Power Outage In Part Of Century
December 30, 2008
The fire department responded to a reported transformer fire this morning that left a portion of Century in the dark.
The Century Station of Escambia Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a transformer fire just after 12 a.m. Tuesday. Callers reported the transformer fire between Century Motors and Hudson Hill Road along North Century Boulevard.
The exact number of homes and businesses without power was not immediately known. Power was off in the area for about two hours.
There were no injuries.
Year In Review North Escambia’s Biggest Stories Of 2008: April
December 30, 2008
NorthEscambia.com is looking back at 2008 with our “Year in Review” series. Each day, we will review the biggest stories of 2008. Today, we take a look at the biggest stories of April 2008.
A tragic traffic accident at Jefferson Avenue and East Highway 4 in Century killed three young people on April 11. Michael Joe Edwards, 17; Daniel A. Smith, 16; and Jessica L. Smith, 20 were killed in the two vehicle wreck. Read more…
In early April, the Escambia County Commission voted to approve a land swap that will bring a new community park to Bratt. The park will be located at the corner of West Highway 4 and Bratt Road, near the First Baptist Church of Bratt. Read more…
Two months after a tornado ripped the steeple from Highland Baptist Church as a Sunday morning service was ending, the steeple returned to the Molino church (pictured top of page). Read more…
In a controversial story, we took an in-depth look at MySpace and how local students use the service. We found many playing it “safe”, but we found others listing details that could get them into trouble. Read more…
The first weekend of April was wet…very wet. Some areas of North Escambia received up to a foot of rain, especially from Walnut Hill west and southwest to Baldwin County. But in nearby Molino and Century, the rainfall total was only two to three inches. Read more…
With the cut of a ribbon, a nine year old dream of a childcare facility in the town of Century became a reality the first weekend of April The new Camp Fire USA child development center on Industrial Boulevard officially opened for business. Read more…
Gas prices were in the news, with a gallon of regular unleaded at $3.35 in North Escambia. Read more…
Century’s Relay for Life (pictured left), which raises funds for the American Cancer Society, was held. Read more…
Many departments in the Town of Century were reported to be over budget. ““If we ain’t careful, we are going to be flat broke,” one councilman said of the town’s financial condition. Read more…
We caught up with electrician Eric Strehl, a man with more courage than many. He was at work high above Bratt on top of a water tower. Read more and see the photos…
Play Ball! The little league season got into full swing in Century with a pitch by Century Mayor Freddie McCall. We had the story, and the photos. Read more…
Revision 1 of the unified county fire department plan was presented to the Escambia County Commission. The plan would ultimately undergo many revisions before being approved by the commission later in the year. Read more…
West Fraser’s McDavid Sawmill announced that they were cutting 80 jobs at the local facility. An entire shift was cut at the sawmill. Read more…
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church held a firefighter appreciation day with a service to thank are firefighters from the McDavid Volunteer Fire Department. Read more…
Northview High School took a step back into history, and culture, with a Renaissance Fair. Read more…
Little League season opened on the same day in both Molino and Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com was there, and we had photos from both communities. Read more…
About 65 acres near Molino was named a Stewardship Forest by the Florida Division of Forestry. Richard Freisinger’s forest land located about a mile north of Barrineau Park Road on County Road 95A received the designation. Read more…
It was announced that a new t-ball field at Bradberry Park would be named in honor of Drew Marlow, 2. He died in an automobile accident in late January. Read more…
Gas prices were in the news, again, as diesel hit over $4 a gallon locally. Read more…
Raids in Molino, Cottage Hill and Cantonment led to the arrest of eight people and the seizure of 50 dogs. A quantity of drugs was also seized. Read more…
Escambia School Board member Jeff Bergosh introduced the idea of closing Carver/Century K-8 School to save money. Read more…
Several North Escambia students were big winners at a 4-H livestock show. Read more…
Ernest Ward Middle School held their second annual sports banquet, and we were there with lots of photos. Read more..
After 14 years of teaching dance in North Escambia, Heather Leonard announced here retirement. She talked about those years and her strong Christian faith in an exclusive interview with NorthEscambia.com. Read more…
Over 400 area residents attended the annual EREC meeting at Northview High School the last Saturday of the month. Read more…
Ernest Ward Middle School students attended a health fair at the school where they learned the dangers of alcohol, smoking and other vices. Read more…
Molino Park Elementary School students spent a “Day with the Arts”. Students were exposed to many different art forms, including a concert. Read more…
Northview High School named their cheerleaders for the 2008-2009 school year. Read more…
The Escambia School Board cut 115 teachers and 40 clerks from across the system. The assistant principal’s position at Carver/Century K-8 was also cut. Read more…
Looking For A Last Minute Tax Deduction? Think Relay For Life
December 30, 2008
If you are looking for a great last minute tax deduction before the clock strikes midnight Wednesday night, the American Cancer Society would be a good choice. Fund raising for Century’s Relay for Life is underway, and NorthEscambia.com has a team that could use your support.
Our NorthEscambia.com team in the upcoming Century Relay for life is a team of one, but we would love to have you onboard with us. Fighting cancer is a team effort. The impact we can make together is much greater than what any of us could do alone. By supporting our team, you will be a part of a life-changing event that celebrates the lives of those who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and empowers all of us to fight back against a disease that takes too much.
To donate to the NorthEscambia.com Relay for Life team, click here and look for the “donate” button.
For more information about the Century Relay for Life, to volunteer, to sign up as a survivor or register a team, visit CenturyRelay.com
All donations to the NorthEscambia.com Relay for Life team go directly to the American Cancer Society. By making your donation online, your credit card will be charged by the American Cancer Society.
Adopted Or Foster Homes Needed Now For Horses
December 30, 2008
A group based in the Molino area that has spent over three years helping horses in Escambia County is now in need of foster homes for some of the animals.
Panhandle Equine Rescue is in desperate need of foster homes for rescued horses, according to PER President Diane Lowery. Many PER horses are also available now for adoption.
Some of the horses available for adoption include Eli, a 17-month old gelding; Rain Dancer, a seven-year old mare; Jasmine, an 8-year old black Mare; and Dot, a three-year old filly.
For more information on fostering or adopting a horse, call Diane at (850) 393-9793 or 587-2754.
Pictured above: Rain Dancer, a seven-year old mare, is just of the Panhandle Equine Rescue horses that needs an adopted or foster home.
Highway 168 Brush Fire
December 29, 2008
Fire units from Walnut Hill and Century responded to a brush fire on Highway 168 Monday afternoon.
The fire was reported just after 1 p.m. Monday behind two mobile homes on Highway 168 between Wiggins Road and Wawbeek Road. It was reported to be burning over an area about five acres in size.
Authorities say the fire began with a trash fire that got out of control. There were no injuries, and there was no property damage.
Fire units from the Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Engine 519 and the Florida Division of Forestry responded to the call.
North Escambia Won’t Have Recycling Containers When ECUA Service Starts
December 29, 2008
When ECUA takes over residential trash service in North Escambia next week, area residents will be missing their recyclable containers.
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority’s service, which replaces Allied Waste in the entire area except for the Town of Century, is suppose to include a once per week pickup of a trash container and a recyclable container. But it will be up to two weeks or more before the recyclable containers are delivered in North Escambia.
“We are delivering the recyclable containers as the requests come in,” ECUA spokesperson Natalie Bowers told NorthEscambia.com. Some in the ECUA service signed up months ago, but North Escambia residents were unable to sign up for ECUA’s recycling service until the end of December.
Those in the regular ECUA service area in the southern half of Escambia County that signed up earlier in the year have had their recycling containers already delivered. But ECUA’s customer service agents were unable to take signups from North Escambia Allied Waste customers until the last half of December.
North Escambia residents that had been using Allied Waste will see their service change from up 180 gallons per week of waste to the one 90 gallon trash container and recyclable container in size up to 90 gallons.
“Your total volume does not go down,” Bowers said. “It has not been cut in half.”
But with no container, there’s no recyclable pickup, Bowers acknowledged. She said ECUA did not order a huge number of recyclable containers in advance in order to better spend funds; ECUA did not want to have a large number of unused containers on hand.
Enough containers to supply the North Escambia residents that have signed up for recycling service should be on hand and delivered within one to two weeks after service begins on January 6, she said.
Across the entire ECUA service territory and the Allied Service area in North Escambia, only about 15% of the 73,000 residential waste customers have signed up for the recycling program.
“The sooner people sign up for the recycling container, the sooner it will be delivered,” Bowers said. Allied Waste customers can call 476-0480 or email support@ecua.org with their name, address and desired size — 40, 64 or 90 gallon — recyclable container.
All Allied Waste customers in North Escambia, except those in the Town of Century, will become ECUA customers. Pickup day for all customers north of Kingsfield Road will be Tuesday.
ECUA customers in North Escambia will receive the same services offered to current ECUA residential customers, including yard waste pickup and free once-per-month bulky waste pickup services.
The rate for ECUA service will be $17.99 per month, a reduction from $19.62 charged by Allied Waste. A small fuel charge will be added to the base rate. ECUA will offer a seniors rate of $15.08 to households in which the ECUA account is in the name of a resident who is 65 years old or older. To receive this reduced rate, one must accept use of a 60-gallon can rather than the standard 90-gallon can, and the customer must contact the ECUA Customer Service Department at 476-0480, to request the Seniors rate. A “lifeline” rate will be offered at $8.57 per month for very low income customers.
Teams Still Needed For Coed Volleyball Tournament
December 29, 2008
At least four more teams are needed for coed volleyball tournament to raise funds to help the Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleaders travel to the national finals early next year.
The volleyball tournament will be Saturday, January 3 at the First Baptist Church of Bratt Family Life Center. The tournament is for four person teams, with a $10 per player entry fee. All the proceeds will go to the EWMS cheerleaders.
To signup, or for more information, contact Amy Holland at (850) 327-4744 or (850) 516-8400 as soon as possible.
Year In Review North Escambia’s Biggest Stories Of 2008: March
December 29, 2008
NorthEscambia.com is looking back at 2008 with our “Year in Review” series. Each day, we will review the biggest stories of 2008. Today, we take a look at the biggest stories of March 2008.
The story of Highland Baptist Church’s brush with the February 17 Molino tornado was a featured story in the Florida Baptist Witness. The Witness is a publication of the Florida Baptist State Convention, with 42,000 copies distributed. The publication used NorthEscambia.com photos for their article. Read more…
NorthEscambia.com ran an investigative series into complaints about the service provided by Allied Waste in North Escambia. Read that series here, here, here, here and here.
Easter Sunday saw a police chase through many North Escambia communities (pictured above). NorthEscambia.com had exclusive coverage with photos and video from the chase. Read more…
Betty M. Lavender, 80, of Atmore died in a Sunday afternooon two vehicle accident on Highway 97. Read more…
A Century home was destroyed by fire. Read that story here The residents of the home called their three-year old a “hero” after she discovered the fire in time for the family to escape. Read more…
The new Cantonment post office was named in honor of the late Charles H. Hendrix of Molino. Guest speaker was U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller. Read more…
Carley Hetrick sang an original song “I Want to Be Free” to capture first place in the Northview’s Got Talent competition. Read more…
Baseball, softball and t-ball season got a little bit closer with a pitching clinic at Walnut Hill’s Bradberry Park. Read more…
A Century Town Council member walked out of a town council meeting after discussion about the Carver Community Center. Read more…
The steeple was installed at the new CrossFaith Church on Highway 29 in Molino, and NorthEscambia.com was there with complete photo coverage. Read more…
Students in third through tenth grade took the second part of the FCAT with the reading and math portions. Read more…
We had a little fun with the FCAT as NorthEscambia.com posted questions from a sample fifth grade FCAT. A lot of people found out that they were not smarter than a fifth grader. Take the test here…
Gas prices hit $3.25 in North Escambia. Read more…
The Town of Century made changes to a $265 million finance agreement and voted to sell several surplus vehicles. Read more…
The Escambia County Commission moved forward on plan to consolidate the county’s volunteer fire departments. Read more…
fEaster Sunday saw many attending church service in North Escambia, including several sunrise services. NorthEscambia.com had coverage from a combined Molino-area sunrise service. Read more…
The First Baptist Church of Bratt held a huge Easter Egg hunt at Oak Grove Park. Read more and see the photos here…
The Century Branch Library celebrated is first year. Read more…
Students at Ernest Ward Middle School and Carver/Century K-8 School enjoyed a visit by the Pensacola Opera. Click here…
The Florida Special Olympic’s Torch began a 1,500 mile journey in Century. Read more…
Over 1,200 students attended the annual Food for America program at Northview High School. Read more…
Northview’s television students took top honors at state competition. Read more..
Century celebrated 108 years of history with a day of activities, and NorthEscambia.com posted one of our “coolest” photos of the year of the firing of a canon. Read more….
Portions of North Escambia were treated to a rare double rainbow (pictured below) the last Saturday afternoon of March. Click here for the story and photos.
For January’s biggest stories, click here. For February’s biggest stories, click here.
Names Released In Old Atmore Road Wreck That Killed One, Injured Two
December 29, 2008
(Updated) Alabama troopers have released the names of all three people involved in a single vehicle accident on Old Atmore Road about 2:15 Saturday morning that left one person dead and two injured — the second fatal accident on the road in less than a week.
Alabama State Troopers say Anthony Lee Turner, 25, of Flomaton was killed in the accident.
The accident happened on Old Atmore Road about three miles west of Flomaton near Kadee Lane when Turner’s Chevrolet Tahoe left the roadway at an apparent high rate of speed. The vehicle landed upside down off the roadway.
Turner was ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two passengers in the vehicle were trapped in the upside vehicle and were extricated by firemen. They were identified by troopers as Jeffery Hastings, 27, and Kelly Brunson, 29. They were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where they were treated and released.
The accident is under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.
This was the second fatal accident in less than a week on Old Atmore Road. Miles Brewster Cunningham, 25, of Atmore was killed in a single vehicle rollover accident on Old Atmore Road Monday night. That accident was about a half mile from the location Saturday morning’s wreck.
The Flomaton Fire Department, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, Atmore Ambulance and the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department were all called to the scene.
For more photos from the scene, click here.
Pictured above and below: Anthony Turner, 25, died in this single vehicle accident early Saturday morning on Old Atmore Road. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
School District Seeks Input Into Next Year’s Calendar
December 29, 2008
When would you like Christmas/winter break next year? What about fall break? NSpring break? The Escambia County School District wants to know what you think of their proposed calender for the 2009-2010 school year.
Next year’s proposed school calendar includes a full week for Thanksgiving/Fall Break. The complete calendar includes:
- Labor Day, September 7
- Veteran’s Day, November 11
- Fall Break/Thanksgiving, November 23-27
- Christmas Break: December 21-January 1
- MLK Day: January 18
- Spring Break: March 29-April 2
- Memorial Day: May 31
The proposed first day of school is August 24, and the last day of school is proposed to be June 7.
The school district is conducting a survey for input on the calendar. To complete the survey, first read the calendar requirements by clicking here, then click here for the survey.