“We’re going to Chicago!” members of the King Middle School Academic Team shouted after accepting a $5,000 check from Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society that will help them pay their way to the national championships in May.

Families of East Milton Elementary School students got a taste of what their children have been learning in school when they came to the March 23 STEAM night event. STEAM is short for science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. According to East Milton Elementary principal Nadia Colin, they hold a STEAM night for families once a year in spring. Throughout the rest of the year, they host quarterly parent involvement events focusing on literacy, math and other topics.

The Market of Milton meets for the first time from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Jernigan’s Landing (5158 Willing St.).

Javier Rodriguez shook his head, muttering as he walked toward a group of kids staring down into the water from an unfinished observation deck on the boardwalk extension at Carpenter’s Park in Milton. “Hey! You can’t be on there,” he yelled to the trespassers. The area had been taped off and blockaded so vehicles wouldn’t drive into the work area, but any curious resident could easily stroll over to where the framework for the boardwalk meanders along a tributary to the Blackwater River.

The newest member of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit is named in honor of a longtime member of the agency. Chief Deputy Joe McCurdy is retiring this summer after 33 years of service to the citizens of Santa Rosa County. In gratitude and recognition of McCurdy’s service, Sheriff Bob Johnson has named the new bloodhound Chief.

Norman Garrett American Legion Post No. 78 and the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the public from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at the American Legion Hall, 6025 Spikes Way. Games and refreshments will be provided.

The Bagdad Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its first Spring Fest celebration from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at 4513 Forsyth Street in Milton.

A mob of white settlers brutally murdered a Creek man in April 1837 at the Blackwater River near Lumberton – present day Milton. Almost 186 years later, the Santa Rosa Band of the Lower Muscogee Creek Tribe unveiled a historical marker remembering the event at Jernigan’s Landing.

St. Mary’s Shoppe, 6849 Oak St. in Milton, now offers weekly specials. The Shoppe has new and vintage one-of-a-kind treasures, offering something for everyone. The Shoppe is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, along with a food ministry on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you’re looking for fantastic deals, please stop by.

Santa Rosa District Schools celebrated middle and high school students who were selected to the All-County Honor Band during two performances Saturday, Jan. 28, at Pace Assembly of God’s auditorium.