North Escambia Area Residents Graduate From UWF
May 3, 2009
The University of West Florida held their Spring Commencement Ceremony Saturday. The following students from North Escambia were among the graduates:
Century
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Robert Best, Robinson Hallford, Brittany Levins, Erin Pritchett
- Master’s Degree: Paul Chason
Molino
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Jason Amnott, Frank Amnott, Larshielle Banks, Frederick Bryant, Jennifer Connor, Nicholette Floyd, Robert Myrick, Kristen Smith, William Tanner
- Master’s Degree: Rebecca Hatch
McDavid
- Bachelor’s Degree: Kimberly Jones
Cantonment
- Associate of Arts Degrees: Tiffany Arrazola, Casey Gilbert
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Brittny Abrahamson, Jennifer Amigh, William Andrews, Sara Anthony, Leidy Arias, Stacey Barnes, Sherry Bell, Crystal Boyd, Crystle Ellis, Arthur Fletcher, John Fortuna, Katelyn Geri, Stephanie Godfrey, Jason Grusenski, Nicole Haubrich, Matt Hawkins, Kristin Johnson, Nikolaus Johnson, Derek King, Ashley King, James Long, Daniel Martin, Kelley McDowell, Wayne Meligan, Scott Miller, Natalie Ollinger, Jessica Perkins, Chelsea Pipkins, Kelly Poley, Lee Poppe, Alisha Preston, Brianne Reid, Crayton Ronso, Danyel Smith, Charlotte Somerville, Barbara Stefani, Joseph Tarnecki, Kaitlin Teets, Jamie Vail, Lea Williams
- Master’s Degrees: Wayne Abrahamson, Brian Ball, Michael Knight, Candice Knowles, Kristian Lapata
Jay
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Kristopher Head, Jessica Ivey, Alana Morrison, Lauren Pennell, Carrie Penton, Trey Settle, Ashley Slade
- Master’s Degrees: Kimberly Campbell, Aaron Lowry, Lauren Nevels
Flomaton
- Doctoral Degree: Valerie Smith
Jay Historical Society Living History Museum Opens
May 3, 2009
History came alive Saturday as the Jay Historical Society held a grand opening for their Living History Museum.
The Jay Historical Society, established in 2001, has worked for years to make their museum dream a reality in the old Cobb House at 3946 Highway 4 in Jay.
After a ribbon cutting, Saturday’s events include civil war reenactors, storytelling, candle dipping, quilters, an old farm display, musical entertainment and more.
Exhibits at the new museum include an old Victrola complete with records, yearbooks from the early 1950’s to the present from Jay and Allentown high schools, old cameras, an ice box (the kind that once used a block of ice) and even a gasoline powered washing machine.
For more information, call (850) 675-6480 or (850) 675-3772 or email jmd@erec.net.
On Social Security? Look For An Extra $250 Soon
May 3, 2009
If you receive Social Security benefits, you can expect $250 extra in your check this month.
Vice President Joe Biden announced Thursday that the federal government will send out $250 economic recovery payments to people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits beginning in early May and continuing throughout the month.
No action is required to get the payment, which will be sent separately from the person’s regular monthly payment.
“The Social Security Administration and Commissioner Astrue have been working closely with other federal agencies to get these payments out the door in record time and into the hands of folks who need it most,” said Vice President Biden in a press release. “These are checks that will make a big difference in the lives of older Americans and people with disabilities – many of whom have been hit especially hard by the economic crisis that has swept across the country.”
The payments will go to about 55 million Americans.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a one-time payment of $250 to adult Social Security beneficiaries, and to SSI recipients, except those receiving Medicaid in care facilities. To receive the payment the individual must be eligible for Social Security or SSI during the months of November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009.
The legislation also provides for a one-time payment to Veterans Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries. The VA and RRB will be responsible for paying individuals under their respective programs. However, if someone receives Social Security and SSI, VA or RRB benefits, he or she will receive only one $250 payment. People getting Social Security or SSI should not contact the agency unless a payment is not received by June 4, 2009.
For more detailed information about the $250 one-time economic recovery payments, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/payment.
Photo Gallery: Atmore Celebrates Mayfest
May 3, 2009
From beautiful babies, arts and crafts, entertainment and plenty of fun, Mayfest 2009 had a little bit of something for everyone Saturday at Tom Byrne Park in Atmore.
Hundred attended the annual event, including many North Escambia residents.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Mayfest, click here.
Pictured above: Bratt Elementary School fifth graders Dariane Guy, Lorri Harrell and Jadlyn Agerton enjoy Mayfest in Atmore Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fishing Rodeo For The Disabled Held In Walnut Hill
May 3, 2009
“I caught one! I caught one!”
The sounds of excitement were all around Saturday for the 35th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill.
Over the 35 year history of the fishing rodeo, it has been held at locations ranging from Ft. Pickens to the Three Mile Bridge in Pensacola. Since 2001, it has been held at Jantz’s Catfish Pond on South Highway 99, just off Highway 97.
Dozens of volunteers stood ready Saturday to help the disabled fish. They baited hooks, tossed a line and offered words of friendly encouragement. Many of the volunteers were from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
About 60 disabled people were registered in Saturday’s fishing rodeo. They were from around the area, including Pensacola and Century. Several residents from the Century Care Center participated. Everything, including lunch, in Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo is provided to the disabled for free as a project of the Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags organization.
Click here for a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery.
While Jantz Catfish Pond is not open for public fishing, nearby ponds belonging to Steve Hiebert (Steve’s Sweet Corn) are open for public fishing. For more information, call 327-4020.
Pictured: Scenes from the 35th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Birth: Katelyn Jane Golson
May 3, 2009
Travis and Elizabeth Golson are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Katelyn Jane Golson, born April 1, 2009 at Mobile Infirmary. Katelyn weighed 7 lbs, 5oz and was 20 inches long.
Grandparents are Glen and Jean Wiggins of Walnut Hill and Ricky and Cheryl Golson of Davisville. Greatgrandparents are Pattie Stone and the late George Stone, Ouida Wiggins and the late Billy Wiggins, Marlene Forester and the late Curtis Forester, and the late Walter Lee Golson and Doris Oline Hopkins.
Click photo to enlarge.
Swine Flu: Health Officials Say Be Prepared For Possible Closure Of Escambia Schools
May 2, 2009
The Escambia County Health Department is asking parents to plan for the possible closure of Escambia County schools and daycares because of the swine flu.
It is a matter of planning at this point; the health department says there are no confirmed or suspected cases of the swine flu in Escambia County. The Escambia County Health Department has been working with the school district since Monday on emergency planning related to the current swine flu outbreak.
“The decision to close schools could be made very quickly. Now is the time for parents to think through how they would care for their children,” said health department Director Dr. John Lanza. “The health department will work with the school district, local private schools and daycare centers to provide sound recommendations when considering the decision to close schools.”
If schools are closed due to the swine flu, they could remain closed up to two weeks.
The guidance from the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that temporarily closing schools and childcare facilities should be considered if there are one or more probable or confirmed swine flu cases among students, faculty or staff in order to decrease the spread of illness in the community.
Health officials also recommend the closure of a school district, or a geographic area within a school district if more than one school in the area has a suspected or confirmed swine flu case among students, faculty or staff.
State and federal officials also recommend that if a school or daycare facility closes, related school activities including sports should be canceled. The health department urges that in the event of a swine flu outbreak, people should avoid congregating in large groups.
NorthEscambia.com will keep you updated on any swine flu issues in North Escambia and surrounding areas.
Area Fire Departments Respond To Friday Brush Fires
May 2, 2009
Area fire departments responded to at least two brush fires Friday.
The McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a small brush fire along Highway 4 at Canoe Creek about 5:45 Friday afternoon. The fire was quickly extinguished.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a brush fire about 10:30 Friday night near Highway 95A and Barrineau Park Road. That fire was reported to be just over an acre in size. The Florida Division of Forestry was called to assist with the blaze.
There were no injuries or structural damage reported in either fire.
Down Home Good Time
May 2, 2009
Scores of people gathered for the monthly Barrineau Park Music Night Friday at the Barrineau Park Community Center. Pictured above: The award winning group High Cotton performs. Pictured left: Enjoying the music. Pictured below: A large crowd gathers for the free music night on the first Friday night of each month. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
North Pensacola Relay Held At Tate High
May 2, 2009
The North Pensacola Relay for Life wrapped up about noon today at Tate High School. All proceeds from the event, which began at 6:00 Friday night, benefit the American Cancer Society. Over 1,000 people were expected to take part in the annual event.
Click here for a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Friday evening.
Groups that participated in the annual event included: Molino Park Elementary School, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Lathram Chapel, Solutia, Winn Dixie, Gonzalez Methodist Church, Ramson Middle School, Westgate School, Lipscomb Elementary School, Jim Allen Elementary School, Pine Meadow Elementary School, Road Dawgs, McArthur Elementary, Penny’s Angels, CJ’s Walk By Faith, Harvester’s Federal Credit Union, International Paper, 1-2-3 Fit, Graphic Packaging, Walmart, First Baptist Church Cantonment, Tate Leadership and Mobile-Exxon.
Pictured above: The North Pensacola Relay for Life gets underway Friday evening at Tate High School. Pictured middle: Cooking up hot dogs at the Molino Park Elementary School campsite. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.