Editor's Note: This is part of the News Bulletin's continuing coverage of Crestview's 100th anniversary.

CRESTVIEW — If the weather outside is going to be frightful, some residents, especially young ones, figure it might as well just snow.

Several times in Crestview’s history, it’s done just that.

The Jan. 29, 2014 ice storm is still a recent memory for most residents, but long-time residents still fondly recall occasions when North Okaloosa County had a rare dusting — and sometimes more — of  the powdery white stuff.

THE SNOWSTORM OF '10

The most recent snowfall with significant accumulation was Friday, Feb. 12, 2010. Schools were to remain open, then-Oakloosa School District Superintendent Alexis Tibbets said Feb. 11, since Eglin Air Force Base would be open.

But when snowflakes started falling faster and longer, parents checked their kids out of school; many took them to Alabama — where it had been snowing longer — for the opportunity to play in a winter storm.

Others stayed in town and frolicked, some heading to Twin Hills Park to try sledding with cardboard sheets.

CNN shared video shot in Antioch Elementary School’s  playground, showing children running around in snow, most for the first time in their lives.

With Northwest Florida’s flurries, every state, including Hawaii, experienced snowfall.

A half-inch of snow more — spawned by an Alberta clipper storm — followed Feb. 14 in parts of the area.

PREVIOUS LOCAL SNOW FALLS

Other North Okaloosa County snowfalls include:

●Dec. 25, 2004: Some area communities receive a dusting for Christmas

●March 12, 1993: The “Storm of the Century” drops up to 4 inches on the area. "The 'no-name' March hurricane created wind gusts over 90 mph, tornadoes, and a devastatingly deadly storm surge," the National Weather Service's website states.

●Dec. 24, 1989: More than 3 inches accumulate

●Jan. 17, 1977: A storm over Canada’s Atlantic coast pushes severe cold weather into the area, with snow starting in Pensacola and heading east, as far south as West Palm Beach.

●Feb. 9, 1973: Two inches accumulate in Pensacola, with nearly an inch more in Crestview and even more in Laurel Hill

●March 6, 1954: Four inches of snow accumulate in 24 hours in Milton, with slightly less east in the Crestview area 

●Jan. 22, 1935: An overnight snowstorm drops about 1 inch 

●Feb. 12 and 13, 1899: Temperatures fall to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and freezing rain turns to snow in The Great Blizzard of 1899, with accumulations up to 2 or more inches

●Jan. 14, 1892: About .4 inches

●Jan. 5, 1887: About an inch of snow falls

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Snowfall in Crestview (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — Two local groups have scheduled public dinners.

●The Concerned Citizens Group of Crestview's street outreach ministry will have a New Year's community sit-down dinner.

The event is set for 4 p.m. Jan. 5 at Carver-Hill School Center, 461 School Ave., Crestview. Contact Pearl Bess, 682-5733, for more information.

The dinner follows the group's successful winter coat drive. "It was a blessing," a group spokesperson said, thanking donors. "We gave over 70 coats and jackets, some shoes and toys.

"We'd also like to thank everyone that helped us get the word out."

●The Crestview Area Sister City Program will have a winter potluck dinner.

The meal is set for 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, in the First Presbyterian Church of Crestview Fellowship Hall, 492 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.

Bring a dish; learn about the area's partnership with Noirmoutier, France; about the groups' October visit from French visitors; and the September 2017 trip to Noirmoutier.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Concerned Citizens, Sister City groups schedule dinners

CRESTVIEW — A resident’s daily laps around the Twin Hills Park walking path were marred over Christmas when the men’s room he sometimes uses was unattended for several days.

“I washed my hands and there was no soap and no paper towels,” Brian Mason said. “And it looked like someone had projectile-vomited in the corner of the stall.”

Mason said he tried to call Parks and Recreation to report the bathroom’s condition but the office was closed for Christmas. By Monday afternoon, the restrooms had been cleaned and stocked.

Parks supervisor George Hillsman said his department will start a procedure to assure the park’s bathrooms are cleaned regularly.

“We were closed for four days,” Hillsman said. “Next time, we’ll have someone come in on their days off over the holidays and check on it.”

Mason said he was pleased to hear of the prompt response.

“I live next to the park. I go there every day,” he said. “I’m glad they’re addressing the issue.’

Hillsman said the bathrooms have been vandalized lately, including someone jimmying open the paper towel dispensers and stealing all the towels, and slicing off the rolls of toilet paper from the stalls.

Parks and Recreation is exploring options, including finding more secure equipment, better ways of securing it, or closing the bathrooms after hours.

“We would hate to have to do that because of all the people who use it,” Hillsman said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Resident concerned after Crestview Parks and Recreation takes a potty break

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Public Library is hosting a bear hunt for children.

Hours are 6:30-7:15 p.m. Jan. 28 at the library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

Children ages 3 and up may wear pajamas to the event. Younger siblings are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Bring a teddy bear, flashlight and six cookies to share.

Call 682-4432 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview teddy bear hunt set Jan. 28

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Public Library's 2016 First Tuesday series starts with Larry Williams, of the Okaloosa County Extension Service.

Williams presents “New Year’s Resolutions for Your Landscape” at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 5. These classes are free to attend; preregistration is not needed.

Free tax help and preparation will begin once again on Monday, Feb. 1 on a first-come, first-served basis at these times: 2-6 p.m. Mondays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the library.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview lecture on landscape set Jan. 5

CRESTVIEW — As winter settles over North Okaloosa County, the Crestview area’s cold weather shelters are preparing for a new season.

The shelters have already assisted homeless people three nights this year when nighttime temperatures were forecast to dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, coordinator Anne Sprague said.

So far, attendance is down, she said.

“We’re seeing fewer than usual, but it hasn’t been that cold yet,” Sprague said. “When it gets down to 25 or below, we start seeing more. They are out there.”

This year, the coalition of area churches that assists the homeless has a new resource. Helping Hands, located behind First United Methodist Church of Crestview, provides a more permanent  facility where volunteers can meet with homeless people, assess their medical needs, and provide them with laundry and shower facilities.

“It’s keeping them healthier,” Sprague said. “They’re there with us more and we can get to talking with them. Like if someone needs to see the dentist, we can help arrange an appointment."

Preventive care is crucial, particularly since a 2013 National Institute of Health study states the average ER visit costs $1,233 without insurance. Other studies show the cost could be $3,000 or more.

“We’re getting more of them in to take care of their health needs," Sprague said. "I like to keep them out of the emergency room as much as possible because that’s big bucks when they go there.”

PERMANENT SHELTER

Helping Hands is a start, but it’s not the permanent shelter organizers have sought for several years, volunteer Joe Barley said.

The Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has identified a location closer to the center of town after Crestview City Council members resisted the group’s first choice. That plot, across the street from the Okaloosa Health Department, raised city leaders' concerns about its proximity to Twin Hill Park children’s recreational facilities.

While the new, commercially zoned site on U.S. Highway 90 West negates that concern, hoped-for funding from a group of more than 40 anonymous investors has yet to materialize after almost a year of waiting, Barley and Sprague said.

“We’re optimistic,” Barley said. “This stuff has to go through the federal government, and when it goes through any government, it can be a pain.

"We’re hoping for good things for the new year.”

SEEKING FUNDS

While the group of investors has indicated it might give more than $500,000 toward a permanent homeless shelter, Sprague said CASH will start seeking funding closer to home.

“We’ve been told we’re going to receive these funds, but they won’t tell us when,” Sprague said. “Come January, we’re going to start doing some fundraising ourselves.”

There is some urgency, and not just because the local homeless population rises as it gets cold up north.

“We have found a location but our hold on the land ends Dec. 31,” Sprague said. “We may or may not be able to get that property.

“I’m trying to hold on to faith that they’re going to do what they (the investors) said they’re going to do. In the meantime, we’re going to turn to businesses and churches so we can purchase that land.”

Then, if the investors still haven’t come through, the next step will be raising money to build the shelter, she said.

Homeless advocate Judy Christopher says residents can help transients by volunteering for church cold weather shelters and soup kitchens, or contributing to the Helping Other People Effectively Network.

Donations for the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless may be deposited at any local Regions Bank branch.

For information about donating supplies, blankets, coats, money or volunteering, contact Christopher, 865-5283, or Ann Sprague, 826-1770.

CRESTVIEW AREA COLD-WEATHER SHELTERS

These churches operate Crestview cold weather shelters 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., when temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit:

•SUNDAYS: Lifepoint Church

•MONDAYS: First Presbyterian Church

•TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS: Community Of Christ

•FRIDAYS: First Presbyterian Church

•SATURDAYS: First United Methodist Church

In addition, the coalition operates Helping Hands, 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 428 McLaughlin St. behind the First United Methodist Church. Services include laundry facilities, showers, and assistance with gas money or temporary shelter.

HOW TO HELP; CRESTVIEW SHELTER INFORMATION

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview cold weather shelter organizers anticipate permanent home

Editor's Note: This is part of our continuing Celebrate Community coverage, which recognizes North Okaloosa County nonprofits that make a difference in our lives. 

CRESTVIEW —Okaloosa County Purple Heart recipients have a local chapter organized specifically for combat-wounded service members.

Although membership is restricted to the combat wounded, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports all veterans and their families, according to the organization’s website.

Named for a DeFuniak Springs 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) soldier killed in action in Afghanistan in 2007, the Sgt. Timothy Padgett Chapter 811, Military Order of the Purple Heart, was established in May 2008.

PROJECTS

The local chapter’s community projects include:

• Leadership and participation in patriotic events and ceremonies

• Recognition and support of area high school JROTC programs

• Support of Heroes on the Water

• Providing speakers for meetings and events

• Assisting families of deceased military members and veterans with final arrangements, counseling and bereavement

• Doing research and historical data collection

• Advising veterans with benefits assistance and counseling

• Recognizing Northwest Florida State College nursing students for academic achievement

• Providing advice and expertise on veteran related issues for local government, committees, businesses and active duty military

• Making visits to assisted living facilities

• Partnering with Blue Star Mothers, Chapter 7, and the NWFSC nursing program to enhance veteran and active duty services

PURPLE HEART DAY

Through the local Purple Hearts chapter, State Road 20 through Okaloosa County was designated a Purple Heart Highway. Crestview was proclaimed the organization’s first Purple Heart City, and Okaloosa was named Florida’s first Purple Heart County.

In August, the chapter participated in “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive,” a nationwide celebration of the end of World War II and the men and women of what has been called “The Greatest Generation.”

“Chapter 811 was instrumental in having Aug. 7 of each year designated as Florida Purple Heart Day, which is now a nationwide recognition day, as well as having the month of January each year designated as Okaloosa County Purple Heart Month and Blue Star Mothers Month,” chapter commander Sam Houston stated in a media release.

WALL OF FALLEN HEROES

The chapter also is the official caretaker of the Florida Wall of Fallen Heroes, housed at the Air Force Armament Museum, Houston said.

“That wall was designated for Operations  Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom,” Houston said. “Technically it was to be retired, but we are going to continue honoring our fallen because the global war on terror continues.”

Just this year five Floridians gave their lives in the war against terror, and will be added to the wall.

Working with the Armament Museum, the Purple Heart chapter has established a location for a memorial garden and park on the museum grounds. Baker resident and veteran Bill Everett will chair a committee to design it.

“We’ll be asking for donations, such as from families who might want to plant a tree or provide a bench in memory of fallen family members,” Houston said.

 “In order to continue at this high level we are hoping to improve in our recruitment efforts,” Houston said. “It is estimated that there are over 1,000 recipients of the Purple Heart just in Okaloosa County, and we have not begun to scratch the surface of getting additional members.”

What: Annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony

When: Jan. 16, 2016 Time announced at a later date

Where: U.S. Air Force Armament Museum, 100 Museum Dr., Eglin Air Force Base

Cost: Free

Notes: Military Order of the Purple Heart ceremony acknowledging and honoring Florida’s fallen military members from the previous year.

●●●

WANT TO JOIN?

The local Sgt. Timothy Padgett Chapter 811 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. All donations are put back into the community. Any Purple Heart recipient may join for a one-time, lifelong dues of $50. Applications are available at. Contact Chapter Commander Sam Houston at shh1100@cox.net, 729-2748, or the chapter adjutant at papa1172@aol.com.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Military Order of the Purple Heart engaged in Okaloosa recognitions

FORT WALTON BEACH — Country music star Justin Moore will perform in a Dec. 31 concert benefiting Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa.

The show is set for 9 p.m. at the Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach.

Tickets — available at www.2015GrandFinale.com — start at $60 for general admission. VIP All Access, with a Moore meet-and-greet, is $140, and $20 for VIP after-party.  

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Benefit concert to feature country artist Justin Moore

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting resumes through Dec. 31 for a membership and event coordinator.

Visit http://business.crestviewchamber.com/jobs/Info/marketing-membership-and-event-coordinator for more about the position.

Job seekers can drop off resumes at the chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, or with Anne Shaffield from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CareerSource, 212 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview chamber of commerce seeks event coordinator

CRESTVIEW — Yoga Junkie Studio will host an open house at its new yoga studio.

The event, celebrating the company's second location, is 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 9 at 2215 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview.

The event kicks off with an all-levels yoga, non-heated class, followed by a 10:30 a.m. hot yoga class. Refreshments will be provided. 

Those who attend one of the free classes will be entered into one of two drawings for one month of free unlimited yoga.

Learn more about the business at YogaJunkieStudio.com. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free day of yoga available at Crestview studio