Black History Observance This Morning In Century
February 8, 2009
A Black History observance will be held this morning in Century.
First Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 9030 Century Boulevard in Century, will begin its observance of Black History this morning at 11:00.
Bishop Johnny Cunningham, Pastor of the Beloved Apostolic Church of God in Selma, Ala., will be the guest minister. Pastor Freddie L. Stallworth cordially invites the public to attend.
Molino Teen Wins Junior 5K In Bridge Run; Many Area Residents Place
February 8, 2009
A 13-year old Molino teen took first place in the male overall Junior 5K at Saturday’s Pensacola Double Bridge Run.
David McGahan, 13, of Molino finished first among the males in the Junior 5K with a gun time of 20:43. McGahan place 19th overall in the overall 5K results,
Several other North Escambia area residents placed in the 5K, including:
Richard Mason, 69, of Molino with a gun time of 31:29 placed third in the male 65-69 age group.
Matt Dobson, 39, of Jay placed first in the male 15K overall, with a guntime of 53:20.
The complete list of North Escambia area residents that placed in the 5K run/walk and 15K run in Saturday’s Pensacola Double Bridge Run is below.
Overall 5K run results:
019 David McGahan M 13 Molino FL 1:19:25
083 Daniel Sheppard M 38 Jay FL 1:22:38
114 Rob Bath M 57 Molino FL 1:23:47
132 Gloria Raney F 17 Jay FL 1:24:23
185 Kenneth Nobles M 29 Molino FL 1:25:38
209 Shirley Raney F 46 Jay FL 1:26:03
210 Lance Raney M 54 Jay FL 1:26:03
217 Melissa Nobles F 25 Molino FL 1:26:17
305 April Watson F 32 Jay FL 1:27:52
318 Greg McGahan M 41 Molino FL 1:28:10
319 Moriah McGahan F 11 Molino FL 1:28:10
329 Abby Raney F 14 Jay FL 1:28:22
367 Beth Anne Whitfield F 46 Jay FL 1:28:59
381 Sandy Arrant F 34 Jay FL 1:29:12
382 Lana Rowell F 27 Jay FL 1:29:13
409 Taylor Brown M 13 Molino FL 1:29:36
413 Anthony Watson M 34 Jay FL 1:29:40
432 Richard Mason M 69 Molino FL 1:30:12
542 Justin Marsh M 24 Atmore AL 1:32:33
575 Amy Sheppard F 36 Jay FL 1:33:17
590 Madison Whitfield M 48 Jay FL 1:33:38
650 Erin McCay F 32 Jay FL 1:35:47
799 Tracy Yuhasz F 44 Molino FL 1:51:22
Overall 5K walk results:
148 Tanya Brown F 47 Molino FL 50:27
Overall 15K results:
012 Matt Dobson M 39 Jay FL 53:20
133 Kristopher Head M 21 Jay FL 1:07:15
210 Keith Bell M 25 Atmore AL 1:10:31
531 Brandon Chambless M 15 Walnut Hill FL 1:19:00
699 Kevin Bell M 30 Atmore AL 1:23:05
940 Stacey Lowe F 34 Jay FL 1:29:45
Ready For Your Tax Refund? E-file Is Fast, Free
February 8, 2009
If you are anxious to get your federal tax refund (or you really just want to pay early), you can e-file your 2008 tax return with the IRS. Your refund could be in your bank account in as little as 10 days, and, in many cases, filing can be absolutely free.
The IRS e-file program for 2008 federal tax returns is highlighted by new features that will allow expanded access to electronic filing and help people looking for faster refunds.
IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman encouraged taxpayers to explore e-file this year as the best option to file accurate tax returns and get fast refunds during the current economic downturn. The e-file program also includes new improvements to the Free File program that will allow nearly all taxpayers to e-file for free.
“These are tough times, and e-file is the best way for people to get cash in their pocket quickly,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “Filing electronically with direct deposit can get refunds to taxpayers in as few as 10 days. Combined with important changes in the Free File program, we believe e-file is a better option than ever before for the nation’s taxpayers.”
Last year the average refund was $2,429. The IRS realizes people need their refunds quickly. Shulman urged people who haven’t e-filed before to consider the e-file option this year.
IRS e-file totaled nearly 90 million tax returns in 2008. Almost 58 percent of all returns were filed electronically. Last year, there was a surge in e-file from home computers. Nearly 27 million people prepared their own e-file return. That’s an increase of more than 19 percent from the previous year.
IRS e-file meets the needs of nearly all taxpayers, no matter how complicated or simple their returns are. E-file helps taxpayers take advantage of the tax credits available to them to maximize their refunds during these tough economic times.
A variety of tax software products are available commercially that offer e-file. This year, several of them will not charge additional fees for e-filing for the first time.
In addition, most taxpayers qualify for free tax preparation offered through Free File on IRS.gov. Regardless of income level, taxpayers who are comfortable with filling out paper tax forms and who don’t need extra assistance can use the IRS’s new Free File Fillable Forms. These new online versions of paper tax forms that can be e-filed are available for the first time by visiting the IRS.gov Free File site.
Benefits of e-File
Taxpayers who use e-file and who choose direct deposit can receive their refund in as few as 10 days. That’s because with e-file, there’s no paper return going to the IRS. And with direct deposit, there’s no paper refund going to the taxpayer. So it’s all electronic and much faster than paper.
IRS e-file allows taxpayers to file their returns now and pay later if they owe taxes. It allows taxpayers to file both federal and most state returns at the same time.
Taxpayers may use IRS e-file through their tax preparers, or with a computer using tax preparation software. This software is available on the Internet for online use or for download. Many retail stores sell the software for offline use. The IRS does not charge taxpayers to e-file their completed returns, but some tax preparers and software manufactures may charge a fee. However, this year a number of large software companies are waiving this additional fee.
To get all the benefits of electronic filing, taxpayers must make sure that when they are done with their returns, they take the final step of e-filing them. Taxpayers who use a paid preparer should make sure their preparers are taking this final step, too. In addition to error checks contained in the return-preparation software, additional checks are done during the e-file transmission process. That’s why the error rate is so low for e-filed returns. In fact, the error rate is significantly reduced from 20 percent with paper returns to about 1 percent with e-filed returns.
E-filed tax return information is protected through encryption. Also, taxpayers receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours that the IRS has accepted their return.
Free File
Free File, which is a form of e-file, is a free federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for eligible taxpayers developed through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance LLC. The Alliance is a group of private-sector tax software companies. Since Free File’s debut in 2003, a total of more than 24 million returns have been prepared and e-filed through the program.
Free File offers 20 different software options that can assist taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $56,000 or less in 2008 to e-file their federal tax returns for free. That means 70 percent of all taxpayers – 98 million taxpayers – can take advantage of tax software that will help them complete their returns through the Free File program. Three companies are offering their products in Spanish.
This year, the IRS and its partners are offering a new option, Free File Fillable Tax Forms, which opens up Free File to virtually everyone, even those whose incomes exceed $56,000.
Free File Fillable Tax Forms allows taxpayers to fill out and file their tax forms electronically, just as they would on paper. This option does not include an “interview” process like the other Free File offerings, but it does allow taxpayers to enter their tax data, perform basic math calculations, sign electronically, print their returns for recordkeeping and e-file their returns. This “self-service” option may be right for those who are comfortable with the tax law, know what forms they want to use or don’t need assistance to complete their returns.
Both the fillable-forms option and the previously available “full service” Free File offerings are available only through the IRS.gov Web site. Both new and returning taxpayers must access Free File through IRS.gov. Otherwise, the e-file provider may charge them a fee. Look for details on IRS.gov beginning Jan. 16.
Almost 4.8 million tax returns were filed through Free File last year, an increase of 24 percent over the previous year’s total of nearly 3.9 million returns.
History of IRS e-File
The IRS began the e-file program in 1986 as a pilot project in three cities: Cincinnati, Phoenix and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. That year, there were 25,000 tax returns filed electronically. The e-file program expanded nationwide in 1990 and 4.2 million tax returns were filed. IRS e-file has undergone tremendous growth each year, with nearly 90 million tax returns e-filed last year.
To get started with the e-file, visit the http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118508,00.html
Editor’s Note: Taxact.com offers a free and easy program that you can download for free and offers one free federal e-file. We have used it for years with no problems. Visit Taxact.com to download the free program.
Tonight’s Sandy Glass Concert In Flomaton Has Been Canceled
February 8, 2009
The Sandy Glass concert that was scheduled for Sunday night at the Flomaton United Methodist Church has been canceled.
The concert was canceled due to the death of a church member.
Sandy Glass is nationally known Southern Gospel artist, having released nine projects since her first recording “He’s Been Faithful” in 1996.
Registration This Month At NWE, Molino And Century; Improvements At Molino
February 7, 2009
Ball registration will be held Saturdays this month in Century, Molino and Walnut Hill, and there have been some big improvements at the Molino ballpark. Schedules and registration information for all three parks are below.
There are five new batting cages in place this year at Don Sutton Park in Molino. Two new awnings have been installed over several of the bleachers, and organizers say that will be a big improvement for parents watching the games.
Living Water Fire Protection provided all of the materials for the frames on the new batting cages, says Arty Kleinatland, president of the Molino Recreation Association. The netting was funded by hosting last year’s NWFGSA softball tournament at the park.
“We continue to improve our park in an effort to retain and attract the Molino children to our park instead of going to bigger parks to the south,” Kleinatland said. “In an effort to allow all children to play ball, we have reduced our registration fees.” The fees for the first child playing ball this year in Molino have been reduced from $65 to $50.
Registration will be held each Saturday for the Molino Recreation Association at Don Sutton park in Molino. Registration will continue each Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. through February 23. The annual draft will be February 28.
Registration fees have been reduced this year due to the economy. This year, registration fees are $50 for the first child, $45 for the second, $40 for the third and free for additional players from the same family. A birth certificate copy is required to be on file for each child.
Teams for the Molino Recreation Association will include:
- Wee Ball –ages 3 & 4
- Tee Ball — ages 5, 6 & 7
- Baseball — ages 8 to 15
- Girls Softball — ages 8 to 16
If you would like to coach or just help out on your child’s team, you can sign up on the day your child is registered. For more information, call 587-4090.
Registration for Northwest Escambia Little League baseball continues each Saturday until February 21 from 10 a.m. until noon at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill.
The cost is $35 for the first child from a family, $25 for the second child and free for each additional child. A copy of each child’s birth certificate is required for registration.
This year, NWE will offer Wee Ball for children ages 3 and 4 on the brand new “Drew’s Field”
- Wee Ball — ages 3 & 4
- Tee Ball — ages 5, 6 & 7
- Minor and Major League Baseball — ages 8 to 12
- Minor and Marjor League Softball — ages 8 to 16
- Junior and Senior League Softball –ages 13 to 16
- Junior and Senior Leage Baseball — ages 13 to 16
- Machine Pitch Baseball — age 8
For more information, call 327-6722 or 327-6155 after five p.m.
Century Little League ball registration will held Saturdays from noon until at Showalter Park.
Registration fees have been lowered this year for $30 for the first child and $20 for each additional child. A copy of each child’s birth certificate is requested. The following teams will be formed:
- Pre-T — 3 & 4
- Tee Ball — 5 to 7 boys and 5 to 8 girls
- Minor League Baseball — 8 to 10 y
- Machine-Pitch Minor League — 8 to 10
- Girls Minor League Softball — 9 to 10
- Boys Major League Baseball — 11 to 12
- Girls Major League Softball — 11 to 12
Ages are determined according to the child’s age on May 1, 2009.
NorthEscambia.com is looking for people to help us with stats and photos from NWE, Century and Molino play this year. If you are interested, use our contact form to let us know.
Pictured top: Improvement at Don Sutton Park in Molino, including a new awning and batting cage. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Florida Divison Of Forestry To Offer Free Firefighter Training
February 7, 2009
Volunteer and paid firefighters from any agency will have the chance to attend free training from the Florida Division of Forestry.
Officials with the Florida Division of Forestry, in partnership with the Santa Rosa County Firefighters Association, have announced the 2009 Wildland Fire Conference, a free training opportunity for volunteers or personnel from any fire service agency.
The event will be held February 20-22, at the Bo Johnson Life Fitness Center (Building 4000) at the Pensacola Junior College Milton Campus, located at 5988 Highway 90 in Milton.
According to Rena’ Barnes, forest area supervisor, “This is an excellent opportunity for volunteer and paid fire service personnel from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties to receive beneficial training. This type of training is only offered once per year, and each individual who might have an interest needs to take advantage of it while they can.”
Courses offered will include required annual training, such as the Annual Fireline Refresher (RT-130), and other informative classes on wildland fire issues. Additionally, Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS-300) will be taught separately during the event.
In-person registration is required on Friday, February 20th, starting at 6 p.m. The ICS-300 course starts Friday night, from 7-10 p.m, and the remainder of that course and the conference will be held from 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 21st, and from 8:15 a.m. until noon on Sunday, February 22nd. Lunch will be provided for participants on Saturday and Sunday.
Individuals planning to attend are asked to sign up now for classes in which they are interested by visiting the February training calendar, located at the bottom left of the web page at www.santarosa.fl.gov/firedept. If the number of persons registered for a class exceeds space available, preference will be given to current firefighters and to persons who pre-registered.
For more information, contact Rena’ Barnes at (850) 957-6161 or barnesr@doacs.state.fl.us.
Pictured above: A fire rages through an Oak Grove wheat field in June 2008. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Big Yard Sale, Fish Fry Today
February 7, 2009
A huge yard sale will be underway from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Atmore First United Methodist Church to benefit Atmore resident Toby Quimby.
The yard sale will be held in the church Fellowship Hall.
The Atmore First UMC will also hold a catfish plate fund raiser for Toby from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.Saturday at the church. Catfish plates will be $6. Tickets are available at the church office. For more information, call (251) 368-8297.
For more information about Toby Quimby and today’s events, click here.
Do You Know Someone 100 Years Old or Older?
February 7, 2009
Do you know someone 100 years of age or older?
Centenarians are a living link to history and valued members of society. Escambia County wants to help create awareness for these valued members of the community and show appreciation and respect with a proclamation recognizing their significant achievements and outstanding service.
Escambia County centenarians will be honored with a public presentation of a proclamation during the second regular Board of County Commissioners meeting each month. If the centenarian or a designee cannot attend the meeting, the proclamation will be personally delivered or mailed.
To be recognized, a proclamation request form must be submitted to the county at least two weeks prior to the preferred presentation date. Information on the form includes: full name, Escambia County address, date of birth, birth place and contact information. To receive a form, call 850-595-4949, email trgreen@co.escambia.fl.us or visit the county’s web site, www.myescambia.com.
Great Weekend: Highs Around 70
February 7, 2009
It will continue to be warm and early spring-like in North Escambia today. Highs both Saturday and Sunday are expected to reach into the low 70’s under sunny skies.
The overnight lows during the weekend will be in the mid to upper 40’s.
Monday’s weather will continue warm and sunny with a high in the low 70’s. A slight 20 percent chance of rain creeps into the forecast for Monday night and Tuesday. That rain chance increases to 40 percent by Wednesday night.
Controlled Burn Producing Lots Of Smoke
February 6, 2009
A controlled burn in northwestern Escambia County is producing a lot of smoke this afternoon.
The controlled burn is on land owned by La Floresta Perdida, Inc. in the area of Highway 97A and South Pineville Road near the Enon community.
A large plum of smoke was visible in the western sky from Walnut Hill Friday afternoon.