Freezing Night, But Warmer Weather Coming
February 11, 2011
Sunny and73 — it sounds good, but we’ll have to wait until next week for that. Friday night will dip again into the lower 20’s. But as Sunday rolls around, afternoon highs will rise to the 60’s, and overnight lows will moderate.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Clear, with a low around 22. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. Calm wind becoming northwest between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 30. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming west between 5 and 10 mph.
- Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 35. West wind around 5 mph.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 66. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 35. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 70.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
- Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
House Committee Approves Cuts In Jobless Benefits
February 11, 2011
A business-friendly unemployment compensation measure similar to a proposal by Gov. Rick Scott was approved Thursday by a House committee, promising lower taxes on employers a shorter payout period, and new requirements for workers seeking job benefits.
The plan also makes it easier for employers to fire workers for actions that take place outside the workplace, an expansion that some lawmakers argued would give bosses too much discretion in the lives of workers after hours.
Following testimony from business groups and unemployed workers who traveled from Miami, the House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee voted 7 to 4 for a jobless benefits proposal expected to be fast tracked in both chambers.
Lawmakers are responding to demands by businesses that saw their unemployment tax rates jump in January in response to the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
Mirroring a proposal unveiled by Scott earlier in the week, the House plan reduces the duration of state benefits from 26 to 20 weeks while maintaining the current maximum payout of $275 a week.
“We all know in an economy like this how important unemployment compensation is,” said subcommittee chairman Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota. “We know how our state is struggling and this (bill), quite frankly, represents the state’s position on maintaining and expanding a business-friendly environment.”
Critics, some of them currently out of work, said the bill focuses too heavily on trying to make it harder for workers to collect benefits and not the underlying causes of unemployment.
“We’re concerned that the tone (of debate) seems to blame unemployed workers for the high unemployment in this state,” said Karen Woodall, an advocate for the unemployed, who noted the state has lost 900,000 jobs over the past year. “We hope we can redirect the conversation.”
Like Scott’s proposal released earlier in the week, the House plan would tie the duration of future benefits to the state’s unemployment rate, in addition to shortening the overall length of time benefits would be paid.
The bill would ratchet down the length of time a worker could receive an unemployment check as the economy improved, reaching a maximum 12 weeks if unemployment hit 5 percent or less.
The House bill would also allow employers to fire workers for actions outside the workplace if such actions became a detriment to their duties on the job. Business representatives said the provision is needed to make it harder for workers to take advantage of the system.
“The goal is to make employment pay, not make unemployment pay,” said David Daniel, a lobbyist representing the Florida Association of Professional Employer Organizations, a group of employee leasing companies.
The state owes the federal government $2 billion after a prolonged recession exhausted the state trust fund set up to pay claims.
Earlier Thursday, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said the issue remains in flux. The only given is that the Senate won’t raise taxes.
“This is what we’re going to go through for the next 90 days,” Haridopolos told reporters. “The governor has a plan. We’re still working on ours. We just don’t have a good enough plan for me to comment on.”
Slim Down With Weight Watchers
February 11, 2011
Century area residents needing to shed a few pounds will have the chance to take part in the Weight Watchers program.
The Weight Watchers at Work Program will be offered at the Century Town Hall beginning Thursday, February 24 at 4 p.m. The cost for the 12 week program is $150, which can be split into two $75 payments.
Everyone is welcome to attend. To preregister, call the Century Town Hall at (850) 256-3208. Payment is due prior to the first meeting.
Flomaton Woman Appointed To Alabama Health Board
February 11, 2011
A Flomaton woman was appointed Thursday to Alabama’s State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) .
Gov. Robert Bentley announced that Ruth Harrell of Flomaton was one of two dozen people appointed to the SHCC. The newly elected governor also made appointments to the Certificate of Need Review Board (CON). Both groups are part of the State Health Planning and Development Agency.
“I have full confidence in the newly appointed members of both the CON and SHCC Boards. Those I appointed, or re-appointed, have a wealth of experience in their respective fields and will make the right decisions as they serve in their capacity as board members,” Bentley said.
New Chinese Restaurant Opens In Century
February 11, 2011
The Century Area Chamber of Commerce held a ceremonial ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon, welcoming Happy Star to the neighborhood. The new Chinese restaurant has received rave reviews, according to the chamber. Happy Star offers a full menu for dine in or carryout.
Happy Star is located at 8321 North Century Boulevard, across from Whataburger. The store’s phone number is (850) 256-2258.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Edwin “PeaVine” Peavy
February 11, 2011
Mr. Edwin “PeaVine” Peavy, 66, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at a Pensacola hospital.
Mr. Peavy was a native of Monroeville, AL, a resident of Century for most of his life, and attended the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
He is survived by his good friend, Betty Henderson of Flomaton; two sons, Billy and Nina Peavy of Pensacola, and Bryan and Annie Peavy of Waverly, MN; 2 grandchildren, Cole Peavy and Kylie Peavy; and a sister, Wanda and Russell Peacock of Century.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 14, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore with the Rev. Mike Harper officiating. Burial will follow at Green Acres Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Nicholas Rogers, Mark Biles, Bill Touchstone, Tommy Ward, Bobby Chancery and Harvey Kelley.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 13, 2011, between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
William Frank “Bud” Brantley, Jr.
February 11, 2011
William Frank “Bud” Brantley, Jr., age 81, of Atmore died Thursday, February 10, 2011, in Fairhope. He was owner of Brantley’s Tires in Monroeville, Ala. He was born in Monroe County to the late William Frank and Myra Wiggins Brantley, Sr. He was a US Army Veteran, treasurer at Presley Street Baptist Church and was on the board of directors of Alabama Tire Dealers and Retread Association.
Mr. Brantley is survived by his is wife, Bessie Crawford Brantley and one son, William Frank Brantley, III and wife Kelly all of Atmore; one daughter, Jana Brower and husband Tim of Loxley; two grandchildren, Lauren Lyles and Kristen Lyles; four brothers, Charles Brantley and wife, JoEllen of Gulf Shores, Robert E. Brantley and wife, Gwen, Harlan Brantley and wife, Geneva, Joe W. Brantley and wife, Mary Emma all of Atmore; two sisters, Christine Culbreth and husband Ralph of Evergreen, Ala. and Eloise Leggiero of Prescott, Ariz. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Saturday February 12, 2011, at 3 p.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore with Bro. Mike Grindle, officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Mike Brantley, Cereal Daniel, Ben Brantley, John Brantley, Thomas Brantley and Dennis Culbreth. Honorary pallbearers will be, J.C. Moye, Raymond Jerkins, Cecil Daniels and James Burkett.
The family will receive friends, Saturday February 12, 2011, from 1 p.m. until service time at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Escambia EMT Arrested For Reporting Fake Shooting
February 10, 2011
An Escambia County paramedic, who claimed to have been shot by an unknown male, was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with making a false report.
The arrest of Brandon Richie arrest came after he admitted to investigators Wednesday that the wound was self-inflicted. Richie, 28, was released from the Escambia County Jail on $1,000 bond.
Shortly after the arrest, Escambia County Administrator Randy Oliver announced that Richie was suspended, effective Thursday, from Escambia County EMS. He will remain on suspension without pay pending the outcome of his case.
Richie also faces disciplinary action for having a firearm on county property and termination, according a media release from Sonya Daniel, the county’s public information manager.
On January 28 at around 9:03 p.m. deputies responded to the 1100 block of W. Hayes Street for an emergency assistance call from an EMS unit. When deputies arrived they discovered Richie had been shot in the shoulder.
Richie told deputies that he was retrieving an item from a bag located inside his ambulance when someone tapped him on the back. As he turned around he was shot.
The incident occurred at an EMS staging post, just blocks from Baptist Hospital. One of the responding deputies rushed the injured medic to the Baptist Hospital emergency room in a cruiser.
Richie was released from the hospital on Saturday, January 30.
“After an in-depth investigation we determined that Richie’s story was just not adding up. He came in today on his own free will and admitted that the he shot himself and that the story was a made up,” said Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Chris Welborn.
Investigators are applying for an arrest warrant on Richie for false reports to law enforcement authorities.
The Sheriff’s Office is not releasing any other details.
Pictured: An Escambia County EMS medic claimed to be shot January 28 on Hayes Street in Pensacola. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
You’re Invited: Northview NJROTC Annual Inspection
February 10, 2011
Northview will be hold its annual Area Manager’s Inspection (AMI) beginning at 9 a.m. Friday. CDR Merlin Ladner, USN (ret), the Area Eight manager, will be the inspecting officer.
The ceremonial phase of the inspection which includes a personal inspection of all cadets, awards, drill team performance and a pass in review will take place between 9:00 and 10:30 am. The ceremonial phase of the inspection is open to parents, family members and the community, and they are invited to attend.
CDR Ladner will spend the rest of the day with the unit receiving a brief from the company commander, c/LCDR Tyler Garrett and staff, looking at ROTC spaces and conducting an inventory of unit equipment
Insanity Defense Planned For Accused Bandit With Underwear On His Head
February 10, 2011
The trial of a Molino man accused of robbing a Molino pharmacy last year while wearing underwear on his head has been delayed as his attorney prepares an insanity defense.
Joseph Daniel Flowers, now 57, is facing multiple charges for the September 20, 2010, robbery of Scott’s Pharmacy, including robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm in a pharmacy, aggravated battery and wearing a mask while committing a felony. Multiple drug possession charges were later filed against Flowers in connection with the case.
Flowers’ trial had been scheduled to begin next Monday, but was delayed last week when Flowers’ attorney notified the court that he intends to rely on an insanity defense, according to Escambia County Clerk of the Court records. The State Attorney’s Office has filed a motion to prevent the use of the insanity defense. Flowers is scheduled to appear again in court in early March.
Flowers was charged with robbing Scott’s Pharmacy on September 20, 2010 while wearing a bathrobe, slippers, yellow kitchen gloves and underwear on his head. He has remained in the Escambia County Jail after a November arrest for failure to appear.
Flowers is also facing charges for the alleged battery of his accomplice — Krystal Lynn Collins — with a two liter bottle of Coke. Collins, 24, was also charged in connection with the robbery; deputies believe she was the getaway car driver. Collins is also due to be in court in early March.