2010’s Best Photos: January And February
December 26, 2010
All this week, we are looking back at some of our favorite and most interesting photos of 2010. Today, we are featuring photos from January and February.
Our favorite snow picture from February, 2010: Bethel UMC on Highway 21 near I-65.
It was COLD in January. The photo above shows a cup of hot coffee sitting on a frozen pool.
First Runner-Up Caitlyn Brown, Miss Northview High School Angel Mitchell, Second Runner-Up Sarah Killam.
A Pinewood Derby at the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Second Runner-Up Morgan Ward, First Runner-up Kaitlyn Abbot, Junior Miss EWMS Allison Woodfin and Third Runner-up Mariah Albritton.
Residents gathered in Century to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rachel, Zachary, Austin and Cody in front of an icy scene in Cantonment.
FEBRUARY
The Ernest Ward Middle School FFA presented the second annual “Golden Cow Dung Award” to Family & Consumer Science teacher Kathy Ellis.
A Cantonment driver crashed through the guardrail on this bridge over Jacks Branch, crashing about 25 feet into the water below. She was evaluated on scene by EMS but not transported to the hospital.
February snow in Atmore.
February snow at Little River State Park.
This group, including some North Escambia residents, built “FROSTYKONGZILLA” in Uriah, Alabama.
The driver of this truck was not seriously injured in a collision with a train in Flomaton, Alabama.
Bratt native Candi Pearson-Shelton was among friends, family and fans with a concert and book tour stop in Atmore.
Our photo of a mystery object glowing in the woods of Bluff Springs gained a little national attention. Deputies and firemen unable to identify the object from outside the woods and followed protocol. The object was not an alien probe as some news organizations theorized, but rather a mosquito trap.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Dwight Coker
December 26, 2010
Dwight Coker longtime former resident of Cantonment, passed away December 21, 2010 in Montgomery. Mr. Coker was born in Conecuh County, AL, on June 22, 1936. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1956.
He worked as a mechanic until 1964 when he began working construction. Mr. Coker was well known as one of the best welders in Escambia County.
Mr. Coker was preceded in death by his parents Emmett and Pearl Coker, his brother William Dale Coker, sister Margaret Coker Hall, and first wife Patricia Holliman.
He is survived by his wife Barbara Petrich Coker, sister Jennell Wheeler, one son, Eddie (Debbie) Coker, three daughters; Darlene Coker, Kimberly Coker, Emma Coker; three granddaughters, Amy Hobbs, Carrie Coker and Holly Clark, great grandson Trey Hare and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held in Montgomery. A local memorial service and life celebration will be held at First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill, 230 Williams Ditch Road, Cottage Hill on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Christmas Wishes Really Do Come True
December 25, 2010
Christmas wishes do come true. The Bush family’s Christmas wish last year was simple — a cure for Olivia.
We first introduced you to Olivia Bush, 7, in December 2009 in a story titled “A Christmas Wish: A Cure For Olivia”.
Olivia Bush’s story started July 22, 2003, almost four months before there should have been a first chapter in her life. Born at just 22 weeks, she weighed only one pound six ounces. She stayed in the NICU three and half months, defying doctors and coming home two weeks before her due date. Olivia is the second youngest baby to ever survive at Sacred Heart Hospital.
Now, she is blind, able to see just a little light with her left eye. And she suffered frequent seizures — until a portion of her brain was removed in February of this year at Miami Children’s Hospital. During the surgery, doctors removed a seven centimeter portion of her brain — basically taking out the bad, non-functioning portion and leaving behind the good, healthy tissue.
This Christmas, Olivia has been seizure free for a year.
“What better of a Christmas present could we ask for? It has been such a wonderful year! We have been able to just enjoy Olivia and not worry,” mom Amber Bush said on Olivia’s CaringBridge page. “I am so thankful that God put in our hearts to try Miami and just see if they could offer anything else to us. I am also thankful that God saw fit to take the seizures away!”
To read some of our previous stories about Olivia, click below.
- Miracle Girl, Miracle League (Oct. 18, 2010)
- Olivia’s Story: The Littlest Girl’s Biggest Birthday (July 25, 2010)
- Olivia Heading Home To North Escambia After Brain Surgery (Feb. 13, 2010)
- Olivia’s Super Sunday In Miami (Feb. 7, 2010)
- A Christmas Wish: A Cure for Olivia (Dec. 4, 2009)
Pictured: Olivia Bush’s 2010 Christmas photo.
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2010
It’s the greatest story we have ever reported here on NorthEscambia.com, and it is the greatest story that we will ever report. It’s a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today, but it is also a story that impacts each of our lives each and every day here in North Escambia.
Our lead story today is one that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior so that we might all have eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
It’s Easy To Recycle Your Wrapping Paper, Boxes In North Escambia
December 25, 2010
You can “go green” with those piles of Christmas wrapping paper and boxes by recycling them at one of several drop-off locations around North Escambia or in your weekly ECUA pickup.
Christmas wrapping paper, along with other household paper, plastics, steel and aluminum can be recycled at the drop-off collection containers or can be placed in your recycling container on your normal ECUA pickup day.
In North Escambia, those recycling containers are located at the Century Courthouse, the Oak Grove Citizen’s Convenience Center on North Highway 99, and behind the Molino Volunteer Fire Department.
To learn more about recycling in Escambia County visit www.escambiarecycles.com.
Cold Christmas Night
December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas! Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. North wind between 10 and 15 mph.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. Breezy, with a north wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 21. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 46. Wind chill values between 10 and 20 early. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 20. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
- Friday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.
- Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
- New Year’s Day: A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.
Two Christmas Eve Residential Fires Make 15 For The Month
December 25, 2010
There are now 15 bulbs representing residential fires in Escambia County in the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign. None of the fires have been in North Escambia.
Two of the fires were on Christmas Eve:
At 5:05 a.m. Friday, a fire was reported in the 500 block of 68th Avenue. Firefighters arrived at 5:12 a.m. and found heavy fire in the rear of the home. The fire, declared under control at 5:34 a.m., caused major damage throughout the home. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s office. The American Red Cross was called in to assist one adult and two children. Firefighters from Myrtle Grove, Osceola, West Pensacola and the Navy responded to the fire.
At 7:53 a.m. Friday, a fire was reported in the 1600 block of St. Joseph Avenue. Firefighters arrived at 8:02 a.m. and found heavy fire in the kitchen. The fire, declared out at 8:07 a.m., caused major damage to the kitchen and smoke and heat damage throughout the rest of the home. The cause of the fire was determined to be from unattended cooking. Firefighters from Brent, Osceola, Myrtle Grove and West Pensacola responded to the fire.
Have A Holly Jolly – Century Care Residents Celebrate Christmas
December 25, 2010
The Christmas season has been a busy and exiting time at the Century Care Center.
For a Century Care Center Christmas photo gallery, click here.
“We want to express our appreciation for this wonderful community, and all they do for our residents. I thought times would be tough, due to the economy. People were more generous than ever with their time and gifts. A big thank you from staff and residents at Century Care Center to all the generous and caring members of our community,” Mae Hildreth, Century Care activities director, said recently.
There were lots of gifts provided by the community and staff, a visit with Santa Claus and a big Christmas party. Century Care Center has also been visited during the Christmas season by many carolers and other visitors with cards and other gifts.
Pictured above and below: Celebrating Christmas as the Century Care Center. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Recipes: Rice Krispie Treats, Oatmeal Cookies, Hot Chocolate
December 25, 2010
We are continuing our Christmas recipe series today with some family time favorites.
Today’s recipes include Traditional Oatmeal Cookies, Crockpot Candy and Rice Krispie Treats — perfect recipes for the family to make together. And what would Christmas be without Hot Chocolate? Our quick and easy recipe can easily be increased to make enough for everyone, plus it’s easy to include some extra cocoa powder for a deeper, darker treat.
To submit your recipes to share with our readers, email them to news@northescambia.com.
Crock Pot Candy
submitted by Brooke Mixon
- 16 oz Salted Peanuts
- 16 oz UnSalted Peanuts
- 4 oz German Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Almond Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Butterscotch Morsels
Put all ingredients into crock pot. Cook on low for 2 hours. Do not stir or open lid. After 2 hours, turn off crock pot, stir candy and drop in clusters onto wax paper. Let cool and enjoy. This recipe will make 70-90 pieces of candy, depending on the size.
Traditional Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 3 cups of Quaker Oats (Quick)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Slowly stir in oats. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute on sheet, remove to wire rack.
Rice Krispie Treats
- 1/4 cup butter
1 (10 oz., about 40) pkg. regular marshmallows or 3 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and continue to stir until the marshmallows have completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal coating them well with the melted marshmallow mixture. Using a buttered or silicone spatula, press the mixture evenly into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan which has been buttered or sprayed with non-stick spray or lined with wax paper. Cut into squares when the mixture cools. Makes 24 squares.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
Microwave butter with marshmallows on high setting for 2 minutes in a microwave safe mixing bowl. Stir together when melted. Microwave again on high for 1 additional minute. Stir in cereal, mixing until well coated. Press into pan as above.
Hot Chocolate
- 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. water
1 c. milk
a bit of vanilla, if desired
Combine cocoa, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the paste from sticking to the pan. After about 1 to 2 minutes, add milk and vanilla. Mix it all together until it reaches your preferred temperature.
NorthEscambia.com, NORAD Track Santa’s Trip LIVE
December 24, 2010
NorthEscambia.com has teamed up with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to track the progress of Santa Claus around the world.
The map below shows Santa’s trip around the world *LIVE* as provided by NORAD.
Click the Santa on the map for a photo or video. Click any video symbol to watch a video from that location, or click any present for a photo or video.
For more than 50 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa’s Christmas Eve flight.
The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief’s operations “hotline.” The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.
In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States created a bi-national air defense command for North America called the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as NORAD, which then took on the tradition of tracking Santa.
Since that time, NORAD men, women, family and friends have selflessly volunteered their time to personally respond to Christmas Eve phone calls and emails from children. In addition, we now track Santa using the internet. Last year, millions of people who wanted to know Santa’s whereabouts visited the NORAD Tracks Santa website.
For more, visit www.noradsanta.org