Receive Assistance, Fail Drug Test And Lose Your Kids?
June 29, 2011
With the start of a new law Friday requiring applicants for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program to test for drugs, a new rule will also require that anyone who fails be reported to the state’s child abuse hotline.
The Tampa Tribune reported Tuesday on a June 24 memo in which the Department of Children and Families directs staff to refer applicants to test positive to the abuse hotline for possible offer of services, or a possible investigation into the welfare of the child.
DCF officials told the Tribune that rule won’t mean that anyone who tests positive will lose their children, although DCF spokesman Joe Follick told the newspaper that a referral likely would trigger a visit to the applicants home by someone representing the agency, though not necessarily a child protection investigator.
“Our goal is always to keep families together, and give them the tools to stay together,” Follick told the Tribune.
Some child welfare advocates are critical, though.
“Caseworkers risk missing more children in real danger while they check out pot-smoking potential welfare recipients,” Richard Wexler, executive director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform in Virginia said in an e-mail to reporters.
By The News Service of Florida
Have Wildblue Internet? Make Changes Or Lose Your Email
June 29, 2011
Wildblue satellite internet customers will need to make a change on their email client before Thursday to keep email working.
Current Wildblue customers that use an email client, such as Outlook or Windows Mail, will need to make a settings change on all computers and smartphones before June 30 to maintain the ability to send and receive emails. Settings need to be configured in each customer’s email client for SMTP authentication and for using a full email address rather than just a username.
For directions visit email.sitecare.info.
Escambia River Rural Services customers with Wildblue can call (800) 692-7010 for more information.
These settings changes are not required for web based email, such as Google, Yahoo, Hotmail, or our Webmail.
Rain Provides Relief For Some; More Showers Possible Today
June 29, 2011
Most of the area had at least a little rain on Tuesday. Some areas received fairly significant rain considering our extreme drought, including Walnut Hill with 0.7 inches and Jay with 1.7 inches.
Pictured above is the large retention pond along West Highway 4 at Northview High School — an indicator of just how severe our drought conditions are. Almost dry Tuesday morning, the pond was at the lowest level since the school opened about 15 years ago, except for one time the pond was purposely drained for repairs.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Hazel Boutwell Walston
June 29, 2011
Mrs. Hazel Boutwell Walston, 65, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 in Byrneville.
Mrs. Walston was a native of Flomaton, a resident of Byrneville since 1962, and attended the Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Walston.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Buddy Walston of Byrneville; her son, Joe Walston and Wendy Caraway of Byrneville; a daughter and granddaughter, Katie Walston and Jason Clay of Flomaton; three grandchildren, Katie Walston Clay, Alexis Walston and Samantha Walston; three great-grandchildren, Jason Clay II, Gracie Clay and Mason Clay; two brothers, Alvoid Boutwell of McCullough and Toby Boutwell of Flomaton; and three sisters, Marie McMillan of Brewton, Beatrice Emmons of Flomaton, and Melba Lambeth of Atmore.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 1, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Mitch Herring officiating.
Burial will follow at Traveler’s Rest Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 30, 2011, between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m.. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore.
Pallbearers will be Leroy Findley, Evon Johnson, Ray Emmons, Stevie Emmons, Ward Boutwell and Stanley Boutwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Gandy, Justin Carden and the ladies at the dialysis center.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the family or your favorite charity
Florence Virginia Salter “Chris” Christenson
June 29, 2011
Florence Virginia Salter “Chris” Christenson, 88, of Pensacola passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2011.
Virginia was born October 13, 1922 in Chumuckla, and was raised in Molino before making Pensacola her permanent residence. She worked for the F.W. Woolsworth Co. and Woolco Dept. Store for 32 years and was a member of The Pensacola Baptist Temple.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles W. Salter; mother, Marie Salter; four siblings, Clara Hinnant, Estelle Perry, Charles W. Salter, Jr. and Ralph Bernard Salter.
Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Dallas “Chris” Christenson; sons, Larry (Wynn) and Michael (Lee Ann); daughter, Linda; grandchildren, Lisa, Todd, Tim (Katherine), Kelly (fiance, Robbie); great-granddaughter, Kamryn; several nieces and nephews; dear friend, Christy; and faithful pet, Bandit.
There will be a family service at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011, at Barrancas National Cemetery with the Rev. John DuBois, officiating.
Trahan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks for all the thoughts and prayers that have been extended to us at this time. Your thoughtfulness, your friendship and your love is deeply appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joyce Goldenberg Hospice Inpatient Residence, c/o Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504 or Olive Ministry Village, c/o Olive Baptist Church, 1836 E. Olive Rd., Pensacola, FL 32514.
Reader Submitted Weather Photos: Storms, Clouds, Dust And A Rainbow
June 28, 2011
NorthEscambia.com readers captured several photos of a line of storms moving through the area Tuesday afternoon. Scroll down to see all of the photos.
Remember, when you see news or have a photo to share, email news@northescambia.com.
Above: Clouds and a dust storm along Florida Highway near in Alabama just north of Bratt. Photo by Tina Segers for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: The storm along Florida Highway near in Alabama just north of Bratt. Photo by Tina Segers for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: Storm clouds along Highway 99 in Barrineau Park. Photo by Mason Cook for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: Storm clouds at Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill. Photo by Connie for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: Along Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. Photo by Kim Edmonson for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: Clouds roll into the Cantonment area. Photo by Jennifer Qualls for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: Clouds swirl above the Cantonment area. Photo by Jennifer Qualls for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department in Brewton. Photo by Julie Adams for NorthEscambia.com.
Ominous clouds seen looking south on Main Street in Atmore. Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: Clouds move south in Davisville at the state line. Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: North of Brewton. Photo by Julie Adams for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: A look at the storm clouds from Mobile. Photo by Randon Watson for NorthEscambia.com.
Above: A rainbow over Walnut Hill. Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
June 28, 2011
The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for…
Escambia County in northwest Florida…
this includes the cities of…West Pensacola…Pensacola…Myrtle
Grove…Molino…Goulding…
century…Brent…Bellview…
Santa Rosa County in northwest Florida…
this includes the cities of…pace…Milton…Bagdad…
* until 600 PM CDT
* at 506 PM CDT…National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a
line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds in
excess of 60 mph. These storms were located along a line extending
from 18 miles northwest of Crestview to 8 miles south of century to
11 miles east of Bay Minette…and moving south at 35 mph.
* Severe thunderstorms will be near…
Molino around 520 PM CDT…
Milton near whitin around 525 PM CDT…
Milton around 535 PM CDT…
pace…Bagdad and Gonzalez around 540 PM CDT…
Avalon Beach and Ensley around 545 PM CDT…
Ferry Pass around 550 PM CDT…
This includes Interstate 10 between mile markers 1 and 42.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
Wind damage with this storm can occur well ahead of any rain or
lightning. Do not wait for the sound of thunder before taking cover.
Seek shelter immediately inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT
Tuesday evening for southwestern Alabama and northwest Florida and
southeast Mississippi.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Heavy Rain, Hail Possible
June 28, 2011
A severe thunderstorm watch in in effect for the entire North Escambia area, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida and Escambia County in Alabama.
A line of thunderstorms moving south through Alabama could reach the area by early evening.
According to the National Weather Service, the atmosphere ahead of this line will be very unstable due to daytime heating. This will lead to some of the storm becoming strong to severe with the primary threat being damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. Quarter size hail will also be possible in the stronger storms. The storms could produce locally heavy rainfall, which could result in some minor urban and small stream flooding.
- Tonight — Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening…then chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Some thunderstorms may be severe with damaging winds and large hail in the evening. Lows in the lower 70s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.
- Wednesday – Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the mid 90s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
- Thursday –Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 90s. Northeast winds around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Thursday Night — Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 70s. South winds around 5 mph in the evening becoming light. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Friday — Sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 90s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Allentown Community Without Power
June 28, 2011
Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers served by a substation in Allentown in Santa Rosa County were without power this morning. The electric cooperative was forced to cut power to the substation to make repairs and equipment upgrades. Power was expected to be restored by Tuesday afternoon.
Man Dies In Atmore Wreck (With Photo Gallery)
June 28, 2011
One person died in a three vehicle collision on Highway 21 at Fountain Prison in Atmore this morning.
Jessie Hemphill, 73, of Geraldine, Alabama, was pronounced dead on the scene. Witnesses said Hemphill was northbound in a 1996 Jaguar when he collided with a southbound 2005 Freightliner operated by Standard Furniture of Bay Minette. Witnesses said he attempted to pass a Nissan Maxima when the rear wheels of the tractor and wheels of the trailer hit the Jaguar.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
The driver of the Maxima, 47-year old Patricia Ann Myers of Atmore, was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital and then transferred by LifeFlight to USA Medical Center in Mobile. Her condition was not available. The driver of the semi-truck, Robert Earl Stevens, 44, of Bay Minette, was not injured.
The accident is still under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.
Pictured: The driver of this Jaguar (top) was killed after colliding with this 18-wheeler (below). A passenger in a third vehicle (pictured inset) was also injured in the wreck on Highway 21 at Fountain Prison in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
