Making Progress: Industrial Blvd. Repaving Project
May 31, 2009
A paving project on Industrial Boulevard in Century is nearing completion. The $88,520 project by Roads, Inc. is to be paid for by a contracting company that the town says damaged the road during Hurricane Ivan cleanup back in 2004. Work on the two-tenths of mile project is expected to be completed this week. Roads, Inc. recently completed a repaving project on State Line Road from Highway 29 to Shady Lane for $128,437.30 funded by Local Option Sales Tax money.
The resurfacing project has made travel difficult for those that work in the Century Industrial Park and use the Camp Fire USA daycare.
Pictured above: Industrial Boulevard Friday afternoon. Pictured below: Industrial Boulevard Wednesday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Blueberry Bake-Off to be Held at Blueberry Jamboree
May 31, 2009
Escambia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee invites bakers to bring their homemade blueberry goodies to The Great Blueberry Bake-Off, a competition held in conjunction with the Blueberry Jamboree.
The first annual Blueberry Jamboree is hosted by Escambia County Neighborhoods/Community Services Bureau and Escambia County Extension Services and will be held Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Barrineau Park Community Center, 6055 Barrineau Park School Road in Molino.
Contestants may enter in any of three categories: pies/cobblers, cakes and other assorted blueberry dishes. Entries should be brought to the Barrineau Park Community Center cafeteria on a disposable plate, covered with plastic between 8:30 and 10 a.m. A copy of the recipe must be included with the free registration.
Judging begins at 10:30 a.m., and winners will be announced at 1:00 p.m. Youth and adult entries will be judged together. Judges’ decisions are final. Winners will receive monetary prizes as follows: 1st place, $50; 2nd place, $30; and 3rd place, $20. For more information, please visit www.blueberryjamboree.com.
The Blueberry Jamboree is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Check Out The Power Force
May 30, 2009
Everyone is invited to witness the amazing acts of strength of John Jacobs’ New Generation Power Force Team Sunday.
The Power Force team will be at the Pine Forest Assembly of God Church on Sunday, May 31st at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Pine Forest Assembly of God Church is located at 3125 Pine Forest Road in Cantonment. For more information call (850) 476-1378 or visit www.pineforestassembly.com.
NWE Wraps Up Season; Awards Special Trophy To Drew Marlow
May 30, 2009
Trophies and awards were handed out during closing ceremonies for Northwest Escambia Little League Friday, including a trophy for a little boy that was never able to play ball on the field that bears his name.
Two year old Drew Marlow and his dad Danny Marlow died in a January 2008 accident on Highway 97. Drew’s Field was named is his honor, bringing wee ball to the Northwest Escambia Little League for the first time ever.
The first trophy of the season was presented to Drew’s mom Cyndi Marlow Wendt. It was a tiny trophy depicting a wee ball player about to knock the ball off a tee was inscribed with “Drew Marlow #3″.
The first three attempt at in vitro conception were unsuccessful for Danny and his wife Cyndi. But on the third try, they were successful. The embryo was rated as on a “3″, when typically only those rated as a four or five survive. Drew beat the odds and was born a happy healthy child. For that reason, Danny wanted his little boy to wear jersey number “3″ during his first game.
All of the NWE wee ball players wore the number “3″ on their hats during the season as a constant reminder of Drew’s memory.
NWE also presented other trophies and awards Friday afternoon, including their coach and volunteer of the year awards.
Greg Green was named Volunteer of the Year, and Josh Long was name Coach of the Year. Steve Hanks was also recognized for 13 years of service to NWE.
Each player on every team was also individually recognized.
For a complete gallery with over 150 photos from the event, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
An Emotional Day: Carver/Century Closes
May 30, 2009
There was a range of emotions Friday as the final bell rang at Carver/Century K-8 School.
There was that last day of school excitement as students headed toward their buses. Goodbye hugs between teachers and students, playful laughter, the attempt to balance crayon boxes and report cards while running after a friend. It was, for most of the kids, an end that marked an exciting beginning to summer vacation.
But for the teachers and staff gathered on the sidewalk outside the school, the emotions were much different, more of an ending that a beginning. That final bell marked the end of public schools in the town of less than 2,000. The Escambia School Board voted in March to close Carver/Century, the last school in Century, at the end of this school year. When that moment arrived Friday, reality set in.
Some of the teachers and staff members stood alone, quietly sobbing. Others hugged and consoled coworkers. Some lingered, watching the buses full of waving children until long after they were out of sight.
They gathered in the school cafeteria for a meal. A plaque was presented to Principal Jeff Garthwaite by Mayor Freddie McCall, honoring him for his service to the school and the community.
Words about the school closure were few. The pain was evident on faces around the room. Someone passed around a box of Kleenex. The staff shared the meal, shared a lot of laughter over a school “Biggest Loser” weight loss contest that had been ongoing.
They talked about who would be heading to Ernest Ward, who would be heading to Bratt Elementary. Once staff member fought back tears, saying that she would likely be headed to the Hall Center. It would be the first time in over 30 years in the school system that she will not work close to home.
Schools and lumber were the backbone of the communities that would later become Century. Now the lumber company sits empty and overgrown. Townspeople hope that their school building does not face a similar weed-covered future. They hope they one day the laughter of school children will return to their town.
Some said they felt defeated with the loss of Century’s last public school. Others just could not talk about it.
But they all knew that while Century’s schools were now officially gone, they would always live on forever in the hearts and minds of those that had walked their hallways. That’s what they call Blackcat Pride.
For a photo gallery from the final bell at Carver/Century K-8 School, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Good Times: First Evening At Old Mill Pond Held
May 30, 2009
Cntury Care Center kicked off a planned concert series “An Evening at Century’s Ole Mill Pond” Friday afternoon, hoping to make it a regular community event.
The concert series was fashioned after Pensacola’s Evening in Old Seville Square, CCC Director Don Ripley said. The Century event featured free live entertainment with the sounds of soul, rhythm and blues from The Sensational Tones of Joy.
“We felt that since Century has lost so much recently in the closing of our last school, Century Elementary, and our Escambia County court annex, that we needed to do something to bring the community together,” Ripley said. “What better way than to have a free concert, an open house, with food and art vendors to bring the community together with our most cherished assets, our mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers that have given us so much to be thankful for, all from the Century, Jay, Flomaton and Atmore areas.”
The event took place behind Century Care Center at the Ole Mill Pond, a new pond fully stocked with fish for the enjoyment of the nursing home residents. The pond was built to allow Century care residents to get outside, build their immune systems and stimulate their minds and bodies. The pond was built with a grant from the Agency For Health Care Administration.
For a complete photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above and below: Scenes from An Evening at Century’s Ole Mill Pond Friday at Century Care Center. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s K-9 Unit Returns To Active Duty
May 30, 2009
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department K-9 units are officially back on the street after a month-long absence.
Sheriff David Morgan announced Friday morning that the unit was reinstated following actions taken to correct problems identified In Department of Justice probe into the use of the dogs.
In late April, Morgan pulled his department’s K-9 units off the streets following findings released in a that DOJ investigation.
“The problem was not so much with the K-9 officers,” Morgan told NorthEscambia.com. “It was as much or more with the administration at the time not following up on bites and other paperwork.”
Sometimes, Morgan said the DOJ investigation found, the previous administration would treat it “like it was just a dog bite, a part of the apprehension. The documentation was not done as it should be.”
The K-9 stand down included the use of dogs for both suspect apprehension and drug searches. But that did not mean Escambia County has been totally without the assistance of K-9 officers. The City of Pensacola offered the assistance of their K-9 officers when needed. In North Escambia, deputies could still request the assistance of the K-9 unit from Century Correctional Institute.
The DOJ investigation into the sheriff’s department, which the DOJ announced three days after Morgan was sworn into office, stemmed from allegations of excessive force during the administration of former Sheriff Ron McNesby.
Pictured above: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit poses Friday morning after Sheriff David Morgan announced that the unit had be reinstated. Submitted photo by Rebecca Evans for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Friday Afternoon Wreck Severely Injures Molino Man
May 29, 2009
A Molino man was severely injured in an accident Friday afternoon near Highland Baptist Church.
Christopher S. Grimm, 31, of Molino was involved in the accident on Highway 95A just south of Nancy Lane.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Grimm was was northbound on Highway 95A when an unknown southbound vehicle crossed into his path at about 4:10 p.m. That caused Grimm to take evasive action. He lost control, ran off the road, overturned and struck a tree, according to the FHP.
Grimm was transported from the scene to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola by LifeFlight.
The FHP said the identity of the other driver and vehicle involved in the accident was unknown.
The Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire-Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the call.
Pictured above: Christopher S. Grimm, 31, of Molino was severely injured in this accident Friday afternoon near Highland Baptist Church. Pictured below: Grimm was transported from the scene by LifeFlight. Submitted photos by Brenda Kahalley for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
May 29, 2009
NHS Holds Senior Honors Night
May 29, 2009
The Northview Class of 2009 held Senior Honors Night at the school Thursday night.
For a complete photo gallery from the event, click here.
The following awards, honors and scholarships were presented:
Summa Cum Laude (4.0 or higher GPA): Luke Fletcher Killam, valedictorian; Lanie Jeannine Eubanks, salutatorian; Olivia Kaylen Bryan; Briana Renea Halteman; Amanda-Ann Morgan Sellars; Ashley Arlene Snow and Brittney Dawn Brown.
Magna Cum Laude (3.85 or higher GPA): Gabrielle Renae Hicks, Brett Andrew Hanks, Chelsea Ellen Sims, Gretchen Danea Boughner, Stormy Brooke Hayes and Danielle Althea Brown.
Cum Laude (3.5 or higher GPA): Alexander Martin Abbott, Melissa Nicole Garrett, Jody Wade Levins, Jessica Maria Mothershed, Richard Kyle Braun, Jamison Blayne Garrett, Amy Nicole Conner and Samantha Ann Macks.
Atmore Chamber Ambassador: Patrick McPherson
Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Stars: $400 recipients: Gretchen Boughner, Lanie Eubanks,Briana Halteman, Luke Killam; $300 recipients: Kayla Brewer, Amy Conner, Stormy Hayes, Melissa Garrett, Jessica Mothershed, Chelsea Sims and Ashley Snow.
Charles and Mayson Scholarship: Luke Killam
Escambia River Electric Cooperative: Olivia Bryan
First National Bank of Atmore Award: Luke Killam
McDonald Award: Shaquania Lewis
Pensacola Civitan Club: Amanda Sellars
Pensacola Junior College: Chelsea Sims and Garbell Wesley
Principal’s Leadership Award: Luke Killam
Spirit of the Chief Award: Luke Killam
Qunit and Rishy Studer Group Scholarship: Briana Halteman
Tri-City Rotary Club: Luke Killam
United Bank of Atmore Award: Lanie Eubanks
University of West Florida: Luke Killam, Olivia Bryan, Lanie Eubanks, Briana Halteman and Gabrielle Hicks
US Army Scholar Athlete: Luke Killam and Briana Halteman
USNA/NROTC: Amanda Sellars and Shaquaina Lewis
Jim/Jumi Ross Memorial Scholarship: Kayla Brewer and Amanda Sellars
Walnut Hill Ruritan: Patrick McPherson
Beta Club Stoles: Brittney Brown, Samantha Macks, Olivia Bryan, Jessica Mothershed, Lanie Eubanks, Amanda Sellars,Briana Halteman, Chelsea Sims, Luke Killam and Ashley Snow.
Beta Club Medals: Jessica Mothershed, president; Lanie Eubanks, vice president; Olivia Bryan, secretary; Luke Killam, treasurer
Rho Kappa: Ashley Snow, Lanie Eubanks, Luke Killam, Amanda Sellars, Briana Halteman, Olivia Bryan and Brett Hanks.
Delata Kappa Gamma-Eta Chapter: Chelsea Sims
Dr. Alec Kessler Memorial Student-Athlete Scholarship: Luke Killam
EHS Class of ’62 Scholarship: Gretchen Boughner — $1000
Faulkner State College: Jamison Garrett
Huntingdon College: Patrick McPherson
Florida Bright Futures Recognition
Florida Medallion Scholars — 4 years: Alexander Abbott, Stormy Hayes, Gretchen Boughner, Gabrielle Hicks, Richard Braun, Luke Killam, Kayla Brewer, Samantha Macks, Brittney Brown, Samantha Merritt, Danielle Brown, Kristina Nellums, Amy Conner, Amanda Sellars, Lanie Eubanks, Chelsea Sims, Jamison Garrett and Ashley Snow.
Florida Academic Scholars — 4 years: Olivia Bryan, Briana Halteman and Brett Hanks.
Gold Seal Vocational — 2 years: Jody Levins and Patrick McPherson
John E. Frenkel, Sr. Educational Grants: Samantha Merritt
Pensacola Civitan Club Scholarship: Luke Killam — $1000
The King’s College: Olivia Bryan – $ 48,000 (4 years)
Subject Area Awards
Agribusiness:
Jody Levins
Art
Jessica Taylor, Visual Arts HAA
Jacqueline Loewen, Visual Arts Exemplary
Band
Briana Halteman – Drum Major & John Philip Sousa
Jake Carlson – Outstanding Marching Award
Lanie Eubanks – Outstanding Marching Award
Business Technology
Web Design 1 – HAA
Samantha Merritt
Web Design 2 – HAA
Garbell Wesley
Web Design 3 HAA
Brandon Coburn
Diversified Education
Jessica Mothershed — HAA
Ashley Snow –Exemplary
Amie Sutton — Exemplary
Family & Consumer Science:
Chelsea Sims
NTV Television Production:
Olivia Bryan and Brandon Coburn
Language Arts
Hon Eng Lanie Eubanks – HAA
Hon Eng Luke Killam — Exemplary
Reg. Eng Ashley Snow — HAA
Reg. Eng Chelsea Sims — Exemplary
Mathematics:
Lanie Eubanks – HAA
Science
Briana Halteman – HAA Chem Honors
Lanie Eubanks – Exemplary Chem Honors
Luke Killam – Exemplary Chem Honors
Spanish:
Shakeria White
Social Studies
Chelsea Sims — HAA Eco. H
Jody Levins — HAA Eco.
Gretchen Boughner — Exemplary
Technology Education
Kenneth Jackson – HAA–Construction Tech
Cordell Paige- Exemplary – Construction Tec
Brandon Coburn – HAA — Drafting
Luke Killam – Exemplary — Drafting
Ashley McGhee – HAA — CCC
Pictured above (L-R): Luke Killam, Lanie Eubanks, Olivia Bryan, Briana Halteman, Amanda Sellars, Ashley Snow and Brittney Brown were among the award winners at Northview High School’s Senior Honors Night.