Photos: Camp Fire Kids Celebrate With Thanksgiving Feast
November 25, 2009
Camp Fire USA Century held a Thanksgiving feast Tuesday for children and their parents. The daycare’s children, many dressed as Pilgrims or Native Americans, enjoyed a full Thanksgiving meal and learned about the Pilgrims and their trip to the New World — including the fact that they did not take a bath for over nine weeks.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above: Children enjoy a Thanksgiving feast Tuesday at Camp Fire USA in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
$2.4 Million Water Project, Including New Water Tower, In Walnut Hill
November 24, 2009
A new water tower is under construction in Walnut Hill, part of $2.4 million in improvements by Walnut Hill Water Works.
The new 200,000 gallon Walnut Hill Water Works elevated storage tank is being located next to the Escambia River Electric Cooperative office on Highway 99-A, across the road from the Ernest Ward Middle School gym. This tank is in addition to a current water tower nearby at the intersection of Arthur Brown Road and Highway 97, according to Escambia Riever Electric Cooperative. EREC owns the Walnut Hill Water Works.
The new elevated storage tank will replace a Walnut Hill Water Works elevated tank currently located in Enon.
The $2.4 million project will include the tank, plus repairs to existing well houses and operating equipment and the replacement and looping of existing lines to increase water pressure. The water system, which serves 699 connections, has received a $866,000 grant toward the project. The remaining $1,621,000 will come from a USDA Rural Development loan.
In 2005, the water system began to experience problems when the well at Arthur Brown Road and Highway 97 began to fail. That well house and the one at another well located on Highway 97 just north of Wiggins Lake Road are both in need of physical and mechanical repairs, according to EREC. They say the system operates with a 19 percent loss due to leaks and inefficiencies.
Pictured top: A new 200,000 gallon elevated water tank under construction in Walnut Hill next to Ernest Ward Middle School. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Three Drivers Charged After Weekend Wrecks; One Faces Felony Charges
November 24, 2009
Three drivers were charged following weekend accidents in North Escambia, including one facing felony charges for driving with a suspended license.
Jewitt W. Noland, 47, of Mary Ester, Florida, was charged with driving with a suspended license, a third degree felony, following a crash late Friday afternoon in Century. The Florida Highway Patrol said the wreck that sent four people to the hospital was not Noland’s fault but his license was suspended.
Ryan D. Rodarte, 23, of Madison, Alabama, was charged with running a stop sign in connection with the accident. The Florida Highway Patrol says Rodarte ran a stop sign while traveling south on Old Flomaton Road. His Nissan was T-boned by Noland’s pickup, sending the car about 85 feet into a ditch.
Rodarte and three passengers in the car were transported by ambulance to Jay Hospital. The Florida Highway Patrol identified the passengers as Jessica J. Imholz, 17, of Blythewood, South Carolina; Demario Jordain, 18, of Columbia, South Carolina; and Heather Dorner, 19, of Madison, Alabama. Imholz’s injuries were classified as severe; she was transferred by LifeFlight from Jay Hospital to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
Noland was treated on the scene and then charged with driving with a suspended license and transported to the Escambia County Jail. He was released on $1,000 bond.
For more details on the accident, click here.
One Charged In Highway 97 Crash
After an early Sunday morning accident that closed Highway 97 for four hours, a Bay Minette man was also charged by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Anthony McWilliams, 22, of Bay Minette, was charged with careless driving after he lost control of his 1977 Ford Thunderbird while traveling north on Highway 97 at Highway 164. McWilliams’ car traveled about 250 feet on the side on the highway before striking a power pole. The impact broke the pole, and sent power lines down across Highway 97 and Highway 164. He told troopers that he fell asleep.
McWilliams and his passenger, William Lewis, 22, of Bay Minette, were transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital with minor injuries.
The accident left an unknown number of Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers without power for four hours. For more photos and details from the accident, click here.
Pictured top: Four people were injured in the this Nissan in a two vehicle accident late Friday afternoon in Century. Pictured inset: The driver of this GMC truck was not injured. One person was injured in this single vehicle accident on Highway 97 Sunday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Annual Northview FFA Citrus Sale Going On Now
November 24, 2009
There is still time to place your order in the annual Northview High School FFA citrus sale.
The NHS FFA is selling citrus in attractive 2/5 or 4/5 bushel boxes perfect for gift wrapping. The Florida citrus is from RiverBrite in Vero Beach.
Orders must be made by Tuesday December 1. The delivery date is Tuesday, December 15.
For an order form click here. Order forms and payment can be returned to Northview by mail (the address is on the order form), or dropped off at the school office.
Fruits available include red apples, grapefruit, navel oranges, tangelos and Hamlin oranges. Mixed trio half bushels are also available.
For more information, call 327-6681, ext. 248.
Another Chance This Afternoon To Sell Your Unwanted Gold For Cash
November 24, 2009
You can sell your unwanted gold for cash today at Northview High School and earn that extra cash you need for holiday shopping, bills or anything else.
The response to the event Monday was so great, that it has been held over another day.
The Northview High School Competition Cheerleaders will hold a gold party this afternoon from 4:00 until 5:00 in the gym lobby. Bring in your unwanted gold and collect your money. There is nothing to buy, only money to earn. You will receive your money on the spot after your gold has been assessed by a licensed gold buyer.
- Find all of your, used, broken, and unwanted gold pieces like broken earrings or out of style bracelet. Anything from 10K to 24K and white gold, too. And if you discover something that you are not sure about, just bring it anyway.
- Bring your gold to a the event This is no pressure to buy anything because there is nothing to buy.
- Sell your gold to the licensed gold buyer. The buyer will assess, test, and weigh your gold right in front of you. Then they will pay you on the spot. You will actually leave this fundraiser with money in your pocket.
- Enjoy your money. Donate some of it… save it… or spend it. It’s your money so it’s up to you.
Pictured above: Northview cheerleaders Heather Ward, Lauren McCall and Charleigh McPherson with cash for gold. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Community Thanksgiving Services Tonight in Molino, Cantonment
November 24, 2009
Community-wide Thanksgiving services will be held tonight in Molino and Cantonment.
Several Molino area churches will gather at 6:30 tonight for a community Thanksgiving service. The annual community-wide service will be held at Highland Baptist Church on Highway 95A. A finger food fellowship will follow. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Three Cantonment area churches will hold a community Thanksgiving service tonight at 6:30 at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church at 699 South Highway 95A. The Rev. Carolyn Nelson, Associate Pastor of St. Luke United Methodist Church, will preach. She will be assisted by Rev. Walk Jones of Northminster Presbyterian, Rev. Jason Adams of St. Luke UMC and Fr. Milledge Baker, the new rector of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, the host congregation. A Thanksgiving Offering to support United Ministries in Pensacola will be received at the ecumenical service. A combined choir from the three congregations will sing. Everyone is welcome. Fellowship and refreshments will follow.
Farm-City Week Recognizes Importance Of Local Agriculture
November 24, 2009
Before sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, the Florida Farm Bureau would like everyone to remember that the meal they will enjoy is made possible by Farm-City partnerships.
National Farm-City Week, celebrated annually on the week leading to and ending on Thanksgiving Day, recognizes the importance of this cooperative network to the success of America’s agricultural industry.
The following was submitted by Dorthy Cunningham from the Escambia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.
As wise steward and innovative entrepreneurs, dedicated farmers and ranchers improve our well-being by working to ensure a healthy and abundant agricultural supply. To succeed in this important enterprise, our farmers rely on essential partnerships with urban communities to supply, sell and deliver finished products across the country and around the world. National Farm-City Week recognizes the importance of this cooperative network to the success of America’s agricultural industry.
Escambia County Farm Bureau and the Women’s Committee will be recognizing the importance of the connection and partnership that exists between rural farmers and urban residents. Escambia County Farm Bureau Federation believes that events and activities of Farm-City Week will created a greater awareness of the types and sizes of farms in our area. In a county as diverse and geographically divided as Escambia County, agricultural industries are not often at the forefront of the overall population’s attention. It is the intent of the Escambia County Women’s Committee to highlight the agricultural industries that contribute to the our county’s continued economic well-being and encourage consumers to support local agriculture.
Here in Escambia County, agricultural enterprises include forestry, cotton, peanuts, wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables, livestock, and dairy. Traditional row crop and livestock production utilizes more than 30,000 acres, while 250,000 acres are used to produce timber. Together, the value of agricultural, silvicultural, and livestock was worth more than $386 million by 2007 estimates. Our farmers are known for “going green”– local producers are true stewards of our land and want to keep the environment safe for future generations to farm and enjoy. Farm-City Week is the ideal time to get the good word out about farming.
National Farm-City Week strives to increase understanding, cooperation, and relationships between rural and urban residents. As this year’s commemoration again culminates on Thanksgiving, all Americans are encouraged to thank someone who helps make it possible for you and your family to enjoy the bounty of our food supply. It’s a partnership summed up best whether you are from the farm or the city as, “Let’s eat!”
Escambia County Farm Bureau Federation represents local agricultural interests. Its mission is to implement policies that are developed by members and provide programs that will improve economic well-being an quality of life for farmers and ranchers.
For more information about Farm-City Week and local activities, please contact Dot Cunningham at (850) 587-5553. For more information about local agriculture, contact Libbie Johnson at the UF IFAS Escambia County Extension Office at (850) 475-5230.
Pictured top: Wheat is one of the crops produced in North Escambia. Pictured inset: Escambia Grain in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
James Plair
November 23, 2009
James Plair, born May 4, 1920, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, November 22, 2009, surrounded by his family.
He was a World War II veteran, and retired from Champion Paper Co. in 1985. He was loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends. He would always do for others whenever he could, always thinking of others first. He loved fishing and hunting and being with his family. He worked many years in the nursery at First Baptist Church of Cantonment, and showed love and support to many young children, who were constantly coming by, giving him hugs during his last few years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wes and Mollie Plair; brothers, Jeff, Ralph, Grady and Bobby Plair; sisters, Elizabeth Raiford and Velonia Adams; and granddaughter, Shelley Parker.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 64 years, Lois T. Plair; son, James “Buddy” Plair (TJ); daughters, Delores Coleman (Don) and Linda Williams (Ronnie); adopted son, Doug Patterson; and adopted daughter, Patsy Hill. He had five grandchildren, Jamie, Walker, Jeff, Vince, and Missy; six great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH 1000 Hwy 29, Cantonment, with Reverend Larry Huff and Reverend Drayton Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Spruell Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be James Peacock, Ronnie Butts, Bobby Plair, David Player, Tony Langford, Jeffrey Jinright, and Billy Dortch. Honorary pallbearers will be Irvin Hanks, Kenneth Ray Smith, W.T. Gilley, Newton Barnes, Larry White, Herschel Hill, Ken Born, and Wayne Milligan.
Viewing will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24 at Faith Chapel North.
Thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice, and friends for their love, support and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Cantonment, Building Fund.
Mattie Lou Lagos
November 23, 2009
Mattie Lagos, age 80 of Cantonment, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2009 at her home.
Mrs. Lagos was born August 18, 1929 in Loxley, AL to Jessie and Anna Nims Middleton. Mrs. Lagos was a member of Farm Hill United Methodist church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Box of AZ.
Mattie is now survived by her husband, Gene Lagos; three daughters, Carolyn Stewart (Ronnie), Jackie Box Myers (Tim), and Mary Moye Dease (Rex); one son, Joe Kittrell (Elouise); five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two great, great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Shirley Middleton; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 27, 2009 at FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH, 1000 Hwy 29, Cantonment with Rev. Terry Carmoney officiating. Interment will follow at Clear Springs Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel North from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
Tate’s Showband Of The South The Only Band To Appear In Disney Christmas Parade On ABC TV
November 23, 2009
The Tate High School Showband of the South is the only band in the nation selected to perform at the 2009 Disney Christmas Day Parade.
Each year, Disney invites bands to apply for the chance to appear in the nationally televised parade. Tate Band Director Joe Hooten submitted an application back in January based upon the band’s 37 years of superior rates, their 2008 appearance in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland as well as video footage and pictures from local events.
The Tate band will travel to Orlando on Thursday, December 3. The parade will be filmed in Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park on Saturday, December 5th and will be aired on the ABC television network on Christmas morning. The band will also get to participate in opening scenes for the parade.
While at Disney, the Tate band members will also get to participate in an educational behind the scenes clinic with cast members from Cirque du Soleil.
The Tate band offered a preview of their performance this past Saturday during the Miracle Bowl game between Tate and Northview High School.
Pictured above and below: The Tate High School Showband of the South previews their Christmas music planned for the Disney Christmas Parade. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
