Local Soldiers Deployed In Afghanistan Receive Anthrax Vaccine
September 9, 2013
National Guard soldiers of the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from Mobile, Ala., received an anthrax vaccination last week.
Many of the soldiers displayed their fear of needles and shots, while others questioned why they had to receive another anthrax vaccination.
According to the Army Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program Plan (AVIP), “the mandatory scope of the AVIP shall encompass all personnel assigned to or deployed for more than 15 days in Higher Threat Areas (HTAs) defined in paragraph 3.a.(2) whose performance is essential for certain mission critical capabilities.”
In December of 2008, the Federal Drug Administration approved a five dose vaccination series in lieu of six. The injection will no longer be administered under the skin. The vaccination is now received in the upper deltoid region of the arm. Anthrax boosters are give, to soldiers who have completed the five series vaccination annually to maintain immunity.
All military service members, civilians, and DoD employees deploying to high risk areas are inoculated for the threat of anthrax.
“Anthrax is a disease of military importance. It can be weaponized and used with devastating effects. It is important for American soldiers to maintain a current valid anthrax immunization status,” says Col. John McGuinness, Task Force Tarpon Surgeon, 226th MEB.
Pictured top: U.S. Army National Guardsman 1st Lt. Alexander Williams from Birmingham laughingly attempts to talk his way out of an anthrax shot from Staff Sgt. Kevin Bishop from Atmore at Kabul Base Cluster in Afghanistan. “But I don’t like getting shots,” said Williams. Bishop assured Williams everything would be fine as he administered the vaccine. U.S. Army photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Arrested On Weapons Charges
September 9, 2013
A Century man has been charged with dealing in stolen property and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number. Randy Wayne Sims, 41, was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $6,000 bond.
Over 20 long guns were reported stolen during a July residential burglary in Brewton, Ala. The Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the federal ATF in the case.
Sims allegedly purchased an AR-15 type rifle for $175 and three single barrel shotguns for $125 each from a man who said he obtained the guns from his grandfather. The man, who was not named in a released Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office report, later returned and Sims purchased three double barrel shotguns for $125 each. Sims told investigators that he did not realize the serial numbers had been removed from several of the weapons.
He also told investigators that he just thought it was a “really good deal” that he purchased an AR-15 type rifle for just $175 when it usually retails for over $1,000. Sims also said he was purchasing the weapons as Christmas presents for his family members.
Because Sims purchased numerous firearms for well below their value, some of the firearms had their serial numbers removed and he said he was very familiar with firearms and their value, he should have reasonably believed the firearms he purchased were stolen, according to an arrest report.
A federal investigation in the case is ongoing.
Two other people were previously arrested in the case; Joshua James Land and Joseph Williams, both of Jay were charged with burglary of a residence and theft of property second degree.
Northview Open House Tuesday Evening
September 9, 2013
Northview High School will host their annual Open House Tuesday evening, beginning at 6:00, in the school’s theater. The evening’s agenda is planned to meet informational needs of parents. All parents, students, community members and other stakeholders are invited to attend.
For a printable agenda, click here.
High School Football Standings, Upcoming Schedule
September 9, 2013
Here is a district by district look at last Friday night’s high school football scores and this week’s schedule. District play has not yet started, so there are no district rankings.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Those Pesky Love Bugs – Even Making The Power Blink?
September 9, 2013
Escambia River Electric Cooperative reported a blinking problem in the Pace and Quintette areas on Sunday afternoon from a seemingly unlikely source — love bugs.
“Clusters of love bugs are believed to be causing this issue,” the electric utility reported in a statement on their Facebook page.
Here are some love bug facts, from the University of Florida:
- Origins. Contrary to popular belief, the University of Florida did not introduce the love bug to the state. During the 20th century, lovebugs migrated from Central America, traveling through Texas and Louisiana before arriving in Florida.
- Attractants. Lovebugs are attracted to decomposing plant debris, but may confuse these odors with chemicals in exhaust fumes. Heat also attracts lovebugs. Both of these factors can lead them to congregate around highways.
- Active times. Lovebugs are usually active between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., in temperatures above 84°F.
- Mating season. Mating peaks and lasts about four weeks in May and September. Typically, two main generations occur during this time, but the insects can be seen throughout the summer.
- Problems. Lovebugs are mainly a nuisance. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases and are not poisonous. They can damage automobile paint if they are “baked” in the sun.
- Solutions. After a lovebug-filled drive, wash your car with water and scrub it to remove the lovebugs. A hood air deflector or screen will reduce the number of spattered lovebugs on your car. Using car wax will protect an automobile’s paint.
- Pesticides. Chemical controls are ineffective, as the lovebug is widespread and continually drifts onto highways from adjacent areas.
Photo Gallery: Northview Takes On Marianna
September 9, 2013
The Northview Chiefs traveled to Marianna Friday night to take on the Bulldogs.
For a game results story, click here.
For a photo gallery featuring action photos, cheerleaders and the band, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Young Marines Honor The Memory Of LCpl Travis M. Nelson
September 8, 2013
A young Travis Nelson of Bratt grew up in a military family and had two things on his mind — fishing and growing up to join the military.
He lived that dream, spending many days at his favorite fishing spots. At 14, he joined the Young Marines of Pensacola. By age 19, he had made it from Bratt to the front lines in Afghanistan as a United States Marine. It was there in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, that LCpl Travis M. Nelson lost his life in August 2011 defending the freedom of his family, friends and the America he loved so much.
Saturday, the Young Marines of Pensacola gathered at the LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park on Highway 4 in Bratt, near Nelson’s childhood home, to honor one of their own that paid the ultimate price.
The Young Marines, boys and girls ages 8 to 18, stood silently at attention as a wreath was placed at the park’s memorial to Nelson. Then they posed for a photo, the Young Marines and the memorial to a fallen Marine.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Hot Today
September 8, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69.
- Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Results Of Florida’s First Statewide Forest Inventory Released
September 8, 2013
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced Wednesday the results of the first statewide inventory of 17 million acres of forest land. The study, required by the Legislature and led by the Florida Forest Service, evaluated the distribution, availability and sustainability of Florida’s timber resources.
“This study is the most comprehensive forest inventory in the United States. It provides us with a snapshot of the sustainability of Florida’s forests and identifies areas where we can make improvements,” Putnam said. “The study indicates that most counties in Florida have highly sustainable forests that meet or exceed the demands of our forest products industry.”
The study focused on mapping forestland cover, identifying forestland ownership and analyzing the growth and demand for timber resources by Florida’s primary wood-using mills.
Findings include:
- 17 million acres of forestland covers 49 percent of the land in Florida.
- Of 8 million pine acres, 7 million are in North Florida. Pine accounts for about 1/3 of all forest land.
- 63 percent of forest land is privately owned, mostly in non-corporate ownership.
- 37 percent of forest land is owned by federal, state, county and municipal governments.
- 65 wood-using mills in the state are made up mostly of sawmills, mulch, chip-and-saw and pulp mills.
- Softwood pulpwood – mostly pine – is in the highest demand among all timber products.
- 49 counties in Florida exhibit sustainable forests where growth meets or exceeds timber demand.
- There is relatively little pressure for both hardwood pulpwood and sawtimber, with hardwood forests sustainable throughout the state.
- South Florida’s 5 million acres of forests are predominantly in water – almost 4 million acres are mangrove, cypress or other forested wetlands.
- Two-thirds of the state’s forests are more than 40 years old, predominantly older hardwood forests.
To view the Comprehensive Statewide Forest Inventory Analysis Study, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com/Forest_Inventory.
Pictured: A Florida Stewardship Forest located near Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Hayes Graduates From Basic Infantry Training
September 8, 2013
Army Pvt. Desmon A. Hayes has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and
experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
Hayes is the son of Denise Hayes of Highway 31 South, Flomaton.