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

Have you ever wanted to walk with dinosaurs, swim with sea turtles, or try working a job you’ve never had before? All this and much more are possible with the new Oculus Rift Virtual Reality machine at the library.

You might have an idea of what virtual reality is, but just how incredibly rich and immersive the experience you have with Oculus Rift might surprise you if you give it a try.

To make your appointment, ask someone at the front desk or call 682-4432 and ask for Jean.

The library will be closed April 28 for renovations and Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative Continuing Education Day.

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Experience virtual reality at the library

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

CRESTVIEW — The Guardian ad Litem Program, which aims to represent victims of child abuse, neglect and abandonment in the court system, will hold its annual "Forgotten Children" memorial.

The event — 2:30 p.m. April 30 at Twin Hills Park, 100 Hathaway St. N., Crestview — raises awareness of the need for Guardian Ad Litem volunteers. Attendees will throw flowers into the water as a symbolic demonstration of local children still waiting for a guardian volunteer. The program includes the Crestview High School ROTC and children from other local schools performing various pieces.

The Guardian ad Litem program is an organization whose volunteers act as advocates in the court system for about 1,700 abused, abandoned and neglected children in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.

The Guardian ad Litem Volunteer is part of a team that includes a case coordinator and a program attorney, all working together to assess and address the best interests of the children represented. Volunteers develop relationships with children who often have had no stable adult in their life, showing these children that someone truly cares about them.

Call 689-5060 and ask for Carita Smith, or visit www.guardianadlitem.org for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Guardian ad Litems set Forgotten Children program

CRESTVIEW — The Foundation of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce raced ducks on April 22 near the Crestview Public Library. 

The race netted about $3,300 for vocational/technical scholarships. These scholarships will go to eligible Laurel Hill, Baker and Crestview High School graduates, who will receive as much as $1,000 over the next few months.

All 1,000 ducks were sold before the race, with many businesses in Crestview buying ducks for all of their employees as well as individuals chipping in to help vocational/technical education in our community. $1,550 in prize money was awarded to 10 people who bought duck numbers.

The top $500 prize winner was 710, belonging to Irma Rastater, the grandmother of foundation board member Mario Werth. Rastater said through her grandson, she will use the funds to visit Crestview family members from her home in Baden-Baden, Germany. Emerald Coast Aviation donated that prize. The second-place winner of $250, donated by the Paul Hsu Family Education Foundation, went to Megan Melendez of Casbah Coffee Co. She had duck 73.

Buyers of the eight next-fastest ducks included Nancy Bass of Merle Norman, duck 369; Laylee Jergensen from American Elite Molding, duck 322; Matthew Southard, duck 510; Edwin Gomez, duck 899; Angie Day from Day's Tire Pros, duck 454; Mary Inman, duck 659; Penny Eubanks, duck 402; and Courtne Hufstuler, duck 54.

There were eight additional $100 prizes funded by Hot Head Burritos; Friends of the Crestview Library; Bob and Peggy Hollingshead; Eglin Federal Credit Union; Publix; Cal Zethmayr for WAAZ; Dr. Richard Thomas, DDS; and Okaloosa Gas District.

Scout Troop 773 helped to construct the raceway next to the parking lot at the library. It took over 200 sandbags to build the retaining wall for the race track. About 20 other volunteers handled all the chores from hanging on the water hose to filling the race pond (thanks to Doug Sims and Richard Laux from Auburn Water Systems), to herding ducks, verifying the winners and doing a total clean-up of the area after the race.

The foundation credited the city of Crestview, particularly Mayor David Cadle and Public Works Director Wayne Steele, for allowing the use of the facility. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Rubber duck race raises $3,330 for scholarship fund

CRESTVIEW — The North Okaloosa Community Band has set its next concert.

It begins 7 p.m. May 1 in Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Under Kim Whaley's direction, the band will present a varied program, with emphasis on show tunes from cinema and the New York stage.

Like all the band's performances, admission is free, and donations will help defray associated costs.

The band will also accept non-perishable foods to donate to area food pantries.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community band sets show tunes concert