March Students Of The Month Named
March 30, 2009
March Students of the Month have been named at North Escambia schools.
The monthly recognition is presented to two students from each participating school by the Escambia Association for Administrators in Education
The following students of the month were named from North Escambia schools:
- Bratt Elementary: Kirsten N. White, third grade; Andrianna C. Cooper, kindergarten.
- Jim Allen: Jordan S. Hamilton, fifth grade; Brianna R. Holmquist, fifth grade.
- Molino Park: Arianna N. Rudd, first grade.
- Northview High: Tyler L. Randolph, ninth grade; Emily F. Vickrey, 10th grade.
Pictured above: Northview High School Students of the Month Emily Vickrey and Tyler Randolph. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
More Heavy Rains Could Be On The Way
March 30, 2009
More heavy rains could be on the way for North Escambia by tomorrow.
The National Weather Service says that another two to five inches of rain could fall across the area in the next 48 hours.
Today’s sunny skies will give way to a 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms for Tuesday and Tuesday night. Some storms are forecast to possibly be severe with damaging winds and heavy rain.
By Tuesday, the rain will be gone, with partly cloud skies and a high near 70.
Authorities Search For Kidnapping, Home Invasion Suspect
March 30, 2009
Authorities across the area are on the lookout for a Georgia man that kidnapped his infant son and the boys mother, and was involved in a home invasion.
Christopher Grier may be in Monroeville, Alabama, or somewhere in the surrounding area, according to Georgia authorities.
Grier broke into a home in Grovetown, Georgia, and robbed the people inside. Then early Saturday morning, he kidnapped his 7-month old son and kidnapped the infant’s mother. Sheriff’s deputies in Columbia County, Georgia, said he told the woman, identified as Shashawna Odell, to drive him to Monroeville.
Odell said she dropped Grier off in a town somewhere in South Alabama, but she was unable to name the town. Odell and infant then returned to Georgia.
Law enforcement agencies across the area are on alert for Grier. His relatives in the Monroeville area have told police that they have not seen him.
Anyone with information on Grier’s whereabouts should call their local law enforcement agency immediately. Grier is considered armed and dangerous.
VFW Post Looking For Local Names For New Monument
March 30, 2009
The Atmore VFW Post 7016 is looking for the names of men and women from the area that have lost their lives in combat from 1917 to present. The VFW is also looking for the names of persons that are MIA or POWs, including those that may still be living.
The monument will include those individuals from the Walnut Hill, Atmore Perdido, Nokomis, Rabun and Lottie areas.
The monument, to be located in front of the Atmore City Hall, will be triangular in shape and a gray granite or marble. One panel will be for those who served in the Army, one for the Army Air Corps & Air force, and the third for the Navy, Marines & Coast Guard. In addition to those that were killed in action, the monument will also include those who are officially listed as MIA or who were POWs. The POW list could include individuals that are still living.
The deadline for names will be April 1, 2009. Names may be sent to: Gerri McDonald, 8791 Highway 97, Century, FL 32535.
It is anticipated that it will take six months for the monument to be built, once the names have been turned submitted and verified.
The approximate cost for the monument is between $50,000 and $80,000. Donations are being accepted. Anyone wishing to donate may send their donation to: Veterans’ Monument, VFW Post 7016, 206 West Ashley Street, Atmore, AL 36502.
Five People Injured In Highway 95A Accident
March 29, 2009
Five people were injured in a two vehicle accident in Molino Saturday night.
The accident happened about 10:00 on Highway 95A just south of Meharg Road. The collision left a pickup truck on its side partially on Highway 95A and sent a Pontiac Grand Am off the roadway.
Two people in the pickup were injured, and there were three, including a juvenile, injured in the car. One person was transported to a Pensacola hospital by LifeFlight. The other four were transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Further details on the accident were not available; the accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Molino, McDavid, Century and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the call along with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, Escambia County EMS and the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pictured above and below: Five people were injured in a two vehicle accident in Molino Saturday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bumpkin No More: Final Day For Century Business
March 29, 2009
Sunday was the final day of business for the Country Bumpkin in Century. The store, which first opened in 1991, closed to make way for a St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store that will open Wednesday. Pictured above: Country Bumpkin owner Terri Sanders prepares for her last day of business. She will manage the new thrift store when it opens. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Passion Of Christ Drama Tonight
March 29, 2009
The First Assembly of God Church in Atmore will present a Passion of Christ production at 6:30 tonight.
It is a drama presentation of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. It is presented by the First Assembly of God Drama Team. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend. The church is located at 1120 South Main in Atmore.
Recap Of Storm Closures
March 29, 2009
Several area events were postponed or canceled due to Saturdays floods, including:
Cheerleader tryouts that were scheduled to be held at Ernest Ward Middle School were canceled due to the weather and closure of local roads. This event will be rescheduled in a few days and all participants will be informed.
Panhandle Equine Rescue’s ‘Ride for Rescue’ trail ride was canceled. The trail ride will be rescheduled for a later date.
The Charity Butler softball clinic at Molino BallPark that was to be held Saturday was rescheduled for April 11. Directed by Charity Butler, former pro softball player with the Michigan Ice. Defensive and hitting drills, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; pitching 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.. Sign up from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. $25 for one session, $35 for both. Ages 14 and under. More info? Contact Donnie Nicholson at (850) 207-0663 or charitynbutler.com
Saturday Storms Cause Flooding, House Fire And Road Closures (With Photo Gallery)
March 29, 2009
Up to 15 inches of rain across the Molino area led to major flooding early Saturday morning, causing problems that many long-time Molino residents have never seen.
“I’ve been working Molino for 14 years, and I’ve never seen it like this,” Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy Ricky Barefield told NorthEscambia.com just after sunrise Saturday. He was stationed at Highway 29 and Highway 97, stopping traffic from passing through the flooded intersection. “I’ve never seen anything like this here,” he said.
That intersection and countless other roadways in the Molino, Cottage Hill and Cantonment areas were flooded by the torrential rainfall that fell in the pre-dawn hours. Numerous vehicles stalled as drivers attempted to drive through high water.
For several hours, it was impossible to drive to Pensacola from North Escambia. Highway 29, Highway 95A and Jacks Branch Road were all flooded. Eventually, as floodwaters receded, traffic was detoured along Highway 95A for a bumper to bumper trip from Molino to Cantonment.
By early Saturday evening, Highway 29 was once again open.
Several people had to be rescued from their flooded homes by emergency workers, including a family on Pinoak Lane just off Highway 29. County officials say about 20 homes were at least partially flooded.
The storms early Saturday morning also led to major power outages across the area. Officials say most of Molino and Century lost power, as did Walnut Hill and other areas. Portions of Molino were without power until Saturday afternoon. In many cases, power restoration was delayed by floodwaters that kept utility workers away from downed lines.
Lightning sparked house fire in the Molino area — twice. Firefighters were called to a home on Barth Lane early Saturday morning after a lightning strike sparked an attic fire. Firefighters returned to the home about sunrise after the home was hit by lightning again.
The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Aldersgate Methodist Church Saturday afternoon. The shelter was closed Saturday night. The Red Cross also used a mobile kitchen to provide hot meals to those needing assistance. Anyone that needs Red Cross assistance or information can call 800-773-7620.
Click here for an exclusive NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Saturday morning in Molino.
Pictured above: This home on Molino Road was flooded. Pictured inset: Flooding at Highway 97 and Highway 29 Saturday morning.
Pictured inset: The intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 this morning. The water had receded about one foot at the time of this photo. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Blog: North Escambia, Thank You For Being You
March 29, 2009
When we went to bed Friday night, we all knew it was going to rain. But little did we know that the Molino area would receive 12-15 inches of rain.
Residents that have lived in the area all of their lives tell NorthEscambia.com that they saw flooding in places like never before. When we drove to Molino Saturday morning, we knew there was flooding at 29 and 97, but it was much worse that we expected. Vehicles lost. Homes damaged or destroyed. Tired, wet and alone, people stood in awe at nature’s power.
Countless deputies, state troopers, department of transportation employees, volunteer firemen, ambulance workers and more from across the area worked to keep people safe and rescue the trapped during Saturday morning’s flooding. Volunteer firemen came from Molino, McDavid, Century, Walnut Hill, Cantonment, Ensley and beyond to provide aid. And let’s don’t forget the power company workers than struggled for hours to restore our power across the area.
And our neighbors. From the guy next door to the lady down the street, neighbors came to the aid of neighbors in our time of need. And, as always, the American Red Cross was there with a hot meal and a friendly smile. There were others, we are sure, that we missed mentioning.
Once again we found out why living in North Escambia is such a great thing.
To all of those we mentioned, , to all of those that prayed for prayer and protection, to all of those that prayed thankfully that no one was injured — there are just two simple words for all.
Thank you.