A Holt resident recently gave a standout performance in an Ohio freestyle horse reining event.

Angie Reichert placed first in the 2017 All American Quarter Horse Congress Horse Show in Columbus, Ohio.

She rode Surely Cashin Chex — also called "Barbie" by Fort Walton Beach owner Linda Williams. Reichert performed her routine to to the music "Indian Outlaw."

Reichert is a performance American Quarter Horse Association trainer. She boards over 18 horses and works with another 25-plus clients who take lessons from her and her staffers, Devon Smith and Lisa Jackson.

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Editor's Note: The headline and content have been corrected from their previous versions.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Holt resident takes first place in horse show

LAUREL HILL — At last, the Laurel Hill Hobo Festival took place on Saturday after being postponed in early October due to severe weather.

The festival, named for the town's school mascot, attracts hundreds of visitors from the Laurel Hill community and others.

The event was held at the Gene Clary Park and visitors enjoyed games, children’s activities, arts and crafts for sale, and a variety of food.

Local artists performed music throughout the day and antique cars and tractors were on display.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hobo Festival attracts visitors to Laurel Hill

BAKER — The Baker Block Museum hosted the 14th annual Baker Heritage Day on Saturday at the Jeanette and Charles Henderson Heritage Park adjacent to the museum building.

The event featured vendors of handmade arts and crafts and antiques; demonstrations of skills such as blacksmithing, shingle making, woodworking, quilting, open hearth cooking and yarn spinning; music from local Gospel and bluegrass groups; and a variety of food.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tri-County Bee Keepers Association, Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe and the Florida Public Archaeology Network were among organizations that hosted booths.

Vendors provided face painting and children’s activities, homemade ice cream, and baked and canned goods. Antique cars were on display in front of the museum, and visitors explored the Baker Block Museum and the Baker Mercantile store.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker Block Museum hosts Heritage Day

The weather has changed these past two weeks and, believe it or not, it does influence some teams and especially here in the South. But the nice crisp temperature in the 40s for a game makes those hot toddies and hot butter rums taste even better at the game and tailgate parties.

Here are your 10 picks for the week, plus a tiebreaker for Nov. 4.

1. Clemson Tigers vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack, ACC game of the week (1). The Wolfpacks feel there is a light at the end of the tunnel for them, if they win, for a chance at the ACC title. Sorry, not this week. Clemson by 3.

2. Syracuse Orangemen vs. Florida State Seminoles. Is this the real North vs. South game? No, it’s the Orangemen winning by 6. That game is Penn State vs. Alabama coming soon to your TV.  

3. Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Miami Hurricanes, ACC game of the week (2). The winner of this game will rise to the top ranking; loser gets a big bowl bid. Not many people like a hurricane, and we here in Florida and Texas have had our fill. Hokies by 10.

4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Virginia Cavaliers: Yellow Jackets are hot to trot but the Cavaliers are very cool and win this by 3.

5. Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Fighting Irish are still running on their hype and the Deacons are just in the way. Irish by 14.  

6. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles vs. Tennessee Volunteers: There is a possibility that the Vols could win this game if the defense can score two touchdowns — and probably the only touchdowns for Vols. Vols by 3, and that’s wishful thinking    

7. LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide, SEC game of the week. Everyone has been waiting for this game. If LSU wins, they sign the coach to a two-year contract, but how do you stop a train? Not in Alabama you don’t. Tide by 21.

8. Ole Mississippi Rebels vs. Kentucky Wildcats. Wildcats Blue will be all over the Red Rebels at the Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky. It’s been years waiting for the Wildcats to be this good; win by 17.  

9. Auburn War Eagles vs. Texas A&M Aggies. The home game for the 12-man in this game is a big factor. War Eagles want this game badly, but it’s a barn burner with high scoring. 12-man wins out; Aggies by 6.  

10. South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Georgia Dawgs: Dawgs cannot take this game lightly. Gamecocks are looking for an upset and it can be done, but the Dawgs pull the feather off the Gamecocks. Georgia win by 10.  

TIEBREAKER

 Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Florida Atlantic Owls, showcasing “We are Marshall!” — and with none other than the opponent coach whom we all know so well: Lane Kiffin, who is always in trouble as a coach and missed his calling at Tennessee, USC twice, Fresno State, Colorado State, Jacksonville Jaguars Pros and Oakland Raiders Pros. And, now, divorced from Layla, a Florida Gator alumna — and it’s still downhill from here. Thundering Heard by 12. 

The ACC as of now has 10 teams who are eligible for a bowl; that’s 10 out of 14 teams in the ACC. The SEC has the same number of teams but only eight will be eligible for a bowl.

Is the ACC taking over as the conference to beat?

Bill Everett is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and lives in the Baker area.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: College football picks, week 10

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

CRESTVIEW — Here’s a calendar of upcoming events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

HOME BUYERS BOOTCAMP SEMINARS: 9-11 a.m. Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m. Nov 4, or 1-3 p.m. Nov. 5 at Comfort Inn & Suites, 900 Southcrest Drive, Crestview. First-time homebuyers may attend free seminar for details like where to start, the steps in the process and other information from industry experts including lenders, title agents and real estate agents. Contact Andrew Tveit, 603- 9088 or Andrew.tveit@floridamoves.com, to RSVP due to limited seating.

BLUE ANGELS HOMECOMING AIR SHOW: 9:30 a.m. Nov. 10 and 11 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Sky Hawk Drive. Gates open at 8 a.m. both days. Admission, parking and blanket seating are free. Other seating tickets may be purchased at www.naspensacolaairshow.com/. The Friday Night Air Show is 4-6 p.m. Nov. 10 at NAS. The non-Blue-Angels event features aircraft that light up the sky with full afterburner and pyrotechnics. Performances include Bob Carlton in a Vertigo Air Shows Jet Glider;  Paul Wood in an A-4 Skyhawk; a Mig-17 with pilot Randy Ball; the Super Stearman, with Greg Shelton and Wing Walker Ashely Shelton; and John Klatt in the Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco. The Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team; Chris Darnell, driving the 300-plus-mph Shockwave Jet Truck; and other acts will perform. Food and memorabilia will be available at numerous concession stands. Pets and coolers are not permitted.

 HISTORY SANDWICHED-IN: noon Nov. 10, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Free to attend. Edward L. Hubbard, author and artist, will discuss the "Human Potential: A State of Mind." He'll share life experiences and lessons learned while in captivity for six and a half years in North Vietnam, to help create a new attitude where people become passionately committed to the revitalization of America. Bring a sandwich. Call 678-2615 to RSVP due to limited space.

PINE FOREST UNITED METHODIST FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11, Pine Forest United Methodist Church, 2800 Wilde Lake Blvd., Pensacola. Over 160 arts, crafts and other vendors, food, and live music. Free admission and parking. Door prizes. Proceeds used for community ministries. www.pineforestumc.org or 944-0170.

RELAY FOR LIFE PRINCESS BALL: 6-9 p.m. Nov. 11, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. Father-daughter dance for girls age 13 and younger and their escorts. Moms may take pictures of the official entrance of their princesses. Only princesses and their escorts may dine and dance. Tickets are $40 for each princess and her escort, and $15 for each additional princess in the family. There are only 300 tickets available for the event. All net proceeds benefit the Crestview Relay For Life. Details: Chris Cox, 902-1075, or Loney Whitley, 537-4654 or 603-3500. Ticket pick-up is 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Panera Bread in south Crestview.

PIONEER DAY: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, 4281 State Road 20, Niceville. Family-oriented event. Activities include making rag dolls, dipping candles, churning butter and learning pioneer survival skills. Demonstrations include campfire cooking, blacksmithing and beekeeping. A 19th century chuck wagon will be on display, as well as toys and fishing tackle from days gone by. Children will enjoy the storyteller. Food concessions available. Admission costs $5 per car with up to eight people. No pets allowed. Rain date, noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 19. Details: 833-9144.

EMERALD COAST HONOR GAMES BREAKFAST: 7:15 a.m. Nov. 11, LuLu's restaurant, Destin. breakfast,  $10 per person. Honor game event proceeds go toward $100,000 goal for suicide prevention for veterans. ECHG events include a Ruck 22 march, national anthem, raising of the colors, military demonstrations and vehicle displays, a raffle, prizes and the honor games competition. Attendees include Congressman Matt Gaetz and Representative Mel Ponder, who will listen to members of the Special Operations Survivors. Attendees may also register to walk in the Ruck 22 march, which is 9:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at Destin Middle School. They'll walk 22 honorary laps around the track with soldiers in honor of veterans who have committed suicide. All ages and abilities welcome. Cost is $22 at the event or www.emeraldcoasthonorgames.com/copy-of-competition-1.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETING:

3 p.m. Dec. 14, training room of the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

Meeting schedule and location are subject to change. For updates and agendas, visit www.wfrpc.org or email tiffany.bates@wfrpc.org, or 332-7976, extension 217.

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.

MAC COMMITTEE: 11 a.m. Nov. 14, Samuel's Roadhouse, Crestview. Membership fees apply to this committee. Marian McBryde, Committee Chair, MAC@crestviewchamber.com.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. Nov. 8, Crestview chamber office, 107 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5:30-7 p.m. Nov. 9, Lee Buick GMC, 4300 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview. For chamber members and their employees. Network with local professionals for free.

PILOT COMMITTEE: 3 p.m. Nov. 17, McAlister's Deli, 2100 Ferdon Blvd. S., Suite 110, Crestview. Young professionals ages 21-41 meet to encourage and enhance professional development in young leaders of the Crestview community.

MCDONALD'S RIBBON CUTTING, GRAND RE-OPENING: 9 a.m. Nov. 10, at McDonald's, 3201 South Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview (in front of Walmart).

AMBASSADORS 'LET'S DO LUNCH' & WAFFLE HOUSE RIBBON CUTTING: 1 p.m. Nov. 14, Waffle House, 1130 Ferdon Blvd. N., Crestview. Network, socialize, and enjoy lunch in a very informal, no-pressure setting. Meeting followed by 2 p.m. ribbon cutting. Invite a new member, a friend, a co-worker, or someone who is thinking about joining the chamber to have lunch with you. RSVP to ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE MEETING: 8:30 a.m. Nov. 29, Crestview chamber office, 107 Commerce Blvd. Become more involved in the Crestview chamber of commerce, network and grow your business. Amber Ellis or Karen Donaldson, ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What’s Happening in North Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — A local restaurant wrapped October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with donations to further the cause.

Last year during this month, Crestview’s Beef 'O’ Brady’s, along with 21st Century Oncology, held their first cancer fundraiser in memory of Crestview resident Serstin Lango, who died from breast cancer two years ago.

The fundraiser brought in $1,500, which went into the 21st Century Oncology nonprofit organization C.A.R.E. fund. This organization keeps all monies raised in the community and helps local cancer patients with medical expenses.

The cancer fundraiser was held for the second year on Saturday at the Crestview Corners Shopping Center restaurant on Ferdon Boulevard South.

General Manager Crystal Pena had been planning this event for the last 10 months.

“Most of our sponsors helped us out for free and we have gotten all types of prizes from the community,” she said.

Mike Lango, Serstin’s husband, and one of her sons, Brandon, were at the event. Their other sons, James and Patrick, could not be there.

The Langos were married for 29 years and came to Crestview in 1992. Mike spoke highly of the family’s experience with 21^st Century Oncology.

“Serstin was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2013 and passed away in September of 2015. The staff at 21st Century Oncology was awesome. They made personal calls to see how our family was doing. One of her surgeons even came out to the house,” Mike said.

Brandon remembers his Mom’s infectious personality.

“The world would be a better place with her in it,” he said.

Cliff Longshore is the owner of the Crestview Beef 'O’ Brady’s. He said, “We love giving back and being a part of the community. The community came together so well for this annual event.”

“Crystal, Cliff and Bill Ellison, the area manager for Beef 'O’ Brady’s have been amazing! When a local company takes care of local people that really means so much!” Mike Lango said.

Saturday’s fundraiser featured pink T-shirts with Serstin’s name and the names of local businesses that donated prizes were on sale for $10 in support of the cause.

The event featured live music from two local bands and their services were donated. For every $5 donation, participants received raffle tickets for prizes donated by local businesses. Plus, Beef 'O’ Brady’s donated 10 percent of all sales for the day to the fundraiser.

Some of the prizes donated for this year’s fundraiser were massages, gift baskets, dinners, gift certificates and trips. The prizes came from many local Crestview businesses.  So far, the donations for this year’s event have reached $2,200.

When asked what Serstin would think of this fundraiser, Mike Lango said, "My wife would probably be mad that her name is on the top of the T-shirt. She was always worried about everyone else.

“But, she would be happy that others are being helped.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'We love giving back'

CRESTVIEW — There were no tricks, just treats, from Levi Knutson Oct. 27.

The 4-year-old and some of his buddies at a Crestview homeschoolers group decorated brown paper bags with colorful motifs and loaded them with cookies.

Levi dropped them off the Friday morning before Halloween, then he and his mom took some to the Police Department’s friends at the Crestview Fire Department and Okaloosa EMS.

“We sure appreciate kids like Levi and their parents who find such sweet — literally! — ways of saying thanks to our officers,” Chief Tony Taylor said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa child brings sweet treats — no tricks