2011 In Photos: October
January 3, 2012
We are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2011. Today, we are featuring photos from October.
An improvised oxygen mask made from a water bottle is used on a puppy revived by CPR after a Century house fire.
This woman was among those arrested during an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office “Operation Clean Sweep” in Century.
This accident at Chemstrand and Ten Mile roads presented an interesting image.
Jay Elementary School made the national news after racy images were found on slap bracelets given to students as prizes from a fundraising company.
Incumbent Mayor Freddie McCall shakes hands with defeated challenger Henry Hawkins after Century election results were announced.
Annie Carter Savage and her husband Lloyd react to the news that she has been reelected to the Century Town Council.
Northview High beat Feeport in a district matchup.
Tate High School held their Senior Night.
A CERT disaster training exercise was held in Century.
Two people were seriously injured in this crash on Highway 29 in Bluff Springs.
Logan Doremus and Trace Franklin perform the skit “Nerd USA” during a talent show at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Hundreds of people attended the annual Williams Station Day in Atmore.
Senior Night was held at Northview High School.
Hundreds of area residents attended the annual Fall Festival in Flomaton.
A copper thief destroyed air conditioning units at the Davisville Community Center.
One person was injured in this crash in which they said they were trying to avoid hitting a deer.
Rebecca Wilburn watches through an ambulance window as first responders work to save her 9-year daughter following an ATV accident in Walnut Hill.
Funeral services were held for Megan Wilburn, a 9-year old Bratt Elementary School student killed in an ATV accident.
Homecoming was held at Tate High School.
Fall was in the air at the annual Molino Park Carnival.
Bratt Elementary School students took a virtual trip to Russia during a week-long Global Corner Learning Center program at the school.
The Second Annual Chief Challenge 5K was held at Northview High School. Overall male and female winners were Georgia Goetter and Isaac McGahan.
The Northview Chiefs beat the Jay Royals 56-7.
The Jay High School band performs a variety of “Car Tunes” at a Friday night football game in Jay.
Milton defeated the Tate Aggies 35-17.
Diann Stewart of the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue explains fire safety to a group of students at Bratt Elementary School.
A “Dig Pink” volleyball game between Northview and Flomaton benefits cancer awareness.
A new free Health and Hope Clinic to serve the needy opened in Century. Above, Executive Director Rick Hollis discusses clinic details with volunteer Billy R. Ward of Bogia.
Pac-Man and Pie: Someone spray-painted graffiti that included a slice of pie and apparent Pac-Man characters on the 120-foot tall Bratt-Davisville Water System water tower on North Highway 99.
The Century Town Council approved a business tax rate equal to that charged by Escambia County.
Thousands of people attended the annual Jay Peanut Festival.
Jay High School held their annual homecoming parade during October.
Is Your Heater Safe, Or Was It Recalled? Find Out Here
January 3, 2012
Several models of electric space heaters have been recalled in the past few months by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, including:
- Flow Pro, Airtech, Aloha Breeze & Comfort Essentials Heaters (2.2 million units) The heaters can malfunction resulting in overheating, smoking, burning, melting and fire.
- Lasko Portable Electric Heaters (107,500 units) An electrical connection in the base of the unit can overheat, causing it to melt and expose the electrical connection, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
- Honeywell Electric Baseboard and Fan Heater Thermostats (77,000 units) The thermostats can overheat, causing them to melt and smoke. This poses a burn hazard to the consumer.
- GE Zoneline Air Conditioners and Heaters (90,600 units) An electrical component in the heating system can fail, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
- Meijer Touch Point Oscillating Ceramic Heaters (13,000 units) The oscillating mechanism in the heaters can short out, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
To find out more about the recalled products, including model numbers and photos, visit the CPSC website.
2011 Persons Of The Year: Wade Jernigan And Organ Donors
January 2, 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. Additional Persons of the Year will be named on Tuesday.
Recipients named so far include the volunteers and supporters of the Health and Hope Clinic, and Northview Athletic Director Sammy Day.
An unexpected tragedy and a simple act of unselfishness led to the selection of 16-year old Kenneth Wade Jernigan and everyone that has signed their name as an organ donor as 2011 North Escambia Persons of the Year.
A heart of gold, always a smile, always positive, always there, and always giving of himself. Those are just some of the ways Wade Jernigan’s friends described him in the hours following a tragic wreck on a cool December morning not far from Northview High School. And, even in his death, he continued to give of himself.
After doctors did all they could do, Wade was kept on life support at Sacred Heart Hospital in order to donate his organs.
“Through his unselfish, giving spirit he chose to be an organ donor, and even though we greatly grieve his passing, through it he gave eight people and their families life and in this way he lives on through them,” his obituary said.
His impact on the communities of North Escambia was perhaps more profound than we will ever know. The Northview family grew closer together. Students signed up to become organ donors, perhaps multiplying the number of lives saved by Wade Jeringan’s death many times over. Many young people also examined their mortality and many made life altering decisions in their personal and spiritual lives.
An anonymous commenter on a NorthEscambia.com story about Wade Jernigan perhaps summed up the reason that all that are signed up to be organ donors and Wade Jernigan are 2011 North Escambia Persons of the Year:
“I’ve never in my time being at Northview witnessed the halls so empty of emotion and noise. Silence had overwhelmed us completely. This tells you how great of a guy he was. It hurts us all to think the guy you surrounded yourself with in case you were having a bad day, is gone,” the Northview student wrote.
“In return, we will all grow stronger, and learn from this.”
2011 In Photos: September
January 2, 2012
We are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2011. Today, we are featuring photos from September.
Fire completely destroyed this brick home on State Line Road near Century.
Students from Bratt and Byrneville elementary schools learned about peanuts during a special in-field demonstration.
Bus driver Tonia Allen found this little girl wandering alone in South Highway 99 near Walnut Hill. She was returned unharmed to her parents.
A weak funnel cloud was caught on camera near Fairground Road and the Escambia River in Molino.
An estimated $80,000 in marijuana was seized from a home on Highway 29 just north of Highway 97 in Molino.
Hundreds of students gathered to pray during the annual See You at the Pole event at a several schools.
At Atmore woman was critically injured in this early morning crash on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
A butterfly enjoys pretty weather in late September at the Turtle Point Science Center in Flomaton.
The Flomaton Hurricanes beat the Jay Royals.
Ernest Ward Middle School’s Eagle’s beat the Baker Gators.
Northview’s junior varsity beat the Blue Devils of Atmore.
Residents of Century Care Center enjoyed a little fall fishing at the facility’s pond.
The Escambia Gators beat the Tate Aggies.
The Northview Lady Chiefs defeated the Lady Royals of Jay.
The National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola officially dedicated the “Marine One” helicopter used to transport Presidents Nixon and Ford.
Northview, Ernest Ward, Tate and Jay took part in a soggy Cross County meet in Pace.
Jacob Dunsford gains yardage for the Ernest Ward Middle School as the Eagles defeated J.U. Blacksher.
Fort Walton beat Tate 33-0.
A boat belonging to a missing former Jay resident was found in Mexico, but there was no sign of Lee Kent.
Three men were charged in connection with an accident that claimed the life of a Southern Choctaw football player and injured several others after leaving a game in Flomaton.
Heavy surf pounded Pensacola Beach from Tropical Storm Lee.
Century Care Center Celebrates The New Year
January 2, 2012
Families and friends gathered with residents at the Century Care Center Sunday to celebrate the New Year. As they looked forward to 2012, they also looked back at 2011.
“Century Care Center wishes to thank all of the local churches, families, staff and organizations who have supported us throughout the year, especially for our wonderful Christmas,” Activities Director Mae Hildreth said.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
2011 Persons Of The Year: Sammy Day
January 1, 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. Additional Persons of the Year will be named on Monday.
Northview High School Athletic Director Sammy Day has been named a North Escambia Person of the Year for 2011.
Day, who was recently named the Northview Teacher of the Year, will retire at the end of this school year. He has been a teacher and coach for 37 years in the Escambia County School District. He is the only athletic director ever at Northview High School, after serving many years at Ernest Ward High School.
In addition to coaching, he has taught driver’s education for many years at Northview and previously at Ernest Ward.
“I want you to know that you were a fatherly influence in my life,” one NorthEscambia.com reader wrote in the comment section on a recent story about Day. “Know that you are loved and respected by many-especially those students who were lucky enough to get to know you.”
“You sure made a difference in my life and I have thought of you often over the years,” Cathy Davis wrote.
“You have truly been a blessing in so many peoples lives,” said Pam Morgan.
“You have always been an inspiration and great representative for our school and our area. Thanks for all you did for us on the softball, baseball and football fields, in the classroom and, most of all in our lives. We are all better people after knowing you,” wrote Michael Pennington, a 1984 Ernest Ward graduate and a member of Day’s 1982 state championship baseball team.
2011 In Photos: August
January 1, 2012
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2011. Today, we are featuring photos from August.
Scott and Beckie Nelson of Bratt remembered their son, LCpl Travis Nelson shortly after he was killed in action in Afghanistan.
The body of local Marine LCpl Travis Nelson arrived back at Dover AFB after he was killed in Afghanistan.
Funeral services were held for LCpl Travis Nelson, a 19-year old Marine killed in action in Afghanistan.
The Northview Chiefs beat Panama City Bay 26-17 in a preseason football classic.
The Tate Aggies lost their preseason classic 35-14 to Pensacola High.
Crowds turned out in August to meet the Northview Chiefs in anticipation of a great season.
Century residents began training workshops to become disaster ready.
August brought the first day of school across the area, including Bratt Elementary (above).
Several area churches, including Ray’s Chapel (pictured above) held special events to get youth geared up for back to school.
The chief of the Cantonment Volunteer Fire Department announced that his department was unable to adequately respond to calls and asked for a paid 24/7 fire crew. Escambia County denied the request.
Phillip Arnold, 66, was found guilty in the stabbing death of a pregnant Cantonment woman and her baby.
A member of the United States Blue Angels signs autographs after a later summer practice at Pensacola NAS.
Michael Aaron Killam was convicted of DUI and sentenced to 2.5 years in state prison.
A man and his children were rescued in good condition after being lost for three days on the Perdido River.
Annie Carter Savage was sworn in to the Century Town Council after the death of Nadine McCaw.
Make A Resolution To Be More Wildlife Friendly
January 1, 2012
The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions dates back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was said to have two faces which allowed him to look back on past events and forward to the future.
The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect on the issues of the past and resolve to do better in the upcoming year. The 2010 Gulf oil spill had a devastating impact on local wildlife. Florida is a state renowned for its diverse and unique ecosystems. But rapid development and environmental disasters, particularly in coastal areas, is continuing to destroy wildlife habitat. Resolve to be more wildlife-friendly in 2012 by following these easy tips from the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.
Provide food
Select plants with seeds, fruit, foliage, or flowers that butterflies, birds, and other wildlife like to eat. Berries, fleshy fruits, nuts, and acorns are all treats for many animals.
Supply water
Any water you provide will attract wildlife. You could have running water in the form of a natural feature, such as a pond, creek, or other body of fresh water, but a fountain or birdbath will also beckon wildlife. Empty and clean your birdbath every few days. Do not clean it with soap or bleach—just physically scrub all surfaces with a brush or scouring-type sponge. Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding and bacterial contamination.
Leave snags
Leave snags, which are the trunks of dead trees, in place if they do not create a hazard. Many birds use snags for perching, nesting, and feeding. Snags are often removed from yards or land mistakenly thought of as no longer having value. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A tree’s full life cycle at this point, is far from over.
Manage pets
If you permit pets to harass or kill wildlife, you will only hinder any efforts you make toward attracting wildlife. This is especially true for cats allowed outdoors.
Reduce insecticide use
Each time you apply an insecticide to your landscape, you reduce insect populations, which form an important food source for birds. Some chemicals can also poison birds and other animals that feed on affected insects.
Reduce the amount of mowed lawn area
Unmowed areas can contain more plant species than mowed areas, providing more potential food sources and habitat for wildlife. Reduce the mowed area around your house, especially in low-traffic areas, such as corners of the yard.
Increase vertical layering
Plant a variety of plants in different sizes and heights to provide more cover and feeding opportunities for diverse species of wildlife.
By following the simple tips in this chapter, your Florida-Friendly lawn and garden can become a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as part of a migratory passage between one wild space and another. Animals need to move from place to place, just like people. They have trouble traveling in heavily urban and suburban landscapes, but you can help them by joining your Florida-Friendly yard with others in the neighborhood to create a “natural corridor”—a safe, traversable route between woodlands, wetlands, or other wild areas.
For more specific information, visit the University of Florida/IFAS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscaping_for_wildlife or call your local Extension Office.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
2011 In Photos: July
December 31, 2011
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2011. Today, we are featuring photos from July.
Federal and state authorities raided a Jay medical practice with Dr. C. David Smith and his son Dr. J. S. Michael Smith surrendering their DEA licenses to prescribe narcotics.
Mayor Freddie McCall (right) congratulates two-time Super Bowl champ Anthony Pleasant as a Century park is dedicated in Pleasant’s name.
Youth involved in Mission Molino did yard work for widows around Molino and witnessed on Pensacola Beach during July.
Copper was stripped from two air conditioning units at the Byrneville Community Center.
The alleged work of an arsonist destroyed an unoccupied Century mobile home.
Lightning from a summer storm destroyed this storage shed in Bratt.
Summer meant Vacation Bible School for hundreds of children across the area, including the Big Apple Adventure at Highland Baptist Church.
Black ribbons were placed on the door of Century Town Hall and the flag was flown at half staff in honor of Council member Nadine McCaw following her death.
July marked the final lift off of the space shuttle, taking with it part of Florida’s economic engine.
Molino and Century were mentioned on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, thanks to a “genius” criminal.
Children enjoyed a shadow puppet show and numerous other activities during the summer reading series at the Century Branch Library.
Thousands of people attended Fourth of July fireworks shows, with hundreds choosing a show in Flomaton that was joint project of Flomaton and Century.
A brush fire off Highway 97A created a smoke fire that could be seen for miles in early July.
2011 In Photos: June
December 30, 2011
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2011. Today, we are featuring photos from June.
Hundreds of North Escambia area students graduated in June. Pictured above: Valedictorian Sarah Killam addresses the Northview High School Class of 2011.
Poplar Dell Baptist Church celebrated its 100th anniversary with the opening of a time capsule that had been hidden away for 50 years.
Temperatures topped the 100 degree mark in early June.
A mobile home in Bratt was sliced in half by a falling limb.
A pedestrian from McDavid died when he was struck by two semi-trucks hauling logs on Highway 29 in Bluff Springs.
A massive wildfire scotched over 1,500 acres north of Flomaton
Fire destroyed the media center at Pollard McCall School, just north of the Alabama/Florida line.
A farmer’s John Deere tractor and a Walnut Hill Water Works tower are dwarfed by a massive storm cloud west of Walnut Hill in mid June.
Low water levels from drought led to the discovery of an 1800’s era steamboat in the Escambia River near McDavid.
Drought led to near-historic lows on the Escambia River, including at the Molino Boat Ramp on Fairgrounds Road.
A major archaeological dig is underway near the Escambia River in Molino unearthed evidence of a 1740’s Spanish mission along with artifacts believed to be 6,000 years old.
Six people were involved in this two vehicle crash at Molino Road at Highway 29.
A Geraldine, Alabama, man died in this wreck at Fountain Prison in Atmore.
A participant is hit by a water balloon during an Escambia County Extension Service Water Camp at Lake Stone.