Byrneville Elementary’s Vocabulary Words On Parade
February 9, 2015
Byrneville Elementary School recently held a Literacy Week Parade. Students dressed as vocabulary words for the celebration.
For more Byrneville Elementary School Literacy Week Parade photos, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sweetheart Edition: Chief Challenge 5K Run/Walk Is Saturday
February 9, 2015
The Northview High School Chief Challenge 5K is returning with a Sweetheart 5K Run/Walk this Saturday morning, February 14 – Valentines Day – at 9 a.m.
While open to individual runners and walkers, couples are encouraged to enter the event. There will be special awards given to the fastest couple and the cutest couple in additional to traditional overall and age category awards.
For a registration form and complete details, click here. Registrations are discounted through Friday, with late registration Saturday morning at Northview from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. Packet pick up with be Friday from 3:30 until 5:00 in the Northview gym and Saturday morning beginning at 7:30. To download an entry form, click here.
For more information, email Natalie Nall nnelson@escambia.k12.fl.us.
The Chief Challenge 5K is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured: A previous Chief Challenge 5K. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Bill Could Bolster Dental Care In Underserved Areas
February 9, 2015
A Senate Republican has filed a proposal that would create a program to provide financial help to dentists who work in areas of Florida that lack adequate dental care. The proposal filed by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, would provide money that could be used for such things as repaying dental-school loans and investing in property and facilities.
“The Legislature recognizes that maintaining good oral health is integral to overall health status and that the good health of residents of this state is an important contributing factor in economic development,” the bill says. “Better health, including better oral health, enables workers to be more productive, reduces the burden of health care costs, and enables children to improve in cognitive development.”
The bill would focus on dentists who work in “dental health professional shortage areas” or “medically underserved areas,” both of which are federal designations. For example, dentists could qualify if they work at public-health programs in those areas. Lawmakers will consider the proposal during the legislative session that starts March 3.
by The News Service of Florida
AgSave$ – Securing Your Farm’s Financial Future
February 9, 2015
Farm families face unique issues concerning retirement and succession planning (who will own and/or manage the farm when the current owner is no longer able). Farming is a business which has evolved into more than just a way of life.
Now, successful farming includes in-depth financial planning, implementing and evaluating new enterprises, new techniques, new tools, and planning future ownership and management of the farmstead. Many times, unfortunately, “exit” strategies for retirement and succession of leadership are often overlooked.
The question, “Who will continue the farm?” is just as important as assessing the value of land, equipment, and livestock. The first step, which is often the hardest, in building a succession plan is to include and communicate with family members about the process. Some questions to get the conversation started with your family include:
- How do I become financially stable?
- How do I retire well?
- What do I need to do to secure the future of my farm?
To help with this important process, the University of Florida IFAS Extension faculty in the Panhandle are offering a newly developed personal finance and succession planning program for Florida farmers and their families called AgSave$. Farmers and their families involved with any agricultural industry are invited to join our Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam, in a proclamation for the kick-off event, the AgSave$ Summit, at the UF/IFAS Extension Jackson County office on February 23 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Marianna with “satellite sites” located at the Extension offices in Jay Monticello
The first event is free of charge, and will focus on the importance of succession planning. Lunch is also provided free.. Registration for the AgSave$ Summit is being offered online a: bit.ly/AgSavesSummit, or by calling your local Extension office.
Following the initial “Summit,” you may wish to enroll in our AgSave$ Workshop Series beginning on March 24. This four session series of interactive workshops will focus on the basics of securing your farm’s financial future and will be offered locally in County Extension offices across the Florida Panhandle. The cost of this series is $55 for the entire family (up to four members). In addition to learning from our featured speakers, which are experts in the field of financial planning, participants will receive a Farm Journal Legacy Project Workbook to help walk your family through the succession planning process. For more information on these programs, contact Libbie Johnson or Dorothy Leeat the
UF IFAS Escambia County Extension office at 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment at (850) 475-5230 or email libbiej@ufl.edu or dclee@ufl.edu.
Reimagine Century Returning This Year With Hope For Those In Need
February 8, 2015
Reimagine Century is returning this year with hope for those in need, and organizers are meeting this week to make plans.
Community agencies, businesses, churches and others will come together on Saturday, May 16 to help the needy in Century and surrounding areas. Activities planned include a food giveaway, clothing giveaway, free haircuts and manicures, free laundry detergent and much more.
“The Century community and surrounding areas are such a blessing to all who visit. This was the sentiment of every church, business, community service organization, and ministry during the first Reimagine Century event held last year in September that all who were involved would like to return for the 2015 event,” Linda English, event organizer, said.
Anyone that wishes to be involved in the event is invited to a volunteer meeting at 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Century Community Center at the corner of West Highway 4 and Industrial Boulevard.
Pictured: The first Reimagine Century event last September. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Want To Learn More About Local Law Enforcement?
February 8, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is currently taking applications for a Citizens Law Enforcement Academy class.
The 10-week course will allow participants to learn about the daily operations of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, including patrol, dispatch, crime scene, major crimes, sexual predators, a K-9 demonstration, jail tour, the judicial process, DUI, missing children, SWAT, narcotics, gangs and more. Instructors are all current professionals in their field of expertise.
Classes will meet once per week from 5-9 p.m. at the ECSO Administration Building beginning Thursday, March 5. Participants must be at least 16 years of age. Each weekly session begins with a free meal.
For more information or to sign up, click here, or call David Craig at (850) 436-9281.
Open House Planned At New Ernest Ward Middle School
February 8, 2015
An open house event will provide the community a chance to tour the new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill on Monday, February 16 from noon until 4 p.m. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Chipley Tops Northview For District Championship; Chiefs Advance To Regionals
February 8, 2015
The Chipley Tigers defeated the Northview Chiefs 70-55 in the District 3-1A championship game Saturday night in Bratt. Despite the loss, the Chiefs will advance to the loser’s bracket of the regional playoffs at West Gadsden in Quincy on Tuesday, February 17 at 7 p.m.
The Chiefs beats Holmes County 48-46 in the semifinals; the Tigers topped Baker 56-31.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Meals On Wheels Makes An Impact On Local Seniors
February 8, 2015
“The meals are delivered straight to my home and I love that.”
Those are the words of current Meals on Wheels recipient, Frankie Gross. Gross, 81 years young, has been a recipient of Meals on Wheels through Council on Aging of West Florida for almost four years.
“I’m very thankful for Meals on Wheels and its volunteers,” said Gross, “Without them, I would be eating my regular food.” Gross heard about the Meals on Wheels program through friends and family. From there, she was directed to Council on Aging of West Florida, where her case manager suggested Meals on Wheels be the program for her needs.
“I choose to eat these meals over any regular food that I have. Think about it…the meals have delicious mixed vegetables, pasta or some other starch, and a meat. What more could you need?” Gross loves the convenience of the meals being delivered to her home and the health benefits. She does not have to go through the trouble of creating three different dishes every day. Each frozen meal is required to contain 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults and comply with Florida Department of Elder Affairs guidelines. “Not only do I get my daily nutrition,” said Gross, “But I also enjoy visiting with my volunteers!”
Council on Aging of West Florida’s Meals on Wheels program would not be possible without their loyal volunteers. Almost 60 volunteer drivers deliver meals to clients in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties weekly. Not only are these volunteers assisting in providing nutrition for local seniors, but they also provide a level of socialization that these seniors may not get otherwise. “My little ladies who deliver my meals are absolutely precious,” bragged Gross, “Whenever they are going to be on vacation, they call me and let me know. I can tell that they really care about me and that means a lot.”
The Council on Aging of West Florida’s Meals on Wheels complies with nutrition standards, provides socialization, and convenience for local seniors. For more information on the Meals on Wheels program, give Council on Aging of West Florida a call at (850) 432-1475.
Sunny And 70
February 8, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph.
- Monday A 20 percent chance of rain before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
- Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 58. North wind around 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. North wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 65. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
- Thursday Sunny, with a high near 63.
- Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33.
- Friday Sunny, with a high near 52.
- Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33.
- Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.