Rabid Cat Attacks: Six People Bitten, Scratched Or Exposed To Rabies
October 29, 2009
Six more people — including at least one animal control worker — were exposed to rabies following an incident with a rabid cat in the McDavid area.
The Escambia County Health Department confirms the incident occurred, but they won’t confirm the location of the incident, citing concerns that identifying the community would violate health privacy laws. But NorthEscambia.com has learned the incident occurred Friday night near McDavid.
According to a source familiar with the incident, a woman was bitten outside her home. She retreated inside her house and called for help from a neighbor because she feared going back outdoors where the cat remained. We are told that four or five people total were bitten or scratched by the animal. Some those attacked by the cat were attempting to trap the cat. Health department officials would confirm that an animal control worker called to the scene was also “exposed” to rabies.
“At least six people were exposed to this feral cat,” according to Molly Payne-Hardin, spokesperson for the Escambia County Health Department, “some during the course of trying to trap it.”
The entire North Escambia area is under a rabies alert until November 29. The alert was first issued at the end of August after at least three incidents involving rabid animals — a dog was bitten by a rabid raccoon in May on Crabtree Church Road in Molino, a dog was bitten by a rabid racoon on Handy Road in Cottage Hill in August and a person was bitten by a rabid fox somewhere in North Escambia in August.
The rabies alert was extended in September after the health department received laboratory-confirmation of rabies in a skunk and two raccoons. The skunk and raccoons were sent for testing after interacting with pets and, in one case, a pet owner. These positive tests were in addition to the rabid animals that prompted the August alert.
Payne-Hardin said there were no immediate plans to further extend the rabies alert after the incident involving the rabid cat.
“Rabies will kill humans and their pets if it is not treated,” said Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County Health Department. “I urge residents to keep their pets vaccinated, to stay away from wild animals, and to take basic precautions to keep wild animals from coming to your home.”
In all of the recent incidents, Payne-Hardin said there is one common denominator.
“All of the rabid animals were attracted to pet food that was left outside,” she said. “It is import to not leave pet food outdoors after your pet has ate, even it you bring it in just for the night.”
The rabies alert is for all of North Escambia, from Muscogee Road north to the Alabama state line, including all areas between the Escambia and Perdido rivers north of Musocogee Road.
Save Money: Buy Advance Tickets For NHS Senior Night Football, Silver Wings Parachute Jump
October 29, 2009
Advance tickets will be on sale Friday for Friday night’s Northview High School Senior Night and parachute jump by the U.S. Army’s demonstration team the Silver Wings.
Advance tickets will be available Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the school office. Advance ticket prices are $5 for adults, $4 for students and $1 for elementary.
At the gate, adult and student tickets are $6 each and elementary tickets are $1 each.
Gates for the event will open at 5:00, and the first approximately 1,000 people will receive free American flags on a first come basis. Senior night activities will begin at 5:30 with the presentation of the seniors from the band, color guard, majorettes, NJROTC, cheerleaders and football players. The Silver Wings jump will take place after 6 p.m., and kickoff is at 7 p.m.
First Students In North Escambia Receive H1N1 Vaccine
October 29, 2009
Wednesday, dozens of children at Jim Allen Elementary became the first students in the North Escambia area to receive the H1N1 vaccine.
The H1N1 vaccination clinics will eventually be offered at K-12 public schools in the county. Eric Gilmore, Escambia County’s director of public health preparedness, said recently that he could not provide a timetable for vaccinations at North Escambia schools due to a short supply of the vaccine. He said that students would be given vaccination permission forms about a week prior to the vaccination date at their individual school.
The school vaccinations are expected to be completed by the end of November.
Halloween Fun Today At The Century Branch Library
October 29, 2009
There will be a spooktacular good time at the Century Branch Library this afternoon during the library’s fourth annual Halloween Program.
There will be lots of treats, cookie decorating and a child friendly costume contest. Goodie bags will be provided to all children.
The program takes place at 4:00 this afternoon at the Century Branch Library, 7991 North Century Boulevard. The program is free.
Lady Chiefs Play Tonight For District Championship
October 29, 2009
The Northview Lady Chiefs will take on Baker tonight for the District 1-1A volleyball championship.
Baker defeated Pensacola Christian Academy 25-8, 25-14, 25-14 Tuesday night in Pensacola. The Chiefs are coming off a tournament Monday night over Freeport 25-10, 13-25, 18-25, 25-22, 15-9.
The district championship begins tonight at 6:30 at Northview High School.
Woman Gets 20 Years In Prison For DUI Death Of Bicyclist
October 29, 2009
Christina Rae Rivkin was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison for the June death of a Pensacola man riding his bicycle to work so that his wife could use the family’s only car.
Rivkin was sentenced Wednesday for the June 10 DUI death of Michael Steele. After she serves her 20 year sentence in state prison, she will be on probation for another 20 years, and she will never be allowed to have a driver’s license again.
At her sentencing, Rivkin faced up to 20 years in prison on charges of DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of crash and having her third DUI. She entered a guilty plea on the charges back in September.
When Rivkin hit and killed Steele on June 10, her blood alcohol level was more than three and a half times the legal limit, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The FHP said Rivkin’s blood alcohol levels tested at .297 and .295. The legal limit in Florida is .08. The FHP said Rivkin was so drunk that she did not know her own name when she hit the bicyclist. She left the scene, and nearly hit a deputy’s cruiser when she returned about an hour later.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Rivkin was traveling westbound on Nine Mile Road when she crossed the white line near Brewster Street and struck Steele as he was riding his bicycle about 11:15 p.m. Troopers said Steele and his bicycle were dragged under Rivkin’s GMC Yukon for about a quarter of a mile. Rivkin then fled the scene.
A passerby called 911 after discovering the body in the roadway. About an hour later, Rivkin returned to the scene, where she “skidded to an abrupt stop nearly striking the patrol car of Deputy Mark Smith,” the FHP report said. She “appeared extremely intoxicated. She smelled strongly of alcoholic beverage and her speech was slurred. She could not walk without assistance. (She) could not remember her name or say where she was,” the report continued.
Rivkin, according to the FHP, refused to perform a breath test, and a blood sample was taken to determine her blood alcohol level.
“He jumped out in front of me. What was I suppose to do?” Rivkin told a trooper at the scene.
The FHP says that the front of Rivkin’s vehicle had damage consistent with hitting the bicyclist, and “there appeared to be blood on the front of her vehicle.”
Rivkin had at least two prior DUI arrests and five other moving violations, according to the FHP.
Steele was riding his bicycle to work as part of the stock crew at the Nine Mile Road Winn Dixie when the accident occurred, according to family members. Steele and his wife, Brittney, 20, only owned one car, and family members said he wanted his wife to have the car for her morning commute. He rode the bicycle so that she did not have to drive him to work so that she would be well rested for her job.
Apply Saturday For Salvation Army Christmas Assistance
October 29, 2009
Christmas is just around the corner, and the Salvation Army is getting ready to help North Escambia residents in need with application days scheduled Saturday in Walnut Hill and in two weeks in Century.
“We expect the need to be greater this year,” Yvonne Warthen, Christmas and volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army’s Pensacola Corps.
“With the economy, we believe that more people will need assistance,” she said. “This comes at a time where our donations are down, also due to the economy, so it is important that people register for assistance early and not wait to the last minute.”
Applications for assistance will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 31 at the Walnut Hill Community Center on Highway 97; and Saturday, November 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Century Ag Building on West Highway 4.
For more information call (850) 432-1501 or email escarosa@uss.salvationarmy.org.
The following requirements for assistance were provided by The Salvation Army:
In order for The Salvation Army to process the application for Christmas assistance, applicants must bring the items listed below.
- Photo ID of all persons 18 years and older
- Social Security Card(s) for everyone in household
- Birth Certificates/Proof of legal custody of all children 13 years and younger
- Proof of all income for the last 30 days
- TANF/Cash Assistance
- Social Security/SSI statement
- Food Stamps statement from Department of Children and Families
- Child Support statement
- Pension statement
- Paystubs for the last 30 days
- If no income, please provide a notarized statement verifying no income (Note: If a family member or friend is helping with bills or income, you must provide a notarized statement from that person, verifying that they are assisting you.)
- Proof of all expenses
- Rent/Mortgage (copy of lease or mortgage statement)
- Home Owners Insurance/Taxes statement
- Gas/Sanitation bill
- Water/Sewer bill
- Electric bill
- Cable/Satellite bill
- Telephone/Cell phone bill
- Car payment statement
- Car insurance bill
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Medical expenses
- Life insurance
- Credit card statements
- Bank/student loans statement
- Proof of childcare expenses
Deputies Looking For Murder, Robbery Suspect
October 28, 2009
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man they say is a person of interest in the robbery of two businesses and the murder of a man.
Brandon Donnell Davis, also known as Brandon Darnell Davis, is a black male, 20 years of age, 6-feet 1-inch tall and 180 pounds.
He is wanted in connection with a robbery and homicide that occurred October 23 at the Oakcrest Bar on Fairfield Drive and the October 27 robbery of the Waffle House on Pensacola Boulevard.
According to the sheriff’s office, he is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. If you see Davis, you are asked to call 911 or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Photos submitted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Paul Allen Thomas, Sr.
October 28, 2009
Mr. Paul Allen Thomas, Sr., age 51, of Walnut Hill, Fla., died Tuesday, October 27, 2009 in Pensacola, Fla. He worked with construction as a heavy equipment operator. He was born to the late Jim and Clara Belle Caraway Thomas. He was a member of the Church of The Living God.He was preceded in death by two brothers, Luther Thomas and Jimmy B. Thomas and one sister, Polly Ann Harphant.
Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Linda Gail Thomas; one son, Paul Allen Thomas, Jr.; one daughter, Jessica Nicole Thomas; one brother, Roy Thomas, all of Walnut Hill, Fla.; five sisters, Sarah Swartz of San Antonio, Texas, Betty Morris of Canoe, Ala., Corrine Biggs of Walnut Hill, Arena Dawson of Atmore, Ala. and Molly Mae Glover of Troy, Ala.; two grandchildren, Jacob Paul Thomas and Blaze Michael Thomas.
Graveside services were held Thursday, October 29, 2009 in Pine Barren Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. with Bro. Earl Harrison officiating.
Active pallbearers were John Dawson, Travis Dawson, Randal Morris, Todd Morris and Jason Caraway.
The family received friends Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home one hour prior to graveside services.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc. in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Ala.
Gates To Open Early For NHS Senior Night, Silvers Wings Parachute Jump
October 28, 2009
Gates will open early Friday night for Northview’s Senior Night and parachute jump by the United States Army’s parachute demonstration team, the Silver Wings, from Fort Benning, Georgia.
Gates for the event will open at 5:00, and the first approximately 1,000 people will receive free American flags on a first come basis. Senior night activities will begin at 5:30 with the presentation of the seniors from the band, color guard, majorettes, NJROTC, cheerleaders and football players.
At about 6:10 p.m., special guests will be recognized, including Brigadier General Mike Ferguson, retired, Northwest Florida Aide to the Secretary of the Army; Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Boyd, Montgomery Recruiting Battalion Commander; Major Christopher Dawson, Mobile Recruiting Company Commander; and Superintendent of Schools Malcolm Thomas.
A short time later, the Silver Wings will jump. The demonstration team plans to bring down with them a United States flag, a POW/MIA flag, and Army flag and the official game ball. One jumper will land on the 50-yard line to deliver the game ball for the game against Sneads High School.
Following the jump, the Silver Wings will remain at the game for about one and a half hours to meet the public, take photographs and sign autographs.
The U.S. Army will be giving away an Ipod during halftime. Registrations will be accepted until the end of the first quarter. Also during halftime, Principal Gayle Weaver will be making a special presentation.
Adult and student tickets are $6 each and $1 each for elementary students at the gate. Pre-sale tickets will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday in the front office. Pre-sale prices are $5 for adults, $4 for students and $1 elementary.
The Silver Wings team is comprised of soldiers from throughout the Fort Benning airborne community. They have diverse backgrounds and various military specialties. The average age of a Silver Wings team member is 33 and the average number of free fall jumps ranges between 200 to 2,500 for the team. The team represents specially trained soldiers who are products of the United States Army Infantry Center and Schools to include Airborne, Pathfinders, and the Army Elite Rangers.