CRESTVIEW — Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa at the Crestview Public Library 6-8 p.m. Dec. 20 during the ninth annual Noel Night.

Soloist Jenna Renee Lewis, Chanticleer from Crestview High School, led by Kevin Lusk, the hand bell choir from First United Methodist Church, also led by Lusk, and a worship music team from Emmanuel Baptist Church, led by Justin Wyatt, will fill the library with Christmas music.

Crafters, come early. There will be crafts while supplies last. Scavenge the library and win a prize. You can also win a prize by playing dreidel. There may even be a surprise visit.

This event is free, thanks to the Friends (who will bake cookies). If you’d like to give back to the community, bring a nonperishable food item for Sharing and Caring.

Call 682-4432. The library is at 1445 Commerce Drive.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library's Noel Night coming Dec. 20

  CRESTVIEW — Community of Christ Church, 398 W. 1st Ave., will open tonight at 6 p.m. and will remain open until 8 a.m. Thursday.   The Okaloosa County Cold Weather Shelter Program provides protection during freezing weather.

Program organizers estimate approximately 50 to 65 individuals use the shelters each time one opens.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Cold weather shelter at Crestview church tonight

CRESTVIEW — Marlin and Charlotte Bass will celebrate their 70th anniversary from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at First Baptist Church of Crestview Fellowship Hall, 171 Hickory Ave., Crestview.

The News Bulletin publishes north Okaloosa County residents' 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: Crestview couple plans 70th anniversary celebration

CRESTVIEW — Designating Christmas parade participants’ positions and providing a roster of entrants to the public are two ways the Main Street Crestview Association may curb patrons’ disappointment with controversial entrants, members said Wednesday. 

The committee plans to speak with city attorney Jerry Miller and city council members before making formal decisions on the matter. 

Members evaluated last weekend’s parade, which drew criticism from a number of News Bulletin readers offended by Save Me from the Fire ministry’s truck. Student minister James Forrester shouted disparaging remarks about homosexuals, said Santa Claus isn’t real and damned parade attendees to hell.  

Following the parade, the News Bulletin’s website, crestviewbulletin.com, and its Facebook page received hundreds of comments expressing outrage from the incident. The Main Street Crestview Association’s City Hall-based office also has received comments from concerned residents.

"We didn't want people to think that we are just going to turn a blind eye to this," Main Street member Rae Schwartz said. "I came with some concerns and I want to help fix it."

Other members at Wednesday’s meeting included Main Street President Ellis Conner, Patti Gonzo, Viola Owens, Cal Zethmayr and Pat Hollarn.

The group discussed possible steps to prevent a similar situation from happening at future Christmas parades.

Zethmayr suggested changing the application’s wording.

"We should put in the application for next year that (Main Street Association) has the right to designate where any unit goes, period." Zethmayr said. "Accept it or don't be in the parade."

Zethmayr suggested making the roster of entrants, by order of procession, available to the public, so people could leave early if they disagreed with an organization’s message.

"You can't legally restrict anybody (from being in the parade), because you are going to put the city in a lawsuit," he said, referencing conclusions he arrived at from discussions with city council members. “It's the city's parade that we organize."

Whether such perceived legal implications actually exist remains to be seen.

"I haven't looked into this matter; therefore, I cannot comment on it," Miller said. 

Save Me from the Fire applied for Christmas parade entry in Bay Minette, Ala., but North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce organizers denied the request based on an unpaid $10 float fee, according to Mobile-based TV station Fox 10. The South Alabama chamber reserves the right to deny any application based on unpaid fees or indications that an applicant wouldn’t align with the parade’s theme, Fox10tv.com reported.

Nevertheless, all Main Street Crestview members on Wednesday wanted to avoid potentially violating anyone’s First Amendment rights.

"I think that we can reasonably … determine the placement of those units at the end of the parade," Conner said.

However, Hollarn expressed caution.

 "This situation had to be handled carefully; that's why we need to work with the city council," she said.

Hollarn said she was horrified when she had heard about the shouting incident.

"This is part of Crestview becoming bigger," she said. "This is probably only the beginning of certain things like this happening."

Still, each organization should receive the same courtesy, she said, adding, "Not one moment of hostility can be shown towards any group.”

Wednesday, Save Me from the Fire, a Washington-based ministry, responded to Crestview residents’ furor with a statement on its website, savemefromthefire.org. 

“Your controversy is with the Lord God, not with us,” Brian Gaines, a Pensacola student minister, said. “We faithfully spoke the truth according to His word in your fair town, knowing that it pleased God.”

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

READ MORE: See "Related Links" at top left of this article.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Christmas parade organizers mull ways to curb public disapproval

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Okaloosa County Water and Sewer Department is receiving calls from concerned residents about letters from insurance companies warning them they should insure their water pipes. These letters are not coming from Okaloosa County.

Residents are urged to contact their homeowner insurance agent or contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 689-5705 if you have concerns.

You may also contact the Better Business Bureau at 850-429-0002 or visit nwfl.bbb.org. For more information, call 651-7171.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Water and Sewer not sending insurance letters

PAXTON — Less than a week after having a one-pound mass removed from her left cheek, Katie Renfroe was back home, recovering in a crib in the family’s living room.

View a slideshow of her return.

Her family expected 4-year-old Katie to be hospitalized in Hollywood in South Florida for at least two weeks following the 10-hour procedure Thursday.

“I told you God takes care of us, he takes care of her,” said her mom, Angie Renfroe, as she stood next to Katie’s crib.

The little girl watched her mom and smiled when Angie swooped in to kiss the top of her head.

“That’s a beautiful smile, it is,” Angie said, swooping down again and again to Katie’s delight.

Katie was diagnosed with megalencephaly before she was born, and doctors warned her parents of the potential severity of her condition.

The rare disorder caused portions of her head and face to be unusually large. She had part of her brain removed as an infant to control seizures.

Now, a surgeon in Hollywood will perform a series of surgeries to try to restore some normalcy to the little girl’s life. The weight of her cheeks was so heavy she got tired holding up her head.

Stitches line the side of Katie’s face near her hairline, and her left cheek remains swollen from the surgery. She also has a little bruising around her eye.

But she is alert, smiling and doing all the things she did before the surgery.

Her dad, Danial, who has been by her side virtually every minute, said Katie seems to be in very little pain. On their first night home, he slept on the couch a few feet away.

“I’m surprised my own self how good she looks now,” he said. “She’s pretty strong.”

Family members disagree about how rare the surgeon said her condition was. Their recollections range from one in a million to one in 10 million.

“Most (doctors) don’t even see a child like her in their career,” Angie said. “We already knew she was rare and special.

“I think all kids are rare and special in their own way,” she added.

In the two weeks since the world first heard about Katie and her rare condition from a newspaper article, donations have poured in to help the rural family of 10. The family lives frugally on Katie's monthly disability check and asks for little outside help.

They used some of the donations to help pay for the long trip to South Florida, including putting gas in the van and feeding the other children, who range in age from 1 to 14.

They also plan to pay back Angie’s brother, who loaned them his credit card to fund their first trip to the surgeon.

They will use the rest of the money to help pay for future trips. Katie faces as many as seven more surgeries to downsize other facial features, including her right cheek, left ear and tongue. She could return to the hospital later this month for the second operation.

Angie and Danial said they are a bit overwhelmed by becoming so well-known overnight. They were interviewed for a TV segment, but never saw it. They marveled that a waitress in Hollywood asked after Katie during dinner.

“It’s kind of like we’re famous all the sudden but it will go just as quick,” Danial said. “We’re people that kind of stay to ourselves. We don’t get out and bug anybody.

“It’s neat,” he added of the attention. “It’s a good thing that people are finding out that even though Katie has a problem, she’s still a person.”

She is the real superstar of the family, and acts the part. Toys in her crib are dumped overboard for the pure pleasure of watching a family member pick them up.

Propped up, surrounded by soft toys, she waves, claps her hands and signs simple words to family members. When her daddy picks her up, she snuggles into his shoulder and then makes a special Katie version of the sign for I love you.

“Daddy, you love him,” said Angie, from the couch, where their youngest child napped on her lap. “I love him too.”

WANT TO HELP? An account has been set up at Regions Bank in the name of Angie Renfroe for the benefit of Katie Renfroe. Catholic Charities also is working with the family. For more information, call 850-737-0864.

Contact Daily News Assignment Editor Wendy Victora at 850-315-4478 or wvictora@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @WendyVnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Katie Renfroe home after surgery (SLIDESHOW)

LAUREL HILL — The Florida State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating a vehicle fire on County Road 393 that occurred late Tuesday afternoon.

 Fire crews from Almarante and Dorcas volunteer fire departments responded to a call in which a 2000 Dodge Neon caught fire while on the side of U.S. Highway 393.

"It happened just north of Highway 2," Almarante Fire Chief Charles Carroll said. "The incident occurred at 4:23 p.m."

Carroll got the fire marshal's office involved due to the unknown nature of the fire.

Carroll said the driver, who lives near Laurel Hill, was traveling south on Highway 393 on his way to work Tuesday morning before the vehicle broke down.

The driver was then picked by a friend to take him to work. The driver returned to the vehicle with a friend in attempt to pull the vehicle with a towrope.

"When they got there, the car was in flames," Carroll said. Carroll said the fire marshal's office started investigating last night.

The Dodge Neon was totaled in the fire, with no reported injuries.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fire marshal investigates mysterious vehicle fire on Highway 393

BAKER — Baker School students treated local senior citizens to Christmas music performed by the middle school band and a Christmas meal prepared by the school's culinary program Tuesday at the school.

Principal Thomas Shipp said he was pleased with the event's turnout. Denise Gronberg, who organized the event with the help of students, said 75 people attended.

"This is probably the biggest turnout we have had in a number of years," Shipp said.

"We came here for the food," Sam Brunson said. Brunson and his wife of 50 years, Betty, 67, regularly attend the annual event.

Many residents know Brunson as the voice of Baker varsity sports. In which, he continues to call plays from the press box at Doug Griffith Stadium, during football season and several other Baker sporting events. 

 "In the 38 years, I have been doing it, I have probably only missed five games." Brunson, 69, said.  Brunson said that he and his wife have been attending the event since the 1980's.

"We come here to see people we haven't seen in awhile," Brunson said. Many of them are longtime friends and classmates of Brunson when he attended the school.

"We don't get to see these people that often," Betty Brunson added.

Sam Brunson was also impressed with middle school bands performance.

"That was the best middle school band performance, I have ever heard," Sam Brunson said. "They did a really great job." 

 Before the senior citizens were treated to the banquet (which was sponsored by the school Student Government Association and Leadership Program) the guests were able to listen to a Christmas concert performed by the middle school band.

Band Director Tony Chiarito led the band in Christmas music, which included like  "Jingle Bones,"(a rendition on the classic, "Jingle Bells") and "Once upon a December," which was featured in the 1997 Disney film "Anastasia."

The final piece of music performed by the middle school students featured portions of 20 Christmas classics in just two minutes, which included "O little town of Bethlehem" and "Away in A manger."

 After the concert, guests were escorted to the school cafeteria to enjoy a Christmas lunch, which included turkey, dressing and other side items. Desert was also provided

"It is our way to pay them back for all of the support they have given us," Lindsay Gatewood said. Gatewood, who is a senior representative with the SGA, was volunteering at the banquet.

"This is actually one of biggest crowds we've had," Gatewood said. She added that everything was running smoothly after the guests were seated.

Gatewood said this event is used to show appreciation to the senior citizens at the event.

"Most of these people are involved in the school, because their grandchildren attend here," Gatewood said. She added that many of these seniors attend school functions including school sporting events.

 Shipp agreed with Gatewood.

"A lot of them attended this school and help establish a lot of traditions this school and they are still involved with it, through their kids and grandkids," Shipp said. "We have some that help and volunteer here (at the school)."

Not only were guests leaving with banquet placemats that were made by kindergarten students and corsages made by elementary students, they also had a chance to leave with a door prize. These prizes included gift certificates and other items donated to the event from local businesses in Baker and Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker students host senior citizens for holiday event

The December holidays are fast approaching, so we are gearing up for our annual Noel Night at the library.

This year, we will once again provide free cookies, carols and crafts for community families. For a fun-filled evening, plan to spend Thursday, Dec. 20, with us.

This is a learning experience as well. The first 75 children will receive a holiday fun book, from which they will learn some interesting facts about the three holidays. Plan to participate in Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah crafts and games. Take part in the scavenger hunt and win a prize.

Special entertainment will include the Crestview High School elite show choir Chanticleer, led by Kevin Lusk, Crestview First United Methodist Church hand bell choir also led by Kevin Lusk, the worship music team from Emmanuel Baptist Church, led by Justin Wyatt, and a special Christmas solo by Jenna Renee Lewis, our local junior soloist.

Take a stroll through the library and enjoy the special Christmas trees decorated by Edney, Bay and Laurel Hill Headstart preschool classes, and Kids Discovery, Shoal River Learning Center and both Child Care Network preschool classes.

Bring a can or boxed food item for our donation box for “Sharing and Caring.” During December, the library will forgive fines up to $20 for food, with each food item being worth $1 in fines. All food items will go to our Crestview Sharing and Caring facility. We also have a gift box for slightly used or new children’s books for our “Give the Gift of Reading” campaign. These gift books will go to Okaloosa Headstart children.

In the spirit of giving, we hope you will purchase a Christmas ornament for our “Book Donation Tree” to help us buy new books for the library. The next time you are in the library, ask about it.

Our Friends of the Crestview Library sponsor these holiday events.

STAFF PICKS

Come in and check out our collection of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa books.

QUOTE

“When I read about the way in which library funds are being cut and cut, I can only think that American society has found one more way to destroy itself.” — Isaac Asimov

Jean Lewis is the director of the Crestview Public Library.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Noel Night coming Dec. 20 to library

MARY ESTHER — A female black bear that had grown reliant on human-provided food and brazen in her efforts to obtain it has been euthanized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Two cubs, both weighing about 100 pounds, were captured with their mother and released on Eglin Air Force Base property northwest of the Wynn Haven Beach area they’d frequented, the FWC said in a news release.

“The cubs have been with their mother long enough that they are no longer fully dependent on her,” FWC bear program coordinator Dave Telesco said in the news release. “The chances of survival for these cubs are relatively good.”

Telesco said in the news release that the mother black bear had to be killed because she’d lost “her natural fear of people.”

She’d also killed chickens and a dog during her forays into areas inhabited by humans, the release states.

“The female had raised two litters of cubs and been active in several neighborhoods in the area for a few years,” Telesco was quoted as saying. “This year, however, she became more bold and protective of her cubs.”

The capture was made Nov. 29.

Officials said both the mother bear and the cubs were larger than bears reliant on foods found in nature. She weighed 250 pounds.

“Bears grow larger and produce more cubs when they have regular access to human-provided foods, which increases the number of bears living in neighborhoods and causing human-bear conflicts,” the release states.

“This situation was preventable. If those bears did not have easy access to trash and other human-provided foods, they would likely have just passed through the neighborhood,” Telesco said.

 Contact Daily News Staff Writer Tom McLaughlin at 850-315-4435 or tmclaughlin@nwfdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomMnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mother bear euthanized after capture