Help Needed For Local Family That Lost Everything In Fire
December 18, 2008
The Bratt Elementary School PTA is accepting donations for the Whitehead family that lost everything in a weekend fire. The family did not have insurance.
Brannon Whitehead, a Bratt third grader; Bradley Whitehead, a Bratt first grader; Harrison Whitehead, a Northview student and NJROTC member, and their mother Teeyla Whitehead lost their mobile home in a Sunday morning fire. They were not injured.
Bratt Elementary’s PTA is accepting monetary donations to assist the family with their needs. Donations can be dropped off in the Bratt Elementary office by 8:00 Friday morning. Checks should be made payable to “Bratt PTA”.
If you have a child at Bratt, a check can be sent to the school with your child.
To read about the fire and see photos, click here.
Pen Air Donates Truckload Of Toys To Marine’s Toys For Tots Program
December 18, 2008
Pen Air Federal Credit Union donated a truckload of toys to the Toys For Tots program Wednesday, including toys that were donated in the bank’s Century branch.
NAS Pensacola Marine Corps representative LCpl. Lydon Phillip graciously accepted a $1,000 check and the truckload of toys from Pen Air Federal Credit Union on behalf of the Toys for Tots Foundation Wednesday.
“This is my first time collecting toys at NAS Pensacola and I really did not expect so many toys. The support has been great, even a little overwhelming. We would like to thank everyone including Pen Air for their support.” said LCpl. Phillip.
Pen Air President/CEO Ron Fields was proud to offer Pen Air branches as drop box locations and to contribute $1,000 to the Foundation.
“Pen Air has shown support for Toys for Tots for several years now,” said Fields. “I am extremely proud of the continued outpouring of generosity from all of our employees to help underprivileged children.”
The Marine Corps spend hours setting up drop box locations, conducting fundraisers, and spreading the word about Toys for Tots Foundation and the many underprivileged children it helps during the holidays each year.
“It was a great feeling to assist in collecting the toys and loading up the Marine’s truck, knowing that it was going to make Christmas special for so many children,” said Patty Veal, Pen Air’s vice president of marketing.
Pen Air employees placed cardboard boxes in each of the 15 branches for employee and member donations.
Pictured above: Pen Air Marketing Representative Brad Larsen, LCpl. Lydon Phillip and Pen Air VP of Marketing Patty Veal stand in front of a truckload of toys donated by Pen Air for the Toys for Tots program. Submitted photo.
Aldersgate Presents The Grumpy Shepherd
December 18, 2008
Aldergate United Methodist Church presented their annual Christmas musical “The Grumpy Shepherd” recently.
The Chancel Choir of Aldersgate UMC will present their cantata “Candles and Carols” Sunday morning during their 10:30 worship service under the direction of Holly Driver. Everyone is invited to attend.
For a photo gallery from the presentation, click here.
Pictured above: Aldersgate UMC presented “The Grumpy Shepherd”. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
ECAT Director Fired After Allegations County Employees Used To Restore His Boat
December 18, 2008
The manager of the county’s public transportation program has been fired after a video surfaced on YouTube that alleged he used county employees and prisoners to restore his boat.
ECAT General Manager Travis Lakin was fired after an investigation by Veolia Transportation, the company that runs ECAT for the county.
The video alleges that the county employees took about two months to restore Lakin’s antique boat.
A fire ECAT employee, Nicholas Alford, posted the video that includes cell phone photos of the boat restoration at an ECAT facility. The video claims that the restoration used $800 in paint, $140 in parts and $1,800 in employee labor. The video also claims that a county commissioner was informed of the situation and did not investigate.
Lakin was first suspended by Veolia prior to their investigation and his eventual termination.
The YouTube video is below. Click to play. (If you do not see the video, it is being blocked by your employer or school.)
At The Library: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Today
December 18, 2008
Santa Claus is scheduled to pay a special visit to the Century Branch Library this afternoon for the library’s Winter Wonderland program.
The event begins at 4:00 this afternoon and will include a Christmas story, crafts and cookies. Everything is free, and everyone is invited.
The Century Branch Library is located at 7991 North Century Boulevard.
Pictured above: Santa Claus visits during last year’s Christmas event at the Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Register Now For Cheerleaders’ Volleyball Tournament
December 18, 2008
A coed volleyball tournament has been scheduled to held the Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleaders travel to the national finals.
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 before December 30.
Thousands Of Locals Have Ordered Digital TV Coupons; Are You Ready?
December 17, 2008
Thousands of North Escambia residents have ordered their free $40 coupons for converter boxes to prepare for the upcoming switch to digital television in February 2009. The deadline to switch to digital TV is fast approaching, and two local stations will turn off their analog broadcast and go all digital tomorrow tonight — for one minute.
The one minute test on WSRE Channel 23 and WEAR Channel 3 will allow viewers to determine if they are ready for the digital conversion. If during the one minute the analog broadcast is turned off you continue to see programming, you are ready. If you see “snow”, your TV is not ready for the switch.
In Century’s 32535 zip code, 974 coupons had been requested as of last week. That’s up from 649 total coupons requested by the first week of September and 189 coupons that had been requested as of the first week of May.
In the McDavid/Walnut Hill 32568 zip, 862 coupons had been requested as of last week. That up from 587 coupons that had been requested by September and 215 the first week of May.
A total of 899 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 and 587 by the beginning of September.
Thursday night at 7:00, WSRE and WEAR will simlulcast a “DTV Answers” program explaining the digital conversion. During the program, the analog transmitters will be shut off to allow viewers to “test” there television viewing setups to see if they are ready for the digital conversion.
WEAR-TV 3 became the first station in the market to broadcast a newscast in high definition in early September 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 classic television programs . 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 additional 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.
Ernest Ward Presents Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 17, 2008
The new drama club at Ernest Ward Middle School presented their first major production Tuesday night.
The students presented “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, a drama and musical presentation that focuses on the poorly-behaved children of the Herdman family, who discover the true meaning of Christmas through participation in a church play about the birth of Jesus.
The play was followed by a concert of seasonal music by the Ernest Ward chorus and bands.
Ticket proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of new sound equipment for the school.
For a complete photo gallery from the play and concert, click here.
Students participating in the program included:
Cast Members: Kent Smith, Anna Donald, Shalmali Bhadkamkar, Lily Townson, Jessica Warner, Danielle Scott, Mason Solchenberger, Chelsea Ward, Lauryn Walker, Rachel Presley, Hannah Ziglar, Karmen Watson, Ashley Cunningham, Alli Davis, Ashlynn Webster, Chelsea Turner, Lakelynn Parker, Anna Fischer, Megan Bryan, Kristen Byrd, Caitlyn Rigby, Brett Sawyer, Jerah
Parker, Emily Gudell, Kortney Reid, Chloe Leonard, Ashley Kite, Shaina Gibson, Catrina Rau, Alliana Davis.
Beginning Band: Penny Banda, Aquanis Brown, Eathan Coon, Austin Cunningham, Alliana Davis, Kayla Fears, Kristin Guinto, Davy Hanks, Julie Hester, Matthew Lee, Kayla Nahkala, Catherine Nassar, Morgan Packer, Breanna Payne, Danielle Suggs, Cara Thompson, Kaylynn Welford.
Advanced Band: Jordan Bodiford, Taylor Brook, Levi Carlson, Madalyn Coon, Alex Edmonson, Casey Godwin, Hannah Greer, Kayla Haag, Destiney Hall, Michael Hall, Justin Halteman, Christopher Hendrix, Cory Hester, Brandon King, Luke McDaniel, Willie Owens, Jerah Parker, Marisa Penland, Timothy Rackard, Stephanie Roach, Natasha Suggs, Justin Thompson, Joshua Vihnanek, Chelsea Ward, Tyler Williams, Victoria Wright.
Chorus: Jacey Barker, Kamryn Brock, Skye Brown, Megan Bryan, Mikayla Cash, Anna Donald, Desiree Elaird, Shaina Gibson, Ashley Kite, Rebakah Miles, Catherine Nassar, Shelby Nielson, Morgan Packer, Madison Presley, Danielle Scott, Mason Solchenberger, Jennifer Spears, Deanna Strehl, Peyton Ulrich, Brittany Victor, Shauna Walker, Joselynn Wiedel, Tamara Wise, Hannah Ziglar, Katelyn Zisa.
Others involved with the program were: Joe Wright, band; Sharon Poulsen, sound; Mark Forsman , props and stage design; Sara McGinnis, Laura Chavers and Sherri Mims, stage crew.
Drama Club Members: Kelsey Taylor, Lindsey Francis, Shaina Gibson, Ashley Kite, Chloe Leonard, Caitlin Rigby.
Spotlight: Dale Brown and Jeremy Stacey.
Pictured above: A scene from “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Tuesday night at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured below: The Ernest Ward Chorus performs. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
School Board Approves North Escambia Related Personnel Changes
December 17, 2008
The Escambia County School Board approved several North Escambia related personnel changes at their December meeting.
These personnel changes are ordinary actions taken monthly by the school board.
Changes approved Tuesday night include:
- Gregory Bass, transfer from Northview to Judy Andrews
- Vicki Godwin, promoted to Administrative Clerk II at Northview
Gas Prices In Davisville, Century At State Average; Molino Cheaper
December 17, 2008
Gas prices across much of North Escambia were right on the Florida average on Tuesday.
AAA says the Florida state average for a gallon of gas Tuesday night was $1.69. That was the price at the pump Tuesday night at stations in Century and Davisville.
But Molino, gas was selling for a full dime less at $1.59 a gallon late Tuesday.
One Pensacola station on Lillian Highway had the area’s lowest gas price Tuesday night at $1.49.
In July, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Florida was $4.07.