Stories by Hansen Hasenberg
Stories by Hansen Hasenberg
Plan to develop Florida State Parks likely to change after bipartisan backlash
September 5, 2024
The 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative meant to increase public access, recreation and lodging at Florida State Parks has been met with mixed emotions and backlash since it was announced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Aug. 19. Now the plan is likely heading back to the drawing board.
Air Force team wins USO Commanders Cup tournament at Eglin AFB
August 27, 2024
Gaming teams from all six U.S. military branches descended upon Eglin Air Force Base Aug. 10 and 11 for the USO Gaming Commanders Cup, an e-sports event where service members from different branches competed in a Rocket League tournament.
Beyond School Walls program coming to Santa Rosa, Okaloosa counties
August 20, 2024
The transition from school to the workforce, or even college, can have its challenges. From resumes to interviews to finding out what you want to do with your life, students navigate a wide range of options and hurdles.
Crestview Fire Chief talks electric vehicle fire safety
June 11, 2024
Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States have skyrocketed since their emergence on the market in the 2010s. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which is under the direction of the Department of Transportation, from 2018 to 2021, EV sales doubled. In the years since, EV sales have continued to go up. In 2023, 1.6 million were sold, a 60% increase from the million sold the previous year.
Cassie Carli Bill officially becomes law
June 10, 2024
On the afternoon of June 5, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 385 into law. The bill, known as “Cassie Carli law,” will go into effect July 1.
1SOW Commander Col. Dierig on challenges, opportunities
May 8, 2024
Col. Patrick Dierig, the commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing (1SOW), is hitting the ground running after taking command from Col. Allison Black Feb. 23. As installation commander, Dierig oversees Hurlburt Field’s base support for the wing’s four groups and 24 squadrons, as well as more than 40 tenant units, including Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command.
Legislative blues: Rep. Rudman talks frustrations with state government post-session
March 12, 2024
Politics can be a vicious sport, causing frustration and a desire to give it up. According to State Rep. Dr. Joel Rudman (R-Navarre), this past session has been one frustration after another. Despite this, he said he isn’t ready to step aside.
Rudman first came into the Florida Legislature after winning the Republican primary and general election for former Rep. Jayer Williamson’s seat (District 3) in 2022. The 2023 Legislature began soon after Rudman was sworn in.
Alan Ritchson talks Reacher, stardom and grinding out a career
December 14, 2023
When you star in your own hit television show and act alongside the likes of Vin Diesel, Jennifer Lawrence and Helen Mirren, it might go to your head but for Alan Ritchson, 41, he’s still just the kid from Niceville.
Afterschool educational program engages NWFL children in coding
August 29, 2023
On Aug. 26, Code Ninjas, an international afterschool learning center franchise with a focus on coding, held a grand opening for their Pensacola center. The center has actually been open since March 2023.