18 Middle School Students Named Take Stock in Children Scholars
September 21, 2010
Eighteen seventh grade students have been introduced as the newest Take Stock in Children scholars. Take Stock is a statewide program that operates locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation.
Two of the students attend Ernest Ward Middle School — Amber Freeman and Carly Ward. Amber hopes to attend Florida State University and become a wildlife biologist. Carly hopes to attend the University of West Florida and become a hospital administrator.
In all, there were 108 Take Stock in Children students in grades 7-12 who will receive a Take Stock in Children four year tuition scholarship when they graduate from high school, as long as they maintain good grades, have a record of attendance and display good citizenship, as well as remaining crime and drug free. Donations from community businesses, organizations, individuals and foundations are used to purchase scholarships using matching funds from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. The program includes weekly meetings at school with a community mentor.
The newest Take Stock in Children students include Nikita Babkin (Ransom Middle), Alyssa Barnes (Ferry Pass Middle), Destinee Brundidge (Brown Barge Middle), Danika Burgett (Bailey Middle), Shelby Butts (Bailey Middle), Amber Freeman (Ernest Ward Middle), Courtney Greene (Ferry Pass Middle), Elijah Harris (Brown Barge Middle), Savion Henderson (Brown Barge Middle), Brianna Holmquist (Ransom Middle), Mariah McMullen (Ferry Pass Middle), Zachary Sosby (Workman Middle), Austin Thomann (Ransom Middle), Austin Travis (Brown Barge Middle), Tara Vanderburg (Bellview Middle), Donald Vaughan, Jr. (Workman Middle), Carly Ward (Ernest Ward Middle), and Jazmin Womack (Workman Middle).
Pictured top: Carly Ward (left) and Amber Freeman from Ernest Ward Middle School were named Take Stock in Children scholars recently. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Honors David Johnson For 35 Years Of EMS Service
September 19, 2010
David Johnson of Century was honored for 35 years of service to Escambia County EMS at Thursday night’s meeting of the Escambia County Commission.
Johnson joined the county as a paramedic on October 1, 1975. He will retire effective September 30.
“Mr. Johnson has responded to thousands of calls for assistance in all kinds of environments and weather conditions, employing the mental and physical attributes required to accomplish many of the life saving techniques necessary to serve the injured and critically ill,” the proclamation presented to Johnson by the county states. “David B. Johnson has faithfully served the county and his community with the utmost care and compassion for those in need.”
Pictured: Paramedic David Johnson was honored Thursday by the Escambia County Commission for 35 years dedicated service to Escambia County EMS. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: Crunchy Smokey Pork Chops
September 19, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is Crunchy Smokey Pork Chops. Intense flavors and crispy, crunchy outside combine for one memorable bite after another.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Gardening: Late Summer Leaf Spots
September 19, 2010
As the hot weather abates just a bit, gardeners find themselves back in the landscape only to find an outbreak of spots on their plants. Hot, humid and rainy weather are perfect conditions for the development of fungal diseases.
One of the most common leaf spot diseases seen in the landscape during late summer is Cercospora leaf spot. While it affects many different landscape plants, it is most commonly seen on hydrangeas. It affects smooth, panicle, oakleaf and bigleaf types of hydrangea. However, this year, there have been numerous occurrences on crape myrtles.
Symptoms
On bigleaf hydrangea, the spots are small, circular and have a purplish halo surrounding them. The centers of these spots eventually turns tan to light gray in color. In contrast, the leaf spots on oakleaf hydrangea appear angular in shape and are dark brown in color. Leaves that are severely affected often become a yellow-green color.
Initial symptoms on crape myrtles are the appearance of dark brown spots that develop first on the lower leaves and progress upward in the canopy from mid-summer through fall. Infected leaves develop a yellowish to orangey-red coloration because of the production of a toxin by the pathogen. These leaves then fall prematurely, particularly in highly susceptible varieties.
Numerous infectious spores are produced in the center of each fungal spot. These spores can be spread by wind, splashing water and can hitch a ride on pruning tools. Frequent late summer rain showers will not only greatly increase the rate of disease spread, but also intensify the level of leaf spotting and defoliation. Extended periods of drought will usually suppress disease development and spread.
Although this disease can be visually alarming, it is generally an aesthetic problem for homeowners because the disease rarely kills the plant. However, if this disease is severe, it can reduce the overall plant vigor by repeated defoliation.
Control strategies
There are some fungicides available to help manage Cercospora leaf spot, but for the homeowner, disease management with fungicides is often not warranted because symptoms usually occur so late in the season. This does not mean, however, that you should ignore the problem. Once this disease is found in a planting, yearly outbreaks are likely to occur.
The fungus easily survives on fallen leaves. Sanitation is perhaps the most important tool in disease management. Be sure to remove and destroy these leaves to help prevent future infections and disease outbreaks.
Another important cultural practice includes surface watering. Because moisture on the leaves allow disease spores to germinate, avoid getting the leaves wet with overhead irrigation. Also be sure to apply enough nitrogen to maintain a moderate growth rate. It is also helpful if your plants are not crowded. Good air circulation permits the leaves to dry quickly after a rain, which helps prevent leaf spot diseases.
However, the use of fungicides may be justified for high-value landscape plantings that develop severe cases of the disease each year. Products containing chlorothalonil, myclobutanil or thiophanate-methyl are recommended. For effective control of Cercospora leaf spot with a fungicide, begin applications when spotting of the leaves is first seen and continue applying that treatment as needed. Be sure to follow label directions!
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
This Place Matters: Flomaton Historical Group Misses $25K
September 17, 2010
The Flomaton Area Railroad Museum came up short in public voting for a $25,000 “This Place Matters” grant.
Last week, NorthEscambia.com told readers about a This Place Matters Challenge from the National Trust for Historic Preservation that would award the $25,000 to one entrant to protect places in their community.
The largest number of votes — 7,862 — in the national contest and the $25,000 went to the Tinker cottage Museum in Illinois with 11 percent of the votes. There 101 groups across the country in the running for the cash grant.
Supporters of the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum said they were pleased to be involve in the contest and get national attention.
“I am terribly happy that we were chosen to be on there,” Betty Jones of the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum said.
To see Flomaton’s entry, click here.
Pictured: Levi Wagner, son of Tip Wagner and April Eicher, in photo used by the Flomaton Area Railroad Museum in their “This Place Matters” entry. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay Peanut Festival To Begin Beaches To Woodlands Tour
September 16, 2010
The 21st Annual Jay Peanut Festival October 2-3 will kick-off the seventh annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour of Santa Rosa County. The month-long self-guided driving tour of Santa Rosa County features more than two dozen events. Geared toward locals and tourists alike, the tour has become an annual Gulf Coast staple.
“Once Fall season starts settling in people get motivated to get out and about,” said Karen Harrell, tour coordinator. “This is a showcase series of events for Santa Rosa County. These events are family-friendly and inexpensive, back-to-basic type of activities.” Along with great activities, Harrell said October is a great time for a weekend vacation with water temperatures still warm enough to swim and area lodging rates for out-of-towners down up to 40 percent from summer’s high season.
The Jay Peanut Festival draws upwards to 70,000 people to the 15-acre Gabbert Farm each year who have a chance to sample all types of peanuts -– boiled, green, fried, candied and more.
Admission is free and all weekend long there will be arts, crafts, antique, new items, games, rides, rock climbing wall, pony and horse rides, wagon rides, train rides, buckboard rides, anvil shoot, and a grist mill. The farm’s popular museum is also open for tours.
Pictured above and below: Large crowds attended the annual Jay Peanut Festival last year. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Holds Open House
September 15, 2010
Parents and community members had the opportunity to visit Northview High School during their annual open house Tuesday night. Pictured top: Teacher Tom Meehan (foreground) explains vocational programs at the school to a group of parents and students. Pictured below: Students Savannah Singleton, Lauren McCall, Charleigh McPherson, Charla Stark attend the open house. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
9/11 Breakfast Honors First Responders
September 12, 2010
A 9/11 Breakfast Saturday morning honored police, fire, public officials and other first responders from across Escambia County, Ala., Escambia County, Fla., and Santa Rosa County. The breakfast was held at the Little Escambia Baptist Church in Flomaton.
Pictured top: A 9/11 Breakfast Saturday morning at Little Escambia Baptist Church in Flomaton. Pictured left: Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff Grover Smith (foreground) and David Johnson of Escambia County (Fla.) EMS. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
In The Bag: Northview NJROTC Raises Money
September 12, 2010
Members of the Northview High School NJROTC spent part of their Saturday bagging groceries at Winn Dixie in Atmore as a fund raiser for the group’s activities. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe:Caribbean Chicken
September 12, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a Caribbean Chicken. A special treat for the senses, it provides a blend of sweet and tangy with just the right flavor.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
