Mail Carrier Slams Into Fire Hydrant, Pole Barn
February 22, 2017
A mail carrier escaped serious injury Tuesday in a single vehicle accident near Walnut Hill.
The woman lost control while westbound on Highway 164 near J.D. Rigby Road. He vehicle hit a fire hydrant before striking a RV pole barn. She was evaluated on scene but not transported by Escambia County EMS.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Details have not been released.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the accident.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Honey Bee Workshop To Be Held Saturday In Molino
February 22, 2017
“Keeping Our Bees Alive” will be the main emphasis for the North Escambia Beekeepers Association’s Annual Honey Bee Workshop Saturday in Molino.
Aimed at helping prospective and experienced beekeepers succeed, the event will be held from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Molino Community Complex, 6450 Highway 95A North.
Considered the most successful beekeeper in the Pensacola area, Shelby Johnson, president of Escarosa Beekeepers Assn., will explain the necessity of annual re-queening, and how to prevent swarming. Most beekeepers are losing their bee colonies while Johnson continues to maintain his hives in good health. Johnson produces nucleus colonies for new beekeepers as well as to replace those which others have lost. He will discuss skills to keep bees alive while enjoying ever-increasing honey production.
Workshop speakers include Dr. Jamie Ellis, Associate Professor of Entomology at University of Florida, who will address what is killing bees, controlling honeybee pathogens, and nutrition. Andrew Finch, Florida State Apiary Inspector, will discuss Varroa mite and SHB control.
Last year over 165 people attended, so registration is required. Lunch and door prizes are included in the cost of $25 for adults; $12.50 for ages 13-18; and under 12 is free. Paypal accepted at www.northescambiabees.com or call Danny Woods at 850-777-4129 or dawoods@frontiernet.net.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Cantonment Wreck
February 22, 2017
One person was injured in a single vehicle rollover accident Tuesday night in Cantonment.
The crash was reported just after 9 p.m. on East Kingsfield Road near Riddle Road, about a mile from Tate High School. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol; further details have not yet been released.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Northview Celebrates National FFA Week With Breakfast
February 22, 2017
FFA members at Northview High School are celebrating National FFA Week with a variety of events.
Tuesday morning, the FFA officers and members prepared a homestyle breakfast for teachers, staff and invited guests that support the FFA program. Northview’s FFA program has been recognized as one of the top chapters in both the state and the nation.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Authorities Arrest Alabama Man For Child Sex Abuse
February 22, 2017
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Brewton man on child molestation charges.
William Douglas Smith, Sr., 56 year old W/M, of 1904 Sowell Road, was charged him with two counts of sexual child abuse of a child less than 12-years old. The alleged victims ha\e been interviewed by a forensics interviewer and provided cause for an arrest according to deputies.
The case is still under investigation and anyone with any further information is asked to contact the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office at (251) 809-2154.
Sen. Richard Shelby Tours Atmore Manufacturing Plant
February 22, 2017
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, (R-Ala) toured Alto Products in Atmore on Tuesday.
Alto has manufactured over a billion friction clutches & powertrain components for automotive, high-performance, heavy-duty, marine and motorcycle applications. Approximately 300 people work at the Atmore facility.
Pictured: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (in suit) tours Alto Products in Atmore with company president David Landa. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Molino Crash
February 22, 2017
There were no injuries in a two vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on Highway 95A at Adams Road near Molino. Further details on the crash have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Tate, Northview Softball And Baseball Games Rescheduled
February 21, 2017
All Northview and Tate high school softball and baseball games for today have been rescheduled
- NHS softball rescheduled for Wednesday
- NHS baseball rescheduled to Thursday
- Tate softball rescheduled to Wednesday, March 8
- All Tate baseball games rescheduled for Wednesday, same sites and times.
FHP Seeks Century Hit And Run Driver
February 21, 2017
Update: The hit and run driver has been located. Further details have not been released.
Authorities were looking for a hit and run driver after crash at the Food Giant in Century this morning. The driver of red Nissan reportedly hit a speed limit sign and a concrete sign pedestal in front of the store just before 7 a.m. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at (850) 484-5000 or *FHP from a cell phone. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mayor Under Fire For Granting Time Off, Pay Raises Without Approval
February 21, 2017
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins came under fire Monday night after it was revealed that he give town employees paid time off and across the board pay raises, all in apparent violation of the town charter.
Hawkins admitted that since taking office in January, he has given each town employee a 53-cent per hour pay increase and has allowed each employee to take four paid hours per month off. The changes, he said, were to boost employee morale.
The information came to light during the public forum period of Monday night’s town council meeting as resident Edna Earle Barnes questioned Hawkins about “rumors” that she heard.
“It’s a morale booster,” Hawkin said.
“Well it’s not boosting the morale of the citizens of the town,” Barnes replied.
“My job is take care of the employees,” the mayor said, “and the employees with take care of the town.”
“No,” Barnes interjected, “Your job is to take care of the town.”
The money to fund the 53-cent per hour pay increase for each employee came from the salary of street department employee that quit in January and was not replaced. Hawkins said that since the funds were already budgeted for salaries, he simply divided the salary among the remaining employees.
But council president Ann Brooks said Hawkin’s actions were wrong and in excess of a $500 spending limit imposed by the town charter. She said employee raises and policies are to be approved by the council.
“We are suppose to approve any spending over $500,” Brooks said.
Hawkins openly came under verbal attack by local residents in attendance at the meeting. Several expressed displeasure that the behind the scene pay raises were granted during a time Hawkins has said the town needs to raise water, sewer and gas rates in order to remain financially viable.
“You are building morale with your employees, but you are not doing it with the citizens of the town,” Barnes said. “You are suppose to be looking out for us.”
On a motion from council member Kevin Stead, the council voted to remove the pay raise and eliminate the newly granted paid time off for each employee. Stead also called for any such future action by the mayor be subject to council approval.
Pictured top: Mayor Henry Hawkins listens to a discussion Monday night as Town Clerk Leslie Howington takes notes. Pictured inset: Century resident Edna Earle Barnes addresses the council. Pictured below: The Century Town Council discusses pay raises granted to employees without their permission. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
