Local Care Packages Headed To Iraq
December 16, 2009
Several Christmas care packages are on their way to American troops serving in Iraq thanks to the North Escambia community’s willingness to help a Molino woman with her project.
Katie Hilburn’s fiancee, Spc. Ben Piatt, also of Molino, is two months into his tour of duty as a combat engineer in northern Iraq. He is schedule to be in Iraq until October of next year.
After hearing about the soldiers’ needs, Hilburn decided to send the care packges to Piatt’s unit in Iraq during the Christmas season. After a NorthEscambia.com article about her project, the donations started to roll in. At least two radio stations, Cat Country 98.7 and WXBM, also joined in the promotional effort after reading the story.
“People are still bringing stuff in. the community has helped so much and a big thanks to everyone,” Hilburn said Tuesday night. “I can’t explain how it makes me feel to be able to help our troops. This is something that started out small and turned into big. Some of the soldiers have told me how much it means to have letters from home and to get care packages, and it’s just an amazing feeling to be able to make their day better.”
The first round of donations are on their way to Iraq, but Hilburn will continue to collect more supplies for soldiers at a collection box at veteran-owned Cole’s Barbershop in Molino. Cole’s is located next to Fran’s Country Grill on Highway 29.
Items being collected include:
Body Care
Mens liquid body soap
Shampoo
Baby wipes
Q-tips
Shaving cream
Razors
Foot powder
Chap stick
Food
Ramen noodles (in the cup)
Beef jerky
Cereal bars
Peanuts
Cookies, candy bars
Crystal Light (peach tea, lemon tea)
Popcorn (microwavable)
Saltine crackers
Peanut butter
Fruit cups
Macaroni and cheese (in a cup)
Miscellaneous
Playing cards
DVD’s
Magazine’s (hunting, fishing, guns, sports)
Games
International phone cards
Pictured top: Katie Hilburn an care packages bound for Iraq. Pictured top inset: Spc. Piatt in Iraq. Pictured bottom inset: Some of the care packages. Pictured below: Items donated by the community. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flooding: When Does The Escambia River Flood Century, McDavid And Molino?
December 16, 2009
The Escambia River at Century is forecast to crest at 23.9 feet by sometime tonight, about seven feet above flood stage.
But what does that mean for residents of Century, McDavid and Molino? What would happen in those areas if the river continues to rise? Would it be a cause for concern?
Perhaps…the Great Flood of 1929 caused major problems as the areas around Flomaton, Century, McDavid and Molino were flooded. But since then, the Escambia River has failed to reach the level that the National Weather Service terms “moderate” flood stage.
Flood stage on the Escambia River is 17 feet, and moderate flood stage is 25 feet — a number the river level has only reached once in recorded history.
On March 15, 1929, the Escambia River reached its record level of 37.8 feet. Otherwise, the river has never reached that moderate flood stage level, according to records from the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. It has come close, reaching 24.24 feet on March 18, 1990. There have been three other Escambia River crests over 23 feet — two in 1998 and once in 1975.
Here is a complete look at what happens along the Escambia River in North Escambia at various water levels:
- 17.0 — considerable flooding of lowlands will occur.
- 17.5 — some flooding of lowlands in the area will continue until the river level drops below 13 feet.
- 19.0 — low lying pastures will flood and cattle should be moved to higher ground.
- 19.5 — flooding of farm and pasture lands will gradually subside as the river level drops…but some flooding will continue the next several days.
- 23.0 — widespread flooding of pasture and farm lands in the area will continue. water begins to reach Mystic Springs Road, Worley Road, Bamer Holley Lane and River
- Bend Road. Approximately five homes become isolated in the Mcdavid and Molino areas. Public boat ramps at Mystic Springs and Fairground Road are submerged.
- 23.7 — second highest flood of record. Approximately eight homes become isolated and sections of Mystic Springs Road, River Ben Road and Fairground Road are impassable. water from the river flows into ponds at B&L Catfish Farm on Mystic Springs Road.
- 24.2 — flood of record (3/18/90). Up to one foot of water enters several homes on Worley Road, Daffin Road, and Fairground Road.
- 34.0 — some flooding in the eastern sections of Century will occur.
- 37.0 — severe flooding in most of Century will occur.
- 37.5 — severe flooding in Century will gradually subside as the river level falls below 37 feet. Flooding of farm and pasture lands will continue the next several days.
- 37.8 — pre-official record flood (3/15/29). There is no modern history available for levels of flooding above 24.2 feet.
Pictured above: The Escambia River floods Fairgrounds Park in Molino earlier this year. The park’s boardwalk and boat launch are under the flooded river. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Aerial Photos: Flooding In Flomaton, Brewton
December 16, 2009
Aerial photos show the extent of the flooding in both Flomaton and Brewton. For more aerial photos from both Flomaton and Brewton, click here. Pictured above: Flooding in Flomaton. Pictured below: Flooding in Brewton. Submitted photos by the Alabama Forestry Commission for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Roads Open Again
December 16, 2009
Most roads in Flomaton are once again open following Tuesday’s floods.
The intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 31 opened just before midnight Tuesday. At last report, Highway 31 was still closed at Flomaton High School, but clearly marked detours will allow traffic to pass around the area.
There is still minor flooding on some secondary residential streets. Railroad Street remains closed due to damage to the road surface.
McLaughlin Presents ‘State Of The County Report’ As His Job Is On The Line
December 16, 2009
Just before is contract is up for renewal by the Escambia County Commission, Administrator Bob McLaughlin has submitted his required annual “State of the County” report.
“As I look back on 2009, I feel a tremendous sense of pride. Our accomplishments are the direct result of teamwork, collaboration, and a passion of excellence,” McLaughlin wrote in his cover letter to commissioners. “2010 will have its challenges; and we will meet them with the same enthusiasm and passion as we continue on our journey toward our mission.”
McLaughlin may not be around in 2010; Thursday morning, commissioners will discuss whether or not to renew his contract for another year. One commission, District 5’s Kevin White, has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with McLaughlin on multiple occasions. If his contract is not renewed, he will leave Escambia County with over $200,000 in termination pay, leave and other benefits.
In his “State of the County” report, McLaughlin identified two areas in which the county not performing on-target. He reported that more attention is needed on mass transit funding and ECAT routes, and code enforcement needs to work to be more courteous and compassionate.
The report applauds a long list of county activities and accomplishments in the past year.
In North Escambia, McLaughlin points to the successes of last summer’s Blueberry Festival in Barrineau Park that was attended by 7,000 to 8,000 people. He points out the effort to renovate the old Molino School into a new community center, the fourth best year in the history of Lake Stone, the resurfacing of Molino Road and a parks project in Byrneville.
Click here to read the entire report.
Flomaton Flood: Reader Submitted Photo Gallery
December 16, 2009
Flomaton was hit hard by flooding Tuesday. Our NorthEscambia.com readers submitted dozens of photos from around the area.
View our reader submitted photo gallery by clicking here.
If you have photos of the flooding that you would like to add to our gallery, email the photos to news@northescambia.com. Include a photo description and your name.
Pictured above: Flomaton residents use a boat to navigate a flooded street. Submitted by Anita Boutwell. Pictured below: Flood waters inside University Auto Recyclers in Flomaton. Submitted by Amanda Williams.
Photos: Flooding In Brewton
December 16, 2009
Brewton was not spared from the flooding that impacted Escambia County on Tuesday. These photos, courtesy of The Hourglass, show the rising flood waters. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Basketball: Tate’s First Loss; Jay Christmas Tourney
December 16, 2009
Tate suffered their first loss of the season Tuesday against Pine Forest, and Jay’s boys and girls came up short in the Jay Christmas Tournament.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Crestview 56, Jay 35
Crestview defeated the Jay Royals Tuesday in the finals of the Jay Christmas Tournament.
Jay — Dee Walker 3, Luke Rowell 1, Hunter Boutwell 19, Dugg Fischer 1, Conner Weekes 2, Tyler Prescott 8, Todd Laney 2, Steven Jones 1.
Crestview 10 15 17 14-56 Jay 7 9 9 10-35
Pine Forest 67, Tate 44
Tate — Richburg 2, Colsten 7, Jones 7, Harrison 2, Taylor 2, Walden 2, Brown 11, Anderson 4, Buttitta 5, Ricardson 2.
Tate 11 12 6 15-44 Pine Forest 8 24 18 17-67
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Pine Forest 63, Tate 30
Tate — Amanda Reed 1, Meagan Briske 4, Marina Cobbs 3, Chelsea Hall 6, Cecilie Olsen 2, Ashlee Thompson 2, Courtney Brown 9, Ali O’Brian 3.
Tate 9 8 7 6-30 Pine Forest 17 21 11 14-63
Central 49, Jay 40
Jay — Jennings 16, Hammoc 2, Hendricks 3, Mulford 8, Thomas 2, Steadham 9.
Central 11 9 15 14-49 Jay 7 5 16 12-40
Send Us Your Flooding Photos
December 15, 2009
If you have photos of flooding in North Escambia, north Santa Rosa or Escambia County, Ala., (including Atmore and Flomaton) send them to us.
Email your photos to news@northescambia.com
Please include a description of the photo, including where it was taken and your name.
Editor’s note: Do not drive or walk through water covering a roadway or otherwise place yourself or your property in danger to take a photo. Do not cross any barricade.
Byrnevillle Christmas Program Rescheduled
December 15, 2009
The Byrneville Elementary School Christmas Program for grades 3-5 that was scheduled for Tuesday night has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 9 at 7 p.m. at Northview High School.