CRESTVIEW — The Baker Lions Club Spring Fling Car Show is set 7:30 a.m. April 1 at the Baker Area Recreation Center, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker.

A pancake breakfast will be available for purchase at 7:30 a.m.; registration for the car show is at 8 a.m. and costs $20. Antique vehicles will be on display.

The event — free to attend — includes booths with cakes, cookies and other canned goods, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. It also includes KidSight vision screenings for children.

The Lions Club has 10-feet-square booth spaces still available, some with electricity, for $20 to $25. Call 537-2491 for booth rental information.

Contact Mike Killam, 830-3994, or visit www.e-clubhouse.org for show details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker Lions Club sets car show

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview library will celebrate fairy tales in several different forms this month.

Fairy Tale Night is 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. The Crestview Writers Group will collaborate on fairy tales with attendees. The event also includes crafts, a scavenger hunt, face painting and games.

It is free for all ages to attend, and attendees may dress as their favorite fairy tale character.

Call Holly Jacobs, 682-4432 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library sets Fairy Tale Night

Join us 10 a.m. every second Saturday of each month for a hands-on, creative learning experience.

Our next craft session is 10 a.m. March 11 at the library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

Each session will feature a creative, artistic, useful craft that you will make with the help of your fellow crafters and crafting enthusiast Jean McCarthy.

Advance sign-up is encouraged, as we have a set amount of supplies available, depending on the type of craft.

Although the event is geared toward adults, people of all ages are welcome.

Call Jean at 682-4432 for more information.

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

UPCOMING

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Enjoy coffee, crafts at your library

As we get older, the end of another year takes on greater meaning, in many ways, than it did when we were young.

And if you're a certain age, Dec. 31 has a very specific meaning in terms of your finances, because it's the deadline for withdrawing money from some of your retirement plans. What should you know about these withdrawals? And how much control over them do you have?

Here's the picture, in a nutshell: Once you turn 70½, you generally need to start taking withdrawals — the technical term is "required minimum distributions," or RMDs — from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar plan, such as a 403(b) plan (for employees of public schools, religious institutions and other tax-exempt organizations) or 457(b) plan (for employees of state and local governments and governmental agencies).

After the first year in which you take these RMDs, you must take them by the end of each year thereafter. If you don't withdraw at least the minimum amount (calculated based on your age, account balance and other factors) you face a penalty of 50 percent of what you should have taken out — a potential loss of thousands of dollars.

So, here's priority No. 1: Take your RMDs before the end of the year. The financial services provider who administers your IRA or 401(k) can help you determine the amount you must withdraw.

However, after that point, it's your decision as to whether you want to exceed the minimum. Of course, you may need to take more out to meet your living expenses. But if you have enough additional income from other sources — such as Social Security and interest and dividend payments from investments held outside your retirement accounts — you may be able to stick with the minimum withdrawals. This could prove to be beneficial, because you obviously want your retirement accounts to last as long as possible, considering you might spend two or even three decades as a retiree.

Another reason not to take more than you need from your retirement accounts is that these withdrawals are typically taxable — so the less you take out, the lower your tax bill.

You can also potentially lower your tax burden arising from RMDs by being generous. If you take money from your IRA and donate it to a qualified charity (one that has received tax-exempt status from the IRS), you can exclude the withdrawal from your adjusted gross income and count the donation against your taxable RMDs.

Suppose, for example, your RMD for 2016 is $5,500. If you take $5,000 from your IRA and donate it to a qualified charity, your taxable RMD obligation will be reduced to just $500. If you were to take another $500 from your IRA, you would satisfy your entire RMD for the year. (Consult with your tax advisor to make sure you're following the rules governing these charitable donations from your IRA.)

You worked many years to build your retirement accounts. So when it's time to tap into them, make the right moves — and do whatever it takes to maximize the benefits you get from your required minimum distributions.

This article was written by Edward Jones on behalf of your Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What you should know about taking retirement withdrawals

Turkey Creek is a 20-acre conservation area in Niceville with a boardwalk, pavilion, and numerous swimming platforms.

The creek drains 65 square miles of predominately longleaf forest, reaching north to Duke Field. Water from the creek and surrounding wetlands then flows into Boggy Bayou to Choctawhatchee Bay and, ultimately, the Gulf of Mexico.

The park is open daily and is free to visit. It boasts a 1-mile, one-way raised wooden boardwalk that cuts through a floodplain forest of four types of trees: Atlantic white cedar, cypress, red bay and sweetgum.

The boardwalk features several areas to enjoy views of the creek and wildlife such as turtles, ducks and a number of different birds, among other critters.

True to the creek's name, wild turkey live along the banks, as well as deer, wild boar, squirrel, raccoon, fox, osprey, bald eagle, several species of turtles, and the occasional snake. A small alligator was seen frequently in 2016.

Fish include not only the endangered Okaloosa Darter, but also bass and bluegill. Birdwatchers, in particular, will be delighted by the dozen or more prothonotary warblers, bright yellow-orange birds that spend their spring, summer and fall in the forest, as well as the swallow-tailed kites, northern cardinals, herons and woodpeckers. (Eglin Air Force Base has the fourth largest red-cockaded woodpecker population in the world).

The creek is characterized by dark, tea-colored water that drains the sandhill forests surrounding Eglin. The color comes from tannins and dissolved organic matter from adjacent swamps and marshes.

Turkey Creek — a shallow, sand-bottom creek that twists and winds past several tributaries — is arguably the most popular paddle trail on Eglin.

Turkey Creek rises in the heart of Eglin and descends through picturesque gorges known as steepheads as it makes its way to Boggy Bayou in Niceville.

The average speed of the current along the creek is about 2 miles per hour. The only paddling required will be when negotiating sometimes-tight turns to avoid being pushed into overhanging branches.

The pristine waters well up from the Okaloosa Aquifer and maintain a 73-degree temperature year-round. During hot summer months, the creek can sometimes become so shallow that portaging may be necessary.

Spending more time in nature has been reported to lead to better overall self-reported health, increased longevity, and lowered incidences of chronic disease stemming from inactivity. Even if you don't consider yourself to be an outdoorsy person, taking a quick, fun trip to Turkey Creek Nature Trail will delight you.

Take some time to explore the amazing natural resources of Okaloosa County.

Laura Tiu is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Explore Turkey Creek Nature Trail Park

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Winter vibes during warm temps

CRESTVIEW — Financial research company ValuePenguin’s Best Cities for Small Business listing ranks the Crestview, Destin and Fort Walton Beach area 28th out of 200 cities.

The report contained 11 data points, including tax rates and indexes to employment, along with access to loan brokers and offices, to highlight the country's best cities for small business owners and workers.

Here's how the Crestview metro ranked:

•Overall — 28th

•Taxes — 75th

•Economy — 53rd

•Business Community — 38th

Additionally, the organization provided the following data pertaining to Crestview, Fort Walton Beach and Destin:

• Average state plus local tax rate: 6.7 percent
• Small business tax index: 22.195
• 2017 state business tax climate index: 6.86
• Unemployment rate: 4.3 percent
• Median household income: $53,488
• Forbes' Best States for Business: 12th
• Cost of living index: 100
• Population 25 and older with at least a bachelor's degree: 17.8 percent
• Number of small business association offices and resources: 71
• Number of mortgage and non-mortgage loan brokers: 3
• Number of corporate subsidiary and regional managing offices: 20

ValuePenguin focused on areas of data that would help a small business be sustainable, but also flourish based on the economic traits of the city.

See https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-cities-small-business for the full report.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview metro among 'Best Cities for Small Business'

CRESTVIEW— Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Okaloosa County

•U.S. Highway 98 maintenance and repair of underground stormwater drainage from Gulf Shore Drive to Airport Road in Destin: Intermittent westbound lane restrictions as crews clean and seal pipe joints along the trunk line, adjacent manhole and curb inlet structures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Feb. 19-23. They anticipate completing the project by this summer.

•U.S. 98 turn lane construction n>at Pryor Drive, Palmetto Drive and St. Mary Avenue SW, Mary Esther: Construction activities are underway.  Drivers can expect lane closures between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. daily.

•State Road 85 resurfacing from Brandt Pond Road to State Road 123: South and northbound lane closures will be in effect as crews perform paving operations from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through February.

Walton County

•U.S. 98 widening from Emerald Bay Drive to Tan-O-Mar Drive: Intermittent and alternating lane closures between Holiday Road and the Okaloosa/Walton County line from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Feb. 19 through Feb. 23.  The closures will allow crews to begin roadway widening and drainage work.

•U.S. Highway 331 Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge Project: North and southbound lane closures as crews pave, construct a sidewalk and install signage from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20 through Friday, Feb. 24 between Chat Holly Road and the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge. One lane in each direction will remain open at all times.

•State Road 81 pavement testing from State Road 20 to the Holmes County Line: Intermittent and alternating lane restrictions as crews take samples of the roadway for testing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 22 and 23 between Chat Holly Road and the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge.

All activities are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Traffic alerts set for Okaloosa and Walton counties

Entertainers took time from giving each other awards to give each other awards at the Grammys on Sunday. I’m surprised they could spare the time from Trump bashing, but they did manage to honor themselves yet again.

It’s nice for celebrities to get some attention.

I do watch the Grammys; they are my annual reminder that I am really out of touch with the latest music. And by listening to it, I reconfirm that I’m not missing much.

To sum up and save you from having to watch this year’s dreadful show: Adele is great, Bruno Mars is solid, most country singers are good, and Lady Gaga is smart.

The rest?  Pretty awful.

The Grammys were once again the same self-congratulatory, maudlin fest they have always been. Jay Z has become the moral leader of this Grammy group. A man who shot his brother for stealing his jewelry and was a crack dealer is somehow the conscience of entertainers. He can use the “N-word” throughout his songs, then call Trump an immoral racist and claim the moral high ground.

In the entertainment business, that's called good people skills.

Mostly out of fear and the never-ending quest to be liked, entertainers feel compelled to echo the mindless “inclusiveness” mantra of the left. They intimate at every turn that we need more government to ensure equal outcomes for all, but ironically, they enforce the stratification of "stars" by status. They are all for equality as long as there remains in place a clear caste system of A-list through C-list celebs. Equality is fine; just do not expect Madonna attend the same party as Trisha Yearwood.

It is funny how lefties always view others as greedy but never themselves. They film their movies in Canada or Georgia, where they receive the most tax credits. They ask for — and get — tax loopholes from Democrat politicians. They then ostentatiously display their wealth, living in big homes and flying their private jets to rallies to condemn others’ carbon footprints. Their hypocrisy knows no limits. 

Most entertainers remain joined at the hip to Democrats. Madonna and Angelina Jolie remain tight with the Obamas, and will even vacation together.

There’s a form of McCarthyism in today’s entertainment business. As Trump’s inauguration reconfirmed, outed conservatives are few. I think we are down to Stephen Baldwin, Kelsey Grammer, and the remaining Gatlin Brother. There is actually a “Friends of Abe” movement of right-of-center stars in L.A. With 1,500 members who fearfully meet in secret (AA-style), it’s a refuge for conservative entertainers willing to listen to reasoned opposing views.

For an industry reliant on free speech, most Hollywood "elites" are not only intolerant; they also seek to personally destroy anyone whose opinions do not toe the leftist line. Most leaders of these vigilante groups of bullies — including all late-show comics, SNL, Rob Reiner, George Clooney, Ben Affleck, Rosie O’Donnell, etc. — are either constantly angry or asleep.

Celebs rarely part with Dems and flash their libertarian inclinations. Drew Carey has been a strong libertarian, and Tom Selleck and Brad Pitt have stood up for the Second Amendment. Snoop Dogg, too. Snoop boldly came out and backed libertarian Ron Paul for president a while back. Snoop agrees with Ron Paul on a broad range of positions, from the legalization of pot to making marijuana legal. He also likes Paul's immigration policy that, if a bale of pot from Mexico washes up on U.S. shores, it is immediately granted asylum.

It may not be raining libertarianism in the entertainment business, but we can thank Snoop Dogg for a drizzle.

I try not to get my political opinions from musicians as I try not to get my music from politicians. Don’t let the drummer from The Chainsmokers inform your politics or principles.

The morality of the music business was summed up by an old college buddy: There’s a “Highway to Hell,” but only a "Stairway to Heaven," which speaks to the anticipated traffic levels.

Ron Hart, a libertarian op-ed humorist and award-winning author, is a frequent guest on CNN. Contact him at Ron@RonaldHart.com or @RonaldHart on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Trump-era McCarthyism infects entertainment industry

Editor's Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve residents' quality of life.

CRESTVIEW—When a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence needs a community to turn to, Shelter House is ready with resources and support.

Shelter House’s Crestview location provides outreach counseling for male and female victims of domestic violence and recently added a full-time sexual violence advocate to its staff.

“Our advocates meet survivors in the office, attend court hearings with them and go out to North Okaloosa Medical Center to respond to sexual assault calls,” public relations coordinator Laura Lucy said.

These services are nothing new to the team at Shelter House. The nonprofit organization was created after a 1985 assessment by the League of Women Voters found a need for the services in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

“The advocate’s role is not to tell victims what to do but to inform them of their rights and assist them with exploring options available to them,” Lucy said.

Aside from advocates in its branches, Shelter House operates a 24-hour helpline for a range of information. Certified and trained employees can relay information, offer counseling and assist in safety planning for victims.

Services are also offered to secondary survivors, a term used for a victim’s personal support group.

“Advocates offer emotional support throughout [medical] exams and the interview process and can provide tangible resources such as clothing when the survivor leaves the hospital,” Lucy said.

In extreme cases, Shelter House operates a confidential safe house that victims can live in for a period to transition into a better situation.

The facility is staffed 24-7 by advocates and provides food and hygiene products. The shelter can accommodate up to 24 residents at a time.

Shelter House also comes to the aid of victims with pets, offering a safe home for furry friends during the transitional phase. This portion of the shelter opened in 2013, after indications that some women stayed in abusive situations due to pet ownership. Shelter House purportedly is the only domestic violence shelter in the region that offers pet services.

Advocates at the Crestview branch can be reached 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 683-0845. Call 863-4777 for 24-7 domestic violence assistance or 226-2027 for 24-7 sexual assault help.

The facility, location confidential, is always open to volunteers or donations. Contact the Shelter House program office at 243-1201 to learn more about these opportunities.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Protection from abuse