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DICKSON: I already miss football

Written by archive on January 18, 2016. Posted in columns, Sports.

I’m a sports fan in limbo. College football season is over, and the National Football League season is down to its final three games.

Sure, there’s college basketball, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League, but I just can’t do the power viewing for those sports that I can with football.

I love Sunday afternoons when I get home from church and enjoy my version of brunch while watching the NFL game. And Saturday at my bachelor pad might as well be a holiday. There’s nothing I love more in sports than college football.

I’m usually watching if a Southeastern Conference team is on TV. And, with the SEC Network and other cable outlets, an SEC team is almost always on the air from 11 a.m. Saturday until close to midnight.

Yes, there is college basketball’s March Madness and the Road to the Final Four. There is SEC baseball and Major League Baseball.

And there are still ways for the diehard college football fan to get a fix. I follow the recruiting cycle of my beloved Tennessee Volunteers online. I try to stay informed as to who is interested in playing football in Knoxville and what they would bring to the Vols.

The recruiting hype ends Feb. 3 with National Signing Day, at which time I’ll start thinking about spring football around the Southeastern Conference.

The Super Bowl will be played Feb. 7, and there won’t be any more real football for the fall.

Sure, I’ll have plenty to keep my sports cycle going on the local scene. Our winter sport seasons are almost over, but baseball, softball, tennis and track seasons aren’t too far away.

High school spring football will be held throughout May, but that's not the same as the college game.

I’ll bide my time during the summer watching Major League Baseball, but longing for the start of football season.

Yes, like so many of you out there, I am a football fan. I know what it’s like to impatiently wait for the fall.

In the meantime, you might find me watching one of the many football videos in my collection.

I guess I’m always ready for some football.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DICKSON: I already miss football

SHANKLIN: Think about sending financial 'valentines' to loved ones

Written by archive on January 18, 2016. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

Americans spent nearly $19 billion in Valentine's Day gifts last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

Much of this money went for gifts with short shelf lives, such as candy, flowers and restaurant meals (and about $700 million was spent on gifts for pets).

There's certainly nothing wrong with giving chocolates or roses. But this year, think about going beyond the classic gifts. Instead, use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to determine how you can make gifts with long-lasting impact to your circle of loved ones.

Here are some suggestions:

●For your spouse or significant other. As long as your spouse or significant other has earned income, he or she may be able to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA. So, consider giving a check to be used for that purpose. A traditional IRA can grow tax deferred, while contributions are usually tax-deductible. (Taxes are due upon withdrawal, and withdrawals prior to 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent IRS penalty.)

While Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, any earnings growth can be distributed tax free, provided the account owner doesn't take withdrawals until age 59½ and has had the account at least five years. For 2015 and 2016, the IRA contribution limit is $5,500, or $6,500 for those 50 or older.

●For your children. You don't have to be rich to give your children a gift worth $1 million – you just have to help them through school. College graduates earn about $1 million more over their lifetimes than those without a degree, according to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Still, college isn't cheap: The average annual cost – tuition, fees, room and board – for a private four-year college is more than $42,000, according to the College Board, while the comparable figure for a public four-year school is about $19,000.

Of course, if financial aid is available, you could get some help. Nonetheless, you may want to start putting away money for college.

One popular college savings vehicle is a 529 plan. Your 529 plan contributions may be deductible from your state taxes, and any earnings growth can be withdrawn tax-free, provided it is used for qualified higher education expenses. (However, if you take withdrawals from your 529 plan, and you don't use the money for these higher education expenses, you may be subject to both income tax and a 10 percent penalty on the earnings.)

●For your parents. If you have elderly parents, you may want to find out if they've got their retirement and estate plans in place. If they've already taken care of everything, you may not need to get involved – but if they've left some "loose ends," your help could be a valuable gift. So, ask them if they have drawn up the necessary legal documents.

Do they each have a will? Have they created a durable power of attorney, which allows them to name someone to make financial and health care decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?

If it appears they have much work to do in these areas, you may want to offer to arrange a consultation for them with a legal advisor and a financial professional.

None of these ideas are "traditional" Valentine's Day gifts – but all of them can prove of great value to your loved ones.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SHANKLIN: Think about sending financial 'valentines' to loved ones

HUBBUB: Top comments on Crestview hit-and-run, religion complaint

Written by archive on January 18, 2016. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

Editor's Note: Facebook fans had plenty to say about a Crestview hit-and-run that authorities say will have no criminal justice, and a group's allegation that a Laurel Hill School teacher violated students' constitutional rights.

Here are some of their comments.

Driver will have nightmares

Legally, the (Florida Highway Patrol) is following the evidence in criminal charges. The driver will have nightmares of all the things that could happen now that this has been made public information. The family of the driver now has to face the public scrutiny of physical evidence of involvement in the incident.

Bonny Ann

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Time to 'man up'

How about the person "man up." So sick of people not taking responsibility for their actions, especially if they know they did wrong — absolutely disgusting!

John Luberto

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Lesson learned

I guess the moral of the story is if you're going to hit someone with your car, make sure it is from behind — and tell the cops you let a stranger borrow your car.

Gerald Dupuie

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Car owner should pay bill

If your car was used in a hit and run, the owner should be paying if a driver couldn't be found.

If my truck rolled down one of these fine "level" driveways here, and went through a house next door, I would be liable for damage even though I wasn't driving.

Bronson Tom

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What's wrong with this country

Just because this woman didn't like a Christmas story doesn't mean everyone else should have to change to accommodate her.

That is what's wrong with this country today. You accommodate one person and offend 449.

Jamie Chandler

●●●

It's pretty simple

The teacher was breaking the law, period. These laws were put in place to protect all of us.

Religion of any kind has no place in a public school. It's pretty simple, really.

Tess Sweeney

Join the conversation on our Facebook page, and your comment could be featured! >>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Top comments on Crestview hit-and-run, religion complaint

NITZEL: Crestview library bear hunt includes teddy bear tea

Written by archive on January 18, 2016. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

We’re going on a bear hunt! Bring your teddy bear, flashlight and six cookies to share Thursday, Jan. 28 to the Crestview Public Library.

We’ll gather in the Meeting Room between 6 and 6:30 p.m. We should be done hunting by 7:15 p.m.

This family event is designed for ages 3 and up. Younger siblings are welcome if accompanied by an adult. All are invited to wear modest pajamas.

In addition to the bear hunt, we will read some stories and treat our bears to a Teddy Bear Tea.

We’d like to thank our Friends of the Crestview Library for helping to make this event free for you.

Registration is not required. Please call 682-4432 with questions.

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NITZEL: Crestview library bear hunt includes teddy bear tea

HUGHES: Thoughts on judging the GFWC Crestview Woman's Club art show (PHOTOS)

Written by archive on January 14, 2016. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

I accepted an invitation to judge the Greater Federation of Woman’s Club’s Crestview chapter winter art show for several reasons:

●I’m a fan of the club. For the past century, these women have nurtured generations of leaders and pushed for improvements in our community and its livability.

●Jeri Jones was the event chairwoman. You can’t say no to Miss Jeri. It’s like saying, “Gee, your holiness, I’d swing by the Vatican and have tea but I’m busy today.”

●I knew from judging their show a couple of years ago that I’d see great art and crafts — no pretentious silliness.

●There was food, and Woman’s Club members excel in the kitchen.

Jan. 12, at the club's home behind Woodlawn Baptist Church, I joined judges Johanna Petito and Carol Barry at the displays.

Artists pour their hearts and souls into their works. The “best in show” winner, a cross stitch called “Winter,” took the artist two years to complete. (It was Miss Jeri, we learned later. The works were displayed anonymously.)

Choosing other winners was less easy, but knowing how much effort it took to achieve the result helped. Realizing an oil of a ram was painted in reverse on the back of a piece of glass made it easy to give a blue ribbon.

The winners will advance to regional competition Feb. 29 in Gulf Breeze.

Artwork on display and treats and sweets on the breakfast buffet are the almost cliché manifestation of the term “woman’s club.”

But these women are steel magnolias who have served and bettered the Crestview community as long as there’s been a Crestview.

Do you think a man could crochet a Victorian doll, bake Georgia cornbread cake and push the county to reroute State Road 85 and make a railroad overpass?

The Greater Federation of Woman’s Club’s Crestview chapter welcomes new members. Men may join as club boosters. Contact President Jeanne Gutenmann, 423-9977, gfwccrestview@gmail.com.

BLUE-RIBBON WINNERS

Sharlene Cox – doll making

Linda P Parker – reverse glass painting

Jeri Jones – counted cross stitch, Best in Show

Teri McLeod – ceramic angel

Brenda Johns – Floral arrangement

Ondella Baker – wreath,

Opel Westmoreland – photography

WANT TO JOIN?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUGHES: Thoughts on judging the GFWC Crestview Woman's Club art show (PHOTOS)

CROSE: This is for Okaloosa County's hard-working unsung heroes

Written by archive on January 14, 2016. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

We recognize many heroes in our community — police officers, sheriff's deputies, firefighters, EMTs, doctors and ER nurses, and of course our wonderful military members — but we fail to think of our utility technicians who respond, whenever we have a gas or electrical issue.

One evening this week, my husband Jim told me that while he was working in the yard next to the gas meter, he smelled gas and thought I should call the gas company. He said he only smelled it when the water heater or heater was running.

I went outside, but apparently wasn't close enough to the meter, and could smell nothing.

But since Jim smelled it, I called Okaloosa Gas after dark, after hours on a rainy evening.

The lady I spoke with took my information and relayed it to a technician and told me that someone would be out within 45 minutes. I was working in the office and heard the truck drive up and went outside.

Jim soon joined the technician who, indeed, found a gas leak at the meter.

He fixed the leak and went on his way.

Having a gas leak is no laughing matter, and I am grateful to the technician and Okaloosa Gas for sending him out.

Last year, the lights in my office kept dimming and Gulf Power sent a technician on a Saturday night. I told them we could wait until Monday, but they insisted on checking it out.

Unfortunately, a lug on our meter was bad, so we called an electrician and had it repaired Monday morning. Thank goodness we know an honest electrician.

I am grateful to the men and women who work for our utility companies. They come out and make sure we are safe, even when it is inconvenient for them — dark, wet and raining.

When we had all the hurricanes here a few years ago, we saw other utility companies coming to be of assistance to us and, when Katrina came, our utility companies went to help them.

Hats off to you; thank you for your dedication — and job well done.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: This is for Okaloosa County's hard-working unsung heroes

BROADHEAD: Go — search for the lost 'sheep'

Written by archive on January 13, 2016. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says to his disciples: “What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the 99 on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?

"And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the 99 that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.”

For most who don’t know the importance of minding a flock, that parable may seem farfetched. The modern mind tends to think it is too risky to leave an entire flock untended to go and look for one stray sheep.

What if a wild animal attacks the rest while you’re gone?

What if another sheep wanders itself lost while you are searching for the lost one?

The pursuit is a waste of time; there are plenty of others — after all, it’s just one sheep.

That’s Jesus' point. It is one lost sheep — and one is too many to be lost. From a human perspective, risking 99 to save one doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, especially in a throw-away society.

Just write it off.

That’s the cost of doing business.

There are plenty of others.

But the parable is about people's worth. One person who gets lost in life — whether it is lost from the family of faith, or having lost their direction in doing what is right and good, or becoming confused because of ill health, or a loved one's death, or suffering from fear and uncertainty of what the future may hold — is important enough to pursue and help that person regain a sense of direction and belonging.

In God's eyes, each person is just as important as the next. Each person, each individual, is valued and loved. Nothing will stop God from searching for us when we stray.

Are you willing to believe you are that important to God? If not, why not — because you are.

How important are the people in your life?

Is there an errant family member who needs to be reminded of how they are loved and need to be brought back into the family fold?

Is there a friend who seems to be heading down a path of self-destruction that needs to be reminded of their great worth?

Is there someone suffering loneliness and isolation who needs to comforted and reminded they are loved?

Go search for the lost. There is great rejoicing when the lost is found — not only by the one who is searching, but also for the one who was recovered.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Go — search for the lost 'sheep'

HELMS: It's natural to question God

Written by archive on January 11, 2016. Posted in columns, Opinion, your-voice.

In the Bible, in the book of Habakkuk, the prophet attempts to correct God's actions. He further states that he will continue his watch upon the watchtower, and wait to see how God will answer Him, and how he should reply.

It seems like he recognizes that he has attempted to correct God, and now awaits God to correct, or rebuke, him.

My friend, it is natural to question God and some of the things in our lives. At times, it seems that the events that come into our lives do not make sense. I remember getting angry over the death of someone I loved dearly, ready to tell God that he did not know what he was doing.

Years later, perhaps I understand more than I did then.

Habakkuk's writing here leads to an interesting point. While we can question God and, yes, even his motives, we need to be still and await his response. We do not always see the big picture. The real mark of maturity is to be willing to be corrected by him and his Word.

As a pastor, I see many times where people are going through some of the hardest times, and looking on from the outside, I tend to think in some cases that they brought these things on themselves because of poor decisions.

Why can they not listen to what is preached, what is written, or what is spoken to them in the still of the night?

Then, just when I believe my advanced maturity in my relationship is now defending God and his ways, I stand to be corrected — and he does it in miraculous form.

I do not always receive that still small voice, for I am indeed stubborn. Sometimes, he has to shout at me. However, I have learned that by waiting on him, keeping my watch, and waiting for his response to my questions, his voice is so much more pleasurable.

Go ahead. Question God. Even scold him if you dare.

But be prepared for his correction — and be willing to take it like a real man or woman of Christ.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: It's natural to question God

BRESLAWSKI: Free Okaloosa program helps you save money, reduce debt and build wealth

Written by archive on January 11, 2016. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

Happy 2016! If you started your year like I did, you set a resolution for change.

Common resolutions include watching less TV, becoming more active, eating a healthy diet, and saving money.

Resolutions are promises that are so easy to make and so hard to keep. The New Year has been here for close to two weeks now, so let’s check in — how is that resolution going?

I am making my own lunches to bring to work, walking and exercising with friends, and watching less TV.

The saving money part is hard, although I am saving quite a bit by packing a lunch. There are things that I want, things I didn’t get under the tree, things that are now on an amazing after-the-holiday sale — things that I am sure I desperately need.

But sitting in my brain is that good old resolution: saying things like: “Do you really need this?” Or, “Wouldn’t you rather save today to have fun tomorrow?”

And the truth is: Yes, yes I would. So in an effort to stop my quick “I want it now, so I am going to treat myself” reaction, I followed my own advice and visited the Okaloosa Saves website, okaloosasaves.org.

Okaloosa Saves is a local organization dedicated to helping community members save their money; it’s free to sign up. The program posts simple reminders of ways to save, and links to live Twitter chats, on their website and Facebook page, like: “How to Jumpstart Your Emergency Fund”, and how to automatically deposit your tax refund.

Optional e-mails and texts are sent occasionally to encourage savers to reach their goals.

I don’t know about you, but I can always use a little encouragement. So I took the pledge to save money, reduce my debt and build wealth.

If you have questions about Okaloosa Saves, feel free to contact me at our extension office, or visit us at the Eco-Nomic Living Expo at the 2016 BIA Home Show Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28.

We will have financial seminars, corporate and children’s piggy bank contests, and more.

Businesses interested in participating in our fun, creative team-building Corporate Piggy Bank Challenge should also contact me for details.

Did I mention there are prizes for the winning piggy bank?

Contact me at 689-5850 or jbreslawski@ufl.edu for more information.

Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BRESLAWSKI: Free Okaloosa program helps you save money, reduce debt and build wealth

SHANKLIN: Put your financial 'puzzle' together

Written by archive on January 10, 2016. Posted in columns, Opinion.

Jan. 29 is National Puzzle Day, with puzzle celebrations and events taking place at museums, libraries and other venues across the country.

Why this date was chosen — or why National Puzzle Day even exists — is something of a mystery. But as an investor, you can find value in the concept of a puzzle — specifically, in putting together the pieces of your financial puzzle.

What are these pieces? Here are the essential ones:

Growth. At different times in your life, you will have various goals — purchasing a first or second home, sending your children to college, enjoying a comfortable retirement, and so on.

These goals all have one thing in common: To achieve them, you'll need some growth potential in your investment portfolio.

The nature and the extent of the growth-oriented vehicles, such as stocks and stock-based instruments, in your holdings will depend on your specific goals, risk tolerance and time horizon — but you must have growth opportunities.

Income. Income-producing investments, such as bonds and dividend-paying stocks, can help supplement your earned income during your working years and provide you with a valuable income stream when you're retired.

Plus, bonds and other income-producers can help balance a portfolio that might otherwise be too heavy in growth vehicles — which, as you know, are typically higher in risk.

Taxes. Taxes will always be part of the investment equation. Whenever possible, you'll want to take advantage of those accounts that let you make tax-deductible contributions and that provide the opportunity for tax-deferred growth, such as a traditional IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.

You may also find that you can benefit from tax-free investments, such as some types of municipal bonds and a Roth IRA. (Your Roth IRA contributions are not tax-deductible, but your earnings grow tax free, provided you've had your account at least five years and you don't start taking withdrawals until you reach 59½.)

Protection. You can't just invest for your future — you also have to protect it.

If something were to happen to you, would your family be able to remain in your home? Would your children still be able to go to college?

To help ensure continuity and security in your family's lives, you'll need to maintain adequate life and disability insurance.

Also, you will need to protect your independence in your retirement years, as you no doubt would want to avoid burdening your grown children with financial issues.

To attain this type of freedom, you may have to guard against the potentially catastrophic costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay. A financial professional can suggest ways of meeting these expenses.

Legacy. After working hard your whole life, you'd probably like to leave something behind to your children, grandchildren, other family members and possibly even charitable institutions.

To create the legacy you desire, you will need to create a comprehensive estate plan. Because such a plan may involve a will, living trust and other complex legal documents, you will need to work with your legal and tax advisers.

Try to put these pieces together to help complete your financial "puzzle" — when you do, you may well like the picture that emerges.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SHANKLIN: Put your financial 'puzzle' together

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