Residents Report Funnel Cloud Over Molino; No Damage; No Problems
June 30, 2008
A funnel cloud was reported in the air in the Molino area about 2:10 Sunday afternoon near Crest Lane off Highway 29, but there was no real damage.
Witnesses told NorthEscambia.com that they saw the rotation of a funnel cloud over the Crest Lane area near the end of Crest Place. They said it sounded almost the same as the February 17 tornado that destroyed several houses in their subdivision.
One resident’s ladders were tossed about their backyard. Trash cans were overturned and small lawn furniture was moved about. There were a few small limbs down around the area, but there was no major damage.
The Molino Volunteer Fire Department and the Escambia Sheriff’ Department responded to the area. They fire department returned to their station, where they continued to standby into the afternoon in case more severe weather developed.
There were no injuries reported. Power was still on in almost all of the Molino area following the funnel cloud report.
Pictured above: This small tree was broken over on Crest Land Sunday afternoon. Pictured below: A few dead tree limbs, like this one on Cedartown Road at Highway 95A were also down around the area. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
EWMS Class of 78 Holds Reunion, Honors Former Teachers
June 30, 2008
The Ernest Ward High School Class of 1978 recently held their 30th reunion.
Former Ernest Ward teachers and class sponsors Patty Stone and Jean Webb were on hand for the evening that began with a special presentation of photos with 70’s music.
One of the highlights of the evening was Mrs. Jean Webb’s (now known as JJ) introduction and signing of her newly published book, “Feet of Clay”, with the reading of a special dedication to her former students.
The reunion was hosted at B&T Barbeque in Atmore.
Pictured above: (front, L-R) Mike Wilson, Alan Lowery, Ronald Hartner; (second row, L-R) Lenora Wilson-Grissett, Tony Killiam, Barbara Singleton-Hollingsworth, Linda Amerson-Jackson, Nancy Bentley-Barger, Judy Pickern-Parham; (third row, L-R) Richard Cook, June Hansen-Hall, Gary Gibbs, Dianne Crews-Hall, Becky Bryars-Angles, Anita Conway; (back row, L-R) Zelda Coon Berry, Jeffery Smith, Elaine Bryan-Holk, Tara Killiam-Wiggins, Cathy Dortch-Reynolds, Kathy McLain-Jones, Malcom Mitchell and Rita Powell Parker. Pictured below: Patty Stone (left) and Jean Webb. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.
It’s A Boy!
June 30, 2008
Two sago palm plants planted around the CrossFaith Church sign at the church’s old location on Molino Road bloomed recently, and they were both boys.
Sago palms, like many plant species, require a boy and a girl to reproduce to produce more of the popular plants…just good old basic biology.
In the late spring or early summer, the mature male sago produces a golden cone shape like you see in the pictures. It can grow to over two feet. A female sago produces a huge golden cabbage-shape flower.
Most sagos will be 15 to 20 years old before they flower, and they do not usually flower in pots. They must be well established in their landscape. They do not flower every year. Usually the flowers appear every two or three years. Sagos produce a new set of leaves during the non-flowering years.
The cone have since dried and turned a bit brown since these photos were snapped.
Pictured above: A male flowering sago palm on Molino Road at the old location of CrossFaith Church. Pictured below: A closeup of the flower. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Abandoned Building Burns
June 29, 2008
An abandoned building on East Highway 4 in Century was destroyed by fire Saturday night.
The fire was reported in the wood frame building about 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The building was a fully involved when the first firefighters arrived on the scene on East Highway 4 between Highway 29 and Jefferson Avenue.
Authorities said the wood frame structure had been empty for about 10 years. It had been used as a residence years ago, and housed a propane company in the 1950’s.
There were not reported injuries in the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Century Volunteer Fire Department, the McDavid Volunteer Fire Department, the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department and the Molino Volunteer Fire Department all responded to the fire. The Flomaton Fire Department was dispatched to the scene, but they were diverted to an accident call in front of their fire station before they responded.
Angel Food Ministries Provides About $70 Of Top Quality Food For $30
June 29, 2008
Saturday was distribution day for Angel Food Ministries at the Allen Memorial United Methodist Church in Cantonment. It’s a simple program where anyone can save more than half off the cost of groceries. And, perhaps best of all, everyone qualifies, no strings attached.
The program food relief to more than a half million families a month across the nation.
It’s a simple concept…pay $30 for a box of food worth about $70. There are no applications; everyone qualifies. The process is simple too…just stop by the Allen Memorial United Methodist Church in Cantonment, pay the $30 and return on the designated pickup day to receive the box of food. They even accept food stamps.
Allen Memorial United Methodist Church has been the local host for the Angel Food Ministries program since October of 2006, according to their program director Katrina Williamson.
“It’s a great program,” Williamson said. “It can really help people out.”
The $30 June box of food included 1.5 pounds of rib eye steaks, 1.5 pounds of hamburger patties, two pounds of pork riblets, four pounds of chicken leg quarters, two pounds of breaded chicken tenders, a 20 ounce supreme pizza, one pound of mild Italian sausage, two pounds of French fries, one pound of sliced carrots, one pound of mixed vegetables, a 32 ounce container of two percent shelf-stable milk, six ounce pancake mix, 15 ounce pork and beans, 14 ounce ketchup, 7.5 ounce macaroni and cheese, a dozen eggs and a dessert item.
The July $30 box of food includes a 40 ounce Marie Callender Family Cock Pot Dinner with meat, one and half pounds of boneless pork fillets, five pounds of chicken chunks, one and half pounds of meaty beef ribs, 28 ounce meatloaf with gravy, one pound of beef fajitas, one pound of cooked meatballs, one pounds of all meat hot dogs, one pound of broccoli, one pound of pea and carrots, 28 ounces of pasta sauce, one pound of pasta, 32 ounces of milk, 32 ounces of Hawaiian Punch, 12 corn tortillas, a seven ounce blueberry muffin mix, a dozen eggs and a dessert.
“Our food is “restaurant grade” meats, frozen vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc. which we acquire through our involvement with only the best producers/vendors of high quality, “name brand” foods. Never “seconds” or “day old” type products are involved,” according to the Angel Food Ministries web site.
For more information about the program, call Allen Memorial United Methodist Church at 968-6213 or visit www.angelfoodministries.com. To visit the church and place an order…take Highway 20 south into Cantonment. Turn right at the red light onto Muskogee Road. Take the second right onto Pace Parkway.
Other churches in the North Escambia area that might be interested in hosting the Angel Food Ministries program can visit www.angelfoodministries.com for more information.
Editor’s note: NorthEscambia.com has ordered a box of food. We will run a follow-up story in July to remind you about the program and let you know what we thought of the food. We can tell you that the frozen pizza from June’s menu was pretty good.
Pictured above: Volunteers at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church in Cantonment work to distribute food Saturday at the church. Pictured below: A box of food being loaded. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
UWF Names Spring Honor Students
June 29, 2008
The University of West Florida has named its spring semester Dean’s Honors List and President’s Honor List.
All undergraduate students who earn a grade point average equal to or greater than 3.5 on a minimum of six semester hours of graded coursework at UWF are recognized on the Dean’s Honor List.
All undergraduate students who earn a grade point average equal to or greater than 3.9 on a minimum of six semester hours of graded coursework at UWF are recognized on the President’s Honor List.
The following students from the North Escambia area were named to the Dean’s Honor List at UWF:
Century: Rachel Andrews, Amy Benauer, David Bryan, Nicole Cook, John Doran, Bradley Faulk, Stella Harrelson, Thessalon Harrison, Rachel Killam, Amy Underwood.
McDavid: Danette Walker
Molino: Jason Amnott, Emily Coleman, Jennifer Sigler, Christopher Wade, John Whitfield.
Cantonment: Melissa Aiken, Jacob Armbrust, Stacey Barnes, Jessica Bousquet, Cynthia Boyd, Michele Bradley, Dorothy Carr, Charnai Carrier, Michael Colonna, Camillee Deguzman, Brook Edmisten, Crystle Ellis, Arthur Fletcher, Thomas Ford, Victoria Fox, Whitney Gay, Katelyn Geri, Laura Ghiorso, Elizabeth Godwin, Heather Graham, Kenneth Gray, Mariah Guilford, Tadessa Ham, Nicole Haubrich, Brandy Ingram, Patricia Jones, Michael Kyle, Corrie Lenn, Katie Lewis, Christina Luciano, James McAllister, Ryan McCauley, Kelley McDowell, Linsey McLain, Lauren McManus, Christopher Meade, Jessica Miller, Heather Miller, Michael Moehle, Aaron Moneyham, Chelsea Pipkins, Joseph Potts, Kathleen Renfrow, Stacy Ross, Brandon Sapp, Stefanie Swords, Mohammad Taha, George Trice, Heather Walpole, Carl Weber, Cherith Welter.
The following students from the North Escambia area were named to the President’s Honor List at UWF:
Century: Brittany Levins, Carla Payne.
McDavid: Jarrod Brown, Kyle Simpson, Scott Walker, Brandon Walker.
Molino: Susan Arnette, Cynthia Plenkers, Kristen Smith, William Tanner, Noel Taylor.
Cantonment: Cara Armbrust, Sean Bowers, David Bramblett, Janet Branch, Rachel Castleman, Patricia Cazenavette, Jennifer Chambers, Amanda Clanton, Ruth Corbin, Leah Duff, Caitlin Duff, Susann Fehl, Stephanie Godfrey, Jennifer Godwin, Brittany Green, Angela Hensel, Ashley Kotwal, Christina Kwon, Anthony Manzi, Scott Miller, Teresa Mullins, Kelly Poley, Christopher Rawson, Brooke Rowell, Steve Schickel, Charlotte Somerville, Kaitlin Teets, Jamie Vail, Cole Yuknis.
Miller: Drilling In The Artic A Solution To Save At the Pump
June 29, 2008
Submitted column by Congressman Jeff Miller for NorthEscambia.com
Ten years ago, House Republicans recognized the importance of increasing domestic energy production. Remembering the gas crises of the late 1970’s, I, along with my colleagues, want to end America’s reliance on foreign oil and eliminate the possibility of a future gas shortage. I believe it is not only an issue of economics, but one of national security. In the 1990’s, our solution was to open up oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) which would greatly expand our domestic oil reserves. However, attempts at exploration were squandered when then-President Bill Clinton vetoed the legislation.
Not much has changed over the last decade. The Democrats are still blocking Republican energy legislation only now they are putting their own spin on things. From a controversial report with unproven conclusions, the Majority is claiming that oil companies are “stockpiling” leases on federal lands with the intention of driving up oil prices. They are also claiming that although the Bush Administration has opened up the number of leases for exploratory drilling, production has not followed.
These one-sided accusations have resonated in the Democrats “use it or loose it” policy. Misnamed legislation such as H.R. 6251, The Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act of 2008, would force oil and gas companies to produce oil from the land they lease. Companies that fail to produce would be barred from obtaining more leases. The Majority’s central claim is that instead of opening up new areas for drilling we should drill on the land that is already leased for oil and gas exploration. While this may sound good in theory, it is impractical, inefficient, and does nothing to provide a fast, long-term approach to the energy crisis.
Almost everyone knows that land leased for oil and gas exploration doesn’t necessarily guarantee oil and gas reservoirs; it is merely being explored for these resources. The Democrats keep pushing the misconception that every acre of leased land has oil. In fact, companies don’t know how much oil is under the lands they lease. They simply buy up large portions of land in the hope that a fraction of the land will have oil and gas reserves. In reality, much of that land lacks oil or gas in commercially viable quantities and therefore cannot be used for oil and gas production. Most importantly, exploratory drilling costs millions of dollars and is rarely cost effective.
Instead of doing blind explorations of leased land and risking the loss of millions of dollars, we should expand drilling in areas that we know have oil and gas reserves, specifically the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Drilling in these areas would be both cheaper and faster since we don’t have to waste money looking for the oil and we know where to look. However, the Democrats repeatedly vote against this type of legislation.
It’s hard to make changes with a majority that won’t listen. If the Republicans had been allowed to drill in the ANWR years ago, we probably wouldn’t be paying over $4 at the pump. This is all the more reason to begin exploring now. If we don’t, history will repeat itself.
Funeral Services Held For Flomaton Fireman
June 28, 2008
Funeral services for Flomaton Fire Department Lt. Huey Johnson, 58, were held Friday afternoon.
Johnson was a lifelong resident of Escambia County, Alabama, and had served on the Flomaton Fire Department for about 20 years. Two of those years were spent as chief. He was also a retired career firefighter with 33 years of service at Whiting Field.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church of Flomaton. Almost two dozen fire trucks from departments across South Alabama and Northwest Florida participated in the procession. Ladder trucks from the Century Volunteer Fire Department and the Ferry Pass Volunteer Fire Department hoisted a giant American Flag over the procession route to the Elim Baptist Church Cemetery.
Johnson died Tuesday night after a battle with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Pictured above: Ladder trucks from the Century Volunteer Fire Department and the Ferry Pass Volunteer Fire Department hoist a giant American Flag Friday afternoon over Houston Street in Flomaton for the funeral of Flomaton Fire Lt. Huey Johnson. Pictured below: An honor guard from the Whiting Field Fire Department departs the graveside service at Elim Baptist Cemetary. Pictured bottom: About two dozen fire trucks from departments around the area were in the funeral procession. Submitted photos by Alisa Hart for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Comes To Century
June 28, 2008
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has come to Century, with plans to provide a free book every month for every child under five years old.
In 1996, Dolly launched an e new effort to benefit the children of her home county in east Tennessee. Dolly wanted to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families. She wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. And she wanted to insure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income.
She decided to mail a brand new, age appropriate book each month to every child under five in Sevier County, Tennesee. With the arrival of every child’s first book, the classic The Little Engine That Could, every child could now experience the joy of finding their very own book in their mailbox. These moments continue each month until the child turns five,and in their very last month in the program they receive Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come.
Now children under in the Century area can signup for the same program under the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. They will receive a new age appropriate book each month until they turn five…all at absolutely no cost. And, there are no income requirements for the program.
“Parents will not pay a dime for the program,” said Larry Kenny from the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County which administers the program locally. “They will not be added to any kind of mailing list; their information is kept private and used only to mail the books free of charge to their homes.”
Century area parents were able to enroll their children in the program for the first time during a celebration the the Campfire USA Child Development Center.
Parents can continue to enroll their children in the free program during regular business hours at Campfire USA on Industrial Boulevard and at the Century Pharmacy on Mayo Street.
Funding for the program in the Century area is provided by the Teaspoon Foundation and Century Pharmacy.
Pictured above: Jared Bevan, 4, enjoys reading one of the books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Campfire USA in Century Friday morning. Pictured below: Some of the books from the program. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Free Health Fair, AIDS Testing Held In Century
June 27, 2008
A free health fair was held Friday at the old Century Hospital.
The event featured free health screenings and free AIDS testing. There were about 12 participating organizations in the event, many offering information about services they offer in the community.
The event was sponsored by Lutheran Ministries and Century Family Practice. All services were free.
The even also included free grilled hotdogs and cold drinks.
Pictured above: Centery Family Practice’s mobile unit outside the old Century Hospital Friday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.