LAUREL HILL— Planned public improvements in Laurel Hill include culvert repairs, paving and drainage improvements. 

PRIORITIZED PROJECTS 

Crystal Weatherington of Dewberry, the city’s engineering firm, provided the council on Thursday with a list of eight projects in order of priority. 

The first, which Weatherington said will benefit the most people, is repairing three culverts in jeopardy on Earl Campbell Road, Chicago Avenue and Second Avenue. Weatherington suggested starting with the culvert on Chicago Avenue, then Earl Campbell Road and Second Avenue. Project estimates are approximately $21,000 for Earl Campbell Road and $15,000 each for Chicago and Second Avenues. 

Nita Miller, the city clerk, received quotes from the county for these repairs: approximately $6,000 each for Earl Campbell Road and Second Avenue, and approximately $15,000 for Chicago Avenue. This information was sent to the county commissioners in mid-May, but a decision has not yet been made. 

Remaining items on the list went as follows: Eighth Street road rehabilitation and drainage, Steel Mill Creek Road paving, Chicago Avenue culvert and cul-de-sac, Second Avenue drainage and pavement replacement, Skyline drainage improvements, Earl Campbell Road pavement and earthwork, and New Ebenezer Road paving. 

Weatherington said she found a technical assistance grant that could "cover $25,000 to $40,000 in cost for design work."

The council voted in favor of this grant. 

SUNNYSIDE REPAVEMENT 

The Sunnyside Avenue repaving project was sent to contracting companies in May and three placed bids, along with the county. 

The companies placed base bids, including every aspect of the project minus the paving, and alternate bids including the paving. CW Roberts Contracting, Inc. bid $323,667.85 for the entire project; J. Miller Construction, Inc. bid $266,746 and H&T Contractors, LLC bid $237,651. H&T is locally owned and operated, and Weatherington has said its low bid reflects lack of overhead, not quality of work. The county also bid on the project, at $57,000 for just pavement; they wouldn’t charge for any other aspect of the project. 

Weatherington said the county would put the project on a waiting list until they are available; the contracting companies could begin the project as soon as possible. 

Moneypenny said the quality of work the county did on Steel Mill Creek Road was poor. He asked if there would be a warranty if issues arose with the road in the future; the county does not offer a warranty, but H&T offers one for two years, according to Weatherington. 

Moneypenny motioned to accept H&T’s base bid; Councilman Daniel Lane seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Mike Blizzard motioned to use H&T for the entire project; Moneypenny seconded and the motion passed. 

The project should start within the next few weeks, according to Weatherington. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Road improvements planned

CRESTVIEW — An Edward Jones free financial workshop will give people the information they need to make long-term financial decisions.

The classes are 6-7:30 p.m. June 5, 12, 19 and 26, and July 3, 10 and 17 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

Topics in order of presentation are Rules of the Road; Focus on Fixed Income; Stocks: The Nuts and Bolts; An Investor's Tour of Mutual Funds; Retirement: Making Your Money Last; Health Care and Your Retirement; and Preparing Your Estate Plan.

Refreshments will be served. Call 682-8844 to reserve space. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free financial planning workshops scheduled

1. DISPLAY YOUR CAR. Crestview Hooters will host their Show N' Shine Car Show 2-6 p.m. June 3 at 180 Cracker Barrel Drive. This event will continue the first Saturday every month. People are invited to bring their hot rod or muscle car. The event will include contests, a live raffle and an award for the “hottest” car in the show. 

2. WATCH A DRAG RACE. Emerald Coast Dragway will host ECHO Heads Up Racing 3-10 p.m. June 3 at 7134 Garner Landing Road, Holt. Time trials start at 5 p.m. General admission is $12; $10 admission for military and police; and kids 10 and younger enter free. 

3. LISTEN TO LOCAL BANDS. Bands on the Blackwater returns 7 p.m. June 2 on South Willing Street. The outdoor concert series, held Friday nights in downtown Milton, is free to attend. You can pull up a boat or bring a lawn chair and relax while listening to music. This week’s featured band is Bay Bridge Band. 

4. ATTEND A FESTIVAL. The 62nd annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival will be held at 3 p.m. June 2 and 6 p.m. June 3 at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park on Brooks Street. A $15 wristband allows a full day of unlimited access to a rock climbing wall, Euro bungee, and seven inflatable rides including an 18-foot slide, a bounce and slide combo, a mini obstacle course and a bounce house. The kids’ area will feature a community carnival. The event will also include shopping, food, and music. The Rowdies will take the stage 7:30-9 p.m. June 2. Show Me Dragon will be on the main stage 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 3. A fireworks show will take place 9 p.m. June 2. 

5. ENJOY PATRIOTIC MUSIC. The Village Belles, a female music trio celebrating the music of the 40s and 50s, will host Salute to the Troops 7:30-9 p.m. June 1 at HarborWalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd., Destin. Salute to the Troops is a musical event featuring music starting at the early 1940s through today, with a patriotic theme as a tribute to the United States Military. Admission is free and open to the public.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 5 things to do this weekend

THE QUESTION 

How about an update on the shopping plaza that was going to be built at (Highway) 85 and [Live Oak Church Road]? The land had the sold sign up for the last couple of months by Berkshire Hathaway. We saw today the land is back up for sale again by a new company. – Angela Harman, Crestview

THE ANSWER

The South Crestview property in question was originally owned by Berkshire Hathaway after they acquired it in a foreclosure. The land was sold to a company that recently backed out, according to Harry Bell, the commercial broker for Berkshire Hathaway. 

“The people that we originally had it contracted to did have plans to do a shopping center there,” Bell said. “They ended up pulling out and we sold it to another private party, and they are planning to do a convenience store, I believe, and then they were going to sell off the remaining out parcels.” 

The property is located on South Ferdon Boulevard, between Live Oak Church Road and the Crestview welcome sign. It is now owned by One Commercial Property. 

Michael Whitfield, the agent in charge of the land, was attending a real estate convention in Las Vegas when a News Bulletin reporter called. He said that he can’t yet confirm what is going to be built on the property. 

“A lot of the property is going back on the market…,” Whitfield said.  “That is why I’m here (at the convention) because I’m marketing retailers right now.” 

Whitfield said he plans to share more information once he returns to Florida and has a better idea of what will be done with the property. 

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU

The shopping center originally planned for South Crestview on Ferdon Boulevard will not be built; however, a convenience store may be on the horizon, with the possibility of several other retailers buying parcels of the property. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: South Crestview property's purpose still undecided

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

DRONE PRESENTATION: 10:30 a.m. June 6, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Mario Werth gives the library’s First Tuesday Talk on the versatility of drones, especially in the areas of agriculture and real estate. Werth’s drone exhibit is in the library's lobby display case through June 30. Doors open at 10 a.m., refreshments served. 682-4432.

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.

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.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION:

• 8:30 a.m. June 6, Crestview City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
• 8:30 a.m. June 20, Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

MA-CHIS LOWER CREEK INDIAN TRIBE OF ALABAMA GENERAL MEETING: 1 p.m. June 10, 64 Private Road 1312, Elba, Alabama. GPS users can enter 2950 County Road 377, Elba, Alabama. Agenda: Low Income Home Energy Program, summer cooling, 2018 plans, Community Service Block Grant plans, scholarships, WIA Pow Wow, a new program for rental housing and guest speakers. At 4 p.m., there will be the Annual Little Green Corn Ceremony. Bring a covered dish. Details: Chief James Wright or Vice Chief Nancy Carnley, 334-897-3207, machis@centurytel.net or chiefjames@centurytel.net.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

• 3 p.m. June 15, Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive N., Niceville.
• 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 emailtiffany.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.

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

CRESTVIEW — Interested in adoption or foster care?

An information meeting on these services is set for Monday, June 5, 6:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd. (Highway 90), Crestview.

Childcare is available. RSVP at www.emeraldcoastorphancare.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Adoption, foster care information meeting set

CRESTVIEW — Need help with a child car seat installation?

The Crestview Fire Department now has several firefighters who are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.  

If you need assistance or know of someone who would like assistance, call the Crestview Fire Department Administration at 682-6121 to schedule an appointment. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Child car seat installation now available

You pay plenty of taxes, and you want them to be used wisely, right?

I bet you can't guess which public organizations return the most benefits from your tax dollars.

Give up? It's your libraries!

Even if you dislike math and cringe at phrases such as 'return on investment,' here's a fact you'll be able to appreciate: Libraries in our state deliver more than $10 in benefits for every $1 dollar they get from tax money.

Isn't that amazing?

Statisticians would say libraries "have an ROI of more than 1,000 percent," but all you need to understand is that we spend your money more carefully than libraries just about anywhere else in the world.

"I've looked at ROI studies from numerous states, and Florida's libraries have recorded the highest statewide numbers I've seen," says Kathy Dempsey, founder of Libraries Are Essential marketing consultancy. “While librarians have long been excellent stewards of public monies, Floridian librarians rank among the best anywhere. You can see results from other states at https://www.lrs.org/data-tools/public-libraries/return-on-investment/recent-studies."

Dempsey added, "Even an in-depth research report from Queensland, Australia, does not report an ROI higher than Florida's.” (See www.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/226143/the-library-dividend-summary-report.pdf for that report).

The Florida study's Dempsey quotes have a local connection since it was conducted by the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development at the University of West Florida. 

To anyone who may question its currency, Florida’s State Librarian Amy L. Johnson in Tallahassee explains, “Florida’s most recent Return on Investment was released in the fall of 2014. The study was based on FY2013 public library system annual statistical report data. Florida has completed three ROI studies using the same methodology. The studies are lengthy to complete based on the data analysis and the various surveys. Additional time is needed for designing collateral material to communicate the results.”

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner wrote in a Tallahassee Democrat guest column, “Public libraries have historically been places where families can learn, students can do research and job seekers can find opportunities, and the money invested into these respected institutions is returned over ten-fold.

“Florida public libraries provide education, business support and social service referrals. Nine out of 10 people surveyed believe libraries improve workforce skills. These localized services bring value to the residents of Florida by acting as a hub of information, which library patrons believe helps improve Florida’s workforce by teaching new skills.

“Librarians serve their patrons, and in turn strengthen the economy of their surrounding communities.  . . .  Florida’s 555 public libraries benefit their communities both educationally and economically, and they must continue to stand as beacons of light to the areas they serve.”

Florida public libraries receive 90 percent of funding from local sources, linking the services with the communities they serve. The old saying of “nothing surer than death and taxes” could be updated to “nothing surer than Florida libraries deliver more ‘bang for your tax dollar buck’”!

Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Delivering ‘bang for your tax dollar buck’

CRESTVIEW — A Crestview Police Department Reserves officer was one of five finalists for the 2016 Okaloosa County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award introduced at the 15th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon.

During the May 23 event at the Niceville Community Center, Master Sgt. Michael Harder, who is also an assistant CPD S.W.A.T. team leader, joined fellow Eglin Air Force Base 96^th Security Forces Squadron sergeants Michael Gomez and Nathan Koenig among the nominees.

Also nominated were former Crestview Police officer, now Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy José Pereira, and Fort Walton Beach Police officer Kendra Stalls, who won the award.

Hosted by Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley and his chaplaincy staff, the yearly

luncheon honors fallen law enforcement officers from across the state as well as those currently serving their communities.

Capt. Larry Ward, commander of the OCSO Crestview station, cooked a well-received smoked barbecue lunch with sides and bread pudding for dessert. Famed Arkansas Razorbacks radio announcer Chuck Barrett delivered the after-lunch address.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview PD Reserve officer honored