No Serious Injuries When Car Strikes Brick Home
November 19, 2014
There were no serious injuries reported when a car struck a house Wednesday afternoon in the 2300 block of Old Chemstrand Road. There did not appear to be any structural damage to the house, just damage to the exterior brick. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Century Gas Leak Repair Project Nearing Completion
November 19, 2014
Work will be completed soon on a leaking section of natural gas pipe under Highway 29 in Century, three and a half years since the leak was publicly revealed as a “major public safety issue”.
The included large pipes bored under Highway 29 that will connect a new 4-inch pipe on west side of Highway 29 with a new 2-inch pipe to be installed on the east side of the highway, eliminating the need to install individual service lines under the road to service natural gas customers. Pipes were installed where existing easements exist or were obtained at no cost, otherwise, it was installed under existing sidewalks.
R.A.W. Construction, LLC of Tallahassee is working to install the new natural gas lines along the right-of-way of Highway 29 (North Century Boulevard) from about McCurdy Lane to West Highway 4 near the courthouse. R.A.W. Construction will complete their portion of the project in the next couple of weeks, according to Mayor Freddie McCall. Then city employees will complete the addition of individual taps and service lines.
McCall praised the work done to date by R.A.W., and also applauded the company for hiring local workers to assist with the $393,500 project.
Pictured: Gas line replacement work recently at North Century Boulevard at West Highway 4. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Nightly Lane Closures Planned For Nine Mile Road
November 19, 2014
East and westbound traffic on Nine Mile Road between the Escambia River Bridge and Scenic Highway in Escambia County will encounter nightly lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday November 19 through Tuesday, November 25 as crews reconstruct the roadway to its original traffic pattern.
Drivers can expect nighttime lane restrictions, narrowed travel lanes and a reduced speed limit; however, all lanes will be maintained during construction. Motorists are reminded to use caution and to obey the posted speed limit when traveling through the work zone by the Florida Department of Transporation.
Planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be re-scheduled.
Century Hires Wastewater Superintendent
November 19, 2014
About two months ago, the Town of Century announced it was in desperate need for waterwater treatment facility operator in order to fulfill state requirements.
And now that new operator has been hired. April Conatser holds dual certifications in wastewater and water and was recommended for the job of wastewater treatment superintendent by Mayor Freddie McCall. Her hiring was approved by the town council.
File photo.
Friday Is Deadline For Farmers, Ranchers To Apply For EQIP Funds
November 19, 2014
Florida farmers and ranchers can apply through Friday for financial assistance in fiscal year 2015 through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to improve soil, water, air, plants, animals and related resources.
Through EQIP, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) develops contracts with agricultural producers to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland and other farm or ranch lands. The application process for conservation programs is continuous, but funding selections are typically made once a year.
For more information, contact the Molino Field Office at (850) 587-5404 ext. 3, visit the office at 151 Highway 97 in Molino, or click here.
Gulf Power To Join Ascend, IP In Funding For Escambia County Mass Notification System
November 19, 2014
Gulf Power has joined other local companies and governmental agencies in contributing to the purchase of an emergency notification system.
As NorthEscambia.com reported last month, Escambia County’s EMA has found it necessary to replace its current mass notification system that allows it to communicate with the public and other agencies and entities during emergencies. The Escambia County Commission approved the system subscription last month with funding from Escambia County Emergency Management, the Escambia County Health Department, ECUA, International Paper and Ascend Performance Materials
After the initial agreement was approved and executed, Gulf Power Company agreed to provide equal funding for the purchase of the subscription.
The agencies and companies will purchase of a new internet-based mass notification system subscription at a total cost of $67,375 for a July 1 to June 30 period. Each party will contribute equally toward the annual subscription price.
The first subscription year will be prorated for eight months from November 1 to June 30, with each party contributing $7,486.00. Next year’s annual subscription will cost each party $11,229.16.
Escambia County will utilize federal grant funds to pay for its share of the total subscription cost.
The Escambia County Commission is expected to approve Gulf Power’s participation at their upcoming meeting on Thursday.
Student Led Worship Event Planned Tonight At Northview
November 19, 2014
The Northview High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is sponsoring a student led worship event tonight in the school gymnasium.
Northview students, area churches and community members will come together to worship, share student testimonies and hear a message from guest speaker Pastor Nathan Brown of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend the event from 6-8 p.m. Donations will be accepted for the family of Darion Riley, a Northview student that passed away earlier this month as the result of a traffic accident in Molino.
Health Department, UWF ‘AIM’ To Reduce Escambia Infant Mortality
November 19, 2014
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County and the University of West Florida are working to reduce infant mortality in Escambia County.
Attack Infant Mortality (AIM) Escambia is a collaboration of the health department, UWF, and other community agencies dedicated to infant health. AIM Escambia’s primary objective is to reduce the rate of infant mortality in Escambia County, Florida.
An infant mortality occurs when a child dies before his or her first birthday. The infant mortality rate for 2011-2013 in Escambia County, Florida was 7.6 per 1,000 live births, which was above the state average.
Parental health, especially the mother’s health, affects the health of children in gestation and in infancy. AIM Escambia uses peer educators to encourage young adults to adopt lifestyle habits known to impact health in pregnancy and infancy. According to UWF Assistant Professor and AIM Escambia Program Manager, Dr. Erica Jordan, “If we truly want to save the lives of young infants, then we must begin long before they are actually conceived. Increasing healthy behaviors among young adults before they begin families will lead to healthier pregnancies and healthier infants.”
FDOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John Lanza agrees: “A mother’s health before pregnancy predicts later infant health. Healthier communities include healthier mothers who, in turn, have healthier infants.”
Both men and women are encouraged to become peer educators. Interested community members can learn more about volunteering at www.aimescambia.com or by visiting AIM Escambia on Facebook or Twitter.
Just Nuts: Bratt Elementary Students Learn About Peanuts, Nutrition
November 19, 2014
Students at Bratt Elementary School learned about peanuts, farming and nutrition Tuesday morning during an Escambia Count Extension program. Pictured above: Local farmer Scott Walker shares his story about growing peanuts with Bratt Elementary School third graders. Pictured below: Making homemade peanut butter. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Volleyball: Tate’s Jordan White Signs With Mississippi College
November 19, 2014
Jordan White, a senior at Tate High School, recently signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. Mississippi College is a NCAA Division 2 school that competes in the Gulf South Conference. White played varsity volleyball for three years for the Aggies and was team captain her senior year. She also plays club volleyball for the West Florida Waves. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.