CRESTVIEW — The Army Ranger Reptile Team will present  reptiles indigenous to Northwest Florida at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25 at Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd.

See, touch and learn all about snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, and an alligator.

This family-friendly event lasts about 45 minutes. Children must be at least 4 years old to attend. Call 682-4432 to register.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Army Ranger Reptile Team sets Aug. 25 demonstration in Crestview

FORT WALTON BEACH —United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties has completed training for 45 "loaned executives," or top-talent volunteers from local businesses and organizations.

The volunteers will help develop and implement fundraising initiatives during the 2015 annual United Way Campaign, “Be Someone’s Hero … Give Today,” which kicks off Aug. 27.

The United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties, a nonprofit organization, provides leadership and resources to those with needs. It focuses on children and education, financial stability/disaster support, and health and wellness.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: United Way 'loaned executives' complete campaign training in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa County and surrounding residents want to help a Paxton couple find their beloved dog.

More than 1,200 people have shared the News Bulletin's Facebook post about Angel B, a 16-year-old Pomeranian that disappeared July 28 from the Burnells' back yard. A neighbor's child told the owners that she'd seen a woman stop and pick up a small dog around the time Angel went missing.

Lee Burnell wrote on a flyer: "To the lady that stopped and picked up my Angel B, here are a couple things you should know: She is 16 years old, her vision and hearing is not the best, she has a bad rear hip, she can't eat hard food and she loves her morning and evening treats; she is kennel trained but occasionally has an accident in the house.

"… She was a gift from my mom, who was murdered three years later — this makes her extra special to me. She is very sweet, as you have seen, and she loves children. I have had her since she was 5 weeks old and I love her. She is our child — same as a human child is to you and others."

Burnell said he would increase a $1,000 reward, if necessary, to have his "baby girl" home.  

Call 850-736-2303 if you have Angel B.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Lost dog raises Okaloosa, Walton residents' concerns

DESTIN — Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger will be the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast's featured speaker for its upcoming Steak & Stake fundraising dinner. 

The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 at Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort. Cost is $150 per guest; $250 per VIP guest. VIP ticket holders can meet and talk with Ruettiger before dinner. Call Rob Engel, 344-7722, for tickets.

Ruettiger, known for playing football at the University of Notre Dame, found success despite discouragement and despair. His story inspired the critically acclaimed 1993 film, "Rudy." Today, Ruettiger is one of the United States' most popular motivational speakers.

"Mr. Ruettiger has such an inspirational story; we are looking forward to our young people and community hearing his story of perseverance," Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast chief executive officer Shervin Rassa said. "Every day, we tell our members that they can do whatever they set their minds and hearts to; it will be impactful for them to see a true story of achieving a dream."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Motivational speaker who inspired 'Rudy' headlines Boys and Girls Clubs fundraiser

DESTIN — The Junior League of the Emerald Coast's Annual Recruitment Social is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Aug. 25 at The Breakers on Okaloosa Island.

All women 21 years old and up in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties may join the event, and learn about the Junior League’s history and the benefits of membership. The event is free; refreshments will be provided.

The Junior League of the Emerald Coast Inc. is an organization of women who promote volunteerism, help develop women's potential, and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Junior League schedules recruitment social on Okaloosa Island

FORT WALTON BEACH — All Okaloosa County parks have passed this week's tests for hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.

Liza Jackson Park and Garniers Park, Fort Walton Beach, received moderate scores for water quality. Lincoln Park, Valparaiso; Poquito Park, Shalimar; Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville; Gulf Islands National Seashore, East Pass, Emerald Promenade, Marler Park, and Wayside Park, Okaloosa Island; and Clement E. Taylor Park, Henderson Beach and James Lee Park, Destin received good scores.

The health department's scores are based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards.

Enteric bacteria’s presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: No Okaloosa parks receive advisories for hazardous water

Author Oliver Chase is the guest speaker for the Crestview Writers Group's next meeting, set 6-8 p.m.  Monday, Aug. 24 at the Crestview Public Library.

Chase has published several short stories and novels, including "Marsh Island" and "Blind Marsh," available for checkout at the library. "Blind Marsh" received the East Texas semifinalist First Chapter Novel Award. His short story, “Mr. Amala’s Soup” won third place in the Gulf Coast Writers Association’s “Lets Write” contest.

See oliverchase.net for more information about the author. Contact Tami Kidd, tamilynnkidd@gmail.com, for more on the writers group.

Marie Garcia is the Crestview Public Library's assistant director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: GARCIA: Author Oliver Chase to speak at Crestview writer's group meeting

CHIPLEY — Traffic on State Road 85 over the Shoal River Relief Bridge, 2.5 miles south of Interstate 10, in Okaloosa County will encounter lane restrictions Aug. 11 as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.

Northbound lane closures will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Maintenance activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Drivers are reminded to watch for traffic flaggers, to use caution and to obey the posted speed limit when traveling through the work zone.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shoal River relief bridge maintenance is Aug. 11

CRESTVIEW — Angela Livingston lives in Rolling Pines Townhomes with her husband, Willie, and son, Antryun Coleman.

Her daughter, Lakaron Thomas, lives in a nearby residence with her 3- and 6-year-old sons.

And both households have no patience for some recent unexpected guests: four black bears reportedly roaming in the Redstone Avenue area.   

Friday, around 12:30 p.m., Thomas returned to her Crooked Pine Trail home to pick up her garbage can. "When she got out her car, the bear came out of the woods and approached her," Livingston said. "The bear took my daughter's entire garbage can into the woods."

Saturday, around 4 a.m., Coleman encountered the animals at his parents' Swaying Pine Court home. "He heard a little huff as he was walking to his car," Livingston said.  "There were two cubs behind my son's car parked in our driveway."

Eyewitnesses said they spotted three cubs and a mother in the southern part of Crestview.

Ashley Hinshaw‎ said Friday on the News Bulletin's Facebook page that her dog encountered a bear.

Janna Brittain said on Facebook that she noticed signs of bear activity in Redstone Estates. "The other day, my garbage can was turned over and a bag of garbage dragged into the woods behind my home."

"I saw (a bear) in Countryview Estates a couple weeks ago," Crystal Taylor  said, referring to the subdivision off PJ Adams Parkway. "It was a cub."

After one sighting, Livingston contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

"Don't put anything in your trash, because if (bears) came to your trash and got something out before, they'll continue coming," she said of the advice she received. "Well, what are we gonna do? Keep (garbage) in our houses? Keep it in our garages?"

Bears are considered nuisance wildlife, according to the FWC, which recommends removing the "attractant" — trash or easily accessible food — before taking the last resort : trapping such animals.

"Basically, everyone said the same thing: We can come and scare them out of your yard, but we won't attempt to capture them because we don't want to hurt them," Livingston said. "It came across as if the bears had more rights than we did … that wasn't good enough for us."

But she was pleased with the Crestview Police Department, which on Monday verified the sighting. Shortly afterward, the FWC placed a couple of traps in the area, according to Crestview Police Lt. Edward DeCoste.

One trap is in an area between Crooked Pine Trail and Redstone Avenue, according to FWC spokesperson Bekah Nelson. Another is set near Majestic Prince Court.

Still, Livingston and her family are taking precautions. "We've been trying to get in before dark and keep the porch lights on," she said.

Livingston remains hopeful for resolution.

"I don't want to see (the bears) harmed, but if it comes down to our children and the other residents, then I'm more for our humans' safety."

News Bulletin editorial assistant Renee Bell contributed to this report.

"Presently, garbage is by far the biggest bear attractant in Florida. The calories a bear can consume by picking through one garbage can often surpasses the forage they can find in an entire day."

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website 

Learn more about the Florida black bear

DID YOU KNOW?

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview bear sightings — mama and three cubs — raise concerns

CRESTVIEW — No one was more surprised when Mayor David Cadle announced this year’s Mae Retha Coleman Citizen of the Year recipient than the honoree himself.

“I couldn’t imagine why my wife told me to get up here,” Malcolm Haynes said Monday evening when Cadle read his name. “I wouldn’t have guessed it in a million years.”

“He has proven himself over and over and over again,” Cadle said. “I was so pleased when I heard of the committee’s selection of this year’s winner.”

Haynes has served in multiple capacities over many years, including as a driving force behind the annual No Child Without Health Care Fair and community educational programs.

He’s an active member of the Crestview Kiwanis Club, and is a past master of the J.R.L. Conyers Lodge, Third Masonic District, and current deputy district grand marshal of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida.

“What a great individual and gentleman,” City Councilman JB Whitten said. “He knows everybody in town and can get things done.”

“There’s no better choice in my opinion,” Councilman Joe Blocker said.

“He’s so low-key, he doesn't make a lot of humpty-hurrah about anything,” Council President Shannon Hayes said. “He’s such a great organizer; he makes sure the people who should be doing things are doing what they should be doing.”

Hayes encouraged residents to participate in selecting the annual Citizen of the Year by completing and submitting applications to the city clerk each spring.

“The city has great people doing good things all over,” Hayes said.

WANT TO NOMINATE SOMEONE?

Applications for the Mae Retha Coleman Citizen of the Year Award are available at the Crestview City Clerk’s office in City Hall.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Malcolm Haynes named Crestview's Citizen of the Year (VIDEO)