Local Singer Misses Nashville Star
June 10, 2008
Lots of area people tuned into the sixth season premier of “Nashville Star” Monday night on NBC loooking for a local favorite. But he was not there.
Local country singer Kelton French was on of many that sang in the American Idol style country competition. But he did not make the “Nashville Star” top 12.
While he officially calls Milton home, he’s a familiar face around Molino.
His brothers attend Molino Park Elementary School. Joshua French will be in the second grade this fall, and Jordan French will in the fourth grade.
Kelton performed at Molino Park’s Arts Day back in April to the screams and cheers of hundreds of Molino Park students.
The winner will get a contract with a major record company and will get to perform during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing in August.
You can learn more about Kelton and hear some of his music at www.myspace.com/keltonfrench
Pictured above: Kelton French performs at the Molino Park Elementary School Arts Day back in April. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Storms Topple A Few Trees
June 9, 2008
Scattered strong storms moved through North Escambia Monday afternoon.
Several trees were reported down around Century, including small trees in the area of Hilltop Road and Alger Road, and on Carnley Road. Scattered power outages were also reported.
NWE Grizzlies Spend Afternoon With The Pensacola Pelicans
June 9, 2008
The NWE Grizzlies from Walnut Hill enjoyed Sunday afternoon at UWF with the Pensacola Pelicans at for the Grizzlies’ “end of the season” party.
After coming off of a winning season, the Grizzlies decided to kick back with the Pelicans and take in some professional baseball.
The Pelicans fell short of the victory against the Grand Prairie AirHogs from Texas. But the Grizzlies enjoyed the Pelicans in action. Fun was had by all and the Grizzlies along with other teams from NWE will be moving on to All-Stars in the weeks to come.
Congratulations are in order for the Grizzlies on a season well played, and thanks to all who came out and helped organize the fun filled event.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Photos and story submitted by April Maholovich for NorthEscambia.com
Bloodmobile Is At Walnut Hill Farm Supply This Afternoon
June 9, 2008
A community blood drive is going on this morning at the Walnut Hill Farm Supply.
The Northwest Florida Blood Services Bloodmobile will be at the store at the intersection of Highway 97 and South Highway 99 until 12:30 p.m.
There is a great need for blood donors of all types according to Sarah Noel from the blood center.
“The need for blood continues to increase as the ability to save and prolong lives increases,” she said. “At the same time the number of donors has not kept pace with the need for blood. Blood cannot be stockpiled. It must be constantly be replenished.”
“We have to ask and ask and ask because the need is very real. Please donate blood for it is the gift of life,” Noel added.
Donors must be in generally good health. Other requirements include:
- At least 17 years of age
- Must bring picture ID
- Weigh at least 110 lb
- Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
- No cancer within the last 5 years
- No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
- No tattoos within the past 12 months
- No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
- No history of viral hepatitis
- Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
- Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
- Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
- Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
- All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.
New Water Tower Going Up Soon In Walnut Hill
June 9, 2008
A new water tower is planned for Walnut Hill, and construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.
The new 200,000 gallon Walnut Hill Water Works elevated storage tank will be located next to the Escambia River Electric Cooperative office on Highway 99-A, across the road from the Ernest Ward Middle School gym. This tank will be in addition to a current water tower nearby at the intersection of Arthur Brown Road and Highway 97, according to EREC. EREC owns the Walnut Hill Water Works.
The new elevated storage tank will replace a Walnut Hill Water Works elevated tank currently located in Enon.
The $2.4 million project will include the tank, plus repairs to existing well houses and operating equipment and the replacement and looping of existing lines to increase water pressure. The water system, which serves 699 connections, has received a $866,000 grant toward the project. The remaining $1,621,000 will come from a USDA Rural Development loan.
In 2005, the water system began to experience problems when the well at Arthur Brown Road and Highway 97 began to fail. That well house and the one at another well located on Highway 97 just north of Wiggins Lake Road are both in need of physical and mechanical repairs, according to EREC. They say the system operates with a 19 percent loss due to leaks and inefficiencies.
Pictured above: The moon sets behind the current Walnut Hill Water Works tower at Arthur Brown Road and Highway 97. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Fiery Crash South Of Jay Kills Three
June 8, 2008
Three people are dead following a fiery vehicle crash about seven miles southwest of Jay.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Leonard R. Lail, 65, of Jay; Louvina Rosetta Rutledge, 17, of Pace; and Michael E. Rutledge, 19 of Mobile died in the accident about 5:10 Saturday afternoon. The accident happened at the intersection of Chumuckla Highway and Mineral Springs Road.
Trooper say Louvina Rutledge’s 2007 Kia was southbound on Chumuckla Highway when she ran off the road, lost control, over-corrected and entered the northbound lane of the highway. Lail swerved off the road onto the shoulder, where the two vehicles collided.
Lail’s 1996 Ford SUV erupted into flames, completely charring the vehicle. The fire quickly spread across the harvested wheat field where the vehicle came to rest.
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The FHP says Louvina Rutledge and Michael Rutledge were cousins.
The highway patrol says none of the three were using seatbelts.
Shuttle, Space Station Were Visible From North Escambia Saturday PM
June 8, 2008
The space shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station were visible Saturday night as they moved across the skies of North Escambia.
The shuttle and connected ISS were visible on the horizon in the northwest from 9:43 p.m. until it moved north and disappeared at 9:45. It looked like a bright star traveling quickly across the night sky.
Discovery and the ISS are still docked after finished their much publicized toilet repair earlier in the week.
Pictured above: An exclusive NorthEscambia.com time lapse photo of the space shuttle Discover as it passed over Walnut Hill Saturday night. It appears as the line because it was moving in the time lapse photo while the other stars appear to remain stationary.
Two Large Yard Sales Held Saturday
June 8, 2008
Two large yard sales were held Saturday in the North Escambia area. One was in Molino at the old Crossfaith Church, and the second was at Century Care Center in Century.
The two day sale at Century Care Center featured the usual yard sale items plus items like wheelchairs, walkers and hospital beds. Funds from the sale will be put toward the center’s fish pond project for residents.
The indoor sale Saturday morning at the old Crossfaith Church building on Molino Road. In addition to the normal yard sale items, they were also selling the entire building and church furnishings like pews. Crossfaith recently moved into a new building on Highway 29. Church members said the building and pews remain for sale, contact the church office for more information.
Pictured above and below: Pictures from Saturday’s yard sale at Century Care Center (the outdoor sale) and Crossfaith Church in Molino (the indoor sale). NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Softball Tournament Underway In Molino; 1,500 Expected
June 8, 2008
About 1,500 people are expected to attend Northwest Florida Girls Softball Alliance All Star Tournament that began Saturday morning in Molino.
There will be 39 teams from across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida and teams from Baldwin County in Alabama competing in the six day tournament, including 16u, 12u at 10u teams from Molino.
Saturday was not a good day for the three Molino teams. Molino 16u lost to NEP. Molino 12u lost to Pace, and Molino 10u lost to Tiger Point.
Sunday games are scheduled from 1:00 until 7:00 p.m.
Admission is $2 per person, with funds going toward all of the ball programs at Don Sutton Park.
For a photo gallery from Saturday’s 16u Molino versus NEP game, click here
For a photo gallery from Saturday’s 12u Molino versus Pace game, click here.
“We are hosting this to raise funds for park improvements as well as offset additional expenses incurred by park due to state and local tax cuts impliments in January of 2008,” Molino Recreation Association President Art Kleinatland said. “The MRA Board’s goal is to continue to run the park as efficient as possible and continue to look for opportunities to maintain or reduce cost to parent so more children are afforded the opportunity to benefit from recreational ball in the community.”
The tournament is hosted by the Molino Recreation Association and the NWFGSA with support from many local volunteers, including the United States Marine Corp.
Have scores or stats? Email news@northescambia.com
Pictured above: The umpire declared the 16u Pace runner (left) safe, saying that she was not tagged by the Molino player (right). In the photo, you can see the glove touching the other player. Pictured below: The Molino 12u catcher makes a scoop during Saturday play in Molino. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Regular Ball Season Comes To A Close At NWE Bradberry Park
June 7, 2008
NWE Bradberry Park held closing ceremonies this evening.
Park President Steve Hanks acknowledged several fund raising eventsthat took place this year, as well as all of the teams and their accomplishments.
Quite a bit of money was raised for “Drew’s Field” and Steve was excited to announce that field should be ready for opening day next season.
Special recognition was given to Keri Payne as manager of the year. Keri has been involved with the park for several years.
There were also 2 special awards that went to Pam Brown and Larry Gibson as Volunteers of the Year.
Appreciation was given to Pam Brown for her efforts concerning the concession stand. She was recognized not only for coordinating schedules, but for making sure we were stocked properly with food and supplies.
Larry Gibson was once again acknowledged for his tireless efforts to keep the park in great shape. Larry is always there, doing whatever is needed without ever having to be asked.
Carrie Payne was named the Manager of the Year.
Click here for more photos from closing ceremonies at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill.
Ramona Preston story and photos for NorthEscambia.com.