CRESTVIEW — Act4Mystery (formerly Act4Murder) in January will perform two nights of Northwest Florida dinner theatre featuring comedy, mystery and murder.

The local professional comedy troupe, which has performed together since 2003, has a fundraiser planned Jan. 20 for the Greater Federation of Woman’s Clubs’ Fort Walton Beach chapter.

Tickets for "Bebopped at the Sock Hop" — to be held at the Elks Lodge, 1335 Miracle Strip Parkway — cost $40 and can be purchased by calling 582-2511, 974-3899 or 461-1471, or visit PS Gifts in Fort Walton Beach.

They will also be performing "Decked Out For Death" 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Samuel’s Roadhouse, located at 114 John King Rd. in Crestview. Price is $38. Reservations can be made online at www.act4murder.com. 

V.I.P. packages with special merchandise and recognition are also available online. Call Act4Mystery at 862-2885 for additional information. "Our shows are nothing but fun and games, but remember, someone is going to die!" the troupe stated in a media release. "Will you and your table of sleuths win a prize for guessing whodunit?"

Note: This article was updated Jan. 10 to correct the name of the play being performed in Crestview, and incorrectly stated in the original media release.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Act4Mystery sets two performances

CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

The Okaloosa County Master Gardener publication, The Compost Pile, won the Award of Excellence for the best newsletter in the state during the 35th Master Gardeners Continued Training Conference. 

The Compost Pile is a monthly newsletter intended to educate, inform and sometimes provide a laugh. The newsletter is available to Master Gardeners, residents and anyone with an internet connection and an interest in horticulture.

It features articles each month on what is happening in the garden, suggested gardening chores, wildlife happenings, and new features at the native plant trail at the Crestview Extension office, and feature articles about gardening tools and equipment.

Margaret Stewart of Crestview has been The Compost Pile’s editor for seven years. She typesets each edition, proofreads it and handles cover design, graphics and editing. She writes the article titled "The Last Word" in each issue. 

Karen Harper of Shalimar is co-editor and she checks the links in each edition and provides a monthly detailed article on a topic — everything from what the term organic really means to how to choose a pair of garden gloves. 

Bob Bayer of Crestview writes a monthly update for the native plant trail located at the county Extension Office in Crestview. 

Lee Vanderpool of Fort Walton Beach writes for the Master Gardener nursery in Fort Walton Beach, and Scott Berry of Niceville supplies the jokes, because every garden needs laughter. 

Dave Gordon and Ed Smith of Fort Walton Beach, and Alene Ogle are all contributing columnists. 

All master gardeners were encouraged to submit material, a lot of which may be seen in photographs featured in the "In Our Yards" section. 

There are also member-submitted recipes.

The public is welcome to read this newsletter — see www.ocmga.org and click on The Compost Pile.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Master Gardener newsletter named ‘Best In The State’

CRESTVIEW — Women looking for clothing and business wear have a new place in Crestview to shop for them.

The Meraki Lady, located at 265 Main St., added women's clothing to its offerings in December.

Owner Shelly Brace and her son, Dale Riley III, marketer and photographer, said clothes at the store range from extra small to plus sizes. They also have a selection of jewelry, purses, beanies and other accessories from which customers can choose.

When asked what sets Meraki apart from other area boutiques, Riley said, "We're bringing a new different kind of trendy style to Crestview, and make it easy for people to stop by here without trying to run to Destin every time for a new outfit.

"We're kind of like a one-stop shop because we have a tanning salon, a hair salon, photography and a nail salon."

Brace said the salon part of the business opened in October. It has seven employees, and she plans to add two more employees to provide services to walk-in customers.

Salon hours are by appointment. The tanning salon and clothing boutique hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

A 'SUPER-CREATIVE' TEAM

The mother-and-son duo said they appreciate the skills each brings to the table for the multi-faceted business.

"Having my son help me with all this — it means a lot," Brace said. "He's great at marketing, and 'Mom is old-fashioned over here' and it makes it easier on me. I'm more the business aspect of it and we're both really good with people."

"Well, me and my mom are doing this together," Riley said. "We've always both been super-creative."

That shared creative streak is why the pair settled on the business' name, Meraki.

"Our cousin actually told the meaning of it," Brace said. "We were all brainstorming and coming up with different names. Meraki is an old Greek word meaning creativity and love, and it comes from the soul."

"I can look at things and get an idea (to work with)," Brace said. "He sees things in a whole new way… If we took the same picture, I do not have the same eye that he does. I can tell you that."

The company has Instagram and Facebook sites, and will soon have an online store in a few months.

Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the Meraki Lady Boutique has Sunday hours. This was a typographical error on our part. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The News Bulletin staff apologizes for this error.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A family business

SHALIMAR — The Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office will begin collecting delinquent Business Tax Receipts in January.

Tax Collector Ben Anderson says, "BTRs, formerly known as an occupational license, are required for businesses that provide merchandise, entertainment, or services to the public, even if only a one-person company or home-based business."

"We want the public to know this is not a scam. Agents will only call during business hours, Monday through Friday, and identify themselves as Tax Collector employees."

If business owners have questions concerning the call or any other Tax Collector issue, they can call 651-7310.

BTRs are renewed annually and should be paid by Sept. 30 to avoid any penalties. Business owners can initiate, renew or pay for BTRs at www.OkaloosaTax.com. When paying online, E-Check is free.

Payments can also be made at any Tax Collector branch office, or by phone at 651-7300.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘This is not a scam’

CRESTVIEW — Upcoming North Okaloosa County events and surrounding area activities are as follows.

STEAK DINNER: American Legion Post 75 will serve a grilled rib-eye steak 6-8 p.m. Jan. 5 at the post, 898 James Lee Blvd. E., Crestview. The cost is $15 a plate, and the band Prizm will provide music afterward in the lounge.

MARDI GRAS PARADE AND STREET FESTIVAL: 11 a.m. Jan. 20, Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs. Krewe de Yak's fifth annual event includes a street fair, family-friendly entertainment, a car show, parade and after-party. Contact Samantha Graves, 419-5977 or krewedeyak@gmail.com, for details. See complete schedule at www.krewedeyak.org.

HOME SCHOOL TOUR AT MUSEUM: "Historic Technology," Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s quarterly field trip for home-school students and their families, is set Feb. 16, 1-2:30 p.m. at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Students will learn how technology has evolved through the years, what a simple machine is, and how machines are used to push and pull, making work and other tasks easier for humans. To reinforce the lesson, students will make and demonstrate catapults. Cost is $8 per student (or $6 for Museum Family Members). One parent/teacher per family is admitted free; $3 cost per each additional adult. Children 4 and under get in free; cost for each is $3 to participate in a hands-on activity. Pre-registration is required. Details: 678-2615.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION: County commissioners have moved their regular meeting to Wednesday, Jan. 3.

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall. 

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa County Courthouse in Crestview is starting to take shape, with just six months of construction left for the final product.

Public Works Director Jason Autrey said almost all of the windows have already been installed and the permanent roof will replace the temporary one in the coming weeks.

"They're also installing all of the electrical and plumbing," Autrey said. "They are beginning to install the drywall and the interior offices are starting to take shape."

On the outside of the courthouse, crews are beginning to put in the infrastructure for stormwater maintenance and brick.

The old Okaloosa County Courthouse building was reduced to rubble in January with the intention of rebuilding it.

Standing since 1955, the structure became overrun with black mold and asbestos. County commissioners voted to demolish the building in October 2015 and its doors closed for the final time April 2016.

After months of debate, the county decided to rebuild on the existing site, located at 601 James Lee Blvd., hoping to complete the project by July 2018. Groundbreaking began shortly after the former complex was demolished.

The new building received a cost estimate of $23 million, compared to the $400,000 spent constructing its predecessor in 1955, and $29,000 spent on the original building in 1918.

Autrey said the current contract is approximately $21 million. He said they are still on schedule to finish in July.

Okaloosa County has been fully using the Crestview Courthouse Annex Extension on Lewis Turner Boulevard until construction is complete.

"It's moving right along and it's going to be a beautiful feature in downtown Crestview," Autrey said.

"It'll last for at least another 50 years."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Taking shape'

CRESTVIEW — For most families, a road trip to Orlando means going to the place where dreams come true or visiting the wizardly world of Harry Potter.

For 5-year-old Olivia Nesseth, her upcoming ride to Orlando is not to visit her favorite Disney characters — Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear and Woody.

Instead, it will determine the future of Olivia, the aspiring cowgirl who loves to hunt for painted rocks and play in the dirt.

"I have hope that she's going to recover but, as a parent, the 'what if' is there," said Audra Nesseth, Olivia's mother. "I don't know if the same Olivia who will wake up after surgery is going to be the same Olivia we know now."

On Nov. 20, little Olivia fell backward while on her 9-year-old brother's shoulders and sustained a concussion. Doctors, however, found something unexpected during a routine CT scan.

Olivia had a brain tumor — cavernous hemangioma.

"It was the worst feeling of sickness that consumed me," Nesseth said. "All I remember is falling to my knees and screaming. You immediately think, how long do we have?

"It was the worst 24 hours of our lives and since then it's been the scariest times of our lives."

The tumor, located in the left hemisphere of Olivia's brain, has already hemorrhaged and caused minor brain damage, which has affected Olivia's personality, Nesseth said.

To prevent further brain damage, doctors will cut 2 inches deep into Olivia's brain on Feb. 13 and attempt to remove the tumor. The risky four-hour surgery could cause paralysis to the right side of the body or seizures, Nesseth said.

With two other critically special-needs children at home, five children total, the family said they are overwhelmed by the support of the community.

Specifically, the painted-rock hunting community.

"We asked for people to send her rocks because she can't go out in public to search for them," Nesseth said. "She's gotten rocks from all over the country. We're in the process of making her a rock garden outside of our home."

Nesseth said for now, the family is praying Olivia's condition doesn't get worse and the outcome of the surgery will be a success.

"This Christmas season is very special because we don't know what our next Christmas will look like," Nesseth said.

"All we can do is lay it at God's feet."

The Nesseth family is raising funds to help with travel costs and medical bills.

Donate at https://www.gofundme.com/OliviaJohanna.

WANT TO HELP?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'It's been the scariest times of our lives'

CRESTVIEW — Before the Crestview Police Department’s Community Services officers turned their focus toward their next major project — the annual Citizens Police Academy, which begins Feb. 6 — there was one more Cops For Kids component to complete: the annual Toy Run.

"This is one of our favorite things," Ofc. Sam Kimmons said with a broad grin as he hopped into his pick-up truck and slowly cruised out of the Whitehurst Municipal Building vehicle bay with a trailer laden with toys attached to the hitch.

Kimmons and his partner, Ofc. Wanda Hulion, Police Auxiliary Sgt. Al Humphrey and a squad of festively attired Crestview Citizens Police Academy Alumni members headed to public housing neighborhoods, arriving shortly after 9 a.m. Saturday with blue lights flashing and sirens wailing.

Sleepy-eyed children, parents, grandparents, guardians and at least one big, curious dog looked uncertainly out of their doors, then recognizing the officers and their cargo, trotted excitedly up to choose a toy or two out of the trailer.

The toys came from a variety of sources, including donations, toys left over from the annual Cops For Kids giveaways, or those purchased with donated money. The officers reported for duty on their day off to continue a tradition started as long as 20 years ago by Crestview cops who have since retired or died.

The Toy Run capped Cops For Kids’ biggest year ever in cash donations — which included a gift of more than $15,000 from Allen Turner Chevrolet employees — and families helped. Counting two last-minute hardship cases the officers learned about right before the Toy Run, 99 families in need with 240 children benefited from Cops For Kids. The Toy Run added about 20 more families and dozens of kids to the tally.

With the trailer thoroughly scavenged, the CCPAA members and Officers Hulion, Kimmons and Humphrey smiled with satisfaction as they returned the trailer to the police department.

With needy local families served, "Now our families’ Christmases can begin," Kimmons said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'This is one of our favorite things'

CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this weekend in Northwest Florida