Hot, Slight Chance Of Thunderstorms For Your Sunday
June 20, 2010
Most of the area had some thunder Saturday evening. Some of us will once again see afternoon storms on Sunday, but the rain will be much more widespread.
Before the storms, expect hot, muggy weather, with temps well into the 90’s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 96. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. West southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast.
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. East southeast wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 94. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 96.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 95.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93.
Better Unemployment News
June 20, 2010
For the second month in a row, the jobless rate in the North Escambia area and the entire state was down.
Escambia County saw a slight in unemployment — down from 11.7 percent in April to 10.3 percent in May. That represented 604 unemployed people headed back to work in a month.
Santa Rosa County also recorded a slight drop in unemployment — falling from 9.4 percent in April to 9.2 in May. Santa Rosa County gained 308 jobs during the period.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County, Ala., dropped a full percentage point from 12.3 percent to 11.3 percent — a gain of 154 jobs.
Florida’s May unemployment rate dipped to 11.7 percent, only the second time state jobless levels have dropped in more than four years and a sign some say shows the economy is turning around.
The May rate was 0.3 percentage points lower than a revised 12.0 percent figure for April, but still remained higher than the 9.4 percent revised figure for May 2009. The state figure remains above the national average, which fell 0.2 percentage point in May from the previous month to 9.7 percent.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 10.8 percent in May,declined from April’s rate of 11 percent but was above the year-ago rate of 10 percent.
At least one economist says the monthly unemployment drop may not mark signs of a real economic rebound. More sustained improvement will be needed to gauge whether the easing unemployment will continue or if it’s the result of a short-term surge fueled by Census hiring.
“Those Census jobs are going to go away in a few months, and it’s ultimately going to be up to the private sector to drive job creation,” said Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness. “So far, we’re not seeing any indication that private growth has gotten underway.”
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink says the ongoing pressure put on by the BP oil spill may further slow economic recovery. The disaster is costing jobs in Gulf coast fishing communities, along with hotels and restaurants that are a critical part of the state’s $60 billion a year tourist industry.
“Today we learned Florida’s unemployment rate fell for the second consecutive month — and while this is encouraging, there are still unfortunately over one million Floridians who are unable to find work,” Sink said in a statement. “The disastrous BP oil spill threatens our economy even further at a time when many are already struggling, seemingly with no end in sight.”
Northview Grad Timothy Gardner Graduates From Basic Training
June 20, 2010
Air Force Airman Timothy J. Gardner graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the grandson of Micheal and Carolyn Cook of Corley Road in McDavid.
Gardner is a 2008 graduate of Northview High School.
Music Major Kate Sherrill Honored At Faulkner State
June 20, 2010
Kate Elizabeth Sherrill was named sophomore music major of the year at Faulkner State Community College’s annual award banquet held at the Bienville Club in Mobile. Kate was also awarded the Faulkner Singer’s award. Sherrill recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Faulkner State. She will be continuing her studies in vocal music at Berry College in Rome, GA. Kate is the daughter of Kent and Anne Sherrill of Walnut Hill, FL and the grandaughter of Sam and Dean Graham and the late Hunk and Senie Sherrill all of Atmore.
Summer Day Camp: Kids Can Learn About Produce Farm To Table
June 20, 2010
Escambia Extension is hosting a summer day camp program on Thursday, July 15th. Campers, ages 8 to 12, will start the day with a visit to a local vegetable or fruit producer to see how edible plants are cultivated, harvested, packed, and prepared for sale.
Campers will also visit a grocery store, meet the produce manager, and learn about the variety of fruits and vegetables sold in the store. Finally, the campers will return to the Langley Bell 4-H Center for some educational activities and will end with a take-home craft.
The cost of the camp is $8. Pre-registration is required by July 9th. For more information, call the Escambia Extension Office at 475-5230.
Father’s Day Wishes
June 20, 2010
For Father’s Day, NorthEscambia.com invited our readers to submit stories about their fathers. We’ve selected a few and included them below.
If you would like to tell your father’s story, or just wish dad a (late) Happy Father’s Day, please do so in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Jeff Phillips, Barrineau Park
submitted by Kayla Phillips, Age 9
My Daddy Jeff Phillips is very special to me. These are my reasons.
He plays with me, he teaches me, and I think he is cool.
One of my reasons that my daddy is special is because he plays with me. He plays softball with me all the time. He even helped coach my team one time. Sometimes we play baseball outside its really fun. I love my daddy because he plays with me that is what makes him special to me.
My second reason my daddy is special is because he teaches me. He teaches me to do the right things, and its really important that I learn to do the right things. He helps me keep my grades up because I want to be in a good school. Plus I also need a good education and I am sure he will help me while I go into new grades.
My third reason why my daddy is special because I think he is cool. I think he has a cool job. He works on boats and I think that is awesome and he also does alot so we can have our house and pay the bills. I also think he is cool because I love him and he loves me.
Pictured: Kayla and Jeff Phillips.
Matthew Cufr, Century
submitted by Maggie Mae Cufr, Age 6½
Let me tell you about my dad. First, he plays Chinese Checkers with me. I am not good at it. He wins all the time.
It’s funny sometimes that I move my marble the wrong way.
Next, he teaches me how to play guitar. He teaches me a hard note.
I can’t even remember it. I can’t do it, but I can play the easy notes and sing a song.
Last, my dad helps me ride my bike. Sometimes I stay up for about two minutes.
That made me feel good. When he lets go of the bike, I fall down and get hurt on my hand, but not anymore. I’m getting gloves.
That is why my dad is special.
Pictured: (L-R) Maggie Mae Cufr, Jackson Anderson Cufr, Emma Faith Cufr and dad Matthew Cufr.
Randy Smith
He’s is the best dad ever. He goes and makes money for shopping money for food. He loves us so very much. My dad’s name is Randy Smith. I love you daddy.
John White, Century
submitted by Kimberly White Burkett
My daddy is such a special person. He has always been so unselfish giving of himself to be there for our mother and us children. Just to think of my daddy puts a smile in my heart and on my face.
Growing up I have only good memories of my dad. He worked shift work at the paper mill in Brewton and worked hard to provide for our family. Not once can I remember hearing my dad complain even though I know it had to be a hard job. Daddy retired from the mill after working there 39 years.
Now my daddy stays busy doing honey do’s for my mom and works hard at his church. Every Saturday morning you can pass Beulah Chapel in Byrneville and you will see my daddy faithfully working hard to keep the church grounds and cemetery nice and clean. Once again though, I have never once heard him complain.
When I tell him that I worry about him getting too hot out there doing that, he just smiles and says he does it for the Lord. Everyone that knows my dad knows that when you see him he will make you laugh with his sense of humor. What a special man, I am so blessed to have such a wonderful daddy that I can be so proud of.
Pictured: John White and his wife Ann White, grandson Johnathan Burkett.
Wayne Perry, Molino
submitted by Lynsey Perry
We want to wish our Father Wayne Perry Happy Father’s Day. He is the best Father my brother Wayne and I could ask for. He has always been there for us. We can always depend on him no matter what. If he makes us a promise, he always keeps it. He is smart, strong, funny and dependable. We are so lucky to have him in our lives.
We enjoy spending time with our dad. He is fun to just be around. He is always making jokes about things or talking about all the memories he has of us growing up. He is always making memories for us too. It is a treasure to spend time with him. I’m so lucky to be so close to my Father. A lot of kids don’t have that bond with their Father. I don’t see how a kid could not have their Father around. I could not imagine not having mine in my life.
His main goal in life is to make us happy. He always puts us first, instead of himself. He would do and has done anything for us. He tries to make sure we have a safe and happy life. He has made me the strong and independent person that I am. He always makes us feel safe when we are with him.
If you were to ask him how he would like to spend this special day he would be quick to tell you nothing would make him happier than to spend the whole day with his two kids and wife. He always says we are the best thing that ever happened to him. But the truth is he is the best thing that ever happened to us.
If you think that I am a Daddy’s girl, then yes, I am proud to say that I am. We love you Daddy and hope that we make you half as happy as you make all of us.
Pictured: Wayne Perry, Sr., Wayne Perry, Jr., Lynsey Perry.
Mike Helton, Richard Stuckey, Bruce Shue, Adam Respress
submitted by Michelle Shue
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!! I would like to personally wish a happy Father’s Day to my dad Mike Helton he is a super person and a wonderful provider for his family he has three daughters and has always been there to support all of us…Happy Father’s Day daddy! I love you Michelle
Happy Father’s Day to my stepdad Richard Stuckey. He is currently serving in Afghanistan we all love and miss you and can’t wait till you return home!
Happy Father’s Day to my husband Bruce Shue. He is a wonderful dad to all of his children!!!
Happy Father’s Day to my son on his very first Father’s Day! Have a wonderful day Adam!!
Learn How To Troubleshoot Tomato Problems
June 20, 2010
There’s a reason why farmers and avid gardeners watch the weather so closely. Climatic conditions such as temperature, rainfall and humidity can greatly influence which disorders are likely to affect a crop.
Currently, conditions exist that are ideal for several tomato disorders. If you are growing tomato plants, be on the lookout for blossom-end rot and late blight.
A dark water-soaked area on the blossom end of the tomato may indicate a calcium deficiency
The uptake of calcium from the soil by the plant can be reduced by fluctuations in soil moisture – either excessively wet soil or excessively dry soil. Fluctuations in soil moisture may cause blossom-end rot.
Prevent blossom-end rot by maintaining a soil pH around 6.5 and uniform soil moisture by irrigating and mulching, and avoid heavy applications of nitrogen.
If you do experience blossom-end rot, spray the plant’s foliage with 2 level tablespoons of 96 percent calcium chloride in 1 gallon of water at seven to 10-day intervals. Several convenient “stop-rot” products are available at local garden centers. Begin spraying with the first appearance of symptoms. Overdosing plants with calcium chloride may result in leaf burn. Spray on cloudy days or wait until the sun is low.
Blossom-end rot
Blossom-end rot is a common problem on tomatoes but can also occur on peppers, squash, and watermelons. It is more common on fruit that is one-third to one-half grown, and it occurs on the blossom end of the fruit. It is not a disease but a calcium deficiency.
As the tomato develops, water moves rapidly into the developing fruit. However, calcium moves slowly in plants and even slower into the fruit. Calcium is an important component in plant cells and a lack of calcium will result in small, water-soaked spots that develop into dark brown, leathery spots that may involve half the fruit.
Late blight
Late blight is a disease caused by a fungus. It is best known as the disease that was responsible for the Irish potato famine in the mid-nineteenth century. It affects many plants in the Solanaceae family, including tomato, potato, pepper, and eggplant.
Since the pathogen does not survive in the soil, it usually enters the garden on infected transplants or live spores that are blown in with wind or rain. It spreads most rapidly during moderate temperatures (60° to 80°F) and high moisture conditions such as rain, fog, heavy dews or high relative humidity.
Recent climatic conditions have caused an outbreak of late blight in southeast Louisiana.
On tomato leaves, the symptoms of late blight initially consist of light brown to purplish spots that rapidly enlarge to purplish, blighted areas. Early in the morning and under wet conditions, a white growth of the fungus may be visible on the lower leaf surface. Stems may become infected, as well, with large purple to black sections that make stems look as if they were burned.
Several preventative and control measures are required.
- Scouting: regularly inspect your tomato plants and try to catch this disease as soon as possible to prevent its spread.
- Sanitation: eliminate infected plants as soon as the disease is identified.
- Applying fungicides: spray plants on a regular basis with fungicides such as chlorothalonil, mancozeb, copper or a combination of mancozeb plus copper. When using the mixture of mancozeb and copper, allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before spraying and stir it frequently. Chlorothalonil may be used up to and including the day of harvest, whereas mancozeb cannot be used within five days of harvest. Because these fungicides are protectants only, thorough spray coverage is essential for control.
With any luck, warmer weather will slow this disease but gardeners should keep an eye on their prized tomato plants.
For more information, contact Theresa Friday at 850-623-3868 or email tlfriday@ufl.edu. Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Man, 19, Killed In Old Atmore Road Crash
June 19, 2010
An Atmore man died and two others were injured in a single vehicle accident early Saturday morning on Old Atmore Road near Flomaton.
Alabama State Troopers said Emmanuel Markay Rivers, 19, was a passenger in the accident about about 3:30 a.m. about a half mile west of Tulip Street.
The driver of a Ford Crown Victoria, Cardarryl Delloyd Johnson, 21, was westbound on a straight stretch of Old Atmore Road when he lost control and flipped the vehicle over, according to AST. Johnson, 21, and another passenger, Trenetra Zakiya White, 19, were transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital in serious condition.
Rivers, who state troopers said was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Johnson, the driver, said he had swerved to miss a deer. The Crown Victoria flipped twice before coming to rest on its roof, partially in the roadway.
The accident is still under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the scene, click here. (Daytime photos in the gallery are courtesy Christine Stanton.)
The Flomaton Fire Department, Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County (Fla.) EMS, Atmore Ambulance, Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, LifeFlight and Alabama State Troopers responded to the crash.
Pictured above and below: Emmanuel Markay Rivers, 19, of Atmore, was pronounced dead at the scene of this single vehicle accident on Old Atmore Road near Flomaton about 3:30 a.m. Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge. Pictured inset: The vehicle after it was righted. Submitted photo by Christine Stanton for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Arrest No. 15: Ronald Newton Busted Again, Held Without Bond
June 19, 2010
Ronald Newton — the man arrested 15 times now in about the past year in Century — was arrested again Friday afternoon after a disturbance in Century. This time, he is being held without bond on the order of a judge.
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to The Sandwich Deli in the 8000 block of North Century Boulevard about 3:45 p.m. after Newton was reported to be causing a disturbance inside the building. When deputies arrived moments later, Newton had fled the scene, but they found him a short distance away in the 8000 block of Blackmon Street. He was reportedly involved in an altercation at the Blackmon Street address.
Newton, 49, was charged with battery as well as being arrested on the judge’s order. It was his 15th arrest in Escambia County in just over a year.
On June 4 — the day after a NorthEscambia.com story about Newton’s 14th arrest — the State Attorney’s Office filed a motion to revoke Newton’s bond on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief. The order revoking the bond was issued June 10 by Judge Joel Boles.
Escambia County court and jail records show the following arrests and charges for Newton:
April 11, 2007
- trespassing, charges dropped
August 14, 2007
- simple assault — 60 days in jail
- aggravated assault with deadly weapon — charges dropped
- criminal mischief under $1,000 — charges dropped
April 28, 2008
- driving while license suspended, first offense – charges dropped
- open container in vehicle – paid $123.50 fine
- expired registration – paid $73.50 fine
May 31, 2009
- battery — charges dropped
- criminal mischief — charges dropped
July 29, 2009
- driving while license suspended, second offense — fined $500, suspended 11 months, 30 days in jail
January 8, 2009
- battery — charges dropped, defendant “mentally defective”
September 1, 2009
- indecent exposure in public — dismissed due to incompetence
- lewd lascivious behavior victim under 18 — no action by prosecutor
- lewd lascivious behavior victim under 18 — no action by prosecutor
November 23, 2009
- criminal mischief under $1,000 — dismissed
January 1, 2010
- disorderly conduct — charges dropped
February 1, 2010
- battery — dismissed
March 23, 2010
- trespassing, case pending, pleaded not guilty, released on $500 bond
- disorderly conduct, case pending, pleaded not guilty, released on $500 bond
April 27, 2010
- trespassing, case pending, pleaded not guilty, released on $500 bond
- criminal mischief over $1,000 — case pending, released on $2,500 bond, pleaded not guilty
April 8, 2010
- littering under 15 pounds, fine and costs of $135 remains unpaid
May 7, 2010
- aggravated assault — case pending, released on $5,000 bond
May 19, 2010
- contempt of court
- criminal mischief
May 29, 2010
- trespassing
May 31, 2010
- battery
- criminal mischief
June 2, 2010
- violation of a court ordered injuction
- aggravated stalking
Tell The World About Your Dad On NorthEscambia.com
June 19, 2010
Tomorrow is Father’s Day, and NorthEscambia.com is giving you the chance to tell the world what is special about your father.
Tell us a little bit about your dad and why he is special to you in 200 words or less, and we may select your story to appear in a special feature this tomorrow (Father’s Day).
Please include your name (and the names of your siblings, if you would like), your father’s name and the community where he lives. Please take the time to proofread your story just a little bit.
To submit a story:
Post the story and a photo to our Facebook book wall at www.facebook.com/NorthEscambia
Or…Email the story and photo to news@northescambia.com