CRESTVIEW — From the Netherlands to Crestview is about 4,700 miles. Today, it's a journey easily accomplished with a couple of plane rides and a lift from the airport in a matter of 12 hours or so.

It's just 480 miles from the former World War II German labor camp in Racwicz, Poland, to the Netherlands. But for a 5-year-old boy making the arduous journey home on foot at war's end, it was a multi-week trek that built indelible memories before he was reunited with parents he had never known.

Ninth-degree martial arts Grand Master Rudy Timmerman used the struggles of being that boy — and a frequent bullying victim — in post-war Netherlands to focus on the discipline the arts teach.

During the April 20-23 Korean Martial Arts Festival, sponsored by Gordon Martial Arts of Crestview, Timmerman and 12 other highly ranked and regarded masters from around the country gathered at Warriors Hall to teach junior and adult seminars, present demonstrations and reunite with old friends.

"Most of the instructors I see here I have interacted with before," Master Toderick Thornton of Atlanta said. "It's like a family atmosphere. That's what we promote at our school."

For local students of Korean martial arts, the chance to meet, take selfies with, and learn from world-renowned masters is an exceptional opportunity.

"It's inspiring, honestly," said third-degree black belt student Richard Rounsaville, who has studied at Gordon Martial Arts for 12 years. "You can learn so much from all these masters and take away a little from each."

One celebrity attending the festival didn't do much teaching, but was herself a subject of respect and admiration by even the grandest of masters. They bowed in deference before requesting to take a selfie with Dana Hee, a 1988 U.S. taekwondo Olympic gold medalist.

Hee inspired legions of martial artists by rising from being a victim of sexual and domestic assault to one of the nation's most celebrated martial artists, Grandmasters Society and Taekwondo Halls of Fame inductee, actress, film stuntwoman and TV sports commentator.

"We women, we did well in 1988," Hee said. "We even beat Korea, and they were expected to be the world champions."

Timmerman's seminar on how to successfully smash 2-inch-thick concrete blocks, with a government-regulated 2,000 pounds per square inch pressure resistance rating, drew an appreciative audience.

Smashing the block is simpler than most people build it up in their minds to be, Timmerman said.

"Over-thinking is the worse thing you can do," he told the students. "It interferes with your computer," he said, meaning the artist's mind.

Like everything in life, smashing the block comes down to mind over matter, taking one's time, using energy efficiently and following instructions.

"The problem is convincing you that two bricks are no worse than one brick. One or five, it makes no difference in how you have to hit it," Timmerman said.

And if at first a student doesn't succeed, it's no disaster, even with an audience gathered around that nonetheless applauded effort and intention as much as accomplishment.

"In a thing like this, there's always tomorrow," Timmerman said. "You don't have to do it today."

Students have a whole year to practice chopping paving stones to size in their backyards. Studio owner and Chief Master Tom Gordon will produce the festival again next year, as he does every year.

And in the same location.

"People have asked me to move the festival to other cities around the country," Gordon said, "but I won't. Crestview's my home."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Martial arts grand master teaches at Crestview festival

CRESTVIEW — "My passion is to give children a voice,” Carita Smith, Guardian Ad Litem in Okaloosa and Walton Counties’ volunteer recruitment coordinator, said.

The Guardian Ad Litem Program, which represents victims of child abuse, neglect and abandonment in the court system, held its annual "Forgotten Child" Ceremony April 30 at Twin Hills Park. The event raises awareness of the need for this program’s volunteers. Attorneys, coordinators and Crestview area residents, including Guardian volunteers, threw flowers into the water to reflect on children still waiting for help.

“This event is very important to me," said Smith, the event coordinator, who has been with the program for six years and coordinates the Forgotten Child ceremony.

Many local students participated in the ceremony. Crestview High’s JROTC Color Guard presented the flags. Young students gave the welcome and invocation; they also sang and played the National Anthem.

Bob Sikes Elementary School students created the banner for the ceremony. Toni Taylor, who has been teaching in the Okaloosa County Head Start program for 25 years, performed a solo. Smith and student Mahari Bass presented a special song and dance.

One of the guest speakers at the ceremony was Dr. Anna May, a volunteer child advocate with Guardian Ad Litem. She spoke of the need for more volunteers for the program.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Bryan H. Carter, the Guardian Ad Litem circuit director for the First Judicial District. The district covers Okaloosa, Escambia, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. Carter works with all of the staff and volunteers to advocate for children in court.

"Our primary focus is on the child. A volunteer stays with the child throughout the court case. We work closely with the Department of Child and Families. There are currently 505 children in Okaloosa County under court supervision. Guardian Ad Litem currently works with 420 of those children," Carter said.

The ceremony concluded with attendees throwing flowers into the water. This symbolized children who do not have a volunteer from the Guardian Ad Litem program in the court system.

The Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer program provides training and certification by judges. Contact Carita Smith, 689-5060 or Carita.Smith@gal.fl.gov, to volunteer. 

WANT TO HELP?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Our primary focus is on the child'

CRESTVIEW—Slow-moving traffic and delays aren’t the only things plaguing Crestview roadways. Accidents have spiked in recent years, including five pedestrian-related incidents in the past five weeks.

“What’s sad is that it’s not just Crestview we’re seeing these increases,” Police Chief Tony Taylor said. “Aggressive driving is everywhere now and drivers are more distracted.”

Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, handling children in the back seat or something else, people’s eyes and attention are drifting further and further off the road. Yellow lights are also increasingly being treated as a ‘go faster’ signal rather than a ‘reduce speed’ signal, Taylor added.

Mix in dimly lit streets and a lack of crosswalks and it creates a series of traffic hazards for anyone on the road. Hazards that only increase as the city experiences continued growth.

TRAFFIC NUMBERS

The Florida Department of Transportation monitors and logs traffic reports, calculating how many vehicles pass through an area on any given day.

The most traversed area in Crestview is State Road 85 between Interstate 10 and P.J. Adams Parkway, which moves about 45,500 vehicles each day. Sections of S.R. 85 between I-10 and Williams Avenue range between 40,000 and 44,000 each day before reducing to about 38,000 at U.S. Route 90 (James Lee Boulevard).

The western section of U.S. 90 moves about 20,000 vehicles daily and the eastern portion about 10,000. Interstate 10 to the east of Crestview, by comparison, only moves about 22,500 vehicles daily.

City Engineer Fred Cook concurred that these numbers, which represent 2016 data, are an accurate representation.

Although the city population is just under 25,000 residents, the amount of traffic the city experiences each day far exceeds that number. Many locals can attest to increased drive times and traffic congestion but trying to beat these delays has resulted in accidents that cause more delays.

LIGHTING

Poorly lit roadways were a factor in several pedestrian-related incidents, year to date. A man was hit and killed in a March 12 accident, two women were struck on March 29 and a young woman was hit April 9 — all occurring on Ferdon Boulevard, after dark.

S.R. 85 and U.S. 90 are not city roads and therefore must navigate through the state to make changes as simple as upgraded lighting.

The city’s public services department has been working on such improvements, however. In January, the department requested Gulf Power conduct a study on lighting along S.R. 85, with the goal of installing LED lights from I-10 to Airport Road.

That research continued into April and has been approved by the state for the upgrade, according to Mayor David Cadle.

CROSSWALKS

Improved lighting only solves part of the problem when it comes to pedestrians. A lack of crosswalks leads to individuals crossing the road in areas where vehicles are at full speed and have the right-of-way.

One area of concern is Ferdon Boulevard.

After passing James Lee Boulevard while traveling north, the next “crosswalk” is over a half-mile away at Long Drive—which lacks a traffic light and offers nothing more than a painted crossing area. The next true crosswalk along this route is at Stillwell Boulevard, nearly a mile away from the previous one.

Several other areas throughout town similarly lack a crosswalk, but adding more would require the addition of traffic lights, which would further slow the flow of already congested traffic.

PEDESTRIANS

Although not driving on a roadway, pedestrians still play a role in traffic and can be injured or killed if proper attention isn’t given.

“Don’t depend on other drivers to see you,” Taylor said. While this holds true at night, pedestrians can be difficult to see during the daytime as well.

Taylor advises pedestrians to remain aware of their surroundings and especially when crossing any roadway. Even a less populated road can have vehicles turning onto it from a busier street. This means walking bicycles across roadways and putting away the cell phone.

WHAT IT ALL MEANS

“There’s a whole basket of reasons for why people are distracted on the roads these days,” Taylor said. “That’s just our society now.”

The city is in the process of improving roadway safety and the CPD is exploring effective ways to step up traffic enforcement but drivers and pedestrians will always be at risk on roadways.

Crestview’s increasing population will only create more havoc on the roads and, until alternate routes are constructed, things are likely to get worse before they get better.

THE ISSUE: Crestview's population boom has led to increased traffic and congestion.

LOCAL IMPACT: Worsening traffic has resulted in a spike in traffic accidents in the area, putting both drivers and pedestrians at risk.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Increasing traffic causes accident surge

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

COLLEGE ADVISING SESSIONS: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. May 1 and May 8, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. For new students starting summer and fall classes. Bring school transcripts. Register at https://nwfstatecollege.formstack.com/forms/form_1__fsform2530100 to attend. Current students may call 729-5234 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

RAIN BARREL CONSERVATION PROGRAM: 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 2, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Presentation by Sheila Dunning. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for the demonstration rain barrel made during the free class.

KIERNAN ART RECEPTION: 6-7:30 p.m. May 2, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. For artist Rebecca Lu Kiernan, whose art exhibit will be on display May 1 through June 30 at the library. Refreshments will be served. 682-4432.

OKALOOSA ARTS ALLIANCE POSTER CONTEST: for Okaloosa students in K-12th grades. What do you consider "summer fun?" Posters must be created on 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper with markers, pencils, paint, pastels, charcoal or crayons. $25 to $75 gift cards for winners. Deadline to enter is May 4. Mail entries to OAA Poster Contest, P.O. Box 4426, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549, or drop off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at Arts & Design Society, 17 1st St. SE, Fort Walton Beach. One poster per student, with the name of the artist, their grade, and their school. Poster contest reception and winner announcement is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6 at Young Philosophers Society, 144 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach. Email Amy Baty, amybaty1@gmail.com for contest details.

EOD MEMORIAL WEEKEND: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation activities are below. Register for tickets at http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/2017eodmemorialweekend.

●Golf Tournament, 6:30 a.m. May 5, Eglin Golf Course, 1527 Fairway Drive, Niceville. Shotgun start, 8 a.m. Registration: $70 per person or $280 per team; includes green fees, cart rental, lunch, and gift bag.

●Live and silent auctions, 5 p.m. May 5, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Free. Includes nachos, Buffalo Wild Wings, and a cash bar. Bidding for Savvy Travelers, WonderWorks (indoor amusement park), the new Alcatraz East Crime Museum, BiGR Audio, concert tickets and CDs from Grammy award-winning jazz bassist extraordinaire Christian McBride.

●48th Annual EOD Memorial Ceremony, 9 a.m. May 6, NAVSCOLEOD, located on Range Road, Niceville. The names of six fallen EOD warriors will be placed on the memorial wall.

●8th Annual EOD Memorial Crawfish Boil, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 6, in the Winn-Dixie parking lot in Bluewater Bay Niceville. Stop by for crawfish and refreshments. Other food items can be purchased at participating restaurants. 

●49th Annual EOD Ball, 5:15 p.m. May 6, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Attire is semi-formal, formal, and military equivalent. Keynote speaker: Admiral John Richardson, chief of Naval Operations since September 2015. Tickets: $75 per person.

FAMU RATTLER RUMMAGE SALE: 7:30-11:30 a.m. May 6, Florida A&M University Pharmacy School, 153 West Woodruff Ave., Crestview. Clothing, household collectibles, books and more. FAMU Alumni Association, Saundra Daggs, 279-6555.

TAX-FREE INVESTING SEMINAR: 6-7:30 p.m. May 11, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview. "Tax-free Investing: It's Not What You Make, It's What you Keep," with Yvonne Shanklin, Edward Jones financial advisor in Crestview. Free; dinner provided. Details: Marcia Fleming, 682-2497.

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’: 7 p.m. May 12 and 13, and 2:30 p.m. May 14 at Florida Chautauqua Theatre, 840 Baldwin Ave., DeFuniak Springs. Tickets: $12 for students 22 and younger, $15 for adults. Call 892-9494 or email infor@fcweb.org to purchase or for details.

MOTHER’S DAY VICTORIAN TEA: 2 p.m. May 13, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Relax and enjoy light refreshments while learning about etiquette and customs of taking tea in Victorian England. For ages 6 and up. Cost: $16 per person; $13 for museum members. Reservations required; call 678-2615.

‘COMING HOME’ PERFORMANCE: 6 p.m. May 13, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. The Calling Dance Company presents a faith-based story centering on hope amid loss. A portion of the proceeds benefits Covenant Care's Camp Connect, a grief counseling camp for children. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and free for children age 4 and under. Purchase at www.TheCallingDanceCompany.org.

PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY CLASSES: 5-8 p.m. May 16 and May 23, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Learn Seminole techniques. $55 to $60 per person. 678-2615.

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 US Highway 90 W and turn in at the museum.

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.

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 due to the caterer needing to prepare for the correct number of attendees.

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. Participants 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.

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

CRESTVIEW—InDyne and Reliance Test and Technology have opened offices in Crestview after months of speculation surrounding possible moves to the area.

InDyne works with clients across military, private and commercial sectors to provide a range of services such as engineering, logistics, communications networking and cyber expertise. Crestview’s location will focus on integrated security solutions. InDyne can develop, install, test and certify security systems for clients of various sectors at their solutions centers.

The company has yet to announce details of what Crestview’s location will focus on and how many jobs they will bring to the area. InDyne has listed the Crestview location on its website and has working phone lines but construction on the facility is still being finalized.

RT&T, a joint venture of InDyne, provides “engineering and technical support to the Eglin Test and Training Range complex,” according to the company’s website. The company has moved its office headquarters to Crestview, after previously operating out of Fort Walton Beach, according to the site.

Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County Executive Director Nathan Sparks announced the Crestview locations of the companies during a City Council meeting on April 10. Since then, a large “InDyne” sign has appeared at the 4050 S. Ferdon Blvd. location.

Further information — number of jobs, what kind of work will be conducted and why they selected Crestview — on both InDyne and RT&T are unknown. Multiple calls to each company were unreturned and they couldn't “accommodate media requests,” Sparks said via email.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Defense contractors find new home in Hub City

CRESTVIEW — Airman Christina E. Calonje and Airman Chad A. Rivera graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airmen completed eight weeks' training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Basic training graduates earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Calonje earned distinction as an honor graduate. She is the daughter of Jenny Calonje of Fayetteville, N.C., and Segundo Calonje of Crestview. The airman graduated in 2013 from Crestview High School, Crestview.

Rivera is the son of Dora and Warren Arriola of Crestview, and the brother of Daejah, Matua and Napu Rivera. The airman graduated in 2014 from Guam High School, Hagatna, Guam.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Calonje, Rivera graduate from basic military training

CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

THE QUESTION:

Does anyone know what happened to the idea of putting a so-called "roadway" through the Crestview Corners Shopping Plaza parking lot in order to connect East Redstone Avenue and Hospital Drive to relieve traffic on [State Road] 85?  — Andrew Soileau Jr., Crestview

THE ANSWER:

The Florida Department of Transportation highlighted proposals to alleviate traffic on S.R. 85 during a City Council meeting March 27.

Connecting Redstone Avenue and Hospital Drive is already done to the east of Crestview Corners by Brookmeade Drive. Also, at their widest points along S.R. 85, the two roads only run 0.3 miles apart.

The FDOT is looking at changes west of S.R. 85 to improve the road’s traffic conditions. One improvement would be an Interstate 10 interchange at Antioch Road. Currently, the road runs over the interstate but allows no entrance or exit between the two.

This interchange would provide connectivity to a planned extension of P.J. Adams Parkway. The extension would involve building out a portion of Arena Road and constructing a roadway connecting to Old Bethel Road.

Currently, several designs of how the interchange would function are being evaluated. Alternative plans that would place an interchange east of Antioch Road are also being explored.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU:

The FDOT believes that building this interchange and the extension would provide traffic relief on S.R. 85 and I-10. Aside from current and future traffic growth, relief would also come for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the interstate.

Changes won’t be seen in the immediate future, however. Plans for an interchange are still in the early phases and designs being analyzed. Final plans aren’t expecting approval until October 2018, according to an FDOT project schedule overview.

Crestview must work with the county and state for improvements along S.R. 85 and U.S. 90 since they aren’t city roads. Therefore, while the city recognizes the growing traffic problems along major roads, it could take years to see major improvements completed.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New roadway to help traffic

CRESTVIEW — The City Council voted 4-1 on Monday to add a charter review to the May 8 meeting agenda, a victory for supporters of the initiative to change the municipal government’s structure.

City Councilman Joe Blocker cast the lone dissenting vote, stating the city should have time to educate residents on what the current structure is and what a potential change could look like.

The decision was reached after hearing from several residents and guest speakers from neighboring cities. The workshop, typically held at City Hall, was moved to Warriors Hall to accommodate a larger-than-normal attendance.

NEIGHBORING PRESENTATIONS

Presentations were made by Mary Esther Mayor Chris Stein, Niceville Councilman Dan Henkel and Fort Walton Beach City Manager Michael Beedie. Each speaker discussed their respective city’s government structure — all of which employ a city manager — and how they operated under that system.

Improved consistency, communication and efficiency were positives discussed by all three guest speakers. Having a manager allows the city council to focus on legislative actions and directs resident issues and day-to-day operations to a manager who is often a trained, educated professional, Beedie added.

Stein and Beedie noted as a con that having a manager reduces regulatory powers of the city council and mayor. However, a manager can be fired with a simple majority of council votes if city officials believe their performance is poor, Beedie pointed out.

RESIDENTS SPEAK

“We need a professional leading the city,” resident and former Crestview Councilman Tom Gordon said. “A city manager would help to direct and steer [the city].”

Gordon was on the council the last time a government restructure was looked at and he advised current officials to present each point of a possible city charter revision as individual voting points, rather than a single “yes or no” option.

In addition to changes to government structure, possible charter adjustments could be opting to have an appointed city clerk as opposed to an elected one, for example.

“[Fort Walton Beach] was afraid of voter fatigue by adding seven questions on our last charter reform,” Beedie said. Adding his city “learned from Crestview” that if you roll them into one voting issue then people might vote no if they disagree with a single aspect, despite agreeing with all other parts.

A major civic voice in recent weeks has been a group called “Crestview Citizens for Change,” which has amassed nearly 900 members on its Facebook page. The group promotes constructive conversation pertaining to local government and keeps members informed of upcoming city meetings.

The group was started after a low voter turnout in Crestview’s March elections — approximately 3 percent.

“I was put off by low election turnout and that’s partially a community failure in lack of involvement,” Matt Gates, not to be confused with Congressman Matt Gaetz, said. Gates is an administrator on the Facebook page and spoke on the group's behalf during Monday’s meeting.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Gates supported a shift to a city manager style of government but also called on the city to help further educate and inform residents about what is happening in local politics and the effects certain changes can have.

An admitted lack of education on government affairs and workings was a reoccurring theme throughout the evening.

Council President J.B. Whitten offered to meet with Gates and work together on finding solutions for how to further educate residents, keep them informed and boost engagement. Gates said he was open to such discussions.

DESIRE FOR REFORM

Whitten, along with some of his fellow council members and Mayor David Cadle, has expressed a need for change in the current government structure.

Crestview is one of a handful of cities in Florida operating under its current structure and is one of the largest by population. However, all members of the council — and the mayor — have committed themselves to following the recommendations of their constituents.

Monday’s showing of support for change was enough to convince the city council to take the next step in a possible reform.

NEXT STEPS

The council could create a charter review commission, pending majority approval at its next meeting. If a commission is created, it would explore the various options for restructuring and how the issue would appear on a ballot.

“It’s all up to you,” Councilman Doug Faircloth said. If the measure reaches a ballot form, it will be up to voters to decide if they want to see a change and what that change will look like."

Further details about what the May 8 City Council meeting agenda will be and how a review commission might look will be announced in the coming days and weeks, according to Whitten.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Council advances government restructuring process

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

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY FUNDRAISER: Noon to 9 p.m. April 28-30, Chill Yogurt, 2218 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Twenty percent of sales go to the American Cancer Society in this Okaloosa STEMM Academy fundraiser.

SATURDAY IN THE PARK FESTIVAL: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29, Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Family-friendly event. Historical re-enactments, craft demonstrations, vendors, kid zone and car show.

COLLEGE ADVISING SESSIONS: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. May 1 and May 8, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. For new students starting summer and fall classes. Bring school transcripts. Register at https://nwfstatecollege.formstack.com/forms/form_1__fsform2530100 to attend. Current students may call 729-5234 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

RAIN BARREL CONSERVATION PROGRAM: 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 2, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Presentation by Sheila Dunning. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for the demonstration rain barrel made during the free class.

EOD MEMORIAL WEEKEND: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation activities are below. Register for tickets at http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/2017eodmemorialweekend.

●Golf Tournament, 6:30 a.m. May 5, Eglin Golf Course, 1527 Fairway Drive, Niceville. Shotgun start, 8 a.m. Registration: $70 per person or $280 per team; includes green fees, cart rental, lunch, and gift bag.

●Live and silent auctions, 5 p.m. May 5, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Free. Includes nachos, Buffalo Wild Wings, and a cash bar. Bidding for Savvy Travelers, WonderWorks (indoor amusement park), the new Alcatraz East Crime Museum, BiGR Audio, concert tickets and CDs from Grammy award-winning jazz bassist extraordinaire Christian McBride.

●48th Annual EOD Memorial Ceremony, 9 a.m. May 6, NAVSCOLEOD, located on Range Road, Niceville. The names of six fallen EOD warriors will be placed on the memorial wall.

●8th Annual EOD Memorial Crawfish Boil, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 6, in the Winn-Dixie parking lot in Bluewater Bay Niceville. Stop by for crawfish and refreshments. Other food items can be purchased at participating restaurants.

●49th Annual EOD Ball, 5:15 p.m. May 6, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Attire is semi-formal, formal, and military equivalent. Keynote speaker: Admiral John Richardson, chief of Naval Operations since September 2015. Tickets: $75 per person.

FAMU RATTLER RUMMAGE SALE: 7:30-11:30 a.m. May 6, Florida A&M University Pharmacy School, 153 West Woodruff Ave., Crestview. Clothing, household collectibles, books and more. FAMU Alumni Association, Saundra Daggs, 279-6555.

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’: 7 p.m. May 12 and 13, and 2:30 p.m. May 14 at Florida Chautauqua Theatre, 840 Baldwin Ave., DeFuniak Springs. Tickets: $12 for students 22 and younger, $15 for adults. Call 892-9494 or email infor@fcweb.org to purchase or for details.

MOTHER’S DAY VICTORIAN TEA: 2 p.m. May 13, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Relax and enjoy light refreshments while learning about etiquette and customs of taking tea in Victorian England. For ages 6 and up. Cost: $16 per person; $13 for museum members. Reservations required; call 678-2615.

‘COMING HOME’ PERFORMANCE: 6 p.m. May 13, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. The Calling Dance Company presents a faith-based story centering on hope amid loss. A portion of the proceeds benefits Covenant Care's Camp Connect, a grief counseling camp for children. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and free for children age 4 and under. Purchase at www.TheCallingDanceCompany.org.

PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY CLASSES: 5-8 p.m. May 16 and May 23, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Learn Seminole techniques. $55 to $60 per person. 678-2615.

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.

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 due to the caterer needing to prepare for the correct number of attendees.

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. Participants 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.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL: 2 p.m. April 27, Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION:

• 8:30 a.m. May 2, Crestview City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
• 8:30 a.m. May 16, Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.
• 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.

REP. WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: State Rep. Jayer Williamson’s district staff conducts office hours for constituents every month. They are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting May 4 and continuing every first and third Thursday at the Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call the district office, 995-3698 for an appointment or details.

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, Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

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

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. first Thursdays, Baker Area Public Safety Building.

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 was updated April 28 to correct Baker Fire District Commission meeting information.

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