Groundbreaking Held For New Ernest Ward Middle School (With Photo Gallery)
August 9, 2013
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday moning for a new $17 million rebuild of Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
“It is a great investment in this community,” said Deputy Superintendent Norm Ross. “It’s also something that is long overdue.”
The oldest buildings at Ernest Ward, including the main classroom wing, were constructed in 1945 to replace a campus ravaged by fire in 1943. That old school had been constructed to replace an Ernest Ward School that first opened in a log cabin in 1896.
Ernest Ward graduate Billy Ward, who later served as a longtime probate judge in Escambia County, looked fondly Thursday at the plans for new EWMS campus as he remembered his days at what was then Ernest Ward School.
“It sure is nice,” Ward said, “I bet it will have all the buttons and extras that you can think of putting into a new building.”
Ward remembers the day in 1943 that smoke billowed toward the sky from what was then the campus of Ernest Ward on Arthur Brown Road, near the site of the modern day grain elevator. “I rode my bicycle as hard as I could to get over there and see what happened,” he said. “It just burnt to the ground.”
Classes for the remainder of 1943 and 1944 were held in the school gym, located across Arthur Brown Road and untouched by the fire.
“They divided the gym up and we finished school there,” Ward explained, “before they open the new school here (on Highway 97) in 1945. It was nice back then.”
The new Ernest Ward Middle School, expected to open in 18 to 24 months, will be more than just nice. It will be an ultra modern learning facility, according to Principal Nancy Perry.
“It’s truly an exciting day,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said Thursday morning. “We are grateful for everyone that’s worked so hard to make this day happen.”
Escambia County voters played a big part in making the $17 million facility a reality, thanks to the voter-approved half cent sales tax. Escambia is one of 16 of Florida’s 67 counties where voters have approved the half cent sales tax, which can be used for construction projects.
“We offer our thanks to the county voters,” School Board Chairman Jeff Bergosh said. “We just cant beat that drum enough…You can’t put a price tag on having those funds available and not having to do a bond issue for this project.”
“The half cent sales tax is the secret to this,” District 5 School Board member Bill Slayton said. “The state has all but stopped funding new schools.”
The new two-story Ernest Ward school building will be constructed as students remain on campus in the current facility. The new school will be constructed between the current building and the football stadium. Once the new building is complete, the current building will be torn down, and portables and modular buildings currently on the campus will be removed.
For a photo gallery from Thursday’s Ernest Ward Middle School groundbreaking, click here.
Pictured: A groundbreaking was held for a new $17 million Ernest Ward Middle School Thursday morning in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Alger-Sullivan Collector’s Day, Singing And More Saturday
August 9, 2013
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society is planning day of activities Saturday at 610 4th Street in Century (the corner of Jefferson Avenue and 4th Street).
The day will incldue Gospel Singing, a Collectors’ Day, and an awards lunch for the crew that reassembled the Old 100 train. The public is invited to bring their collection of anything that they would like to show, sell, or swap. There is no fee; visitors are invited just come and set up their table and display.
Planned displays include Bert Black and his whittlers, Mike Brock and his knives, Kim and Dickie Laney with a mixed bag of their collections, Jerry Fischer, Jr. and bottles, Don Sales with his stamp collection, and several others. Singers include David Smith from Century First Baptist Church, and a group from Ray’s Chapel consisting of Bobby Holland and brothers Henry and Daniel Leonard.
Church choir or other groups and would like to participate in the gospel singing should call Jerry Fischer at (850) 256-3980 for more information.
There will be a special recognition of the Warren Crew who did such a great job reassembling the steam locomotive Old 100. Hotdogs and cold drinks will be for sale and a fish fry will be held for lunch.
Pictured top: Flintnapping by Winston Burnham of Pace Saturday at 2011 Collector’s Day in Century. Pictured inset: A collection of bottles. Pictured below: A pickup truck size camera on display. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Past Due Customer Threatens To Blow Up Gulf Power
August 9, 2013
A woman is charged with threatening to blow up a Gulf Power building after learning her power was going to be disconnected for non-payment.
Natasha Eillen White, 31, was charged with threatening to discharged a destructive device, a second degree felony. She was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
Investigators said White contacted Gulf Power to discuss a bill that was two months overdue and learned that her power was going to be disconnected. During the conversation, she made a threat to “blow up” a Gulf Power building, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators were able to trace the call and identify White as the suspect.
Pensacola’s Wu Now League Of Cities President
August 9, 2013
Pensacola City Council President P.C. Wu has moved up to president of the Florida League of Cities after the organization’s former leader, Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Marono, was suspended from office this week because of federal corruption charges.
Ryan Banfill, a spokesman for the league, said its executive committee took action Wednesday to elevate Wu, who had served as first vice president. Banfill said Wu was already preparing to take the top job next week, as Marono’s term was set to expire.
“There was already a period of transition going on anyway,” Banfill said.
Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday issued executive orders suspending Marono and Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi after federal authorities charged them with conspiracy to commit extortion in a fraudulent grant scheme.
Oleda Allene (Wilson) Steege
August 9, 2013
Mrs. Oleda Allene (Wilson) Steege, 77, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2013, in Davisville.
Mrs. Steege was a native of Atmore and had resided in Davisville for the past 55 years. Mrs. Steege was a board member of Atmore Little League, florist at Atmore Garden Center for Cordie Powell for 18 years, member of Concerned Citizens of Atmore, Atmore Saddle Club, Alabama Women’s Bowling Association and a lifetime member of Order of the Eastern Stars in Davisville. She attended the Pine Barren Baptist Church in Davisville.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Irma Adelle (Miller) Wilson; husband, Simon Theodore “Teddy” Steege; son, Darrell Steege; brother, Clark Wilson; and grandson, Russell Mack.
Survivors include her son, Gerald Steege of Davisville; two daughters, Rene Steege Bunch and Arelene Steege Mack both of Atmore; one sister, Lauverne Dortch of Davisville; seven grandchildren, Wesley Mack, Daniel Mack, Ronnie Bunch, Nicole Steege, Alexandra Steege, Gerry Steege and Tabitha Roberson; five great-grandchildren, Braiden Bauder, Skyler Mack, Gavin Mack, Russell Mack and Kaelyn Steege.
Funeral services will be Sunday, August 11, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the children and grandchildren officiating.
Burial will follow at the Pine Barren Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 10, 2013, from 1 p.m. until service time at 3 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Wesley Mack, Daniel Mack, Ronnie Bunch, Gerry Steege, James Roberson and Jonathan Wilson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Phillip Mack, Gene Dortch, Joe Roberson, Ray Parker, Matthew Reynolds, Aaron Purvis, Nathan Dortch, and Randall Rolin.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements.
James “JV” Brooks
August 9, 2013
James “JV” Brooks, age 83, a native of Evergreen, AL, and longtime resident of Cantonment, passed away August 8, 2013. He retired from Champion Paper Company after 33 years of service. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He loved spending time at home with his family and also enjoyed fishing and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl Brooks; and two sisters, JoAnn Volovecky and Bobby Jean.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary; son, Tommy (Brenda) Jordan; daughter, Cindy (Mike) Burkette; many nieces, nephews, and many friends; grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael Jordan, Timothy Jordan and Justin Burkette; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Funeral services begin at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Larry McKeehan, Brother Glen Vaughn and Pastor Jeff McKee officiating. Interment will follow at Cottage Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with his arrangements.
NOAA Cuts Back Hurricane Forecast; Above Average Season Still Expected
August 9, 2013
Weather forecasters have cut back the number of storms forecast for this hurricane season, but they still expect this to be an active season.
NOAA issued its updated Atlantic hurricane season outlook Thursday saying the season is shaping up to be above normal with the possibility that it could be very active. The season has already produced four named storms, with the peak of the season – mid-August through October – yet to come.
“Our confidence for an above-normal season is still high because the predicted atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are favorable for storm development have materialized,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. “Also, two of the four named storms to-date formed in the deep tropical Atlantic, which historically is an indicator of an active season.”
The conditions in place now are similar to those that have produced many active Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995, and include above-average Atlantic sea surface temperatures and a stronger rainy season in West Africa, which produces wind patterns that help turn storm systems there into tropical storms and hurricanes.
The updated outlook calls for a 70 percent chance of an above-normal season. Across the Atlantic Basin for the entire season – June 1 to November 30 – NOAA’s updated seasonal outlook (which includes the activity to date of tropical storms Andrea, Barry, Chantal, and Dorian) projects a 70 percent chance for each of the following ranges:
- 13 to 19 named storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including
- 6 to 9 hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which
- 3 to 5 could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph)
These ranges are above the 30-year seasonal averages of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
The updated outlook is similar to the pre-season outlook issued in May, but with a reduced expectation for extreme levels of activity. Motivating this change is a decreased likelihood that La Niña will develop and bring its reduced wind shear that further strengthens the hurricane season. Other factors are the lack of hurricanes through July, more variability in the wind patterns across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and slightly lower hurricane season model predictions. In May, the outlook called for 13-20 named storms, 7-11 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes.
“The peak of the hurricane season is almost upon us and it’s important to remain prepared for hurricanes through November,” said Joe Nimmich, FEMA Associate Administrator for Response and Recovery. “Make sure to review your family emergency plan, check that your emergency kit is stocked and consider insurance options.”
Willie Steve Goodson
August 9, 2013
Willie Steve Goodson, age 61 of Jay, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 4, 2013. He was a lifelong resident of Jay where he had many friends and family members. He retired from Monsanto/Solutia after 27 years of employment. He lived his life with honesty and integrity. Steve was an avid outdoorsman with a special love of running dogs, fishing on the river, and his catfish pond.
Steve is preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Goodson.
Left to cherish his memory are his significant other and best friend, Patricia (Peachie) Gillman; father, Rex Goodson; brother, Larry (Dawn) Goodson; stepson, Tim Gillman; nephew, Logan Goodson and granddaughters, Brittany and Kirsten Gillman.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2013 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Cora Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Bro. LaDon Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Billy Boutwell, Obie Nowling, Ronnie Morris, Mike Morris, Walter Butterworth, and Jason Johnson.
The family would like to thank Jay Hospital and Emerald Coast Hospice for their compassionate care during our time of need. Flowers or memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Man Gets 15 Years For Robbing Sleeping Victim
August 9, 2013
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to prison for robbing sleeping man last year.
Arion Goble was sentenced by Judge Ross Goodman to 15 years in state prison for robbery with a firearm wearing a mask, burglary of a dwelling armed with a firearm wearing a mask and grand theft wearing a mask. Goble was convicted by an Escambia County jury last month.
On August 10, 2012, Arion Goble and Jeffery Pruitt entered into the victim’s apartment with masks over their faces. They both entered the bedroom and awoke the sleeping victim. Goble forced the victim to the ground and held a shotgun to his head. Pruitt then searched the bedroom and stole $800. Afterwards, both Goble and Pruitt fled the scene and split the money. Both Pruitt and Goble made admissions to other persons shortly after the crime. Goble was identified by the victim due to a distinct tattoo on his forearm.
On April 4, 2013, Pruitt pled to the crimes of principal to robbery armed with a firearm and principal to burglary of dwelling armed with a firearm and was sentenced to 10 years in state prison. As a condition of his sentence, he was required to testify truthfully regarding the involvement of other persons in this case. At Goble’s trial, Pruitt did testify that he and Goble committed the crimes.
Morris Daniel “M.D.” Williams
August 9, 2013
Morris Daniel “M.D.” Williams, 64, of Cantonment passed away on August 8, 2013.
M.D. was a disabled Vietnam Veteran. He worked for many years at NADP Pensacola and for three years at Cherry Point NADP.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Morris Williams.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra Williams; brother, Wayne Williams; children, Danielle Williams and Tiffany Williams; step-children, Richard Stall and Suzanne Stall; grandchildren, Daysha, Brennen and Dionnah Williams and Jessica and Bryan Hardy; three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends as well as many cousins in South Carolina that he loved dearly and his aunt, Betty Morgan.
Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until funeral services begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at Pine Forest Assembly of God Church.
Special thanks to Drs. Meyers, Tamburro and Kevin Jones and the wonderful staff at West Florida Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pine Forest Assembly of God Church.
Trahan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.