CRESTVIEW — Jacob Robert Somers, 16, of Crestview, has earned the Eagle Scout Rank, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest advancement.

The Troop 773 member received the rank during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Eagle candidates must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a service project to earn the honor.

Jacob led a group of Scouts and adults in marking and identifying 100 native plants and trees and the painting of a picnic pavilion at the John McMahon Environmental Education Center in Crestview.

The Crestview High School sophomore is the son of Bob and Kristie Somers. His grandparents are the late Bob and JoAnn Somers of Egg Harbor Township, N.J. and the late Charles and the late Shelby Sweeten of Newport, Tenn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview teenager earns Eagle Scout rank

CRESTVIEW — As Ameylah Horton suited up in firefighting protective gear, she thought about what she wants to be when she grows up.

Asked if she would consider being a first responder, the 8-year-old said it’s possible — “because I like helping people. If someone would hurt their knee, I would give them a Band-Aid."

In the meantime, she and other children learned about the job when Crestview firefighters visited Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church on Friday for the final day of Vacation Bible School.

 Four department members displayed one of the main station's fire engines and explained the tools they use during emergencies such as burning buildings and traffic accidents.

The fire crew came at the request of Mae R. Coleman, who headed this year’s VBS event.

“I wanted these children to see how the community works,” she said.

 One goal was to teach children the importance of education, Coleman said — a point that Capt. Jody Smallwood echoed.

Fire trucks and hoses may help save lives, but “the most important tool you have is in your head," he said.

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: Crestview AME church invites firefighters to teach life lessons

CRESTVIEW — Greater Federation of Woman's Clubs member Doris Day, of the Fort Walton Beach chapter, conducted last month’s installation ceremonies for new club officers. 

The Crestview chapter is part of the world's largest and oldest service organization of volunteer women. The local club, founded in 1916, became federated in 1921.

The group promotes a common interest in charitable works, wholesome fellowship, adult education and community affairs. Members participate in activities that will strengthen and improve community and state conditions.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Greater Federation of Woman's Clubs of Crestview selects 2013-14 officers

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Public Library is having an open microphone night for poets and musicians to read, perform, improvise and play together.

The event is from 6-7:45 p.m. July 9 at 1445 Commerce Drive.

For details, contact Esther Hurwitz, 682-4432 or ehurwitz@okaloosa.lib.fl.us, or Rick Sanders, 585-6399.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Open mic night is July 9 at Crestview Public Library

VALPARAISO — Members and prospective members of Niceville’s Daughters of American Colonists Eucheeanna chapter recently gathered at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida for their organizing meeting. 

Florida State Regent Sue Bratton installed the new chapter board, including: Regent Margaret Nichols, Vice Regent Mary Ellen Ahlstorm, 2nd Vice Regent Virginia Poffenberger, Chaplain Rita Takeuchi, Recording Secretary Tanya Ditto, Treasurer Susan VanderZeyde, Registrar Scarlett Brock and Historian Dianna Lantz.

Bratton, who realized Niceville lacked a chapter, approached Nichols about forming one. Because there was such an interest in a Niceville chapter, Eucheeanna's formation was approved and organized in six months. 

The chapter’s name honors Euchee Indians and the first Scottish settlement in territorial Florida.

Want to join?

Call Margaret Nichols, 897-1278, for details on Niceville’s Daughters of American Colonists Eucheeanna chapter.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Daughters of American Colonists chapter forms in Niceville

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Okaloosa County Division of Environmental Services, which began spot spraying in May, has four tips to avoid mosquitoes.

Mosquito Control and Public Health Departments urge the public to “SWAT” as follows.

•Stay inside with screened doors and windows during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes bite.

•When outside, wear clothing that covers skin.

•Apply mosquito repellant that includes DEET on your skin when you are outside.

•Turn over standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs or rid your outdoor area of standing water in which mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

Apply all mosquito repellents in accordance with the recommended frequency and methods suggested by the manufacturer, the groups said.

Mosquito spray trucks generally operate from 7 p.m. until 12 p.m. but could also operate in the early morning hours.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County issues advice to avoid mosquitoes

CRESTVIEW — Financial adviser Joe Faulk invites the community to attend a Mid-Year Town Hall on Friday night at Warriors Hall. The event will feature advice from community leaders and financial experts.

In addition to hosting the event, the Edward Jones representative will discuss fixed income and the economy.

Other speakers and their topics are as follows:

•Kay Rasmussen, Okaloosa County Economic Development Council interim president; local business.

•Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles; government and legislation

•Bart Fleet, of Fleet, Spencer and Kilpatrick P.A.; federal estate tax law

Audience members can ask questions after each panelist speaks for about 15 minutes, Faulk said, adding the event may recur.

"I fully anticipate a successful event on Friday and hope to hold two events annually," he said. "We hope to hold a 2014 beginning-year town hall to provide a full-year outlook at the end of January 2014 and a mid-year town hall to review our full-year outlook, and look forward at the remainder of the year at the end of July 2014."

Want to go?

 What: The Edward Jones Mid-Year Town Hall Meeting

 When: Friday; networking begins at 5 p.m. Main event is 6-8 p.m.

 Where: Warriors Hall Auditorium, 201 Stillwell Blvd.

Cost: Free

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: Finance-themed town hall meeting on Friday in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — If a natural disaster wipes out north Okaloosa County’s power lines, amateur radio enthusiasts can link and guide first responders using satellite positioning and related technology.

The North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club displayed its telecommunication skills using different forms of amateur, or ham, radios, on Saturday at Dorcas Fire Station 42. Members participating in the American Radio Relay League’s National Field Day contacted as many ham operators as possible during the 24-hour exercise. This year, club members made 800 contacts.

"The goal also is to set up emergency power, emergency antennas in a short amount of time," club member Steve Hayes said. "Demonstrating what you would do in an emergency situation."

To that end, members erected antennas and installed a gasoline-powered generator near the Deer Spring Road building — just in case. The fire station — where the club meets monthly — is an alternative Emergency Operations Center for communications and food-and-water distribution.   

Daniel Sainz received his first amateur radio experience last weekend with an invitation from his grandfather, club member Mike Martell. The event left an impression, he said.

"You get to meet people from everywhere," Sainz said. "The furthest I have made contact was South Carolina."

 Martell said amateur radio operation — which requires a license, as the Federal Communications Commission regulates it — is a hobby someone can have for life.

"It’s a hobby that I can take into when I get old, because you sit down when you do it," he said. "You can talk to people all over the world."

Glenn Goll, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, said he enjoys talking to people through his home system.

"I've gotten into Australia, New Zealand, France, England," he said. "That's halfway around the world …”

Operators share signal levels and call-sign information and conduct the occasional small talk, members said.

"Usually its the weather, kids, grandkids and antennas," Goll said. "We try to stay away from religion and politics."

Amateur radios have progressed since their 20th century, simple-coded origins, Hayes said. 

"There are digital modes where you can work on a computer and talk via the computer if you are hard of hearing," he said.

Cal Zethmayr, the club's activities manager, said amateur radio has assisted first responders’ efforts, particularly with coordinating efforts in Hurricane George’s 1998 aftermath.

 "When Crestview became an island after George, our members assisted with communications," he said in an email. "We provide operators at all of the Red Cross shelters and for the Amateur Radio Communications room at the new EOC in Niceville."  

Want to join?

Learn how to become a North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club member at http://w4aaz.org.

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

http://w4aaz.org

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAMMIN' IT UP: Okaloosa ham radio enthusiasts gather for field day