Atmore Names Citizen Of The Year, Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
February 10, 2012
About 300 people attended the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce’s 66th Annual Meeting Thursday night.
Richard Maxwell of Maxwell Construction was named the chamber’s Citizen of the Year for his numerous contributions to the community.
The chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to Mary Joyner Grissett. She was a devoted educator, community leader, and volunteer with a passion for education. After 25 years of teaching with the Escambia County School System, she retired and then taught English and literature for two years at Escambia Academy. Grissett, who passed away in 2011, was a founder of the Academic All-Star Program and named Atmore Citizen of the Year in 1991.
Guest speaker for the event was Alabama Crimson Tide star Siran Stacey. In 2007, Stacy and his family were involved in a traffic accident that claimed the lives of six people — including his wife and four children. Stacy now shares his story and ministers across the nation.
AT&T Grant Funds ‘Harvest For The Hungry’ At Tate High School
February 10, 2012
Thanks to an AT&T “STEM at Work” grant, 350 students at J.M. Tate High School will have the opportunity to learn how what they are studying in the classroom will be used in various occupations.
AT&T Florida provided $120,000 to challenge Florida’s district-wide local education foundations to create STEM workplace experiences throughout the State through a grant to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF). The project’s aim is to provide students with hands-on experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom that are directly linked to their coursework in science, technology, engineering and/or math.
Escambia County Public Schools Foundation has partnered with Tate High School for its project “Harvest for the Hungry.” In addition to the $2,000 provided by AT&T and CFEF, the J.M. Tate FFA Alumni Foundation is providing $2,000 in matching funds.
“Through the AT&T ‘STEM’ at Work’ grant, basic scientific, technology and mathematics skills will be applied to basic agriculture principles. This gives students real-life, hands-on experience. In the next 50 years, we will need more industry leaders than ever before, and agriscience education is providing the next generation of leaders with real-world experience,” said Austin Courson, Agriscience Program assistant and liaison for Tate FFA Alumni Foundation.
“As a student, this will give us hands-on learning that will allow us to advance our knowledge of the industry of agriculture,” says Tate student Megan Gibbs. “At the same time, this will allow us to provide basic needs to community members through our ‘Harvest for the Hungry’ project.”
Students will develop a clear understanding of the principles of soil science and plant nutrition using proper equipment and technology, learn the importance of water quality by taking water samples, and collaborate with a local irrigation supplier and the Natural Resources Conservation Service in evaluating proper irrigation systems designed for water conservation. Students will design and install an irrigation system and grow a vegetable garden; food produced during the project will be sent to a local food bank. The project began in January 2012 and will continue through May 2012.
“We are pleased with this partnership because Florida’s K-12 education foundations are well positioned to be the link between schools and local businesses that can make these critical connections for students,” said Marshall Criser, III, AT&T Florida President. “By concentrating on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curriculum, this program will provide real life experiences that can help increase the number of Florida’s students graduating high school college- and career-ready.”
Food World Grocery Stores Sold
February 10, 2012
Food World and Bruno’s stores in Florida and Alabama are being sold.
Birmingham-based Southern Family Markets is selling its 57 stores in four states to Belle Foods LLC under an agreement announced Thursday.
Belle Foods LLC, based in Birmingham, was formed by 30-year industry veteran William “Bill” White specifically to purchase the Southern Family Market stores — including the Food World stores in Atmore and Pensacola. White is joined in the venture by his son Jeff.
“We are very excited about this acquisition and look forward with great anticipation to growing this business, being strong partners in the communities we will serve and bringing back the family-owned roots which have always made these stores so special,” White said in a released statement Thursday.
Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the next couple of months, were not disclosed.
For now, company officials said there were no plans to close any of the stores. Future changes that will be made at the stores, if any, have not been disclosed.
Pictured: The Southern Family Market in Atmore became a Food World Store in May 2010. In this photo, workers make final adjustments to the store sign on opening day. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA To Present ‘The Springs’ In Concert At Blue Jacket Jamboree
February 10, 2012
The Northview FFA Alumni will present the annual Blue Jacket Jamboree on Saturday, February 18 featuring the CGMA Country Group of the Year “The Springs”.
The Springs have shared the stage with country greats like Alan Jackson, Craig Moran, Toby Keith and Reba McIntire with their high energy brand of Country/Southern Rock.
Nominated along with Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, and Lady Antebellum for the New Music Awards “Country Group of the Year”, The Springs are seen by some as the “next big thing” in country music. The all-male group has also had two Christian country number one songs.
Tickets are $20 per person which includes a pulled pork sandwich meal. The event takes place beginning at 5 p.m. rain or shine on Saturday, February 18 in the Northview High School Auditorium. The event will also include an auction.
Tickets are available now at Smith Tractor Company in Jay and Atmore, Century Pharmacy and Scott’s Pharmacy in Molino. For more information, visit BlueJacketJamboree.com.
The Blue Jacket Jamboree is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com, Cat Country, 98.7 and Your Country 102.7 WXBM.
The Northview FFA Alumini uses proceeds from the event for scholarships for eligible seniors and transportation for FFA members to state and national conventions.
Coming up soon on NorthEscambia.com — we’ll introduce you to The Springs and we’ll have tickets to giveaway.
Wanda Bevens
February 10, 2012
Wanda Bevens, 80, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 2, 2012. She was born October 20, 1931, in McDavid to Wm. C. (Clint) Rigby and Agnes Byrd Rigby. She grew up in Century; graduated from Century High School and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Pensacola.
She was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Colorado Springs, CO, where she has been an active member for many years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Maleaze Butler and her brother, Hoytte Rigby.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Grant Bevens of Colorado Springs; sisters, Jean Mayo and Dee (Roger) Enzor of Pensacola; sisters-in-law, Marie Gardner, Lucille Baughman and Myrna Bevens of Colorado Springs and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 3 pm Friday, February 10, 2012, at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery in Bogia.
Memorial contributions may be made to Living Hope Church, 640 Manitou Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 or to the charity of your choice .
Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Jimmy Pospiech
February 10, 2012
On February 7, 2012, Jimmy Pospiech, beloved son, cherished brother, adored cousin and treasured friend passed beyond the reach of our smiles, hugs, love and good wishes. Jimmy was larger than life for all who came in contact with him. Never meeting a stranger in any of his travels; always returning to his favorite state of Florida with more friends than he left with. His laughter, dry humor, quick wit and generous spirit are part of his legacy to every life he touched and will remain with us through the rest of our lives.
Jimmy was a 1982 graduate of Jay High School. He was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church. He is much remembered as the drum major of the Jay High School Marching band from 1979-1982. Jimmy was a graduate from Florida State University and a proud member of the Florida State Marching Chiefs. He was a resident of Tallahassee from 1982 until he returned to his home town of Jay in 2010 to be closer to his family. Jimmy enjoyed the social and amiable atmosphere of The Fish House, where he had been employed since his return to Northwest Florida.
He is survived by his parents, Ted and Jean Pospiech, his sister Janet Pospiech and innumerable cousins and friends.
Jimmy will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2012, at Jay Funeral Home with Rev. Earle Green and Rev.Wayne Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Coldwater Cemetery. A visitation will be one hour prior from 1-2 p.m.. The family would like to thank the community and friends for their compassion and love giving to our family during this time.
Minor Fire At UWF
February 9, 2012
Firefighters responded to a small fire Thursday morning in the gym building at the University of West Florida.
The fire reportedly began in a laundry room about 11 a.m. and was quickly extinguished. Firefighters remained on the scene to clear smoke from the building.
The building was evacuated during the fire; there were no injuries reported.
Keith Alan Fleger
February 9, 2012
Keith Alan Fleger was called to his eternal home with the Lord on February 6, 2012. Keith was a lifelong resident of Pensacola, Florida. Keith was a 35 year employee of International Paper Company. Some of his favorite pass times were golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marjorie Fleger, and his sister, Sue Schnarr.
Keith is survived by his wife of 15 years, Debra Willis Fleger; stepdaughter, Angela Bouzios (Nick); stepson, Johnny Jones (Andrea); a sister, Joy Mitchell; six grandchildren; a very special nephew, Duerwood A. Willis, as well as many other special family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Mark Nettles, Jeffrey Ginwright, David Smallwood, Lamar Wiggins, Jim Hual, and Phil Nix.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Larry Huff officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery.
10 Years Community Control, Probation For Meth Lab
February 9, 2012
A Cantonment man has been sentenced to a total of 10 years community control and probation in connection with a meth lab found at a Cantonment home last year.
Adjudication was withheld in the case of Robert Edward Raines. He was sentenced by judge Michael Allen to 18 months community control to be followed by 8.5 years of probation. He was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service at 10 hours per month.
Raines was charged with possession of methamphetamines with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of listed chemicals with the intent to manufacture a control substance.
In February 2011, deputies reported finding Raines inside a home in the 1100 block of Muscogee Road with an active methamphetamine lab.
Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Over Equestrian Center Hiring
February 9, 2012
The Florida Commission on Ethics announced Wednesday that it dismissed a complaint filed against several Escambia County officials over the hiring of Forest Gibbs as marketing coordinator for the Escambia Equestrian Center.
The complaint by Escambia County resident Jim C. Hunt was filed against Commissioner Wilson Robertson and three members of a hiring committee that originally gave the job to Gibbs. Those staffers were Assistant County Administrator Larry Newsom, Human Resources Supervisor Barbara Keyser, and Chief of Recreation and Special Services Michael Rhodes.
The ethics commission dismissed the complaint due to lack of legal sufficiency.
Gibbs held the Equestrian Center job for about two weeks in October until being fired by County Administrator Randy Oliver following a complaint that Robertson influenced his hiring and landed Gibbs a $63,000 salary, which was higher than was advertised. The commission, including Robertson, called for a state investigation into the process. The State Attorney found no wrongdoing.
Gibbs filed suit in Escambia County Circuit Court against Commissioners Kevin White, Marie Young and Grover Robinson claiming that he was qualified and they improperly removed him from his new job. The suit does not name Escambia County as a defendant. Gene Valentino, who was not at a county meeting in which the board considered the matter, is also not being sued.
Gibbs is seeking unnamed damages in excess of $15,000 plus legal and court costs from White, Young and Robinson.
After re-advertising the position, Pamela Mauldwin of Milton was hired as Equestrian Center manager. She will begin her job on February 28.