Sheriff’s Office Offers Free Fingerprinting For Children
January 18, 2011
Free fingerprinting for children will be available this Saturday at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Substation in Century.
The fingerprinting will be offered from 10 a.m. until 2 pm. at the substation located at 7500 North Century Boulevard on January 22.
The event will be hosted by the Sheriff’s Office Explorers, a voluntary program that educates and involves young people in law enforcement operations whether or not they choose to enter a career in law enforcement. Members gain a working knowledge of police work and have the opportunity to serve their community.
Explorers receive training in patrol procedure, first aid, honor guard, criminal law, crime prevention, finger-printing, arrest techniques, drug abuse prevention, firearms safety, crime scene techniques and more.
Gizmo Farms To Host Cattle ID Demo
January 18, 2011
The Northwest Florida Cattlemen’s Association and The Escambia County Extension will host a Cattle Identification and Freeze Branding Demonstration.
The event will take place Saturday, January 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Gizmo Angus Farm at 8284 Gibson Road in Molino.
Dr. Cliff Lamb, assistant director Animal Science Programs and associate professor, North Florida Research & Education Center, and his staff will be presenting the live demonstration.
Following the live demonstration lunch will be provided by the Cattlemen’s Association and Gizmo Angus Farm. For more information contact Allison Meharg at Escambia County Extension at (850) 475-5230 ex. 102.
State: No More ‘Taj Mahal’ Courthouses Without Approval
January 18, 2011
Any future court building will have to be approved by the State Courts Administrator, and that office will assign someone to monitor the project, under an order issued Monday by Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady in response to the controversy over the new district appeals court building in Tallahassee.
Canady issued a terse 2-page order Monday decreeing that no contract can be signed without the approval of the administrator’s office. Canady actually signed the order late last week following a tense meeting in which the court came under criticism from the Legislature for how the 1st District Court of Appeals came to be.
The new courthouse for the district panel was pushed through by two of the court’s judges, Brad Thomas and Paul Hawkes, who were hauled before legislators to explain how the project came to produce such a large and, to some, lavish building, while the rest of the court system was struggling under dwindling budgets.
Both Thomas and Hawkes apologized, but said that they didn’t think there was anything wrong with their push for the court, or the way it was built.
In addition to monitoring all future building projects, the court administrators will provide updates to the chief justice from time to time. The Supreme Court’s Office of Inspector General will also conduct reviews of district court building projects during planning and construction, Canady ordered.
Canady also testified last week, before the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, and expressed his concern over the nearly $50 million building, in Tallahassee’s Southwood area.
“The Supreme Court of Florida shares the public concern about the implementation of the First DCA building project,” Canady told the committee. “Although operational oversight of … construction projects is necessarily an executive branch function, we understand that when the Legislature appropriates funds for the benefit of the judicial branch, the courts should help ensure that taxpayer money is handled with care. Every dollar spent should be spent wisely and with an unceasing awareness that it is hard-earned taxpayer money.”
The building went more than $15 million over budget. Much of the criticism was over what some said was a lavishness in the appearance of the domed building, and what some critics said were overly expensive and unneccessary fixtures, such as large, flat-screen TVs for judges, and granite countertops.
“Courthouses should be dignified, durable and functional,” Canady said last week. “They should not be grandiose, monumental and luxurious.”
The 1st District Court of Appeals hears cases from 32 counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa.
Read The Speech: Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley Sworn In
January 18, 2011
Robert Bentley was sworn in as the governor of Alabama on Monday. The following is the full text of his prepared inaugural address:
Good afternoon. First let me say thank you, for choosing to share this very special day with me, my family and our state. Inauguration day is always a special day in our state and country, because it serves as a symbol of what our country is all about.
The people elect their leaders and then there is a peaceful transfer of power. As we’ve seen in other parts of the world, that is something to cherish and to celebrate, no matter your political affiliation.
Inauguration days are a time of new hope and expectations, but they’re also a time for reflection. And, as we look back over the past eight years, we owe a debt of gratitude to Gov. and Mrs. Riley for all they have done for our state.
I would also like to thank Gov. Riley and his staff for the smooth transition between the end of his administration and the beginning of ours, and for making sure we have a seamless transfer of power. When administrations work together it is always what’s best for the people of Alabama.
I want to also thank my family for their support and sacrifice the past several months. I especially want to say thank you to my wife Dianne, your first lady. She has sacrificed so much for me but always supported me and most of all prayed for me. Her character, wit and servant’s heart will serve her well as your first lady.
God has richly blessed me with a wonderful family and I am honored to have them here with me today.
I want to thank my staff, as well. You all have worked tirelessly alongside me because, like me, you believe Alabama’s best days are yet to come. I will always be grateful for your love and dedication.
Today, as I take the oath of office as governor of the state of Alabama, I will never forget, that no matter what my official title may now be, I am a servant of the people.
We live in a great state where someone from humble beginnings can grow up and be chosen as its leader. So, most of all, I want to thank you, the people of Alabama, for giving me this opportunity to be your public servant.
I have said all along, I now work for you, the citizens of Alabama.
I feel like I’ve spent the last 18 months interviewing for a job, and I’m proud and humbled to have gotten the job. Now that you, the people, have hired me, I am no longer the Republican candidate for governor. I am the governor of all of Alabama — Democrat, Republican and independent, young and old, black and white, rich and poor.
My job is to make all of our lives better together. And let me also say how I look forward to working with the new leadership of our House and Senate to accomplish that.
I am particularly honored to be inaugurated on a day celebrating the life of one of our country’s most influential leaders. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached about facing challenge and adversity not far from where we stand today.
Dr. King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
I believe these words continue to ring true. I know these are challenging times for many of our citizens. I’ve looked into the eyes of those who’ve lost jobs and can’t feed their families. I’ve talked to people who have lost their homes. What I am trying to say is that
I know times are tough. I’ve seen the challenges.
But as I’ve traveled all across Alabama, I’ve also been reminded of the strength and determination of our resilient people.
I want to take a moment to encourage you to do what I’ve done. Travel this state — take time to enjoy the beauty of Alabama. Visit the mountains of north Alabama, enjoy our clear lakes and streams, stroll the main streets of our small towns in rural Alabama, and spend some good, quality time on the beautiful, clean beaches of Gulf Shores.
I believe, if you do this, you will learn what many of us have known all our lives: We are fortunate to live in a remarkable state.
We have so much to celebrate in Alabama today, our past and our future.
I’ve always been an optimist. Maybe it’s my background as a physician, but I’ve always believed that, if I listened to my patients, diagnosed the problem and we worked together to determine a course of treatment, we could overcome their challenges. And after talking — and listening — to so many people across the state, I know that, working together, we will make things better for all Alabamians.
Now, that process has begun.
Because of the new ethics laws proposed and signed by Gov. Riley and passed with the guidance of these outstanding legislative leaders, we have started the process of implementing the toughest ethics package in the country.
It is an excellent start to what I know will be a great working relationship. Now we can focus on helping the people who elected us rather than arguing about the need to get our own house in order here in Montgomery.
The people of this state are counting on us to focus on them, not ourselves.
All across America, people are looking for leadership. If nothing else, the 2010 elections told us the people of America are fed up with business as usual. They’re tired of partisan politics and the federal government. They want action, not arguments. Americans are looking to their own state governments to provide leadership. And we’re going to do that in Alabama.
We live in a great country, and we will work with the federal government when we can, but they will not dictate our every move.
As elected representatives, we answer to you, the people of Alabama, not to politicians in Washington.
I will defend our right to govern ourselves under our own laws and to make our own decisions without federal interference.
But I will also always remember the words of the Declaration of Independence, signed by our brave forefathers on July 4, 1776: “That we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their creator, with certain unalienable rights.
These unalienable rights cannot be surrendered, bought or sold because they come from our creator, not from the government. In Alabama, from this day forth, government will only be an instrument for protection of these rights.
As I have said time and time again, we will put Alabama back to work. One of the most important things government can do in our state is help create jobs in the private sector. There are many challenges that we must address as we move Alabama forward. But creating jobs is the key to addressing all of these challenges. When Alabama is at full employment, our citizens have money to spend, our tax revenues increase and our economy thrives.
A thriving economy can lead to better education for our children, and can open the doors to improved health care for the vulnerable among us.
Most importantly, when Alabama is at full employment, it will mean that, along with a job, we have restored hope and purpose to thousands of our fellow citizens.
To those Alabamians who have been out of work for months and are discouraged and losing hope: I want you to know I will work every day to create new jobs in the private sector. And so will everyone else in state government.
We must continue to create a business climate that makes our communities competitive when we’re recruiting new industry to the state. But we must also remember that most new job creation comes from existing businesses and we must offer the same tax breaks and incentives to them.
We must acknowledge that job creation is everybody’s business and that state government needs an attitude adjustment.
If you work in government in Alabama, job creation must be your focus. That is a directive from your chief executive.
I’m going to direct every state agency to do whatever it can to work with the private sector and create jobs.
We are going to have to be creative. Agencies that are not typically focused on job creation will certainly have to be now. Whether it is the Department of Transportation installing a turn lane so a Dollar General store can open on time or the Conservation Department helping to create and build a state-of-the-art convention center at Gulf Shores, our state’s mission from today forward is creating jobs for Alabamians.
You have heard me make this promise: I will not accept a paycheck until we reach a level of defined full employment. And now it is time that we — the men and women elected by you — remember this: We all work for the citizens of this state. We have 4.5 million bosses.
I challenge every elected official to join me in pledging to be a true public servant — a
servant leader — for the people of our state.
We must be more committed to creating jobs and doing what’s right for our citizens than keeping our own jobs in the next election cycle.
Jesus showed his disciples by example, that in order to be a great leader, you must first be a servant. And he demonstrated this, with the lowly act of washing the disciples’ feet.
As public officials, now is not the time to be self-serving. It’s not the time to remain silent, inactive or apathetic. Now is the time for us to come together, take on the challenges we face and make life better for the people of our state.
The challenges are great, but as Mordecai told Esther as she placed her life in jeopardy to save our Jewish brethren, how do we know that we have not been placed here today for a time such as this?
In these times of challenge, we must stand on the principles that unite us.
We all want a good job and to be able to take care of our families. We all want our state to be a great place to live and to work. Working together, we can accomplish these goals. Working together, we’re going to get through these tough times. We’re going to put Alabama back to work. And I truly believe Alabama’s best days are ahead
God bless you. God bless America. And God bless the great state of Alabama.
Drug Task Force Gets $130K Grant
January 18, 2011
The 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force in Escambia County, Alabama, received a $130,285 grant Monday to continue their battle against illegal drugs and drug-related violent crime.
The grant was one of 17 multi-jurisdictional grants awarded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs across the state.
The funds will help the task force to continue its work eliminating illegal drug use and distribution in Escambia County by arresting and prosecuting offenders.
The task force is a joint operation of the Atmore, Brewton, East Brewton and Flomaton police departments, the Escambia County District Attorney’s Office and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. The agencies work together to disrupt drug organizations and their shipments, share intelligence relating to illegal drug activities and prosecute the users and dealers of illegal drugs. The task force also works to reduce the illegal distribution of prescription drugs.
Century Residents Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 17, 2011
The Century-Flomaton Improvement Association honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a motorcade in Century Monday morning followed by a program and celebration. NorthEscambia.com will have complete details, photos and video posted Tuesday morning. Pictured above: A Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church choir performs. Pictured below: Area residents listen during a speech. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Four Homeless After Fire Destroys Byrneville Mobile Home (With Photo Gallery)
January 17, 2011
Fire destroyed a single wide mobile home Monday morning in Byrneville, leaving four people homeless and taking the life of family pet.
The fire, reported about 7 a.m. on Highway 168 near Raines Road, was believed to have started with an oven being used for heat.
All occupants of the home were able to escape without injury, but a family dog died in the blaze. The American Red Cross was called to assist the two adults and two children that lived in the mobile home.
The Century, Molino, McDavid and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Flomaton Fire Department responded to the fire.
For more photos from the scene, click here.
Pictured: Fire destroyed a Byrneville mobile home Monday morning, leaving four people homeless. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2,200 Trees To Be Given Away For Arbor Day
January 17, 2011
Over 2,000 trees will be given away at two locations Friday as part of an Arbor Day Celebration.
The Honeysuckle Garden Club of Barrineau Park will hold a tree giveaway from 9 until 11 a.m. Friday at the Barrineau Park Community Center. Each person will be allowed to choose two free native bare-root trees, choosing from Southern crabapple, mayhaw, blackgum, Shumard oak, sawtooth oak, green ash and bald cypress.
A ceremonial tree planting demonstration will also take place at 11 a.m.
Honeysuckle Garden Club members, UF IFAS Escambia County Extension personnel, and Escambia County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions about the trees and tree planting in general. For more information, contact Escambia County Extension at (850) 475-5230 or Jimmie Jarratt, environmental analyst and arborist, at (850) 595-3535.
The second event will begin with a tree care workshop at 11:00 a.m. at Lexington Terrace Park and Community Center, 90 South Old Corry Field Road. The seedling giveaway will be from noon until 2:00 p.m. The tree care workshop will be presented by Escambia County Extension and Trees Plus. Demonstrations will include the latest tree planting techniques, “Right Tree Right Place” selection, and pruning for structural improvement. An arborist will be available to demonstrate proper climbing and safety considerations while pruning.
Chance Of Rain Tonight, Tuesday
January 17, 2011
Here is your official North Escambia are forecast:
- Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. North wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 60. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Calm wind.
- Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind between 10 and 15 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 54.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 58.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.
Century Council Reschedules Regular Meeting, Sets Workshop
January 17, 2011
Tonight’s regular meeting of the Century Town Council has been rescheduled, and the town has set a workshop.
Tonight’s council meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, January 24 at 7 p.m. due to today’s holiday.
The council will also hold a workshop to learn more about the Sunshine Law on Wednesday, January 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Century Town Hall.