LAUREL HILL — Friends say they fondly remember former Northwood Elementary School teacher Martha Rogers, who died Tuesday morning.

“She was a feisty lady,” Mayor David Cadle said. “She didn’t hesitate to tell you what was on her mind.”

Doris McMahon — who taught many years at Northwood Elementary with Rogers — remembers her friend’s passion for education.

“I’m sure her children liked her,” McMahon said. “She was a very fair person and devoted to education. She would get frustrated when other people didn’t have that same dedication.”

Rogers — who taught Aug. 13, 1952 to May 31, 1993 — could dominate a faculty meeting with lengthy, detailed expositions on which areas of education needed improvement and just how to accomplish them, McMahon said.

“Martha could be rather long-winded when it came to education,” McMahon said. “But if  Martha ruffled your feathers, she would try to come back later and smooth them.”

Laurel Hill School graduate Tyler Zessin remembers Rogers from the Laurel Hill Grill, where Rogers was driving for breakfast when she had a fatal heart attack.

“I got to know her well waiting on her at the Grill, back in high school,” Zessin tweeted. “She was something else. She'll be missed. She was one of a kind.”

The Grill’s regulars and employees said Rogers is already missed.

“Miss Rogers — she was a very, very kind woman,” waitress Layc Miller said. “Every time she’d come in, she’d give us something about Laurel Hill because she lived here so long. We’ll miss those history lessons.

“She was very kind, original and outspoken. She loved her grits and gravy. Every morning it was grits and gravy. We definitely miss her already here. It’s just not the same.”

Because Rogers ate most meals at the Grill following the death of her husband, former Laurel Hill School Principal Morris Rogers, the eatery would sometimes send food home with her to cover the days when it was closed.

“On cold days, if we had chili or an extra biscuit, we’d send it home with her to make sure she was very well taken care of,” Miller said. “We loved her and miss her.”

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Friends remember former Northwood teacher

CRESTVIEW — When residents pause at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial to pay their respects to fallen local war heroes, they’ll find a new name among the roll of honor.

Albert Flowers Sr., a Crestview native, was memorialized by city officials, veterans and residents at the dedication and laying of a brick honoring the Bronze Star recipient.

“I believe Dad is proud,” Albert Flowers Jr. said. “He’s looking down right now and smiling. He was a hero and always will be a hero to me.”

Albert Jr. and his brother, Kent, were present at the ceremony, which Army Sgt. George Stakley (ret.) presided over.

Mayor David Cadle proclaimed Saturday “a day of remembrance and recognition of the heroic actions of a son of Crestview.”

In his proclamation, Cadle praised Albert Flowers Sr., whose “decisive action and courage was instrumental in saving the aircraft carrier and spring the lives of hundreds of fellow sailors” when the “Intrepid” was attacked in 1944.

Albert Jr. said Saturday’s ceremony wasn’t just about his father.

“We’re here to support all the veterans,” he said. “We honor our veterans and we love them.”

He said if his father were still alive, he believes he would share the message of non-violence he installed in his children.

“I think his message would be similar to Martin Luther King’s,” Flowers said.

“We’re really proud we can stand on this windy day to celebrate this hero,” Stakley said as wind whipped flags held by the Crestview High School Army ROTC color guard.

“It sure is a proud moment,” Kent Flowers said.

Citations and other personal materials from Albert Flowers Sr.’s military career will be displayed in the Carver-Hill Museum at Allen Park, 895 McClelland Street.

WANT TO GO?

The Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial contains the names of local veterans who gave their lives for their country in wars and conflicts since World War I. Residents may visit the memorial and its eternal flame at the corner of Courthouse Terrace and Main Street in Crestview.

Families and friends may purchase one of the few remaining bricks to honor a fallen war hero by contacting Bob Lynn, president of the Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration committee, 582-2222 or bettybob1234@aol.com.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: World War II hero, Bronze Star recipient, added to county veterans memorial (VIDEO)

Computer Database provides access to leading business and technical publications in the computer, telecommunications and electronics industries.

The database includes computer-related product introductions, news and reviews in areas such as hardware, software, electronics, engineering, communications and application of technology. 

Current articles from leading publications cover a range of topics from Bitcoin to cyberterrorism. 

All you need is a valid library card to access this database that contains more than 9 million articles.

Do you need help with basic computer skills or help using your mobile device? We have free one-on-one computer tutoring sessions available.

Ask at the front desk or call to make an appointment with one of our tutors at 682-4432.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Technology resources, computer help available at Crestview library

CRESTVIEW — Children in Crisis has extra support for its programs benefiting at-risk children. Tom Thumb Inc. stores, headquartered in Crestview, donated $750 to the nonprofit organization.

In addition, the business gave several boxes of gifts for the CIC Children’s Educational Incentive Program. Tom Thumb Inc.

“We have been blessed with great support from the community to build the CIC Neighborhood," Ken Hair, CIC president & CEO, said. "However, it’s a struggle to find the necessary funding and supplies to sustain operations of our foster homes. Support from Tom Thumb is a tremendous help in our efforts to provide a safe haven to the abused, neglected and abandoned children that don’t have a home.

The CIC Neighborhood provides emergency shelter for children removed from an unsafe environment on short notice, and offers housing to help with foster home shortage. 

Learn more at www.childrenincrisisfl.org or call 864-4242.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Tom Thumb donates to Children in Crisis

CRESTVIEW — Northwood Arts and Science Academy third-graders Aidan Bush, Kyle Bourque and Junior Paul are awaiting the Feb. 21-25 edition of the News Bulletin so they can make a special sandwich at home.

“This is so good!” Junior said upon sinking his teeth into a Cougars Meatball Slider. “I can make it when the recipe comes out in the paper,” Kyle said.

See photos of Sherri Williams cooking for Northwood third-graders>>

Sixty-time blue ribbon-winning Crestview chef Sherri Williams, who visited Northwood Feb. 19, created the sandwich especially for the visit. Williams offered inspirational messages as she mixed Italian seasoning and seasoned greens into healthy, low-fat ground turkey meat.

“I’m not culinary school trained,” Williams said. “I’m self-taught. But when you have love and passion about something, you can do anything.”

The kids also learned the importance of math and science in the kitchen. Heat energy, for example, is integral to cooking. “If you want to divide a recipe, you’re going to need to know your fractions,” Williams said. “And baking is like a science. If you want to bake a cake, you need to follow a recipe exactly or it may not rise up.”

Williams is one of 10 home cooks from across the country starring with celebrity chefs on “All-Star Academy,” premiering 8 p.m. March 1 on The Food Network. She’s also been featured on “The Today Show," “Good Morning America” and in Macy’s “American Grill” in New York's Herald Square.

“Food is something we all have to have,” Williams said. “Food to me is therapy and love. Food brings everybody together.”

COUGARS MEATBALL SLIDER Ingredients Approximately 2 pounds ground lean turkey 2-3 tablespoons Italian seasoning mixed with granulated garlic and onion powder, to taste ½ to 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend or mozzarella, to taste 2 small cans seasoned greens (such as turnips and collards) 1 medium jar spaghetti sauce 1 baguette (slim French bread), sliced thin (the grocery bakery can slice it for you) Shredded mozzarella for topping Drain greens. Mix seasoning mixture, Italian cheese blend (or mozzarella) and greens into the ground turkey. Form meat mixture into meatballs; flatten slightly. Place flattened meatballs on oiled baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes until firm to touch. Heat spaghetti sauce in pot or microwave; add favorite seasoning to taste. You may mix meatballs into the heated sauce, or spoon sauce over meatballs individually. Top slice of bread with a meatball. Spoon spaghetti sauce over it if you didn’t mix the meatballs into sauce beforehand. Top with shredded mozzarella and another slice of bread to make a sandwich. Makes approximately 40 sandwiches.

Sherri Williams  

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview competitive chef inspires Northwood Cougars (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

FORT WALTON BEACH — Cox and Home Instead Senior Care's Cox Charity Auction, benefiting Covenant Hospice, is April 11 through May 9.

The fundraiser will feature four week-long auctions at www.CoxCharityAuction.com. Each will offer a variety of packages starting at 40 percent off retail value.

“The great thing about this event is that anyone, anywhere, can bid and support the caring services Covenant Hospice provides,” said Rachel Mayew, Covenant Hospice's development and communications manager. “We already have several covetable packages that we expect to be highly popular among participating bidders — an iPad Mini donated by Cox, a fishing trip and dolphin cruise from Olin Marler Charters, multiple beach stays courtesy of Southern Vacation Rentals, golf packages from Emerald Bay Golf Club, tickets to the Digital Graffiti event in Alys Beach, and even a hot air balloon ride!

"All of these amazing items and experiences are available at a fraction of the retail value.”

Additional auction items will include spa and massage services, artwork, jewelry, tickets to performing arts events, and gift certificates to local and national chain restaurants and retailers.

The schedule is as follows:

•Auction One, April 11-18

•Auction Two, April 18-25

•Auction Three, April 25 to May 2

•Auction Four, May 2-9

Organizers seek additional items for the auction. Businesses and individuals interested in making a tax-deductible donation of an item, gift certificate, professional service or condo stay should contact Rachel Mayew, 428-0605 or rachel.mayew@covenanthospice.org.  

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Auction benefiting Covenant Hospice kicks off April 11

MILLIGAN — A Jan. 1 price increase nearly doubled the base rate of Katie Tomlinson’s monthly Milligan Water Service bill to $34.

She's not happy.

Nor, the retiree says, are her neighbors, few of whom were notified of a rate increase until it showed up on their January bills.

Tomlinson said she asked Milligan Water System President Martin Ellis why customers weren’t notified, and was told the utility emailed the rate increase notification and posted a notice in the window of its 5340 Highway 4 office.

“I said, ‘We’re a bunch of old people and widows. We don’t have Internet … (and) who’s going to drive all the way up there to see it?” she said.

Notice of the increase was also posted on the utility’s Facebook page, Milligan Water General Manager Lisa Fredericksen said.

DECREASE DEBT

A rate increase was necessary to decrease debt — which grew as the utility replaced aging lines along State Road 4, and will continue as it replaces those along U.S. Highway 90 — Fredericksen said.

In addition, the utility incurred several unforeseen expenses for equipment failures and damage — some caused by lightning strikes — and the need to repair damaged lines.

Milligan Water implemented the rate increase after the Florida Rural Water Association audited its finances, Fredericksen said.

“We’re a not-for-profit,” she said. “We hated to go up on the rates. But "Rural Water … said the only way we can recover our debt is a rate increase.”

VULNERABLE SYSTEMS

Auburn Water System General Manager Doug Sims said smaller utilities — such as the Milligan, Baker, Blackman and Holt systems — are vulnerable to the effects of unforeseen expenses.

“That’s one of the problems the smaller systems have,” Sims said. “If they have to borrow money, they can’t get it at the same rates the larger systems can. If you have more customers, you can get a bigger monthly income and pay down that debt.”

That brings little comfort to Tomlinson, who said she must carefully manage a fixed income.

“It’s sad, but I guess it’s just one of those things,” she said. “I don’t get upset very often, but when they start messing with my money, I get mad. I’m just barely making it as it is.”

RURAL WATER RATES

North Okaloosa County’s rural water systems — those outside of Crestview and Laurel Hill’s municipal services — have varying rates.

Here are some monthly base residential rates, which include up to 3,000 gallons of water before additional per-thousand-gallon rates are incurred:

Auburn Water System:$19.37 (3/4-inch pipe) or $25.57 (1-inch pipe)

Baker Water System:$14

Milligan Water System:$34

Okaloosa County Water: $9.83 (5/8 and ¾-inch pipes), $19.25 (1-inch pipe) and $35.06 (1.5-inch pipe)

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Milligan Water System doubles base rate to pay down debt