Recycle Those Campaign Signs
November 12, 2008
Escambia County Division of Solid Waste Management has initiated recycling services for election signs.
Plastic election signs (polypropylene co-polymer resin) and metal stakes will be accepted at all Escambia County Drop-Off Recycling sites listed below. Recyclers are asked to separate the plastic signs from the metal stakes before depositing them into recycle bins, and both materials may be deposited into the same bin.
Recycling programs help conserve natural resources and reduce energy consumption. Residents of Escambia County are encouraged to recycle aluminum cans, steel cans, glass food and beverage containers, plastics (#1 – 7) cardboard, junk mail, paper, magazines and newspapers. Reground polypropylene co-polymer resin is used in many applications. For example, in some communities, election sign material is recycled to make car bumpers and machinery parts.
There are numerous recycling drop-off site locations around Escambia County. The recycling containers at the drop off sites are checked daily. Full collection containers are returned to the Perdido Landfill for processing.
In North Escambia, recycling drop-off sites are located at:
- Century Courthouse, 7500 N. Century Blvd., Century
- Molino Fire Department, behind the fire station, 1459 Molino Road
- Oak Grove Citizens Convenience Center, 745 N. County Road 99
Other drop-off sites in the county include:
- Baars Softball Field, 12950 Gulf Beach Highway
- Cowley Park, Pensacola Beach, 911 Via De Luna Drive
- Escambia County Public Safety Building, 6575 North W St.
- Escambia County Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Highway
- Escambia County Extension Service, 3740 Stefani Road
- Ever’Man Natural Foods Cooperative Grocery, 315 W. Garden St. (rear parking lot)
- Ferry Pass Fire Station, 2331 E. Johnson Ave.
- John R. Jones Athletic Park, 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Malcolm Younge Center, 925 E. Jackson St.
- Myrtle Grove Community Club Ballfields, 99 N. 61st Ave.
- Ninth Avenue Fire Station, 6550 N. Ninth Ave.
- Pensacola Beach, Fort Pickens Park Gate, north parking lot
- Perdido Landfill, 13009 Beulah Road, Cantonment
- Pleasant Grove Fire Department, 9350 Gulf Beach Highway
- Summit Boulevard Fire Station, 2750 Summit Blvd.
- University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Parking Lot 10, (under the water tower)
- Warrington Fire Department, 20 N. Navy Blvd.
Election candidates are reminded by the county that all campaign signs must be removed within 30 days of the election (Section 8.05.04). For more information contact the Escambia County Division of Solid Waste Management at (850) 937-2160.
School’s Out, Other Closings Today For Veterans Day
November 11, 2008
Today is a school holiday, and there will be several other closings for Veterans Day.
The following will be closed today to observe Veterans Day:
- Escambia and Santa Rosa county schools
- Escambia and Santa Rosa county offices
- Century and Jay city offices
- U.S. Post Office
- Florida state offices
- Federal offices
- No bus service from ECAT
- West Florida Public Libraries, including Century Branch
- Pensacola Junior College
- University of West Florida
BFI/Allied Waste is scheduled to pickup trash as usual on Tuesday.
Read The Names: Memorial Walls Honor Veterans In Walnut Hill, Century
November 11, 2008
Two memorial walls in North Escambia stand as tributes to veterans from across the area. One is in Walnut Hill, the other in Century.
For photographs that include the names on both the Century and Walnut Hill memorial walls, click here.
Century
About thirty of those that served from the Century area are now honored on the Century Veteran’s Wall of Honor that was unveiled in the Fourth of July ceremony at Century’s Roadside Park on Highway 29.
A few new names were added just this week, according to Century Mayor Freddie McCall. For more information about adding a name to the wall, call the Town Hall at (850) 256-3208
Walnut Hill
The largest such memorial in the North Escambia area, the Veteran’s Honor Wall has stood in front of the Walnut Hill Community Center since its dedication in 2003. There are currently 274 names on the wall, including 13 names of soldiers killed in action. The wall honors those from the Walnut Hill area that have served in the nation’s military.
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club began planning the wall in late 2001, and they decided that it would be a community project at no cost to the veterans listed.
“If you a veteran, you deserve to be there,” Walnut Hill Ruritan Club President Billy R. Ward said. “You’ve already paid you debt; we wanted this wall to honor the veterans.”
The idea originated with Leroy Wiggins back in late 2001, Ward said, after he saw a picture of a similar Ruritan wall in Virginia in a national magazine.
The club formed two committees, headed up by Billy G. Ward and Wiggins to research construction of the wall and the list of name to be included.
Billy R. Ward began to engrave the names with an antique machine the club purchased off the internet, and there were 220 names on the wall when it was dedicated in 2003. He spent a lot of time on the project, even visiting the Wall South Memorial in Pensacola to get an idea what size the letters on the plaques should be.
On the Walnut Hill Veteran’s Honor Wall, everyone is equal. It was decided that no service rank would be include on the name plaques, just the branch and years of service.
The Walnut Hill Veteran’s Wall is located in front of the community center at 7850 Highway 97.
If you know a veteran from the Walnut Hill area (including Bratt, Davisville, Oak Grove and Enon) that should be included on the honor wall, call Billy R. Ward at (850) 256-2907. Or mail the veteran’s name, address, city, state, phone, branch of service, dates of service and your name and phone number to: Walnut Hill Ruritan Club, P.O. Box 35, Walnut Hill, FL 32568.
Molino Accident Severely Injures Cantonment Teen
November 11, 2008
A single vehicle accident seriously injured one person Monday night in Molino.
The accident happened about 9:50 on Molino Road near Veazey Lane. A 17-year old Cantonment resident’s Ford F150 pickup truck left Molino Road and plowed through a wooded area, coming to rest several yards into the woods.
The male driver sustained severe injuries and was transported by ambulance to the area of Nicholson Drive and Kemala Avenue and then transferred to LifeFlight. It was not immediately clear if the driver crawled out of the pickup or was ejected.
The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire-Rescue and Escambia County EMS responded to the call.
Pictured above and below: A Cantonment teen was severely injured in this one vehicle accident Monday night on Molino Road. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Don’t Say No To The USO
November 11, 2008
Northview High School honored area veterans with a one act play “Don’t Say No To The USO” Monday morning at the school during the school’s annual Veterans Day program.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from “Don’t Say No To The USA”, click here.
Pictured above: A scene from “Don’t Say No To The USO” at Northview High School. Pictured below: Veterans from all branches of service were honored Monday during the annual Veterans Day program at Northview. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Mayor Issues Veterans Day Proclamation
November 11, 2008
Century Mayor Freddie McCall has issued a proclamation urging the residents of Century to observe Veterans Day.
“The men and women who have and currently are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America have made major contributions toward the preservation of this nation and her people,” the proclamation reads. “Honorable service performed in the defense of our nation and her cause in time of war is the highest form of citizenship.”
“The nationa and free world are eternally grateful for the contribution of American veterans — men and women — to the advancement of the cause of an honorable world peace,” the proclamation continues.
The proclamation calls on residents of Century to observe Veterans Day with “appropriate ceremonies in honor of those who have served and are serving to preserve the principles of justice, freedom and democracy.”
Health Alert: Hot Dogs Possibly Sold In Area Are Recalled
November 11, 2008
Be careful of with your hot dog if it is Zeiglar brand. Several varieties that were sold in Escambia County and surrounding areas are subject to a recall because they might be contaminated with Listeria.
R. L. Zeigler Co., Inc., a Selma, Ala., firm, is recalling approximately 28,610 pounds of hot dog products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The following products are subject to recall:
- 12-ounce packages of “ZEIGLER WIENERS MADE WITH CHICKEN AND PORK, ARTIFICIALLY COLORED.” Each package bears the use-by date of “Nov. 26, 2008″ and the establishment number “P-9156S” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- 12-ounce packages of “VACUUM PACKED PAR-TI PUPS.” Each package bears the use-by date of “Nov. 26, 2008″ and the establishment number “P-9156S” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- 12-ounce packages of “ZEIGLER Original Recipe WIENERS, artificially colored.” Each package bears the use-by date of “Nov. 26, 2008″ and the establishment number “EST. 9156S” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- 16-ounce packages of “Zeigler Jumbo Franks.” Each package bears the use-by date of “Nov. 21, 2008″ and the establishment number “P-9156S” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- 12-ounce packages of “Zeigler Hot Dogs.” Each package bears the use-by date of “Nov. 26, 2008″ and the establishment number “P-9156S” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- 10-pound bulk boxes of “SKINLESS WIENERS, 8 WIENERS PER LB.” Each box bears the package code “PK 092208A” and the establishment number “EST. 9156S” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- 10-pound bulk boxes of “SKINLESS WIENERS, ARTIFICIALLY COLORED, 10 WIENERS PER LB.” Each box bears the package code “PK 092208A” and the establishment number “EST. 9156S” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- 10-pound bulk boxes of “SKINLESS WIENERS, 10 WIENERS PER LB.” Each box bears the package code “PK 092208A” and the establishment number “EST. 9156S” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
- 10-pound bulk boxes of “SKINLESS WIENERS, 12 WIENERS PER LB.” Each box bears the package code “PK 092208A” and establishment number “EST. 9156S” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The hot dog products were produced on Sept. 22, and were sent to food service institutions and retail establishments in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
The problem was discovered by the Georgia State Department of Agriculture through microbiological testing. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.
A Boy’s Army Hero: Remembering His Father
November 11, 2008
Sgt. Joe Louis Thames died July 2, 2007, from complications from chemical exposure during the Vietnam war. He died a hero in America’s eyes, and he died a hero in the eyes of his son.
Ladarius Thames held a triangle folded flag close to his heart during a Veterans Day ceremony at Bratt Elementary School. It was the flag that covered his father’s casket. The flag was given to his family after the military honors funeral for his father.
“I am the son of Sgt. Joe Louis Thames,” Ladarius told the crowd at Bratt’s Veterans Day program. “He fought in the Vietnam War, and he was a very brave soldier.”
Sgt. Thames joined the United State Army in 1968. He served two years in Vietnam, and was awarded the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and a Purple Heart.
“His citation for the Bronze star stated ‘Specialist 5 Joe L Thames gave outstanding service against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. He used good judgement and extensive knowledge. He showed loyalty, diligence and devotion to the United States Army’,” Ladarius read.
“I am going to join the Army and follow in my father’s footsteps,” Ladarius said. “I want to serve our country. I want to make the world safe for my wife and kids. I want to be like my father. He was a hero.”
Ladarius held the flag close to his heart as the Bratt students sang The Star Spangled Banner, a song that was undoubtedly close to his father’s heart.
“At his funeral, my family received this American flag,” Ladarius said. “It was a very special tribute to a very special man.”
Pictured above and below: Bratt fifth grader Ladarius Thames holds the American flag that covered the casket of his father, Army Sgt. Joe Louis Thames. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Whiting Field Commander, Others Honor Veterans At Century Care Center
November 11, 2008
Madge Bundrick did her part to help America win World War II.
Fast forward about 65 years. Monday,Madge Bundrick sat in her wheelchair at the Century Care Center, covered on the cool morning by an American flag blanket. She received a pin in honor of her service from Captain Charlie Code, Northview High School’s NJROTC instructor. Captain Code stepped back and saluted Madge Bundrick . She wiped her eyes.
Captain Rick Sadsad, commanding officer of Whiting Field Naval Air Station also attended the ceremony, taking the time to personally shake the hand of each veteran.
“Thank you for your service ma’am,” Capt. Sadsad told Madge. “Thank you so very much.”
As Whiting’s commander, Capt. Sadsad commands a massive operation, with over 18,000 helicopter pilots passing through Whiting in the past 10 years. Every helicopter pilot from the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq is a Whiting product. There are over 3,000 military and civilian employees at Whiting.
But for a few minutes Monday morning, Madge Bundrick was the most important of them all to Captain Sadsad. And so was W.E. Welch, John Garrett, James Gilley, John Still, Velma Sanders, Ruth Hagen, Elma Lambeth, Paul Moore, William Pritchett and the other veterans honored at Century Care Center.
“These men and women mean a lot to me,” Capt. Sadsad said. “They are our heritage. They fought, and they served for our freedom. It’s the least we can do to take the time to honor them.”
Each veteran at Century Care Center was also presented a hand colored picture in crayon from local school children by Century Mayor Freddie McCall during Monday’s event sponsored in part by Covenant Hospice.
For a complete photo gallery from Century Care Center’s Veterans Day program, click here.
Pictured below: Pictured above: Madge Bundrick helped the war effort building aircraft starters during World War II. Captain Rick Sadsad, commander of Whiting Field, shakes hands with veteran John Garrett. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
ECUA Finalizes Garbage And Recyclables Plan For North Escambia; Service Begins January 1
November 10, 2008
The Emerald Coast Utilities had finalized a garbage and recyclables program that will being in North Escambia and rest of the county on January 1.
ECUA takes over current North Escambia Allied Waste customers on January 1. Monday, the ECUA board adopted a program of once-a-week garbage collection with a voluntary once-a-week recyclables collection at a monthly rate for all customers of $17.99. An additional fuel recovery fee will be added to that amount.
Both the recyclables and the waste cans will be picked up on the same day, a change from the plan the board originally approved that called for the garbage and recyclables to be picked up on different days. A second can for regular garbage may be used for an additional charge of $3 per month. Both cans for regular garbage will be picked up on the same day of the week.
District 5 ECUA representative Larry Walker made a motion to adopt a program of once-a-week garbage collection and voluntary participation in once-a-week recyclables collection at a monthly rate of $18.43. Customers who chose to not receive the recyclables collection would pay $17.52. The motion failed with no second.
“My motive in making this motion was to offer the lowest possible base charges, given that the majority appeared to be insistent on once-a-week service for pickup of regular garbage,” Walker said.
District 3 member Elvin McCorvey made a motion, seconded by Walker, to adopt a program of twice-a-week pickup of regular garbage and once-a-week pickup of recyclables. McCorvey argued that many customers genuinely need twice-a-week pickup of regular garbage, and Walker was sympathetic to that argument. This motion failed by a 3-2 vote, with McCorvey and Walker in the minority.
A motion was made to adopt a program of once-a-week garbage collection and voluntary participation in once-a-week recyclables collection at a monthly rate for all customers of $17.99. There will be no reduction in the monthly charge for those who decline to use the recyclables collection service. This motion was adopted by a 3-2 vote, with McCorvey and Walker in the minority. The plan begins January 1.
ECUA staff was directed to decide whether collection of regular garbage and collection of recyclables will be made on the same day or on different days of the week. If done on separate days, the base rate will have to be increased by 20 cents per month, Walker said.
The current monthly charge, both of ECUA and of Allied, is $19.62 plus a fuel recovery fee.. The new program will have a base charge of $17.99 plus the fuel charge. Customers who participate in recyclables collection will receive two cans of pickup per week, as they do now, but with the requirement that only designated recyclable materials may be put in the recyclables can.