Gilmores Named Escambia County Farm Family Of The Year
October 11, 2012
Jacob and Carla Gilmore of Molino, along with their twin daughters, have been named as the Escambia County Farm Family of the Year.
They are part owners of Gizmo Angus Farm, a purebred Angus cattle operation in Molino. The farms takes pride in using the latest technologies in the industry to raise the highest quality beef.
Jacob grew up in agriculture participating in 4-H and FFA while attending Tate High School. He was honored by receiving the Star Green Hand, Star Farmer, Outstanding Agriculture Technology student, Who’s Who Among American High School Students and was a state finalist in beef production entrepreneurship.
Jacob participated in the Escambia County Interstate Fair Livestock Show andSale from the age of 8 until he was 19. In two different years, he had the Grand Champion Steer. He also won awards for showmanship. Additionally he had the Grand Champion laying hens when he showed in the poultry division.
Carla married into the farming life seven years ago, and has become a strong advocate of agriculture. She supports Jacob’s work and is already planning for their daughters to be involved in the farm.
Jacob and Carla have become very active in the Young Farmers and Ranchers program, helping promote agriculture in Escambia County and across the state.
Gilmore twins Syndey and Ella and already curious about the Angus cattle, own their own cowboy boots and love joining their dad on the farm.
Pictured top: The Escambia County Farm Family of the Year: Jacob and Carla Gilmore along with twin daughters Syndey and Ella. Pictured and below: Syndey and Ella at the Gizmo Angus Farm. Photos courtesy Abbie Seales Rolph for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Correctional ‘Grows’ Outdoor Decor For Century Library
October 11, 2012
New “homegrown” fall decorations are on display at the Century Branch Library. Most of the items in the display were grown by inmates at Century Correctional Institute.
“We at the library really appreciate their thoughts and hard work to decorate,” said Pat Rigel, Century Branch librarian.
The Century Branch Library will host a story time and Halloween party on Thursday, October 25 at 4 pm.. for children of all ages.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Green Thumb Festival Planned
October 11, 2012
The 14th Annual Green Thumb Festival will be held this Saturday at the Escambia County Extension Service.
Escambia County Master Gardeners will be on hand with lots of expert advice, plants for sale and educational programs. Children can create a bug jar, birdseed hand prints to feed garden birds and plant a seed to take home.
Participants can learn how to build a raised bed for growing fall and winter vegetables, how to build a compost bin from recycled wooden pallets, and how to make a living herb wreath.
The program will take place Saturday, October 13, from 8 a.m. until noon at 3740 Stefani Road. For more information, call (850) 475-5230.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Schedules Homecoming Parade; Entries Accepted Now
October 10, 2012
The fourth annual Northview High School Homecoming Parade has been scheduled for Friday, October 26.
The parade will line up at 12:30 p.m. and travel from Bratt Elementary School to Northview High. Entries are being accepted now; there is no cost to enter. For a printable entry form, click here.
Contact Perry Byars at (850) 327-6681 ext. 248 for more information.
The Northview Chief’s homecoming game will kickoff at 7 p.m. on October 26 against the Vernon Yellow Jackets.
Pictured: A float in the 2011 Northview High Homecoming Parade in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Family Honored As Tate Aggie Heroes, Scholarship Announced
October 8, 2012
The Tate Heroes Scholarship in honor of Dillon Roberson was announced Friday night at Tate High School as his family was honored.
Dillon was a 2009 graduate of Tate, where he played football and was more commonly known by the nickname “Robo”. He passed away in May after fighting a year and a half battle with lymphoma.
His parents, Warren and Renee Roberson, and brother, Tanner Roberson, were recognized with the “Aggie Hero Award” during Friday night’s football game. The Tate Heroes Scholarship will be presented to a senior who exemplifies honor, courage and character.
Pictured top: The family of Dillon Roberson (L-R) father Warren Roberston, brother Tanner Roberson and mother Renee Roberson are honored with the Tate Heroes award presented by Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas (far right). NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Students Of The Month Named
October 8, 2012
Students of the month for September have been named in Escambia County. The awards are presented monthly to two or three students from participating schools.
The following students were named from participating North Escambia area schools:
- Bratt: Da’Merion Findley, third grade; Amber Whitehurst, kindergarten.
- Jim Allen : Ravyn Sierra Brown, fifth grade; Jacob Paul Leger, fifth grade.
- Molino Park : Gabriel Gregory Hamm, fifth grade; Kayla Marie Mckillion, fifth grade.
- Ernest Ward : Zachary Scott Hilton, sixth grade; Clayton Chandler Findley, seventh grade; Trenton Dewayne Martin, eighth grade.
- Ransom : David Wayne Oglesby, eighth grade; Linda Dianne Bryant, eighth grade.
- Northview : Ashton Brooke Gibbs, 12th grade; Justin Lance Halteman, 12th grade.
- Pine Forest : Thomas Claude Bacon, 12th grade; Pine Forest : Annie Leah Shank, 12th grade.
- Tate: Taylor West; Logan Thirtyacre.
Here is the complete list from across Escambia County from participating schools:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
- Bellview : Tytiona Marie Brown, fifth grade; Sac’ve’on Lawon Rogers, kindergarten.
- Beulah : Sydney Grace Englehart, fifth grade; Johnathan Donald Jacques, fifth grade.
- Blue Angels : Quarmaun Jakar Middleton, fifth grade; Kaylen Diem Khanh Bui, fifth grade.
- Bratt: Da’Merion Findley, third grade; Amber Whitehurst, kindergarten.
- Cordova Park : Zaniah K Heath, fifth grade; Quinjayvious Demonta Smith, fifth grade.
- Ensley : Lafaye Di Angela Grandison, first grade; Makayla Alexis Benjamin, second grade.
- Ferry Pass : Terrence Robert Darga, fifth grade; Kiplin Elizabeth Smith, fifth grade.
- Hellen Caro : Aidan Joshua Sherrill, fifth grade; Victoria Grace Long, fourth grade.
- Jim Allen : Ravyn Sierra Brown, fifth grade; Jacob Paul Leger, fifth grade.
- Lipscomb : Allana Marie Davis, first grade.
- McArthur : Amiyah Jai Green, fifth grade; Kyndal Julia Milsted, fifth grade.
- Molino Park : Gabriel Gregory Hamm, fifth grade; Kayla Marie Mckillion, fifth grade.
- Myrtle Grove : Lito Lee Cabuyao, fifth grade; Raven Mae Brown, fifth grade.
- Navy Point : Talan Hunter Knight, first grade; Kimora Dominique Swift, kindergarten.
- Pleasant Grove : Matthew William Halloran, kindergarten; Isaiah Joseph Tyree, kindergarten.
- Semmes : Jacob Ryan Elliott, fifth grade; Ja’cobie Ta’lacy Mcqueen, fifth grade.
- Suter : Armoni Giavanna May, fifth grade.
- Weis : Da’drick Devine Warren, pre-kindergarten; Ja’niah Janeise Bonner, pre-kindergarten.
- West Pensacola : Aubrey Rain Sanderson, kindergarten; Anthony Thomas Smith, kindergarten.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Bailey : Abigail Butts, sixth grade; Hunter Lombardozzi; Zuniga Marisol .
- Bellview : Terrace Vidaja Golston, eighth grade; Aaron Joseph Dean, eighth grade.
- Brown Barge : Priscilla Alden Deng, sixth grade; Wesley James Delware, sixth grade.
- Ernest Ward : Zachary Scott Hilton, sixth grade; Clayton Chandler Findley, seventh grade; Trenton Dewayne Martin, eighth grade.
- Ransom : David Wayne Oglesby, eighth grade; Linda Dianne Bryant, eighth grade.
- Warrington : Brookelyn Sallie Mcneal, sixth grade; Christopher Lindsay Colvin, seventh grade.
- Woodham : Denali Elisabeth Netzer, sixth grade; Sarah Marie Cooper, eighth grade; Workman : Cordeiro Edward Moye, eighth grade.
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Northview : Ashton Brooke Gibbs, 12th grade; Justin Lance Halteman, 12th grade.
- Pine Forest : Thomas Claude Bacon, 12th grade; Pine Forest : Annie Leah Shank, 12th grade.
- Tate: Taylor West; Logan Thirtyacre.
ACADEMIES, SPECIAL CENTERS
- George Stone Vocational: Shakeirra Alicia Freeman, third grade.
- Escambia Westgate : Cameron James Green, sixth grade; Cody Shawn Contreras, 12th grade; Chelsea Brienne Carreola, 12th grade; Hannah Brooke Schneider, kindergarten; James Holden Mcclean, third grade; Raydecia Paradise Fields, eighth grade.
- Beulah Academy : Malcolm Donnell Rivers, sixth grade; Kamryn Alexis Mcginty, eighth grade.
- Pats Center : Colleen Doherty, fifth grade; Turner Friday, fifth grade; Audrey Mahon, eighth grade; Thien-An Uc, seventh grade.
Pictured top: Ernest Ward Middle School students of the month for September: Clayton Findley, seventh grade; Trenton Martin, eighth grade; and Zachary Hilton, sixth grade. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chef Emeril Lagasse Filming New Cooking Channel Show In Pensacola
October 6, 2012
Chef Emeril Lagasse was in Pensacola Friday, filming segments for “Emeril’s Florida”, his new show that premieres on the The Cooking Channel in January. On Friday, he filmed segments at Joe Patti’s Seafood and at The Fish House. Additional segments will be filmed Saturday on Pensacola Beach.
“He was very nice; he was in front of me getting some Beignets,” said Felicia Amerson of Walnut Hill, Amerson and her husband Alex bumped into Lagasse at Joe Patti’s. “He turned around, and I said ‘OMG’ I’m your biggest fan, can I have a picture with you. He said sure we gotta hurry cause I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Pictured: Felicia Amerson of Walnut Hill posses with chef Emeril Lagasse Friday at Joe Patti’s Seafood in Pensacola. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Let The Music Play And Everyone Cheer
October 6, 2012
There is plenty going on under the Friday night lights at a high school football. In addition to the gridiron action, there’s also band performances and cheerleaders leading the crowds.
For a photo gallery from the Northview and Jay high school bands, the Northview dance team, Northview’s NJROTC, NHS mini-majorettes and both Chief and Royal cheerleaders, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Final Show: Farmer’s Opry In Chumuckla Closes
October 6, 2012
After over a decade, Saturday night the final regular show at the Farmer’s Opry in Chumuckla.
Owner Sandy Wyatt has opened the Farmer’s Opry House almost every Friday and Saturday night with good homestyle food and country entertainment for the past 11 years. But now, the Opry will open only for special events, concerts and fundraisers.
Wyatt said he and his wife need a break; they are both reaching retirement age and still work other full time jobs in addition to the Farmer’s Opry House.
Saturday night was the end of 3rd Annual Classic Country Music Festival with the Sawmill Band, Brent Harrison, Candace Welch, Melissa Welch, Chloe Channel and the Million Dollar Band. And there was also one final meal — smokehouse chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and beans, fried okra, biscuits and Ooie Gooie cake.
Cancer Patient’s Birthday Wish Comes True
October 5, 2012
Halee Boyd, a Tate High School senior battling a rare form of cancer, had the 18th birthday celebration of her dreams Thursday night, meeting her favorite female county star in person.
“She’s got a little cancer, y’all, but she’s the strongest girl I’ve ever met. She’s beautiful. She came here, she’s in her hospital bed rockin’ her [behind] off…there she is,” country star Miranda Lambert said during her concert at The Wharf in Orange Beach. She then led thousands in singing to Halee.
“Happy birthday dear Halee; happy birthday to you,” Lambert, the CMA’s reigning female vocalist of the year, sang. “You’re awesome and beautiful…she’s so cool,” she said.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Halee is fighting Alevola Rhabdomyosarcoma , ARMS for short, a rare cancer of the muscles that are attached to the bones. There are only a few hundred new cases per year in the U.S. The prognosis not usually good.
“A month ago we were in my living room watching ‘How I Met Your Mother’ on Netflix and tonight we are waiting for a blood transfusion,” Halee’s mother Mardi Boyd said last May, shortly after the diagnosis. “No matter how I try, I just can’t seem to wrap my mind around that.”
In April, Halee started having severe headaches, followed by blurry and double vision. Within 10 days her right eye was swollen, and the Boyds headed to a hospital emergency room. On April 29, they learned she had a tumor.
“It is still hard to hear myself say that she has cancer, the words catch in my throat and tears well up in my eyes and my heart stops. It’s not that it’s affected my life so much; it’s that from April 29, 2012, her life changed so drastically in a hallway in an emergency department,” Mardi said.
Earlier this week, Halee’s birthday wish to see Miranda Lambert begin to fall apart. But thanks to Facebook and thanks to some amazing people that stepped up, it became night she’ll never forget.
Tickets that Halee and her mom thought they were going to have did not materialize.
“We tried to get tickets online but there are no more wheelchair tickets available through Ticketmaster. She can go down to the floor but there is no way I can afford that,” a discouraged mother said last Saturday night.
Posts began to appear on Facebook about Halee’s birthday wish to see the concert. A few posts grew into a flood on Lambert’s Facebook page and the Facebook pages of local country radio stations. Within 24 hours, she had her tickets thanks to generous people that saw the Facebook posts.
“Halee was given tickets today from some people in the community who saw the post and got involved. I doubt we will get to meet Miranda,” Mardi said Sunday.
But people in the community were not going to rest until Halee’s birthday wish came true. Hundreds of people, many who have never met Halee Boyd, continued their Facebook campaign for “Meet and Greet” backstage passes. Brent Lane and CatCountry 98.7; Marty White and WXBM; Kristi Smith, a NorthEscambia.com photographer; State Representative Clay Ingram and so many more angels made the phone calls, called in favors and would not rest until Halee’s birthday wish was set. In the end, one of Mardi’s friends in California sealed the deal with the backstage pages.
But the cancer and the chemo were going to throw a curve ball into the best laid plans of thousands. Complications landed Halee in Sacred Heart Hospital.
“We certainly have felt tested and tempted and it is so easy to give in to the pitfalls of dealing with cancer. I was reminded that Halee (and myself) should ‘just keep swimming’, keep the faith and focus on what we know, that God is in control,” Mardi posted on Facebook Thursday morning, awaiting word on if Halee would be able to attend the concert. “I am truly amazed to see Halee’s story shared over and over and people praying in faith not only for her, but for all kids everywhere with cancer. I am blessed.”
And she shared this scripture:
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” -James 1:12 NLT
One of the people that saw the numerous Facebook posts about Halee’s birthday wish was a man from Jay that stepped up and saw a way to help. Greg Odom is a flight nurse on LifeFlight. Along with Lifeguard Ambulance, Odom arranged to transport Halee to Orange Beach.
“I’m overwhelmed with emotion over this precious child. I’m thankful I was able to use my position to help her dream come true. It’s humbling,” Odom said.
By Thursday afternoon, only a fever stood between Halee and Miranda Lambert, but if the fever did not break, the doctors at Sacred Heart would not allow the trip. Hundreds, if not thousands, joined in prayer for Halee Boyd, often posting those prayers publicly on Facebook.
The fever broke just in time, and Halee loaded up in the Lifeguard Ambulance for a trip of a lifetime.
“My stomach is probably going to fall out. I’m probably going to sweat a lot; I’m going to be really, really excited,” Halee said before leaving Sacred Heart.
Once in Orange Beach, Halee had the chance to “hang out” with Miranda Lambert.
“Random strangers are giving me tickets because they just want to see a kid who is struggling happy,” Halee said. “And that makes me really happy.”
“I don’t think I have taken one picture that Miss Halee is not smiling from ear to ear,” Smith said from The Wharf.
“I’d say a dream come true tonight,” Odom said.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Halee’s 18th birthday is this Saturday, October 6. She does not currently have health insurance. Donations are being accepted for Halee through the family’s church, Heritage Baptist Church, 3065 Highway 297A, Cantonment, (850) 478-3316.
Pictured top: Cancer patient and Tate High senior Halee Boyd enjoys a concert by country star Miranda Lambert Thursday night in Orange Beach. Pictured top inset: Halee with Miranda Lambert. Pictured middle inset: Halee reacts during the show. Pictured bottom inset: Miranda Lambert, the CMA female vocalist of the year, sings Happy Birthday to Halee. Pictured below: Lifeguard Ambulance worked to transport Halee to the show. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
