Manager: Proud Of Tri-County All-Stars
June 20, 2009
The Tri-County All-Stars were eliminated from the District 1 Little League 8-9 Year Old All Stars Tournament in Walnut Hill Thursday night, and the team’s manager is proud of how his team played.
“These boys and coaches gave it all they had and played their hearts out. Everybody did their part for the team and courageously did all that was asked of them. We kept battling back and never quit. I’m real proud of them and couldn’t have asked for more,” said Manager Gary Killam.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the game, click here.
Defuniak Springs downed Tri-County 21-20 in seven innings Thursday night. Here are the stats from the game:
Triples: Niekel Robinson, Reid Kelly
Doubles: Seth Killam, Logan (2)
Singles: Neikel(1), Seth (2), Nolin Hawthorne (1), Reid,(1), Zack Wright (1)
Scored Runs: Niekel (2), Seth (5), Logan (2), Brent Groover (2), Dutch Burkhead (2), Reid (2),”MJ”Jones (1), Zach Wright (2)
Pitchers: Seth , MJ, Dutch , Zach Wright, Kevin Arant, Compiled total of 5 K’s
Note: Tri-Co’s team only struck out 3 times and De Funiak only 5 times. Game lasted about 3 1/2 hours.
Pictured above: “MJ”Jones gets a hit Thursday night against Defuniak Springs. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Atmore Businessman Helps Little Girl That Needs Kidney
June 20, 2009
An Atmore businessman is stepping forward to help 11-month Hadyn Allyssa Brake of Flomaton get the kidney she needs.
Harold Allen, owner an Atmore mobile home business, has written a $1,000 check to help with the $20,000 the family needs for Hadyn’s kidney transplant.
Hadyn was born with congenital nephrotic syndrome, a chronic kidney disease. In February, doctors were forced to remove both of her kidneys, and now she needs a kidney transplant by her first birthday on July 28.
Allen knows the pain of waiting for a kidney transplant; he underwent the procedure nine years ago, receiving a kidney from his son.
It’s estimated that the family needs $20,000 for Hadyn’s kidney transplant. For now, she is on dialysis 12 hours a day every day.
Last weekend, Atmore Dialysis Center held “Hadyn Brake Day” to help the little girl and her family.
Donations can be made to the “Hadyn Kidney Fund” at the Bank Trust in Brewton, Ala, or call Sonya Higdon at the Atmore Dialysis Center at (251) 368-5593 for information.
Pictured above: Hayden Allyssa Brake of Flomaton at a benefit last Saturday in Atmore to help her family afford her kidney transplant. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
BBB Warns Of Security System Scammer
June 20, 2009
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary of salesmen who are going door-to-door offering home security systems “at no cost”.
Consumers have alerted the BBB that salesmen identifying themselves as being from Safeguard America are distributing fliers offering a free security system for homeowners, claiming they can save up to 25 percent on their homeowners’ insurance.
The fliers cite a Mississippi address, but according to the U.S. Postal Service, the address is that of an apartment complex, not a business.
The fliers and the business’ Web site include BBB’s old logo and claim that Safeguard America is a BBB member. However, the Better Business Bureau says they are not an accredited Business. Salesmen are also citing a Florida license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; however that license expired in 2004.
Another DBPR license, improperly displayed on the flier, is issued to a David Roman for Security Systems Inc, DBA Safeguard America. David Roman is also the president of Safe Home Security, Inc., a Connecticut-based business with an F rating from the BBB because of the number of complaints filed against the business, a failure to respond to a number of complaints against the business, the number of serious complaints filed against the business and the length of time the business has taken to resolve complaints.
The Connecticut Attorney General has filed suit against Safe Home Security, Inc., Safe Home Monitoring, Inc., and their owner, David G. Roman, charging them with installing and failing to fix faulty equipment, as well as violations of the state’s home improvement contractor laws.
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be cautious doing business with anyone who shows up on their doorstep. The BBB says not to do business with anyone “on the spot”. Verify licensing, bonding, insurance or any other requirements that may be necessary for that industry. And if a business claims BBB Accreditation or “membership,” verify their status with BBB.
For additional information and advice visit bbb.org.
Century Correctional Sergeant Arrested On Federal Child Porn Charges
June 19, 2009
A Century man who works as a sergeant at Century Correctional Facility has been arrested on federal child porn charges.
Paul Edward Black, 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of the possession of child pornography, according to United States Attorney Thomas F. Kirwin, Northern District of Florida.
Black is a sergeant at the Century Correctional Institution. He made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Timothy today in federal court. A trial date has been set for August 3.
Black was arrested about noon Wednesday while he was at work at Century Correctional Institution. Florida Department of Corrections Spokesperson Gretl Plessinger said Black has been employed at CCI since March 22, 1991. She said he typically worked the day shift at the prison. He has not been fired, but the Department of Corrections is working toward his termination, Plessinger said. DOC officials will not allow Black to return to work at CCI unless the charges are dropped, she said.
Black was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, and a warrant was issued for his arrest through the Jacksonville Field Office of the FBI.
Black is accused of using online file sharing software to download images and videos of child pornography. If convicted, Black faces a term of up to ten years imprisonment and a lifetime term of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This investigation was initiated by the Computer Crime Unit of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and supported by the Pensacola Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other members of the North Florida Child Pornography Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
Four People Injured In Highway 29 Wreck
June 19, 2009
Four people were injured in a two vehicle accident about 9:05 this morning on Highway 29 at Bluff Springs Road.
Three people in a Dodge Caravan and one person in a Nissan car were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola by ambulance.+
The driver of the Nissan was northbound on Highway 29 when the struck the side of the van as it turned onto Bluff Springs road, causing the van to overturn.
The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Century Station of Escambia-Fire Rescue, Engine 519, Escambia County EMS, Atmore Ambulance and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the call.
Pictured top: One person in this car was injured in a Friday morning accident on Highway 29 at Bluff Springs Road. Pictured inset: A van involved in the accident overturned. Pictured below: Three people in this van were injured in the accident. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Heat Advisory Issued
June 19, 2009
A heat advisory has been issued for today, with temperatures expected to hit near 101 with a heat index of 110.
The heat index — how hot the humidity makes it feel on your body — is especially dangerous to those without air conditioning, those working outside and the elderly.
A strong high pressure remains entrenched over the lower Mississipppi and the southeastern United States. The high pressure will send afternoon highs over the century mark in the many locations. When combined with the humidity, afternoon heat indices will rise to the 105 to 110 degree range.
A heat advisory means a period of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on friends and relatives.
The forecast for Saturday is the same: highs near 100 and a heat index up to 110.
No New Escambia 3-Cent Gas Tax For Mass Transit
June 19, 2009
Escambia County commissioners Thursday night did not approve a 3-cent gas tax to help fund mass transit.
The commission voted 3-2 in favor of the tax with District 5 Commissioner Kevin White and District 1 Commissioner Wilson Robertson voting against. The tax needed a “super majority” of four votes in favor to pass.
“I can’t in this economy,” Robertson said. “And I don’t want to hear that ‘you’re not compassionate about the needy’. Hey, we are going to fund mass transit as we always do. But why put a brand new tax on it?”
Robertson called for the City of Pensacola to step up with funds for Escambia County Area Transit. The city has put well over $1 million a year into ECAT in the past but now contributes nothing.
“ECAT has some problems, and it will continue to have problems as long as it does not have a dedicated funding source,” said Sherri Myers who spoke in favor of the tax. “This is a tax swap, not a tax increase. I am asking you to do the right thing.”
The commission had discussed rolling back, or “swapping”, the property tax by an amount equal to estimated revenue from the 3-cent gas tax. That, they said, would shift the mass transit funding burden from property owners to those that drive.
“I don’t agree with this tax, or any tax, unless it is brought before the people for a vote,” Escambia resident Jacob Knight said. “I know we need a transportation system, but things have slowed down. You may be making a lot of money, but a lot of people can not afford it.”
“I’m here in favor of ECAT this evening. I personally don’t like taxes,” said Evon Emerson, president of the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, adding that ECAT allows some residents to have a job. “There are times in this community when we need to do things that do not benefit us personally…but at the end of the day will benefit all of us.”
Escambia County current contributes about $3 million of ECAT’s$7.6 million budget. The rest of the funds come from federal and state funds.
The City of Pensacola, which currently contributes no funding to ECAT, passed a resolution recently in favor of the 3-cent gas tax. Monday night, the Century Town Council refused to support the tax, citing fears that ECAT would cut Century’s only bus. Additionally, town council members said the additional tax would hurt gas stations in the town that already sell gas about 10 cents higher than stations in nearby Flomaton, Alabama.
Tri-County Falls To Defuniak
June 19, 2009
It was a heartbreaking loss for the Tri-County All-Stars Thursday night as they fell to Defuniak Springs in seven innings.
Defuniak beat Tri-County 21-20 to advance in the District 1 Little League 8-9 Year Old All Stars Tournament at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill. Defuniak Springs squeezed out the win on walks in the extra inning.
Defuniak Springs will face Destin Friday evening at 6. The winner of that game will play Niceville-National Saturday evening at 6.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the game, click here.
Pictured above: In this play, Seth Killam turned to avoid being hit by a bad pitch. He was not hit, but the end of the bat was hit by the ball. The umpire called the play a valid hit since the ball hit the bat. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tri-County Out Of 7-8 Year Machine Pitch Tourney
June 19, 2009
Tri-County has been eliminated from the 7-8 Year-Old Machine Pitch Tournament going on this week in Niceville.
Tri-County lost their first tournament game to Freeport 19-10. They advanced to beat Shalimar 13-9, and then lost their next game to Defuniak Springs 14-2.
In that tournament, Niceville-American will play Destin Thursday, with the winner advancing to play Niceville-National in the finals.
Northview Food For American Program Number Two In Entire State
June 19, 2009
The Northview High FFA’s Food For America program has been named one of the top two programs in Florida.
The local Food for America Program, sponsored the National FFA Organization and conducted by the Northview FFA in March, gave the students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand as they got up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. About 800 elementary school students and 200 volunteers took part in the program.
The program is designed to encourage FFA members to participate in Agricultural Literacy and Awareness projects on the local level. The awards were announced during the Sixth General Session of the 81st Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando.
The Northview FFA has participated in the program for 14 years, placing second in the state two years ago. Northview has placed in the top five in the state for the last ten years.
Both the Northview and Ernest Ward FFA chapters attended the FFA state convention last week in Orlando. The chapters traveled together and were able to enjoy the convention and other planned activities as a group.
Individuals that attended from North Escambia were: Mark and Aimee Solari, Courtney Solari, Stephanie Solari, Allie Vidak, Brittany Thompson, Heather Kite, Lydia Weaver, Anna Donald, Cindy Wilson, Perry and Kay Byars, Andrea Byars, Shelby Lewis, Gavin Hinote, Micah Byars, Tyler Hester, Devon Bell and Nathan Waters.
For a photo gallery of the FFA students in Orlando, click here.
The following information was presented to the awards committee that judged the Food for American Program:
Northview FFA chapter members began implementing Food For America planning in early fall of 2008 with a letter of notice to both invited schools and potential vendors letting them know of the date for the 2009 activity on campus. Committees were formed and in January the Northview FFA chapter sent letters of invitation to all of the elementary schools both Escambia County, and two surrounding counties in Alabama. We requested that all of the schools RSVP with the number of students they would be bringing. There were approximately 100 FFA members that participated in running this program along with 38 off campus exhibitors and over 800 invited guests. We had several attention grabbers including tractors, poultry, cattle, horses, an apiary display and a helicopter from the Florida Forestry Division. Other vendors consisted of Pine Ridge Farms, Walnut Hill Fire Department, Northview 4-H, Escambia River Electrical Cooperative, Natural Resource Conservation Service, University of Florida-Milton, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Young Farmers and Ranchers, Humane Society, North Escambia Bee Association and Stewart’s Grist Mill. The NHS-FFA members were tour guides for the elementary students. They were responsible for their group and escorted each class of students to the different exhibits. We also had a safety related puppet show, and a film on the importance of agriculture that students were able to watch while they consumed animal crackers and half pints of milk. Funds for the food were provided by Escambia County Farm Bureau. Coverage of this event consisted of three local newspapers: The Atmore Advance, Tri-City Ledger, and NorthEscambia.com. Pensacola WEAR Channel 3 was also in attendance and ran a package that night on the evening news of the day’s activities.
Pictured above: FFA students from Northview High and Ernest Ward Middle schools in Orlando. Pictured inset: Students learn about making corn meal at the NHS Food for America Program earlier this year. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.