April Students Of The Month Named
April 25, 2011
Escambia County Students of the Month for April have been named by the Escambia Association for Administrators in Education. The awards are presented monthly to two students from participating schools.
The following students were named from participating North Escambia area schools:
- Bratt Elementary: Kerry Hicks, kindergarten; Jalexis Robinson, third grade
- Jim Allen Elementary: Katie L. Bryant, third grade; Spencer R. Newton, third grade
- Molino Park Elementary: Miah U. Massey, kindergarten; Shelby B. Lashley, kindergarten
- Ransom Middle: Savannah K. Rowell, seventh grade; Kolton L. Radford, seventh grade
- Northview High: Dillian C. Crutchfield, 10th grade; Jamila A. Codrington, 11th grade
- Tate High: Kelly H. Ewing, 12th grade; Michael T. Lowery, 12th grade
Pictured top: Northview High School Students of the Month for April Dillian Crutchfield and Jamila Codrington. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
End Is Near For ECUA’s Main Street Sewage Plant
April 25, 2011
The end is near for the old Main Street sewage plant in downtown Pensacola as all of ECUA’s wastewater will finally be processed in Cantonment.
The 70-year old plant has been operating partially since ECUA opened the new $316-million Central Water Reclamation Facility in Cantonment last August. But beginning Monday, ECUA plans to begin shutting down the old downtown plant that locals affectionately refer to as “Old Stinky”.
The new plant sits on 2,000 acres on land adjacent to Ascend Performance Materials (formerly Solutia) on Old Chemstrand Road near Cantonment. A full 15 miles north of the existing Main Street Treatment Plant, the facility is well above the flood plain and is built to resist hurricane-force winds. Redundant power and storage systems help to ensure that the facility can remain operational during conditions that crippled the Main Street plant during Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
It will take about four days to fully decommission the Main Street plant, ending the discharge of reclaimed water into Pensacola Bay.
Pictured top: The Central Water Reclamation Facility in Cantonment. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tornadoes That Hit Escambia, Alabama, Had Winds Up To 130 MPH
April 25, 2011
The National Weather Service has determined that two tornadoes touched down in Escambia County, Alabama, on April 15 — one an EF-2 with winds up to 130 mph and the other an EF-1 with winds of up to 100 mph.
EF-2 — Damascus to Andalusia
The tornado first touched down just west of Damascus Road and quickly intensified as it moved east. EF-2 intensity damage was observed along Damascus Road — two mobile homes and one wood frame home were destroyed. Seven other mobile and framed homes were damaged. All of the trees in a 70 yard path were snapped.
The tornado continued to travel east northeast, producing tree damage across extreme eastern Escambia County and extreme southern Conecuh County. The tornado then tracked into western Covington county, producing damage all the way to Andalusia.
The total path of the EF-2 tornado was 22 miles with a maximum width of 300 yards.
EF-1 — Appleton to north of Brewton
The tornado first touched down in Appleton, producing EF-0 tree damage. Scattered tree damage continued along the track to the northeast where a corrugated metal home was destroyed on Highway 31 near the Conecuh County line. A small outbuilding was also overturned.
The total patch of the EF-1 tornado was five miles with a maximum width of 75 yards.
Pictured: One of the homes in Escambia County, Alabama, destroyed by a tornado on April 15. Photo by WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Highland Baptist Easter
April 25, 2011
Highland Baptist Church in Molino held a Resurrection Celebration Sunday, with over 2,000 eggs and the Easter Bunny.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
From Sara Calhoun, Highland’s children’s director:
We had the Easter Bunny make an appearance at our Resurrection Celebration and teach the kids that Easter is NOT about him ~ it’s not his ‘birthday’, it’s not about him at all! It’s all about JESUS! Our prize eggs were empty to symbolize our ultimate prize with the EMPTY TOMB. They traded their empty eggs in for Bibles. It is near impossible to ignore these type traditions in our society, so we try to find ways to incorporate them into the true reason we celebrate by making everything point back to the cross and empty grave. The children led in worship by singing and acting out ‘Glorious Day’. Resurrection Sunday is when we celebrate the Glorious Day when Jesus conquered death and the grave.
Do you have photos of an event at your church? Email them news@northescambia.com
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Century First Baptist Church Easter
April 25, 2011
Easter events for the children and youth at the Century First Baptist Church included an egg hunt, fire truck tours courtesy of the Century Volunteer Fire Department and the Resurrection egg story.
Do you have photos of an event at your church? Email them news@northescambia.com
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Area Sunrise Services Celebrate Resurrection
April 24, 2011
Easter morning sunrise services were held at many locations in the North Escambia area Sunday morning.
One of the largest was in Molino as several churches came together for a community Easter morning sunrise service at Aldersgate Methodist Church, celebrating with music and a message.
Other sunrise services were held across the area, including Century, Atmore, McDavid, Flomaton and Cantonment. The sunrise services celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful.
According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
District Baseball Tourney Brackets Set
April 24, 2011
District baseball tournament brackets have been set for three North Escambia area teams — Northview, Jay and Tate.
District 1-2A at Jay
GAME 1: No. 5 Ponce De Leon vs. No. 4 Freeport, 4 p.m. Monday
GAME 2: No. 6 Pensacola Christian vs. No. 3 Baker, 7 p.m. Monday
GAME 3: Game 1 winner vs. No. 1 Northview, 4 p.m. Tuesday
GAME 4: Game 2 winner vs. No. 2 Jay, 7 p.m. Tuesday
CHAMPIONSHIP: Game 3winner vs. Game 4 winner, 7 p.m. Thursday
District 1-5A at Escambia
GAME 1: No. 3 Milton vs. No. 6 Pine Forest, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday
GAME 2: No. 4 Navarre vs. No. 5 Escambia, 7 p.m. Tuesday
GAME 3: Game 1 winner vs. No. 2 Tate, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday
GAME 4: Game 2 winner vs. No. 1 Pace, 7 p.m. Wednesday
CHAMPIONSHIP: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 7 p.m. Thursday.
Entire Area Officially In A Severe Drought
April 24, 2011
The North Escambia area is now officially in a severe drought, with no significant rainfall in weeks.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map published this week shows all of Escambia County, Florida and most of Santa Rosa County and Escambia County, Alabama as being in a severe drought, while nearby areas are in a moderate drought.
Our warm, dry spring weather will continue into next week. There is a slight 20-30 percent chance of rain by Tuesday and Wednesday as a cold front approaches the area.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is published by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln using a variety of climatic data.
NorthEscambia.com/U.S. Drought Monitor graphic, click to enlarge.
Jay Pro Rodeo Next Weekend
April 24, 2011
The 9th Annual Jay Pro Rodeo is coming up next weekend.
Rodeo events including pro bull riding, calf and team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more will take place next Friday and Saturday nights, April 29-30 beginning at 8:00.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Parking is free, and concessions will be available. All proceeds benefit area youth programs and the Jay Relay for Life. The event is sponsored by the Jay High School Quarterback Club and Ted May Arena, and sanctioned by the Tri-State Rodeo Association.
Ted May arena is a half mile east of the red light on Highway 4 in Jay. For more information, contact Fredrick Barrow at (850) 675-1646.
Photos: Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church ‘Eggstravaganza’
April 24, 2011
Dozens of area children took part in the annual “Eggstravaganza” Saturday at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church in Bogia.
Over 400 eggs were hidden from children ages pre-school to fifth grade. While the adults hid the eggs, the children stayed inside and played jelly bean Easter bingo and other games. After the egg hunt, the children enjoyed refreshments including cupcakes.
Organizers said a great time was had by all.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Do you have photos of an event at your church? Email them news@northescambia.com
Submitted photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.