Kevin Harris Retiring From Sheriff’s Office
May 21, 2011
A retirement ceremony was held Friday at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for Kevin Harris. Harris, who is assigned to the Century Precinct, is retiring from the department after 27 years.
Upon his retirement, Harris will receive an honorary promotion to sergeant.
Pictured top: Kevin Harris and family members at his retirement ceremony Friday afternoon at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Pensacola. Pictured inset: Lt. Carl Jones shares a memory about Harris as Sheriff David Morgan looks on. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gardening: It’s Not Necessary To Kill Every Insect
May 21, 2011
Many people think “the only good bug is a dead bug.” Their typical treatment strategy is to “nuke” the lawn using a broad-spectrum insecticide and kill every insect in sight. Unfortunately, this strategy could be making your problems worse.
There are documented cases of outbreaks of Southern chinch bugs on heavily insecticide treated lawns, but not on neighboring untreated lawns. Why? Because healthy lawns are inhabited by a multitude of beneficial insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates that feed on plant debris, fungi, and other insects.
Almost all turfgrass pests have one or more natural enemies that can be important in suppressing their population.
In order to have a healthy and successful lawn, learn to use an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. IPM is the combined use of cultural, biological and chemical methods for effective, economical pest control with little risk to human health or the environment.
To practice IPM, it’s imperative to know which insects are helpful, harmful or harmless.
Ground beetles
There are many species of predatory ground beetles. Some are rather ferocious looking, resulting in some very worried homeowners. These beetles can range in size from ¼ – 1½ inches and can be black or multicolored. Their antennae are inserted between the eyes. Ground beetles usually are very quick moving and can “seek and destroy” their prey. These insects can be very helpful in controlling a pest insect population.
Spiders
While they are not insects, spiders are surprisingly common and active in grass areas and are very efficient predators. Many species of spiders are beneficial in the garden or lawn, feeding on a wide range of immature insects and mites.
Ants
Some species of ants are carnivorous, seeking out insects and other soft bodied organisms with which to provision the nest. In addition, ant activity often can help in the general breakdown of organic matter and the formation of soil.
Pyramid ants are beneficial ants that nest in sandy soils. Their nests have a single entrance that is surrounded by a crater shaped mound. These pale orange to dark brown slender ants are only about 1/8 inch in length. They are not aggressive and typically will not sting people. They are considered beneficial because they eat pest insects.
Centipedes and Millipedes
Centipedes and millipedes are commonly seen in yards and occasionally enter homes. Neither centipedes nor millipedes damage furnishings, home, or food. Their only importance is that of annoying or frightening individuals.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that pest insects are only one of many potential causes for thin or brown grass. Diseases, nematodes, drought, and nutritional disorders can also be damaging. Correct identification of the problem can save money and prevent unnecessary pesticide applications.
Beneficial insects are very sensitive to insecticides, so whenever a general insecticide is applied to control a pest species, the material will usually have a detrimental effect on the beneficial organisms. Consider using alternate methods of pest management, biological control agents (if available and suitable) or providing optimum cultural conditions so that the lawn can tolerate higher levels of pest activity without visible loss of vigor. If an insecticide application is deemed necessary, make spot treatments rather than broad scale applications if at all possible.
FBLA, DCT Learn About Job Opportunities At Navy Federal
May 20, 2011
The Northview High School FBLA and DCT class toured Navy Federal Credit Union in Pensacola this week.
The combined group was give an overview of operations at the Pensacola facility and learned about potential employment opportunities with Navy Federal.
“I did not realize that such an opportunity existed in this area,” said Samuel Ortis, Northview DCT student. Organizers said several students expressed interest in applying for employment at Navy Federal after graduation.
Navy Federal is the world’s largest credit union with nearly 3.6 million members worldwide. There are 1,700 current employees on the Pensacola campus, with over 3,000 employees expected when the campus is fully occupied.
The FBLA students are under the direction of Donna Smith, FBLA advisor and DCT coordinator is Tommy Weaver.
Pictured above: Students watch a presentation in the Navy Federal events room. Pictured below: Students tour the employee fitness center. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Soles4Souls Shoe Collection To Benefit Earthquake, Tornado Victims
May 19, 2011
The Ernest Ward Middle School Student Government Association has teamed with the non-profit organization Soles4Souls to collect shoes in good condition for the victims of the earthquake in Japan and the recent tornadoes in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia.
The school is collecting the new and gently used shoes (no holes, separated soles or missing laces) from students, staff and the community through May 27.
Soles4Souls has given away over 12 million pairs of shoes through its five year history, currently delivering an average of one pair every seven seconds.
Soles4Souls began as a small team effort to make a difference in peoples’ lives with the gift of shoes after Hurricane Katrina roared into the Gulf Coast in August, 2005. The group’s collections are now distributed to those in need worldwide.
Photo Gallery: Ernest Ward Drama Presents ‘The Bachelor King’
May 19, 2011
The Ernest Ward Middle School drama class performed their spring production The Bachelor King Tuesday night and Wednesday.
In the play, Queen Evian uses her dying words to pass succession to the throne to Yokel, a foolish hillbilly everyone agrees needs a wife to help him run the kingdom. Chaos and hilarity ensues as his staff brings in eligible young ladies to vie for the king’s hand.
Cast members in the play were:
Queen Evian -Meagan Ogle
Prince Daft – Jacob Dunsford
Mr. Conroy—Kendral Langford
Hazel – Leann Fillingim
Fredericka Pilfer — Danielle Suggs
Miss Knolls—Katie Born
Lady Greensbrough —Kamryn Brock
Yokel—Trevor Levins
Mrs. Weaver—Abbie Johnson
Mrs. Priscilla Tradewells Ayers Hollander Morley – Morgan Packer
Jane Claxton—Amber Freeman
Sally Valley — Harmoni Till
Kanisha — Megan Bryan
Miss Agatha Peabody —Liberty Peebles
Simon Towel—Julie Hester
Paula O’Toole—Aaliyah Creamer
Pictured top: Amber Freeman as Jane Claxton and Trevor Levins as Yokel. Pictured inset: Katie Born as Miss Knolls. Bottom: Megan Bryan (standing) as Kanisha gets the attention of Leann Fillingim (seated) as Hazel. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century CI Donates To Pen Air, NorthEscambia Tornado Relief Effort
May 18, 2011
When they heard about a local drive to help tornado victims, the staff at Century Correctional Institution went to work to collect items to help. Tuesday, Century CI delivered their donations to Byrneville Elementary School, one of the drop-off locations for a tornado victim relief drive sponsored by Pen Air Federal Credit Union and NorthEscambia.com. The donations at Byrneville, Molino Park and Bratt elementary schools, Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High will be transported to north Alabama later this week. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Student, Businesses Honored For Ethics
May 18, 2011
Tuesday, the BBB of Northwest Florida presented its sixth annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, Customer Service Excellence Award and Student Ethics Scholarships for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The BBB also awarded three, $1,000 Student Ethics Scholarships each to Sarah Malinda Killam from Northview High School, Amber Briana Cotten from Pace High School and Sarah Renee Green from Pace High School. At Tuesday’s awards ceremony, the scholarship winners read their essay on character building, submitted as part of the application process.
The Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics was created to publicly recognize business and charities that insist on exceptionally high standards of behavior dealing with customers, vendors and employees.
This year, your BBB Foundation received several outstanding nominations. Island Realty of Pensacola Beach and the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce both received Honorable Mentions for the Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
The Torch Award winner for a small business, Medi-Weight Loss Clinics, was recognized for their values-based management. The Torch Award winner for a mid-sized, Sea Gallery Stores, plays an active role in the community and chamber of commerce to promote other businesses in the area.
The recipient of the Torch Award in the charity category goes to Gulf Coast Kid’s House. The non-profit provides child-friendly services, minimize trauma to affected families, and educate the community about child abuse.
The Customer Service Excellence Award honors an individual that goes above and beyond in their customer service activities.
BBB’s Customer Service Excellence Award winner, Gretchen Shields with Granny Nannies, was highly recommended by her both her boss and clients. Amber Wright, BBB Dispute Resolution Specialist, was also recognized with a Customer Service Excellence Award.
Pictured top: Sarah Killam of Northview High School accepts a $1,000 BBB Student Ethics Scholarship Tuesday. Pictured inset: Killam reads here essay on character building, which was required as part of the application process. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend In 360 Photos
May 16, 2011
From two big Relay for Life events, to a Fairy Tale dance recital, to Art Day and FFA honors, our NorthEscambia.com cameras were there this weekend with over 360 photos from across the area.
Click any of the items below to read more and see the photo galleries.
Fairy Tales: Danceworks Students Present Annual Recital
May 15, 2011
Heather Leonard’s Danceworks students presented their annual recital “Fairy Tales” Saturday night at Flomaton High School.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
The Danceworks students are instructed weekly at the Byrneville Community Center by teachers Heather Leonard and Chelsea Golson, who coordinated each of Saturday night’s dances.
The program included:
- Monster — Jalyn Bodiford, Morgan Digmon, Anna Fischer, Leah Fischer, Chelsea Golson, Karrie Gibson, Sarah Killam, Chloe Leonard, Jessica Lowery, Shelby Nielson
- A Whole New World — Ella Wade Caraway, Carsyn Dortch, Maddiemae Driskell, Madalyn Grimes, Ava Gurganus, Berklee Hall, Daisy Davis-Johnson, Meredith Johnston, Reiley Morgan, Maggie Scott
- Kingdom Dance, Choregraphy Heather Leonard — Anna Belle Barberree, Lana Harris, Allison Johnson, Olivia Porter, Delaney Reynolds
- The Little Mermaid — Lola Capps, Marina Franklin, Emma Gilmore, Kaleigh Macks, Lillie McCall, Mary Rice, Gracie Stockstill, Aubrey Stuckey, Aleigh Thornton, Abby Weber
- Escape from the Dragon — Bama Coburn, Jamison Janes, Ansleigh Maholovich, Kenna Redmond, Bailey VanPelt
- Charlotte’s Web — Taylor Kearley, Elizabeth Sanders
- Do You Believe in Magic — Anna Belle Barberree, Lana Harris, Allison Johnson, Olivia Porter
- Hero — Chelsea Golson, Heather Leonard
- You’ve Got a Friend in Me — Lola Capps, Marina Franklin, Emma Gilmore, Kaleigh Macks, Lillie McCall, Mary Rice, Gracie Stockstill, Aubrey Stuckey, Aleigh Thornton, Abby Weber
- Something That I Want — Bama Coburn, Jamison Janes, Ansleigh Maholovich, Kenna Redmond, Bailey VanPelt
- Ever Ever After — Anna Belle Barberree, Lana Harris, Allison Johnson, Olivia Porter
- Ready — Jalyn Bodiford, Morgan Digmon, Anna Fischer, Leah Fischer, Karrie Gibson, Sarah Killam, Chloe Leonard, Jessica Lowery, Shelby Nielson
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Celebrates Annual Banquet
May 15, 2011
The Northview High School FFA held their 16th annual banquet Friday night.
The event includes a somber ceremony for graduating seniors…they slowly remove their signature blue FFA jackets and hang them up for the last time on a coat rack. One at a time, the three graduating senior officers participated in the ceremony. Allyson Bullard, Stephanie Solari and Allie Vidak removed their signature FFA blue jackets one by one, placing them on the coat rack.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
The night also included many awards for Northview and Ernest Ward Middle school FFA members and supporters.
Among those honored for their support of the FFA program were Henry Thompson, Eli Miller, Lou Vickery, Rikki Vidak and Jennifer Castor. The five were named honorary members of the Northview FFA.
Five companies were recognized as being Blue Jacket Jamboree Banner Sponsors — PIONEER-A Dupont Company, Escambia County Farm Bureau, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, NorthEscambia.com and the Pensacola Interstate Fair.
Some of the other awards presented included:
- Blue/Gold Award: Brandon Chambless, Tyler Hester, Dillian Crutchfield
- Outstanding Freshman/Star Greenhand: Courtney Solari
- Outstanding Sophomore: Jessica Baldwin
- Outstanding Junior: Lydia Weaver
- Outstanding Seniors: Stephanie Solari and Allie Vidak
- Leadership/All Officers: Lydia Weaver, Allie Vidak, Stephanie Solari, Allyson Bullard, Courtney Solari, Jessica Baldwin, Devin Bell
- Dekalb Award: Stephanie Solari
- High Point Award: Lydia Weaver
The new Northview FFA officers named for the 2011-2012 school year were: Lydia Weaver, president; Jessica Baldwin, vice president; Brandon Chambless, second vice president; Courtney Solari, secretary; Brittany Thompson, treasurer; Jeremy Stacey, reporter; and Dillan Crutchfield, sentinel.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
