Photos: Art At The Farm
November 22, 2010
People from across the area had the opportunity to enjoy Art at the Farm this weekend in Walnut Hill. The annual event featured art, crafts, food and plenty of family friendly fun.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above and below: Art at the Farm was held this weekend in Walnut Hill. Photos by Seales Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Jobless Rate Drops
November 21, 2010
The latest job numbers released Friday show the unemployment rate in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties dropping by a half percentage point, with over 1,300 people returning to work.
Escambia County’s unemployment dropped by a half percentage point— down from 11.0 percent in September to 10.5 percent in August. That represented 875 retuning to work for a total Escambia County unemployment of 14,795 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 10.2 percent.
Santa Rosa County also recorded a half percentage point drop in unemployment— from 9.8 percent in September to 9.3 percent in October. Santa Rosa County gained 459 jobs during the period, with a total of 6,627 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 9.4 percent.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County, Ala., held held steady at 10.6 percent from September to October, representing 1,538 unemployed. Last year’s unemployment rate for the same period in Escambia County was 12.6 percent.
Florida’s unemployment rate remained unchanged in October, holding at 11.9 percent from September but still above the 11.3 figure posted a year ago, the Agency for Workforce Development reported Friday.
The lack of improvement in the state’s jobless rate was blamed on continued sluggishness in housing and credit markets that has idled construction and slowed sales of existing property. The national seasonally adjusted average was 9.6 percent
The state’s top labor officials said the plateau has a bright side, a 35,700 increase in the number of available jobs, the strongest year-to-year increase since May 2007. Such growth may be contributing to improved consumer confidence, which according to a University of Florida rose six points in October from the previous month.
“While Florida’s unemployment rate did not decrease this month, we continue to see positive signs of stabilization and growth,” said AWI Director Cynthia Lorenzo, noting also that Florida led the nation last week in the decrease of first-time unemployment applicants.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 8.9 percent in October, remained unchanged from September’s rate of 8.9 percent but was below the year-ago rate of 10.8 percent.
Pen Air Donates Turkeys To USO
November 21, 2010
When the USO called for help to feed the multitude of troops remaining on NAS Pensacola during Thanksgiving, Pen Air Federal Credit Union had sleeves rolled up ready to help, contributing cash for supplies and over 65, 12-16 pound turkeys.
“Without the support from individuals and businesses like Pen Air Federal Credit Union, we simply could not keep up with the needs of those we serve and who serve us,” said USO Program Manager Kathy Karsten.
The USO is a non-profit organization with a mission to support the active military serving our country. The local Pensacola USO is set up at the Pensacola Regional Airport with space to receive and send on active military and now at their new facility onboard NAS Pensacola. The USO receives all its financial support from private donations. These donations help provide support for programs that assist deployed personnel and their dependents.
“The USO has always been there for our military, and Pen Air Federal Credit Union is proud to be able to be there for the USO – if you support our military, you should support your local USO,” said Pen Air FCU President/CEO Ron Fields. “We are honored to be able to help the USO any way we can to make the lives of our service men and women whether at home or abroad better.”
For more information about the USO or on how you can help visitt www.uso.org/Pensacola.
Pictured top: Presenting the 65 turkeys local sailors stationed at NAS Pensacola are (L-R) AVP/Military Liaison John Ochs, EVP/CFO David Tuyo, Pen Air CEO Ron Fields and EVP/COO Carroll Scarborough. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Spences Celebrate 50th Anniversary
November 21, 2010
John and Mary Ann Spence celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday with an anniversary celebration at the Walnut Hill Community Center.
John and Mary Ann were married on November 19, 1960, in Dry Springs, Florida. They have six children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. John is retired from Gulf Power in Pensacola. Mary Ann is retired from Monsanto in Pensacola and is currently a teacher at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Six Inducted Into Atmore Area Hall Of Fame
November 21, 2010
Six people were inducted into the Atmore Area Hall of Fame Saturday night.
The honorees were:
Marty Hodnette — an educator who taught at Escambia County High School for 41 years.
J.F. “Red” Vickery — a football star at Escambia County High from 1938-1941 who later played for the University of Georgia. After a stint in the military — and a war injury — he was elected as Escambia County circuit clerk.
Cornell Torrence — who coached football and basketball for nearly four decades. He was a leader in establishing a health center in Atmore and served on the city council.
Woodrow McCorvey Jr. — was a football star at Escambia County High School and Alabama State University. He later coached at the University of Alabama from 1990 to 1997, including 1992 when the Crimson Tide won the National Championship. He also coached at the University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee and Mississippi.
Don McNeal — who played football at the Escambia County High School and at Alabama — including on the National Championship teams of 1978 and 1979. He played for the Miami Dolphins from 1980-1989 and played in the Super Bowl twice.
Hugh Rozelle – who dedicated his life to public service. He served as an Escambia County judged, a member of the Alabama legislature and served on numerous civic committees.
Featured Recipe: Twice Baked Gruyere And Potato Souffle
November 21, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a Twice-Baked Gruyere and Potato Souffle that’s easy to make but impressively delicious.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Jay Runners Place In State Cross Country Finals
November 21, 2010
The Jay Lady Royals finished 20th in the the state Girls 1A Cross Country Finals Saturday in Dade City, while Jay’s sole male runner finished 85th in the boys final.
Jay’s average time was 22:20.47 on the girl’s 5K course. Top runners for Jay’s Lady Royals were:
- Emerlee Trevino, 83rd, 21:31.76
- Robin Blackman, 92nd, 21:54.16
- Jessica Thornton, 97th, 22:05.37
- Allison Blair, 119th, 22:43.45
- Alexandria Settle, 140th, 23:27.59
- Jenna Thornton, 144th, 23:37.34
- Caristyn Golden, 162nd, 24:27.95
Jay’s only runner in the boy’s finals, Micah Kemp, finished at 85th in the state with a time of 18:10.53. Kemp is an eighth grader that competed at the high school level.
Pictured top: (L-R) Jay’s Leely Trevino, Micah Kemp and Robin Blackman. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With DUI After Driving Into Two Houses
November 20, 2010
A Cantonment man was jailed for DUI early Saturday morning after driving into two houses and parked vehicle.
Aaron Lee Deyton, 21, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and careless driving after the 1:09 a.m. wreck on Muscogee Road. Deyton was released from the Escambia County Jail on $2,000 bond.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Deyton was westbound on Muscogee Road when he left the roadway and struck a culvert west of Rittenberry Road. He then crossed over both lanes of Muscogee Road and left the roadway a second time. His 2004 Ford pickup then struck another culvert and traveled into a yard at 1119 Muscogee Road where it struck a fence, small tree, a house and parked SUV. He continued through another fence in the yard at 1121 Muscogee Road before striking that house and coming to a final rest.
Deyton was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries. He was arrest about one hour later upon being discharged.
Northview Chiefs Beat Blountstown 20-7 To Advance To Round 2
November 20, 2010
The Northview Chiefs beat Blountstown 20-7 Friday night to advance to the regional finals of the state playoffs.
“I told the kids all week what an opportunity this was to make history for the school,” Northview Head Coach Sid Wheatley said. “It was a really big win.”
It was a big night for all of the Chief’s history-making team, including sophomore Roderick Woods with 149 yards on 28 carries and three big touchdowns.
“We are really proud about the performance of the offensive line. Roderick Woods had just a phenomenal night,” Wheatley said, quick to also give credit to the Northview defensive line. “The defense played great. They’ve allowed just three touchdowns in five games. Coach Steve McCord has done really good things with the defensive line.”
The Tigers (9-2) could only manage 14 yards in the second half on their home field.
With the win Friday night over Blountstown, the Chiefs advance to round two of the playoffs at 7:30 Friday night on the road against Freeport. Freeport is coming off a 27-14 win Friday night over Liberty County.
For the Chiefs, it will be a chance to seek revenge — Freeport handed Northview their only loss of the season back on October 15.
“The kids are excited, they want another opportunity at Freeport. It will be a very physical game. It will be good,” Wheatley said.
Friday night the first quarter was scoreless in Blountstown. In the second, the Tigers scored on a 17-yard touchdown run with 4:26 to go in the half.
Roderick Woods put the Chiefs (10-1) at first and goal with 1:55 in the half. Two plays later, Woods was in on a 9-yard run. With a good kick from Lance Bushaw, the game was tied 7-7 at the half.
With 5:15 on the clock in the third, Woods scored again on a 1-yard run. A good kick from Bushaw, and the Chiefs took a 14-7 lead.
The Chiefs added another Woods TD in the fourth on a 3-yard run. Bushaw’s kick was good, and the Chiefs took round one of the playoffs, 20-7.
For more photos from the game, click here.
Pictured top: Northview defeats Blountstown Friday night in round one of the state playoffs. Pictured bottom inset: Cheerleader Caroline Prater. Pictured below: The Chiefs celebrate their victory. NorthEscambia.com photos by Heather Leonard, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Loses Playoff Bid 35-13
November 20, 2010
The Escambia County High School Blue Devils lost to Bibb County tonight, 35-13 in the 4A quarterfinals in Atmore.
Bibb County held a 35-0 lead going into the fourth, when the Blue Devils scored on a 6-yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Chris Johnson to Nick Flowers. Then Cedric Tolbert scooped up a Bibb County fumble and returned it 40 yards for the second Blue Devil TD of the fourth quarter. The extra point attempt failed.
Escambia County finished the first season under Head Coach Mark Heaton at 9-4, improving from 3-7 last season.
Pictured top: Escambia County High school lost a quarterfinal playoff bid to Bibb County Friday night in Atmore. Pictured inset: Cedric Tolbert in for a Blue Devil touchdown. Pictured below: This Bibb County fumble set up a ECHS touchdown. Photos courtesy WEAR TV 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
