Pen Air Donates To Toys For Tots
December 28, 2011
Pen Air FCU teamed up with the U.S. Marine Corps and Department of Defense to provide toys to underprivileged children in the community for the holidays. Each Pen Air FCU branch served as a drop-off location for donations, accumulating more than $5,000 worth of toys that were distributed prior to Christmas. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chet Truett Named Ernest Ward Teacher Of The Year
December 27, 2011
Eighth grade science teacher Chet Truett has been named the Ernest Ward Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Teachers of the year are chosen by the faculty and staff at each school in the county. The Escambia County Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual Golden Apple Awards Dinner in February 2012.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
2011 In Photos: March
December 27, 2011
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2011. Today, we are featuring photos from March.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team prepares to enter a Cantonment home to end a domestic violence standoff. The 32-year old suspect was taken into custody without any injuries.
Molino Sandy Sansing’s Lauren Carnley missed a catch at third as the ball grazes the helmet of Northwest Escambia Alto’s Liberty Peebles during opening day games in Molino.
Teamwork: Members of the Ernest Ward Middle School track team compete in their season opening meet at Woodham Middle School.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Operation Clean Sweep was held in Cottage Hill.
A missing Escambia County, Ala., dog found 900 miles away in Texas was flown home.
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Kevin White, County Administrator Randy Oliver and Century Mayor Freddie McCall discuss the future of Century while outside Century’s business incubator in March.
Open Day ceremonies were held in March at Northwest Escambia in Walnut Hill.
An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy stopped this truck with the bumper sticker “Buckle Up! Or Pay Up!” on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. The driver was stopped because he was not wearing a seat belt.
Three people were arrested for firing shots into this Molino home.
A tornado hit McDavid in early March.
A National Weather Service team determined that a tornado that slammed McDavid was an EF1 with 105 mph winds.
A double shooting prompted Century to set new rules for community center rentals in the town.
One person was killed and two were injured in an Atmore Police Department pursuit near the Atmore City Hall.
Grammy award winner Marty Raybon performed in March at the Northview FFA Alumni Blue Jacket Jamboree in Bratt.
Spring flowers: Purple henbit covers a Walnut Hill field.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
Fallen Marine Travis Nelson’s Family Gives Back For Christmas
December 26, 2011
Scott and Beckie Nelson of Bratt just could not stand the thought of their first Christmas without their son LCpl. Travis M. Nelson who was killed in action in Afghanistan back in August. 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.
“We wanted to do something to give back and wanted take our minds off Travis not being here,” Beckie said as she worked on getting the flavor just right on a sweet potato casserole. “We thought about volunteering at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Then Scott said we should try to put back into this community and see if there was enough need.”
They initially planned to find about 70 individuals that needed Christmas lunch. But, before it was over, about 125 were on the list. For Beckie, it was her first time cooking a big Christmas lunch.
“We usually go to my mother-in-laws’ for Christmas lunch,” she said.
The recipients of the Nelson’s generosity ranged from the elderly to a family of 13, including eight children, that would have otherwise done without a traditional Christmas lunch.
Plans are already in the works to repeat the Christmas lunches next year in a program they are calling “Operation Enduring Loss”.
“We are continuing to endure the loss of Travis,” Beckie said. “For 19 years, he was here with us opening presents on Christmas. But he’s not coming home this time,” she said, pausing. “Or the next time. That chapter in our lives is closed.”
That’s been tough for the Nelson family, she said, where Christmas always meant family time and presents around the Christmas tree. The family put up a tree this year, but this time it’s a real tree with all brand new ornaments.
“I just couldn’t bear to open the box of our other ornaments,” she said. “There are so many special ornaments in there that belonged to Travis. It’s just never going to be the same.”
Pictured top: Beckie Nelson (left) and volunteer Sandy Brown work on a sweet potato casserole. Pictured inset: Beckie Nelson with a finished sweet potato casserole, one of many used in 125 Christmas lunches. Pictured below: Travis Nelson’s sister Anna Nelson (left) and friend McShane Ingalls prepare fresh string beans. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2011 In Photos: January, February
December 26, 2011
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2011. Today, we are featuring photos from January and February.
Fire ripped through this Jahaza Road home in Molino on January 12.
The winners, including Miss Northview High School Hayley Simpson, pose after the January Miss Northview High School pageant.
Ernest Ward Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society held an induction ceremony in late January.
An accidental fire destroys equipment at a work site in Walnut Hill.
In February, Molino residents got their first look at a proposed community center and library in the old Molino School.
Century residents gathered to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Bessemer, Ala., man (inside police car) tries to explain why he used an ax as he forced his way into an elderly woman’s home west of Flomaton.
Commander Merlin Ladner, USN (Ret) addresses the audience during Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection in February.
A mobile home burns with a meth lab inside on Molino Road.
Four people were left homeless after a fire started by an oven being used for heat destroyed their Byrneville mobile home.
Drivers were inconvenienced for weeks as the North Highway 99 bridge over Pine Barren Creek was closed in January.
January’s weather was cold, as evidenced by this fountain at Century Care Center.
Rick Scott was sworn in as Florida’s new governor.
The 1165th Military Police Company, including many North Escambia area residents, deployed to Afghanistan.
Jacke Johnson, Gary Riley and Sandra McMurray Jackson were sworn in as new members of the Century Town Council.
Former Century Town Council member Sharon Scott passed away in late February.
In February, numerous arrests were made after a drug-related sweep. A meth lab was found as this Molino Road home.
Lifeflight awaits as a victim is freed from a traffic crash on Highway 4A west of Century.
Pretty Paper: Family Displays Paper Nativity Set For Over 40 Years
December 25, 2011
For over 40 years, the Cowen family has displayed his $2 paper nativity set on his lawn each Christmas.
Hugh Cowen’s grandfather purchased the do-it-yourself kit — a printed paper nativity designed to be glued to plywood and then varnished. It was sold for just $2 in the late 1950’s by The Douglas Fir Plywood Association of Tacoma, WA.
“Durable paper patterns printed in bright colors are specially made to use on fir plywood,” is how an ad in a 1959 Popular Science magazine describes the set. “Simply paste on plywood and cut out with saw…Exterior plywood makes figures last for years.”
“My dad says it is his last year putting it up,” Susan Cowen Langston said of her 78-year old father. “He is passing the baton to me. I help him every year and have learned just how he likes it done.”
The set is displayed at corner of Ninth Avenue and Keating Road, just north of Creighton Road.
Pictured top: A paper nativity scene that has been displayed for over 40 years. Pictured inset: A 1959 Popular Science advertisement offering the set for sale. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: FBC Bratt Presents “Search For The King”
December 25, 2011
The First Baptist Church of Bratt recently presented the cantata “Search for the King”.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Submitted photos by Marcella Wilson, click to enlarge.
Northview Students Provide Christmas Food For Needy Families
December 25, 2011
Northview High School students collected over 500 canned and nonperishable food items during the last week of classes before Christmas break.
The items were distributed to needy families in the Northview community in Christmas food baskets. The event was sponsored by guidance counselors Heather Crumm and Kimblery Corcoran.
Pictured: Some of the more than 500 food items donated by Northview High Students. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Have A Holly Jolly – Century Care Residents Celebrate Christmas
December 25, 2011
The Christmas season has been a busy and exiting time at the Century Care Center.
At a recent event, Sawyer Hudson of Jay High School, and Bobby Holland and Keith Faulk performed prior to a residents’ Christmas party.
“We all send out a heart-felt thank you for all who contributed time, money and gifts,” said Century Care Center Activities Director Mae Hildreth. “This is a wonderful and generous community. Thank you to all and Merry Christmas from the Century Care Center staff, the residents and their families.”
Pictured top: Gifts galore, many donated by the community, at Century Care Center’s annual Christmas party for residents. Pictured inset: Sawyer Hudson of Jay High School performs. Pictured below: The CCC resident Christmas party. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Recipes: Rice Krispie Treats, Oatmeal Cookies, Hot Chocolate
December 25, 2011
We are continuing our Christmas recipe series today with some family time favorites.
Today’s recipes include Traditional Oatmeal Cookies, Crockpot Candy and Rice Krispie Treats — perfect recipes for the family to make together. And what would Christmas be without Hot Chocolate? Our quick and easy recipe can easily be increased to make enough for everyone, plus it’s easy to include some extra cocoa powder for a deeper, darker treat.
To submit your recipes to share with our readers, email them to news@northescambia.com.
Crock Pot Candy
submitted by Brooke Mixon
- 16 oz Salted Peanuts
- 16 oz UnSalted Peanuts
- 4 oz German Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Almond Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Butterscotch Morsels
Put all ingredients into crock pot. Cook on low for 2 hours. Do not stir or open lid. After 2 hours, turn off crock pot, stir candy and drop in clusters onto wax paper. Let cool and enjoy. This recipe will make 70-90 pieces of candy, depending on the size.
Traditional Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 3 cups of Quaker Oats (Quick)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Slowly stir in oats. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute on sheet, remove to wire rack.
Rice Krispie Treats
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 (10 oz., about 40) pkg. regular marshmallows or 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and continue to stir until the marshmallows have completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal coating them well with the melted marshmallow mixture. Using a buttered or silicone spatula, press the mixture evenly into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan which has been buttered or sprayed with non-stick spray or lined with wax paper. Cut into squares when the mixture cools. Makes 24 squares.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
Microwave butter with marshmallows on high setting for 2 minutes in a microwave safe mixing bowl. Stir together when melted. Microwave again on high for 1 additional minute. Stir in cereal, mixing until well coated. Press into pan as above.
Hot Chocolate
- 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tbsp. water
- 1 c. milk
- a bit of vanilla, if desired
Combine cocoa, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the paste from sticking to the pan. After about 1 to 2 minutes, add milk and vanilla. Mix it all together until it reaches your preferred temperature.