Walnut Hill Water System Issues Boil Water Notice For Enon Area
August 16, 2017
The Walnut Hill Water System has issued a precautionary boil water notice:
A water main breach affecting Goodale Lane, South Pineville Road, Enon School Road, Kinzie Lane, Dan Hall Road, and Highway 97A from 6111 traveling south/southeast to Dan Hall Road has occurred causing a loss in water pressure. As a precaution, we advise that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative, bottled water may be used. Residents are also advised to take precautions when bathing, especially immunocompromised individuals, infants, or the elderly.
A loss in system pressure could cause backsiphonage of contaminants, such as E.Coli bacteria, into the water system. Water containing E.Coli bacteria can be considered safe for drinking and cooking after vigorously boiling the water. Disease symptoms caused by these bacteria may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any associated headache and fatigue. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for E.Coli to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard all drinking water must be free of these bacteria.
The water system is currently collecting samples to determine if the presence of E.Coli bacteria exists within the water system. This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink. The anticipated date for rescinding this notice is August, 19, 2017 at 4:00pm. If you have any questions you may contact: Member Services at 1-800-235-3848 or 3425 Hwy 4 W, PO Box 428, Jay, FL 32565.
Landlord Charged With Trying To Run Over One Tenant, Keying Vehicle Of Another
August 16, 2017
A Cantonment landlord was arrested for trying to run over one of his tenants and the keying the vehicle of another.
Roy Bracken, 62, was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felony criminal mischief with property damage.
The first victim told deputies that Bracken, her landlord, came to her trailer and began yelling and cursing about a window air conditioner that she and her husband had borrowed the night before. He left the residence, but later in the day when the female was near her driveway, Bracken walked about and began yelling about the air conditioner again, an arrest report states.
After getting in his Cheverolet Volt, Bracken began to spin his tires and yelled “run, (expletive), run” before accelerated rapidly in her direction, the victim told deputies.
In the second incident, Bracken allegedly “keyed” a 2004 Kia Sorrento belonging to another tenant. There were at least two witnesses to the incident, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report.. Damage was estimated at $3,000.
Bracken remain in the Escambia County Jail Tuesday morning with bond set at $10,000.
Humidity And Showers
August 16, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Partly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. Southwest winds up to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy in the evening then becoming partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s. Southwest winds up to 5 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. West winds up to 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s. West winds up to 5 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the upper 80s. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy in the evening then becoming partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s.
Monday: Mostly sunny with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.
Road Prison Welding Program Gives Inmates Skills, Success After Incarceration
August 16, 2017
When Welding Instructor Danny Cain hands certificates to Escambia County Road Prison inmates who have completed the welding program at the prison, it’s not unusual to see tears begin to run down their cheeks.
The certificates inmates earn while incarcerated are much more than just pieces of paper – for many, they represent opportunities to build a better future outside of prison.
“It gives them a sense of accomplishment, and they know they can do something if they want to,” Cain said. “And that builds character in a person – that builds morals in a person. And a lot of them get out of here and do the right thing, get out and work.”
Cain began teaching at the Escambia County Road Prison in 2010 with George Stone Technical Center, offering nationally-recognized certifications including stick welding, pipe welding, MIG and TIG welding, or metal inert gas and tungsten inert gas. He typically teaches 12-14 students at a time, all of whom choose to opt into the program during their time at the road prison.
And with a growing number of success stories, Cain said he doesn’t have any problem filling up the class.
“They see people getting out and getting jobs,” Cain said. “They see people getting out and making money, and they say, ‘That’s what I want.’”
During the 2016-17 school year, 30 inmates participated in the welding program through the county’s partnership with George Stone Technical Center. George Stone issued 45 Occupational Certificates of Participation for various welding disciplines, and 21 of the 30 inmates received American Welding Society National Certifications that are recognized through the United States. In the 2015-16 school year, 26 inmates participated in the program, with 23 receiving American Welding Society National Certifications and 66 Occupational Certificates of Participation issued.
Cain stays in frequent contact with at least 14 of his students from the past two years who are now working in the welding field, and another 10 former students are recently released and seeking employment. Of the 56 inmates who have participated in the welding program since 2015, just five have been rearrested.
Former inmates and students in the program are now working everywhere from Oklahoma City to New Orleans, using their new skillset to advance in the welding industry.
Brian Mills, who spent about five months at the road prison in 2013, said he largely credits Cain and the welding program for the opportunities and success he’s found since getting out of prison. With more than 60 felonies on his record, Mills said he did not have much hope for his future career – but receiving his welding certifications changed that.
“When I got out of prison, I didn’t have anything at all, and [Cain] lined me up a job here in Louisiana,” Mills said. “I came over here and started at the bottom, and I just purchased a brand new built house in a brand new subdivision. I’m doing very, very well.”
Having the skills to be able to secure job opportunities after their release is critical for those who have been incarcerated, Mills said. Unlike some other prison educational programs that have long waits and may require months or years to complete, Mills said it’s helpful that some of the welding certifications can be completed by those who aren’t incarcerated for lengthy periods of time.
“For the county to have that program where they’re doing a short amount of time and they’re able to get a bit of welding underneath them, it’s very helpful,” Mills said.
Road Prison Commander Charles Snow said he’s seen firsthand how the welding program can positively impact lives, also stressing the importance of having a solid set of skills to be able to reenter the workforce after incarceration. Snow said that Cain goes above and beyond to help connect his students with good jobs, whether it’s local or out of state.
“They have a job to go into, they have a profession where they can actually prepare a good wage,” Snow said. “So it’s life-changing.”
Cain said it’s the life-changing impact of the program that keeps him going every day. He often receives letters and Facebook messages from former students, and he loves hearing their stories about working, providing for their families and positively contributing to society.
“If they come in here with no skills at all and leave with a trade, I don’t see how you can beat that, really,” Cain said. “And I try to teach them to be more than a welder – I try to teach them to be a man, and step up and do the right thing. I can’t change their past, but I can change their future.”
New Barn Planned For Escambia County 4-H Facility In Molino
August 16, 2017
A new livestock barn is planned for the Escambia County 4-H Facility in Molino.
The one-story building will include associated sidewalks and parking. The barn will be about 2,600 square feet and will be constructed on a 28.7 acre parcel that is used for livestock activities that currently includes a show barn arena and several open pole barns. The site also includes a 79.5 acre parcel for 4-H activities. The facility is located at 5701 South Highway 99 just north of Chalker Road.
The project is set to go before the Escambia County Development Review Committee Wednesday afternoon for final approval.
Pictured: The show bard at the Escambia County 4-H Facility in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Traffic Shifts Continue For Bridge Work At Hwy 29, Nine Mile Road
August 16, 2017
The nightly traffic shifts on Nine Mile Road under the Highway overpass clear the way for the safe removal of the inside railings of the north and southbound bridges. Nighttime traffic continues to flow on the north side of the median while the contractor saw cuts the railing into segments for easy removal.
Eventually, the new center bridge deck will be joined to the existing southbound bridge.
After completion of the center bridge deck, all four lanes of traffic will shift onto the southbound and new center portion of the bridge. Then, the contractor will demolish and construct the northbound section of the new bridge.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Learn Tech Skills At Your Local Library
August 16, 2017
The Century and Molino branches of the West Florida Library offer local basic technology classes for free.
At the Molino Branch Library, patrons can register to receive up to 30 minutes of individual technology help Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. and every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find email, increase computer knowledge, improve skills with a smart phone, learn how to download e-books and more. Call (850) 435-1760 to reserve a session.
At the Century Branch Library, a basic skills workshop will introduce Office 365 on Thursday, August 24 at 6 p.m. To register, call (850) 256-6217.
Bill Could Ease Open Carry Penalties
August 16, 2017
The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee filed a bill Tuesday that would reduce penalties for people who have concealed-weapons licenses and openly carry guns.
The bill filed by Sarasota Republican Greg Steube for the 2018 legislative session, stems from a law that bars people from openly carrying guns in Florida. The bill would keep a second-degree misdemeanor penalty for people who do not have concealed-weapons licenses and openly carry guns. But it would lead to reduced penalties for people who have the licenses and openly carry.
In such cases, license-holders could be cited for noncriminal violations that would carry a $25 fine on a first violation and a $500 fine on a second violation. They would face second-degree misdemeanor charges on third or subsequent violations.
Under the bill, people with concealed-weapons licenses also could not be arrested or charged if firearms are “temporarily and openly displayed.”
June Briggs Milstead
August 16, 2017
June Briggs Milstead, 85, entered Glory, Sunday, August 13. She was a lifelong resident of the Pensacola area and wife for 68 years of Wiley G. “Blue” Milstead, who was originally from Walnut Hill.
She was the mother of five children, 26 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and one great-grandson, Wiley O. Colvin.
Services will be Thursday, August 17, at English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, Idaho.
Margaret Jean Moulder Shepler
August 16, 2017
Margaret Jean Moulder Shepler, 83, of Opelika, AL, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017, in Opelika, AL.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at Vance Memorial Chapel in Phenix City, with Rev. Grant Parker officiating. Interment will be at Lakeview Memory Gardens and the family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 pm before the service.
Mrs. Shepler was born on April 28, 1934, in Bowling Green, KY the daughter of the late Thomas Goldsmith Moulder and Virginia H. Butler Moulder. Margaret was a graduate of Western Kentucky University and began her 43-year teaching career soon after receiving her teaching degree. She retired from the Escambia County, FL School System and moved to Opelika, AL and became a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Phenix City.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Donald Shepler, her husband since 1962, and her sister Jane Moulder.
Mrs. Shepler is survived by her daughter, Michelle Word and husband Bradley Word, Jr.; grandchildren, James Word and Margaret Word; several nieces, extended family and many caring friends everywhere. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org/.