Road Closure To Impact Travel To Brewton, I-65
February 6, 2011
If you are headed to Brewton, or to I-65 through Brewton, there’s a road closure you need to know about.
The Alabama Department of Transportation has announced that Highway 41 and Highway 29 south of the Highway 31 intersection in Brewton, will be closed beginning Monday morning for about four to five days days for a Highway 41 crossing upgrade by CSX Railroad, weather permitting.
Large truck traffic should plan to use an alternative route. ALDOT recommends Highway 113 from Flomaton for truck traffic traveling between Northwest Florida and I-65.
Gulf Power To Offer New EarthCents Programs
February 6, 2011
Gulf Power customers have new ways to save money, thanks to a number of new energy efficiency programs the utility will offer.
The Florida Public Service Commission has approved 25 new EarthCents programs for customers. The new programs are predicted to save 183 megawatts of electricity over 10 years, enough energy to power about 50,000 homes.
“We’re very pleased that our customers have even more ways to save money and energy through these programs” said Jeff Rogers with Gulf Power. “There’s really something here for everyone — with rebates that make energy efficiency more affordable.”
The EarthCents programs, originally submitted to the PSC in spring 2010, will be rolled out throughout 2011. Many details, including rebate amounts on most of the programs, are still pending approval.
“We have worked hard with the PSC to make sure these are real-world, practical programs that help our customers.” said Rogers. “Ultimately, we want very satisfied customers — and offering more options on how to use electricity more efficiently is a big part of reaching that goal.”
Many of the new programs offer rebates, but the amount of the rebates has not yet been set by the PSC. Those rebates would be for installing:
- High-efficiency heating and cooling systems
- Pool pumps
- Windows
- Roofs
- Insulation
- Appliances
- Heat pump water heaters
Other programs include free energy use comparisons for homeowners and tips and recommendations on how to use electricity more efficiently. The utility expects interest to be especially high in the program that offers a rebate for heat pump water heaters.
“Heat pump water heaters are more than 50 percent more efficient than a standard electric water heater,” Rogers said. “They cost more up front, but with this new program, soon we’ll be able to offer a substantial rebate to reduce the cost, and the customer will save in the long run.”
Additionally, there is a part of the plan geared to help low-income customers through the installation of energy savings measures and recommendations for low-cost ways to save energy. Programs will be offered to homeowners and renters.
For commercial and industrial customers, incentives will be provided to increase building efficiency through heating and cooling systems, lighting, window and insulation improvements. Also, customized energy solutions can be developed to suit the specific needs of the business or industry.
Gulf Power is also offering incentives for solar energy including solar thermal water heating ($1,000 rebate) and solar photovoltaic systems ($2 per watt up to a maximum of $10,000 per installation). The incentives for these two programs are limited and will be made available through a reservation process.
As all of the new EarthCents programs are rolled out, customers can find out more information at www.gulfpower.com.
Recipes: Super Treats For The Super Bowl
February 6, 2011
(Family Features) - While there’s a time and a place for elegant desserts, a Super Bowl party isn’t one of them. All the fun and action call for something easy for guests to handle and easy for hosts to make.
Fans of chocolate and marshmallows will cheer for these Rocky Road Squares. By substituting evaporated milk for water, you get a super-rich texture and very fudgy flavor. And by using melted chocolate morsels as well as whole ones, these Easy Double Chocolate Chip Brownies score big on the taste meter. You may want to make an extra batch, because they’ll be scooped up in no time!
For more ways to make you the MVP of the party, visit www.verybestbaking.com.
Rocky Road Squares
Ingredients
* 1 package (19.5 to 21 ounces) fudge brownie mix
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil, per package directions
* 2 large eggs, per package directions
* 1/2 cup Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk
* 1 cup (6 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
* 2 cups miniature marshmallows
* 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Preparation
1. PREHEAT oven according to package directions. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. PREPARE brownie mix according to package directions, using vegetable oil and egg(s) and substituting evaporated milk for water. Spread into prepared baking pan.
3. BAKE according to package directions; do not over bake. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Let stand 5 minutes or until morsels are shiny. Spread evenly. Top with marshmallows and walnuts.
4. BAKE for 3 to 5 minutes or just until marshmallows begin to melt. Cool in pan on wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut into squares using a knife dipped in hot water.
Serves
2 dozen brownies
Calories: 230g Total Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 20mg Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 27g Sodium: 80mg
Preparation and Baking Time:
35 minutes
Easy Double Chocolate Chip Brownies
Ingredients
* 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, cut into pieces
* 3 large eggs
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Preparation
1. PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. MELT 1 cup morsels and butter in large, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in eggs. Stir in flour, sugar, vanilla extract and baking soda. Stir in remaining morsels and nuts. Spread into prepared baking pan.
3. BAKE for 18 to 22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.
Serves
2 dozen bars
Calories: 190g Total Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 23g Sodium: 50mg
Preparation and Baking Time:
28 minutes
SOURCE:
Nestle
Boy, 12, Accidently Shot Saturday Morning In Molino
February 5, 2011
A 12-year boy was accidentally shot Saturday morning in Molino.
Deputies said the boy was target practicing when the gun misfired. He was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. His condition was not available.
The incident happened on Gulsby Lane off Molino Road about 10 a.m. Reports indicate the child was apparently shot in the abdomen with a .22 caliber weapon.
The shooting is under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Foul play is not suspected.
Further details were not available.
Pictured above: Deputies investigate an accidental shooting involving a 12-year old in Molino Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Drivers Slams Into Stone Wall In Highway 97 Crash (With Photo Gallery)
February 5, 2011
A Pensacola woman came within inches of being seriously injured in crash Saturday morning in Dogwood Park.
Jung Cha Aglutay, 65, was southbound on Highway 97 near White Ash Road when she failed to negotiate a curve about 6:40 a.m., went airborne across a ditch and slammed into wooden gate, wood fence and a stone wall, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Two boards from the fence penetrated the windshield, just inches from the steering wheel (see photo below).
Neighbors that heard the crash said they found the Agultay standing out of the vehicle when they arrived to investigate the noise.
Aglutay was transported by Escambia County EMS to West Florida Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. She was cited for careless driving by the FHP.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.
For more photos from the scene, click here.
Pictured above: A Pensacola woman was injured in this Highway 97 crash Saturday morning in Dogwood Park. Pictured below: Two boards penetrated the windshield into the vehicle. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Trial Delayed For Man In Molino DUI Death
February 5, 2011
Trial has been delayed for a Navarre man charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with a November wreck in Molino that claimed the life of a Pensacola woman.
Terry E. Lee, 41, was scheduled to go to trial next week, but his day in court has been postponed until April while medical records are subpoenaed, according to Escambia County Clerk of the Court records.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Lee was traveling on Omega Drive about 6:15 p.m. November 10, 2010, when his Toyota car left the roadway, traveled through a wooden fence and across a pasture before hitting another fence and a tree. Lee’s passenger, Brandee N. Scott, 49, of Pensacola, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. She was reportedly impaled by a wooden board from the fence.
Lee, who was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital following the crash, reportedly told Florida Highway Patrol troopers that he was not involved in the crash.
Lee is facing charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI property damage, no driver’s license, driving with license suspended resulting in death, and three counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. He remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
For more photos from the scene, click here.
Pictured above: One person died in this single vehicle crash last November in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Makes Building Permit Process Faster — Or It’s Free
February 5, 2011
Friday, Escambia County’s Building Inspections Division kicked off a new streamlined process for obtaining a new single-family home permit called “3 or It’s Free”.
The new process identifies five steps to a permit and it includes a guarantee on the turnaround time. The Building Inspections Division is pledging to have a response to the applicant within three business days after the application package has been reviewed, logged into the system and a building permit number has been assigned to the application — or the permit is free.
A response from the Building Inspections Division is defined as either the acceptance for a permit or notification that revisions need to be made to the application before a permit can be issued. If revisions are required, the turnaround clock will reset to another three business days.
Escambia Man Gets Life In Prison For Abusing 6-Year Old
February 5, 2011
Lonnie Lee Rippy, 42, has been convicted by an Escambia County jury of two counts of sexual battery upon a child under 12 and two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation upon a child.
Ribby was convicted of molesting the six-year old victim multiple times over a four month period. The defendant was remanded into custody after the trial.
Judge Ron Swanson sentenced Rippy to life in state prison on all four counts. He was also designated as a sexual predator.
Florida Weekly Government Roundup
February 5, 2011
It was no tempest in a teapot this week when a Pensacola judge stirred the national debate about the federal health care law by ruling that it was not only unconstitutional to require people to buy insurance, but that the entire health care law violates the nation’s founding document.
U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson became the second federal judge to rule against the major portion of President Barack Obama’s health care plan, a mandate that everyone be insured. But he also took it a step further and said that problem made the whole thing invalid.
Charges of “judicial activism” that typically come from conservatives rang out from liberals across the U.S., but Vinson said that the mandate was essential to the health care law, and thus, the whole thing had to go.
“It should be emphasized that while the individual mandate was clearly “necessary and essential” to the Act as drafted, it is not “necessary and essential” to health care reform in general,” Vinson wrote. “It is undisputed that there are various other (Constitutional) ways to accomplish what Congress wanted to do.”
Reaction to the lawsuit in Florida, where it originated, was swift – and highly partisan.
Despite basing his whole campaign on the theme of getting to work, Gov. Rick Scott said this week he the state will be in no hurry to implement any aspect of the law with Vinson’s ruling.
“We are not going to spend a lot of time and money with regard to trying to get ready to implement that until we know exactly what is going to happen,” Scott said. “I hope and I believe that either it will be declared unconstitutional or it will be repealed.”
Meanwhile, Florida Democrats said Scott – and Vinson – were out of touch.
“For the governor, walking way from health insurance reform is just another ideological battle,” said Rep. Mia Jones, the ranking Democrat on the House Health & Human Services Committee. “But for many Floridians, health insurance coverage is a real life struggle.”
“For all of my colleagues on the conservative side who criticized activist judges for their lack of deference to the legislative and executive branches of government, I hope they’ll be equally as critical of this decision,” Center for American Progress Chief Operating Officer Needra Tanden, who worked on crafting the legislation, added.
Predictably, U.S. Department of Justice officials were more focused on appealing Vinson’s decision then how it was viewed politically, saying immediately this week they would appeal to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, which has jurisdiction over cases originating in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
But regardless of what happens there, the opening salvos in the legal battle over health care that were fired in Florida will ultimately likely be decided at the nation’s highest court.
SCOTT GETS TO WORK ON THE BUDGET
When he wasn’t cheering the health care ruling this week, Scott began revealing drips and drabs of his budget proposal, which is due next week. By week’s end, it was expected that Scott will be proposing a budget on a two-year cycle, though state law currently requires a budget to be drafted annually.
Scott revealed that he would reveal his budget with the people that powered his rise – tea party activists. They’re even bringing their boat, a model of the Boston Tea Party ship Dartmouth.
Scott said he would propose making the 655,000 government workers enrolled in the Florida Retirement System contribute 5 percent of their paychecks to the plan, which he said would pull an additional $1.3 billion into the state’s cash-strapped budget.
Democrats, especially those representing state worker filled districts in Tallahassee, said Scott’s plan amounted to a 5 percent “tax” on state workers – tax, of course, being a dirty word to Scott and his most ardent supporters.
But Republicans said he needs to make big proposals to cut the deficit and follow through on a tax cut promise. “He ran on cutting spending and increasing jobs,” said Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville. “Pay and benefits are a big area of state spending.”
SB 6, PART DEUX
With the man who vetoed last year’s teacher merit pay bill safely back in St. Petersburg, lawmakers got right back to trying to base teacher salaries partially on student performance this week.
Sen. Steve Wise, R-Jacksonville, the chairman of the Senate’s PreK-12 Education Committee, filed a proposal linking teacher pay to student test scores, while also offering more money to those who teach in high risk or high need areas and allowing school boards to put new hires on one-year contracts.
The measure is the Legislature’s first attempt in 2011 to make good on its promise to make teachers more accountable for the quality of schools. It is also may partially to revive a fight that mobilized state teachers and got former Gov. Charlie Crist to wield his veto pen like a red-pen waving grade school teacher. Still, the initial reaction was less angry this year, with the education establishment saying they’ve been asked to be more involved this time around, and they appreciate it.
Wise’s bill (SB 736) would grandfather in current teacher pay plans, but set up new, merit-based ones for teachers hired after July 1, 2014. The bill would require districts to set up evaluation systems that rate teachers as “highly effective,” “effective,” “needs improvement” or “unsatisfactory.” Half of those evaluations would be based on test scores.
Under the bill, teachers would only see raises if they are deemed highly effective or effective.
Seeking to make a better grade on the merit bill from Scott, Wise also announced this week he was inviting former D.C. public schools chancellor Michelle Rhee to testify before his committee next week. Rhee, who gained fame, admirers and plenty of enemies in her attempt to overhaul the D.C. public schools under former Mayor Adrian Fenty, has been informally tutoring Scott on education policy.
GOODBYE TO HUNDREDS OF CRIST APPOINTEEES, BUT HELLO AGAIN TO A FEW
Gov. Scott this week gave 168 Senate-confirmable Crist appointees a signal that there is a new boss in town by withdrawing their nominations to various boards and commission. Among that number was four sitting members of the Florida Public Service Commission.
But by week’s end, he had given some a reprieve, including the four PSC Commissioners he had yanked back.
Commissioners Ronald Brisé, Eduardo Balbis, Julie Brown and Chairman Art Graham, who were all appointed to the utility regulation panel last year, were among the Crist appointees withdrawn by Scott in a letter to Senate President Mike Haridopolos. But he reappointed them all Friday.
He also made several other re-appointments, including placing Katie Patronis, wife of state Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, back on the Gulf Coast Community College District Board of Trustees. Also nominated again were Jacksonville resident Leonard Curry to the Florida State Boxing Commission and Bradenton resident George Thomas to the Board of Medicine.
Scott also re-appointed Fort Lauderdale resident Torey Alston to the Board of Trustees of Florida A&M University, the state’s largest black college.
Elsewhere this week, Scott made Florida Lottery Research and Promotions Director Cynthia O’Connell secretary of the agency, and tapped former state representative and Tallahassee bureaucrat Carl Littlefield to serve as his Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
STORY OF THE WEEK: U.S. District Roger Vinson followed his own tea leaves and declared the federal health care challenged in his court by Florida and 25 other states unconstitutional, with a nod to the politically-influential tea party movement to boot.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “It is difficult to imagine that a nation which began, at least in part, as the result of opposition to a British mandate giving the East India Company a monopoly and imposing a nominal tax on all tea sold in America would have set out to create a government with the power to force people to buy tea in the first place,”
Plants Some Seeds: Grow A Greater Variety Of Vegetables
February 5, 2011
Most gardeners know there is a greater selection of vegetables available in seed catalogs than can be found locally. To grow those wonderful plants, however, you must be able to grow your own transplants from seed.
Containers for sowing seeds
It’s important to choose the right containers for sowing seeds. In general, containers should be clean, sturdy and have drainage holes. If you are reusing containers, be sure to sterilize them by soaking them in a bleach solution followed by a thorough rinsing.
Seeds can be started in flats, pots, old cans, cut-off milk cartons, margarine tubs, egg cartons, or other throwaways.
Peat pots are frequently used, especially for large seeds. Peat pots can be planted directly in the garden, but do not allow the edges of the pot to stick out above the soil. The edges will act as a wick and moisture will evaporate from this exposed surface.
Growing media
The medium used for starting seeds should be well-drained and of fine texture. It is best to use a “soilless” mix since garden soil contains disease organisms that can be highly destructive to small plants.
There are some excellent commercially prepared mixes available for growing seeds. Some gardeners will mix their own soilless media. A 50 percent vermiculite or perlite and 50 percent fine sphagnum peat is excellent for starting seeds.
Planting seeds
Fill the container almost to the top with slightly-moistened medium, level it and gently tap the container on a hard surface to settle the soil. Do not compress the soil at any time.
Scatter or broadcast the seeds evenly over the surface. If planting in individual pots, plant two or three seeds per pot (all but one seedling will be pinched off if they all germinate). With larger containers, sow a number of seeds fairly thickly and transplant the seedlings into individual pots later.
Lightly cover the seeds to the depth recommended on the seed package. Label each pot promptly with the plant type, cultivar name and planting date.
Water the seeds in with a fine spray. Then water as needed to keep the medium evenly moist but not soggy. Never let it dry out!
Place the container in a warm location. Generally a temperature range from 65 to 75 degrees is best. Gentle bottom heat can speed germination and can be provided by special heating cables available at nurseries or by mail order.
If your home is dry, it may help to cover the containers with plastic wrap to maintain a uniform moisture level since seeds and seedlings are extremely sensitive to drying out.
Growing the seedlings
Light is especially critical once the seeds germinate. If the seedlings begin to stretch and look leggy, they are not getting enough light.
It is common to start seeds indoors this time of year when it’s chilly outside. Place the containers of seedlings in the sunniest window you have.
If you don’t have a sunny window, you can grow seedlings using a fluorescent utility light fixture suspended on chains from hooks. Position the fixture 3 inches above the seedlings and leave it on 14 hours to 16 hours a day. Raise the fixture as the seedlings grow.
Water regularly and fertilize seedlings once a week. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be carefully separated and transplanted into individual pots – or if already growing in individual pots, thinned to one plant per pot.
Planting into the garden
When weather conditions are suitable, plant your seedlings in the garden
But remember, plants grown indoors or in greenhouses need to be acclimated to the environment outside before planting. First, place them in a protected shady location and allow them to wilt slightly before watering. Then, over the next 10 days, gradually expose them to more light.
Pictured top inset: Preparing the growing medium. Pictured bottom inset: Master Gardeners arranging trays in the greenhouse. Theresa Friday photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.