WOW Radio Expands Reach With New Pensacola Station
June 22, 2017
Popular Christian music radio station WOW 90.9 in Pace is now also broadcasting as WOW 101.1 in Pensacola.
“Since our beginning, at different concerts and events, listeners have asked us when we would have a better signal into all of Pensacola” said Dale Riddick, WOW Radio general manager. “We are excited that we can now tell them that the time is now and we look forward to being involved even more in the local communities we serve.”
WOW 90.9 is a non-commercial radio station that has served South Alabama and Northwest Florida since December 2009. WOW Radio plays the best in Adult Christian Hits available today, with a positive, inspirational message. Core artists and groups include: Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Chris Tomlin, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Mandisa, and Matthew West, and others.
“For seven and a half years WOW Radio has been serving our audience in South Alabama and Northwest Florida. With this addition, we will be able to reach even more listeners in the Pensacola area,” said Larry Steelman, President of Agape Educational Media. “Thank you to our long time supporters and welcome to our new listeners and partners.”
Agape Educational Media, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and the owner of radio station WOWB 90.9 FM is now simulcasting it’s 100,000 watt signal on WBSR-AM and translator W266AL at 101.1 FM in Pensacola..
The station is also streaming and can be heard at www.wowradio.org and the stations’ Facebook page is www.facebook.com/WOW90.9/.
Cantonment Residents Enjoy A ‘Milkshake With A Cop’
June 21, 2017
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held a “Milkshake With a Cop” event Tuesday afternoon at the new Arby’s on Highway 29 in Cantonment. Area residents had an opportunity to stop by and meet the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office that patrol the area and enjoy a free milkshake.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Tate High FFA Shines At State Convention
June 20, 2017
Twenty-two members of the Tate High School FFA Chapter attended the 89th Annual State FFA Convention and Expo in Orlando last week..
They were recognized as one of the top 30 FFA chapters in the state, and named one of “Florida’s Finest,” receiving the National Chapter Award. These top chapters have excelled in the areas of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture and have worked hard to fulfill the mission and vision of the FFA. The Tate FFA will go on to represent Florida at the national level in the National Chapter Award Program.
Amber Neal was also recognized for being in the final four in the proficiency award area, “Agricultural Mechanics, Repair and Maintenance.” Nearly 300 applicants from throughout Florida submitted applications for recognition within this program. The Agricultural Proficiency Award program rewards FFA members at the local, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.
The Tate FFA Parliamentary Procedure team competed and excelled at the State Convention as one of the top 12 teams in the state. During the Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event, teams conduct a mock chapter meeting to demonstrate their knowledge of basic parliamentary law and the correct use of parliamentary procedures.
Tate FFA’s Cora Andrews and Michael Harrelson were elected to serve as District 1 officers for the State FFA Association. Andrews will serve as the district president and Harrelson will serve as the district secretary. Their responsibilities as district officers will enable them to further impact FFA members within the district in the areas of agricultural education and FFA leadership.
What FFA Means To Me: Northview FFA Member’s Essay Is Best In State
June 18, 2017
Raeleigh Woodfin of the Northview High School FFA was the statewide first place winner of the “What FFA Means to Me” Alumni Essay Contest.
Woodfin received a Washington Leadership Conference scholarship of $500 and was recognized on stage Friday during the 89th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando.
Raeleigh Woodfin’s award winning esscay “What FFA Means to Me” is reprinted below:
A family of people who love and understand you, a place to be yourself and connect with others like and different than yourself, and a big family of people spreading nationwide that bond with you in a way no other organization can. This and much more is what FFA means to me.
The feeling of accomplishment and honor when you walk out of the classroom into a world of endless possibilities reminds you why you participate in FFA. The long nights and weekend adventures make it hard yet fun work. Staying up late to memorize everything from your opening and closing ceremony parts to the FFA Creed, there is an abundance of time spent on learning the craft that you care for so deeply.
After sub districts, districts, state, and national accomplishments, you feel a bond with the people you have shared it all with.
Years of dreaming of becoming a state officer like the idols you did and still do look up to.
In the process of doing what you love, you meet people from other chapters and befriend them, whether it be a neighboring chapter you met at state convention or a chapter from northern states you met at national convention. FFA changes the way you look at life. Looking at a sandwich and thinking of what it had to go through to get to your plate. Along with agriculture, FFA provides much more. It provides the ability to know more academically, physically, and mentally. The gifts of public speaking and giving presentations are skills that FFA has given and will forever be useful.
FFA teaches life skills and abilities that can be used even in your alumni days.
A new t-shirt for every event you partake in, year as a member, and year as an officer leaving you with a closet full of t-shirts and memories. Spending the night in hotels with friends and pulling pranks all night just to wake up with nothing but energy for the exciting day ahead. Attending Ag On the Hill, Fresh from Florida programs, Food for America, and Ag in the Classroom give you experience and the ability to grow and educate the young and the old about agriculture education and provide for those in need when they cannot provide for themselves.
Standing for something bigger than yourself and changing the future is what FFA does and I am glad to be a part of it.
Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve is the FFA motto and it explains so much.
The struggles of former years has brought us to this point in history and right now is the best time to be alive. FFA is a call to action. Make a big impact in your community. Your SAE is a big part of FFA. Your SAE, if chosen properly, can make all the difference in what you get out of FFA.
Being a leader does not take much. FFA makes it easy and fun.
Tate Graduate Robitzsch Completes From Basic Military Training
June 16, 2017
U.S. Air Force Airman Reed E. Robitzsch graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Robitzsch is the son of Richard E. Robitzsch of Cantonment, and Robin M. Robitzsch of Pensacola, brother of Reese W. Robitzsch of Pensacola, and husband of Amber K. Robitzsch of Cantonment.
He is a 2010 graduate of Tate High School, Cantonment, Fla.
Northview FFA Advocacy Program Named First Place In State; Chapter Honored
June 15, 2017
The Northview High School FFA’s “Fresh From Florida Advocacy Program” was named the first place program in the state during the FFA state convention Wednesday in Orlando.
Formerly known the Food for America program, the Fresh from Florida Advocacy Program is designed to encourage FFA members to participate in agricultural literacy and awareness projects on the local level. The annual program, conducted by the Northview FFA in March, gave hundreds of students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand as they got up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. The students even had the opportunity to make their own butter and enjoy it on crackers.
In addition to this year’s first place award, the Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program was previously honored in second place in 2015 and 2016, and was awarded first place in Florida for three consecutive years from 2012-2014.
The Northview High School FFA was also named as one of Florida’s Finest FFA Chapters during ceremonies Wednesday in Orlando.
Pictured top: Northview FFA members with their first place Fresh from Florida Advocacy Award and their recognizion as one of Florida’s Finest Chapters at the state FFA convention in Orlando on Wednesday. Pictured are: (front, L-R) Lacie Carter, Tabitha Chavers, Brandon Korinchak, Mitchell Singleton, Raeleigh Woodfin, Olivia Porter, (back, L-R) Cole Hassebrock, Cody Kite, Bryce Korinchak, Wesley Hardin, Clint Gunter and Donnie Dixon. NorthEscambia.com photo by Bethany Reynolds, click to enlarge.
McArthur And Pine Meadow Named All Star Drug Free Elementary Schools
June 15, 2017
Informed Families, a Florida nonprofit devoted to helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug-free, has announced two North Escambia area school have been named All Star Safe, Healthy and Drug Free Schools for 2017.
McArthur and Pine Meadow elementary schools were among 16 schools across the state to receive the honor.
To be eligible for All Star status, schools must complete the four prevention campaigns Informed Families sponsors throughout the school year:
- Family Day
- Red Ribbon Week
- Lock Your Meds
- Safe Homes, Smart Parties
“Ambassadors”—usually teachers, guidance counselors, or administrators—at each school manage these campaigns on the local level. Informed Families provides ambassadors everything they need and equips them with the information necessary to create a safer, healthier environment that fosters student success, both in the short term and the long run.
Schools and organizations honored as All Stars will receive $1,000 of prevention merchandise from NIMCO, Inc. for the next school year.
ECUA Helps Prepare 4-H Students For Mock Legislative Session
June 14, 2017
Escambia County 4-H students are scheduled to take part in a mock legislative program at the state capitol late this month. In preparation for that week, Larry Walker, ECUA District 5 board member, hosted the students Tuesday in the ECUA board room to allow the students to practice their legislative skills in a governmental chamber environment.
The training prepared the students for the upcoming 4-H Legislature and gain an understanding of board proceedings similar to legislative committees that happen in organizations in all forms of government and private corporate enterprise.
The local students have participated in an intensive five-part training program, which was directed by 4-H agents and adult volunteers, who contributed their knowledge of parliamentary procedure, research, debating, the art of persuasion, and formal presentation in committee and chamber sessions.
This year’s 4-H Legislature is set for Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30.
The civic education event allows students to write bills, act as lobbyists, pass the bills through various committees and debate the potential laws on the Capitol House and/or Senate Floor as acting representatives and senators. This exercise provides the 4-H’ers an opportunity to debate issues and experience the legislative process first-hand.
Pictured: Escambia County 4-H mock legislative students practice their skills in the ECUA board room Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pastor Celebrates 25 Years Of Ministry At Local Church
June 12, 2017
Atmore Baptist Temple celebrated the 25th anniversary of Pastor and Mrs. William D. “Doug” Odom’s call to the pastorate of the church by honoring them with a special Pastor’s Appreciation Service for their faithful commitment to their congregation and the community.
Pastor Odom grew up in nearby Century. In 1966, he entered the military and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. In 1969, he married Miss Pam Winder of North Carolina and they moved back to Century.
Pastor and Mrs. Odom came to trust Christ as their personal savior at Tabernacle Baptist Church in March of 1971. In 1980, Pastor Odom surrendered to the call to preach. Three years later, he left Century to attend Arlington Baptist College in Arlington, TX. In 1986, he returned to Century, where he served as the associate pastor of Faith Bible Baptist Church for one year. Then in 1987, he and Mrs. Odom moved to Troy, MO, where he would serve as the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church for the next five years. Pastor and Mrs. Odom came to Atmore Baptist Temple on June 14, 1992, where he has served as pastor ever since.
About a year after arriving in Atmore, the Odoms started a Christian kindergarten called Kiddie Kollege. At the end of the first year of operation, parents were so pleased with the educational program offered by the kindergarten that they asked Pastor Odom to consider adding a first grade class. With the addition of a second grade class in 1995, it was decided that the school should be renamed Temple Christian Academy, with the kindergarten division retaining the name Kiddie Kollege. Today the Academy offers academic instruction from preschool through twelfth grade.
Pastor and Mrs. Odom are the proud parents of three children: Tammy White of Loveland, Colorado; Rev. Kevin Odom, who currently serves as Minister of Music at Atmore Baptist Temple; and Angel Lister of Wetumpka, AL. They have nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Atmore Baptist Temple is located at 1707 South Main Street in Atmore, just north of the Alabama/Florida state line.
Highland Baptist Celebrates Pastor’s 10 Years Of Service
June 12, 2017
Highland Baptist Church celebrated 10 years with Pastor Brian and Sara Calhoun Sunday night with a “Gilligan’s Island” themed event. Church members performed a Gilligan’s Island skit and changed the words to highlight the Calhouns’ decade of service to Highland. An ice cream fellowship followed. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
