Janet Faye Rurup
May 14, 2012
Janet Faye Rurup, 55, of Cantonment, passed away Friday, May 11, 2012, following a lengthy battle with pulmonary hypertension.
Jan is survived by her daughters Natalie and Shannon; four grandchildren: Andrew, Ava, Courtney and Christian; her mother Marjorie Follman, of Titonka, IA; her father Palmer Rurup, of Humbolt, IA; four brothers and one sister.
She will be greatly missed by her family, members of her PPH support group, and numerous friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations for research may be made in her memory to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, (301) 565-3004 x756.
Trahan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Wahoos Sweep Barons In Double Header
May 14, 2012
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were victorious over the Birmingham Barons in both games of their double header on Sunday afternoon at Pensacola’s multi-use stadium, winning the first game 8-0 before taking the subsequent contest 4-2 in front of another sellout crowd of 5,038.
Five Pensacola pitchers combined to shut out the Barons offense in the twin bill’s opener, which was the conclusion of Saturday night’s suspended game. RHP Kyle Lotzkar (6.1 IP, 2 H, 5 BB, 6 SO) earning the win after tossing 6.1 innings of two-hit ball, while also failing to yield a base knock in his first 5.2 frames. Birmingham LHP Nestor Molina (6.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) suffered the loss in the first game after allowing six earned runs on ten hits in 6.2 innings pitched.
The sixth through eight hitters in the Blue Wahoos lineup led the charge, hitting 8-for-10 in the contest with five runs, three doubles, a homer and three RBI. C Koyie Hill (3-3, 3 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB) provided the longball with a solo shot to left field in the fourth inning and also collected three hits, while OF P.J. Phillips (3-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI) also recorded a three-hit effort. In addition, 2B Brodie Greene (2-5, 2 RBI) and RF Josh Fellhauer (2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB) each tallied a pair of base knocks in the first contest.
Pensacola provided more power in the second game, with Fellhauer leaving the yard for his first roundtripper of the season in the opening frame to give the Blue Wahoos the early 2-0 advantage. The Barons however answered back with single tallies in the second and third frames thanks to 1B Seth Loman, who homered in the second before bringing home a score with an RBI single.
Both offenses would be silent until the sixth frame, when the Blue Wahoos made history with their first back-to-back home runs in the franchise’s history. After 3B Cody Puckett launched his team-leading sixth longball of the year, 1B Yordanys Perez followed with his first career roundtripper to put Pensacola ahead 4-2.
Blue Wahoos starter Mark Serrano (5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 SO) did not receive a decision despite allowing just two earned runs on four hits in five frames, while relievers Curtis Partch and Donnie Joseph were perfect in the final two innings in support of Serrano. Partch (1.0 IP) earned the win to improve to 1-2 with Pensacola and Joseph (1.0 IP, 2 SO) notched his sixth save of the year, fanning two in the last frame. Birmingham reliever Santos Rodriguez (3.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 0-2 after yielding two earned runs in the final three innings.
The Blue Wahoos and Barons are slated to meet again Monday night, as Pensacola looks to clinch the series with a victory. RHP Daniel Corcino is expected to take the mound for the Blue Wahoos, while Birmingham is expected to send LHP Pedro Hernandez to toe the rubber. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the bayfront stadium.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: C Koyie Hill went 3-3 with a HR in the first game of Pensacola’s twin bill sweep. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Levon Raines
May 14, 2012
Mr. Levon Raines, 81, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2012, in Atmore.
Mr. Raines was a native of Pineapple, AL, and a former resident of Pensacola and had lived in Atmore for the past 19 years. Mr. Raines was a Korean War veteran.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Dollie Raines and his wife Dorothy Raines Martin.
Survivors include three daughters, Libby Day of Pensacola, Lynn Ferguson of Pensacola, and Leasha Martin of Atmore; three sisters, Barbara Nobles of Evergreen, Betty Reuthier of Tallahassee and Alice Raines of Evergreen; two grandchildren, Kali Day Capadona and Walker Martin and two great-grandchildren, Sagan Capadona and Eden Capadona.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 18, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Windy Shaughnessy officiating.
Burial will follow at the Flomaton Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00 P. M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Veterans of Foreign War-VFW.
County To Decide Future Of New Crude Oil Transfer Station In Walnut Hill
May 13, 2012
This week, Escambia County will consider a rezoning request for property in Walnut Hill where an energy company proposes to build a crude oil transfer station that could mean about 30 new high paying jobs.
Genesis Rail Systems, LLC wants to build the facility on 20 acres off Corley Road, near Arthur Brown Road. The property was chosen because it is at the intersection of an existing crude oil pipeline and the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway.
Information that will be presented to the Escambia County Planning Board Monday finds that a request to rezone the property from “village agricultural” to “general industrial” is not consistent with the Escambia County Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code. The current “village agricultural” zoning for the property off Corley Road allows five residences per 100 acres, agricultural or small home-based business use.
A preliminary county report says that the oil transfer station rezoning will also not be compatible with surrounding properties — most of which are agricultural with two nearby single family dwellings. Also, the proposed land use amendment would not result in a logical and orderly development pattern, according to county documents to be considered.
But that not necessarily mean the county will not approve the rezoning request.
“Although a change to an Industrial zoning would be a more intensive use than is currently in the area, the proposed amendment will utilize the existing railroad, which is a corridor for economic development within the county,” the county planning agency documents state. “There are code requirements that could be implemented such as intense buffering and screening to minimize the possibility of any adverse effects upon adjacent properties.”
If the transfer station is built, crude oil will be shipped in rail tanker cars from the north — including oil fields in Monroe and Escambia counties in Alabama — and be offloaded at the Walnut Hill facility into a 100,000 barrel storage tank before being injected into the existing Genesis pipeline for transport to refineries along the Gulf Coast.
According to project plans, the facility will create 25-30 or more well paying full time jobs in the community, plus positive economic impacts from constructions and ongoing expenditures.
Plan drawings for the facility show that the large crude oil storage tank will be surrounded by a lined containment area designed to catch storm water runoff and, in a worse case scenario, any leak, preventing any contamination to the surrounding area. The facility will also include the pumping equipment, a 1,500 square foot administration building and a 45-space gravel parking lot.
To support the planned oil transfer station, the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway is currently constructing an additional rail spur parallel to tracks that run along Corley Road from Arthur Brown Road.
The Escambia County Planning Board will consider the rezoning request during an 8:30 a.m. meeting Monday at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, Room 104, at 3363 West Park Place in Pensacola. And then Thursday, the Escambia County Commission is set to review and adopt, modify or overturn the Planning Board’s recommendation on the rezoning request.
Pictured above: Property off Corley Road in Walnut Hill were a company wants to build a crude oil transfer station. Pictured top inset: A rezoning hearing public notice posted alongside Corley Road. Pictured bottom inset: Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway is already working to install new track. Pictured below: Plans for the facility. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Patchy Overnight Fog, Sunny Week
May 13, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. West wind around 5 mph.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Calm wind.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. North wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Waterspout, Tornado Skip Through Escambia County
May 13, 2012
An apparent tornado skipped about a portion of southwest Escambia County Saturday evening.
There were no reports of any serious damage and no injuries reported.
A strong storm sparked a waterspout south of Johnson’s Beach, becoming a tornado as it moved onshore. That prompted a tornado warning for the southern portion of the county from about 7:45 until 8:30 p.m.
Members of the public, first responders and Navy personnel aboard NAS Pensacola reported seeing the apparent twister as it touched down and lifted numerous time over about a 10 minute period as it moved north at about 10 mph.
Brief touchdowns were reported during that period, with the only reported damage to a fence and mailbox at a home on Fenceline Road.
Pictured: Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com of an apparent waterspout and tornado Saturday night in Escambia County.
Leroy Dashes Flomaton’s Championship Dreams
May 13, 2012
The Flomaton Hurricane’s hopes for a state championship were dashed by Leroy Saturday as they completed a best two out of three series at Hurricane Park.
The Leroy Bears beat the ‘Canes 16-6 Saturday to advance to the Class 2A championship game. Friday afternoon, Flomaton beat Leroy 2-1, while Leroy turned around to beat Flomaton 2-1 in the nightcap.
The game was tied 6-6 at the end of four, but the Bears jumped out with five in the fifth, three in the sixth and another two in the seventh for the win.
Leroy plays a best two of three for the state championship Wednesday and, if necessary, Thursday in Montgomery against Mars Hill.
For more photos from both Friday and Saturday play, click here.
Pictured top: Leroy defeated Flomaton Saturday. Submitted photo by Alisa Hart for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mother’s Day Times 5: Tate Juniors Were Florida’s First Quintuplets
May 13, 2012
Mona Baker went from no children to mother of five in about 90 seconds back in 1995. Now, on this Mother’s Day, she’s still facing the trials and the joys of being the mom of Florida’s first surviving quintuplets.
“It’s expensive,” was Baker’s first answer about being what it’s like being the mother of quintuplets. It’s also very time consuming. Our interview was scheduled at her first free time of the day — 10:30 p.m., just before she headed out from the family home near Cantonment to Walmart for a late night grocery run.
Marcus, Ian, Elizabeth, Tristan and Evan Baker were born January 30, 1995, about 10 weeks premature, at Sacred Heart Hospital. The first few weeks of life were rough for some of the quints, including Elizabeth, born at 1 pound, 12 ounces. She was the last to leave the hospital nearly six months later.
Now, the five are juniors at Tate High School, where they all just recently attended their prom. Prom costs times five — there was that expensive comment again. The five kids did raise about half the money needed for prom doing odd jobs like babysitting and yard work.
The early years were filled with all the usual expenses and parenting jobs like diapers, multiplied by five.
“But the challenges now are more intellectual, where they used to be more physical,” Baker, a single mom for the past 11 years, said. “They are at five different stages of learning.”
There’s homework most nights from five different math books and five different math courses, ranging from integrated math to calculus. There’s homework from five different courses, and the challenges of making sure each has ample driving practice time behind the wheel.
The five get along remarkably well, Baker said. And the four brothers are protective of their sister.
“Elizabeth says she is so special that God sent her four bodyguards and four servants to take care of her,” she said. “But seriously, they are all very loving, very affectionate children.”
Baker said she owes a lot of their church, Lathram Chapel in Barrineau Park. “They have really done a lot for us over the years.”
On this Mother’s Day, Baker said she is proud to be the mother of one of just few sets of quintuplets in the entire state.
She’s also facing a senior year, and the realization that her five children could fly away from the nest next year after graduating Tate. But she anticipates that she won’t be alone, with at least a couple of the children considering local college options.
Despite the challenges, Baker said she would have changed only one thing about having quintuplets — she would have wanted them all born on time and without the health problems associated with being weeks premature.
Other than that, she’s a proud mom of five.
“I’ve never known anything different,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Pictured top: All dressed up for the recent Tate High School prom are the Baker Quints — (L-R) Marcus Baker, Ian Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Tristan Baker and Evan Baker. Pictured top inset: Mom Mona Baket with the quints. Pictured bottom inset: The Bakers were the first surviving quintuplets in Florida. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: A Dancing Circus
May 13, 2012
Young dancers from across the North Escambia area took to the stage Saturday afternoon at Flomaton High School.
“A Dancing Circus” was the annual spring recital for Heather Leonard’s Danceworks.
The recital marked the culmination of months of practice each week at the Byrneville Community Center.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the recital, click here.
Pictured: “A Dancing Circus” Saturday at Flomaton High School. NorthEscambia.comp photos, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Signal Improvements Coming To 23 Intersections
May 13, 2012
Pedestrian signal improvements will be made at 23 intersections in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Work begins this week at five of the locations:
- Chemstrand Road at Kingsfield Road
- Hwy 95A at Hood Drive
- Hwy 29 at Hood Drive
- Hwy 95A at Ensley Street
- Hwy 29 at Detroit Boulevard
Improvements will include one or more of the following: pedestrian signals, pushbuttons, sidewalk, curb ramps and crosswalks. The projects will create minor traffic delays due to lane closures and speed reductions.