One Injured In Highway 97 Crash
February 25, 2014
One person suffered minor injuries in a single vehicle accident late Monday night in Walnut Hill.
The driver of a Chevrolet Avalanche told first responders that his wheel struck something on or near a bridge on Highway 97 near Wiggins Lake Road. He lost control, ran off the roadway and overturned into a concrete culvert about 11:55 p.m.
The 61-year old male driver was transported by Atmore Ambulance to West Florida Hospital.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
West Florida Students To Research Gulf Oil Patties
February 25, 2014
West Florida High School’s Marine Science students have been given an opportunity to engage in hands-on research that is as meaningful as it is fun thanks to a new initiative called Project Gulf Oil Observations (GOO). The research consortium Deep Sea to Coast Connectivity in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico (Deep-C) developed Project GOO which trains teachers and students to be effective citizen scientists and puts their new-found knowledge to use during visits to Gulf beaches in search of oil patties.
After months of collaboration and training in the classroom, WFHS students will get a chance to apply their skills in the field this Fridaywith a trip to Perdido Key. Amelia Vaughn and Danielle Groenen, members of the Deep-C consortium, along with Dr. Chris Reddy and assistant Catherine Carmichael from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, will participate with Shawn Walker’s WFHS Marine Science honors students. The goal is to apply scientific protocols in the retrieval of tar-patties that have washed up on the beach.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to engage my students in the process of science, the relevancy of Project GOO, and the collaboration with such highly regarded educators and scientists,” shared Shawn Walker, Marine Science Instructor at West Florida High School.
“Talk about compounding interest. Put together scientists and teachers who are passionate about their work with students who are eager to help with ongoing research and watch as excitement fuels student engagement, sparks career interest, and feeds enthusiasm the of all. And as a side bonus, research is conducted more efficiently in both time and cost. That’s a pretty good return on investment.”
“I cannot think of better vehicles to engage students than getting their hands dirty and learning how the world, in particular the ocean, works,” said Dr. Christopher Reddy, a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) marine chemist and scientist with Deep-C.
Pictured top: Educator Amelia Vaughan oversees the students in Shawn Walker’s class as they test out one of their oil clean-up methods. Pictured inset: High school teacher Shawn Walker and Chris Reddy of WHOI are deep in discussion about sample analysis. Pictured below: Catherine Carmichael, a research associate at WHOI, shows teacher Shawn Walker that taking detailed notes is essential when collecting data. Courtesy photos by Danielle Groenen for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chiefs Split Softball Games With Holmes County In Bonifay
February 25, 2014
The junior varsity Northview Chiefs improved to 4-0 with a 11-3 win Monday afternoon over Holmes County in Bonifay. The varsity Lady Chiefs lost to Holmes County 5-3.
The varsity Chiefs will host Catholic at 5:00 Tuesday before taking part in the TR Miller Tournment February 28-March 1. The varsity and JV Chiefs will travel to Jay on March 4.
Pictured: the JV Northview Chiefs beat Holmes County Monday in Bonifay. Photo by Karen Ging for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Train Wreck Acid Spill Cleanup Continues With Long Term Testing Plans
February 24, 2014
Work is continuing today to clean up as much as 30,000 gallons of corrosive acid from a McDavid creek following a train derailment during a rare ice storm near McDavid, and plans are being made for long term water monitoring of Cotton Creek and the Escambia River.
At about 7:10 p.m. on January 28, 23 cars derailed off a bridge. Four cars containing 96 percent concentration phosphoric acid derailed into Fletcher Creek which feeds into Cotton Lake and the Escambia River. Three of the cars were breached, one catastrophically. Phosphoric acid is used in fertilizer production, pharmaceuticals, detergents, food products, beverages and other products.
Workers at the site are currently conducting water quality monitoring at a total of 25 monitoring stations at the surface and lake bottom at Cotton Lake and the Escambia River. Water quality parameters being testing include pH (acid level), total phosphorus and dissolved oxygen.
Beginning March 3, long term monitoring sampling will begin with long-term monitoring equipment to be installed.
All of the phosphoric acid contaminated water has been removed from Fletcher Creek, and restoration is underway on the dry creek bed.
Cleanup crews are continuing to transport liquid waste off-site. As of Saturday, 444,128 gallons of liquid waste had been generated, with 411,915 gallons shipped off-site. An additional 1,858 tons of sediment waste has also been removed.
Documents show 62,137 kilograms of elemental phosphorus mass was released at the site. Mass dissolved phosphorus weighing 2,934.99 kilograms was removed with 155,464 gallons of surface water.
Pictured inset: The west side restoration of Fletcher Creek. Pictured below: The creek bed restoration on the east side of the derailment site. Pictured bottom: The site in early February with multiple train cars derailed in the Fletcher Creek.
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Man Charged In Four-Wheeler Hit And Run Crash
February 24, 2014
A local man has been charged in connection with a four-wheeler crash in Molino on February 15.
Richard John Langley, 26, was charged by the Florida Highway Patrol with hit and run failure to stop and remain and at a crash involving injury, hit and run leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage and reckless driving causing seriously bodily injury.
A 27-year old female was transported to an area hospital by ambulance following the accident about 12:15 a.m. February 15 on Jahaza Road near Cedartown Road in Molino. Her injuries were not considered life threatening. Langley was allegedly the driver of the four-wheeler and fled the scene following the accident, leaving in the injured female behind, according to the FHP.
Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month
February 24, 2014
Students of the month for January have been named for Ernest Ward Middle School. They are (left to right) Cloe Smith, sixth grade; Kaylin Glenn, seventh grade; and Tyanna Magee, eighth grade. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Claims Winning $121K Lottery Ticket Sold In Century
February 24, 2014
A winning $121,183.96 lottery ticket sold in Century has been claimed by an Alabama man.
Glenn Nicholson of Monroeville purchased a winning Fantasy 5 ticket for the February 5 drawing at Becky’s Mini Mart, 9010 N Century Boulevard. Nicholson’s ticket was one of two winning tickets sold for the drawing each worth $121,183.96. The second winning ticket matching all five numbers was sold in Boynton Beach.
February 5’s Fantasy 5 winning numbers were 11-19-25-30-31.
Tate Softball Takes 3 Of 4 In FL-AL Weekend Challenge
February 24, 2014
The Tate Lady Aggies softball team traveled to Panama City over the week to compete in the Florida-Alabama Challenge hosted by Chiles High School.
Tate took three out of four games and compiled a total of 54 runs the entire weekend; their only loss came by one run with a game that lasted well past midnight. The Lady Aggies played against teams from Miami, Tallahassee, and Montverde, FL.
Bridget Dall and Casey McCrackin both hit two home runs; Rachel Wright, Kaylen Rowell, and Tori Perkins all had single shots over the fence. Lauren Brennan (.750) and Casey McCrackin (.600) led the Aggies at the bat the entire weekend.
Tate will play rival West Florida this Wednesday (make-up game) night at Tate than travel to Navarre Friday night for a district game.
Pictured: Tate Florida-Alabama Challenge home run hitters: Rachel Wright, Bridgett Dall (with two homers), Tori Perkins, Kaylen Rowell and Casey McCrackin (with two homers). Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC: Gun Season Over, But Local Deer Hunting Lasts Through March 2
February 24, 2014
General deer gun season may have ended Sunday in the Panhandle, but if you don’t mind hunting with a primitive weapon, our local Zone D’s late muzzleloading gun season runs a week longer until March 2. This unique late season, which occurs only in the Florida Panhandle, was established to give hunters the chance to hunt the rut, which occurs from mid-January through February in the Panhandle.
A $5 muzzleloading gun permit is required to hunt during this season. On private land, hunters have the choice of using a muzzleloader, bow or crossbow.
On wildlife management areas, this postseason is referred to as the archery/muzzleloading gun season. Hunters can use bows or muzzleloaders but not crossbows, unless they possess a disabled crossbow permit. Hunters who choose to hunt with a bow must have the $5 archery permit, and those using a muzzleloader need the muzzleloading gun permit.
The most common kinds of game to hunt during this season are deer and wild hogs. Only bucks may be taken (even if you use a bow), and one antler must be at least 5 inches in length. If you’re hunting deer, make sure you have the $5 deer permit. On private land, the daily bag limit is two. Bag limits and antler size for deer on WMAs can differ, so please consult the area brochure before you hunt.
Wild hogs aren’t considered game animals on private lands. Because of this, they can be taken year-round by most weapons with no bag or size limits. On most WMAs, there also are no bag or size limits, and hogs are legal to take during most hunting seasons except spring turkey. On selected WMAs, specific bag and size limits do apply, so check the area’s brochure to make sure.
No dogs may be used in the pursuit of deer during this season. However, leashed dogs can be used to track a wounded deer if necessary. And it’s important to note that no turkeys may be taken during this season.
Bows and crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds, and hand-held releases on bows are permitted. Broadheads used in taking deer must have at least two sharpened edges with a minimum width of 7/8 inch.
During this season, you may use only muzzleloaders that take black powder or a non-nitro-cellulose substitute and are fired by wheel lock, flintlock or percussion cap ignition (including 209 primers). You may not use muzzleloaders that require smokeless powder or those with self-contained cartridge ammunition capabilities. For hunting deer, muzzleloaders that fire single bullets must be at least .40-caliber, and those firing two or more balls must be 20-gauge or larger.
You’re allowed to take deer and hogs over feeding stations on private land, but it’s illegal to do that on WMAs.
Twelve of the WMAs in Zone D have a late archery/muzzleloading gun season. If you plan to hunt any of ’em, you must have the $26 management area permit as well. Ten of those areas don’t require a quota permit during this period: Apalachicola, Apalachicola River, Beaverdam Creek, Blackwater, Choctawhatchee River, Econfina Creek, Escambia River, Point Washington, Tate’s Hell and Yellow River WMAs. The two that do require a quota permit are Chipola River and Perdido River WMAs.
You can get all of the licenses and permits you’ll need at any tax collector’s office or retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing supplies, by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA or by going online at License.MyFWC.com. And, as a reminder, hunting licenses are now available at the Clerk of the Court Office in the courthouse in Century.
As hunters, we all know that it’s nearly impossible to score every time we’re in the woods. But the thrill of the hunt lies in the appreciation of the woods, watching the wildlife and never knowing when that trophy animal might decide to show itself.
Tony Young is the media relations coordinator for the FWC’s Division of Hunting and Game Management. He can be reached with questions about hunting at Tony.Young@MyFWC.com.
Russia Tops With Olympics Medals In Sochi; U.S. Is 4th
February 24, 2014
The 22nd Olympic Winter Games have ended. Here are some highlights of the two plus weeks of action.
Only three gold medals were awarded on the final day and two of them went to host Russia. The Russians swept the medals in Sunday’s first event, the men’s 50-kilometer cross-country ski race. Alexander Legkov won it with a time of 1:46.55.2
That was 0.7 of a second faster than teammate Maxim Vylegzhanin (1:46.55.9) and 0.8 better than bronze medalist Ilia Chernousov (1:46.56.0).
Russia won its first-ever gold medal in the four-man bobsled, as driver Alexander Zubkov made it a clean sweep, after earlier in the games winning the two-man event.
Russia unexpectedly ended up on top of the medals table, with 13 gold, 11 silver and nine bronze for a total of 33. At the 2010 Vancouver Olympics the Russians were back in 11th place with three gold, and sixth in total medals won with 15.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said he was pleased to see the Russians do so well before enthusiastic fans.
“It is not just enough to organize the Games, but you also need a good home team. So they were working hard after the shock they had in Vancouver ,” Bach said. “And I think it is just remarkable the progress that has been made within four years from Vancouver until today, so can we only congratulate the Russian team for this great success.”
Also at his closing news conference, Bach said the response from all the participants – athletes, National Olympic Committees, international sports federations, sponsors and broadcasters – has been overwhelmingly positive.
He added that in speaking to many athletes, after spending four nights in different Olympic villages, he did not hear one complaint.
“They loved the sports facilities, the quality of the Olympic villages,” Bach said. “What impressed (them) the most was the proximity of the Olympic villages and their venues.”
Second to Russia in the gold medal count was Norway with 11. Canada was third with 10, one more than the United States, by successfully defending its men’s ice hockey title with a 3-0 win over Sweden. That was the final sporting event of the Games.
The United States was second behind Russia in total medals with 28, while Norway had 26 and Canada 25.
In all, 26 nations won medals at the Sochi Olympics, the same number as in Vancouver.
Bach said that even though so much attention has been given to the huge cost to stage these Olympics, estimated at $50 billion, Sochi’s operational costs were about the same as Vancouver.
He emphasized that the investment in the region for infrastructure will be here a long time – new roads, railroads, housing, sports venues, winter training facilities and more. Sochi will host a Formula One auto race and 2018 World Cup football games.
“This project was not limited to just building a winter sports center,” Bach said. “It was about the transformation of a whole region into a modern destination for tourists, for conventions and for sports. And it was amazing what happened here.”
Five athletes tested positive for banned substances during the Sochi Games, including Austrian cross-country skier Johannes Duerr on the final day. His expulsion for the red blood cell booster EPO prevented him from competing in Sunday’s 50-kilometer race.
The other four testing positive were a Ukrainian cross-country skier (Marina Lisogor), a German biathlete (Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle), a Latvian ice hockey player (Vitalijs Pavlovs) and an Italian bobsledder (William Frullani). Those four other cases involved minor stimulants that can be found in food supplements. None of the five had won medals.
As for the United States, a number a favorites like two-time Olympic snowboard halfpipe champion Shaun White failed to make the podium, while other underdogs came through. Alan Ashley is the chief of sport performance for the USOC.
“There is always at the Olympics times when you are like going, ‘Oh my gosh, I wish so and so had done better,’ but just as many times there is like a whole new generation of athletes or a new group of athletes that surprise you, and that is the beauty of the Games,” Ashley said.
But the U.S. figure skating team had its worst Olympics showing since 1936 with no medals in men’s, women’s or pairs, and the long track speed skating team had its worst Olympics ever.
“Our job now is to say, OK, what went wrong, what went right?,” said Ashley. “How do we improve so that the next generation, when we go into Pyeongchang (in 2018) that we have corrected some things and moved this forward so that that group of athletes and that group of skaters that goes with us to the next Olympic Games has an even better opportunity to perform?”
The United States did come through with one notable performance in figure skating, as Meryl Davis and Charlie White won the first-ever Olympic gold medal for their country in ice dancing.
[VOA]