We recognize many heroes in our community — police officers, sheriff's deputies, firefighters, EMTs, doctors and ER nurses, and of course our wonderful military members — but we fail to think of our utility technicians who respond, whenever we have a gas or electrical issue.

One evening this week, my husband Jim told me that while he was working in the yard next to the gas meter, he smelled gas and thought I should call the gas company. He said he only smelled it when the water heater or heater was running.

I went outside, but apparently wasn't close enough to the meter, and could smell nothing.

But since Jim smelled it, I called Okaloosa Gas after dark, after hours on a rainy evening.

The lady I spoke with took my information and relayed it to a technician and told me that someone would be out within 45 minutes. I was working in the office and heard the truck drive up and went outside.

Jim soon joined the technician who, indeed, found a gas leak at the meter. 

He fixed the leak and went on his way.

Having a gas leak is no laughing matter, and I am grateful to the technician and Okaloosa Gas for sending him out.

Last year, the lights in my office kept dimming and Gulf Power sent a technician on a Saturday night. I told them we could wait until Monday, but they insisted on checking it out. 

Unfortunately, a lug on our meter was bad, so we called an electrician and had it repaired Monday morning. Thank goodness we know an honest electrician. 

I am grateful to the men and women who work for our utility companies. They come out and make sure we are safe, even when it is inconvenient for them — dark, wet and raining.

When we had all the hurricanes here a few years ago, we saw other utility companies coming to be of assistance to us and, when Katrina came, our utility companies went to help them. 

Hats off to you; thank you for your dedication — and job well done.

Janice Lynn Crose, a retired accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: This is for Okaloosa County's hard-working unsung heroes

Happy New Year, North Okaloosa County!

Here's a fun fact: Since November, the News Bulletin's management has been planning 2016's long-term initiatives and goals.

You see, just reporting what happens in Crestview, Baker and Laurel Hill isn't good enough; we always want you to look forward to reading your News Bulletin, and we hope you will increasingly find stories that no one else is covering.

To that end, the CNB will continue its award-winning coverage and commentary on North Okaloosa County, but the staff also has much more in store.

Such as:

Fresh features: Expect long-form stories and a feature-oriented focus in our Sports section, which began with our Jan. 6-8 Midweek Edition.

Telling stories like Crestview High School graduate Anthony Brown's accidental career path toward becoming a Northwest Florida State College assistant baseball coach informs but also inspires readers.

The same is true for sports editor Randy Dickson's feature on former Bulldog Tate Sweatt's culture shock and wake-up call while playing baseball in the Dominican Republic.

Randy's skills are so versatile that he can cover the games and play-by-plays on crestviewbulletin.com, and slow down to find the heart in such inspiring features that work so well in print.

More school news: Reporter Brian Hughes and I met with Crestview High School teacher Shanna Suggs this week to cement plans for more Bulldog-driven news in the print edition and on our website.

You may be familiar with "Paw Prints," the school's student-produced online news source. Well, we will share some of the talented student reporters' content and expand CHS news.

In addition, Bulldogs can read more about their school, free of charge, thanks to a new sponsored rack the CNB will have on campus.

The CNB staff has received only positive response for its in-depth news focus that began in 2015. Like this type of story on Fairchild Road's progress. Focusing efforts on deeply researched and interviewed stories means we rely more on community partners like CHS and you-reports, but our commitment to cover everything we know about (in some way, shape or form) remains firm. 

The newspaper's staff hopes to form similar partnerships with Baker School and Laurel Hill School.

More everyday folks: I've always thought that newspapers, without meaning to, tend to cover many of the same folks, day in and day out.

I call them "usual suspects": city council and county commission members, certain businesses, students and teachers, and of course star athletes.

Whatever the case, we're always looking to level the playing field. An obituary shouldn't be the only time everyday folks get in the paper.

Enter "Everybody has a story," a new weekly feature. Reporter Brian Hughes will talk to everyday folks who are awesome just because — well, he'll figure it out.

You see, he'll talk to unusual suspects, find out what makes them tick and the interesting secret talents, passions or experiences they harbor.

It should be fun for him and for readers, who can make suggestions about whom we'll cover each week.

There's much more in store, too. But I am running out of space (in the print edition) of this column! 

Thank you for reading the News Bulletin.

What's your view? Email tboni@crestviewbulletin.com or tweet @cnbeditor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BONI: Expect fresh content, more unusual North Okaloosa suspects in 2016

The problem of plastic in Northwest Florida waterways grows each year.

Plastics — including bags and water bottles, among other items — pollute the water, providing a hazard to wildlife and fish.

Turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their favorite foods.

Shorebirds mistake colorful pieces of plastic for food.

Dolphins and whales ingest plastic by mistake.

The average American annually throws away an average of 185 pounds of plastic.

And that plastic never truly disappears; it enters our waterways through streams, rivers, storm and sewer drains, and eventually finds its way to the ocean.

A relatively new source of plastic in the ocean comes from microbeads found in toothpaste, soap, body wash and make-up. Microbeads are about the size of a grain of salt, and they are regularly flushed down the drain. They are so small that they escape water treatment systems and end up in our waterways.

Fish and other wildlife easily mistake them for food.

Several efforts are underway to curb use of microbeads. The U.S. House of representatives voted in early December 2015 to ban plastic microbeads from personal care products. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate.

So, what can you do in 2016 to limit the growing plastic problem?

Here are several steps to reduce your plastic use.

Don’t buy products with plastic microbeads. Look for products with natural scrubbers like salt and sugar.

Reduce use of plastic water bottles. Carry your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug.

Use recyclable grocery bags. This could keep as many as 20 plastic bags out of the environment each week.

Buy products with less packaging. This can be difficult, as it seems common products have more plastic packaging than ever.

Pick up plastic when you see it. Join a community-sponsored event to clean the beaches. In our community, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance sponsors International Coastal Cleanup Day.

Let’s all do our part to increase awareness of marine debris' negative impact.

Make small changes to keep local waterways healthy and sustainable.

That starts with being responsible, and leaving no trash behind.

Laura Tiu is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

The average American annually throws away an average of 185 pounds of plastic.

That plastic never truly disappears.

It enters our waterways through streams, rivers, storm and sewer drains, and eventually finds its way to the ocean.

Source: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

DID YOU KNOW?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TIU: 5 ways to curb Northwest Florida's growing plastic problem

We have said goodbye to 2015, and have welcomed the New Year, 2016. 

Did you make any resolutions?

How long do you think you will keep them?

How did you do on your personal resolutions last year? 

I generally don't make resolutions — they are easy to break — and I usually don't manage to keep them until February. But there are general guidelines I hope to follow, just as I did last year.

From last year's list, I managed over half of what I hoped to accomplish.

This year, I hope to:

• Spend more time in Bible study and prayer
• Continue to glorify God with my musical gifts
• Visit more shut-ins where they live, and send more cards and notes to cheer them
• Make more time to spend with family and friends
• Spend less money and save more
• Walk the collies more
• Appreciate the beauty around me — the natural world, the lovely sky, flowers, birds, and other cute critters
• Share my faith in Christ with those who need Him
• Be thankful for everyday miracles and thank the Lord when they occur

Many times, we miss everyday miracles because we are in such a hurry. We need to take the time to reflect on the blessings that our Creator gives each of us and thank Him appropriately.

What is on your list of things you would like to do better this year?

You may be better off avoiding hard-and-fast resolutions that are easily broken, and instead aim to do certain things to improve your life.

For instance, my husband, Jim, and I replace our smoke detector batteries each New Year's Day. The first of January is always a good time for that task. It's easy to remember and important to follow up on each year. 

Have a happy, blessed New Year as we begin the adventure of 2016.

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

Share your New Year's resolutions on this article's interactive version at www.crestviewbulletin.com or facebook.com/crestview.bulletin

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: 9 personal New Year's resolutions

Editor's Note: Facebook fans had plenty to say about a man tossing bacon in a Muslim woman's grocery basket, Crestview's business codes, and Laurel Hill School's new mascot. Here are some of their comments.

Bacon-tossing incident 'disturbing'

What disturbs me is that he obviously had to notice you, decide to walk over to the meats, and then return, just to perform an act that obviously would do nothing but annoy or hurt the victim…

… I wouldn't worry about the kid (the son of the man who harassed the woman), either. The internet is pretty effective at crippling prejudices, so he's probably not going to be tossing pork at Muslims by the time he's an adult.

Dan Crow 

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Islamophobia: 'What a mess'

As a former resident of Crestview, (who still calls) it home, I'm shocked. But, as a military spouse I realize how sheltered we are on the inside.

Inside the military, we don't see color, religion, age, etc. I'm so sorry this happened to (Yasmine Saunders).

I wish people would get it together. What a mess.

Sheri Blackley Frost 

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Woman's reaction 'bold,' 'full of class'

Yasmin: As a Christian and as someone born and raised in Crestview, I apologize for this man's deplorable behavior. I'm so sorry your family was treated this way.

I'm glad you and your husband said something to him.

Confronting him and standing up to his childish act of hatred was not only bold, but full of class.

Cam Milligan Sasser 

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Hub City needs city manager

Crestview desperately needs a city manager. Cut costs, be the liaison between all entities and pay for their position by saving money through proper oversight!

Ryan Mabry 

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Hobo mascot proves limitless possibilities

Jessica Stokes is a great asset to the Laurel Hill community. She has really stepped up her game with this project.

It just goes to show with a big imagination and teamwork, anything is possible.

Kathy Moneypenny 

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Bacon-tossing incident 'disturbing', Hobo mascot proves limitless possibilities

The gifts have been opened, the wrappings cleaned up, Christmas dinner eaten, and friends and relatives have visited.

Was everyone excited about their Christmas gifts? 

Were you thankful for the gifts you received, or did you wish for something you didn't get? 

My husband, Jim, and I are grateful for the gift of salvation, and for the gift of each other as well as our adorable pets. 

Of course, the greatest gift of all is the gift of new life in Jesus Christ, by accepting Him as our Savior.

Now, with Christmas over, we all look forward to a new year, 2016!

When Jim, my brother Robb and I celebrated the new millennium at Disneyland, the future seemed light years away, and yet soon it will be 2016.

Once one is no longer a child, times does fly.

What joys or sorrows have you had this year?

Was 2015 a good year, one filled with such joy that you are sorry to see it go, or was it such a sad year that you are happy to see it leave? 

I am glad it is over, although I remember my grandmother telling me not to wish my life away.

One of the wonderful gifts the Lord gives us is the gift of a New Year: a time of new beginnings, a time for new hopes and dreams, a time for new memories — a fresh start. 

What do you plan to do with your fresh beginning?

What new hopes, or new expectations do you anticipate?

We all have some bad habits that it would be nice to be rid of. Apparently, when speaking, I overuse the word "anyway," so I intend to make a concerted effort to quit.

For some, it may be the time to get sober from drugs or alcohol; time to quit smoking, gambling or engaging in another addiction or bad habit.

A fresh start is something worthwhile, and while it may take real effort, it's a blessing to have a new beginning available each year.

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Looking forward to new beginnings

Our news media is loaded with bad news, and not too much good news to balance it.

That is especially true in an election year, when those on the outside know they can’t get elected by telling us how well everything is going.

Yes, we know we are living in a time of organized terrorism; when deranged gunmen shoot innocent people for no reason other than they happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time; and when disagreements at government's highest levels fill our TV sets.

Well, here is some balance that, perhaps, has not been at the front of your mind. One must go back several years to get a true perspective on what is happening in our country, which is why I have traced our nation’s economic and military news back to 2008 to compare with our situation today.

●Unemployment: was 7.3 percent, is now 5.0 percent.

●Gasoline: highest average price in 2008 was $4.11 per gallon, this year was $2.88. (Today it is $2.04.)

●Foreign oil purchased: was 11 million barrels, is now 4.5 million.

●National GDP growth: was -0.3 percent, is now + 3.7 percent.

●Stock market: was 10,355, is now 17,265.

●Teen pregnancy: was 40.2 pregnancies per thousand, is now 26.5.

●Military in war zones: was 140,000, is now 10,300.

●U.S. military killed: was 1,016; this year, so far, it is 57.

So, shall we give President Obama credit for improvements in our economic situation?

No. Presidents don’t have much leverage when it comes to the economy. They can’t tell businesses how many people to hire or how many products to produce. When asked about such, President Jimmy Carter once said, “Congress and the Federal Reserve have more control over the economy than the president.”

Rather, we should credit inventions and innovations in the oil industry and our economic recovery that has whittled down the annual deficit to the lowest it has been since 2008.

The news media create so much of our national state of mind. They make their living from playing and replaying the political rhetoric in Washington DC.

Much of that is negative, and has more to do with the party not in power telling us what is wrong that they can correct if only we will vote for them.

Donald Trump uses the slogan, “Make America great again.” Our country is already No. 1 in so many categories that it is hard to imagine who will ever catch us.

The military? We have 11 aircraft carriers — more than the entire rest of the world combined. Russia and China each have one.

The economy? Our GDP is roughly 23 percent of the world’s total economic output. That is roughly equivalent to the economies of Japan, Germany, Russia, England, France, India and Brazil all together.

So, we have an illegal immigration problem. Why? A large portion of the world wants to come here. Many countries have open borders; Canada and Australia are good examples. They can’t get enough people to come there to live.

We do have a problem, but it is caused by positive reasons.

Considering what we are hearing in the political wars, any good news at all is worth celebrating.

The improvement in our economic numbers and military situation should cause us all to pause here at the end of another year and be thankful for small favors.

Mark L. Hopkins writes for More Content Now and Scripps Newspapers.

He is past president of colleges and universities in four states and currently serves as executive director of a higher-education consulting service.

Contact him at presnet@presnet.net.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HOPKINS: Some good news at the end of 2015

It is the story that began over 2,000 years ago, with an emperor who demanded a census so he could tax his citizens.

Just like today's governments, which always want taxes.

Although Mary was very pregnant with the Lord Jesus, off she and Joseph went to Bethlehem to register for taxation.

What an uncomfortable trip.

We need to back up a bit in our story. Joseph and Mary were betrothed, which was as binding as marriage in their culture.

Mary received a visit from the angel Gabriel, who tells her she is highly favored by God and will bear the Messiah.

When she asks how this can happen, since she is a virgin, Gabriel tells her by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Instead of arguing, as most of us would, Mary submits to the will of God and calls herself His handmaid.

When Mary tells Joseph of this fantastic visit by the angel Gabriel, he can't comprehend it.

He knows this baby isn't his, and in Israel B.C., having a baby out of wedlock was an offense punishable by stoning, but Joseph loved Mary and didn't want that to happen.

This was no ordinary betrothal. Both Mary and Joseph knew the prophecy concerning the Messiah in Isaiah 7:14: "Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and call His name Emmanuel."

Joseph knew they hadn't done what was required to make a baby, so how could this be?

While he was pondering his options, the Lord sent an angel to him in a dream, assuring Joseph that this baby had been conceived by the Holy Spirit and Joseph took Mary as his wife.

We know the balance of the story: Bethlehem was mobbed with people registering for the census, and the inns were full. 

Mary went into labor, and all Joseph could find was a stable that an inn keeper allowed them to use for the Messiah's birth. 

How humbling a thought: the Savior of the world was born in a stable and laid in a manger.

The story is in Luke 1 and 2, if you'd like to read it. 

This is God's love story to us, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord," Luke 2:11 states.

From our home to yours, we pray that you have a very Merry Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and give Him our worship. 

Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Remembering the Christmas story

My name is Yasmin. My husband got stationed here at Eglin Air Force base three years ago.

I am a Muslim woman, and I'm married to a Christian man.

I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.

We love culture and accept anything that's different, so I never judged another human being by their skin color, religion or what clothes they had on.

I never understood racism or what drove it.

Thursday, in Publix, I experienced first-hand how evil and hateful people can be.

My parents came to visit us from Louisiana, as they usually do. We mostly get stares of curiosity when we are in public (her stepmother wears a traditional head scarf), but nothing alarming.

My family was grocery shopping and doing things normal people do at a grocery store. We had a (basket) full of food, as we were going to barbecue the second we got home since we're celebrating the purchase of our property and home here in Crestview.

We turned the corner out of an aisle and a man threw a pack of bacon onto our groceries and said, 'Merry Christmas, buddy.'

My father replied kindly, "Thank you." My dad is 55 years old, and I can see the pain in his eyes for my 2-year-old baby brother, who was sitting in the cart.

Twenty years ago, my dad would have shot off at the mouth to this guy  —  but I saw a different, fragile old man.

My heart instantaneously crumbled into a million pieces.

I turned around and asked the man, "Why would you do something like that?"

He said, "Because I can!"

I realized he had his son with him, who didn't look older than 9. I saw he was in a tan mechanic shirt, and I said to him, "That's absolutely disgusting of you, that you're doing this in front of your son, teaching him hate in his heart.

"What a wonderful example you are."

My husband, who has been serving in the military since 2007, was beside himself and was overcome with emotion.

He didn't understand the tears rolling down my face. He is white and never experienced anything like this before. He couldn't believe it, and confronted the man, who laughed.

We are Americans, just like you.

We cry with you and we bow our heads and pray when we have fallen service members.

We place our hand over our heart when we hear the Pledge of Allegiance, just like you.

We are not different, and our faith and the color of our skin doesn't define us.

We are afraid too  —  but we shouldn't be afraid because of my religion.

We are fighting the same enemy — we are not the enemy.

We are ordinary people, just trying to get by.

I am afraid and tormented for the world that our children have to grow up in.

Just remember: the man you laughed at for asking you why would you do something so cowardly to his family in Publix served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And continues to serve daily for your right to do something so hateful.

Yasmin Saunders and her family live in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SAUNDERS: Anti-Muslim sentiment saddens Crestview resident

I agree there are some wonderful stores on Main Street. Store hours is what hurt their businesses. Many of them are closed on weekends, or close before people can get off work and go to them.

Our shopping options are limited, and yet we keep getting new Dollar General stores.

Please bring in new things so that revenue stays in our town.

Annette Salter 

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Would love to spend money locally

How about an upscale mall of some kind? We have to go shopping in other cities. I'd rather give our community here my money.

Sue Ring 

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Lower Main Street buildings' rent

It's way too expensive right now for anyone but a big store to be there. So online shopping is still the way to go until they fix that problem.

Also, they don't have any real variety for younger people, which is why we keep going to the bigger cities to shop.

Stephanie Wahner 

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Re-thinking the 'war on Christmas'

I personally enjoy the celebration of Christ's birth this time of year. I am aware, however, that the celebration during this time is a modern tradition. The birth of Christ is something to celebrate, but the season in which we do it is not relevant and has no bearing on its significance.

I think it's distracting and takes away from Christ when we view it as a competition (with) consumerism. Greed is a result of sin, not because a manger scene wasn't allowed on public property.

AW Ratliff 

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Lower Main Street buildings' rent, re-thinking the 'war on Christmas'