Committee Looks To Put America’s Veterans Back To Work
June 6, 2011
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs met recently discuss how to put America’s veterans back to work.
With witnesses from both the private and public sectors, the Committee heard testimony that focused on measuring the effectiveness of current veteran job-training programs, bridging the gap between employers and veterans, and how to improve the system to help veterans find meaningful employment.
“The key to solving this problem is connecting our veterans with opportunities at the local level, in their hometowns. We must find a way to better communicate with our veterans to let them know that there are employers across the nation who want to help,” stated Rep. Jeff Miller of Chumuckla, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “Giving someone a job is not just about receiving a paycheck, a job gives a person dignity and a sense of mission—characteristics inherent in America’s veterans.”
“This month, I plan to introduce comprehensive veterans’ employment legislation that takes into account all facets of this problem so when our veterans return home, they are afforded the same opportunities as their civilian counterparts,” Miller added.
The unemployment rate among all veterans of the Global War on Terror has been reported to be as high as 13.1 percent, despite increased federal funding for job training.
“We have programs to help veterans find jobs spread out across numerous agencies, but due to the increasing number of veterans who are currently unemployed, we must ask ourselves, are these programs working,” questioned Rep. Marlin Stutzman. “It is incumbent on us all to remove the redundancies and barriers that hinder veterans from finding jobs.”
Barbara Harrison
June 6, 2011
Mrs. Barbara Harrison, 66, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2011, at a Santa Rosa County hospital.
Mrs. Harrison was a native of Jay and a resident of Atmore for the past 44 years. She attended the Church of the Living God.
Survivors include her husband of 44 years, the Rev. Earl Harrison of Atmore; four sons, James Earl and Jennifer Harrison of Atmore, John Robert and Shannon Harrison of TN, William Anthony and Lisa Cody of Jay, and Ken and Anita Harrison of Atmore; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jerry Dykes of Milton and Larry and Beverly Dykes of Jay; and two sisters, Lujean and Lester Black of Milton and Evelyn and Richard Pope of Allentown.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 6, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Earl Harrison officiating.
Burial will follow at Serenity Garden Cemetery.
Visitation was held Sunday, June 5, 2011, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Harold Harrison, Jr., Bobby Harrison, Seth Harrison, Lester Black, Jr., Jim Lassiter and Samuel Lassiter.
Honorary pallbearers will be A.J. Matthews, James Baggett and Ray Wilson.
Northview High School Class of 2011 Graduates (With Photo Gallery)
June 5, 2011
The 135 members of the Northview High School Class of 2011 graduated Saturday.
“Each of us has the potential to be great, but if we want to reach that full potential, we must put in the work to get there and never give up,” Valedictorian Sarah Malinda Killam told her fellow classmates. “You have the power to make the decision to sit idle and accomplish nothing, or you have the power to work hard at things and make a change in this world that is so desperately needed.
She told the Class of 2011 not to “sweat the small stuff”, but understand that in life “a failure in life is inevitable, however it is what we do with our failures that determines the outcome of our success”.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: Northview High graduates Katie Marie Wieborg, David Aaron Lambert, Jr., and Allie Rebecca Bryan turn their tassels Saturday afternoon. Pictures inset: Valedictorian Sarah Malinda Killam told her fellow classmates no to “sweat the small stuff” in life. Pictured bottom of page: The Northview High School Class of 2011. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Graduating members of the Northview High School Class of 2011 were:
Jared Avery Adams
T’Kieya Myzetta Amos
+Austin Kyle Arrington
Shannon Anthony Barnhill
*Mallory Ann Bell
Courtney Nicole Black
#Jansen Mathew Bodiford
Brandi Shabril Boggan
Justin Tyler Brooks
*Caitlyn Brianne Brown
Tammie Renea Brown
#Allie Rebecca Bryan
*Allyson Michelle Bullard
Miranda Beth Burkett
Lance Lee Bushaw
*Hillary Kate Byrd
Dixie Lee Carnley
#Jamichael Dashawn Carson
+Victoria Lynn Childers
Jacob Alan Clayton
Lauren Elizabeth Cloud
Shamere Latrez Cohen
+Haley May Coleman
+Sara Lynn Conner
Jeremiah Cooler
Naomi Lasheba Cooler
+Trestine Ivie Dean
*Ashley Elizabeth Digmon
Megan Nichole Flurnoy
Adam Tyler Freeman
Allison Shae Freeman
Erin Michelle Fremin
Lonnie Car’Telle Gardner
*James Tyler Garrett
Katelyn Michelle Garrison
Dustin Wayne Gibson
Levi Trest Gideons
*Laneicia Dynette Gomez
*Jocelyn Marlese Gould
Haley Nicole Gunn
Aaron Morgan Hammond
Kara Renae Hardin
Tyler Marie Hunter
Jessica Christine Imholte
Andrea Tanasha Jackson
Stephen Craig Jay
John Andrew Johnston
Phillip David Jones
Shaniqua Shanell Jones
*Sarah Malinda Killam
Joshua Michael King
Katelynn Nicole Kite
#David Aaron Lambert, Jr.
#Dabney Harrison Langhorne
#Derek Eugene Lewis
*Dustin Neal Lewis
Richard Keith Lucas, Jr.
Chelsea Danielle Luckie
Taylor Wayne Martin
*Jessynia Christina McCall
Kenny Lenele McCall
Ryan Lee McGhee
Samantha Elaine Merchant
Kiri Lynne Montgomery
Shawna Renee Montgomery
Michael McCarty Moore
Jacob Colby Morris
Samuel Wayne Ordis
Brittany Cheyenne Peebles
Haleigh Ciara Perkins
Jacob Lee Peterson
*Dixie Lynn Picheo
Kelsey Lynn Plant
+Derrick Edward Portis, Jr.
Brittanie Ann Poston
John Kaleb Purvis
Alexis Haylee Roach
#Brianna Renae Roley
Charles Thomas Rolin
Elliot Gene Ross
Skyla Bre’Ann Ryals
+Megan Juliette Ryan
Sarah Nicole Schachle
Brook Nicol Schlobohm
Brandon Heath Scott
*Joshua Clayton Scott
*Christina Nicole Sepulveda
*Hayley Renee Simpson
*Colton Darryl Sims
Jason Taylor Sims
Lauren Nicole Smith
+Stephanie Leann Solari
John Preston Solomon, II
Tabitha Renea Steege
George Douglas Tangeman
James Kevin Tangeman
Dimond Brooke Tullis
*Emily Faith Vickrey
*Allison Ayers Vidak
Thomas Lee Walston
Ladarion Bernard White
#Katie Marie Wieborg
Daniel Paul Williams
Casey Lane Wooten
#Dustin Brooks Yuhasz
*Summa Cum Laude – Garnet and Gold Cord
#Magna Cum Laude – Gold Cord
+Cum Laude – Garnet Cord
Saturday Was Record Hot; Today Another Scorcher
June 5, 2011
After record-setting heat on Saturday, there was a little relief for some with rain and clouds on Sunday. Monday will also be hot near 100 with another chance of seabreeze storms.
Saturday was the hottest June day ever in Mobile with an all-time official monthly high of 103. In Pensacola, the official record high of 102 was a record high for the day. Other high temperatures Saturday included 101 degrees in Cantonment, 100 degrees in Walnut Hill, Bratt and Jay; 99 degrees in Atmore and 98 degrees in Molino.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Blood Drive Today In Bratt
June 5, 2011
The First Baptist Church of Bratt Student Ministry will sponsor a Community Blood Drive today from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the church.
Requirements for giving blood are –
- Donors must be in generally good health
- At least 17 years of age, without permission. 16-year olds are now allowed to donate with permission granted by parents or legal guardians.
- Must bring picture ID
- Weigh at least 110 lbs
- Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
- No cancer within the last 5 years
- No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
- No tattoos within the past 12 months
- No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
- No history of viral hepatitis
- Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
- Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
- Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
- Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
- All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.
Young Poets Awarded
June 5, 2011
The Friends of the Library and the West Florida Literacy Foundation presented their annual poetry awards recently.
One winner was from the North Escambia area — Brianna Roley, a senior at Northview High School, was awarded first place in the 11-12th grade division.
Winners in the countywide competition were as follows:
11-12th grade
1st, Brianna Roley, 12th grade, Northview High School; 2nd, Andria Quinlan, 11th grade, Escambia High School; 3rd, Isabelle Murphy, 11th grade, Escambia High School; honorable mention, Alec Garcia, 11th grade, Escambia High School.
9-10th grade
1st, Kyle Sunday, 10th grade, Booker T. Washington High; 2nd, Geoffrey Stemen, 10th grade, homeschool; 3rd, McKenna Jobe, 9th grade, Escambia High School; honorable mention, Nicole Gengler, 9th grade, Escambia High School.
7-8th grade
1st place, Eldred McLamb, 7th grade, Bellview Middle School; 2nd, Ryan Longley, 7th grade, Episcopal Day School; 3rd, De’Andre Wesley, 7th grade, Bellview Middle School; honorable mention, Malik Kennell, 8th grade, Jim Bailey Middle School.
5-6th grade
1st, Sebastien Morel, home school; 2nd, Jordan Weddington, Oakcrest Elementary; 3rd, Jett-Ramy Kaddour, Hellen Caro Elementary; honorable mention, Austan Sexson, Oakcrest Elementary.
3-4th grade
1st, Nicolas Morel, home school; 2nd, Daisy Barbosa, Oakcrest Elementary; 3rd, Andre Archer, Hellen Caro Elementary; honorable mention, Nikole Butler, Oakcrest Elementary.
1-2nd grade
1st place, Ella Claire Prusa, Scenic Heights Elementary; 2nd, Ben Spangrud, Episcopal Day School; 3rd, Olivia McCrory, Episcopal Day School; honorable mention, Esme Culleton, home school.
UWF Argos Win First-Ever National Championship
June 5, 2011
The University of West Florida Argos won their first-ever national title Saturday with a 12-2 win over Winona State in Cary, N.C.
“It’s an amazing moment and a great moment for West Florida baseball, the University of West Florida and the Pensacola community. As a coach, you work hard and you wonder as you’re out there in the hot sun, doing field work and doing individual work with the guys if anyone is ever going to see the fruits of your hard work. There are so many great teams across the country working hard, too. It’s special. Words can’t describe it,” Argos Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat said.
“When you get four runs in the first inning, you go out there and just pitch to contact – throw strikes, not try to strike everyone out. Our hitters did what they’ve done all year, just try to put the ball in play and let the ball do the work. Our defense was amazing again today. An outstanding performance by our infield and outfield. It’s just a great job all around,” Said UWF pitcher Daniel Vargas-Vila.
With the win, UWF ended their record setting season at 52-9.
“It’s exciting. Words really can’t describe how great this feels. We’ve worked for it all year. Jumping out to a big lead like that was huge. We were excited throughout the whole game, but still trying to stay focused, stay in the moment, not lose ourselves. It’s just a great feeling,” said UWF right fielder Greg Pron.
Century High Class Of 1968 Holds Reunion
June 5, 2011
The Century High School Class of 1968 held a reunion last weekend.
The group met Saturday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Fiebig in Avalon Beach for dinner. They met again on Sunday at the Alger Sullivan Historical Society Museum in Century for dinner.
The group also raised funds to purchase eight memorial bricks for deceased class members.
Pictured: (seated, L-R) Sharon Calloway Jones, Marilyn Stewart Chestnutt, Becky Cash, Pamela Wood Fiebig, Danette Purvis Morris, Juanita Carden DuRocher, Jean Harwell, (back row,L-R) Eugene Pettis, Sandra Watson Pettis, Mike Brock, Bill Bryan, Pamela Robinson Callahan, Barnie Jones, Sandra Callaway, William Cash, Linda Stuckey, Jerry Bondurant, Lois Wilson Aboud, Irene Folmar Bondurant, Jack Leahey, Robert Flanders and Tommy Wilson. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Alabama Declaried Disaster Area; FEMA Help Available
June 5, 2011
The Federal Emergency Management Agency designated Escambia County as a disaster area due to tornadoes back in April.
Escambia County was declared a disaster area due to the damage incurred during the weather event on the night of April 15, 2011. Any residents that suffered losses in this event are encouraged to call FEMA as soon as possible at (800) 621-3362 and register for assistance. Each applicant will receive a FEMA ID number for their claim.
A FEMA strike team will be in the Emergency Management office in the courthouse at 314 Belleville Avenue in Brewton on Monday June 13th from noon till 6:00 p.m. and on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 14th and 15th from 7:30 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. They will be there to assist the applicants with the documentation process and to provide other assistance as needed. Representatives with the Small Business Administration will also be on hand to provide information on low interest loans that may be available to homeowners and businesses that were affected in this event.
Applicants should bring their FEMA ID number (obtained by calling FEMA at the number above) and other documents with them to the meeting. No appointment is necessary.
For more information call the Escambia County EMA office at (251) 867-0232.
Pictured top: This mobile home overturned twice in the Damascus community of Escambia County, Ala. Pictured inset: Another home damaged on Damascus Road. Pictured below: A damaged home on Highway 31 north of Brewton. Submitted photos by the American Red Cross East Escambia Chapter for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Roy Crews
June 5, 2011
Roy Crews, age 74 of Jay, died on June 3, 2011. “Poppy”, as he was known to his grandkids, was a loving and kindhearted father and grandfather. He enjoyed his TV shows and following the weather around the world. He was planning a trip to Australia in 2012 to observe the next major solar eclipse. He was a member of Pine Level Baptist Church and was in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He retired from Monsanto in 1991 after 36 years of service. He will be truly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Linette Crews; parents, Julian Isom and Annie Ruth Crews and brother, Emory O’Neal Crews.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Knowles Crews; daughters, Linda Ruth Crews and Brenda Laverne Hinote; sisters, Dorothy Nell Penton and Betty Ruth Simmons; grandchildren, Katelyn Andrews, Michael Kelley, Shelbie Andrews, Dylan Kelley, Lexie Hinote, and Chandler Hinote; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Visitation was held on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 6, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Bro. La- Don Hall and David White officiating.
Active pallbearers will be Boy Scout Troop 400 from Pace and special music by Melinda.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.