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K-9 Cairo Retires From Escambia County Sheriff’s Office

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Cairo retired Thursday after six years on the job.

“This is a ruff letter to write, but I must inform you of my decision to retire,” Cairo “wrote” in his retirement letter to Sheriff Chip Simmons. “Every dog has its day, and today is mine.” You can read the full retirement letter in the photos below.

Cairo’s day started at his daily muster where he was showered with retirement gifts. His day ended with a special pet-friendly treat from Simmons.

Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Cuteness Overload Alert: Goat Gives Birth To Triplets At Beulah Middle School

Three new “kids” joined the Beulah Middle School family Tuesday afternoon as a goat in the school’s agriscience program gave birth to triplets.

Beulah Middle agriscience teacher Leanne Jenkins tells the story, in her own words:

Y’allllllllllllll…..

My cheeks hurt so bad and my heart feels like it’s going to explode! Today we experienced the most amazing births at Beulah Middle School! I’m in tears typing this announcement to you.

We thought we had a day or two before the arrival, but we moved Mama to her “birthing suite” to get her comfortable with the area. She was there most of the day and was crying to go back to the field with her buddies.

At the beginning of the last period, I had a student go on the back porch to get a duckling. He casually walked into the classroom with the duckling and said, “That goat out there is having a baby.” I told him she’s not having her baby yet, that she had a day or two before arrival. He then said, “oh, I could have swore I saw something coming out of her bottom.”

I went running, and sure enough, there was a hoof coming out of sweet mama!!

About 40 minutes later, with 60 students and staff members quietly watching, we have healthy, thriving, triplets!!!

It was beautiful and amazing and we are all on cloud nine.

Welcome to the world sweet babies ❤️. Brace yourselves for the hundreds of students that are thrilled to have you join our farm ❤️.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

West Florida Library Patrons Can Now Browse The Shelves At All Branches

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, patrons can now browse the shelves at West Florida Public Libraries.

Online order pickup is still available. Requests for library materials placed prior to arrival will be retrieved and ready for pickup at your vehicle. Designated online order pickup spaces will be marked. Drive-thru services are closed.

West Florida Public Libraries also increased eBook, eAudiobook and eMagazine titles for electronic access during COVID-19.

Pictured: The Century Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month

Ransom Middle School has named students of the month for March. They are Bryce Joachimi and Terra Sprung. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

ECSD Names School Library Principal Advocate And Librarian Of The Year

The Escambia County School District has announced this year’s School Library Principal Advocate of the Year and School Librarian of the Year.

The ECSD School Library Principal Advocate of the Year is Ernest Ward Middle School Principal Nancy Gindl-Perry. The ECSD School Library Principal Advocate of the Year is Lincoln Park Elementary School Media Specialist Laura Hobbs. They both received a plaque to display in their office or their school’s library.

Nancy Gindl-Perry

“Principals such as Mrs. Perry are important to the success of libraries because they control the factors that determine the quality of the school library program,” EWMS librarian Sherri Stallworth said in her nomination submission.

“As we know, effective library programs require budgeting, support, and promotion. For example, it takes money to staff and build a current and adequate collection size. Mrs. Perry continues to consider the needs of her library every year as she generously appropriates funds to provide qualified staff and grow the size of our collection. Last summer, Mrs. Perry participated in a major overhaul of my library. She physically worked with a team including the assistant principal, two teachers, a paraprofessional, and myself to revamp the library. We worked together for two weeks to weed books, rearrange bookcases, and genrefy books,” Stallworth aid.  (Genrefy books is to organize them by genre, or subject, to help students find interesting books.)

Perry allowed over $4,500 in district and Title I funds to purchase new library books, and she found a way for students to  visit the library during the pandemic.

“Mrs. Perry graciously approved a schedule that allowed teachers of elective courses to work within Covid guidelines to bring their students to the library twice a month. Finally, Mrs. Perry provided student assistants to aid in the duties that are required to keep the library accessible throughout the day,” Stallworth said.

Laura Hobbs

“My focus has always been to create lifelong readers. I believe children should develop as readers for both information and pleasure. In developing our curriculum, I target Library Media standards in five areas under a general theme: Library Skills, Literature, Digital Citizenship, Research and Makerspaces. As the year progresses, students develop literacy skills, face literacy challenges, and earn rewards,” Hobbs said.

“I’ve worked to transform Lincoln Park Elementary School’s library from a book and technology poor site to a well-stocked library with an updated collection and accessible technology. We currently have twelve desktops, a self-check-in station and two catalog search stations. Through grants, we obtained nine iPads, green screen technology for projects and our morning news program, extra seating, hundreds of books by level or topics, as well as Makerspace materials like Ozobot coding robots, engineering kits, and more. Materials that didn’t support our curriculum were weeded and replaced with more appropriate books. Our collection increased and is more relevant to our population’s needs, and the physical library is more usable and modern. To promote at-home literacy, I host an annual book fair, and normally maintain a “free books” shelf. This year the book fair was digital, and MyOn was promoted for at-home reading. I also coordinated a book giveaway for students through the Studer Group,” she continued.

Pictured top: School Library Principal Advocate of the Year Award winner Nancy Gindl-Perry (left), principal of Ernest Ward Middle School with EWMS librarian Sherri Stallworth. Pictured below: School Librarian of the Year Award winner, Laura Hobbs (left), and Lincoln Park Elementary School’s Principal Cassandra Smith.

Spring Livestock Show Winners Announced (With Photo Galleries)

Recently, 4-H and FFA youth competed at the Gulf Coast Agriculture and Natural Resources Youth Organization’s spring livestock show and auction at the 4-H property in Molino.

Youth exhibited chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, sheep, goats and cows. In addition to showing their animals in the show ring, youth were quizzed on their knowledge of their projects.

In the show ring youth could compete in two classes — one focused on the youth which is known as showmanship, and the other focused on the animal in either a breed or weight class. Over the past few months, and even years, the youth have poured countless hours into working and preparing their animals.

For a gallery of photos by Madison Fendley, click here.

For a gallery of reader submitted photos, click here.

Results were as follows:

Beef Breeding Supreme Champion- Leah Rutherford

• Beef Breeding Reserve Champion- Tucker Padgett

Grand Champion Preview Steer- Allen Thomas Bridgers

• Reserve Champion Preview Steer- Leah Rutherford

Grand Champion Market Steer- Jessica Conti

• Reserve Champion Market Steer- Ally Oliver

Grand Champion Dairy Cow- Tucker Padgett

• Reserve Champion Dairy Cow- Maliya Porter

Grand Champion Market Swine- Ella Gilmore

• Reserve Champion Market Swine- Josh Nichols

Grand Champion Market Meat Goat- Maliya Porter

Grand Champion Breeding Meat Goat- Andrew Fendley

• Reserve Champion Breeding Meat Goat- Maliya Porter

Grand Champion Dairy Goat- Andrew Fendley

• Reserve Champion Dairy Goat- Maliya Porter

Grand Champion Market Lam- Maliya Porter

Grand Champion Breeding Lamb- Austin Manning

Open Poultry Grand Champion Bird- Skylah Miles

• Open Poultry Reserve Champion Bird- Jessica Conti

Chick Chain Grand Champion Pen- Cade Weaver

• Chick Chain Reserve Champion Pen- Brooke Hoomes

Chick Chain Grand Champion Bird- Brooke Hoomes

• Chick Chain Reserve Champion Bird- Madison Behrends

Grand Champion Rabbit- Emerson Walters

• Reserve Champion Rabbit- Maliya Porter

————

Beef Breeding Showmanship Winners

Juniors

1. Malarie Cooper
2. Sydney Gilmore
3. Ella Gilmore

Intermediates

1. Tucker Padgett
2. Allen Bridgers

Seniors

1. Haylie Nelson
2. Leah Rutherford
3. James McElhaney

Preview Steer Showmanship Winners

Juniors

1. Sydney Gilmore
2. Ella Gilmore

Intermediates

1. Tucker Padgett
2. A.T. Bridgers
3. Brooke Hoomes

Seniors

1. Leah Rutherford
2. James McElhaney
3. Jessica Conti

Dairy Cow Showmanship Winners

Intermediates

1. Tucker Padgett

Seniors

1. Maliya Porter

Market Steer Showmanship Winners

Intermediates

1. John Parker Miller

Seniors

1. Laura Alexander
2. Jessica Conti
3. Lane Booker

Market Swine Showmanship Winners

Intermediates

• John Parker Miller

Seniors

• Laura Alexander
• Jessica Conti
• Lane Booker

Market Swine Showmanship Winners

Juniors

1. Ella Gilmore
2. Sydney Gilmore
3. Malarie Cooper

Intermediates

1. A.T. Bridgers
2. Tucker Padgett
3. John Parker Miller

Seniors

1. Jessica Conti
2. Hannah Thorne
3. Madison Behrends

Dairy Goat Showmanship Winners

Juniors

1. Riley Gibbs

Seniors

1. Andrew Fendley
2. Maliya Porter

Meat Goat Breeding Showmanship Winners

Juniors

1. Riley Gibbs

Seniors

1. Andrew Fendley
2. Maliya Porter

Sheep Breeding Showmanship Winners

Seniors

1. Maliya Porter
2. Austin Manning

Open Poultry Showmanship Winners

Juniors

1. Elizabeth Penullar

Intermediates

1. Skylah Miles
2. Phoenix Myrick
3. Abby Vernier

Seniors

1. Jessica Conti
2. Maliya Porter

Chick Chain Poultry Showmanship Winners

Juniors

1. Cade Weaver

Intermediates

1. Brooke Hoomes
2. Kennedy Ard
3. Tucker Padgett

Seniors

1. Amber Gilman
2. Jamie Gruenwald
3. Jessica Conti

Rabbit Showmanship Winners

Intermediates

1. Tucker Padgett
2. Ryan Clarke
3. Laney Clarke

Seniors

1. Maliya Porter
2. Emerson Walters

Photos by Madison Fendley and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month

Ransom Middle School named Kaytlin Robertson and David Jackson as February students of the month. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

ECSO Presents Service Awards To Deputies, Other Employees

Escambia County Sheriff Chip  Simmons and Chief Tommi Lyter presented awards to the following Escambia County Sheriff’s Office employees and deputies recently:

Marcus Faulkner was awarded the Civilian Service Medal for meeting the challenges COVID-19 and Hurricane Sally presented during the year 2020. Faulkner was also the recipient of the Law Enforcement Employee of the Quarter.

Crime Scene Supervisor Lacey Oden was awarded the Achievement Medal for receiving a Master of Science degree in Forensic Science from Oklahoma State University.

Sergeant Vincent Odenbrett was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and Cole Chancellor was awarded the Civilian Service Medal for exceptional professionalism and meeting the complex task of keeping the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in compliance and accredited.

Master Deputy Michael Moulton and Deputy 1st Class Thomas Garrett were awarded the Life Saving Medal for saving the life of Ronnie Golloher, who was in cardiac arrest during Hurricane Sally.

Senior Deputy Samuel Shelley and Deputy 1st Class Jeremiah Meeks were awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for being recognized every year (2016 – 2020) by MADD for outstanding achievement in relation to DUI arrests. Shelley was also the recipient of the Achievement Medal for becoming a Certified Drug Recognition Expert.

The Medal of Courage was presented to Master Deputy Matt Watkins, Deputy Trenton Hershberger, and Deputy Daniel Weller, who were engaged in a lengthy exchange of gunfire with a violent suspect who was wanted for aggravated assault and battery on a law enforcement officer. Watkins, Hershberger, and Weller showed extreme bravery in the face of danger by staying in the gunfight and assisting with apprehending the armed and dangerous suspect.

The Medal of Valor was presented to Senior Deputy Douglas Shoemaker. Shoemaker was also the recipient of the Purple Heart and Law Enforcement Officer of the Quarter. Senior Deputy Douglas Shoemaker responded to a suicidal threats call, and upon his arrival, he was met with open gunfire. Shoemaker was struck several times, and despite being wounded, Shoemaker was able to maintain his composure while returning fire.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Northview Horse Judging Team Wins State Championship, Advances To Nationals

The Northview High School Horse Judging Team won a state championship Saturday and will advance to the national competition.

Team members are Leia Grantham, Hannah Hassebrock, Audrey Goetter and Samantha Kimmons.

In addition, Grantham placed first individually in the state, and Goetter placed second.

The team is coached by sisters Courtney and Stephanie Solari, both Northview graduates.

“We are beyond proud of the girls’ dedication and the hard work they put in this year. Even when faced with changes to the contest format, a canceled preliminary event, and uncertainty over whether the contest would even happen, they persevered and gave it their all,” said Courtney Solari.

This was the second time Northview’s Horse Judging Team has won the state championship; the team claimed the title in 2019.

Pictured: (L-R) Audrey Goetter, Leia Grantham, Samantha Kimmons and Hannah Hassebrock. Team members are pictured below with coaches Stephanie Solari (far left) and Courtney Solari (far right). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Molino Park Elementary Wins $1,500 In Wellness Challenge; Ransom Middle And Northview High Place Too

Molino Park Elementary School claimed the top spot in the Escambia County School District’s Choose Wellness Challenge, and North Escambia schools were also tops in the middle and high school categories.

The challenge was to see which school or major department could achieve the highest level of participation in the challenge by the end of the school year. Participants completed steps to promote health and wellness, potentially reducing the district’s health care and lost work time costs.

At a 68.5% participating level, Molino Park Elementary was the overall winner. Molino Park also won this year’s “Most Improved” award with an increase of 13.3% over last year’s participation. The school received $1,500 in prize money.

Awards of $250 were also presented to the schools and departments with the highest percentage of participation

The highest percentage participation award at the middle school level went to Ransom Middle School at 55.1%, and the highest percentage participation award at the high school/secondary level went to Northview High School at 53.2%. The highest percentage participation at the major department award sent to the McDaniels Administration Center at 66.4%.

The awards are paid from wellness dollars, not taxpayer funds, according to the school district.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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