CRESTVIEW — An upcoming exhibit at the Crestview Public Library will feature movie posters and commentary on the "Films of 1967."

Two avid film poster collectors — Crestview resident Brian Hughes and long-time friend, Dallas film buff Clyde Ponder — curated items for the exhibit. It opens July 1 and continues through August at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive.

The genuine one-sheets, three-sheets, window cards and insert cards on display are each supplemented with commentary by Northwest Florida State College film and humanities professor David Simmons.

A reception with a presentation by Simmons will take place in August at the library.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview library to feature film poster exhibit

CRESTVIEW — This week's Bulletin Kid, Everly Jennings, 2, of Crestview, browses books at the Crestview library.

Have a cute photo of your kids out and about? They could be our next Bulletin Kid! Email a photo with your child's name, age, hometown and a description of the action to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Browsing books

CRESTVIEW — Poets and musicians can read, perform, improvise and play together during an open-microphone event 6:30 p.m. July 11 at the Crestview Public Library.

The poetry starter is "peaches and beaches." Anyone can attend, and admittance is free.

The library is located at 1445 Commerce Drive in Crestview. Contact Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; or Rick Sanders, 585-6399, for details. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Open microphone night scheduled

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Forest Service is taking applications for southern pine beetle assistance and prevention.

Help is available for non-industrial private forest landowners who file an application by July 31.

The program, supported through a United States Forest Service grant, provides incentive payments for landowners who conduct a first pulpwood thinning and offers partial cost reimbursement for activities such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine instead of the loblolly pine, the beetle's preferred species.

Qualified landowners can apply for up to two different practices per year and funding requests may not exceed $10,000. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.

Since it was first offered in 2005, the program has supported these practices on more than 167,000 acres and helped thousands of landowners. It is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, the SPB's known range.

The SPB is one of the most economically devastating forest pests of the southeast, with periodic outbreaks leading to deaths of millions of pine trees. In 2016, 222 SPB infestations were reported in Florida, killing trees on over 1,100 acres. Those numbers are small compared to the last major outbreaks from 1999 to 2002 in Florida, which resulted in an estimated $59 million in timber losses.

To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/SouthernPineBeetle/Prevention.

Visit FloridaForestService.com to learn more about Florida Forest Service programs.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Application deadline set for southern pine beetle prevention

CRESTVIEW — Three Crestview residents are part of the cast of the musical comedy "Sister Act."

Performances are scheduled 7:30 p.m. nightly July 19-22 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Mainstage Theater at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville.

Based on the hit 1992 film, “Sister Act” begins when a disco diva witnesses a murder. She goes into protective custody in a convent disguised as a nun. Using her disco moves and singing talent, she inspires the church choir and breathes new life into the community.

Shelby Steverson will play TJ, Nick Trolian will play Curtis, and Cathy Trolian will play the Mother Superior in the comedy.

The full-scale production contains gospel music, dancing and a story that’s a tribute to the universal power of friendship.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for youths age 18 and younger. NWFSC students may get one free ticket at the college box office by showing their school identification. 

Call 792-6000; go to www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org; or visit the box office 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 90 minutes prior to show times to purchase.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Sister Act' cast features Crestview residents

CRESTVIEW — Need help or want to volunteer for a worthy cause? Here are some local services and organizations for consideration. 

SENIORS VS. CRIME VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Seniors vs. Crime Crestview office, which assists senior citizens of whom someone scammed or took advantage, needs help. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8. To volunteer, contact Office Manager Sheila Parish, 306-3176, or Region 5 Deputy Director JB Whitten, 813-489-5657. Contact 306-3176, www.seniorsvscrime.com or 800-203-3099 for help.

REPORT ELDERS ABUSE: Call the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873) if you suspect elderly friends and neighbors are being abused. Many elders may suffer from financial exploitation, neglect or physical or emotional abuse, often caused by family members. The NFAAA is a private, non-profit agency supported by the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Florida General Revenue Fund through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Gwen Rhodes, 494-7100 or rhodesg@nwflaaa.org

UWF ACADEMIC ADVISING: The University of West Florida offers assistance with admissions, academic and degree advising and registration in Crestview. Contact Deborah Cluff, 863-6550, to schedule an appointment for first Thursdays at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1446 Commerce Drive.

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE: Need help? Contact the Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care, 409-3070, www.okaloosawaltonhomeless.org; Opportunity Inc., 659-3190; or Helping Hands of Crestview, 428 McLaughlin St., behind First United Methodist Church. Helping Hands is open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Tri-County Community Council, 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. 306-1134.

CRESTVIEW SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: Serves Mondays through Saturdays. To volunteer at Central Baptist Church, call 682-5525; Our Savior Lutheran Church, 682-3154; LifePoint Church, 682-3518; Community of Christ, 682-7474; First Presbyterian Church, 682-2835; or First United Methodist Church, 682-2018.

FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-3:30 p.m. Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 247 S. Booker St., Crestview. Free items include shoes and other accessories. Presented by Concerned Citizens of Crestview. Details: 689-1582 or 428-6997.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR NEEDY RESIDENTS: 9 a.m. second Saturdays, 383 Texas Parkway, Crestview. Dry goods and fresh produce available while supplies last. Hosted by House of Restoration, a partner agency of Feeding the Gulf Coast. Details: Ruby Chatman, 398-0577.

WOMEN AND FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND EDUCATION: a Crestview-based Community Drug and Alcohol Council program that helps pregnant women with substance abuse. 689-4024.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: Eligible low-income families can receive financial assistance through the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Apply at www.elc-ow.org. Hover over “Services” and click “School Readiness” to register.

FREE MEDICARE COUNSELING: By appointment, Crestview Public Library and Elder Services of Okaloosa County, in Crestview, 494-7101 or 1-866-531-8011.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY seeks Crestview area lots for families needing housing. 758-0779 or 315-0025.

VA VETERANS CRISIS LINE: Veterans in crisis, their families and friends can call 800-273-TALK (8255), and press 1 to talk with qualified, caring VA responders. Confidential. www.veteranscrisisline.net.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEEDS MENTORS: Adult volunteers spend two hours weekly mentoring children. Pairs go to the library, museum, park or beach, hike, roller-skate or play sports. 664-5437.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTERS: Group needs people to work in the Emergency Operations Center assisting county personnel. Contact: Yvonne Earle, 863-1530, extension 230.

FREE HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE DROPOFF: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Okaloosa County Recycling Office, 80 Ready Ave., Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa residents may drop off paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, used oil, gas, antifreeze, computers, televisions, fluorescent lamps, car batteries, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, solvents, aerosols and printers. The office is currently selling rain barrels for $65 and compost bins for $55.

MUSEUM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida seeks friendly, reliable volunteers to greet guests and answer phones in its gift shop 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Details: 678-2615, stop by 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, or email info@heritage-museum.org.

CARS NEEDED: Opportunity Inc. accepts donations of cars, boats and other vehicles to support Opportunity Place, an emergency shelter for families. Shelley Poirrier, 409-3070 or shelley@okaloosawaltonhomeless.org.

SHELTER HOUSE FINANCIAL SUPPORT: It costs just more than $100 a day to shelter a domestic violence victim. Every little bit helps. 683-0845.

DRIVE VETERANS to appointments at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Pensacola two days a month. Veterans Service Office, 689-5922.

VEHICLES NEEDED: Covenant Hospice accepts cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and RVs. Qualified professionals pick up vehicles from Pensacola to Tallahassee at convenience. Rachel Mayew, 428-0605.

LAKEVIEW CENTER'S FAMILIES FIRST NETWORK NEEDS BEDS for local children in protective services. Cribs and beds for children must be in good condition. 833-3840.

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE seeks volunteers in a number of areas, from administrative help to offering support to a hospice patient through visits or weekly phone calls. Details: Ann O’Connor, 689-0300.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County services calendar

CRESTVIEW — Here’s a calendar of upcoming events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

AMERICAN LEGION 99TH STATEWIDE CONVENTION: June 29-July 2, World Center Marriott, Orlando. About 3,000 veterans, their spouses and family members will attend. Includes leadership training and other classes for members, a banquet, emblem sales, a kickoff with live entertainment, and program awards. All interested veterans may attend the free event. www.floridalegion.org.

PEANUT PRODUCERS SCHOLARSHIP: The Florida Peanut Producers Association will award two $1,200 scholarships to high school seniors and/or college students in 2017. The applicants or one of their family members must be actively producing peanut growers, not necessarily a member of the FPPA. Award recipients should attend a Florida junior college or four-year university. Winners receive $600 each. The remaining $600 is awarded after the completion of one semester and documentation of passing grades is submitted. Details: 526-2590. Deadline: July 1.

JEHOVAH'S WITNESS HALL CLOSURE: The Crestview Kingdom Hall will be closed June 30 through July 2 and July 14-16 as Jehovah's Witnesses from Northwest Florida and the southeastern U.S. attend a regional convention. The theme is "Don't Give Up!" Convention representatives anticipate between 11,000 and 13,000 delegates for the three events, which start at 9:20 each day June 30-July 2, July 7-9, and July 14-16 at the Mitchell Center at the University of South Alabama, 2195 Mitchell Center Drive, Mobile. The July 7-9 event is in Spanish; the other presentations are in English. Admission is free. Contact Todd Butler, 902-6089 or tenbutler@yahoo.com, for questions or more information.

MARVIN DEBOLT JUNIOR GOLF CLASSIC: 8 a.m. July 12 and 13, Eglin Air Force Base Eagle Course, 1527 Fairway Drive, Niceville. For golfers age 8-18, with nine holes a day for ages 8-11 and 18 holes a day for 12 and up. Cost is $60 for younger level and $95 each for the older level. The cost includes green fees, food, refreshments, a tournament T-shirt and trophies for division winners. Benefits the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center. Register at www.eccac.org by July 8.

CRESTVIEW HIGH CLASS OF 1977’S 40-YEAR CLASS REUNION: 6 p.m. July 15, Warriors Hall in Crestview. “We are searching for classmates that we have lost contact with,” an event organizer said. “If you haven't already received information about the reunion, contact Sharry, krustin@cox.net." Tickets must be purchased in advance.

SISTER CITY FRANCE TRIP: The Crestview Area Sister City Program welcomes residents to join the Sept. 7-18 journey to Noirmoutier, France. Participants stay with host families in this immersive cultural and educational experience. They must join the Crestview Area Sister City Program and assume responsibility for their own air travel arrangements to and from France. Dues are currently $20 per individual, $2 per full-time student, and $30 per family. Details: www.CrestviewSisterCity.org.

BAKER GATOR REUNION: Baker School Class of 1967 graduates seek classmates for their 50-year reunion Sept. 9 at the Baker Arena Community Center, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. Call 537-9191, 758-7966, 978-2135 or 978-1974 for details.

ARMY REUNION, 100TH ANNIVERSARY:  Sept. 13-17, Arlington, Virginia. The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division at any time. The association will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the division, which was formed in France during World War I. Details: Secretary-treasurer Bob Haynes at 2idahq@comcast.net, 224-225-1202, or visit www.2ida.org. 

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

3 p.m. July 20, Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive N., Niceville.

3 p.m. Oct. 19, Robert L.F. Sikes Center, Northwest Florida State College, 805 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

3 p.m. Dec. 14, training room of the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

Meeting schedule and location are subject to change. For updates and agendas, visit www.wfrpc.org or email tiffany.bates@wfrpc.org.

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. June 28, City Hall, 302 Wilson St. N, Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What’s Happening in North Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — P.J. Adams Parkway in south Crestview is closed between Key Lime Place and State Road 85.

The Crestview Police Department is investigating a three-vehicle accident that occurred about 12:30 p.m. The accident involved a Hyundai sedan, a Ford pick-up towing a camper trailer, and a Honda minivan.

Two people were transported to area hospitals, one with serious injuries, according to a Crestview Police media release.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 2 hospitalized after Crestview traffic accident

Joshua Ryles’ family remembers him as a smart, loving and exuberant child who cared for everyone he met and enjoyed the outdoors.

The 3-year-old, born July 27, 2013, died in a tragic accident June 18. He jumped out of the back of a truck and was run over by the trailer it was towing. The incident, which happened late Sunday morning on a sod farm near Baker, is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Joshua died at his favorite place, according to his mother.

"Josh loved the outdoors; he loved being outside. His favorite place in the world was his dad’s farm in Baker,” Jessica Johnpeer said. “He would go up there a lot and ride the four-wheeler with his dad (Chris) and ride the tractors.

“His dad had a water truck that he would water the grass with, and he loved to be on that and watch the water shoot out.”

According to Jessica, Joshua loved music and dancing.

“Not going to lie, rap music was his favorite,” Jessica said. “One of his favorite things to do was wear girls’ shoes. He had a pair of his sister’s gold boots that he called his dancing boots. From the time he was less than 2 years old, he would put on our shoes and walk around the house.”

Joshua had attended preschool at Noah’s Ark in Valparaiso, which he loved, according to his mother, since September 2016.

“He was one of those kids who was rambunctious and crazy and he never sat still, ever,” Jessica said. “A lot of kids (get into trouble) at 3, but even when he was doing something wrong and you’re trying to get on to him, he would just come over and he would giggle and say, ‘huggies, huggies,’ with his hands out, and he would hug you and you just couldn’t be mad at him.”

Jessica said that Joshua was a prankster and loved to play tricks on people. He had a 2-year-old brother, Ethan; a 7-year-old sister, McKenna; and a 13-year-old brother, Aden.

“He liked to annoy McKenna more than anything,” Jessica said.

Joshua loved animals almost as much as he loved people. Jessica said there was a dog that would regularly come by their apartment, and he would always beg his mother to let the dog inside.

“I had taken him to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoo in Crestview about a month ago, and he absolutely loved it,” Jessica said. “He loved seeing the animals but then, of course, being the little sweet lover that he is, about halfway into it, he started asking questions about why the animals were by themselves and if they were sad and if they missed their family.”

According to his parents, Joshua was always caring for other people. Jessica said that she fractured her arm in April and he stayed with his dad for six weeks during this time because of her injury.

“The whole time that he was gone, every time he would talk to me, he would say, ‘Is your arm feeling better?’” Jessica said.

“That was actually the last thing he said to me. He was always worried about other people.”

Joshua’s favorite things to eat were biscuits and French fries, according to Jessica; particularly the biscuits from Danny’s Fried Chicken in Niceville.

“When he would smile real big, his eyes would squint; he had one little dimple, and he had some huge feet,” Jessica said. “He wasn’t exactly coordinated with balls or anything, but that kid would wrestle. I’ve never met a kid as tough as him. He could knock his head, fall down, and he would get right back up.”

Joshua also liked to pretend, or “retend,” as he would call it, Jessica said.  

And, according to his mother, Joshua had an active imagination.

“He was very smart — too smart for his own good,” she said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'He would hug you and you just couldn’t be mad at him'

CRESTVIEW — Classroom and warehouse facilities are under construction at 5693 John Givens Road.

Mark Siner, with Choctaw Engineering, the engineering firm hired for the project, said Munitions Technology is behind the development. The government-contracted company specializes in ammunition and training aids.

The building will be used as a training facility for civilian purposes, according to Rick Rausch of Triple R Construction, the company hired to construct the facility.

Rausch said the facility will be 4,000 square feet and should be completed within the next 30 days.

John Givens Road is within the jurisdiction of Okaloosa County, therefore the county’s building department handles its licensing. According to Melissa Martinez, a planner with the Growth Management department, the application Triple R Construction submitted only states that it is for a classroom addition and a warehouse addition, with no further information.

“From what I understand, whatever products they sell, they wanted to have some room to bring people in to have marketing presentations and things like that,” Siner said.

“When we say it’s a classroom, we are defining it as a big open space … Part of it is going to be warehouse space for them to store their product.”

Building permits for the adjacent address, 5692 John Givens Road, show the first permit Munitions Technology filed on Jan. 14, 2015 was to add three additional walls for offices.

The company added three more walls in late January 2015 and remodeled restrooms in a warehouse in 2016.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ammunition training coming to John Givens Road