Hudson Announces Candidacy For Jay Mayor
June 21, 2010
Jay resident Ben J. Hudson recently announced his candidacy for Jay mayor.
Hudson said his chief priority will be attracting new businesses, retaining those already established and creating local jobs.
“We are in competition with the rest of the county and we have seen businesses and jobs come and go,” Hudson said. “I will be creative, I will be proactive and I will be diligent.”
Hudson is a father of three, a grandfather and great grandfather. He is also a long-time local business owner and lifelong native of the Jay community.
Farm Service Agency Accepting County Committee Nominations
June 21, 2010
Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers may begin nominating eligible candidates to serve on local Farm Service Agency county committees, announced Suzette D. Cooper, County Executive Director, of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
“County committees play a vital role in the administration of federal farm programs and the positive effect they have on rural communities,” said Cooper.
FSA county committees make decisions on commodity price support loans, conservation programs, disaster programs, employing county executive directors and other significant agricultural issues.
To hold office as a county committee member, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.
Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Additionally, organizations representing minorities and women may nominate candidates.
All nominees must sign nomination form FSA-669A, which includes a statement that the nominee agrees to serve if elected. Form FSA-669A is available at USDA Service Centers and online at: www.fsa.gov. All nomination forms for the 2010 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 2, 2010.
The county committee nomination period begins June 15. Voting takes place in the fall.
Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by November 5. The final day to return voted ballots to the local USDA Service Center is December 6.
Newly elected county committee members take office January 1, 2011.
Escambia Health Department Offers Hot Weather Advice
June 21, 2010
The Escambia County Health Department reminds residents that it is important to know the signs of heat exhaustion as residents and visitors begin spending more time outside in the summer heat.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion vary but may include the following:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Skin: may be cool and moist
- Pulse rate: fast and weak
- Breathing: fast and shallow
If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe or if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
If you suspect heat exhaustion, cooling methods that may be effective include the following:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
- Rest in an air-conditioned environment
- Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
- Wear lightweight clothing
- Prevent sun burn by wearing a sunscreen of 30 SPF. Sun burn damages the skin’s ability to dissipate heat.
Hot First Day Of Summer (With Cool Bee Photos)
June 21, 2010
Pictured: Bees enjoying our NorthEscambia.com crepe myrtles. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
A Father’s Day Miracle: Family Speaks About 3-Year Old’s Near Drowning
June 20, 2010
In the heart of every little girl, her daddy is her hero. For a 3-year old Walnut Hill girl found floating lifeless face down in a pool, her daddy truly is her hero.
“I can swim,” Maggie Scott, 3, proclaimed Saturday morning, as she showed off her new kittens Max and Ruby.
Like most adventurous children, Maggie thought she could swim, and she decided, when no one was looking, to try. It was a mistake that would alter the lives of her family in a major way.
The afternoon of May 27 was to be a family time. They were headed to a local creek to enjoy the water, but decided to stop at a someone’s home in the Bay Springs community to use the pool instead. Maggie had played in the pool with the rest of her family, wearing arm-floats.
When Maggie and her sisters — McKenzie, 13; Madison, 9; and Mary Paige, 7; were done in the pool, it was time for skateboards and Ripstiks. The girls hit the boards, while the adults sat around talking.
Life would change in the blink of an eye.
“Maggie’s dead!”
Those were the heart-stopping words that older sister McKenzie screamed when she saw Maggie, floating face down in the pool. Mom and dad, Blair and Chad Scott, raced for the pool. Blair dove in and pulled Maggie out. No one knew how long the little girl had been in the pool.
Chad started CPR.
“My mind went where it didn’t need to go while I watched him do CPR,’ Blair said, “knowing what could be happening.”
With every thrust on his daughter’s chest, Chad said he just prayed.
“I keep telling her to come back to us; I kept telling her she was fine,” Blair said. “I wanted the nightmare to end; I wanted God to bring my little girl back to me.”
Chad continued CPR. One. Two. Three..
“Then I realized I had three little girls standing there, not knowing what was going on. Hit your knees. And pray,” she told them. “They cried, they screamed, they prayed.”
Chad continued the CPR. Breathe. Chest compressions. One. Two. Three…
Then, there was a cough.
Volunteers from the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue arrived. Atmore Ambulance sped down the long driveway. LifeFlight landed. Maggie was quickly scooped up by a LifeFlight nurse who ran to the helicopter. Within minutes, she was at Sacred Heart. Blair and Scott were left behind in Bay Springs, not knowing what was happening with their little girl. A family friend drove them to the hospital, where Maggie was still in the emergency room. She was transferred to an intensive care room.
It was a serious situation. A ventilator breathed for Maggie for 28 hours, doctors and nurses standing nearby at the ready. It was a lot for a mom and dad to deal with.
Blair and Chad both knew at the time that Maggie could have permanent disabilities caused by the lack of oxygen to her brain.
“We just gave it to God,” Blair said. Their family, their church family…they all prayed. They were joined by perhaps thousands of people they will never know that prayed after reading Maggie’s story.
Miracles don’t just happen, Chad said. “God works miracles.”
There’s no doubt in Blair and Chad’s minds that there lives were changed in a big way by the whole ordeal. For Chad, it meant being saved and accepting his Savior all over again.
“I thought I got saved before, but I realized,” he said, “and I made a promise to do what He needs me to do.”
A few weeks after the accident, Maggie is a vibrant little girl, with no obvious lasting impact from her ordeal.
“We have blueberries,” she said Saturday morning as she walked through the family’s backyard in search of a cool, shady place for the photos on this page. “They are purple,” she observed. “They are not blue.”
She smiles and grabs a dandelion, blowing it into the wind toward Chad, very much to her delight. It was a prelude to her big Father’s Day plans.
“Guess what I am going to do to you for Father’s Day?” she asked Chad. Her grin grew bigger as she put her hands behind her back and twirled around. “I’m going to throw a flower at you!”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
The family specifically asked us to offer their thanks to: the Walnut Hill Fire Department (Chris Brown, Kevin Mininger, Dennis Rigby, Gerry Steege, Tab Jernigan, Bill Eubanks, Brian Rolin, Chad Rigby, Johnathon Koehn, Diann Stewart); Atmore Ambulance (Dianna Chavers, Tom Benner); and the LifeFlight Crew (Tom Bruner, Angie Finkel, Norman Lacsamana).
Better Unemployment News
June 20, 2010
For the second month in a row, the jobless rate in the North Escambia area and the entire state was down.
Escambia County saw a slight in unemployment — down from 11.7 percent in April to 10.3 percent in May. That represented 604 unemployed people headed back to work in a month.
Santa Rosa County also recorded a slight drop in unemployment — falling from 9.4 percent in April to 9.2 in May. Santa Rosa County gained 308 jobs during the period.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County, Ala., dropped a full percentage point from 12.3 percent to 11.3 percent — a gain of 154 jobs.
Florida’s May unemployment rate dipped to 11.7 percent, only the second time state jobless levels have dropped in more than four years and a sign some say shows the economy is turning around.
The May rate was 0.3 percentage points lower than a revised 12.0 percent figure for April, but still remained higher than the 9.4 percent revised figure for May 2009. The state figure remains above the national average, which fell 0.2 percentage point in May from the previous month to 9.7 percent.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 10.8 percent in May,declined from April’s rate of 11 percent but was above the year-ago rate of 10 percent.
At least one economist says the monthly unemployment drop may not mark signs of a real economic rebound. More sustained improvement will be needed to gauge whether the easing unemployment will continue or if it’s the result of a short-term surge fueled by Census hiring.
“Those Census jobs are going to go away in a few months, and it’s ultimately going to be up to the private sector to drive job creation,” said Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness. “So far, we’re not seeing any indication that private growth has gotten underway.”
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink says the ongoing pressure put on by the BP oil spill may further slow economic recovery. The disaster is costing jobs in Gulf coast fishing communities, along with hotels and restaurants that are a critical part of the state’s $60 billion a year tourist industry.
“Today we learned Florida’s unemployment rate fell for the second consecutive month — and while this is encouraging, there are still unfortunately over one million Floridians who are unable to find work,” Sink said in a statement. “The disastrous BP oil spill threatens our economy even further at a time when many are already struggling, seemingly with no end in sight.”
Northview Grad Timothy Gardner Graduates From Basic Training
June 20, 2010
Air Force Airman Timothy J. Gardner graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the grandson of Micheal and Carolyn Cook of Corley Road in McDavid.
Gardner is a 2008 graduate of Northview High School.
Music Major Kate Sherrill Honored At Faulkner State
June 20, 2010
Kate Elizabeth Sherrill was named sophomore music major of the year at Faulkner State Community College’s annual award banquet held at the Bienville Club in Mobile. Kate was also awarded the Faulkner Singer’s award. Sherrill recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Faulkner State. She will be continuing her studies in vocal music at Berry College in Rome, GA. Kate is the daughter of Kent and Anne Sherrill of Walnut Hill, FL and the grandaughter of Sam and Dean Graham and the late Hunk and Senie Sherrill all of Atmore.
Summer Day Camp: Kids Can Learn About Produce Farm To Table
June 20, 2010
Escambia Extension is hosting a summer day camp program on Thursday, July 15th. Campers, ages 8 to 12, will start the day with a visit to a local vegetable or fruit producer to see how edible plants are cultivated, harvested, packed, and prepared for sale.
Campers will also visit a grocery store, meet the produce manager, and learn about the variety of fruits and vegetables sold in the store. Finally, the campers will return to the Langley Bell 4-H Center for some educational activities and will end with a take-home craft.
The cost of the camp is $8. Pre-registration is required by July 9th. For more information, call the Escambia Extension Office at 475-5230.
Father’s Day Wishes
June 20, 2010
For Father’s Day, NorthEscambia.com invited our readers to submit stories about their fathers. We’ve selected a few and included them below.
If you would like to tell your father’s story, or just wish dad a (late) Happy Father’s Day, please do so in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Jeff Phillips, Barrineau Park
submitted by Kayla Phillips, Age 9
My Daddy Jeff Phillips is very special to me. These are my reasons.
He plays with me, he teaches me, and I think he is cool.
One of my reasons that my daddy is special is because he plays with me. He plays softball with me all the time. He even helped coach my team one time. Sometimes we play baseball outside its really fun. I love my daddy because he plays with me that is what makes him special to me.
My second reason my daddy is special is because he teaches me. He teaches me to do the right things, and its really important that I learn to do the right things. He helps me keep my grades up because I want to be in a good school. Plus I also need a good education and I am sure he will help me while I go into new grades.
My third reason why my daddy is special because I think he is cool. I think he has a cool job. He works on boats and I think that is awesome and he also does alot so we can have our house and pay the bills. I also think he is cool because I love him and he loves me.
Pictured: Kayla and Jeff Phillips.
Matthew Cufr, Century
submitted by Maggie Mae Cufr, Age 6½
Let me tell you about my dad. First, he plays Chinese Checkers with me. I am not good at it. He wins all the time.
It’s funny sometimes that I move my marble the wrong way.
Next, he teaches me how to play guitar. He teaches me a hard note.
I can’t even remember it. I can’t do it, but I can play the easy notes and sing a song.
Last, my dad helps me ride my bike. Sometimes I stay up for about two minutes.
That made me feel good. When he lets go of the bike, I fall down and get hurt on my hand, but not anymore. I’m getting gloves.
That is why my dad is special.
Pictured: (L-R) Maggie Mae Cufr, Jackson Anderson Cufr, Emma Faith Cufr and dad Matthew Cufr.
Randy Smith
He’s is the best dad ever. He goes and makes money for shopping money for food. He loves us so very much. My dad’s name is Randy Smith. I love you daddy.
John White, Century
submitted by Kimberly White Burkett
My daddy is such a special person. He has always been so unselfish giving of himself to be there for our mother and us children. Just to think of my daddy puts a smile in my heart and on my face.
Growing up I have only good memories of my dad. He worked shift work at the paper mill in Brewton and worked hard to provide for our family. Not once can I remember hearing my dad complain even though I know it had to be a hard job. Daddy retired from the mill after working there 39 years.
Now my daddy stays busy doing honey do’s for my mom and works hard at his church. Every Saturday morning you can pass Beulah Chapel in Byrneville and you will see my daddy faithfully working hard to keep the church grounds and cemetery nice and clean. Once again though, I have never once heard him complain.
When I tell him that I worry about him getting too hot out there doing that, he just smiles and says he does it for the Lord. Everyone that knows my dad knows that when you see him he will make you laugh with his sense of humor. What a special man, I am so blessed to have such a wonderful daddy that I can be so proud of.
Pictured: John White and his wife Ann White, grandson Johnathan Burkett.
Wayne Perry, Molino
submitted by Lynsey Perry
We want to wish our Father Wayne Perry Happy Father’s Day. He is the best Father my brother Wayne and I could ask for. He has always been there for us. We can always depend on him no matter what. If he makes us a promise, he always keeps it. He is smart, strong, funny and dependable. We are so lucky to have him in our lives.
We enjoy spending time with our dad. He is fun to just be around. He is always making jokes about things or talking about all the memories he has of us growing up. He is always making memories for us too. It is a treasure to spend time with him. I’m so lucky to be so close to my Father. A lot of kids don’t have that bond with their Father. I don’t see how a kid could not have their Father around. I could not imagine not having mine in my life.
His main goal in life is to make us happy. He always puts us first, instead of himself. He would do and has done anything for us. He tries to make sure we have a safe and happy life. He has made me the strong and independent person that I am. He always makes us feel safe when we are with him.
If you were to ask him how he would like to spend this special day he would be quick to tell you nothing would make him happier than to spend the whole day with his two kids and wife. He always says we are the best thing that ever happened to him. But the truth is he is the best thing that ever happened to us.
If you think that I am a Daddy’s girl, then yes, I am proud to say that I am. We love you Daddy and hope that we make you half as happy as you make all of us.
Pictured: Wayne Perry, Sr., Wayne Perry, Jr., Lynsey Perry.
Mike Helton, Richard Stuckey, Bruce Shue, Adam Respress
submitted by Michelle Shue
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!! I would like to personally wish a happy Father’s Day to my dad Mike Helton he is a super person and a wonderful provider for his family he has three daughters and has always been there to support all of us…Happy Father’s Day daddy! I love you Michelle
Happy Father’s Day to my stepdad Richard Stuckey. He is currently serving in Afghanistan we all love and miss you and can’t wait till you return home!
Happy Father’s Day to my husband Bruce Shue. He is a wonderful dad to all of his children!!!
Happy Father’s Day to my son on his very first Father’s Day! Have a wonderful day Adam!!