Give Blood Today In Walnut Hill
June 22, 2009
You have the chance to give the gift of life at a blood drive this morning in Walnut Hill.The blood drive will take place at the Walnut Hill Farm Supply at the corner of Highway 97 and South Highway 99 from 7:30 until 12:30.
There is a significant need for several blood types, including an urgent need for O+ and O- blood types.
Requirements for giving blood are below.
- Donors must be in generally good health
- At least 17 years of age, without permission. 16-year olds are now allowed to donate with permission granted by parents or legal guardians.
- Must bring picture ID
- Weigh at least 110 lbs
- Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
- No cancer within the last 5 years
- No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
- No tattoos within the past 12 months
- No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
- No history of viral hepatitis
- Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
- Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
- Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
- Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
- All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.
Heat Advisory Issued
June 19, 2009
A heat advisory has been issued for today, with temperatures expected to hit near 101 with a heat index of 110.
The heat index — how hot the humidity makes it feel on your body — is especially dangerous to those without air conditioning, those working outside and the elderly.
A strong high pressure remains entrenched over the lower Mississipppi and the southeastern United States. The high pressure will send afternoon highs over the century mark in the many locations. When combined with the humidity, afternoon heat indices will rise to the 105 to 110 degree range.
A heat advisory means a period of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on friends and relatives.
The forecast for Saturday is the same: highs near 100 and a heat index up to 110.
Scorching: Highs 100-101 Next Two Days With High Humidity
June 18, 2009
Hot and humid — that ’s the forecast for the next several days here in North Escambia. Temperatures are expected at about 100 the two few days, with heat indexes passing that century mark.
Today will be sunny and hot, with a high of 100. Add in the humidity, and it will feel like 108 this afternoon. It will be clear an muggy tonight, with a low of 74.
Friday’s high is forecast to be 101 with a heat index of 105 plus. Expect more miserable heat on Saturday, with a high of 99.
By Sunday, afternoon highs will “cool” to the mid 90’s. A 20 percent chance of an afternoon shower creeps into the forecast by Sunday.
It is a good idea to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks if you have to work outside. Also, check on elderly friends and neighbors during the hot afternoons.
Bond Revoked For Woman In DUI Death Of Bicyclist
June 16, 2009
An Escambia County judge has ordered that bond be revoked for the woman charged with driving drunk and killing a bicyclist on Nine Mile Road.
Christina Rivkin remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond charged with DUI manslaughter and four other charges in connection with the death of Michael Steele, 25.
Tuesday, Circuit Court Judge Frank Bell ordered that Rivkin be held until her trial. Steele’s funeral was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Rivkin was traveling westbound on Nine Mile Road when she crossed the white line near Brewster Street and struck Steele as he was riding his bicycle to work at Winn Dixie about 11:15 Wednesday night. Troopers say Steele and his bicycle were dragged under Rivkin’s GMC Yukon for about a quarter of a mile. Rivkin then fled the scene.
She made her appearance Friday afternoon before Judge Thomas Johnson via a video feed from the Escambia County Jail. Rivkin could be seen wiping tears from her eyes during her appearance. State Attorney Bill Eddins had requested that bond be set at $1 million because Rivkin has two previous DUIs — one in Escambia County and one in Ohio. Johnson denied that request, setting the bond at the half million.
Rivkin will be back in court on July 2 for an arraignment hearing. She told the judge that she will hire her own attorney.
About an hour after Wednesday night’s accident, Rivkin returned to the scene, where she “skidded to an abrupt stop nearly striking the patrol car of Deputy Mark Smith,” the FHP report says. She “appeared extremely intoxicated. She smelled strongly of alcoholic beverage and her speech was slurred. She could not walk without assistance. (She) could not remember her name or say where she was,” the report continues.
Rivkin, according to the FHP, refused to perform a breath test, and a blood sample was taken to determine her blood alcohol level. Those test results are not yet available.
“He jumped out in front of me. What was I suppose to do?” Rivkin told a trooper at the scene.
The FHP says that the front of Rivkin’s vehicle had damage consistent with hitting the bicyclist, and “there appeared to be blood on the front of her vehicle.”
Rivkin is the estranged wife of Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Rivkin, according to an FHP report.
Rivkin had at least two prior DUI arrests and five other moving violations, according to the FHP.
Steele was riding his bicycle to work as part of the stock crew at the Nine Mile Road Winn Dixie when the accident occurred, according to family members. Steele and his wife, Brittney, 20, only owned one car, and family members said he wanted his wife to have the car for her morning commute. He rode the bicycle so that she did not have to drive him to work so that she would be well rested for her job.
Pictured above: Christina Rivkin’s Escambia County Jail booking photo. Click to enlarge.
Library Program Today: Kids Can Cook
June 16, 2009
Yes, life is a bowl of cherries — if you know how to make good choices..
The Century Branch Library’s summer readings series continues at noon today with the program “Kids Can Cook!”.
Angela Hinkle from the Escambia County Extension Office will give tips for making smart food choices at a school and home. Children of all ages will have fun creating and decorating a lunch box and filling it with healthy snacks.
The program at noon today is free at the Century Branch Library, 7991 North Century Boulevard. For more information, call 256-6217.
All-Star Tourney Continues At Northwest Escambia
June 15, 2009
District 1 Little League 8-9 Year Old All Stars tournament continues today at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill with the host team NWE making its first appearance.
NWE will take on Destin at 5:30, and Niceville-American will play Niceville-National at 7:30.
Tuesday, Shalimar will play Tri-County at 5:30. Tri-County includes players from Century, Jay, Fidelis and Chumuckla. At 7:30 Tuesday evening, Defuniak Springs will play the loser of the Niceville-American versus Niceville-National game Monday night.
For a look at this weekend’s action, including a photo gallery with pictures from Shalimar, Niceville-American, Niceville-National and Tri-County, click here.
Pictured: A Niceville-American player gets a hit Saturday afternoon at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Little League Tourney Series Begins Today In Walnut Hill
June 13, 2009
Florida District 1 Little League tournament action gets underway today at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill with the 8-9 year old special games.
In today’s games, Destin will take on DeFuniak Springs at 2:30; Shalimar will play Niceville-American at 5:00 and Niceville-National will play Tri-County at 7:30.
The Northwest Escambia host team will play at 5:30 Monday against the winner of the Destin vs. Defunik Springs game.
The tournament will continue for about a week.
See You There: Blueberry Jamboree Is Tomorrow
June 12, 2009
The Barrineau Park Community Center & Historical Society will be the place to be on Saturday. The first-ever Blueberry Jamboree will kick off at 8:00am with a 5K Race for the Blueberries and will end that evening with some toe-tapping bluegrass music by local musicians. If you are in search of a fun-filled Saturday , then you’re looking for the Blueberry Jamboree.
The festival will feature family entertainment, music, great food, a wandering blueberry in costume, a Blueberry Spitting Contest, a Blueberry Bake-Off, cake and plant walks, cloggers, smiles and laughter in a family friendly environment.
The Jamboree will also feature local arts and crafts vendors and plenty of food. And of course, lots of blueberries…from fresh blueberries, to blueberry baked goods to a limited edition blueberry cookbook.
The Blueberry Jamboree will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Barrineau Park Community Center.
NorthEscambia.com will have complete coverage with a huge photo gallery Sunday morning.
Funny Money In Century
June 9, 2009
The secrets of money will be unlocked today as the summer reading program continues at the Century Branch Library with “Funny Money Reading Fun”.
Dorothy Lee with the Escambia County Extension Service will share her know-how and secrets such as how to read a dollar bill and why there is a pyramid. Children of all ages will get to have fun rubbing coins, playing games and learning about money.
The program will be at noon today at the Century Branch Library at 7991 North Century Boulevard. There’s no money needed to attend the program; it is free.
For more information, contact the library at (850) 256-6217.
Check Out Australian Animals From The Zoo Today In Bogia
June 7, 2009
Children can get up close and personal with Australian animals and artifacts in Bogia today.
The animals from the Gulf Breeze Zoo will be aboard The ZooMobile as it pulls into Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church this afternoon for the start of the church’s vacation Bible School.
Ray’s Chapel is hold a “Boomerang Express” themed VBS this year, and the visit of the zoo animals from Australia will be part of a special kick-off party and registration event. The zoo animals visit and the party begins at 5:00 this afternoon at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church on Bogia Road, about a half mile west of Highway 29. There will also be a “bounce house”, food and more. The zoo animal party and VBS are all free and open to everyone.
The Vacation Bible School at Ray’s Chapel will be next week, June 8-12, from 5:30 until 8:00 daily for pre-kindergarten to sixth grade age children.
For more information, call the church at (850) 256-3422.