CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Elks Lodge 2624's annual Hoop Shoot free throw contest is scheduled.

North Okaloosa boys and girls ages 8 to 13 may participate in the contest, which is noon Dec. 17 at the Twin Hills gymnasium, 100 Hathaway St. S., Crestview.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. Students must bring a birth certificate or passport as proof of age to participate.

Winners at the local level who advance through regional and state competitions will attend the national final April 22 in Chicago, Illinois.

Contact Hoop Shoot Directors Wanda Walker, 758-5985, or Kim Sayer, 902-2133; or visit http://www.elks.org/hoopshoot for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Elks set kids free throw contest

CRESTVIEW — A troupe that tours the country speaking to children about bullying will soon come to Crestview.

The Xtreme Force Live Anti-Bullying Hollywood Stunt Team will perform 6-7:20 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12 at the Crestview Community Center.

The show, intended for all ages, stars Mark Anthony Baca and his Crew 1. It teaches anti-bullying skills, leadership skills and the importance of respecting parents.

The interactive event, presented by Guardian Anti-Bullying, a nonprofit organization, features all four Ninja Turtles, along with the Blue Power Ranger.

Baca, who has done movie stunt work the past 13 years, came up with the concept, which includes a rotation of cast members, depending on their availability and the show’s location.

“I got bullied a lot as a kid and know what it is like to be picked on. I want kids to have positive role models to look up to,” Baca said.

The show is performed three to four times a week and reaches thousands of kids, he said.

Tickets are available at https://xtremeforcelive.ticketleap.com/ or you can purchase them at the door. Infants get in free; children up to 12 pay $10; and attendees ages 13 and up pay $15.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Anti-bullying show comes to town

ORLANDO — After 13 straight wins the Baker Gators and their faithful fans were used to winning and, more important, overcoming adversity.

Their path to get to the FHSAA state championship game on Thursday showcased their ability to fight the odds and prove experts wrong by making plays and shifting momentum when it mattered.

Their game in Orlando was a different situation. The Gators were playing a Pahokee team that hit harder and ran faster than any opponent they had faced.

In Pahokee’s win, Baker held their own in a way the scoreboard didn’t show.

The Pahokee Blue Devils hit the knees of senior fullback Nick Adams, which took him out of the game. One of those knees bent in the opposite direction. Yes, Nick was done, but he said the pain was worth it.

The Baker Gators committed several turnovers. Their defense, however, went back on the field and didn’t allow Pahokee to capitalize as much as they should have. They did their job. For the seniors, it was for one last time.

At halftime the pain on the Gators’ faces was visible, with several limping off the field, many grimaced from playing harder than they ever have. Baker hadn’t scored in the first half. After halftime, the Gator defense kept Pahokee from scoring on their initial drive, and answered back by scoring on a drive of their own, as if they had new life.

Baker made some mental mistakes in their turnovers and penalties. However, the Gators never committed a personal foul or got flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. Their opponents committed two facemasks, two unsportsmanlike conducts and an unnecessary roughness penalty.

The Baker fans who made the six-hour drive to Orlando never feigned enthusiasm despite their team never taking the lead. They kept up the words of encouragement and were on their feet for most of the game. Fans on the opposite side of the field, while cheering during Pahokee’s big plays, stayed seated when things didn’t go their way. 

Pahokee had possession with a minute left in the game and a two-score lead. Instead of taking a knee in victory formation, they attempted another scoring drive. At game’s end, Baker was the first to line up for handshakes and stood waiting for several minutes for their opponents to do the same.

The Gators were understandably disappointed. Logan Rickmon, who capped off his career at Baker with a touchdown reception, cared more about his teammates than he did his own accomplishments. Senior Gators hugged their saddened underclassmen, comforting them, while also, in a way, passing the torch for the next season.

The Road to State is not an easy one. For this Baker senior class, they got further every year with three district championships and two regional championships. These Gators are not short of accomplishments.

Accomplishments like these are nothing, however, without having the class and heart it takes to be true champions.

Coach Matt Brunson had instilled that in his team ten-fold.

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Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article included referenced speculation about the National Anthem. We've corrected the article. 

Please keep comments civil. In the spirit of sportsmanship, both Baker and Pahokee's teams should take pride in one thing: making it to Orlando. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What the scoreboard didn’t show

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

CRESTVIEW — One group’s bicyclists regularly meet to ride together and raise safety awareness. But it wasn’t always that way.

Many people see traffic on U.S. Highway 90 and State Road 85 and rule out bicycling, according to Crestview Community Cycling Club President Miguel Davila.

"Everybody said the same thing: 'There's nowhere to ride in Crestview,” he said. “Outside the city limits, there are plenty of places to ride. We got everybody together and showed them the routes we do have," he said.

Davila, a disabled veteran and owner of the Chained Concepts bicycle shop in Crestview, is a certified League of American Bicyclists instructor. "They teach you how to route plan, how to conduct a ride, what obstacles to look for on the road … it's basically like going through a driving course," Davila said of the league.

Group riding raises safety awareness for bicyclists and motorists. A group is more visible on roadways and drivers pay more attention than they do to an individual rider, according to Davila.

The club, also called C4, ensures beginner bicyclists learn the rules of the road. Advanced bicyclists learn to take their riding to the next level, whether they're an experienced rider wanting to use their bicycle as transportation to work, or a professional seeking to improve speed and times. They also learn bike maintenance; traffic maneuverability; and increasing and improving personal riding skills.

The club started in 2014 with four members and currently has about 42 at all ages and experience levels. The group has regular meetings, sets group rides, and participates in non-local rides.

Group member Ronnie Austin lists getting out in the countryside, relaxation and physical fitness as some reasons for riding. The other is, "If you have a knee problem and you get properly fitted on your bike, it's one thing to help your knees. Another thing is I can't run anymore. It’s the best thing you can do as far as losing weight and it's not taxing on your body. I started doing triathlons and really like it, but I got to where I couldn't run."

He and his wife, Annie, are regular bicyclists who also take bike-riding excursions in other states. The trips are organized events on set routes that are anywhere from 10 miles to more than 100.

So, what’s the biggest challenge for bicyclists?

"The weather, really; dealing with the elements,” he said. “Wind as a cyclist can be a cyclist's nightmare."

He said the way the weather goes from clear to sudden thunderstorms makes finding immediate shelter a necessity.

However, "People are pretty nice,” he said. “If they see you're a bike rider, they're not going to run you off or anything if you pull up underneath their awning.”

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WANT TO JOIN?

C4 membership costs $30 per year for insurance and other club costs. Apply at Chained Concepts, 2500 Ferdon Blvd. S., or at the company’s Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Cycling club raises solidarity, safety awareness among riders

CRESTVIEW — The Florida Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause of a Dec. 3 residential fire.

The Crestview Fire Department responded to an 11:03 p.m. alarm call at a wooden frame, one-story house at 498 Spring St. N.

Property damage was estimated at more than $60,000, with no injuries or fatalities.

The Eglin Air Force Base Fire Department provided automatic aid at the scene.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview fire results in $60,000 in damage

Picking out the perfect, fresh-cut Christmas tree is an important holiday task.

Every family member has a specific requirement. “It has to be a certain species.” “It has to be a specific height and shape.” And, of course, “It has to smell great.”

So, a decision is made. The perfect tree is toted home, put up and beautifully decorated. A week later, mom shrieks, “There are ticks all over the living room!”

Don’t panic. Upon inspection, you will discover that the bugs coming from your “perfect” Christmas tree are Cinara aphids. Cinara are a group of several species of large brown or black aphids that feed on conifers including all pines, spruces and firs. When Christmas trees are cut at the farm and bundled for shipment, aphids get trapped. With warmer temperatures indoors, aphids become active. Infestations may also arise from overwintering eggs that hatch. As the tree dries out, the aphids crawl from the tree into the rest of the house.

No worries. Cinara aphids only feed on conifers, so they pose no threat to other plants. They are not a danger to people or pets either. But don’t get rid of them by smashing them. You may be left with a nasty purple stain to have to clean up. Instead, pull out the vacuum and suck them up.

So, if you are one of those people still shopping for the “perfect” tree, add a preemptive strike to your decorating procedure. Unbundle and shake, shake, shake that tree outside before bringing it in.

Then the only shrieking will be when mom opens the fabulous present you gave her.

Sheila Dunning 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: Those aren't ticks on your Christmas tree

The Crestview Public Library realizes that “life happens,” as the saying goes, and sometimes you may have overdue library books.

From now through Dec. 22, the library is offering a “food for fines” amnesty.

For every can or box of food donated, the library will forgive $1 in fines — up to $20. All collected food will be donated to the local Sharing and Caring program here in Crestview. Please be sure to check that all food donations do not have expired dates.

Now is a great time to check all family members’ cards for items that may be late or unpaid fines. You may go online to check your account for overdue items and bills owed or call us at 682-4432 if you have questions.

So before the holidays get you any busier than you already are, take advantage of the library fine amnesty now through Dec. 22.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library accepting food for fines for limited time

CRESTVIEW — Thousands attended the Main Street Crestview Association’s Christmas parade, themed "Christmas through the Decades,” to commemorate the city’s 100^th anniversary.

The parade’s grand marshal was 102-year-old Vera Owens, who rode in a convertible at the head of the parade. Behind her were representatives of the Crestview police and fire departments. In keeping with the parade theme, participants were dressed in clothing from various decades in the 1900s.

A Minion Christmas float, floats with reindeer and Christmas trees, and an early 20^th century doctor’s buggy were among the sights. Crestview companies represented, among others, included Crestview Wholesale, Wal-Mart, Dan’s Discount Jewelry and Pawn, Community Bank, and Crestview Rehab.

Other groups included Childcare Network 132 and 183, the 4-H Club, Crestview Teen Center, Boy Scout troops, Mount Zion Baptist Church of Laurel Hill and the Era Burgan Learning Center.

Crestview High School’s Big Red Machine and the Shoal River Middle School Band marched in the parade. The “Rockin’ Robots” Robotics Team from Bob Sikes Elementary was on a float along with their teacher and sponsor Dottie Holland. Northwood Elementary also had a float.

DeFuniak Springs residents Tommy and Mary Jane Sconiers enjoyed the parade with their granddaughter Lyla Rhodes, 1, and her mother, Rebecca.

The sights and sounds mesmerized LynnleeRae Peters, 1. She was there with her parents, Kayla and Ryan Peters. 

Sam Chambliss, 2, ate a slice of pizza as he enjoyed the parade in his father’s arms. Sam is the son of Ben and Karah Chambliss. When asked what he wanted Santa Claus to bring him for Christmas he said, “A toy truck with a trailer and a dinosaur!”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Parade celebrates Crestview's 100th anniversary

CRESTVIEW — Asia Schroeder, a native of Poland, came to America 14 years ago at age 19. For a high school graduation present, Asia’s aunt in Sarasota invited her to spend three months of summer there.

She had a round-trip plane ticket, but she would soon learn she was staying.

On her first day in America, Asia met the man who would become her first husband. SSgt. Peter Woodall, USMC, was a friend of her aunt’s family. He was on leave from the Marines and on recruiting duty in Sarasota. He and Asia spent the summer together and then SSgt. Woodall had to return to duty at Twentynine Palms, Calif.

When he left, he took Asia’s return plane ticket with him.

“This was Pete’s way of proposing to me,” Asia said. 

A HERO DIES

Peter and Asia married in 2002 in Las Vegas. SSgt. Woodall was deployed to Iraq in February of 2003 and Asia came back to Sarasota to stay with her aunt. Shortly after, SSgt. Woodall was injured and sent to California to recover.

After that, SSgt. Woodall was stationed at Quantico, Va., and the couple’s son, Jacob, was born in 2004. SSgt. Woodall attended eight months of Explosive Ordnance Disposal training at Eglin Air Force Base in 2005. By year’s end, the family was sent to Camp LeJeune, N.C., and Asia became a stay-at-home mom.

SSgt. Woodall trained with Corey Schroeder at Camp LeJeune, and the Woodalls socialized with Corey and his girlfriend at the time. In 2007, both were deployed to Iraq, but in different parts. 

Then, tragedy struck: On April 28, 2007, an improvised explosive device killed SSgt. Pete Woodall and another Marine, Billy Callahan.

BUILDING A NEW LIFE

Corey Schroeder contacted Asia when he heard the news about SSgt. Woodall. He also asked his mother, Terry McCoy, who was living in Indiana, to contact her.

“It was a very scary time. I was there by myself with Jacob, who had just turned 3. I did not know many people.” Asia said. 

Corey Schroeder stayed in touch with Asia and their relationship grew.

In September of 2007, Corey came back to the states and had orders to Eglin for EOD training. He asked Asia and Jacob to come with him; the couple bought a home in Crestview and they were married that June. 

More changes were in store: Working out became a passion for Corey and Asia, who in 2009 competed in an amateur bodybuilding competition. Soon, a downtown gym became available for sale and the Schroeders used part of the life insurance proceeds from SSgt. Woodall’s policy to buy it.

‘I AM VERY PROUD OF HER’

Corey left the Marines after 12 years and started working for New York Life Insurance. With her husband so busy, Asia ran the gym and became a World Beauty Fitness and Fashion Federation Pro.

The couple rented the downtown building for five years and bought the building and surrounding land, at 803 W. James Lee Blvd., last December.

Temple Fitness officially opened May 23. The gym’s name comes from the idea that your body is a temple; their slogan is “alter your life.” The facility is open 24 hours a day and has about 500 members.

“We have no staff. Asia does it all. She gives 110 percent toward our business and I am very proud of her,” Corey said.

Jacob also helps in the gym. He annually honors his late father by attaching a note to balloons and letting them go.

Such a tradition, Corey said, is why Temple Fitness is more than a gym.

 “This is a legacy for Pete,” he said.  

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This article's first version initially gave Jacob's incorrect age. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview gym is fallen Marine's legacy

CRESTVIEW — Dan's Discount Jewelry & Pawn is open for business.

The store’s grand opening is 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at 299 Main St. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

How does the store operate?

"A lot of our inventory comes in through our front door,” owner Bryce Jeter said. “People will come in and bring us stuff and sell us stuff … we'll be fully stocked up for Christmas a week or two from now."

Items and services include loans, firearms, ammunition and jewelry.

The Crestview location is part of a family-owned, 30-year business. The first of Dan Merryman's 17 stores through the years began in Lexington, Ky.

Even Jeter has been with the company for most of his 32 years. "He's my uncle and I've worked for him all my life," he said.

As for how the stores expanded from Kentucky to Northwest Florida, Jeter said, "I grew up down here and I went to Fort Walton Beach High School. I've lived 15 years of my life in Kentucky and I've lived 15 in Florida. This is my home and this is why we've moved the store down here. It's been challenging, but it's been good challenges."

While traveling, transferring employees and transferring inventory were among those obstacles, "The biggest thing is just branding stuff here," Jeter said.

"Three years ago when we opened a store in Fort Walton Beach, everybody didn't know us, didn't know our business and thought we were crazy.

“We let them know who we are and what we do … We're not just a business. We are a clean, bright, well-lighted, family-friendly pawn shop retail store — not just a place with bars on the windows."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Dan's Discount & Pawn opens its doors