Molino Park, Jim Allen Students Dream Up One Of A Kind Inventions
January 13, 2012
Flying cars, traffic evaders, automatic bed makers and more were on display Thursday at Molino Park and Jim Allen elementary schools. Some of the brightest students at both schools presented their one of a kind inventions during an Invention Convention held at each school.
Students in each school’s Gifted Enrichment Classes displayed their projects they completed as part of their 15 week study of inventions and inventors. Each project included a prototype of the invention, information on how it works or how it would be used and the estimated cost.
“There were some really creative ideas,” Molino Park Elementary Principal Alice Woodward said. “They worked really hard.”
For a photo gallery of the Molino Park Gifted Enrichment Class inventions, click here.
Some of the items presented included:
- Tired of traffic on your morning commute? The Traffic Evader by Bryce Korinachk has the ability to fly over traffic using an air propulsion system. Simply refill the air cylinder with any air compressor and you are environmentally friendly when flying over traffic. The Traffic Evader’s sticker price is $75,000 to $80,000.
- The Splashula, at just $9.95 is a bargain for the grill or kitchen. Simply fill the spray bottle attached to your spatula with oil spray, and you’ll be a lean, mean pancake cooking machine — just spray the pan and flip the pancakes. Or, for the grill, load the squirt bottle with water. Flip the burgers and douse the flames in one easy step.
- The “Bathroom Reading Buddy” holds your books, magazines or perhaps even your iPad while in the bathroom for just $24.99. “It attaches to the side of the cabinet and extends out to hold your reading material,” according to inventor Connor Crisco. “When you are finished, just push it back up against the cabinet and it’s out of the way.” $24.99, magazines not included.
- The Auto Bed Maker is sure to please both moms and kids. “This device makes your bed faster than a strike of lightning,” according to inventor Clayton Smith. And, if you act now, it’s half price at just $40.
- The Flying Car (pictured) is a reality in another inventor’s project, but it’s going to hurt the bank account just a bit with a $100,000,00.90 sticker price. It’s easy to use, press the red button to fly; press it again to stop flying. But don’t forget where you parked it — the prototype model is camouflage.
- Girl Guardian is a GPS tracking device disguised as an attractive girl’s bracelet. It’s not recognized as a GPS device, so the bad guy’s won’t touch it. It can be constantly monitored for easy tracking, and includes a panic button for emergencies. And it’s good for the environment — it uses GPS chips from discarded cell phones.
- The 911 AED takes the automated external defibrillator a step further — open the lid and it automatically places a cellular 911 call with GPS coordinates for the dispatcher.
- Passing the sunflower seeds around the dugout at the neighborhood little league games is easier than ever with the Sandlot Seed Server. Simply place a cup under the server then “Open the Core and Let’em Pour” for only $49.99.
- Watered down soft drinks are a thing of the past with the Flavor Ice from Micah Calhoun. For just $50.69 it provides ice made out of the same drink that you are dispensing. “When this ice melts, it only makes your soda taste even better,” Calhoun said.
- The Sponge Shoe is just $9.99. It’s a shoe, it ’s a sponge — no it’s a sponge on shoe. Walk around, and all those little messes are cleaned right up. “It also saves my mom time because she does not have to mop the floor if it’s small mess that I can clean,” inventor Brayden Mickel said.
- The Bristle Bullet is an “easy, fun, cool way to clean your gun”, in Jenna’s project. A brush, like that used to clean baby bottles, is mounted on the tip of a bullet. Simply fire the bullet at your target and your gun is cleaned at the same time. A dozen would sell for $36.99.
- The Glow In The Dark Cork is perfect for night fishing. The glow in the dark paint glows like the moon. No more worrying about battery operated corks that fail when they crack.
- The $45 Dog Collar 3000 hold dog treats on Fido’s collar — no more running back inside for treats on those long winter walks.
- No more ropes with the sure to be American made Flag Raiser by Dalton Brown. For just $19.99, easy electronic controls automatically raise the flag.
- Travel Trays are manufactured of industrial grade stainless steel and collapse for easy storage. From an iPod to a Nintendo DS to McDonald’s fries or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s — the Travel Trays hold most everything with no spill.
- Ever had a fight in the kitchen with the roll of plastic wrap? Fight no more with the Wrap Trap at the introductory price of $7.50. It’s all about the control — the Wrap Trap holds the box of Saran or other wrap nice and steady on the counter while the included blade makes the cut.
Pictured top: The Bathroom Reading Buddy. Pictured inset: The Flying Car for just $100,000,00.90. Pictured below: A portion of the Flavor Ice machine. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Students Explore Past With National History Day Projects
January 13, 2012
History came alive through the eyes of students at Ernest Ward Middle School Thursday evening as they displayed weeks of work on projects for National History Day.
The History Fair in the school’s gym capped off a project in which EWMS students were required to do research into a topic. The research was presented in exhibit form, much like the typical science fair, or as a drama or web presentation. Students complete projects either individually or in teams.
For a photo gallery of projects, click here.
This was the third year Ernest Ward has participated in the national program, with the top projects from Ernest Ward headed next to a district competition. Winners included:
Individual Projects:
- Bethany Reynolds — The Cotton Gin: An Invention That Revolutionized a Global Industry
- Tristan Barrett — Scared of Reds: America’s Reaction to Communism
- Evan Till — The United States Cotton Industry
- Bailee Hinote — Native American Indians
Group Projects:
- Thomas Moore, Ben Preston, Jarod Townley — Railway System
- Mallory Gibson, Autumn Albritton — How The Revolutionary Ward Affected Indians
- Jessica Stacey, Abby Hammond, Destiny Watson — Pablo Picasso
- Tylet Houston, Tristan Reaves — The Revolution of Space Technology (Space Race)
Names of winners in the performance, web and research paper categories were not immediately available.
Pictured top: Ernest Ward Middle School National History Day entitled “Pablo Picasso” by Jessica Stacey, Abby Hammond and Destiny Watson. Pictured inset: Tristan Barrett’s “Scared of Reds: America’s Reaction to Communism” is judged. Pictured below: “Native American Indians” by Bailee Hinote. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Bride-To-Be Hoping To Win Dream Wedding On Auburn Campus
January 12, 2012
A young North Escambia area woman has big dreams — a free wedding this spring on Samford Lawn on the campus of Auburn University.
Jennifer Coleman, a Flomaton High School graduate, and her groom-to-be, Wes Sinor, are one of three couples vying to win the May 26 wedding of their dreams including the dress, tuxedos, flowers, photos, cakes, limousine, entertainment, reception — the whole wedding package worth thousands.
“We met playing intramural football in October of 2008 here at Auburn out on the intramural field. We just started hanging out after that,” Wes said.
“We were best friends for about two, two and a half years, so we already knew each other through and through,” Jennifer said. But they did not decide to date until after that two plus years of friendship.
“So from the first moment we decided to date, we knew this was it,” she said.
A month after the first date, Wes popped the question — kind of a spur of the moment caught in love kind of thing — without a ring. She said yes.
About a year after that first impromptu proposal, Wes repeated the proposal. This time he was prepared. He had saved some cash for a ring and made his wedding proposal one night on the intramural field where the couple had met, surrounded by candles. Once again, Jennifer said yes.
The winning War Eagle Wedding couple will be chosen by votes from the public. To vote for Jennifer and Wes, visit www.wareaglewedding.com and vote. Additional votes can be cast on four Facebook pages listed on the War Eagle Wedding website. Voting ends at 4 p.m. on January 18.
Pictured top: Wes Sinor proposes to Jennifer Coleman of Flomaton on an intramural football field at Auburn University. Pictured inset: Pictured inset: The couple, pictured here at the 2011 Auburn-Mississippi State game, are huge Auburn football fans. Pictured below: War Eagle Wedding finalists Wes and Jennifer (photo courtesy Flip Flop Foto). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Northview NJROTC Holds Military Ball
January 11, 2012
Northview High School recently held their annual Military Ball at the Naval Aviation Museum aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station, a joint event with Washington High School.
About 170 cadets attended the ball, which included an opening ceremony, presentation of colors, the national anthem, a POW ceremony, presentation of the king and queen from each school and an evening of dancing.
Northview recognized:
- King – Cadet Jody Day
- Queen – Cadet Kiani Okahashi
- Jr Prince – Cadet Jonathan Moretz
- Jr Princess – Cadet Ashley Simpkins
- Soph. Prince – Cadet Willie Owens
- Soph. Princess – Cadet Victoria Wright
- Freshman Prince – Cadet Sean Allister
- Freshman Princess – Cadet Lakelynn Parker
A Navy tradition was also celebrated with the cutting of a cake with the first slice being presented to the oldest and youngest in attendance – Northview Cadet Lane Carnley, and Washington’s LCOL Peter Peters, SNSI.
Pictured top: (L-R) King – Cadet Jody Day, Queen – Cadet Kiani Okahashi, Junior Prince – Cadet Jonathan Moretz, and Junior Princess – Cadet Ashley Simpkins. Pictured below: (L-R) Sophomore Prince – Cadet Willie Owens, Sophomore Princess – Cadet Victoria Wright, Freshman Princess – Cadet Lakelynn Parker, and Freshman Prince – Cadet Sean Allister. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Spreading Cheer: IP Gives Back In The Community
January 8, 2012
International Paper, the Cantonment Council on Aging and Heritage Baptist Church joined forces to spread holiday cheer during the Christmas season.
The groups delivered Walmart gift cards, turkeys and hams to area families in need. IP employeees Denise Samuel from the finance team and Andy Martin from pulp safety/training took part in the deliveries.
“My husband and I are in our sixties and are raising the third of the last three grandchildren over the past few years,” said Ken and Judy Mitchell. “ I have a chronic illness and had to quit work in August. My social security starts in January. Your gift given to us by Andy was God’s hand reaching down to help us.”
Each year, the Pensacola Mill provides community neighbors in need with gift cards (this year totaling $750) and delivers turkeys that are either donated by employees or leftover from the annual Lead Team turkey distribution.
“Thank you (International Paper Pensacola Mill employees) for the turkey and gift card. They were a great blessing to me and helped out a lot,” said Jessie Houston.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: A Great Day To Be On The River
January 8, 2012
Dozens of people took advantage of great weather Saturday morning to hit the Escambia River in Molino for a little fun and fishing.
At Fairgrounds Park and the Molino Boat Ramp, the parking lot was nearly full by late morning with vehicles and boat trailers. The county-owned Molino Boat Ramp and Fairgrounds Park is a 1.5 acre boat ramp and park located at 6698 Fairgrounds Road in Molino. The park includes a boat ramp, dock, picnic tables, portable restroom, security lights and a nature boardwalk.
Pictured: Saturday morning a the Molino Boat Ramp. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate’s Rho Kappa Sends Care Packages To Deployed Alumini
January 6, 2012
Tate High School’s history honor society Rho Kappa recently sent care packages to deployed Tate High alumni. The packages included a variety of personal care items and non-perishable foods.
For more photos, click here.
Pictured above: Tate’s Rho Kappa history honor society recently collected items for care packages for deployed Tate graduates. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Area Band To Perform At BCS Championship Game
January 5, 2012
An area high school band will perform next Monday night at the BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans.
The T.R. Miller High School band of Brewton will play at the game as the Alabama Crimson Tide takes on the Tigers of LSU for number one in the nation.
Band members have rehearsed and held fund raisers for months. Band Director Lance Gainous said his young musicians earned the trip through hard work and a string of superior ratings in competitions last fall. The band departs for New Orleans on Friday and will return after the game.
The game airs on ESPN beginning at 7:30 Monday night. There’s no word yet if the Miller band will appear in the broadcast.
Pictured: The T.R. Miller Band practices. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
2011 Persons Of The Year: LCpl Travis Nelson And Family
January 3, 2012
NorthEscambia.com is naming Persons of the Year for 2011. The recipients were nominated by our readers as individuals that have a made a difference in North Escambia during the past year — people that have given of themselves to help others and the communities of North Escambia during 2011.
Recipients named so far included the volunteers and supporters of the Health and Hope Clinic, and Northview Athletic Director Sammy Day. and Wade Jernigan and organ donors.
Fallen Marine LCpl. Travis M. Nelson and his family have been named as 2011 North Escambia Persons of the Year.
LCpl. Nelson gave all on the battlefields of Afghanistan in August 2011, and his family has continued to give back to the North Escambia area.
A world was shattered in August at the Nelson home in Bratt as three men in military uniforms stood at the door. “I just screamed and said no,” Beckie Nelson off Bratt said shortly after she learned that her son, LCpl Travis Nelson, was shot and killed while conducting combat operations in in Helmand province, Afghanistan. “I just went to my knees and said don’t let them come in. I knew right away that he was gone.”
It was a tragedy that began a wave an emotions and events that touched the entire North Escambia area and a nation. The community grieved as hundreds if not thousands changed their Facebook profile pictures to a single image in honor of Nelson. Tears flowed as powerful photos were published that showed an honor guard removed Nelson’s flag-draped coffin from a plane at Dover AFB in Deleware.
The rain poured down at Pensacola Naval Air Station as the final leg of Nelson’s journey home began. The rain did not send them running; they stood silently — many holding American flag — as the hearse carrying an American hero departed on a 55-mile journey to Atmore. Along the way, some of Pensacola’s busiest roadways came to a complete standstill as the motorcade passed. Many motorists stood outside their vehicles and paid their respects. In Walnut Hill, just a few miles from Nelson’s boyhood home in Bratt, the motorcade slowed as it approached Ernest Ward Middle School. Nelson was Golden Eagle, attending Ernest Ward in the sixth and seventh grades.
Hundreds of Ernest Ward Middle School students and teachers dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97, American flags in hand, waiting for the arrival of the motorcade.
As the procession passed, the students stood with their hands over their hearts, waving Old Glory. The thunder of 127 Patriot Guard motorcycle riders vibrated the ground and echoed across the country fields near the school.
Six Florida Highway Patrol trooper vehicles led the hearse past the school. Many broke down in tears at the sight of a flag draped coffin. Others cried as they made eye contact with Nelson’s parents and their daughter — a sixth grader at Ernest Ward.
The motorcade continued into Atmore, where crowds stood along the route, waving Old Glory. At a local bank on Highway 31, people stood with large flags as the Northview High School NJTROC stood steadfast at attention. Across the way at the iconic Atmore train station, a group of local veterans stood proudly and saluted as Nelson’s remains passed.
Nelson’s funeral was held in Atmore where, again, hundreds paid their final respects.
Nelson was not forgotten. His name was added to the Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor and other area memorials. A scholarship was announced. The Bratt Community Park was renamed the LCpl. Travis M. Nelson Park. Nelson’s family was honored at the annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Madeline Cates was to marry LCpl Travis Nelson when he returned from service with the Marines in Afghanistan. She had picked out her dress just before he lost his life serving his country half a world away in August.
“It wasn’t suppose to happen,” Madeline Cates said about the death her soulmate. “He was the love of my life.”
Cates, 21, decided that she would join the Marines to finish what Travis Nelson had started. She is due to report to boot camp in March 2012. After a NorthEscambia.com story was published about her decision, Cates’ story made international news.
Travis Nelson’s parents, Scott and Beckie Nelson, just could not stand the thought of their first Christmas without their son. To take their minds off a Christmas without Travis in the house, they decided to give back to the communities that had supported them so much following his death.
The Nelson family, along with a small army of volunteers, prepared and delivered about 125 Christmas meals Sunday for elderly, shut-in and needy people in the Bratt, Atmore and surrounding areas.
“He really was our hero,” Scott Nelson said.
LCpl Travis Nelson left behind a short, simple note just in case he did return from the battlefield in Afghanistan.
“Dear friends and family, if you are reading this, I didn’t get to come home. I love each and every one of you. I have no regrets, I died for a meaningful cause.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Top 11 Stories Of 2011
January 3, 2012
Here is the second part of our pick for the Top 11 Stories of 2011. (For the first six stories, click here.)
5. Century Lumber and Land
Century Lumber and Land held a ribbon cutting in October 2010. The ribbon cutting was delayed as the company continued to seek financing, and officials learned later that the company did not have any option or claim to the old Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company at the time of the ribbon cutting. Over 3,000 people applied for jobs at the company. As 2011 rolled around, company officials continued to make promises about a series of industries that would bring up to 500 jobs to Century. As October rolled around, James Leonard Craft, the manager of Century Lumber and land, was jailed in Alabama on numerous securities and financial fraud related charges after being indicted as the result of an Alabama Securities Commission investigation into his alleged practices with Century Lumber and Land. Meanwhile, a realtor announced that the old Alger-Sullivan property was still on the market.
4. Northview and West Florida football
2011’s season for the Northview Chiefs was repeat of 2010 with the school’s second ever trip to a state semifinal game. The Chiefs were able to host their entire playoff run at home in Bratt. For the West Florida Jaguars, it was a dream season with nine wins — the most every in the school’s history, and their second ever appearance in the playoffs.
3. Three Children Die in Atmore House Fire
In November, three young children died in a house fire in Atmore. Their 18-year old mothers, twin sisters Akeevia Lajoseia Abner and Tekeevia Lajoseialan Abner, were each charged with three counts of reckless murder. An investigation revealed that the children, ranging in age from 22 months to 3 years, had been left home alone with an unattended stove. There was also a mattress found blocking the front door of the home.
2. Federal And State Raid of Medical Center
In late July, federal and state law enforcement swarmed the Jay Medical Center, seizing records belonging to hundreds of patients from across the area. Dr. Cleatious David Smith and Dr. John-Stewart Michael Smith were forced to surrender their DEA licenses to prescribe narcotics on the spot, and about two weeks later they requested leaves of absence from the medical staff of Jay Hospital. Agencies including the FBI, federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the Attorney General’s Office, the Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Law Enforcement took part in the raid. As of the end of the year, no one had been charged with any crime as a result of the raid.
1. LCpl Travis Nelson
NorthEscambia.com’s Top Story of 2011 was the death of Marine LCpl Travis M Nelson and the events that followed. For more, click here for a story about LCpl Nelson and his family being named 2011 North Escambia Persons of the Year.
For a look back at stories from 2011 about LCpl Nelson, click the links below:
Local Marine Travis Nelson Killed In Afghanistan
August 19, 2011
Fallen Marine’s Family: He Was Our Hero
August 20, 2011
Hundreds Honor Fallen Marine With Facebook Profile Picture
August 22, 2011
Fallen Marine Travis Nelson Returns Home Wednesday, Funeral Friday
August 22, 2011
Obituary: Lance Cpl. Travis Michael Nelson
August 22, 2011
Fallen Marine’s Name Added To Walnut Hill Veterans Wall Of Honor
August 23, 2011
Powerful Photo Gallery: Fallen Marine’s Remains Arrive In U.S.
August 24, 2011
Lance Cpl. Travis Nelson Arrives At Pensacola NAS
August 24, 2011
Heartfelt Homecoming: Fallen Marine Returns (Photo Gallery: Pensacola, Walnut Hill, Atmore)
August 25, 2011
Flags Ordered At Half Staff Today For Lance Cpl Travis Nelson
August 26, 2011
Funeral Held For Fallen Marine (With Photo Gallery)
August 27, 2011
Family Of Fallen Marine LCpl Travis Nelson Offers Letters Of Thanks
August 29, 2011
Family Plans Scholarship, Memorial To Honor Fallen Marine
September 2, 2011
Commission Expected To Rename Park For Fallen Marine
September 12, 2011
Football Teams Honor Fallen Marine LCpl Travis Nelson
September 28, 2011
Bratt Park Renamed For Fallen Marine
November 9, 2011
Video: Remembering The Return Of LCpl Travis Nelson
November 10, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle Thanks Veterans, Honors Memory Of LCpl. Travis Nelson
November 10, 2011
Plaque Presented In Honor Of Fallen Marine At Pensacola Veterans Park
November 12, 2011
In His Honor: Fallen Soldier’s Fiancé Joining The Marine Corps
November 12, 2011
Videos: Madeline Cates Joining Marines To Finish LCpl Travis Nelson’s Job Makes National News
November 21, 2011
Wreaths Placed At Barrancas With Honor; Event Also Honors LCpl Travis Nelson
December 12, 2011
Fallen Marine Travis Nelson’s Family Gives Back For Christmas
December 26, 2011
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.