Here are upcoming Crestview Public Library-related events. The library's address is 1445 Commerce Drive.

AGES 3-5 LIBRARY CLASS: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview library. Topics: Sept. 19, Magic Pasta Pot; Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, Hats Off to You (wear a favorite hat); Oct. 10, airport field trip at Bob Sikes Airport (www.emeraldcoastaviation.com); Oct. 24 and 31, Autumn and Halloween (wear a non-scary costume on Oct. 31); Nov. 7 and 14, Giving Thanks; Nov. 28, On the Road, Dec. 5 and 12, Wrap It Up.

AGES 0-2 LIBRARY CLASS: 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview library. Topics: Sept. 15 and 29, Mice; Oct. 6 and 13, Piggies; Oct. 20 and 27, Autumn and Halloween (wear non-scary costume if you like); Nov. 3 and 17, Thanksgiving; Dec. 1, On the Go; Dec. 8 and 15, Christmas.

FAMILY LIBRARY TIME: for ages 4 and up. Visit the library for details as the date nears. Here are other FLT Crestview library events.

• 6:30-7:15 p.m. Sept. 22 — The Library Run is a tour. Learn to use the catalog and race to find items.
• 5 or 6 p.m. Oct. 17 — Escape Room, 10 people per session. Register at the library to solve puzzles together.
• 6:30-7:15 p.m. Nov. 21 — Wild Things. Guess which wild animal left the waste. Dissect owl pellets.
• 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 — Noel Night. Music, makings and munchies.

FIRST TUESDAY TALKS: 10:30 a.m. first Tuesdays at the library. Topics are: Oct. 3, Seniors and Fraud, by JB Whitten, Seniors vs. Crime spokesman and city councilman; and Nov. 7, How to Love Your Wardrobe, by Anna Maria Garza, fashion designer and stylist.

READ TO DOZER: First Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.; for children ages 4 and up.

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

TEEN TIME: 2-4 p.m. Fridays in the meeting room, Crestview library. Wii and virtual reality games, etc. For grades 6-12.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Public Library events

CRESTVIEW — Act4Murder in September will present dinner theater featuring comedy, mystery and murder.

The professional comedy troupe's next North Okaloosa presentation is titled, "Killer in the Kitchen."

Seating begins 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Samuel’s Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview. The show begins at 6:30 p.m.

It includes a three-course meal and is $38, which includes tax and tip. Order regular or VIP tickets at http://www.act4murder.com.

Two other Act4Murder presentations are: "A Medley for Murder," 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Redd’s Fueling Station, 2320 West County Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, for $48; and "Killer in the Kitchen," 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at La Paz, 950 Gulf Shore Drive, Destin, for $34.95.

Call 862-2885 for additional information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Act4Murder to present 'Killer in the Kitchen'

CRESTVIEW — Area companies will set hours and closures as listed below due to potential effects of Hurricane Irma.

Bridgeway offices: Bridgeway Center Inc. is closed Sept. 11 due to the potential impact of Hurricane Irma. Offices will reopen for all services at 8 a.m. Sept. 12.

City of Crestview: The city's offices will close at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 11, and will resume regular business hours Sept. 12. Because Northwest Florida is expected to experience high winds due to Hurricane Irma, scheduled meetings will be moved to Tuesday to city hall, 198 Wilson St., Crestview, as follows:

•5 p.m. Sept. 12, Citizen of the Year presentation. This year's winner is Raymonda "Rae" Schwartz of Crestview.

•5:30 p.m. Sept. 12, tentative millage and budget public hearing.

•6 p.m. Sept. 12, city council meeting. All agendas are currently available at  www.cityofcrestview.org.

Northwest Florida State College: NWFSC is closed Sept. 8 and 11. The Monday film club meeting is cancelled.

Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office: Branches are open Sept. 8 except for Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base. All offices will be closed Sept. 11 and open Sept 12. Online services continue to be available at www.OkaloosaTax.com.

The following fee changes will be in effect through Oct. 9. – If residents incur late fees due to evacuation or office closure, the late fee may be waived.

•Fees for replacement driver licenses and identification cards may be waived for residents who lost their credentials as a result of severe weather.

•Fees for duplicate title certificates and registrations may be waived for residents who lost their certificate/registration as a result of severe weather.

"In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, we will continue to provide services to all Floridians with their vehicle and vessel titles, driver license and identification cards, and other State and local services," Tax Collector Ben Anderson said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hurricane Irma office hours and closures

BAKER — A Baker grocery store's lack of handicap-accessible parking or a fire lane has attracted one woman's concern.

Lorie Barker of Baker said she is upset that the Pic N Sav grocery store in Baker has no handicap parking; that's because her father is 78 years old, on oxygen and walks with a cane.

“They don’t have handicap parking, they don’t have a fire lane,” Barker said. “I have been trying for four years to try to get them to add a handicap spot.”

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, all businesses must have handicap-accessible parking. If the total number of parking spaces in a parking facility is between one and 25, there is a minimum requirement of one handicap-accessible parking space. Pic N Sav has approximately 25 parking spots.

Accessible parking spaces must be identified by signs that include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Signs should be mounted so that the lower edge of the sign is at least 5 feet above the ground, which helps ensure visibility both for motorists and local enforcement officials, according to the act.

Local attorney Nathan Boyles said many businesses in the community predate the 1990 ADA and that Okaloosa County urges them to bring their facilities into compliance with the law. However, there are certain exemptions, like an excessive cost exemption that states businesses must provide accessible parking unless it would be a financial burden for the business owner.

Pic N Sav’s owner and store manager, Amy Cooper, said that this is the first she has heard about this concern, but she is happy to resolve it.

“I can’t say that anybody has ever brought this to my attention,” Cooper said. “We lease the building, so the building is not mine. I have zero problem going to obtain a sign and designate one of the spots on the side of the building; it’s absolutely not an issue. The volume of our business and the size of our parking lot, the accessibility to my knowledge has never been an issue for anybody.

“We are in the business of serving people. We’ll help them with groceries; we’ll even go get groceries for them… If somebody would have come to me about it, it wouldn’t have been a problem. I will absolutely do my best to [get] a sign and designate one of the spots.”

As for the lack of a fire lane, federal law states that the fire chief for the city, or a designee, in conjunction with the building official establishes fire lanes.

The chief of Baker Fire Department, Dusty Talbert, said that there is no fire lane in front of Pic N Sav because there is no space for one in the small parking lot.

“They could use a fire lane, but there is nowhere to put it,” Talbert said. “There’s a drive in and there’s a drive out; that’s all there is.

"Okaloosa County would handle that [regulation], but I’m pretty sure they deemed at the time that it wasn’t really an issue because there is nowhere to put one.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Woman questions business' lack of handicap parking, fire lane

CRESTVIEW — Dogwood Garden Club members meet 10:30 a.m. on the first Mondays through May 7.

Meetings and topics are as follows:

•Sept. 11, Crestview Public Library, Adding Color to the Fall Garden

•Oct. 2, member's home, 60+ Years of Gardening

•Nov. 6, member's home, Trees

•Dec. 4, Woman's Club, 150 Woodlawn Drive, Crestview, Christmas auction and party

•Jan. 8, member's home, Seeds on Ice

•Feb. 5, Sonshine Studios, 426 James Lee Blvd., Crestview, Fairy Gardens

•March 5, member's home, Shapes and Shadows in the Garden

•April 2, member's home, Wacky Gardening Secrets

•May 7, member's home, salad luncheon. Bring one to share

Call President Ruth Herington, 683-0839, for non-listed locations, which take place at members' homes.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Dogwood Garden Club of Crestview sets meeting topics

CRESTVIEW — The North Okaloosa Community Emergency Response Team will conduct basic certification training. CERT members help emergency responders in the first 72 to 96 hours after a natural or human-made disaster.

Training hours are 7-10 p.m. Sept. 22; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23; 1-4 p.m. Sept. 24; and 7-10 p.m. Sept. 29; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 30; and 1-4 p.m. Oct. 1. All meetings are at the Crestview Fire station No. 1 at 312 Woodruff Ave. N.

Attendance at all six sessions are required for certification. Training is free and available for any adult citizen age 18 or over. No special skills or experience are required.

Topics include first aid, disaster psychology, fire prevention and fire safety, disaster preparedness, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, and terrorism. Completion of the class does not create any obligation to become part of North Okaloosa CERT, but it does qualify the student to be part of any Community Emergency Response Team in the country.

Pre-registration is required. Fill out the CERT application at https://okaloosaflcert.samariteam.com/Default.aspx to register.

Email NOkaloosacert@gmail.com for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa Community Emergency Response Team sets training

CRESTVIEW — Less than a week after the Panhandle Youth Football Association suspended every Crestview Area Youth Association team, CAYA has new board members.

William Shingles and Derrick Walker take the place of Terry Jackson and Jennifer Jackson as CAYA president and secretary, respectively, after concerns arose between CAYA teams and the president of PYFA.

After two Crestview parents shared their safety concerns, PYFA President Cornell Tinner suspended the Crestview teams, which affected more than 250 CAYA athletes ranging from 5 to 12 years old. According to Tinner, CAYA was slandering the PYAF “to justify a loss.”

Three players on a Crestview team were injured during an Aug. 26 game. Two received concussions and the third has a badly sprained arm. All three were injured during plays involving a Niceville player who allegedly failed the initial weigh-in that would have prevented him from running the ball.

Ryan Hardy and John Contri, both of whom coached the injured boys, said they watched one of Niceville’s players weigh three times, finally stripping down to his underwear to make weight.

According to Jackson, Tinner posted a list of rules on PYFA’s Facebook page for CAYA to follow before he would remove the suspension.

According to the post, CAYA had “exactly 72 hours” to produce another president or area representative to continue in PYFA. Also, the cheer competition would be removed from Crestview as a host “to ensure [PYFA] girls get the chance to compete [in] the most pleasant situation.”

In the post, Tinner said, “The demands must be met or the PYFA will continue the fun of Little League football without the distractions.”

Jackson said less than 24 hours later, Tinner added new demands to the list. Hardy was to step down as the coach for the age 9-10 team; Jennifer was to resign as secretary; and Jackson’s two children and the children of Hardy would not be able to play with CAYA anymore.

According to Jackson, remaining board members convinced Tinner to allow the children of Jackson and Hardy to play, and Tinner complied.

When contacted by a News Bulletin reporter, Tinner said he had no time to comment on the matter as of this writing.

"We had to step down for the kids to be able to play," Jackson said. "So [myself], the secretary and the 9-10 coach decided we'd go ahead and step down without any arguing so that way these kids could get back on the field."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Area Youth Association gets new board members

CRESTVIEW — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450 in Crestview recognized a local company for its support of projects benefiting local veterans.

The organization presented a thank-you gift to Bryce Jeter of Dan's Discount Jewelry and Pawn Sept. 1 at the store for its donation of a $500 Dan's Pawn gift card.

"We used (the gift card) as a fundraiser. We raffled it off in order to use the money towards veterans programs, and we also do scholarships and post improvements," Warren Wiedemann, the post's 2017-18 commander, said.

Post 5450 provides many services to its 400-plus members and their families, as well as the community.

They include:

•providing meals to veterans in need

•sending care packages to deployed members

•information gathering and dissemination for projects serving area veterans; for instance, alerting members to a Veterans Administration program of free Walgreens flu shots for enrolled vets

•securing funding for meals, building upkeep and medical provisions

•hosting fundraisers for area residents in need

"We work mostly off donations. When the average needs arise is when we do whatever we can to help," Wiedemann said.

In November of 2016, the organization won a Home Depot remodeling grant. Store employees and VFW members worked to replace ceiling tiles and fans, doors and air conditioning units, landscaped the lot, and painted the building inside and out. They also added a recreation space outdoors where members could socialize.

The post is located at 2240 West James Lee Blvd. W. in Crestview.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450 in Crestview has burger nights every Friday at a cost of $8 per plate, with a 1/3-pound burger and homemade French fries. Proceeds benefit the post.

You may also call 682-5552 to make a donation.

WANT TO HELP?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VFW post recognizes pawn shop's support

NICEVILLE — On Aug. 22, 173 guests watched the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women induct six women into the Okaloosa Women’s Hall of Fame.

Their lives and works have had a positive impact on the direction and success of community projects, programs or individuals. They are Dr. Naomi G. Barnes of Crestview (Pioneer Award); Dr. Karyn M. Combs (Education Award); Evie Fox (Community Service Award); Tammy McDaniel (Contemporary Award); Brenda Shoffner (Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Award); and Nancy Weidenhamer (Posthumous Award).

"These inspiring women are all assets to our community. Each of these role models has made tremendous contributions to improve the lives of citizens, particularly women and children, living in our county and should be recognized for the impact they have had on our community," Mary Florence, OCCSW chair, said.

One hundred and four women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since it was created in 1995. The hall was created to honor women of Okaloosa County — past and present — whose contributions to the arts, athletics, business, education, government, the humanities, philanthropy and science have been of great value to the community’s development.

Induction into the Hall of Fame is the commission’s oldest and most prestigious award. The OCCSW sponsors the hall and the annual induction ceremony is held in conjunction with Women’s Equality Day.

Inductees are honored in permanent displays at the Okaloosa County Commission offices, the Niceville City Council Chambers and the Crestview Courthouse.

Visit www.occsw.org for more information on past winners and the commission.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Women's Hall of Fame has 6 inductees

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

‘LADIES WIGGIN’ OUT FOR A CAUSE’ BENEFIT: 6-10 p.m. Sept. 7, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, in the Emerald Coast Theatre space. Features an 80’s psychedelic rock ‘n roll theme. The Ladies Night event includes wine, food, music and happenings. Attendees get a swag bag with a wig inside, then Avantgarde Salon artists will transform each person's look with hair and makeup touch-ups. Followed with food and entertainment, including a photo booth and silent auction. Advance tickets cost $75; at-the-door tickets cost $100. VIP tickets with a designer wig are $100 in advance and $125 at the door. Purchase at www.eccac.org or call 833-9237, extension 283. Proceeds benefit the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

BAKER GATOR REUNION: Baker School Class of 1967 graduates seek classmates for their 50-year reunion Sept. 9 at the Baker Arena Community Center, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. Call 537-9191, 758-7966, 978-2135 or 978-1974 for details.

HISPANIC FEST 2017: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 10, Emerald Coast Convention Center,1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Family-oriented, cultural and educational event showcases the best of Hispanic folklore; features live and DJ music, food and culture. Performances from start to finish, and 60 vendors. Includes a tribute to military by the Village Belles. Includes facepainting, games, clowns, magicians, piñatas. Proceeds benefit the 13th Annual Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Needy Children’s Fiesta.

ARMY REUNION, 100TH ANNIVERSARY:  Sept. 13-17, Arlington, Virginia. The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division at any time. The association will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the division, which was formed in France during World War I. Details: Secretary-treasurer Bob Haynes at 2idahq@comcast.net, 224-225-1202, or visit www.2ida.org. 

‘MAKING THE MOST OF A JOB FAIR’ SEMINAR: 1-3 p.m. Sept. 14, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, 409 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach. Bobby Turner will present the information.

MA-CHIS POW WOW: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 and 16 at Troy University's main campus practice field, 601 University Ave., Troy, Alabama. Parking and admission for the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama event are free. Vendors include food, jewelry, Native American items and pottery, among other things. Demonstrations of Southeastern Indian skills and daily life activities are scheduled. Small gifts will be given to children at the event.

‘HERITAGE ALIVE! CRAFT CLASS SERIES’: Learn a new skill and make something uniquely yours at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all classes.  Call 678-2615 for more information or visit www.heritage-museum.org.

Upcoming events include:

• Knitting — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16, Learn basic stitches and begin a project of your choice. Bring yarn and size 8 circular needles. Cost: $20; or $15 for museum members
• Loom Weaving — 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20. Weave on a loom with Sandy Sutton. Cost: $70; or $65 for museum members.

The museum is at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.

JOYNER-KERSEE TO SPEAK: 5 p.m. VIP and 6:30 p.m. main event Sept. 21 at Boys & Girls Clubs of South Walton, 427 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. Six-time Olympic track and field medalist, and BGC alumna Jackie Joyner-Kersee will address the BGC 4th Annual Steak & Stake fundraising dinner attendees. VIP tickets cost $150. Regular tickets cost $100. Contact Crystal Mayes, 344-7763 or cmayes@bgcec.com to purchase or sponsor.

TACKLE FAMILY HOMELESSNESS FUNDRAISER: 6-9 p.m. Sept. 22, Hurlburt Soundside Club, 107 Kissam St., Hurlburt Field. The Fresh Start for Children and Families sixth annual event benefits Fresh Start programs. Tickets range from $40 for general admission to $1,000 for an MVP sponsorship at http://bit.ly/2wFv7J8. Live music by The Mulligans, live and silent auctions, food, cash bar, etc. Football jersey or casual game attire is suggested.

FORT WALTON BEACH COIN CLUB COIN SHOW: Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Meridian at Westwood, 1001 Mar Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach. Park in the White Wilson parking lot. Free admission. Everyone who attends gets a free new collectible quarter while supplies last. There will be dealers willing to buy, sell and trade coins, currency, gold and silver. Free appraisals. For more information, contact Dave, 850-512-4904.

'KINGS OF HARLEM' PERFORMANCE: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Layon Gray's off-Broadway play depicts the story of the Harlem Rens, the first all African-American basketball team formed in the 1920s and their struggles against the overt racism and discrimination encountered in establishing their legitimacy as a professional team.

Tickets cost $37.50 at the theater box office, www.mattiekellyartscenter.org, or by calling 729-6000. 

HEALTHY OKALOOSA TOWN HALL: 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 5 at The Barn at Water Oaks Farm, 4080 Second Ave., Laurel Hill. RSVP required to HealthyOkaloosa5210@flhealth.gov or call 344-0662. The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County will have a town hall meeting on making Okaloosa a healthier place to live, learn, work, and play. Community members will review draft copies of the 2017 Community Health Assessment, and ask attendees to provide feedback on the CHA and help identify priority public health issues.

OKALOOSA LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION PUBLIC HEARING: 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 7, in room 142 of the Northwest Florida State College Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, 805 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview. Fort Walton Beach. Chairman Mel Ponder and members of the Okaloosa County state legislative delegation invite you to join them. Delegation members will hear public comments on proposals for the 2018 Legislative Session. They may also consider and vote on a “local bill” (which is state legislation that only pertains to a municipality, taxing district, or school district within the county).

REP. WILLIAMSON MEETS WITH CONSTITUENTS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21, Okaloosa County Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. State Rep. Jayer Williamson will discuss area concerns, issues and the upcoming legislative session. Call the district office, 850-995-3698, for information or to make an appointment.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

• 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Robert L.F. Sikes Center, Northwest Florida State College, 805 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
• 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: 7 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.

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

HACKERS GOLF TOURNAMENT: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30, Blackstone Golf Course, 108 Blackstone Lane, Mossy Head. Call 682-3212 or visit crestviewchamber.com for sponsorship opportunities. The chamber is also selling $5 raffle tickets for a propane Broilmaster Grill with a retail price of $1,597. Purchase tickets at the chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Winner announced after the golf tournament, and need not be present to win.

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