CRESTVIEW — Former Mayor Ted Mathis, who died Thursday of congestive heart failure following a period of illness, served in City Hall from November 1987 until April 1995.

Mathis — who pushed for installing the instrument landing system that increased Bob Sikes Airport’s capabilities — succeeded former Mayor Jerry Milligan and served until George Whitehurst was reelected to the office.

Under Mathis' administration, rail passenger service returned to the Hub City in January 1993 for the first time in more than 20 years, and continued three times weekly until August 2005.

He had passionately worked to dam the Yellow River, a project eventually abandoned but considered, at the time, a solution for the north county’s long-term water needs.

"Ted Mathis was one of the finest men that I've known," Mayor David Cadle said. "He loved Crestview and was a true and dedicated public servant. We'll miss him in the city. He was very gracious. He was a fine gentleman."

Mathis, a former Navy Seabee commander, entered the Navy after high school and rose to E6 from E1 in four years. As a machinist, he worked in the Navy's largest machine shop in Astoria, Ore.

After attending the University of South Carolina, he worked for NASA in Hampton, Va., supporting the Scout missile. While at the space agency, he invented a cooling system for payloads.

He left NASA and went to work for the Air Force, where he tested the first laser on an aircraft and moved from South Carolina to Northwest Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joyce Mathis, his children: Gaye Mathis Helms, Dennis, Joy, Greg, Evelyn, Karen and Steve Mathis, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

The funeral for former Crestview Mayor Ted Mathis is 4 p.m. Sunday at the First United Methodist Church Cross Roads Center, 599 Eighth Ave. Visitation is at 2 p.m.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Former Crestview mayor Ted Mathis dies

LAUREL HILL — Following the Hobo Festival committee’s decision to cancel this year's event, two Laurel Hill organizations are stepping up with a substitute festival.

Safe Haven Horse Rescue Center and the city's volunteer fire department will present "A Day in the Country Life" Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Gene Clary Park.

The Hobo festival's cancellation was due to IRS regulation changes, committee member Betty Williamson said. The city couldn’t attain the tax-exempt status that it needed to have in time for the festival, Williamson said.

"It usually takes several months for it to be approved," she said. 

Safe Haven director Jim Bryan said he wanted to continue the city's tradition.

 "We didn't want to break up that commitment with the community," he said. "People are coming to Laurel Hill expecting there to be a festival on the second Saturday in October."

 Many of the food, merchandise and art vendors from the previous Hobo festival have committed to the so-called semi-Hobo festival, Bryan said.

The event will feature live country music from local musicians. A few rescued animals from Safe Haven will be present, along with Dozer the Therapy Dog, a Great Dane who visits hospice patients and is a Walgreens greeter.

Festival proceeds will support the fire department and Safe Haven, Bryan said.

Although there is no Hobo festival for this year, Williamson said the annual event would return.

"I'm sorry it's not going to happen this year," she said. "We do plan on having (the Hobo festival) for next year."

Want to go?

What: "A Day in the Country Life" Fall Festival

When:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:  Gene Clary Park, Laurel Hill

Cost: Free admission

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New fall event to substitute for canceled Hobo Festival

CRESTVIEW — Scurvy dogs of various degrees of proficiency had to learn their taekwondo forms Thursday or face their saber-wielding masters’ wrath.

At the urging of Mary Valdez of Gordon Martial Arts, students and instructors donned pirate garb over their gis, or uniforms, to observe International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

During Mini "Marrrtial" class for children, Valdez said, Master Gregory Bledsoe waved his sword and commanded students to answer his commands with "arrrr" — or they would walk the plank.

Eye patches were required on deck — rather, on the mats — for the day, along with headscarves and even a stuffed parrot.

"I get into it every year and lots of the students just follow along," Valdez said, wearing a brocaded coat, lacy cuffs and cockaded hat.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: International Talk Like a Pirate Day invades martial arts studio

BAKER — Local businesses, two North Okaloosa churches and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office are raising drug abuse awareness this weekend.

Doug Griffith Memorial Stadium on Friday will host "Free 2013,” which will include activities — from inflatable bounce houses to flag football games and a dunking booth featuring Baker School staff — for sixth- through 12th-graders.

Attendees can win a tablet, gas cards and a ski trip to North Carolina for two.

Fun activities will mix with a reality check, courtesy of the sheriff’s office and Bonifay area resident Jerrod Jenkins, who will share his experience with substance abuse.

"He used to struggle with a drug addiction," said Justin Douglas, Pilgrim Rest youth minister. "He later got clean, got saved and is now a pastor."

Counseling and resources will be available for attendees needing assistance.

Organizer Ruth Rainey said the event grew from a small church gathering ─"It started out as a way to reach our youth for drug prevention,” ─ to a community-wide event.

Free 2013 is sponsored by First Baptist Church of Holt and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, along with Oliver's Nursery and Hub City Smokehouse and Grill, which will provide free food.

Want to go?

What: Free 2013

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Baker School’s Doug Griffith Memorial Stadium, 14th Street

An earlier version of this article stated the "Free 2013" starts at 7 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. Event organizers called in the clarification.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: "Free 2013" focuses on drug abuse awareness this Friday

CRESTVIEW — Tom Moody seeks the community's support in giving a facelift to the YMCA in downtown Crestview.

Membership fees and dues cover just enough to pay utility bills, he said.

"We need to generate some money," he said. "We need to paint the place and the outside (of the building) needs pressure washing."

In addition, the facility could use a storage area for sports equipment, which currently is placed in crowded offices. 

To raise money, Moody organized the "Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl for a Day" at Old Warrior Ranch.

Families up to four members can attend for $20; all funds raised benefit the Crestview YMCA, which has more than 3,000 members.

Ticket sales are limited to 200.

Families are encouraged to wear their cowboy hats for horse and pony rides, a petting zoo, line dancing, archery and fishing; anglers should bring a fishing pole and bait. Children can play in a bounce house and attendees can swim in the ranch’s pool. Hot dogs and refreshments will be available. 

"It's going to be a family-oriented day," Moody said. "We are going to have all sorts of fun and western activities."

Want to go?

What: "Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl for a Day,” a Crestview YMCA fundraiser

When: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.

Cost: $20 for up to a family of four. Purchase tickets 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday or 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Crestview YMCA, 298 N. Wilson St.  

Where: Old Warrior Ranch 3229 Audrey Drive, Crestview.

CONTACT: 689-2999.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Old Warrior Ranch to host YMCA fundraiser on Sept. 29

North Okaloosa County residents can donate new, unworn pajamas in infant through adult sizes for foster children who may have been abused or neglected and could use pajamas for a sense of security.

Collection sites for “Tucking Kids In Safe and Sound,” a pajama drive for foster children served by FamiliesFirst Network, are as follows:

•FFN Crestview Service Center, 100 Premier Drive, Unit H, Crestview

•Woodlawn Baptist Church, 824 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview

•Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview

•Crestview News Bulletin, 705 Ashley Drive, Crestview

•FFN Fort Walton Beach Service Center, 340 Beal Parkway, N.W., Fort Walton Beach,

•FFN DeFuniak Springs Service Center, 79 N. Davis Lane, DeFuniak Springs

Other businesses, including various Wal-Mart Supercenters, are expected to participate. Deadline for collections is Oct. 11.

Contact Terri Marshall, FFN foster parent recruiter, at 418-3203 for additional locations and other details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa pajama drive for foster children ending Oct. 11

CRESTVIEW — From social and service to recreation, arts, fraternal and culture groups, more than 50 organizations, clubs, societies and associations are active in North Okaloosa County.

The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce wants to gather all of the region's open-membership groups under one roof at one time to answer an often-asked question:

What's there to do around here, anyway?

A core group, including chamber President Dennis Mitchell, executive director Wayne Harris and community vice president Paul Lowery, gathered over hot wings at Uncle's Bill's Sept. 10 to discuss the idea.

Organizers include chamber Arts and Culture Committee chairwoman Rae Schwartz and News Bulletin staffers.

To plan the event — tentatively envisioned as a spring 2014 carnival at the Crestview Community Center — organizers want a complete list of all north county open-membership organizations.

A preliminary brainstorming session developed a list of almost 60 groups from the American Legion Riders to the Young Marines.

Organizers invite each local group to send its contact information to the chamber of commerce to develop a community-wide organizations database that will also be used to help new residents find their Crestview niche.

Be included!

The Crestview News Bulletin wants to help the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce include all local open-to-the-public organizations, clubs and societies in an upcoming Organizations Showcase.

Send your group's name, main contact person, contact phone number and email address to Brian Hughes at the News Bulletin, brianh@crestviewbulletin.com.

Groups may also contact Rae Schwartz at bakerny@yahoo.com.

Call the chamber of commerce, 682-7413, for more information.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Organizations showcase to answer question: 'What is there to do here?'

CRESTVIEW — Mount Zion AME Church has kicked off a winter coat drive for Crestview children.

Organizers aim to collect 200 new or gently used coats by Dec. 20. So far, they have received almost 20 coats, several hats and monetary donations to buy more coats.

Drop coats off at Mount Zion AME Church, 502 McDonald St., Crestview.

The Concerned Citizens Group of Crestview, individuals and other organizations are participating.

Contact Ervin Johnson, ejohn582@cox.net, or Tomyka Muse, tomyka81@aol.com, if interested in helping. 

Want to help?

If you do not have a coat that you no longer need but would still like to help, donate by visiting www.gofundme.com/coats>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Children's coat drive begins in Crestview

Informed Families, Florida’s national Red Ribbon Campaign sponsor since 1982, has a new public service campaign for this year’s “Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children,” celebrated on Sept. 23.

FLFamilyDay.com offers tips, video and a game on how to overcome technology and other distractions so families can share a meal together; the challenge offers the chance to win a $250 Publix gift card or one of six $100 gift cards for residents registered by Sept. 24.

Students’ grades, behavior and the chances of avoiding substance use or abuse improve with the frequency that children eat dinner with their families, according to 10 years of studies by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Family Day encourages families to eat dinner together Sept. 23