but all tests came back good.

To this day, I don’t know what caused my body to overheat or why I felt so light-headed. I don’t concern myself about what happened last week or last year. I just try to push forward.

It's safe to say I’m in better health than I was a year ago. I joined the gym in the fall, and was pretty good about showing up three or four times a week through the middle of February. The last few weeks I haven’t done as well, but I’m getting back to the routine.

I usually spend 40 minutes on the stationary bike, and I try to ride 8 to 10 miles. I follow the bike ride with 20 or 30 minutes of weight training. I’ll soon be 57, and I no longer have to prove to myself how strong I am. But it's still nice when someone comments on the size of my biceps or forearms. I guess there is a little male vanity in this old body.

Another step I’ve taken toward a healthy me is I’ve cut down on Cokes. Before, I would drink 3 or 4 gallons of Coke a week. But I don’t think I’ve had 4 gallons of my favorite beverage since October. I still drink the occasional glass of sweet tea or Sprite. My beverage of choice is now Sprite Zero, but I plan to cut back on it in the coming weeks.

The next big step will be getting chocolate candies out of my system. Yes, I have a sweet tooth that has helped lead to my Type 2 diabetes.

Forty years ago this spring, I was 2-miler for Gulf Breeze High School's track team. I weighed about 150 or 155 pounds, and I could run 7 or 8 miles with no problem. I was in the best shape of my life.

I don’t want to be 155 pounds again, but it would be nice to get back to my young adult weight, 190-200 pounds. The good news is I don’t have to make that goal to be a healthier me.

Deanna, my diabetes educator, has helped me understand that I can’t judge myself for things I feel I’ve failed to accomplish, but rather to celebrate a day at the gym or another week without a Coca-Cola as victories.

I’m the one responsible for becoming a healthier me. I’m healthier today than I was a year ago, and this time next year I plan on being even healthier.

Getting healthy isn’t easy, but it beats a stay in the hospital.

Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DICKSON: Working toward a healthier me

Performance funding is crucial to Florida College System's success

Written by archive on April 10, 2015. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

How do you define performance? The Florida College System has carefully considered this question.

With 28 public colleges across the state, the FCS helps set the national standard, excelling in affordability, graduation rates and number of associate degrees awarded.

Florida public colleges are performing well. In March, Santa Fe College in Gainesville won the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence; Indian River State College was a top 10 finalist. The prize is awarded every two years to institutions with outstanding student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students. Just 150 colleges nationwide are considered for the prize, and 14 Florida colleges have been recognized with this prestigious award since its inception.

With more than 40 percent of America’s undergraduates enrolled in community colleges, strong institutions are crucial to the nation’s continued success and economic prosperity. And with roughly 98 percent of FCS graduates staying in Florida, the FCS has a $27 billion economic impact.

Still, the state must increase the capacity to serve these students by assuring an appropriate investment.

The Florida Legislature is working to define metrics for performance funding. Student retention, academic progress rate, and workforce alignment are key performance factors. However, defining what success looks like for different colleges can be challenging. Florida is such a national leader that even the college ranking last on the performance funding model will still be strong on national metrics.

The Southern Regional Educational Board, which works with 16 states to improve higher education, reported in 2012 that the Florida College System’s performance surpassed other states in first-year student persistence rates (students who don’t drop out the first year); three-year graduation rates; and number of degrees and certificates awarded.

Focusing on student success earned the FCS a national spot as an education leader while the state investment and tuition remained among the lowest in the region.

Performance funding will play a crucial role in ensuring our college system's future success, but finding the right metrics is a key factor in the model's success.

The legislature's support is vital for the FCS to continue delivering valued talent to Florida’s workforce. For this reason, the Florida College System embraces the opportunity to be measured, and will continue to maintain accountability for students’ performance.

Carol Probstfeld is the Florida College System Council of Presidents' co-chair and chairs the Association of Florida Colleges Policy and Advocacy Committee.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet @cnbeditor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Performance funding is crucial to Florida College System's success

BROADHEAD: People aren't perfect — God is

Written by archive on April 10, 2015. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

Sometimes, people disappoint us. It could be a child who brings home a less than satisfactory report card. A spouse who spends too much money on a destructive habit or annoying hobby. A friend who promises to help with a difficult project but doesn't show up. The list is endless.

Depending on the situation, the resulting scars can last a lifetime. Trust can become an issue, and the distrust we have of others can bleed over into one’s belief and trust in God.

It’s a good thing that God doesn’t behave like people, isn’t it! God, in all things and in all times, remains faithful to his word. He can be trusted.

Remember: God never promised to remove all challenges, trials, and hardships in your life. Stuff happens. And when it does, God is there to assist you. He has promised to be with you whenever and wherever difficulties occur.

If you start to distrust God because something did not go your way, remind yourself that God has your best interest at heart.

This means God sometimes says no to us, but this is no reason to stray from him.

The prophet Isaiah provides a poignant reminder if we find ourselves straying: "And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" (Isaiah 30:21)

Hang in there. No one is perfect, and people may disappoint you. However, God is perfect and does what is right and good — always.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview's pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: People aren't perfect — God is

CROSE: Here's why many people don't sympathize with doctors

Written by archive on April 10, 2015. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

I have ongoing health issues that make life challenging. I am not complaining; the Lord saved me from death through prayers, doctors and hospitals.

But after I was released from the hospital, finding a primary care physician in Crestview was frustrating. I don't drink, smoke or take drugs, so I am not sure why I was an "unfavorable" patient. One medical practice straight out told me, "Dr. (name withheld) doesn't want you as a patient."

I did finally find a medical practice, and really like my practitioner. However, I dislike some office policies. Since I almost died due to a serious skin infection, I am at risk when I have skin inflammations. And Thursday night, I had a real problem.

Friday morning, I called the doctor's office and was told that I could have an appointment Monday. I asked the receptionist to please give a note to my provider stating what was wrong with me, and asked whether they would please call in some antibiotics.

Absolutely not, she said. "We can't diagnose you over the phone."

I explained that this is an ongoing issue, not a phone diagnosis, but she refused — three times — to take a note.

I finally said, "I will either be dead by Monday due to the infection or I'll be fine."

"Then you need to go to the E.R.," she said.

I understand the receptionist doesn't make the rules, but she certainly enforced them, ensuring I had no access unless I paid for an office visit. It didn't matter that my health was suffering, or that I was an established patient.

We are still paying off medical bills, and our deductible is astronomical. Since the Affordable Care Act, we no longer have co-pays. Instead, we pay out of pocket for all medical expenses until the deductible is met. So we don't have funds to run to the E.R. because a doctor's receptionist refuses to notify the appropriate person.

Experiences like this one are why many average citizens don't care if doctors, hospitals and clinics suffer under Obamacare. They feel the medical establishment doesn't really care about patients — just their finances.

As a former CFO, I realize how much money it takes to keep a medical practice open, but there is room for compassion.

There are many kind, godly, caring physicians out there, and I thank you for your medical care.

For the rest of you, lighten up on your office wardens.

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Here's why many people don't sympathize with doctors

EDITOR’S DESK: Changing Crestview's conversation — from small town to big city

Written by archive on April 8, 2015. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

If you wanted to oversimplify matters, Crestview could be split into two eras: before and after the population boom.

But don't take it from me, a guy who's been here two years and nine months. I rely on local experts like Diana Hill, our Facebook fan with the distinction of submitting this edition's top comment.

"Crestview was a small, southern town where everyone knew everyone and our crime rate was almost nonexistent," she said. "… It was like this until literally 15 to 20 years ago. That's when we were 'discovered' by people moving into the Destin area who wanted affordable living and housing."

The Hub City experienced more population growth after the U.S. Army's 7th Special Forces Group relocated from Fort Bragg, N.C., to its cantonment facility on Eglin Air Force Base.

In fact, more than 6,000 people moved here between 2000 and 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And the population continues its ascent.

Obviously, roads and other infrastructure haven't matched the pace. But something did change: the community's expectations.

I've talked to a number of long-time and native residents, and had conversations with countless new residents, and in between, have read pretty much every social media comment we received on this issue.

It seems clear that what we have here is an identity crisis.

Like the headline I placed over our top comment, it boils down to one thing: Is Crestview a small town or a big city?

Our top commenter says, "If you wanted to live where the lights are bright and the city never sleeps, then this probably wasn't the place to settle into."

I think we all can agree that this isn't Miami.

But if Crestview's affordable housing and schools lured you to make your home here, as opposed to settling in Fort Walton Beach or Niceville, you may want to have it both ways.

Sometimes, people have to move to a certain area. I can identify with that. Good media jobs dried up in my sweet home Alabama a few years ago, so I did the unthinkable for a native Baldwin County resident: I searched for jobs within a two-hour radius.

After an enjoyable round of interviews with various Halifax Media Group managers at the time, I got the job — understanding that I couldn't commute and must move to Crestview.

I'm a team player, so that was fine.

It took getting over a difficult first year (while I was determining what overall editorial tone the paper should have — oh, what a process of highs and lows!) — but after that, everything was gravy.

Since then, I've raved about Crestview's enjoyable and supportive residents, and particularly stuck up for the city when friends would play the "It's not Destin" card. (That was easy; I just had to point to the community-wide support for Drew Barefield, which, I hope everyone here knows, extended to a point that is quite rare except for special places. A photo of McDonald's #prayfordrew sign aired during the 2014 Golden Globes, for instance. So anyone can see the city's residents support their own.)

But then there were occasions like this one: I had an important dinner party to attend with a specific dress code. I called all the shops here and none had the proper attire.

After press deadline, during lunch, I even went to the Waterfront Rescue Mission on South Ferdon Boulevard. Still no match. So the thing I dreaded most became a reality: a 35-minute trip to the Santa Rosa Mall. (This is nothing against the mall, of course — in fact, I enjoy the experience when I finally arrive there — but more than an hour, round trip, and the time it takes to look for what you need, try it on and purchase it is more time than necessary, especially for an always busy professional.) A 10-minute drive would have been more convenient.

I'm not alone. Columnist Janice Lynn Crose's Weekend Edition of "Happenings" — which raised a recurring question: whether there should more shopping options — struck a chord with readers. Almost 6,500 to be exact. As many people read the post, which received 140 likes and 150 comments.

Residents passionately begged for a Target, IKEA, Costco, Red Robin and a greater variety of businesses, but I don't believe their feedback reflects an anti-small town mindset. Because I'm not anti-small town but understand their concerns.

In early Baldwin County, my grandpa once threw legendary barbecues for the whole community. Occasionally, a stranger will come up to me when I'm in town and I will still hear about it. Everyone knew everyone back in the old days. (Sound familiar?)

But while Daphne, Ala., a coastal version of Crestview, once had a sign that stated, "Jubilee Town Daphne: Home of 1,500 happy people and a few grouches," it grew, over several decades, to more than 20,000 residents. It's now the largest city in the county, and I still can't believe how much it's developed since I was a child. (Used to be, you had just Wal-Mart and a package store and a few auto dealerships and a Gayfers, along with some fast food restaurants and a Ruby Tuesday. Now, wow… I can't even count how many major stores and shops, including Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart, TJ Maxx, Dick's Sporting Goods, Bed Bath and Beyond, Pier 1, among many, many others are there.)

Meanwhile, there is something sad about losing the small-town life. More streets had to be built, along with sidewalks and other infrastructure to handle the growth.

And people who remember my grandpa's barbecues mostly have died or themselves relocated to other communities.

But that's to be expected, since the Daphne area no longer is a small town. The good news is a well planned and landscaped downtown area, with a number of options for dining and even night life, help this now large city maintain its small town charm and hospitality.

Similarly, Crestview — Okaloosa's largest city— is, by definition, no longer a small town.

Now, I think the conversation should take a different turn: Since we know that, where do we go from there?

How do we preserve the small town charm, and build up the downtown area, but provide the services and amenities of a booming city?

Share your thoughts on how this can be done. Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR’S DESK: Changing Crestview's conversation — from small town to big city

HELMS: Stand tall for your faith

Written by archive on April 6, 2015. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

All kinds of braces assist us as our poor bodies break down.

Back braces help with lifting, walking and anything else that could hurt your back. We also have braces for wrists, elbows, knees and necks. Almost all ailments can be assisted, supported, or corrected with the orthopedic world's little marvels.

But it's time to break out one more support. This one's 3 feet long, and it's for the ailing body of Christ. To correctly use this, find loose-fitting clothes. Place the top of this object near your shoulders, hanging straight down. Strap it to your spine. It will immediately give you additional backbone to stand up proudly for the Bible's precepts, and proclaim you are a Christian who follows His leadership.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we need an old-fashioned 2-by-4 strapped to our backs, not fashioned from wood, created by determination to lift up His name, and a love that reaches for Him more than our desire to find man's favor.

This country and world are in the shape they're in because we do not have the courage, the backbone, to stand up for the Gospel.

The same things that are so bad in this great country of ours happened in Israel during Jeremiah's time. Through his pen, he wrote what God said was the problem. God only spoke of one clear sin that Israel was guilty of: The Father stated that Israel no longer searched and sought after Him.

Judgment came.

If Christians do not strap on spiritual 2-by-4s, get on our knees and repent for our weakness, and then repent for our country, there will be no healing.

Stand up for Jesus.

When people reject you, remember they first rejected Him. He was tied to a cross.

Can we not at least strap on a spiritual 2-by-4? Think about it.

Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Stand tall for your faith

SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Pitfalls of Florida student-athlete transfers

Written by archive on April 6, 2015. Posted in columns, Sports.

There has been a lot of discussion lately, locally and statewide, about school choice — student-athletes' right or opportunity to transfer from one school to another just to play for a certain team.

Tallahassee law makers seem determined to open flood gates that would allow any student or student-athlete to attend any Florida high school, regardless of different school districts' policies.

On the surface, that sounds all well and good, but folks in Tallahassee don’t have to hire teachers and coaches. And well-intentioned law makers don’t have to squeeze additional students into an already overcrowded building.

Facility and faculty issues aside, something doesn’t sit right with me about athletes transferring for the opportunity to play more or to play on a better team.

Everyone talks about the right of the athlete to go from school A to school B, but nobody seems to talk about the athlete who has been faithful to school B throughout his or her time in high school.

There is an old saying that coaches used to tell athletes, “If you stay, you’ll play.” Simply put, if you work hard for two or three years, by the time you are a junior or senior, you will be rewarded for the hard work with significant playing time.

Some kids who stay with the promise of playing as upperclassman endure the hardship of being a practice player or scout team member for two or three years. Often, the promise of playing as a junior or senior keeps them leaving when things are tough.

How many athletes who have stayed with the hope of playing have been denied their turn on the field or court because a hot shot player from another local school decides there is more glory to be had elsewhere?

Does a coach play the transfer, who is a better athlete, over the kid who has been loyal to the program for several years?

And what about the rights of kids who stayed with the hope of playing for their school, only to see the playing time taken from them by someone who was a rival the year before?

Players destined to be Crestview backups will transfer to Baker or Laurel Hill, where they can start. And occasionally, a Baker or Laurel Hill player will transfer up to see how they do against the top competition.

I understand a kid wanting to play up in competition or move down to compete against those more on his or her skill level, but I can’t always agree with the decision.

As long as Okaloosa County has a school choice policy, questions about student-athletes transferring to play will always be a hot topic. I don’t know if there are any easy answers.

However, there is an obvious answer: requiring students to attend school in their designated district.

It might not be popular, but it might be the best and right thing to do.

Email randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet @cnb_sports or call 682-6524 to contact Randy Dickson.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SIDELINE OBSERVATIONS: Pitfalls of Florida student-athlete transfers

HUBBUB: No developing country, evaluate each case

Written by archive on April 6, 2015. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

Featured comments from our discussion at facebook.com/crestview.bulletin

TOP COMMENT

Small town or big city?

Crestview was a small, southern town where everyone knew everyone and our crime rate was almost nonexistent.

We didn't lock doors, went to work and left our windows opened to air out our homes, and left car windows down … without a second thought of being robbed.

It was like this until literally 15 to 20 years ago. That's when we were "discovered" by people moving into the Destin area who wanted affordable living and housing.

It's still cheaper to buy or build a home here than south or west. The infrastructure of roads is bad because that huge growth was overnight and, in the past few years, the military brought in yet another huge population!

I don't think the city council is to blame here. The property here has belonged to old families for a hundred years who do not want to sale it to have more roads or big business come in. It's their prerogative to do so.

Can't build if the land isn't available!

The people who have lived here their whole lives own small businesses that depend on local money to support their families. Big stores would literally shut down these small businesses.

They built this town. Their roots run very, very deep here.

It's a very nice place to grow a family, worship and make lifelong neighbors, go through the same schools as your parents did and where you can depend on the entire town to help you when you are in great need.

If you wanted to live where the lights are bright and the city never sleeps, then this probably wasn't the place to settle into.

If the small-town atmosphere and low cost of living is what drew you here, big businesses and more populations will drive you to find another sleepy town where your children are safe and living is easy … but there is no Target!

(You) have to choose priorities.

Diana B. Hill

•••

Facebook fans replied in droves to Janice Lynn Crose's column on whether Crestview should have more shopping options.

Here's what they said:

•••

I can guarantee you that population isn't the issue (for Target not locating here), seeing as how Crestview is the most populated city in the county.

Chris King

•••

Shopping in Crestview would be great; not having to drive 25 miles south or 50 miles west. With revenue generated locally, it would benefit everyone.

Allie Lyman-Fries

•••

If we're dreaming big, an IKEA would be amazing in Crestview. It'd bring business from everywhere within six hours, guaranteed!

That, and if we had a Costco here, I wouldn't be able to rip up my Sam's Club card fast enough.

Rika Glick

•••

We moved to Crestview to get away from bigger cities. I would hate to see the "small town" feel ruined.

Kayla Peters

•••

I think new shopping opportunities are nice; however, we need to be more aware of local businesses that keep money in Crestview. Just spending 10 percent of your money on local businesses improves the local economy greatly, as well as the infrastructure.

Anna Marie May

•••

Fine dining restaurants that serve spirits would be wonderful. It would be nice to have a short commute to a really nice restaurant where you could have a glass of wine, martini or craft beer and listen to some jazz.

Sherri Williams

•••

Waste Pro provides Crestview residences' trash pickup, whereas Waste Management serves areas outside city limits.

But the general Crestview area includes unincorporated and incorporated properties that enhance — or detract from — residents' quality of life, depending on your view.

Here's how Facebook fans replied to a letter to the editor addressing waste removal.

•••

No developing country…

Crestview is far from looking like a third-world country (and no, I have never been to one).

Communication between the customers and the garbage companies needs to be better. Call your garbage companies to find out if, and when, unusual items (beds, TVs, old furniture, etc.) are picked up before putting the items (to) the curb.

Melissa Sparks

•••

…But homeowners, take care

What I notice more is homeowners' yards turning into trash and dump grounds.

Silvia Clem Womack

•••

Don't talk smack

I'm so sick and tired of people talking (smack) about Crestview! You don't like it? Do something about it or move.

Honestly, I miss the Crestview from 20 to 25 years ago, when it was half the size it is now.

Karen Brown

•••

Should a homeless shelter be located near Twin Hills Park? Some Crestview City Council members say no, but agree a local facility is necessary.

Readers add their feeback:

Evaluate each case

Just opening a facility where the "homeless" can come and go may not be the answer. Every situation needs to be evaluated for what it is, with social and psychological counseling made available.

The health department may not have the personnel or the capability to perform these services.

No doubt, some (who are homeless) are destitute, and have no funds, no family to lean on, and no place to go. These people certainly deserve some special consideration; however, there are some who prefer to live this way, and don't want the responsibility of a job and making a positive contribution to society.

Just to sit and discuss the location of a facility is a pretty elemental approach to a much more complicated problem.

Chris Faircloth

•••

Homeless camp out already

News flash: there are already homeless people camping in the woods right by the park. Putting a shelter there would be nothing new.

Kimberly Moreno

•••

'Homeless' doesn't mean thief

Just because a person is homeless doesn't make them pedophiles, thieves, drug addicts, etc. Most, if not all, are veterans; those who have lost a job and home; and some homeless have kids.

This is something that can happen to anyone. Being beside the health department will allow them to receive the care they need.

Debra Posey-Collinsworth

•••

Homeless need safe shelter

Yes … we know the type of people who use these shelters. Some of them are called homeless veterans who fought for your freedom.

We need a safe place for homeless individuals and families. You know what else we need? Jobs!

Lisa Vargo

•••

Don't panic

It will be fine there — no need for panic.

Silvia Clem Womack

•••

A step in the right direction

The fact that we're getting a homeless shelter is a great step in the right direction. The homeless need assistance, and our city is woefully unprepared to do so.

I have known a lot of homeless people who have camped out in the woods right next to Twin Hills Park — even closer than the proposed area in the article.

If this facility isn't built, the homeless will still be rightthere from the park. The biggest difference is — and this is a big one — they won't be receiving any of the assistance that they need.

Ashley Adams

•••

In other comments…

•••

Give us a break

Once again, Crestview has no idea on how to improve on true needs of the community. Another gas station — and directly across the street from another.

This really makes a lot of sense. Give us a break!

Gisela Harper

•••

Less, not no government

I like Helt's way of thinking. Yes, we want less government, but that does not mean no government. First and foremost, we must have good government.

Bill Skinner Garrett

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: No developing country, evaluate each case

BROADHEAD: God turned people's harm into good

Written by archive on April 2, 2015. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

One of his own betrayed him. Thursday evening, Jesus had finished the Passover meal with his disciples and had gone to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.

While there, Judas, the group's treasurer, arrived with soldiers, greeted Jesus with the traditional kiss from a disciple to his rabbi, and Jesus was arrested.

Jesus was taken before a kangaroo court and found guilty of blasphemy and sedition.

The punishment for such crimes? Death on a cross — perhaps the most cruel form of torture that humanity devised. He was nailed to a cross and left to die while countless people jeered and cursed him, and a few mourned him.

When Jesus succumbed to torture of the cross and died, the religious leaders were satisfied. The Roman leaders were satisfied. The religious zealots were satisfied.

Do you remember why Jesus irked them so much?

On Palm Sunday, we reflected on when Jesus entered Jerusalem. The people were thrilled. They had heard about this miracle-worker and were ready to make him their king.

The religious leaders were not happy because Jesus spent the previous three years challenging their theology and religious practices. That people were enthralled with this troublemaker sat in their craw.

In addition, the Roman government was not happy with the fact that Jesus entered Jerusalem with the crowd shouting, “Hosanna,” which means “Save now!”

They saw Jesus as one who would disrupt the social stability by bringing about rebellion against Rome.

And the way Jesus entered Jerusalem sent the wrong message — as did his teachings. Jesus rode into the city on a donkey instead of a horse. The donkey symbolized Jesus was arriving in peace. If he had arrived on a horse, the message would have been that he was coming to conquer.

The religious leaders, the Roman leaders, the religious zealots each plotted ways to remove Jesus from the face of the earth.

That was then.

Now, less than a week later, this fraud, this rabble-rouser, this phony messiah was dead and sealed in a tomb.

As far as they were concerned, another troublemaker was disposed of.

But God had other plans.

What people intended for harm, God turned to good. Three days later, God raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus left the tomb, to his disciples' utter surprise and bewilderment. Once the confusion died away, there was great rejoicing among his people.

Jesus is not dead — even these 2,000 years later. This is the message of the Christian faith that is different from any other religion in the world.

The tomb of Confucius: occupied.

The tomb of Buddha: occupied.

The tomb of Muhammad: occupied.

The tomb of Jesus: empty. (I have been to his tomb and have witnessed it for myself. He is not there! He is risen!)

Yes, Jesus died to make available the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life with God. That Jesus overcame the power of death proved once and for all death is not the final answer.

In him, there is life in this world and the world to come.

Happy Easter, my friends. Enjoy the love that he has expressed to you in a way that no one else ever could.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview's pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: God turned people's harm into good

HUBBUB: The train wreck of '79; watch minor-leaguers hit the majors

Written by archive on April 2, 2015. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

Featured comments from our discussion at facebook.com/crestview.bulletin

•••

These Facebook fans shared their vivid memories and thoughts about an April 8, 1979 train wreck that injured 14 people and sent a memorable plume of smoke over Crestview.

•••

I was 5 years old and remember this clearly. We were just a few miles from the track and heard a loud thunder while getting ready for school.

Rich Trent

•••

In the early morning, my husband and I were watching the channel 5 news when an Okaloosa County sheriff's deputy come blowing his horn down our driveway telling us to evacuate.

Rhonda Kay Lundy Davis

•••

We took my horse and dogs and evacuated to (be with) some friends in Florala. It was a crazy time.

Beth Ray Brant

•••

It blew our den door open and shook our house on Antioch Road. We had to evacuate for a week.

Anita M Sterbaggi

•••

I suppose this might explain the high rate of cancer and thyroid issues in this town.

Lisa Vargo

•••

Watch minor-leaguers hit the majors

The glamour of the game isn't necessarily lost, just misplaced.

Consider those players (many are gone from baseball) who corrupted the game by the choices they made.

… If anyone wants to really enjoy watching the sport without the corruption even local youth and school programs and agendas place on the game …. one need not travel any further than Pensacola to watch the professionals play.

Yes, even minor leagues may have issues. However, from a purely observational point, one which the author of this article contends, the magic of the game can be realized nightly, and the glamour realized with every swing of the bat.

I make the trip from Crestview to Pensacola to experience baseball live and at a higher level than what's offered locally for just that reason.

It is the rare opportunity to meet and greet a minor league player on a Friday and then watch him pitch in the majors the next week on television.

For anyone who contends the game is boring or too slow, I suggest you learn how to properly score a ballgame … Knowing how to score will maximize enjoyment, deepen understanding, and enable anticipation of what will happen next.

The game is great on TV but better live.

John Q. Baker

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Gas station's benefits, drawbacks

CEFCO will make its Florida debut with gas stations in Crestview and Niceville scheduled to open in June and late-April, respectively.

Here's what readers had to say about that:

How many more gas stations do we need in Crestview? What we need is more shopping opportunities and restaurants.

Yvonne Warren

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Crestview doesn't have a nice gas station like Dodge's or Raceway. I'm happy to see new station coming that will provide lower prices.

Brenda Howard Bailey

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Regardless of what you say about this place, it provides jobs! It pays taxes, and helps to lower the gas prices in Crestview.

Todd Lawrence

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Have cancer? Quit smoking

The single best thing someone can do if they develop cancer and are smoking is to quit. Not go to e-cigarettes or vapor cigarettes. That is actually still smoking and unhealthy.

Contact West Florida AHEC (for more information on) Florida's 3 Ways to Quit. 850-398-6965.

Miriam E. Lavandier

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Learn about child abuse

Did you know that April is also Child Abuse Awareness Month? Please, everyone, learn the signs and be the one with courage to report.

Educators, caretakers, coaches, etc.: Contact your local Children's Advocacy Center to learn what you can do to help.

Jennifer Marie

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: The train wreck of '79; watch minor-leaguers hit the majors

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