FLORALA, Ala. — The family of Walter Kimble Owens, who has several Crestview relatives, invites everyone to his 90th birthday celebration, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 15 at First Baptist Church fellowship hall in Florala, Ala.

Your presence will be your gift.

Owens, also known as “the inventor” to family and friends, designed a self-renewing energy supply that he says can power homes and automobiles.

The News Bulletin publishes north Okaloosa County residents' birthday, engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements at no charge. Submissions may be edited for length and style. Call 682-6524 or email news@crestviewbulletin.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BIRTHDAY: Owens celebrates 90 years Dec. 15

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa Saves is accepting entries for 2013 Pigs on Parade and Piggy Bank Pageant contests. Winners will be announced at the Feb. 2 Eco-Nomic Expo in Fort Walton Beach.

Entry for the Pigs on Parade contest costs $50 per business team. Half of entry proceeds will go to the winner's favorite charity. Each team may decorate a piggy bank that expo attendees will vote on. The bank with the most votes determines the winner.

To enter, send payment by Jan. 12 to Okaloosa Saves, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview, FL 32539. 

The Piggy Bank Pageant — for youths ages 12 and younger — allows participants to decorate a piggy bank for competition.

Prospective contestants must submit completed registration forms and decorated piggy banks by Jan. 18. Winners will receive a savings bond.

The Eco-Nomic Living Expo — 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emerald Coast Convention Center — is a free, family-based event organized by the University of Florida and Okaloosa County Extension.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Piggy Bank Pageant and Pigs on Parade contests open

LAUREL HILL — Many residents who crowded First Baptist Church of Laurel Hill’s fellowship hall Tuesday night said this north county community should dissolve its city status.

The City Council wanted residents’ input on whether it should place a dissolution option on an upcoming ballot. Resident Harold Jones’ comments on poor road conditions during a Nov. 15 council meeting spurred the council’s decision to schedule the meeting.

Residents on Tuesday mainly discussed the main roads’ disrepair and expressed concerns about how their tax dollars were spent. Most favored dissolution.

"My position is that we are in the county and we all need to make (the city of) Laurel Hill go away," Harold Jones said.

"I'm for it," Deborah Adams, a Laurel Hill School teacher, said. "If Laurel Hill is no longer a city, that does not mean that they are going to erase those letters off the map."

A few residents favored Laurel Hill remaining a city.

Despite the city’s shaky financial standing, the likelihood of Okaloosa County repairing the roads, post-dissolution, would be a “pipe dream,” Mike Blizzard said.

"We’re not going to be in any better shape than we are now," he said, adding the sole difference would be the area’s municipality loss.

Florida Rep. Doug Broxson, newly elected Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles and Okaloosa County Public Works Director John Hofstad attended, offering moral support. They did not express stances on the issue.

"We just want to be very clear that if your goal is to dissolve the city and become unincorporated in Okaloosa County, it’s not like we show up the next day and start repaving roads," Hofstad said after the meeting. "We have a process we go through."

The county commission must approve funding for road repairs before work could begin.

"We certainly want to help out Laurel Hill where we can … and we certainly will in the future," Hofstad said. 

  During the meeting, an audience member asked the council to state their thoughts on the issue.

  Council Chair Larry Hendren and Co-chair Robby Adams said they favored dissolution. Councilman Clifton Hall said he wants Laurel Hill to remain a city. Council members Betty Williamson, Willie Mae Toles and Mayor Joan Smith expressed no preference.

While addressing the issue, Toles shared her dissatisfaction with the current mayor.

"Laurel Hill was all right until she got here," she said.

The audience applauded the statement.

  Hendren encouraged residents to call city hall with questions on the matter and do research before deciding on the issue.

Resident Scott Moneypenny agreed.

"The citizens of Laurel Hill need all the information that is possibly available before making a decision to dissolve a city," he said. "Because once you lose the infrastructure, there is going to be problems, that people cannot for see."

 The next Laurel Hill council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8.

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: Residents discuss city dissolution; council member criticizes mayor

VALPARAISO — Okaloosa County is looking for residents who want to help celebrate Florida’s 500th anniversary.

Viva Florida 500 officially kicks off Jan. 1.

“It’s an all-year celebration,” said Kathy Newby, the county’s public information officer.

Newby and several other community leaders have formed a Viva Florida 500 committee that will meet in the coming weeks to organize local events.

The state has provided each of its 67 counties with a time capsule to fill with items unique to them.

 “We invite anybody to be involved,” Newby said. “We don’t want to do this time capsule in a vacuum.”

Newby said some of the ideas being considered are recipes and black and white photos.

Technology such as DVDs might also be an option, she added.

“I just think it’s a great opportunity,” Newby said. “We want people to reflect on what makes Okaloosa County unique.”

The committee will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Valparaiso Library at 459 Valparaiso Parkway.

For more information about the Viva Florida 500 celebration, go to the Okaloosa Viva Florida 500 page on Facebook or to www.fla500.com.

WANT TO ATTEND? Okaloosa County’s Viva Florida 500 committee will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Valparaiso Library at 459 Valparaiso Parkway.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa to help celebrate 500 years of Florida

FORT WALTON BEACH — Looking to give your senior loved one something special this holiday season?

You don’t need a big budget or a creative gift list.

 What seniors want the most could simply be assistance with holiday preparations and activities, according to one local expert.

“The aging process, which can cause changes in vision, hearing and mobility, often sidelines a senior during the holidays, limiting their ability to enjoy so many of the traditions that are important to that generation,” said Todd Harrell, owner of Home Instead Senior Care, which serves Okaloosa and Walton counties. “That’s why the most valued gift for many seniors is assistance to continue to shop for gifts, bake Christmas cookies and tour the holiday lights.”

Here are 10 possible gifts for senior loved ones:

• Shop — but not until you drop. Conditions such as macular degeneration, which leads to poor eyesight and inability to drive, can make shopping difficult for older adults. Take seniors to their favorite store or make online shopping memorable. Tune into seniors’ limitations.

• Keep food traditions alive. Food can play an important role in the holidays for seniors. If an older adult can no longer cook the traditional holiday meal, offer to carry on the tradition, asking the senior to help where he or she can.

• Make a special delivery. Arthritis can make wrapping holiday presents a challenge; so can shipping gifts to loved ones. Schedule a gift-wrapping afternoon, complete with hot chocolate, cookies and plenty of family stories.

• Deck the halls. Carting out holiday ornaments isn’t always possible for an older adult with a bad back or weak muscles — neither is stringing lights or hanging ornaments. Make it a multigenerational activity by sending over the grandkids or great-grandchildren.

• Send holiday greetings. The handwritten Christmas card is a tradition for this generation of seniors. Offer to spend an afternoon writing greetings. If that’s not possible, an online photo greeting card can be just as good (and save the cost of cards and stamps).

• Sing along. Caroling is a fun activity for almost any age. Get a group of your senior loved one’s friends together to serenade other older adults in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

• Celebrate the reason for the season. Faith and holiday programs can bring joy to older adults. Be flexible and change traditions if necessary. For instance, attend early Christmas Eve service, not midnight Mass.

• Focus on others. Volunteering to assist others can help seniors focus on someone else’s needs instead of their own. Get the entire family involved in gathering supplies for a homeless shelter or serving a holiday meal.

• Stay connected. The holidays can be a sad time for seniors separated from their families. Help an older adult connect with loved ones far away with the latest technology, such as Skype.

• The gift of time. Sometimes, all an older adult wants is companionship, whether it’s a few moments of the day or a driving tour to view holiday lights. If you are short of time, consider the assistance of a family friend, neighbor or caregiver.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 10 tips for holiday gifts to seniors

CRESTVIEW — A school bus carrying 32 students from Rocky Bayou Christian School was involved in an early morning crash just outside of Crestview.

The bus was waiting to turn left onto Live Oak Church Road from southbound State Road 85 when the left front side of it was struck by a northbound vehicle that had run a red light, according to a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Neither the driver of the bus, Patricia F. Duffey, 52, of Crestview, nor any of the children on it were injured in the 7:15 a.m. crash, the report stated.

The driver of the other vehicle, Theresa H. Leonard, 56, of Valparaiso, suffered minor injuries. She was taken to the North Okaloosa Medical Center for treatment.

Before striking the school bus, Leonard’s vehicle also hit Bradley P. Moore’s vehicle. The 37-year-old from Shalimar didn’t suffer any injuries in the crash.

Leonard was charged with running a red light.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: School bus involved in morning crash

CRESTVIEW — The Main Street Crestview Association could tighten Christmas parade application guidelines to filter applicants, a Laurel Hill attorney said Friday.

"It looks to me they could give it some more rules," Laurel Hill City Attorney Daniel Campbell said.

The current application includes questions for routine information and payment options. Applicants agree to guidelines that pertain to participants’ safety and visibility, understanding of the parade route, and rain procedure.

Additionally, event organizers could include a question on the application that asks applicants to describe their parade entry. 

"Then a committee could decide whether that activity is appropriate or not," Campbell said.

Current city attorney Jerry Miller and former city attorney Ben Holley wouldn’t comment on the matter, as of press time.

Following the Dec. 1 Christmas parade, many criticized participant Save me from the Fire ministry, which featured a Pensacola student minister who shouted anti-gay remarks, damned parade attendees to hell and denied Santa Claus’ existence from a megaphone.

Many residents also criticized parade planners for approving the ministry’s application. The Crestview organization has issued apologies for those offended.

Main Street organizers made no formal decisions after meeting Dec. 5 to discuss the issue, but members were open to changing next year’s guidelines. Suggestions included designating participants’ positions in the procession; if applicants didn’t accept their given position, they wouldn't be allowed to participate.

 One member suggested publicly posting a roster in advance so parade-goers could avoid messages from organizations they might find offensive.   

Mike Ryan of Crestview said he likes the idea. However, he said, if Save Me from the Fire participates in 2013, he and his family would not attend.

"There are plenty of other parades to attend in the area," said Ryan, who didn’t attend this year’s parade since his 3-year-old son was sick. He heard about what happened from other residents who expressed their outrage on the News Bulletin’s Facebook page.

Ryan supports people exercising their First Amendment rights, but he said the situation should fit the setting.

On the humorous side, Ryan offered relative’s suggestion for how parade officials could deal with controversial applicants.

"My brother-in-law suggested putting them between two fire engines (which blow their sirens throughout the parade route)," Ryan said.

A major concern for the Main Street association centers on potential legal threats from those who feel their First Amendment rights are violated. 

During the meeting, members said they would seek attorneys’ and city officials’ input.

Conner said he and other members have received suggestions from other cities, which have dealt with similar situations.

He and other Main Street members plan to work with city officials to ensure similar incidents never happen at another Christmas parade.

"In the 50 (plus) years that the parade has been going, this is the first bit of controversy that I can remember," Conner said.

In addition to the Christmas parade, the Main Street Crestview Association plans some of Crestview's most widely attended events, including the Fall Festival and First Friday summer events.

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

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Christmas parade planners could tighten rules, attorney says

LAUREL HILL — The Florida Department of Transportation’s ongoing State Road 85 resurfacing project has taken a slight detour while contractor crews address a drainage issue in Laurel Hill.

The work is on Second Avenue from S.R. 85 to the intersection with Third Street. As part of the roadwork, the Third Street spur between Second Avenue and S.R. 85 will permanently close, equipment operator Brandon Haveard said.

“It’s mainly to get everybody to stop using this road,” he said, indicating the short stretch of Third Street.

Excavation work alongside the avenue is for a drainage ditch that will connect to a drain near the state road, Haveard said.

Anderson Columbia has been resurfacing S.R. 85 since November began. The contractor has completed the northbound lane and is working on the southbound segment. Work should be completed by year’s end, barring weather-related delays, according to an FDOT project announcement.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: S.R. 85 work progressing; crews also address Laurel Hill side road

CRESTVIEW — Following an uptick in flu activity, the Okaloosa County Health Department urges residents and visitors to help limit risk of exposure to seasonal flu and get vaccinated.

The United States has seen significant increases in flu activity over the past two weeks, which indicates an early flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The flu is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness.

“The most effective precautions we can use to fight illness are getting vaccinated as soon as possible and by practicing good hygiene habits,” said Dr. Karen Chapman, director of the Okaloosa County Health Department. “There is still time to get the influenza vaccine. With the holidays approaching, and many people traveling or gathering with family and friends, these simple precautions may lessen your risk of getting influenza.”

Those at highest risk during flu season include children under 5 years old, adults 65 and over, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions like heart and lung diseases and diabetes. All health care personnel are strongly urged to get the influenza vaccine.

Meanwhile, watch for flu symptoms including headache, high fever, a severe cough, runny nose or body aches.

The Okaloosa County Health Department provides the flu vaccine free of charge for children ages 6 months through 18 years. No appointment is necessary. Adults can find information on flu vaccine locations at http://flushot.healthmap.org.

PREVENT THE FLU

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Lack a tissue? Cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Practice an effective hand washing technique. See http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/ for details. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are sick with flu–like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without using fever-reducing medicine, except to get medical care or for other necessities.

• Get revaccinated every year because flu viruses change annually.

Source: Florida Department of Health

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Health department urges seasonal flu precautions

CRESTVIEW — The city of Crestview will convert the intersection at S. Wilson St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. to an all-way stop at 8 a.m. Dec. 20.

Motorists should use caution when approaching this intersection, officials said.

For details, call Danny Bowden, street supervisor, at 682-6132 ext. 105.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Intersection being converted to an all-way stop Dec. 20