Chiefs Advance To District Championship Game
April 23, 2014
The Northview Chiefs are headed to the District 3-1A championship game Thursday night. The Chiefs beat Holmes County 6-3 Tuesday night to advance to the finals at Chipley.
The varsity Chiefs finished the regular season at 15-5, 7-3 in the district.
Chipley shut out the Jay Royals Tuesday night, 4-0.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Goodyear Blimp Spotted Over North Escambia
April 23, 2014
The Goodyear Blimp was spotted over the North Escambia area Tuesday. Numerous people reported seeing the blimp in the area of I-10 north to Muscogee Road. The blimp was on the way to Mobile for an overnight stop. Pictured top: The Goodyear Blimp over International Paper in Cantonment (by Josh Black). Pictured inset: The Goodyear Blimp over Muscogee Road (by Mona Baker)Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Celebrate Earth Day With Escambia’s Dump Dash 5K & Trash-A-Thon
April 23, 2014
On Saturday, Escambia County residents can celebrate Earth Day by participating in the 2014 Dump Dash 5K & Trash-A-Thon and help bring awareness to recycling and solid waste issues on a cross-country road with hills and trails.
Held at the Perdido Landfill located at 13009 Beulah Road, funds from this family friendly event will raise money for The United Way of Escambia County and The Environmental Education Fund.
Prizes will be awarded to the top male and top female runners and walkers in various age categories, best race costume made from recyclables and a team competition will also take place.
Race day is Saturday 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Perdido Landfill. Day of race registration is $15 for teams, $20 for individuals.
A post-race cookout and an Earth Day Activities will take place immediately following the event. Guided nature walks on the Perdido Riverwalk and tours of the Perdido Landfill will also be available. All are welcome to celebrate Earth Day.
Scott Presents ‘Shine Award’ To Escambia County Teacher
April 23, 2014
During a meeting of Florida Cabinet Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott recognized an Escambia County teacher and two other educators for their contributions to learning with the Governor’s Shine Awards. The Shine Award is presented to Florida educators who have impacted the lives of students through the classroom. The teachers who were recognized during the Florida Cabinet meeting were recently named District Teachers of the Year for their respective counties.
Governor Scott said, “These three county Teachers of the Year work hard to ensure each of their students has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education, and it is an honor to present them with the Shine Award. Teachers play a fundamental role in sculpting the minds of our youth, and Florida’s education system is one of the best in the nation thanks to the diligence and dedication of our teachers
The Shine Award was presented to Jana Pavlus, teacher at Woodham Middle School. Pavlus has served as a seventh grade science teacher at Woodham for four years. She has been known for “capturing kids’ hearts” and making a difference in the lives of her students. In her relationship with her students, she has been open and honest about herself and her life. This has allowed the students to build a strong bond and grow deeper themselves.
The awards were also presented to teachers from Walton and St. Johns counties.
“These three county Teachers of the Year work hard to ensure each of their students has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education, and it is an honor to present them with the Shine Award. Teachers play a fundamental role in sculpting the minds of our youth, and Florida’s education system is one of the best in the nation thanks to the diligence and dedication of our teachers,” Scott said.
Pictured top: Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Senate President Don Gaetz, Jana Pavlus, Gov. Rick Scott, Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward, Rep. Mike Hill and CFO Jeff Atwater pose Tuesday in Tallahassee. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Suns Down Wahoos
April 23, 2014
The Jacksonville Suns and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos went back-and-forth Tuesday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, but in the end, it was the Suns that prevailed 6-5 to assure the series win with a game to play. Travis Mattair put the Wahoos in front with his first home run of the year, a solo shot in the seventh, but the Suns answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame to move ahead for good.
Mattair’s home run snapped a 4-4 tie, but the lead was short lived. The Suns capitalized on a leadoff walk and a hit batsman to move in front. Brady Shoemaker, who reached on the walk, scored on a wild pitch with the bases loaded. Shortly after, J.T. Realmuto scored from third on a ground out to short giving the Suns all they needed for the win. Pensacola had the tying run at second with one out in the eight but couldn’t score, and left the tying run at first in the ninth after a two-out single.
The Blue Wahoos had three two-hit games. Mattair led the way with a 2-for-5 night. He scored twice and drove in two runs. Rey Navarro (2-for-5, R, RBI) and Bryan Anderson (2-for-4, 2 RBI) had the other multi-hit games.
Jon Moscot started but didn’t get a decision. He logged 6.0 innings allowing 4R/3ER on six hits. He walked four and fanned three. Mikey O’Brien (L, 0-1) was tagged with the Suns runs in the seventh, thus getting charged with the loss.
The Blue Wahoos chased Suns starter Justin Nicolino from the game after just 4.2 innings. He was charged with 4R/ER on seven hits with two walks and just one strikeout. Despite allowing Mattair’s go-ahead home run in the seventh, Edgar Olmos (W, 1-0) picked up the win in just one inning out of the bullpen. Grant Dayton (S, 2) held the Wahoos off over the last two innings to pick up the save.
The series concludes on Wednesday when the Blue Wahoos send RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 1.45) to the mound against Suns RHP Jose Urena (1-2, 6.28). First pitch is set for 12:05 p.m. CT from the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
by Tommy Thrall
U.S. Supreme Court Turns Down Scott On Worker Drug Testing
April 23, 2014
In a blow to Gov. Rick Scott, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday said it would not take up his appeal of a ruling that blocked across-the-board drug testing for state employees.
The Supreme Court did not give a reason for its decision, which was included in a list of dozens of other cases it declined to hear. Justices receive thousands of appeals a year but decide to hear arguments in only about 100.
Scott issued an executive order in 2011 seeking drug testing for state workers but quickly faced a legal challenge from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. They contended that the policy violated the U.S. Constitution’s Fourth Amendment ban on unreasonable searches and seizures.
Attorneys for Scott pointed, in part, to drug testing that is common in the private sector. But opponents argued that “suspicionless” drug testing by government is unconstitutional.
“Every court that has heard Gov. Scott’s argument agrees: Without a threat to public safety or suspicion of drug use, people can’t be required to sacrifice their constitutional rights in order to serve the people of Florida,” Shalini Goel Agarwal, the ACLU’s lead attorney in the case, said in a prepared statement Monday.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that drug tests could not be justified constitutionally for many of the 85,000 workers who would be subject to Scott’s policy and sent the case back to a district court to determine which workers could be tested. That prompted Scott to file a petition in January asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the appeals-court ruling.
The Supreme Court’s decision, however, does not end litigation in the case. The two sides continue to carry out a painstaking process of looking at different categories of workers to determine whether some could be subject to drug testing — a process stemming from the appeals court ruling.
In it decision, for example, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said drug testing could be justified in “safety sensitive” positions, such as for employees who operate heavy machinery.
A document filed April 11 in federal court in Miami indicates that the process of determining which employees are subject to drug-testing could take months and lead to clashes between the two sides. Scott issued a statement Monday indicating he hasn’t budged on the need for drug testing.
“State employees should have the right to work in a safe and drug free environment, just like in any other business,” Scott said. “The merits of this case are still being deliberated in the U.S. Southern District Court, and we will continue to fight to make sure all state employees, who are paid by taxpayer funds, can work in a safe, drug free workplace.”
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Mark Manning
April 23, 2014
Mark Manning, aka the Mighty Munchkin, rode that big bike to the highway in the sky on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. He was born in Greenville, AL, on March 13, 1958.
Mark was a motorcyclist, fisherman and gentleman farmer. He was a huge supporter of 4-H, FFA and the Molino Volunteer Fire Department. He was a licensed amateur radio operator, an expert mechanic and jack of all trades. He lived for his family every day; they were his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Dorothy Manning; brother, Ben Manning and godson, Dalton Wilson.
Mark is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kristin G. Manning; mother-in-law, Jean Guidy; sons and daughter-in-laws, Anthony (Amanda) Manning, Justin Manning (Cynthia Nelson), Andrew (Julia) Manning; sister and brother-in-law, Janet (Randy) Williams and Gail Coleman; grandchildren, Austin, 8, Hunter, 7, Logan. 5, and Adalynn, 5; nephews, Allen and Jason Williams; godsons, Justin Crabtree, Eric Bryant and Bryan Winfree; god-daughter, Jacqueline Wilson and his beloved pups, Seven, Lilly, Lexie, Sam and Peyton.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Emerald Coast Hospice.
Visitation will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North Friday, April 25, 2014, from 6-8 p.m.
Funeral service will take place Saturday, April 26, 2014, at 4 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy 29 S., Cantonment, is in charge of arrangements.
George Eddie Gibbs, Sr.
April 23, 2014
George Eddie Gibbs, Sr. passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2014. Hewas born on September 14, 1938, in Sims, Arkansas, to Alvin R. Gibbs and Irene Vines Gibbs. He was the second of three children and their only son.
He is survived by his wife of over 53 eyars , Mary Nell (Brown) Gibbs, and sons, Eddie (Michele) Gibbs of Gulf Breeze, Jake (Alesia) Gibbs and John (Michele) Gibbs of Jay; sisters Anniece Flowers and Donna Brewer, both of Mobile. He was Pawpaw to seven grandchildren: Andrew (Katie) Gibbs, Joshua Gibbs, Timothy Gibbs, Anna Gibbs, Zachary Gibbs, Jeremy Gibbs and Bridget Gibbs.
He was a resident of Dixonville for most of his life and loved the people and community in which he lived. He was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. While he loved to hunt and fish himself, his greatest joy came from the success of his children and grandchildren. His career was in Civil Service at NAS Whiting Field where he worked from 1966 until his retirement as the Planning & Estimating Supervisor in 1995.
In his years of service, he distinguished himself as a hard worker and leader and was presented the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 1986 and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award and upon retirement. After retirement, he stayed active in his pursuits of gardening, hunting and fishing as well as keeping up with his beloved grandchildren. He was a member of and served as song leader for Dixonville Baptist Church and was dedicated to the church until its closure in 2008. Most recently, he attended Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church.
A visitation will be held for family and friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton. Funeral Services will be at Williams Memorial Chapel at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24 with Dr. Lennie Howard officiating, followed by internment at the Dixonville Community Cemetery in Dixonville, Alabama, with Reverend Bill Thompson officiating and Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton directing.
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Active Pallbearers will be Jim “Moo” Brown, Kenny Flowers, Stephen Jackson, Larry Moore, Ricky Sanders, and Bill Thompson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Haynes Alford, Robert Bradley, John Kemp and Richard Thompson.
The family would like to express our appreciation to the outpouring of love and prayers to neighbors, friends and family members. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Century Approves Contractor To Repair Gas Leak Under Highway 29
April 22, 2014
Over three years since the problem was first publicly revealed as a potential “major public safety issue”, natural gas continues to leak under Highway 29 in Century.
Monday night, the Century Town Council voted to award a repair contract to R.A.W. Construction, LLC of Tallahassee for $393,500 to repair the problem.
About 6,515 feet of 4-inch steel natural gas line was buried beneath the southbound lanes of Highway 29 when the road was widened to four lanes. Now, over 45 years since the almost 1.25 mile long pipe was put into the ground, the town believes the steel is corroding and leaking somewhere between West Highway 4 and McCurdy Street.
The R.A.W. bid paperwork must now be approved by USDA Rural Development, a process that should take about two weeks. After approval, the contractor should begin work within about 60 days with 120 days to complete the project, according to Dale Long, the town’s engineer.
That repair portion of the project has been estimated to cost the town about $1 million.
In April 2012, Century signed off on a $1.4 million USDA Rural Development loan to cover the cost of replacing the pipe. But, according to town officials, the town received the wrong form from the USDA, and as a result advertised the meetings incorrectly.
That meant heading back to the drawing board and starting the loan process again.
A new 4-inch pipe will be placed on the west side of Highway 29, while a new 2-inch pipe will be installed on the east side of the highway, eliminating the need to install pipes under the road to service natural gas customers. The pipe will be installed where existing easements exist or can be obtained at no cost, otherwise, it will be installed under existing sidewalks.
Two other bids were received on the project — one for $795,700.75 from Utility Service Company and one for $897,000 from Roberson Excavation, Inc. of Milton.
Long said due to the significantly lower bid from R.A.W, he verified the company’s references and verified the bid was correct. He said the company was lower because they are primarily a gas contractor, while the other two companies are primarily water and sewer contractors.
Pictured above and below: Natural gas is leaking under Highway 29 in Century. Pictured inset: Century Mayor Freddie McCall signs documents in April 2012 for a $1.401 million USDA Rural Development loan to repair the leaky gas lines. The loan was later invalidated by the USDA due to an incorrect form. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Senior Wright Accepts Air Force Academy Appointment
April 22, 2014
Northview High School senior Victoria Anne Wright has accepted an appointment to The United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.
The United States Air Force Academy offers a four-year program of instruction and experience designed to provide cadets the knowledge and character essential for leadership, and the motivation to serve as Air Force career officers. Each cadet graduates with a bachelor of science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.
Pictured above are: Victoria Wright (center, seated), her parents Joseph and Tami Wright (seated): (back row, L-R) cousin Jessica McCullough, her grandparents John and Brenda Ekstrom and sister Elizabeth Wright. Pictured inset: Wright with her NJROTC instructors Charlie C. Code, Capt USN (ret), and Jeffrey D. Simpkins, CPO, USN (ret). Pictured below: Northview Principal Gayle Weaver and Assistant Principal Gerry Pippins presented Wright with a mountain bicycle to navigate between classes. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge. Pictured bottom: The Wrights with Lt. Col. David Landfair, USAFA’s admission liaison officer.
