Make A Splash And Read With Library Summer Reading Programs In Century, Atmore, Jay
June 8, 2010
Three North Escambia area libraries are inviting children to “Make A Splash” and enjoy reading with summer reading programs. Fun, free programs will be held at the Century, Jay and Atmore libraries. Schedules are listed for each.
The Century Branch Library invites children to celebrate with summer library programs each Tuesday at noon, beginning June 8.
- June 8 – Liang, Olympian Acrobat
- June 15 – Dr. Zap, fun and wacky
- June 22 – John Jaramillo, storyteller and dancer
- June 29 – David Stephens, puppetry
- July 6, Ross Mudge, sing patriotic songs
- July 13, Beau Broomall, magician
For more information, contact the Century Branch Library at (850) 256-6217.
The Atmore Public Library, will celebrate summer reading with six weeks of fun and reading. All programs listed below will be at 10 a.m., except for June 11 which is divided into three time slots.
- June 11 – Southern Pine presents an environmental program with lizards, frogs, and turtles. This program is divided into three time slots: 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00. Please call for a free pass.
- June 18 – Turtle Point visits with their creatures.
- June 25 – Pirate Day
- July 1 – Balloon Artist Day
- July 9: Awards Day
For more information, call the Atmore Public Library at (251) 368-5234.
The Jay Library will present their “Make a Splash – Read” summer programs each Monday (except July 5) beginning June 14 and continuing through July 19 at 11 a.m. for 3-5 years old that are able to attend without a caregiver and at 1 p.m. for students who have completed K-5th grade.
- June 14 - Pirate Pals for preschoolers; A Pirates Life For Me for K-5
- June 21 - Squeaky Clean for preschoolers; Geddy the Gecko Walks on Water for K-5
- June 28 – Under the Sea for preschoolers; Shark Tales for K-5
- July 5 – Library closed for Independence Day
- July 12 – Surf’s Up for preschoolers; Island Luau for K-5
- July 19 – Rainy Days and Muddy Mischief for preschoolers; The Little Mermaid performed by Jacksonville State Unversity’s Children’s Theater for K-5
For more information, contact the Jay Library at (850) 575-6293.
AG: State Would Back Fed Charges Against BP; CFO Mad Over BP Payments
June 8, 2010
The state would be prepared to join any action – including criminal charges – needed to ensure that BP takes full financial responsibility for the effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Attorney General Bill McCollum said Monday during a tour of affected areas on Monday.
And Florida CFO Alex Sink renewed her call Monday that the federal government take over the handling of lost income claims processing from BP, in light of numerous reports that many affected business owners have only been offered payments of up to $5,000 to compensate for lost income.
“If federal charges are filed I can assure you that we will join the federal government in bringing them,” McCollum said during a stop in Pensacola Beach.
But of more immediate importance is easing bureaucratic red tape that seems to be making it harder for local officials to prepare for and deal with the effects of the spill, McCollum said.
Among his biggest frustrations is the disaster’s command structure that routes all decisions through a central command in Mobile, Ala. Such a bureaucratic bottleneck is keeping needed assets from the field. BP is driving the response – and blocking some efforts, particularly by volunteers, to clean up. One concern is liability, but it’s slowing down the response, McCollum and other officials said.
“Why don’t we have activity here in real serious way?” McCollum asked. “Why isn’t the Coast Guard being given some authority to make on-site decisions here?”
McCollum said he was angered by the company’s apparent unwillingness so far to use volunteers or innovative techniques and products to combat the spill while spending hefty sums to protect its image.
“BP has just spent $50 million on national PR advertising to make their company look good,” McCollum said. “I know they are paying all their claims, but they could certainly be spending that $50 million on some of this experimental technology.”
Escambia County Commission Chairman Grover Robinson told reporters that local residents were prepared to help clean up – and in some cases had good ideas – or were asking how they could help, but weren’t getting any response from BP.
Local officials and McCollum have also decried how long it has taken to get certain equipment, such as skimmer boats, in place.
Meanwhile, CFO Sink also attacked BP while speaking in Pensacola.
“I’m incensed that BP is devoting resources to an expensive ad campaign touting how quickly they’re writing checks, because payments of $5,000 or less amount to nothing more than a PR ploy,” said CFO Alex Sink. “These payments are little more than “bait money” for many of these businesses, and don’t even come close to what they are actually losing. BP needs to start putting its money where its oil is and start writing bigger checks today. Clearly, as I suggested weeks ago, the federal government should take over this process immediately and just send BP the bill.”
Michael Peltier of The News Service Florida contributed to this report.
Escambia Oil Update For Tuesday
June 8, 2010
Latest Oil Forecast
Here is the latest Deepwater Horizon oil spill update with information specific to Escambia County for Tuesday, June 8:
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Personal Safety
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Important Phone Numbers For Citizens
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EREC Power Outage
June 7, 2010
Some Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers were without power about two hours this afternoon on line that runs along Highway 97A from Walnut Hill to Enon. The electric utility was working on equipment that services that area in order to prevent future outages.
Selma Parrish Upton
June 7, 2010
Mrs. Selma Parrish Upton, 86, passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2010 in Century, FL.
Mrs. Upton was a native of New Orleans, LA, and a resident of Byrneville, FL for most of her life. She was one of the first ladies to work for L & N Railroad, a seamstress for many years, a former employee of Vanity Fair Mills, a writer for the Tri-City Ledger, a healthcare giver and attended the Bethel Temple Holiness Church. Preceded in death by her two Husbands, George Dallas Parrish, and Raymond Upton, a Daughter, Nelda Faye Parrish, a Granddaughter, Terri Lynn Smith, a Brother, and two Sisters.
Survivors include: a Son, Prentis “Pep” and Ann Parrish of Cantonment, FL; a Daughter, Wanda Parrish Smith of West Palm Beach, FL; 2 Grandsons, Corey Parrish of Cantonment, FL, and Robert Smith of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; a Granddaughter, Cindy and Chad Rolin of Wellington, FL; 6 Great-Grandchildren, Brooke Parrish, Blaze Parrish, Sarah Clarke, Adam Clarke, Dylan Smith, and Zachary Smith; a Sister, Nola Agerton of Milton, FL; and numerous Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Ron Carnley officiating.
Burial will follow at Byrneville Cemetery
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2010 between 6:00 and 8:00 P.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Evelyn Dora Gilley Nelson
June 7, 2010
Evelyn Dora Gilley Nelson, 87, went home to her heavenly Father on Friday, June 4, 2010. She was born in Century, Florida on October 28, 1922 to Henry and Maggie Malone Gilley. She was a member of Parkview Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lumon Nelson; her parents; her sister, Beatie Chandler, and her brother, Hilton Gilley.
She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Frances Nelson Nettles ; son-in-law, Larry Nettles; two grandsons, Wayne and Jason Nettles; six great-grandchildren, Brandon, Summer, Breanna, Austin, Zachary and Raina Nettles; sister, Bertie Toler of Mobile, AL; Margie Garrett of Bratt, FL; sister-in-law, Stella Gilley of Slidell, LA.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Nelson will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 100 Beverly Parkway with Reverend Jack Giddens officiating. Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is in charge of arrangements.
New Atmore Principal Quits After A Week On The Job
June 7, 2010
After being on the job less than a week, the new principal at Escambia County High School in Atmore has called it quits.
Joseph Dean, 38, resigned Monday for what he termed “personal issues and concerns”. He first day on the job was June 2.
“I would like to begin by thanking you for the opportunity you have extended to me in your school district. It is with deep regret that I must offer my resignation to you at this time. I feel that the opportunity Escambia County High School offers is excellent, but I have personal issues and concerns that stand in my way. I hope you will accept my resignation and find the right administrator to lead the students, faculty and community of Atmore,” Dean said in his resignation letter.
Dean was hired unanimously by the Escambia County Board of Education on May 27 to replace Harvey Means after the board failed to extend Means’ contract.
Dean,38, is a native of Monroe County and most recently served as interim superintendent in Butler County, Ala. During a 15 year career in Butler County, he served as an assistant principal at Greenville High School, principal at Georgiana High School and principal at Butler County Magnet School. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University and a master’s degree in education leadership from ASU.
The Escambia County Board of Education will start over in their search for a new principal, advertising the position for 14 days .
Bratt Principal Retiring; Several Other North Escambia Teachers, Staff Also Retiring
June 7, 2010
Bratt Elementary School’s principal and several other North Escambia area teachers and education personnel are retiring this year.
The last day on the job for Bratt Elementary Principal Sheryl G. Pomeroy (pictured) will be June 30. “I love Bratt and appreciate all the many ways you have been here for this school,” Pomeroy wrote in a letter to parents. “Your children are precious and deserve our time and energy.”
According to Pomeroy, Molino Park Elementary School Curriculum Coordinator Karen Hall has been recommended to replace Pomeroy. Her appointment will come before the school board at a later date.
Several other North Escambia area teachers and school personnel are also leaving this year, and there are several new personnel transferring into area schools. The following are scheduled to be approved by the Escambia County School Board on June 14:
- At Northview, NJROTC Capt. Lee V. Coleman, Coach Lorenzo Jones, teacher Bobby Simpson and Darlene Lee are all retiring.
- Gay C. Hassebrock, a teacher at Bratt Elementary, is leaving and Martha H. Jeter, media specialist, is retiring.
- Brenda D. Bell, a teacher at Molino Park Elementary, is retiring.
- Jessica A. Crites, Deborah A. Dubus and Rebecca J. Hamric will transfer from the Sid Nelson Center to Molino Park Elementary.
- At Ernest Ward Middle School, food service assistant Carloyn E. Morgan is retiring.
- At Tate High School, teacher Norma Givens, Judy Julian, John Kelley, Kenneth Meharg, Celeste Scott and Michael D. Varner are all retiring.
- Teachers Julie Remke, Cecily Sauls, Anne M. Vasser are leaving Tate High.
- Neil A. Cobb and Pamela K. Saxton will transfer from ESEAL to Tate. Wanda B. Parrott will transfer from the Sid Nelson Center to Tate High.
- At Ransom Middle School, teachers Arthur T. Farish and Patsy Manning and guidance counselor Jeanne Kaufke are retiring.
- Janna T. Blanton will transfer from the Sid Nelson Center to Ransom Middle School. William O. Brown, Stephen B. Smithee, Gloria M. Wiggins and Allison Roberts will transfer from the Clubbs Center to Ransom.
Pictured: Bratt Elementary School Principal Sheryl G. Pomeroy is retiring. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
No Bond: Newton, Jailed 14 Times, Also Wanted In Alabama
June 7, 2010
Ronald Newton — the man arrested 14 times in about the past year in Century — is facing more charges, this time in Flomaton.
Newton, 49, was being held on $6,000 bond in the Escambia County Jail, charged with aggravated stalking, and contempt of court for violating a domestic violence restraining order. But as of Friday, Newton is now being held without bond after Florida authorities discovered that he was a wanted man in Flomaton.
According to interim Flomaton Police Chief Kataris Jenkins, Newton failed to appear in court in Escambia County, Alabama, on an indecent exposure charge. Once he completes his Florida charges, Newton will be extradited back to Alabama to face the Flomaton charges.
Newton was taken into custody without incident about 10:30 p.m. June 2 on Blackmon Street in Century on the stalking and restraining order violation charges after he approached a woman that a judge had ordered him to avoid.
Prior to Wednesday night, his most recent arrest was Saturday night, May 29 on Zion Street. Deputies responded to a report that Newton had threatened to shoot someone. He did not produce a weapon during the incident. He was taken into custody on an outstanding trespassing warrant stemming from an incident a few days prior when he was allegedly at an address from which he had been banned.
The day prior, May 28, the State Attorney’s office requested that Judge Kenneth Williams revoke bond for Newton on a contempt of court charge for allegedly violating a domestic violence restraining order on May 19. Williams denied that motion and allowed Newton to be released on $2,000 bond.
Williams gave Newton one week — until June 4 — t0 obtain a GPS monitor that would alert the victim if Newton approached.
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
Equine Rescue Continues Care For Rescued Horses, Needs Your Help
June 7, 2010
Panhandle Equine Rescue is looking for help — both foster homes for horses and financial — after the rescue of three malnourished horses Friday in Molino.
“These horses will require extensive rehabilitation,” said PER President Diane Lowery. “Since our facility is full, we need to move some of our already rehabbed horses into foster homes, so we can have a spot for these three when they come home from the animal hospital next week.”
In addition, the animal hospital and vet fees will put a financial strain on the Cantonment non-profit volunteer organization.
The Tennessee Walking Horses were seized Friday from a weed-filled pasture at a stable in the 2400 block of Highway 97 in Molino. They were seized by PER and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office by order of an Escambia County judge. For more on that story, and more photos, click here.
For more information about Panhandle Equine Rescue and how to help financially or to foster a horse, visit www.panhandleequinerescue.org.
Pictured top: Volunteers from Panhandle Equine Rescue remove malnourished horses from a field in Molino Friday. Pictured below: Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Wes Brown throws a lasso at a horse during the execution of a search warrant at the Highway 97 property. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
