Deadline Approaching To Register For Dave Ramsey Financial Program

February 10, 2013

Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church in Bogia will offer classes from Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University beginning March 1. The registration deadline in February 15.

The nine-week course includes video classes and group discussion and has changed lives all across the country. More than 1.5 million families have completed the program at their workplace, church, military base, nonprofit organization or community group and are working toward debt freedom and financial peace.

Through common-sense principles and small-group accountability, FPU gives people the tools they need to change their behavior and succeed financially. On average families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days; following the class nearly 94 percent of those families budget regularly, according to Ramsey.

“FPU will not only transform the way you handle money, but also your marriage and other areas of your life,” says Ramsey. “This isn’t a boring financial class. We make learning about money fun and easy to understand so people in every situation can benefit from the information.”

Ramsey knows first-hand the pain that financial stress can cause. After creating a net worth of more than a million dollars by age 26, he quickly lost it all. Since then Ramsey has helped families and individuals across the country learn how to get control of their finances and avoid debt so they don’t have to experience the same pain he did.

After purchasing a membership each participant receives a workbook, Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money, an envelope system and an audio CD library. Participants will also have access to budgeting forms and MP3’s of all the lessons.

Classes at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church begin March 1 and will meet each Friday at 7 pm. Registration ends February 15. The even is open to the entire community. Childcare is available for a minimal fee.

To register or more information, click here. For additional details, contact Rachel Gilmore at ((850) 572-6465 or brgilmore@frontiernet.net.

Photos: Atmore Mardi Gras Parade

February 10, 2013

The Ladies of Essence held their annual Mardi Gras Parade Saturday afternoon in Atmore with plenty of MoonPies and beads.

For a photo gallery, click here.

Pictured: The annual Mardi Gras Parade Saturday in Atmore. Submitted photos by Ditto Gorme for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Escambia Search And Rescue Holds Meet And Greet

February 10, 2013

The volunteers of Escambia Search and Rescue held a meet and greet event Saturday at Tractor Supply Company on Nine Mile Road. ESAR is celebrating its 50th year of service, and the K-9 unit is in it s 19th year.

ESAR trains for and responds to many different types of incidents including lost children, missing hunters, drowning victims, overdue boats, natural disasters, and missing persons with Alzheimer’s, autism or other forms of dementia.

Search volunteers from Northwest Florida and South Alabama are trained in communication, rescue and recovery diving and K-9 searches.

Pictures: ESAR and some of the K-9’s held a meet and greet Saturday at Tractor Supply Company on Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Local Equine Rescue Group Receives Global Verification Status

February 10, 2013

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) has awarded Verified status to Panhandle Equine Rescue in Cantonment.  GFAS) is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries.

Verification means that Panhandle Equine Rescue meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary orrescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles.

“Panhandle Equine Rescue came into existence because so few resources existed in north Florida for equines involved in cruelty and neglect investigations,” said Jeannine Alexander, a GFAS deputy director. “This organization works closely with law enforcement ensuring these equines get the protection and care they need until a final home can be found.”

“It is such an honor to be Verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, an organization that is recognized worldwide in promoting excellence in sanctuary management and in humane care of animals,” said Diane Lowery, president of Panhandle Equine Rescue. “ To be Verified, opens up many doors for our organization, not only in receiving grants, but also to assure potential donors that we are legitimate and put the welfare of our horses first.”

Pictured top: “Raven” been care for by Panhandle Equine Rescue. Pictured bottom inset: PER President Diane Lowery. File photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Coed Softball Tourney Next Weekend, Entry Fee Reduced

February 10, 2013

The Northview High School Diamond Club will hold a softball tournament next weekend, and the entry fee has been reduced.

The coed tournament will be held Saturday, February 16 at the Northwest Escambia ballpark. The entry fee has been reduced to $200 per team. Three females must play at all times.

To register, call Amy Holland at (850) 516-8400. Proceeds benefit the Northview High School baseball team.

House Elections Bill Released

February 10, 2013

A measure allowing elections supervisors to hold more days of early voting, providing more sites for casting pre-Election Day votes and curbing the length of ballot summaries for constitutional amendments proposed by the Legislature is set to be heard Wednesday by the House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee.

The proposal (PCB EES 13-01), released ahead of next week’s meeting, would provide up to 14 days of early voting in each county, though only eight would be required; elections supervisors could allow early voting up to five days before it currently begins and on the Sunday before an election, when many  churches hold “souls to the polls” voting drives.

It would also loosen rules on where early voting could take place. And it would limit the first proposed ballot summary of any amendment proposed by the Legislature to 75 words, the same cap faced by citizen initiatives. Lawmakers would be allowed to break that cap on additional summaries if they attach those to the bill as fallback options in case a court strikes down the first proposed summary.

The attorney general would also not be limited if he or she has to redraft the ballot summary after a successful court challenge to the language voters read when they decide whether to approve the amendment.

By The News Service of Florida

Alabama Details Extended February Deer Season Map

February 10, 2013

A new region is proposed in southwest Alabama where deer season would be extended into February.

A map was released Saturday in Montgomery by Conservation Commissioner N. Gunter Guy Jr. detailing the area in which deer season would be extended from January 31 to February 10. The season would include a 10 day gun season closure in December, but would allow hunting during a late-season rut when deer are more active.

The proposed region includes 11 counties, including Escambia, Baldwin, Mobile and Monroe.

The extended season would apply only to hunters using guns; the bow hunting season would remain October 15 until February 10.

The plan must now be approved by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. February 2013 is not included in the plan; deer season ended January 31, 2013, in Southwest Alabama.

Portion Of Atmore Without Power Following Wreck

February 9, 2013

A large portion of Atmore was without power Saturday night after a car hit and broke a utility pole on Carver Avenue just before 8:00. The outage included an area of North Main Street and several businesses, including Church’s Chicken and a couple of gas stations.

The Atmore police and fire departments responded to the accident scene. The driver of the car reportedly fled on foot, and authorities were searching the area. Authorities believed the driver may have been injured.

Alabama Power arrived on scene about 8:10 p.m. Saturday and had power restored by the 1:00 hour Sunday morning.

Man Facing DUI, Drug Charges After Traffic Crash

February 9, 2013

An Escambia County man is behind bars on DUI and other charges following a traffic crash Friday night.

The Florida Highway Patrol said 30-year old Derwin Robinson, Jr. was northbound on Fairfield Drive near Martin Drive when he crossed over into the southbound lanes and struck a 199 Ford Mustang head-on.

The occupants of the Mustang, 55-year old  Jayne Frances Brown and 61-year old Dianna Claire Nielsen, were taken to Baptist Hospital in serious condition. Robinson was not injured.

Robinson was charged with DUI with serious bodily injury, driving on the wrong side of marked highway, possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended license, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $6,500.

Pedestrian Struck, Killed Friday Night

February 9, 2013

A pedestrian was killed Friday night in Escambia County.

The Florida Highway Patrol said 66-year old William Williams of Pensacola was southbound on New Warrington Road when he traveled through the West Jackson Street intersection on a green traffic signal. His 2010 Toyota Prius struck 51-year old John Charles Reed as he was walking across the southbound lanes of New Warrington Road.

Reed was pronounced deceased at the scene. No charges were filed against Williams.

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