Century Council To Discuss And Approve Budget Today
September 9, 2008
The Town of Century will hold a budget workshop and special meeting this afternoon to finalize next year’s budget.
The budget workshop will being at 5:15 and the special meeting will follow at approximately 6:00. Both the workshop and meeting are open to the public.
The town’s accountant, Robert Hudson, told the town council last week that they need to approve a budget early next week in order to hold a public hearing on that budget by September 11.
The budget for the next fiscal year has a $255,000 deficit, according to Council president Ann Brooks. “We have a much larger shortfall than we’ve been having,” she said at the council’s meeting.
The $255,000 shortfall assumes the council chooses a cheaper health plan for town employees. The town currently pays about $161,000 a year for health benefits, but that number would rise to $212,000 if they council did not make a health benefit change. Brooks said one plan being considered would cost the town about $150,000 per year.
At this afternoon’s workshop meeting, the council is to finalize their choice of health insurance plans, and to insert numbers they are getting from quotes for workman’s comp, liability and life insurance into the budget.
A first public hearing on the budget will be held at 5:01 p.m. on Thursday, September 11 for public input on the budget.
Volleyball: NHS Varsity Girls Down Flomaton; Flomaton JV Wins
September 9, 2008
Northview’s Chiefs downed the Flomaton Hurricanes in varsity girl’s volleyball Monday night.
Northview took three out of five: 25-17, 25-22 and 16-14. Flomaton took two: 25-22 and 25-20.
For Northview, Angela Rodriguez had two kills and five aces. Sophomore Shawna Montgomery had one dig, three blocks, eight aces and a couple of kills against Flomaton.
Senior Brittney Thompson had four block and nine kills. Candice Greenwell had five aces, and junior Caitlin Hall had one block, four aces and 11 blocks.
The Northview and Flomaton JV teams also played Monday night with Flomaton winning.
Click here for a complete photo gallery from Flomaton at Northview volleyball.
Pictured above and below: Nothview seniors Angela Rodriguez (#24) and Brittney Thompson (#5) go up for a block against Flomaton Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
County Leaders Talk Fire Unification Plan With Local Volunteer Firefighters
September 9, 2008
Top county leaders brought their message of a unified county fire department to firefighters in Walnut Hill Monday night. The unification of Escambia County’s volunteer fire departments is on schedule to be completed by October 1.
Last week, county leaders explained the new consolidated fire department to the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club (click here to read that story). Monday night, they presented that same message to the Walnut Hil Volunteer Fire Department, where volunteers questioned what their role in the new county department would be.
“It’’s been a lot of work and we’ve beat some issues for weeks, but we have hammered out the agreement for the benefit of all,” Escambia Fire Chief Ken Perkins said.
“The biggest issue is saying we are one organization,” he said. “There was a need to further define the organization.”
Some of the volunteer firefighters at the Monday meeting at the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department questioned what their role would be in the unified department.
“I just want to alleviate those feelings that the volunteers are going to be left out of the organization,” Perkins told the volunteers. “You guys know how to do business and should be applauded for that.”
“It is not a cookie cutter approach,” Mike Hardin, the county’s public safety bureau chief, said. “Fire suppression is as different in Walnut Hill as it is in Pensacola Beach. We understand it is different in the north end.”
“This is evolutionary, not revolutionary,” County Administrator Bob McLaughlin told the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department. “The bottom line is that we are here to protect people’s lives and property.”
Just as he told the Ruritan Club last Thursday night, Perkins told the volunteers of the benefits that he believes will come as a result of the fire department unification plan in Escambia County.
From the cost savings and improved efficiency of a centralized warehouse and purchasing system, to improved communications, to physical exams and background checks for firefighters, Perkins discussed the benefits of the new system.
Improved training was another thing Perkins said the fire department consolidation plan will bring. He assured the firefighters in Walnut Hill Monday night that there would be training classes held in North Escambia for firefighters from Walnut Hill, Century, McDavid and Molino.
He also said paid firefighters that are currently stationed weekdays at Century and Molino would be allowed to work flex time and participate in night training with the volunteers in North Escambia.
Another issue Perkins discussed is the reduction of departments to staff vehicles. Currently, several officers from the volunteer departments are provided with fire vehicles to take home or wherever they may be. This allows them a faster response time because they do not have to return to a fire station to get a truck. Under the consolidation plan, departments would be limited to two staff vehicles.
Perkins said those vehicles would be rotated among officers able to respond to calls.
“The intent is to share vehicles,” he said. “You very seldom have three staff vehicles running calls. We do think we can use them more efficiently.”
Under the unification plan, the following vehicle change will occur at North Escambia volunteer fire departments:
- Cantonment: Reduce to two staff vehicles. Retire 1986 GMC mini pumper.
- Century: Reduce to two staff vehicles. Change 1995 Tele-Squirt to reserve status. Change 1997 Spartan Pumper to reserve status.
- McDavid: Reduce to two staff vehicles.
- Molino: Reduce to two staff vehicles.
- Walnut Hill: Reduce to two staff vehicles. Retire 1981 rescue truck.
The unification also comes with tougher standards for volunteer firefighters, including dozens of hours of training and the ability to pass a doctor’s physical exam at the county’s expense. The requirements also specify that a firefighter will hold a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
Those tougher training requirements would not apply to support personnel volunteers, such as those that volunteer around fire stations doing tasks like paperwork and washing trucks.
The unification plan must still be approved by the Escambia County Commission before it becomes final.
Click here to read the entire unification plan. (63 pages, 3.73 Mb pdf)
North Escambia Residents Slowly Ordering DTV Coupons; HD News Here
September 8, 2008
Residents in the North Escambia area are slowly jumping on the bandwagon and ordered their free $40 coupons for the upcoming switch to digital television in February 2009. The deadline to switch to digital TV is fast approaching, and it became a bit closer last night when WEAR-TV 3 became the first in the market to product a high definition newscast.
In Century’s 32535 zip code, 649 coupons had been requested as of last week. That’s up from 189 coupons had been requested as of the first week of May.
In the McDavid/Walnut Hill 32568 zip, 587 coupons had been requested as of last week, up 215 the first week of May.
A total of 587 coupons had been requested in the Molino 32577 zip by the end of last week. There had been 244 requested by the first week of May in the Molino zip.
WEAR-TV 3 became the first station in the market to broadcast a newscast in high definition last night at 10:00 when they introduced their new set. It features a modern design, 30 high-def monitors and an anchor desk that can be rotated 180 degrees.
The government is handing out $40 coupons to anyone that asks to help purchase the converter box, but so far the number of people requesting the coupons in North Escambia is relatively low. Each person is allowed to request up to two coupons. The coupon supply is limited. When the coupon allotment is exhausted, those that have not requested coupons will not receive the $40 savings. The deadline to switch to digital TV is February 17. After that date, viewers on a regular analog TV will just see “snow”.
While those watching satellite or cable television, or those with digital tuner TV will not be required to connect a converter box in order to continue watching their favorite broadcast stations, a converter box would be required in order to watch TV when the satellite or cable system was not working.
If you do have cable or satellite television, having a DTV converter box may open up programs that you are unable to watch on local stations. WKRG channel 5 is currently running their weather radar 24 hours a day on their station 5-2. Channel 15, WPMI, is running a weather station “WeatherPlus” on station 15-2. If you like public television, a converter box will get you not only the normal public TV stations 23 and 42, but also five additonal public TV stations on the subchannels for WSRE and WEIQ. (Each digital station may have more than one channel. For instance, WSRE 23 on a normal analog TV become three stations…23-1, 23-2 and 23-3… with different programming on a digital box).
In to order a $40 converter box coupon from the government, visit dtv2009.org or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The boxes sell at retail from about $40 to $70.
Here is more information from the dtv2009 web site:
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after February 17, 2009.
Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after February 17, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the significance of the February 17, 2009 digital TV transition date?
If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after February 17, 2009. Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.
How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?
From now through March 31, 2009, all U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed and cannot be replaced.
For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?
Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
What can the public do to plan for the transition?
Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on February 17, 2009.
Many Teachers Receiving $2042 Bonus
September 8, 2008
Later this month, 908 Escambia County teachers will have a little something extra in their paychecks…$2042 to be exact.
The teachers will receive a merit pay bonus based upon evaluations using district approved standards negotiated by the school district and the teacher’s union. It is a plan that links the bonuses to the professional accomplishments and performance of students, particularly how the teacher’s students perform on the FCAT. Not every eligible teacher receives the bonuses.
The $2.1 million in checks will go out next Monday to the eligible teachers. There are about 3,200 teachers in the Escambia County School District. About 1,850 were eligible for the bonuses, but only 908 will ever see the money for the 2007-2008 school year. The check stubs are due to be mailed next Monday, with the money deposited with regular paychecks at the end of the month.
Of the teacher initially eligible for the bonus, about 500 opted out of the program. Each eligible teacher will receive the same bonus, after FICA deductions.
The district will be paying out $2,094,929 in bonuses to the teachers and 36 school district employees. The money comes from the state.
Escambia County was one of just nine school districts out of the 67 in the state eligible to provide merit bonuses to teachers.
Gorgeous Grandma Day
September 8, 2008
Some of the most beautiful women in North Escambia posed for “glamour shots” recently in Century.
The Century Care Center recently held Gorgeous Grandma Day. The ladies of CCC received the full treatment, from hair to makeup and wardrobe, before posing for their photographs.
To see more photos of the ladies that participated in the event, click here.
NorthEscambia.com Adds Sports Page
September 8, 2008
NorthEscambia.com has added a sports page to our site. You’ll always be able to find the sports page by clicking the “SPORTS” link in the menu bar on the top of the page. While we won’t be able to cover every game from every team in North Escambia, you will find coverage on the sports page over the coming days from many area teams.
Varsity and junior varsity football from Northview, Ernest Ward Middle School football, Flomaton High School varsity and JV football, NWE football’s three teams, Molino Fall Ball, Northview varsity and JV volleyball, Ernest Ward volleyball and more…we’ll have coverage and lots of photos here on NorthEscambia.com.
To have more complete coverage, we need your help. If you are a parent or just a fan that attends most games for a particular team, we would love your help with photos and/or scores. You don’t have to be able to write a complete story…just let us know who won and perhaps email a few photos. If you think you could help with a particular team, let us know by emailing news@northescambia.com.
Also, to make our sports coverage of our local teams possible, we need advertiser support. If you have a business and would like to know how to make advertising on NorthEscambia.com work for you while supporting our local sports teams, email news@northescambia.com.
EREC Sends Lodging Trailers To Louisiana
September 7, 2008
Over a million people in Louisiana are still without power following Hurricane Gustav’s landfall in the state.
One of the biggest challenges facing electric utilities during power restoration after disasters such as hurricanes is lodging.
“It is difficult at best to find housing for hundreds or even thousands of workers in an area whose infrastructure has been devastated. For this purpose, EREC acquired trailers and renovated them into bunk housing,” said Clay Campbell, Escambia River Electric Coopeartive general manager/CEO.
EREC has five trailers which will sleep 33 people each. In addition, they have a shower trailer with 10 showers and sinks. The sleeper trailers have central heat and air, as well as individual lockers for each occupant. Each bunk has overhead lighting and electrical outlets for cell phone charging. The bottom row of bunks has nighttime floor lighting as well.
Two bunk trailers and the shower trailer are being utilized, at a cost-based fee, by Pointe Coupee Electric Cooperative in New Roads, Louisiana, for electric co-op crewmen during power restoration. Pointe Coupee EC has approximately 10,000 members who were all without power following Hurricane Gustav.
NWE Eagles Travel To Navarre
September 7, 2008
The Northwest Escambia Eagle Mini-Mites, Mites and Midgets hit the road Saturday to take on the Raiders of Navarre.
Both the Mini-Mites and Mites lost their games. The NWE Midgets won their game 24-6.
Both teams are members of the Gulf Coast Youth Football Alliance.
The three NWE teams will be in action again next Saturday at the Ernest Ward Middle School football field against the Myrtle Grove Green. The Mini-Mites kickoff at 9:00. The Mites play at 10:30 and the Midgets take the field at noon.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Picture above and below: The NWE Eagles visited the Raiders of Navarre Saturday. Submitted photos by Chad Wiedel for NorthEscambia.com.
No Serious Injuries In Saturday Wreck
September 7, 2008
No one was seriously injured in a two vehicle accident late Saturday morning in Century that left one vehicle upside down.
The accident happend near the intersection of North Century Boulevard and Hilltop Road about 11:30 Saturday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol says the driver of a northbound Chevrolet pickup attempted to turn across traffic into the parking lot of Bondurant Hardware. His pickup was struck by a southbound van when he turned into the van’s path.
The pickup truck came to rest upside down on North Century Boulevard while the driver of the van continued on and pulled onto Hilltop Road.
The driver of the pickup sustained some minor cuts in the accident. No one was transported to the hospital from the accident scene.
In addition to the FHP, Escambia County EMS , Century Volunteer Fire Department and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department responded to the call.
Pictured above: The driver of this pickup was not seriously injured in a Saturday wreck on North Century Boulevard. Pictured below: The pickup truck driver pulled in front of this van, according to the FHP. Pictured bottom: The pickup upside down. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
