CRESTVIEW— Residents honored law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty this week during the Crestview Police Department’s fifth annual  Law Enforcement Memorial and Recognition Ceremony. 

Thursday's ceremony began with the posting of colors, followed by the pledge of allegiance, the National Anthem sung by the Davidson Middle School A Cappella Panthers, an opening prayer by Chaplain Edwin Stallworth and a welcome by Chief Tony Taylor. 

In total, nine police officers were killed in the line of duty in Okaloosa County; their photographs were displayed on stage. All except one died by gunfire. 

“These ceremonies are significant, not only to law enforcement officers but to the communities we serve,” Taylor said. “They give us a chance to reflect on the lives and the passing of those great men and women who have given their all, and to appreciate those officers who continue to serve.” 

Mayor David Cadle then spoke, proclaiming Police Officer’s Week 2017. 

Taylor read the names of the nine Okaloosa County officers killed in the line of duty – dating back to 1921 until the latest in 2015 – along with their end-of-watch dates, the day they died. 

“Six of the nine officers killed in the line of duty in Okaloosa County were killed in or around Crestview,” Taylor said. “I want to recognize and thank the surviving family members of those law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the direct service of their community. 

“The family members of those fathers, grandfathers, uncles, husbands, sons, brothers and sisters continue to experience the pain of their loved ones being senselessly and brutally ripped from their lives. It’s not something that goes away.”

Sheriff John Monroe Summerlin, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

End of Watch: Jan. 21, 1921

Les Wilson, Crestview Police Department

End of Watch: March 15, 1940

Buster Adams, Crestview Police Department

End of Watch: March 26, 1974

Kenneth Baldwin, Okaloosa Airport Police

End of Watch: Sept. 11, 1987

Ray Lynn Barnes, Fish and Wildlife Commission

End of Watch: Nov. 21, 1987

Anthony E. Forgione, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

End of Watch: July 22, 2008

Warren Keith "Skip" York, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

End of Watch: April 25, 2009

Burton "Burt" Lopez, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

End of Watch: April 25, 2009

William J. Myers, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

End of Watch: Sept. 22, 2015

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview residents remember Okaloosa's fallen officers (PHOTOS)

BETHESDA, Md. — Baker native Nguyet Domenech was selected as Junior Civilian of the Quarter due to her outstanding support of the Naval Postgraduate Dental School at Navy Medicine Professional Development Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

NMPDC is the cornerstone of Navy Medicine’s professional development training and education mission, maintaining collaborative relationships with more than 100 military and civilian activities, and annually training approximately 3,000 personnel from the federal uniformed services, civilian employees and allied foreign military members.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker native named Junior Civilian of the Quarter

1. HONOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. The Crestview Police Department is holding their annual Law Enforcement Memorial and Recognition Ceremony 5:30 p.m. May 18 at Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd. The ceremony honors Okaloosa County law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and celebrates those officers who daily put themselves between citizens and criminals to keep our communities safe. 

2. CELEBRATE THE MILITARY. Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration Inc. is hosting their annual military appreciation event for Armed Forces Day 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 20 at Old Spanish Trail Park in Crestview. The event is free to attend. Guests may bring their own lawn chair to sit and enjoy entertainment. Festivities will include a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, park rangers with snakes, food, games and music. 

3. PARTY FOR A CAUSE. The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center is hosting their annual Gala 6-10 p.m. May 20 at the Sandestin Hilton, 4000 South Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. The theme is Cocktails & Camo. There will be a live and silent auction as well as live entertainment by David Seering & Band. Tickets are $125. You can get a VIP Table for $1,000 that will seat 10 guests. Proceeds benefit the advocacy center. Call Kim Henderson at 833-9237 for more information. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this weekend

CRESTVIEW — Some visitors to the Crestview Police Department bring cheer. Some bring treats. Some bring monetary donations.

When Jae Williams, 6, visits, he brings all three. Jae, one of law enforcement’s youngest supporters and founder of Be The Change, a local Blue Lives Matter support group, recently popped by the agency with his mom, Cassey.

The Police Department’s unofficial “policeboy” shared several dozen blue cards of support, each affixed with a candy heart, inscribed with the definition of “hero,” and personally signed by Jae. He also brought a load of candy bars and M&Ms for his officer friends.

He also presented the department with a container stuffed with $331.28, donations he solicited for the Crestview Citizens Police Academy Alumni association’s fundraising efforts toward a law enforcement memorial to be erected in front of the Whitehurst Municipal Building.

Dressed in his blue police uniform, Jae met Crestview Police’s four new officers, his appearance providing them a needed break from a long day of training while impressing them with the level of community support Crestview’s officers receive.

“It feels good doing this,” Jae—whose real name is Jaedyn—said as he scurried around a table in the training room, arranging the cards he had made.

“This is awesome!” exclaimed Cmdr. Andrew Schneider, whose class Jae’s visit interrupted. “We really appreciate all of this.”

Cmdr. Jaime Grant, accepting Jae’s cash donation on behalf of Chief Tony Taylor, praised the boy for his spirit of support and welcomed him to return and visit his Crestview Police friends at any time.

“I will!” Jae promised.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview 'policeboy' brings treats, cash to officers

Join us on a journey of stories with special guest storyteller Gail Nelson on Tuesday, May 30 at the Crestview Public Library. 

Our journey begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends around 7:15 p.m. Don’t let the Memorial Day holiday mess you up! 

Registration is not required for this free event, which is sponsored by the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. 

Family Library Time is designed for children ages 4 and up with their adults. Adults not accompanied by children are also welcome. Please call 682-4432 with questions.

Being surrounded by a family of storytellers, Gail’s love for this oral tradition started at a young age. Her continual exposure instilled a passion for stories and inspired her to complete a bachelor’s degree in Drama and Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Library and Information Studies.

For the past thirty years, she has been able to share her storytelling in workshops, schools, libraries and on local television.

Gail presently works as an independent contractor in the school system as an artist educator. 

STAFF PICK 

Our reading journey continues with Library Classes for ages 0-14. Summer schedules are available now to pick up at the library (1445 Commerce Drive) or print from our website, www.cityofcrestview.org/178/Library

For ages 3-5, we’ll be focusing on building a better world with kindness in our June 5, 7, 12 and 14 classes with stories like “How Kind!” by Mary Murphy. We exit the womb as self-centered creatures. This story helps to introduce the idea of “paying it forward” with bold, colorful pictures and simple, repeating text.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Guest storyteller to visit library

BAKER — It was just a typical spring Saturday in Baker, where the entire community, it seems, comes out to support their Gators.

Football Coach Matt Brunson’s undefeated team served pancakes over the weekend in the Baker School cafeteria. At the same time, patrons waited for their cars to be scrubbed down by the 14-0 state finalists.

This wasn’t the team’s first pancakes-and-car wash fundraiser.

“We started it about five years ago,” Brunson said.

There’s a reason for this winning combination of breakfast and car care that’s becoming a local tradition, Brunson said.

“The guys come out and wash the cars for free and we charge ($5) for the pancakes — that way, we don’t get any complaints on our washing job,” the head coach quipped.

Brunson said the Gator football team’s players take pride in washing cars for the people who come to show their support. The event is their opportunity to serve the North Okaloosa County community that always backs the team.

Still, the players had their work cut out for them considering how many cars in the lot had caked-on red clay, likely from driving around Okaloosa’s back roads.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gators wash cars and serve breakfast

CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa County Comprehensive Head Start and Early Head Start offices are accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year.

All centers serve children with special needs, and all services are free to families who meet the federal guidelines or special needs criteria.

Crestview, Laurel Hill, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach Head Start centers serve children ages 3 to 5.

The Early Head Start program, for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years, is available in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach only.

Call 682-2912 for the Laurel Hill and Crestview centers, or 244-2606 for the Niceville and Fort Walton Beach Centers to learn more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Head Start accepting applications

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. 

CRESTVIEW LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL & RECOGNITION CEREMONY: 5:30 p.m. May 18, Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. For all regional first responders, families and community supporters.

HOMESCHOOLERS FIELD TRIP: 1-2 p.m. May 19, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. The Historic Technology tour teaches students how technology has evolved through the years, what a simple machine is, and how machines are used to push and pull, making work and other tasks easier for humans. To reinforce the lesson, students will make and demonstrate catapults. For home-school students and their families. Cost: $7 for one student and a parent or teacher; $3 for each additional adult; free for ages 3 and younger. Cost is $3 per person to participate in catapult building. Preregistration is required at 678-2615.

PRINCESS BALL FUNDRAISER: 6-8:30 p.m. May 19, Rocky Bayou Country Club, 600 Golf Course Drive, Niceville. For girls ages 3 and up and their dad, grandfather, uncle or other “prince.” Music by B-Boy Productions and complimentary photos by Southern Belle Photography. Tickets: $25 per pair; $10 for each additional princess. Military discounts available. Reservations are required. Go to http://bit.ly/2p2Avyp or call 863-1530 to RSVP. All proceeds benefit The Arc of the Emerald Coast.

PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY CLASS: 5-8 p.m. May 23, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Learn Seminole techniques. $55 to $60 per person. 678-2615.

VETERANS JOB FAIR: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 24, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Free DAV and RecruitMilitary event for veterans, soon-to-be civilians, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses. Companies include Lockheed Martin, First Command Financial Planning, GardaWorld, Universal Studios, Air Force Reserve, L-3 Technologies, MacAulay-Brown, and Vinnell Arabia. See updated list of all exhibitors, and RSVP your attendance: http://bit.ly/2pF3xZg.

HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS: Crestview High School Hall of Fame nominations are sought. Nominees must have graduated at least 10 years ago and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and athletic accomplishments. All submissions must include verifiable information.  If possible, supply the nominee’s contact information. You may resubmit previous nominations for consideration. May 26 is the application deadline. File applications with CHS’s front office or email them to Coach Tim Hatten, tim.hatten@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us, or Chris Moore at tcbjmoore@cox.net.

MAY DAY PARADE ENTRIES: The Carver-Hill Memorial & Historical Society is accepting May Day parade entries through May 20. It is free to participate. The parade is 10 a.m. May 27, with line-up at 9 a.m. at the Carver-Hill Center, 461 School Ave., Crestview. Get application forms at Carver-Hill Museum, 895 McClelland St. S., or J&P Glitz and Glitter, 604 U.S. Highway 90 W, and turn in at the museum.

DRONES 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 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.

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL: 2 p.m.  May 25, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach.

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.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. May 17, Chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

PILOT COMMITTEE: noon May 18, Hooters, 180 Cracker Barrel Road, Crestview. For young leaders ages 21-41 in Crestview.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. May 31, Synovus Mortgage (Coast Bank and Trust on Industrial Drive).Contact Richard Harless, ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com, for details.

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

BAKER — A line of thunderstorms delayed — but didn’t dampen — the Baker Gators’ ring ceremony festivities Friday.

The 90-minute delay shortened the scheduled Powder Puff games to 15-minute halves instead of their original 20 and caused the alumni flag football game to be canceled altogether.

However, considering many members of the coaching staff, including head football coach Matt Brunson, were members of past Baker state championship teams, not having to run on a wet field was a welcomed relief.

“We were glad the weather got out,” said Brunson. “We were able to continue with our activities and we ran a little bit long, but it’s okay. I thought everybody had a great time.”

The Powder Puff games were more intense than the following scrimmages, with the senior and sophomore classes facing off against each other in the final round — a rematch between the two classes from a year before when they were juniors and freshmen, respectively — with the sophomore class being the defending champions.

The senior class would come out victorious this year, however, with bragging rights and leaving Baker School on top of the Powder Puff rivalry.

All three of Baker’s football programs displayed their talents in the Maroon and White scrimmages with the Varsity, JV and Middle School teams lining up plays between their offenses and defenses.

The new Varsity team showed promise for next season, especially considering how many seniors on their defense will graduate in a matter of days.

“I think for the Gators the future is very bright,” said Brunson.

The JV and Middle School teams showed levels of play indicative of a K-12 football system — priming their players for the bigger stage in the coming years.

After the scrimmages, all players from Baker’s 14-0 season stood on the sidelines — with underclassmen still in their pads and jerseys and the seniors noticeably in street clothes — ready to receive their rings that were paid for by a donation from Cash Moore, who presented a check to the Gators for $10,200.

Principal Mike Martello, a Baker football alum himself, recalls memories of playing on the very field where his students received their new hardware.

“I can understand the excitement they get,” said Martello. “I’m really proud of these guys for all the hard work they put in. It’s a great feeling.”

With all of the celebration of the previous season, the Gators have more to look forward to as they prepare to play the Crestview Bulldogs on Thursday in what Coach Brunson has dubbed, “The War for the Wal-Mart,” where the winning team will have the bragging rights of wearing their school colors inside the retailer they share.

The upcoming game will be the first time in several years the two teams face each other, considering the size difference of both schools and teams.

Baker plays Thursday night at Crestview High School.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gators celebrate their 14-0 season