CRESTVIEW — Eleven area Cub Scouts have "crossed over" to Boy Scouts as local packs celebrate the 105th anniversary of scouting in the U.S.A.

Boys received honors and awards, performed skits, and said farewell to the most senior among their fellow Cub Scouts, the Webelos, during the Feb. 21 Blue and Gold Banquet.

“The senior Webelos Cub Scouts received their Arrow of Light Award for completing all their requirements to move on to Boy Scouts,” Pack 530 volunteer Don Snyder said. “This award is the only Cub Scout award that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform and follows them onward through their Scouting career.”

Some scout troops perform crossing over ceremonies in which the former Webelos walk across a small bridge, symbolically moving ahead to scouting's next phase.

Pack 530 Arrow of Light recipients are Bruce Shambo, Ryan Rummelt, Dylan Nearbin, Scott Inness, Lucas Hunker, Rodney Butler, Zachery Bullard, Isaac Boyd and Nathan Stuckey.

Pack 799 Arrow of Light recipients are Johnny Humphrey and Theron Lasher. Theron has crossed over to Troop 30 while Johnny has joined Troop 773, Humphrey said.

The Blue and Gold Banquets drew hundreds of family members and friends, Boy Scouts, and guest speakers. The Cub Scouts painted faces, danced, wrote and performed skits, and helped decorate for the gala evening, Humphrey said.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eleven Crestview Cub Scouts 'cross over' to Boy Scouts

CRESTVIEW — Countryview Estates residents are enjoying more amenities in their neighborhood park.

Residents complained about the park’s lack of seating, missing water fountain and absence of barbecue grills for several months.

Resident Bill Cox brought the issue before the City Council in July 2014. After visiting the city’s other parks, he told the council that Countryview “is the only park that doesn't have the very basic stuff that a citizen would expect of a park.” Cox has since become one of two new city councilmen who will be seated in April.

Here are the improvements:

•The park’s picnic shelter now has four picnic tables with attached benches, augmenting the previous single table.

•Park benches now overlook the basketball court and children’s playground.

•The basketball court has received safety padding around the posts supporting the goals.

•A vandalism-resistant drinking fountain has been installed outside the restrooms.

•Two barbecue grills were installed on a concrete pad adjacent to the picnic shelter.

The new equipment and furnishings were rounded up from materials already on hand, Crestview Public Works Director Steele said.

“Most of it we had leftover from a project here and there,” he said. “The grills were relocated that weren’t used from Old Spanish Trail Park. Moneywise, the only expense was concrete and labor.”

Those costs came to less than $2,000, said Chuck Powell at Public Works.

“It is real nice,” Cox said. “I can tell you right now the park is seeing more use. I feel good about that.”

“The best thing is having a good, positive community effort will help preserve these things,” Steele said. “We had experienced so much vandalism in the past years. More responsible people using the park will help police it.”

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Countryview Park receives upgrades following residents’ complaints

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County had scarcely been carved out of eastern Santa Rosa and western Walton counties when Andrew Outlaw opened an outdoor movie show on the site of today’s First Presbyterian Church.

While Andrew cranked his homemade projector, his wife, Bessie, sold popcorn. Patrons of Okaloosa's first picture show sat on split-log benches while enjoying silent films.

Around 1932, the Outlaws built Main Street’s first cinema, the Crestview Theatre, which stood across the alley from today’s Crestview Plumbing and Hardware.

In 1941, Neal and Estelle Robinson Sr. moved their cinema business to Crestview from Okaloosa County's south end, establishing the Eglin Theatre at 190 Main St.

Two years later, they moved the Eglin across the street, near the site of the Outlaws' old Crestview Theatre. In the 1940s, the Robinsons opened the Fox Theatre in the 300 block of Main Street.

Today, only the Fox remains of downtown’s single-screen cinemas. It’s owned by City Councilman Mickey Rytman, who restores it as time and money permits.

In 1949, Hollywood came to Crestview when a 20th-Century Fox production crew arrived to shoot the Gregory Peck World War II adventure “Twelve O’Clock High.”

Lifelong resident J.T. Garrett gained fame among his peers by being hired fresh out of the military as Peck’s stand-in and driver.

When it came time to premiere the film in the South, the studio returned to Crestview and the Fox.

In the late 1950s, the Robinsons erected the Dixie Drive-In on Juke Hill, near the present-day Beall’s Outlet on South Ferdon Boulevard.

Hinson Ward followed suit with the Park Drive-In Theatre on U.S. Highway 90 West.

The opening of the Crestview Cinema 3 Theaters in Mariner Mall in the mid-1970s came as the multi-screen cinema spelled classic downtown movie houses' demise.

Today, movie lovers flock to Richbourg Lane and the Marquis, with its 10 screens, digital picture and surround-sound audio. Movies have come a long way since Andrew Outlaw’s outdoor picture show.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 100 years of north Okaloosa County movie-going

CRESTVIEW — A family is homeless and uncertain about their future after a Friday night fire scorched a Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard apartment building.

Alicia Isom left her husband, McCordia, asleep when she left for a church revival. Her sister, Pam Morris, who lived with the Isoms, was out for the evening.

Alicia returned from church to find neighbors gathered around her building as smoke billowed out.

“I got home at 10:30 and it was in flames,” she said. “People said, ‘Help us get these people out!’ I looked up and said, ‘This is my apartment!’”

When she opened her front door, “it just blew up,” Isom said. “Fire was just shooting all over.”

She screamed for her husband, who escaped along with Alicia’s beloved bichon frise Cotton Candy.

“By the grace of God, he woke up,” Isom said. “But we lost everything.”

HOMELESS

The American Red Cross housed the family at the Super 8 motel for several days, but they have to move out tomorrow. A small cash donation went toward replacing a few pieces of clothes and paying the hotel pet deposit for Candy.

“We lost everything. We had to get coats to put on our back,” Isom said. “But I’m homeless now. I don’t know where to go. I guess we’ll be sleeping in our cars.”

Isom, who is originally from Crestview, moved back home with her family two years ago from St. Petersburg. She said the family can’t move in with her elderly mother, who lives in a small residence and receives daily dialysis.

Because the family had no renter’s insurance, replacing even the basics is problematic.

“If anybody could help, it would be so, so appreciated,” Isom said. “Mainly, we need a place to stay.”

$50,000 LOSS

A Crestview Fire Department incident report places the value of her apartment and its contents at $50,000. The report stated the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Units on either side of the Isoms’ apartment sustained $15,000 and $5,000 in damage respectively.

The North Okaloosa Fire District, the Baker Volunteer Fire Department, the Eglin Air Force Base Fire Department and Dorcas Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the blaze.

An account to assist the family has been opened at Wells Fargo Bank in Crestview. Donors may request their gifts be deposited in Alicia Isom’s fire account.

WANT TO HELP?

Donations to help the Isom family may be brought to the Wells Fargo Bank's Crestview branch, 320 Ferdon Blvd. N., for deposit in the family’s fire fund.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fire leaves Crestview family homeless; help appreciated

The Crestview Public Library has a selection of popular magazines. You can read here in the library, or check out magazines about cooking, decorating, health and fitness, world and entertainment news, among other topics.

We have titles including People Weekly, Oprah, Sports Illustrated, Time, Essence, Cooking Light and Good Housekeeping. Current issues are on the shelf for you to read in the library. Back issues can be checked out for two weeks.

The library also subscribes to children's and teens' magazines. Teens enjoy reading Rumble, Teen Vogue and Seventeen. The grade school kids can choose from National Geographic Kids or Sports Illustrated Kids.

Parents, this is an excellent opportunity to give kids an opportunity to look at magazines free of charge.

Magazines are great for reluctant readers; they introduce the fun of reading with short stories, games and activities that kids enjoy. Magazines are a stepping stone for kids to become interested, and many different subjects give them information and knowledge other than the textbook curriculum.

Jean Lewis is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Magazines can introduce fun to reluctant readers

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)

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

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