CRESTVIEW — Local military veterans needing out-of-town medical care benefited the most from Emerald Coast Aviation’s fly-in.

Click here or below left under Related Content to see the photo gallery.

Through raffle ticket sales, donations and proceeds from air rides, Emerald Coast Aviation's annual event on Saturday raised more than $600 for the Veterans Airlift Command, ECA chief financial officer Crystal Boyles said.

Things that fly and things that drive delighted and intrigued residents during the fly-in.

Families took brief flights above Crestview, and young aspiring pilots who wanted to try their hand at the yoke, enjoyed ECA’s Redbird flight simulator.

A trio of vintage aircraft — including a World War II-era North American Aviation T-6G Texan and two circa-late 1950s, early-1960s Chinese trainers — performed fly-bys, trailing smoke as they passed low above Bob Sikes Airport’s 8,000-foot runway.

A North Okaloosa Fire District airport crash truck and Eglin Air Force Base’s Mobile Emergency Operations Center were among ground-based vehicles on display.

“We’re completely self-sufficient,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Todd Lawrence, who showed the center’s array of monitors and communications equipment that allow operators to direct emergency responses to events such as hurricanes and wildfires on location.

Community organizations including ATA Taekwondo, Carolina Air-Prep, the Common Ground Community Garden, and the Crestview Area Sister City Program staffed information tables at one side of ECA’s hangar.

At the other end were attendees — who, ECA general manager Tom Rimkus said, made up the fly-in’s largest crowd to date. He estimated that more than 250 people enjoyed the event and free food from Buddy’s View Barbecue.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview airport fly-in attracts vintage planes and raises funds for vets (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

The chosen theme for this year’s National Newspaper Week is “Power of the Press,” and that power, it seems to me, is very relative.

Everybody understands the power of, say, The New York Times or The Washington Post, but probably less recognized and appreciated is the power of the Crestview News Bulletin and the thousands of other small, community newspapers just like it all across the land.

In survey after survey, these little community-minded newspapers are continuing to thrive. And there are some very tangible, observable reasons for that, not the least of which might be the notion I share that the smaller the community, the more important its newspaper.

For more than 20 years, I have put out a little country weekly — The Deer Creek Pilot — that’s been published continuously for 138 years in what most folks might consider Backwater, U.S.A., the two poorest counties in the poorest state in the union with a combined population of less than 6,500 men, women and children.

And it is neither flippant nor hyperbolic when I say that little country weekly newspaper is the only news organization on Earth that gives the first tinker’s damn about Sharkey and Issaquena counties, Mississippi.

That, folks, is what makes the Deer Creek Pilot mighty, mighty important to those people who call that place home.

While mine might serve as prime example, it is no different from all those other community newspapers in all those other towns in this country.

Community newspapers have the power to bring about great good and make a profound difference within their locales. And among the good ones, the ones who endure and even prosper, there is always to be found one common denominator — trust.

In a small town, the local newspaper is not like the local hardware store.

In a small town, every newspaper subscriber thinks he or she is a stockholder, because there exists a real relationship, an implied contract, if you will, between that paper and its readers.

They buy your newspaper, advertise in your newspaper, sometimes even when they don’t have to, based on a simple precept: They trust you to do your very best to find the truth and to tell it to them.

News travels fast in a small town; bad news travels even faster, but all too often that “news” is no such thing. All too often, that “news” is little more than rumor, sometimes made up out of whole cloth and at best some grain of truth exaggerated in its retellings vastly, and often alarmingly out of proportion.

In a small town, readers expect their newspaper to separate the wheat from the chaff and then to “tell it like it is.”

The community newspaper is not some monolithic entity; its editor is not some ivory towered “big shot.” He or she is also a neighbor. He or she is one who goes to church with you, or stops to chat in the grocery store or is always there to volunteer at community functions or stops to shake hands or just waves in passing.

More importantly, he or she is the one everybody else trusts to promote those things that are beneficial, and to try to stop that which is not.

There’s a fishbowl effect in small towns, and its  newspaper is often its lightening rod. It may be praised one week and dog-cussed the next, but it is not only impossible, but really not important that it be liked. It’s important that it be respected and it is even more important that it be trusted.

I have been in this crazy business for some 38 years now, at both the daily and weekly levels, and been blessed to receive a few accolades along the way, but the greatest single compliment  I have ever received came from a salt-of-the-earth little lady who stopped by the office to pick up a hot off the press edition featuring the issue du jour in my little town.

“I’ve heard all the talk, but I don’t believe it until I read in the paper,” she told me.

And that, in a nutshell, is the secret to the continued success of community newspapers.

That, in a nutshell, is the true power of the press.

Ray Mosby is editor and publisher of The Deer Creek Pilot in Rolling Fork, Miss.

He is a two-time winner of the J. Oliver Emmerich Award for Editorial Excellence, the highest honor for commentary writing presented annually by the Mississippi Press Association.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: MOSBY: Why community newspapers matter

Dozer the Therapy Dog is a Northwest Florida treasure.

The Great Dane greets customers monthly at the Crestview Walgreen's; his presence eases travelers' tension at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport; he comforts residents at assisted living homes; he's a fixture at the Crestview Public Library; and, for two years, hundreds of local students enjoyed his on-campus visits.

But the Okaloosa County School District's recent decision to ban all animals not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act from its campuses immediately raised concerns.

More than 11,000 people viewed the story on our website, 102 people shared it and countless people have commented on the decision. The story went viral, racking up countless more views, comments and shares from other sites that picked it up, such as the Northwest Florida Daily News.

Reaction is almost unanimous: Dozer should be allowed to stay at the schools.

Most residents think of Dozer — an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen; a registered therapy dog certified for obedience training — as more of a service dog than a wild animal.

Here's what some readers said:

●"Dozer has helped so many, including my son, Ryan!" Jamie Mitchell said. "Whenever he is around Dozer, it's like a sense of calm comes over him.

"Our kids enjoy reading to Dozer at the library, and I hate that the school board has taken this away from the school kids!"

●"A trained therapy dog is not the same as animals brought in by a wildlife rescue," Angela Avery Lewis said. "Why we would want to deny the innovative and fun way to encourage children to read is beyond my comprehension." 

●"How is a therapy dog the same as any other animal?" Jennifer Austin said. "Poor decision by the school board."

●"Looks like I'll be expressing my opinion on this ridiculous decision to deny Dozer the Therapy Dog at the voting booth for the party responsible," David Key-Harriss said.

Part of Dozer's public service comes from just being there for students who may be nervous reading in front of others. Reading to a dog who is non-judgmental can make the process less stressful; such a service encourages learning.

Having Dozer on campus helps students who can't visit him at the Crestview library, because some parents won't — or can't — take their children there.

In addition, visiting with Dozer teaches children how to interact with animals.

The school district is in a difficult position. We do live in a sue-happy society, and the culture moves many businesses and nonprofits to implement so-called fairness policies to remove liability.

But such policies are never really fair — in this case, that's true for those students whose parents can't afford to drive them to the Crestview Public Library to visit with Dozer.

The ban promotes students' and staffers' safety, according to Assistant Superintendent Nick Kootsouradis said. “As well-trained as animals are, sometimes they are unpredictable,” he told reporter Brian Hughes. “And you have the allergies issue.”

That's a fair point, but these concerns will remain the next time police K9 dogs visit Okaloosa campuses.

They are not banned — and they can't help students learn how to read, either.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BONI: Sue-happy society spurs Okaloosa School District's blanket animal ban

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors board of directors has selected A. Keith Dean as its new leader.

Dean has 15 years' experience in association management, most recently serving as the Tallahassee-based Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association's executive director. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a post-graduate degree in accounting from Florida State University.

Dean will take the CEO post, effective Oct. 19.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Emerald Coast Association of Realtors announces new CEO

Air Force Airman 1st Class James E. Horne Jr. has graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

He completed eight weeks' training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Horne, the son of James E. and Rewa C. Horne of Crestview, is a 2015 Crestview High School graduate.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Horne, Crestview High graduate, completes basic military training

Army Maj. Meeshack R. Lee has graduated from the Army Inspector General Course at Fort Belvoir, Fairfax, Va.

The three-week course is required for all soldiers and civilians selected to serve as Army inspectors general.

Lee, the son of Gloria Paris and Vernon Lee of Crestview, is a 1998 Crestview High School graduate. He earned a master's degree in 2015 from Webster University, Fort Leavenworth, Mo.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man graduates from inspector general course

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — Veterans can get flu shots at any Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System facility.

Veterans visiting the Eglin Community Based Outpatient Clinic can receive a flu shot during any upcoming primary care appointment, or they can walk in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Flu shots available for eligible military veterans

CRESTVIEW — My Safe Place Pet Rescue, a nonprofit organization, has scheduled these animal adoption events:

●10 a.m. Oct. 10, Ace Hardware, Crestview

●8 a.m. Oct. 17 yard sale, across from Northview Plaza, 789 Ferdon Blvd. N., Crestview

●10 a.m. Oct. 31, Fall Festival booth, Main Street, Crestview.

Download a pet adoption application at http://bit.ly/1OoNGTx, or a foster care application at http://bit.ly/1N2kyQe, and send to MSPPR, 4267 Harielson Road, Crestview, FL, 32539, or email to admin@mysafeplacepetrescue.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 Crestview pet adoption events scheduled this month

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m. Oct. 8, Crosspoint, portable 3, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview. For people grieving the death of a loved one or other losses. Meets every Thursday, excepting holiday.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 8, Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

NORTH OKALOOSA REPUBLICAN CLUB: 6 p.m. Oct. 13, Hideaway Pizza, 326 N. Main St., Crestview. norcoffl@outlook.com or 758-6706.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES COMMITTEE MEETING: 8:30 a.m. Oct. 14, Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Guest speaker: Council member JB Whitten.

RECURRING

KNITTING & CROCHET GROUP: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Crestview Public Library. Rae Schwartz, bakerny@yahoo.com.

CRESTVIEW KIWANIS CLUB: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

BEGINNERS' TRIBAL BELLYDANCING CLASSES:6 p.m. Wednesdays, Senior Activity Center, 205 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. Teacher: Sweet Magnolia Tribal Belly Dance co-director Valorie Rossi, www.fcbd.com.

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m. Thursdays, Crosspoint, South Crestview, in portable 3, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway,  Crestview. For people hurting from the death of a loved one or other losses. 678-4411 extension 109.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, 704 E. Robinson Ave., Crestview. 689-1842.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 to report incidents. okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER GROUP: 2-4 p.m. Thursdays, TBD. Listen or play; beginners welcome. 682-3165.

EMERALD COAST PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING GROUP: 4-6 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, Crestview JobsPlus One-Stop Center, Wilson Street, Crestview. For job seekers with a bachelor's degree and two years’ professional work experience, or more than eight years’ professional, managerial or supervisory experience. Registration: email a resume and cover letter to ecp@careersourceow.com, or visit careersourceokaloosawalton.com.

NORTH OKALOOSA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Dorcas Fire Station No. 42 on Deer Creek Road. Call 537-9456 for details.

CRESTVIEW EXCHANGE CLUB: second and fourth Thursdays, Covenant Hospice, Crestview. Sharlene Cox, 682-6824.

FREE LINE DANCE LESSONS: 7-8 p.m. Fridays, American Legion Post 75 lounge, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Followed by live band music from 8 p.m. to midnight. 689-3195.

KARAOKE: 8 p.m. Saturdays, American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. 689-3195.

LAPSIT: 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays in the Crestview Public Library's Story Room. Enjoy stories, songs and finger plays. For children under age 3 and caregivers. Check the library's calendar, www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php, for exact dates and themes.

STORY TIME: 10:15 a.m. Mondays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive. Children at least 3 years old can enjoy stories and activities, and make a simple craft to take home.

BEGINNER KNITTING: 6-7 p.m. Mondays by appointment, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Crestview library card required. Call 682-4432 to schedule.

AGAPE SQUARES: 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, 214 S. Partin Drive, Niceville. Square dancing, $3 per person.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m. Mondays, clubhouse at 704 Robinson St., Crestview. Details: Richard, 398-6620. Fort Walton Beach/North Okaloosa website: www.fwb-area-aa.org.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mt. Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY:

●8 a.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview. Mary Cole, 683-1899.

●6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church fellowship hall, Crestview. Brooke Bratton, 225-8197. www.TOPS.org.

BAKER BLOCK MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on third Saturdays, or by appointments, 1307B Georgia Ave. Free admission. The museum has exhibits, pioneer buildings from the 1800s and a research library with historical documents. 537-5714.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 to report incidents. okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com.

LAPSIT: 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays in the Crestview Public Library's Story Room. Enjoy stories, songs and finger plays. For children under age 3 and caregivers. Check the library's calendar, www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php, for exact dates and themes.

BUSINESS NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL: noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Ryan's Restaurant, 3000 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Members give each other quality business referrals for increased financial success. Business persons welcome to visit. Details: President Joe Faulk, 682-8844 or 217-1370.

CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO: Quarterly games 4:30-6 p.m.; regular games 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at 701 James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

NORTH OKALOOSA REPUBLICAN CLUB:  6 p.m. second Tuesdays, Hideaway Pizza, 326 N. Main St., Crestview. Dutch treat dinner at 6 p.m. followed by meeting at 7 p.m. New members and interested persons may attend. official business: norcoffl@outlook.com. Club president Jeremiah Hubbard, jeremiah.hubbard@gmail.com or 758-6706.

NAVARRE OCEAN WAVES SQUARE DANCERS: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Holley/Navarre Senior Center, 8476 Gordon Goodin Lane, Navarre. $4 per person.

CRESTVIEW LIONS CLUB: 12 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays at Hideaway Pizza, 326 N. Main St., Crestview. B.J. Thomhave, 682-2012.

OPEN MIC POETRY AT THE LIBRARY: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Free event. Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us; Rick Sanders, 585-6399. Read poetry or play music. This month's poetry starter: Rules are rules. http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library/programs.php.

CRESTVIEW TOASTMASTERS: 6-7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Holiday Inn Express, 125 Cracker Barrel Road, Crestview. Visitors are welcome. Kathy Morrow, 974-3662.

 STRICTLY WEAVERS MEETINGS: monthly, TBA. Alice, 934-4403.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: GATHERINGS: Northwest Florida group meetings announced

LAUREL HILL — The Oct. 3 Laurel Hill Hobo Festival drew a number of residents to Gene Clary Park.

Despite gray skies, visitors got their faces painted, played in bounce houses and on inflatable slides, perused the history booth, enjoyed a variety of food, met Sparky the Fire Dog, and clapped along to home-grown entertainment.

“All the food smells were wonderful,” resident April Tucker said. “The slide was so much fun and it was fun watching the face-paint artist.”

“I wanted to stay longer but I had company coming,” Martha Gibson, Tucker’s mother, said, adding she enjoyed looking at the Baker Block Museum’s display of area historical photos.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill Hobo Festival draws a crowd (PHOTOS)