Northview Band Washes Its Way Toward The New Season
July 21, 2013
Members of the Northview High School Tribal Beat band held a car wash Saturday in Century to raise funds for the upcoming season. The band must pay may all of its own expenses, including transportation to away football games. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipes: Mexican Sausage Pizza, Sausage Mushroom Calzone
July 21, 2013
A busy life does have to put a damper on dinner plans with these two simple recipes — Mexican Sausage Pizza and Sausage and Mushroom Calzone.
(Scroll down to see both recipes.)
Mexican Sausage Pizza
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes 4 servings
1 pound roll sausage (can use hot)
3 cups baking mix
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup diced tomato
1/2 cup minced cilantro
2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Sour cream (optional)
Salsa (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In medium skillet over medium heat crumble and cook sausage until brown. Cool.
In large bowl, combine baking mix, cheddar cheese and cooked sausage. Stir in 5 or 6 tablespoons water to form a dough. Pat out into a thin layer on a large baking sheet or pizza pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until light brown.
Spread crust with refried beans. Top with onions, tomato, cilantro and cheese. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Sausage and Mushroom Calzone
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes 4 servings
1 pound Italian sausage
1 pound loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 jar sliced mushrooms, drained (4 ounces)
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In large skillet, crumble and cook sausage until browned. Set aside.
Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 12- to 14-inch rectangle. Cut into 4 pieces.
Top half of each rectangle with sauce, sausage, mushrooms and cheese. Fold dough over to enclose. Crimp around edges with a fork. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at for 20 – 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Photos: Alabama, Florida Fire Departments Conduct Joint Water Training
July 21, 2013
Several area fire departments continued their series of joint training exercises Saturday morning.
Members of the Atmore Fire Department, Poarch Fire Department, Nokomis (AL) Volunteer Fire Department, McCall Volunteer Fire Department, Appleton Volunteer Fire Department and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia (FL) Fire Rescue took part in the joint exercise that was all about moving a lot of water quickly.
Using two 1,500 gallon tankers from Walnut Hill and a tanker from Nokomis, firefighters shuttled water from a hydrant over a half mile away to Escambia County High School in Atmore. The water was dumped into storage pools capable of holding 4,000 gallons, allowing the tanker trucks to support a 500 gallon per minute water flow. The tankers were also used to supply a 1,000 gallon per minute flow.
Firefighters said the exercise allowed the departments to learn how to work together to carryout an operation that would allow them to fight a very large fire using only tanker trucks as a water supply in the event a hydrant was not available.
The city of Atmore does not currently have a tanker truck in its fire department, so the exercise also gave Atmore firefighters a chance to learn more about tanker truck operations.
Pictured top: About 1,500 gallons of water are quickly dumped from a Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department tanker truck into a 3,000 gallon storage pool that was being used to supply a 1,000 gallon storage pool and a 500 gallon per minute nozzle Saturday morning at Escambia County High School in Atmore. Pictured inset: Walnut Hill Station Chief Chris Brown adjusts a 1,000 gallon per minute nozzle being supplied by two tanker trucks. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Birth: Brantley James Sharpless
July 21, 2013
Aaron and Rachel (Martin) Sharpless are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Brantley James Sharpless. Brantley was born on May 30, 2013, at 7:44 am. He weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz., and was 21.5 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Keith and Rochel Martin. Paternal grandparents are Glenn and Jeannie Sharpless.
Great grandparents are the late Frank Stewart Jr., Billy and Joyce Etheridge, Ken and Janette Beck, the late Henderson Robinson, Jack and Betty Sharpless, and the late Frank and Sue Robinson.
Weekend Gardening: Spots On Your Crape Myrtles Can Be A Problem
July 20, 2013
As the heat and humidity increases in Northwest Florida, expect to see some diseases appear in the landscape. One problem that is popping up on crape myrtles is Cercospora leaf spot. While not a deadly problem, it can greatly detract from the beauty of crape myrtles.
The initial symptom on crape myrtles is the appearance of tan to dark brown spots randomly scattered on yellow to red discolored leaves. The spots develop first on the lower leaves and progress upward in the canopy. Spots will continue to develop from mid-summer through fall. The color change is due to the production of a toxin by the fungal pathogen.
Infected leaves will drop prematurely and serve as a source to spread the pathogen causing further disease development. As the summer progresses, many infected trees will have dropped all but the newest leaves.
Older varieties of crape myrtles are more susceptible to this disease than newer varieties. The crape myrtle varieties most tolerant to Cercospora leaf spot are Natchez, Muskogee, Basham’s Party Pink, Sioux and Tonto.
Long term, this disease is not detrimental to a tree, although it will slow down growth on younger plants. Plants growing in conditions that are not ideal will be more affected by the leaf spot disease.
The best control is selecting a planting site with good air circulation so that the foliage will dry quickly. Thinning interior branches will also promote air flow.
The use of fungicides to control this disease has not been very effective because they would have to be applied repeatedly on a regular basis throughout the growing season. If used, fungicide applications should be started in early summer when the spots are first noticed and continued at one to two week intervals when the weather is warm and wet. Consult your local Extension office for fungicide recommendations.
As always, be sure to read and follow all label directions. Fungicides can be classified by how they work on the fungus or how they work on the plant. Products that work in a similar way on fungi have the same mode of action (also referred to as chemical family or class).
Contact fungicides are sprayed onto plants and act as a protective barrier from pathogen infection. They prevent infections from occurring when applied before symptoms are visible, but infections that have already occurred will continue to develop.
Systemic fungicides move into the plant, but movement inside the plant is limited. The vast majority of fungicides only move upward in the plant vasculature, but not down. Some fungicides only move locally into the plant part treated. Some systemic products exhibit curative action, which means the disease is stopped during its development. For managing fungicide resistance, products with different modes of action should be used in rotations.
Since this disease will result in early defoliation or the loss of leaves, it is critical to practice good sanitation. Raking and destroying fallen leaves should be a routine practice in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
For more information, contact Theresa Friday at 850-623-3868 or email tlfriday@ufl.edu. Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Florida Health Program Encourages Early Infant Screening
July 20, 2013
All expectant mothers agree on one thing: keeping their baby healthy during and after pregnancy is a primary focus. While new moms understand the role prenatal vitamins and healthy eating play in their child’s health, many may be unaware of the various disorders that can be prevented by a simple screening once the baby arrives. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) encourages all moms to consider how they can give their babies the healthiest life possible.
The Department and its new health initiatives are making strides toward increasing the number of Florida’s babies that receive proper screenings for uncommon genetic, metabolic, or enzymatic defects. The Florida Newborn Screening Program is one initiative that aims to prevent impairments by screening newborns for diseases that might not be immediately apparent, but can affect a child’s development later on. The program works with affiliated organizations like Newborn Screening Lab, Children’s Medical Services, and the greater community to guarantee an increased percentage of infants screened and cured of defects such as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SCIS), cystic fibrosis (CF), and, hearing loss.
SCIS is an immune deficiency that makes children vulnerable to dangerous infectious diseases including pneumonia and meningitis, during the early months following birth.Early treatment for the disease involves replacing a child’s immune system through blood transplants, a process which has high success rate when detected early. The same may also be said of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that critically affects the lungs, pancreas, liver and intestines. Despite having no official cure, a diagnosed infant can live unaffected by the condition if it is detected and treated early.
According to the summer 2012 issue of Baby Steps, the Florida Newborn Screening Newsletter, nearly 50 percent of babies that require additional screenings do not complete the program, and are therefore unable to receive a proper diagnosis or treatment The Florida Newborn Screening Program encourages mothers to adhere to their “1-3-6” policy, which suggests babies be screened within a month of their birth, diagnosed within three, and enrolled in an early intervention program by month six, should their results require treatment. It is an initiative based on prevention, detection, and high-quality treatment services.
Take A Guess: How Far Away Was This Cool Cloud?
July 18, 2013
A rather unique looking “mushroom cloud” was visible across the North Escambia area just before sunset Wednesday. It was the only major cloud in the skies, visible from Walnut Hill (above, NorthEscambia.com photo) and even from Mobile (below, National Weather Service photo).
How far away do you think this cloud was? Scroll down the page for the answer.
As shown on this radar image from the National Weather Service is Mobile, the cloud was actually about 40 miles from the location of the top photo taken in Walnut Hill. It was about 80 miles away from the bottom photo taken by the National Weather Service in Mobile.
Chloe Channell Advances To NYC On ‘America’s Got Talent’
July 18, 2013
Chloe Channell of Pace has moved on to the next round of “America’s Got Talent” in New York City.
Chloe, just 11 years old, covered the Reba McEntire song “Turn on Your Radio” is Las Vegas to earn her ticket to the Big Apple.
“I want to go to the live show in New York City more than I want to catch a 100 pound snapper, and that is a lot,” she explained Wednesday night on national television before her performance.
After performing “Turn on Your Radio”, a classic country break up song, celebrity judge Howie Mandell asked Chloe if she understood the song, and if she’s had break-ups.
“My dad says boys are the devil,” she said in a confident voice. “Your dad is a very smart guy,” judge Howard Stern said.
Chloe has been a regular around the Pensacola area for years, becoming a full-time member of The Sawmill Band at the Chumuckla Farmer’s Opry at the age of seven.
“I’m so thankful to GOD for giving me this wonderful opportunity and to all of you for all the support and I promise u in NY!! I’m gonna bring it!! I can’t share but totally love the song I’m getting to do!! So please when it’s time vote for me and thank u all so much!!”, she wrote on her Facebook page after Wednesday’s show.
The next episodes of American’s Got Talent will air next Tuesday and Wednesday from Radio City Music Hall. There’s no word yet on which night Chloe will appear.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Part 4: Inside Century Correctional – Medical And Dental
July 18, 2013
Today, we continue our look inside the Century Correctional Institution with a look inside the medical and dental operation. Our series will continue Monday inside the prison’s most secure housing unit and more.
Need a cleaning? A filling? Dentures? Just $5 from your inmate account will get you fixed up in Century Correctional Institution. Inmates can get a cleaning about every six months, and there’s no charge for emergency dental services.
The Medical Department at CCI includes medical, dental and psychological services with a total staff of 28 and annual budget around $2 million. The facility includes a doctor’s office, dentist and urgent care clinic rolled into one. Inmates line benches in the waiting room, facing windows away from the front desk. They sit quietly, no television and no magazines. There’s a dentist on staff. There’s always at least an LPN or RN present, allowing CCI to operate an infirmary. Inmates that are transported to a hospital for services not provided are able to return to the infirmary for recovery.
Heading to the clinic is not an easy out from a prisoner’s cell — there’s a copay from their prison accounts unless it’s a medical emergency. Century CI houses and cares for inmates up to medical grade 3 and psych grade 2. That means no wheelchairs and no inmates on continuous psychiatric drugs (those inmates are transferred to the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution).
The State of Florida is in the process of privatizing prison health services, leaving current medical department employees uncertain about their future at the prison.
Our series “Inside Century Correctional Institution” continues Monday on NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured top: The medical facility inside Century Correctional Institution. Pictured inset: Dental facilities. Pictured below: A medical exam room. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Part 3: Inside Century Correctional – Food For The Body, Food For The Soul
July 17, 2013
Today, we continue our look inside the Century Correctional Institution with a look at food for the body and food for the soul. Our series will continue inside the medical unit, the prison’s most secure housing unit and more.
How about fresh summer tomato salad? Or a watermelon bowl with fresh cantaloupe? Or fresh from the field sweet corn or summer squash? Those are just a few of the items on recent menus at Century Correctional Institution.
Those fresh items are served to inmates for one simple reason — cost. The fresh fruits and vegetables are grown by prisoners at CCI, at the Berrydale Forestry Camp and at the University of Florida IFAS facility in Santa Rosa County. And they grow a lot. Already this year, CCI inmates have consumed 12,000 tons of corn.
Fresh inmate-produced produce keeps the cost per inmate down to about $1.45 per day. The food service department works twos shifts per day, providing over 4,000 trays per day. Almost all inmate food is baked or boiled — no frying.
The food service facility is a point of pride at Century Correctional.
The facility serves 1,400 inmates in about an hour and a half, including service for medical special diet prisoners at the beginning or end of a food shift. The noise at a meal is best described as a low murmur — inmates are allowed only to talk to one of the three others at their table. There’s no conversation or food sharing with neighboring tables.
Expectations of a cool, comfortable dining experience are out the window during the summer — there’s no air conditioning.
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The chapel is as nondescript as the other buildings in the compound. Unlike most churches when viewed from the outside, there’s nothing ornate and no religious symbols. Just a simple “Chapel” over the door and the number “10617032″ in one corner — the state’s building number.
The inside of the chapel appears a lot like any small country church — wooden pews, a mural of a river flowing from down from the hills. But still very little in the way of religious symbols — one simple cross on a table, no Star of David, no Menorah. That’s because the State of Florida recognizes over 100 different religions, any one of which can be practiced in the chapel. Christian, Jewish and Islamic services are common in the non-denominational chapel.
There’s a small room for a fellowship hall or meetings with a small kitchen. It’s used by faith based groups that may serve coffee or light food, or for the preparation of foods called for in specific religious practices.
Anywhere from 90 to 250 volunteers may enter the institution to help provide services on a monthly basis. During a one year period ending in April 2013, there were 5,170 total hours accrued by volunteers and a total of 1,390 program offered in the chapel for the inmate population.
Our series “Inside Century Correctional Institution” continues on NorthEscambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
