Labor Day Forecast
September 3, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Monday Night: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. South winds around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 90. Southwest winds around 5 mph becoming 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. Southwest winds around 5 mph in the evening becoming light. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 90. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
- Friday Night: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 90. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
- Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows around 70. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Jeff Miller: Americans Struggle In Faltering Economy
September 3, 2012
Across the country, ordinary Americans are struggling to get by in an economy that continues to falter. Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released a report which found that our economy grew by an unacceptable 1.7 percent in the second quarter of this year. Nearly thirteen million Americans are unemployed and looking for work, more than eight million Americans have been forced to take part-time work because they could not find full employment, and, in the last year alone, over two and a half million Americans have given up the job search altogether.
According to economists, growth at or below two percent is not enough to lower the unemployment rate. Rather than face these facts and exhibit the leadership necessary to jumpstart our economy, the Administration continues to act like their economic recovery has been a success. In reality, however, the Administration’s catastrophic economic policies have led to the weakest economic recovery that our nation has seen post World War II. The President had a chance to lead when our economy most needed it, and he failed.
With the American people set to weigh in this November, the Administration has resorted to simple distortions and untruths. Recently, an Obama campaign official went on a morning cable show and told the public that the Obama recovery has created more jobs than the Reagan recovery following the 1981-82 recession. But, unfortunately for the Administration, the facts just don’t add up. In the three years since the recession officially ended in June 2009, 3.4 million jobs have been created. During the first three years of the Reagan recovery 9.1 million jobs were created. In fact, employment under the Regan recovery rose by 13 percent in those first three years, compared to just 3 percent during the Obama recovery.
Just as troubling as tepid economic growth and low job creation, is the fact that median household income has continued to fall. In fact, household income has actually decreased more during the Obama recovery than during the recession itself. In the 18 month recession from December 2007 to June 2009, median household income in the United States fell from $54,916 to $53,508. But, during the three years since the recession ended, median household income has dropped to $50,964. An economic recovery that produces a five percent decrease in household income can hardly be called a recovery. In fact, just about the only thing that has gone up during the so called recovery is the rate of poverty. Official poverty statistics from 2011 have not yet been released; however, statistics from 2010 indicated that more than 46 million Americans were living in poverty, the highest number recorded since the Census Bureau began monitoring poverty more than 50 years ago.
Under this Administration, our economic recovery has been a resounding failure and the reason for this failure is quite simple: a lack of leadership and an unwillingness to put other issues aside and deal with the most pressing issue on the table. Rather than focus his efforts on supporting the free market and growing the economy, the President decided to push for a reckless and unpopular government takeover of health care that the American people did not ask for, while simultaneously increasing the number of federal regulations which made it more difficult for businesses to expand and hire new workers. This abdication of responsibility has lead to uncertainty and slow economic growth and it is dividing our country.
Unlike the Administration, House Republicans have a plan to cut government red tape, lower taxes, and create the kind of environment that allows the free market to work. We have passed 32 jobs bills that are currently stalled in the Senate. These bills would empower small business owners, reduce the tax burden, increase competitiveness, maximize domestic energy production, and pay down our unsustainable debt. This is the kind of leadership that our country needs to get government out of the way and allow the American spirit of innovation, ingenuity and entrepreneurship to drive a true economic recovery and put our economy back on track.
Work Continues On Molino Highway 97 To Highway 29 Turn Lane
September 3, 2012
Work is expected to be completed this month to add a new turn lane at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 29 in Molino.
Anderson Columbia is constructing a right turn lane from southbound Highway 97 to southbound Highway 29. Drivers can continue to expect delays, intermittent lane shifts and closures, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. However, no lane closures will be permitted between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Pictured: A turn lane from Highway 97 to Highway 29 in Molino is expected to be completed this month. Work on the project ceased for the Labor Day weekend. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
United Way Gulf Coast Disaster Fund Activited To Assist After Isaac
September 3, 2012
In response to the impact of Hurricane Isaac, United Ways of the Gulf Coast have activated the United Way Gulf Coast Disaster Fund.
The United Ways of the Gulf Coast recognized the need for a collaborative effort to address community needs in the wake of disasters that affect our greater region. United Way is committed to providing assistance to Gulf Coast communities in the present and in the long term. Responding to and recovering from disasters reinforces the United Way goals in education, income and health.
Funds will be allocated to groups that have a long-term vested interest in the affected communities and that will be addressing the human (economic, cultural, psychological, emotional) consequences of this disaster. In the short term, the fund will support organizations responding to immediate needs. In the long-term, the fund will assist in building resilient coastal communities along the entire Gulf Coast, as well as build upon Gulf Coast United Ways’ successes in long term recovery in alignment with the 2018 goals in the areas of Education, Income and Health. Gifts to the fund are tax deductible.
The United Way Gulf Coast Fund was established at the request of United Way of the Gulf Coast and their community partners to meet the health and human service needs of individuals and households impacted by the 2010 BP oil spill.
Visit www.unitedwaygulfcoast.org to find out how to make a financial donation to the fund, donate goods large or small, or volunteer time.
Week One: Prep Football District Standings
September 3, 2012
There are winners and losers after week one of high school football in Florida, but none of the area teams opened their regular season with a district game.
In the Rural District 1-1A, three teams picked up non-district wins, while Freeport recorded a loss to Fort Walton. In District 1-6A, Escambia, Milton and Washington added one to the loss column. Tate, Pine Forest and Pensacola all had their season openers canceled due to Hurricane Isaac’s impact on competing teams. In District 1-5A, Arnold and Rutherford both had losses.
Here’s a look at last week’s results and this Friday night’s schedule:
Smokies Topple Pensacola Wahoos 7-3 In 15 Innings
September 3, 2012
Tennessee shortstop Junior Lake blasted a three-run homer as part of a four run fifteenth inning and drove home a total of four runs as the Smokies defeated the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 7-3 on Sunday afternoon in the longest game in the short history of Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
The victory pushed the Smokies to a 36-33 record in the second half of the year, while the defeated dropped Pensacola to an even 34-34 mark since the league’s midpoint of the season. The game set team records for duration by innings played (15) and game time (4:48). The two clubs also combined for 25 hits and 27 runners left on base.
During the contest, the Cincinnati Reds announced they expect to promote Blue Wahoos LHP Tony Cingrani to the Major Leagues on Tuesday. Cingrani, who is expected to be promoted along with former RHP Pedro Villarreal on that day, would become the sixth Blue Wahoos alum to be promoted to the Big Leagues this year.
After both clubs were held scoreless through the first five extra frames, Tennessee power ahead with their big four-run frame. 2B Logan Watkins began the rally with a single and then took second on a sacrifice bunt, while 1B Justin Bour was intentionally walked to bring up Lake, who drove the 2-0 pitch over the left field wall to push the Smokies ahead 6-3. Tennessee added another insurance run in the frame after CF Rubi Silva tripled and was brought home on an RBI groundout.
Entering the seventh down 3-1, the Blue Wahoos forced extra innings by plating two tallies in the bottom of the frame. RF Josh Fellhauer singled before CF Bryson Smith sent Fellhauer in with a run-scoring triple to right-center field. Smith would subsequently score on an RBI double by 1B Beau Mills down the right field line.
Tennessee plated single scores in the first, sixth and seventh innings, with Watkins driving home two of those three runs. The second baseman lined a run-scoring double to left-center in the first and later recorded a second RBI with his sacrifice fly to right. The Smokies broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth when Lake lifted a sacrifice fly to center.
The Blue Wahoos answered Tennessee’s first tally with a score of their own in the first. Smith rached on a single and then advanced to a second on a wild pitch, before he came plateward on a run-scoring double by Beau Mills down the first base line.
LF Donald Lutz (2-6, 1 BB) joined Mills (2-7, 2 2B, 2 RBI), Fellhauer (2-5, 1 R, 2 BB) and Smith (3-5, 2 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI) to record multi-hit efforts for Pensacola in the loss, while five Smokies hitters totaled two or more base knocks. 3B Matt Cerda (3-7, 1 R, 1 RBI) led Tennessee with three hits, in addition to two-hit games from Watkins (2-6, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI) and Silva (2-7, 1 R, 1 3B) , along with C Mike Brenly (2-5, 2 BB) and LF Jae-Hoon Ha (2-6, 1 R).
The Smokies and Blue Wahoos combined to use 12 pitchers, including starters, with Tennessee LHP Casey Harman (4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 SO) earning the victory to improve to1-4 in 2012. Pensacola RHP Michael Griffin (2.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB) suffered the loss to fall to 1-1. Relievers Chris Manno (0.1 IP), Curtis Partch (2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO), Justin Freeman (2.0 IP, 1 H) and Wilkin De La Rosa (1.0 IP, 1 BB) together fired 5.1 shutout frames in relief.
During the contest a woman in a dog costume ran onto the field and took 2B Brodie Greene’s hat off between innings, before being caught by stadium security and escorted away. Though appearing random, it was actually a planned stunt to help raise money for a local individual with cancer. To find out more information, please contact Shelley Yates at SYates@BlueWahoos.com.
The two teams will face off in the final game of the inaugural 2012 season at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Blue Wahoos RHP Mark Serrano (7-4, 3.49) is scheduled to get the start, with the Smokies planning to give the nod to LHP Austin Kirk (1-0, 3.57).
By Andrew Green
Pictured: Beau Mills recorded two hits and drove home two runs Sunday afternoon. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Seeks Committee, Board Volunteers
September 3, 2012
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking volunteers for the Escambia County Human Services Appropriations Committee, the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission and the Escambia County Value Adjustment Board.
The Escambia County Human Services Appropriations Committee’s duties are to concurrently review agency funding requests to Escambia County and the City of Pensacola, to make funding recommendations individually to both bodies in accordance with policy and procedure agreements with each. No members of the Committee shall be a member or employee of, or serve on any board of, any of the requesting agencies reviewed by the Committee. Committee members serve a three-year term of office.
The Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission was established through Florida law. The Commission’s duties are to actively seek new industry for the area and promote expansion of existing industries. The Commission is also responsible for promoting and developing industrial parks and promoting tourism and convention activities for the Escambia County area. Commission members serve a two-year term of office and a financial disclosure is required.
The Escambia County Value Adjustment Board was established in accordance with Florida Statutes. The Value Adjustment Board provides for the hearing of all petitions, complaints, appeals and disputes concerning taxable assessment of properties. Board membership shall consist of two Commissioners, one of whom shall be elected chairman; one citizen appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), two members of the District School Board, as elected from the membership of that body; and one citizen appointed by the School Board. The citizen Board members must own homesteaded property in Escambia County, cannot be a member or employee of any taxing authority and cannot be a person that represents property owners in any administrative or judicial review of property taxes. Board members serve a one-year term of office.
Persons interested in serving on any of the boards should contact Judy Witterstaeter, County Administration at (850) 595-4916 to submit your resume. All resumes must be submitted no later than Wednesday, September 5.
Richard Howard Hathaway, Sr.
September 3, 2012
Richard Howard Hathaway, Sr., 55, passed away suddenly at this home on August 30, 2012. Rick was born on January 20, 1957, in Bartow, FL, to Howard “Red” Hathaway and Mary Ann Hathaway.
Rick was proceeded in death by his father, Howard “Red” Hathaway.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Hathaway; his mother, Mary Ann Hathaway; five children, Mike Hathaway, Rick Hathaway Jr., Lorra Hathaway, Colt Hathaway and Sabrina Smith; and six grandchildren.
Rick was a graduate of Tate High School Class of 1975 and was a Navy Veteran. He will be missed by his large family and friends.
A memorial service was held Monday, September 3, 2012, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Mark Torrez, pastor of Cottage Hill Baptist Church, officiating.
No Serious Injuries When Camper, Truck Roll Down Embankment On I-65
September 2, 2012
Two people escaped serious injuries when a truck and camper trailer rolled down an embankment Sunday on I-65.
The driver of a GMC pickup apparently lost control, ran off the roadway and overturned down a 30-foot embankment near the 63 mile marker — about halfway between the Atmore and Flomaton exits. The driver and the only occupant were transported to Atmore Community Hospital with minor injuries. The camper was completely destroyed.
The accident is under investigation by the Alabama State Troopers. The Barnett Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the crash.
Pictured: There were no serious injuries in this rollover accident on I-65 Sunday. Photos by Davis Messmer for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century To Cut Allowable Fence Heights To Cut Crime
September 2, 2012
The Town of Century will consider an ordinance Tuesday night to cut back the height allowed for privacy fences in the town — partially in an attempt to cut back on crime.
Century Mayor Freddie McCall said he wants the town council to consider adopting the same fence ordinance already in place for residents in unincorporated Escambia County. McCall said four Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies have asked him to consider the ordinance because it would be a “great help to them fighting crime”.
McCall said at a recent Century Town Council meeting when a resident has a high, solid privacy fence in front of their home “they are hiding something”.
The mayor said Escambia County’s fence ordinance limits the height of a solid fence in front of a residence to three feet and a chain link to a four foot height. Escambia’s ordinance allows for a fence to be up to six feet high along the side and rear yard of a residence. To view Escambia County’s fence ordinance, click here.
The Century council is set to consider the fence ordinance during their regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Pictured: The Century Town Council. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
