LAUREL HILL — Construction on redevelopment and improvements to Gene Clary Park in Laurel Hill will likely conclude next week, city officials said at the Dec. 6 meeting.

Residents can expect to see the following improvements:

• Renovated basketball courts
• Improved restrooms
• New swings and shading at the playground
• An improved picnic area with new tables and benches

“It is a good improvement to the park,” Mayor Robby Adams said. “It will help utilize, especially in the playground area, the sun shade… [The community] can take pride in the park because it’s looking better. It’s getting more up-to-date replacing some of the old stuff.”

The city received the funds for the improvements in 2016, but construction began around one month ago.

According to Crystal Weatherington, an engineer contracted out by the council, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection awarded the city a $50,000 grant.

“They’re trying to get more of the community to use the park, and in the condition it was in, they didn’t have a whole lot of traffic in the park,” Weatherington said.

The city uses Gene Clary Park each October during the Laurel Hill Hobo Festival, which did not take place this year.

Weatherington said the city could potentially use the park for a little league baseball team.

Although this portion of improvements has been nearly completed, city officials say this is only the beginning of improvements.

Despite construction, the park remains open for the community.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill park improvements near completion

Got fines? Short on cash? No problem!

Crestview library book borrowers may donate non-expired canned goods at the library now through Dec. 21. Each canned good given to the staff at the circulation desk eliminates $1 in fines, up to $20. 

Donations will be delivered to Sharing and Caring here in Crestview to help those in need in Okaloosa County. What a great way to give this holiday season!

Jean McCarthy is the Crestview Public Library's administrative assistant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Fine forgiveness program helps local food pantry

If you’re headed out to buy a real Christmas tree to deck your halls this year, here’s what you need to know to keep your tree looking fresh through the holiday.

Cut it yourself. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, some trees are cut weeks before they’re sold. To ensure your tree lasts as long as possible, go to a farm that lets you chop it down yourself or find a nursery that will provide you with a freshly cut tree.

Secure the tree to your car while taking it home. Wrap it up and point the bottom of the tree forward to keep needles from being blown off, and make sure to tie it securely.

Cut off the bottom of the trunk. Experts say the sap from the tree can seal off the pores in the trunk once it’s cut, so sawing a few inches off the bottom before putting your tree in water will ensure it stays hydrated.

Water it. Make sure the tree stand is filled with water at all times, and make sure the water level never goes below the base of the tree. Some experts recommend 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.

Keep it away from heat sources. Real trees can be a serious fire hazard, so keep it away from heaters, ducts, candles and anything else that could ignite your tree. Use lights that produce low heat to keep your tree from igniting, and don’t overload electrical circuits. Always turn the tree lights off when leaving the house or going to bed.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 6 tips for taking care of your real Christmas tree

Christmas is coming and wish lists vary. Here are ideas from which most can benefit.

Medical care for all Americans. Congress must sever ties with lobbyists working on behalf of the pharmaceutical and medical insurance companies and represent the American people. Prescription costs are too high and the government pays too much money to the drug companies for those who receive various medicines from government coverage. All Americans should be able to see a doctor and receive medical care. Working Americans should have access to affordable medical care. Retired and poor/disabled/uninsurable Americans should have access to Medicare and Medicaid. All Veterans and military should be able to choose an alternate doctor or hospital when the VA hospital and doctors are not in close proximity or are inaccessible.

My medical insurance company recently informed me that my doctors must always gain their consent when prescribing any kind of medicine. They not only demand final approval on any medications I might need, they frequently dictate that my doctor prescribes a medication that is less expensive. I would like to think that my doctor prescribes medicines based on his opinion that they will work.  If I decide to follow my doctor's direction and the medical insurance company doesn't agree then I will be totally out of pocket for my prescription.

My wife and I were in France once and she had to see a doctor. There were doctor offices everywhere in Paris. Seeing a doctor and getting two prescriptions were less than $35. We didn't use an insurance card and a visit to the doctor and going to the pharmacy around the corner both took less than 90 minutes. France does not have socialized medicine. They are involved in controlling the costs of drugs. The life expectancy for those living in France is longer than us living in America. France's medical world is not perfect but we should take notes.

Christmas will be good if Americans can have access to jobs across the country. Big cities are booming with jobs it seems but rural America does not have the same options. I suppose it will always be this way but everyone cannot live in Provo, Utah, Austin, Texas or Nashville, Tennessee. A friend of mine recently moved to Indianapolis and has job opportunities galore. The federal government must spend some of the money we give away to the Middle East on rural America. Roads, bridges, parks and investing in small companies that will locate in rural America must be a government priority. We've spent too many years nation-building throughout the planet and let Appalachia and other rural communities drown.

I don't have enough space so here are musts for Americans this Christmas:

• Small interest loans so our youth can afford to go to college. Make college as affordable as possible.
• Turn Social Security around and keep our promised retirements solvent for our graying Americans.
• Reward the corporations who stay in America and let those who want to be out of America pay the price for abandoning us.
• Keep America safe with strong borders and a strong military and take care of those who do and have served our country.
• Insure that sane Americans can have their Colt 45 revolvers by their bedside tables when they turn out the lights and say their prayers.

Finally, may we all be a little more like President George H.W. Bush who wrote newly elected President Bill Clinton a very gracious note welcoming him to the oval office and assuring him of his support saying "…that you will be 'our' President when you read this note."  He led by living the example that it doesn't hurt any of us to be respectful, gracious, decent people who help, love and encourage others.

May all Americans have a Merry Christmas.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author.

What’s your view?

Write a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What we need for Christmas

CRESTVIEW — For the first time, the Hub City Bulldogs represented Crestview in an annual Pop Warner tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

The Mitey Mite football team played their first game against a team from Hawaii Dec. 1 at 9 a.m eastern time, which aired on ESPN 3.

“That’s huge for these kids to go to Disney World and play with other kids from across the country,” Terry Jackson said.

Terry, his wife Jennifer Jackson and Miriam and Ryan Hardy brought the first Pop Warner program to Crestview with the help of the community.

“Our community stepped up and rallied behind these children," Jennifer said. "…We have been able to fully outfit this program head-to-toe, debt free."

Terry and Jennifer said they are "speechless" about making it to this weekend's tournament.

"We didn't expect it to take off like this," Terry said.

The Mitey Mite cheer squad also competed in a cheer exhibition located in an arena that seats about 20,000 people. Jennifer said most of them had never cheered before.

"They are so excited," Jennifer said. "This is a big, big deal. It's a national stage."

Jennifer said they are one out of nine teams in the southeast region chosen to perform in the tournament.

Pop Warner Little Scholars is a non-profit organization providing football and cheer programs to youth in several nations. The organization is the largest youth football organization in the United States with over 300,000 participants.

With “Little Scholars” as part of their name, Pop Warner places importance on academic success. Along with being recognized for athletic ability, Pop Warner also recognizes those with outstanding academics.

Being successful in the classroom was important for Denis Lysiak, whose son Jacoby plays on the Mitey Mite football team. Lysiak said his son was only a few points from national recognition, something Jacoby wasn't thrilled about.

“I told my son if he wants to play at the next level, he has to have his grades in order,” Lysiak said.

Amanda Bowser’s daughter, Adalyn Bowser, cheers for the Mitey Mite cheer squad. Amanda said her daughter’s academics have improved since joining the team.

“Her grades have gone up and stayed up,” Amanda said.

Terry and Jennifer said they plan to continue the program next year.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The Hub City Bulldogs make history in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — The city of Crestview Christmas Parade has been rescheduled.

Due to possible inclement weather, the parade has been moved to Saturday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

Forecasts show potential heavy rain and severe weather in the area Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Christmas Parade moved due to threat of severe weather

CRESTVIEW — Quentin Paulsen, a local barber who won an international competition sponsored by Reuzel, American Salon, and Project X, has returned from the Netherlands trip that was part of his prize package.

The grand prize came as a surprise.

"I thought possibly I might be a finalist, but totally did not expect to win the competition. I knew that the haircut was good, and I was very proud of it," he said. "I was so surprised when I woke up to the alerts on my phone that I had won."

It also included training at the Project X Old School Barber Academy in Amsterdam, Holland.

"Their style of cutting is more old-world, old-school style, soft clipper over comb," Paulsen said. "You can shape the haircut in a style that better fits the client."

They cut classic styles he prefers from the 1940s, '50s and '60s, such as pompadours, quiffs, executive contours, jelly rolls, the elephant trunks — the kinds in shows like "Mad Men" and "Grease," according to Paulsen.

He and fellow students  got to see the techniques old-school barbers use from start to finish. They also performed four haircuts themselves with instructor critique. 

Paulsen learned "a more refined approach to doing a haircut. I do model myself a lot after their approach," he said. He was able to pick up on the small details he hadn't learned from their Youtube videos, photos and seeing them speak at events.

Another takeaway from the trip was it opened his mind to similarities and differences between Crestview and another part of the world.

"Over there, it's very similar to how we approach life over here, and getting their point of view was a great experience," he said.

Paulsen became interested in the craft of barbering while a member of the U.S. Navy.

"While we were deployed, the guys would need to get their hair cleaned up a little bit, so I was the guy they would come to see. It was nothing fancy back then, but it piqued my interest in it," Paulsen said.

After the military, he used his G.I. Bill funding to go to barber school at Pensacola State College.

Paulsen said attending the Netherlands school has re-energized his love for his profession.

"I love the effect a good haircut has on every person who gives me the privilege to sit in my chair."

Hub City Barbers is located at 211 N. Main Street in Crestview. Appointments are available 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Call 398-6555 or visit their Facebook page to book an appointment.

Paulsen and his wife, Melissa, have three children, with one more on the way.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Barber refines craft during Netherlands trip

The library's current website picks provide varied information to those who visit them.

•The Library of Congress —https://www.loc.gov —  is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections.

It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. The LOC preserves and provides access to a rich, diverse and enduring source of knowledge to inform, inspire and engage you in your intellectual and creative endeavors.

•USA.gov is an excellent, easy to navigate portal to the many institutions and services within the federal government.  Use this site to find out how to:

– Apply for a passport.

–Search for unclaimed money owed to you from the government.

–Contact your local representatives.

–Purchase surplus items through auctions, and so much more.

In closing, here is a quote about libraries made by author Caitlin Moran: "A library in the middle of a community is a cross between an emergency exit, a life-raft and a festival. They are cathedrals of the mind; hospitals of the soul; theme parks of the imagination. On a cold rainy island, they are the only sheltered public spaces where you are not a consumer, but a citizen instead."

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: November site picks are portals of information

CRESTVIEW — The installation of red light cameras in Crestview is complete. However, the city council has a few decisions to make before they go live.

City Clerk Elizabeth Roy said at the Nov. 26 council meeting Florida statutes require the city to enact a resolution determining the clerk for a hearing officer.

"I have been getting a lot of input on our cameras forth coming, and I want the best resolution we can come up (with) on this thing," Councilman Joe Blocker said.

The hearing officer is an attorney that acts on behalf the city when a driver contests the notice. Hearing officers typically have no ties to the municipality that hired them.

Roy said the city could hire the hearing officer from Gulf Breeze for $175 an hour, the same amount charged to the city of Gulf Breeze.

"He is an experienced hearing officer that is willing to take on that role," Roy said.

The Crestview Police Department will monitor the red light cameras, Roy said.

"Photo Enforced" signs are already present at the intersection of Ferdon Blvd. and Redstone Ave. and the intersection of Ferdon Blvd. and James Lee Blvd., U.S. Highway 90.

If caught running a red light, the driver will receive a Notice of Violation from the Crestview Police Department, which will include photo evidence. First month offenders will receive "warning" stamped on their notices. After the warning period has concluded, drivers will be required to pay a notice fee or contest the notice through a hearing process.

Drivers will not receive points on their license, but licenses can be suspended if they don't pay the fine.

The initial notice fee is expected to be around $150. Roy recommended to the city council a maximum $250 fee for violation if drivers contest the notice and are found guilty.

The city council is expected to decide on the hearing officer clerk, the hearing officer and the municipal fee at the Dec. 11 meeting.

The red light cameras are expected to be active by Jan. 1, 2019.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Red light cameras expected to be active by January

Christmas is coming fast but try to slow down. Before you know it Christmas will be over.

Most of us live our lives in a hurry. We hurry to finish school, hurry through meals, hurry through the work week and hurry into retirement. In a twinkle of an eye we have hurried through our lives. The clock cannot be reset. The past is in the past and you can't change yesterday. You can relish, rejoice or regret about yesterday but you can't change the past. Actually you might not want to or you might tweak a few days if you could but you can't.

If you could you, might have spent an extra hour at the lake or an extra day on vacation. You might have given an extra hour to passing ball with your kids or staying an extra hour to help mom clean up the kitchen. You might retract some words that came out of your mouth in a moment of frustration. The scenarios are numerous when we look back.

We can only look ahead. 

Take the focus off spending lots of money. Consider drawing names if you have a large group that gathers. Why try to buy for everybody? Some of the people you buy for may be strapped for cash. They might be able to buy one or two gifts with a limited budget but they can't buy for ten or twenty people. Even if you are blessed with cash consider others who want to give but are limited. Plan a way that all can enjoy.

Take the focus off eating. Do you really want to start the New Year ten pounds heavier? Nobody needs five different kinds of pies and cakes. The more you have to eat in your refrigerator the more you will eat. Do your loved ones need diabetes? Don't add to their problem. Make some good food and make it as healthy as possible. However, take the time to enjoy what you made and try to enjoy it with people who are meaningful to you.

Try to focus on who and what Christmas is all about. A humble family giving birth to a baby in Bethlehem. Life was surely hectic and crazy for Mary and Joseph. They had made the trip to a tiny village to pay taxes, Mary had her baby Jesus and it was in a place where the animals were kept. The crib was a cow's trough. Life for them was surely filled with stress. Soon they would vacate Bethlehem because they feared for the life of their child. They certainly experienced tiredness and worries.

The old story says shepherds came to see the baby Jesus. Angels appeared in celebration of his birth. Wise men from the East came bringing him gifts. A lot of attention was given to the little baby.  This season focus on what and who are important before the season is over and take an extra moment to enjoy.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author.

What’s your view?

Write a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Enjoy Christmas before it's over