State Of Emergency Declared
April 2, 2009
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency in 19 Florida counties, including Escambia and Santa Rosa, due to flooding.
The declaration allows for officials to coordinate protective actions, emergency services, resources and personnel needed to help protect lives and property during the state of emergency period.
Red Cross Offering Flooding Help; Volunteers Needed Now
April 1, 2009
The American Red Cross is offering assistance to those impacted by the flooding from the heavy rains during the past week.
People who have had damage from flooding but do not have flood insurance can contact Red Cross to discuss emergency disaster caused needs at (800) 773-7620.
Volunteers are needed now to assist the Red Cross in their flood related efforts. For more information visit www.floridaredcross.org and click on “Volunteer”.
Santa Rosa Cuts 121 Support Jobs; 260 Teachers May Be Next
April 1, 2009
The pink slips have been delivered to over 100 educational support personnel in Santa Rosa County, and over 250 teaching positions could be cut next.
A total of 121 non-teaching positions are beign cut in Santa Rosa County due to a multi-million dollar budget shortfall for the district. School officials say that as many as 260 teaching positions may also be eliminated.
The teaching cuts are expected to be mostly non-tenured positions.
Sheriff Trims $4 Million From Budget
April 1, 2009
Escambia Sheriff David Morgan is proposing $4 million in cuts to his budget — a five percent reduction.
Morgan has already grounded the department’s air unit for an $800,000 annual savings.
Now, he wants to eliminate the jail’s health services contract with an outside firm, providing jail health services in house for a $1.8 million savings.
To save more money, some of Morgan’s other plans include:
- renegotiate the jail’s food services contact to save $100,000
- eliminate $816,000 in salaries through retirements
- cut another $450,000 in contracted positions and streamline administration
- drop a mediation contract for $45,000
- drop county commissioner insurance paid by the ECSO for $25,000
Morgan’s budget stands at $78.7 million.
Bratt Park Plans Reviewed
April 1, 2009
Bratt area residents had a chance to look at plans and ask questions about the new Bratt Community Park at a meeting Tuesday evening. The favored design option for the new park on Highway 4 near the First Baptist Church of Bratt includes two softball fields, a full basketball court, a covered picnic pavilion and a kid’s playground.
The park design also includes a paved, 8-foot wide, eight-tenths of a mile walking/biking track around the perimeter of the park. There will also be exercise and rest stations positioned along the track.The park will be funded with $200,000 is LOST (local option sales tax) funds set aside to fund the park’s development.
Joy Jones, from Escambia County’s Parks and Recreation Department said it would take a couple of months to obtain the permits needed to build the park, and it would take several more months to complete construction.
Pictured above: Plans are discussed for the new Bratt Community Park at a meeting Tuesday night at Shiloh Baptist Church. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
FFA, 4-H Members Celebrate 100 Years Of 4-H With Spring Livestock Show
April 1, 2009
FFA students and 4-H members from Escambia County celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 4-H in conjunction with the GCA and NRA Spring Livestock Show.
Despite heavy rains and flooding conditions, the show went on this past Saturday. Local 4-H and FFA members from Northview and Tate high schools showed their very best swine, goats, lambs and steers in the annual event.
Winners are listed below by category:
SWINE
- Lightweight Swine: 1st Jessica Imholte – 4-H, 2nd Forrest Gibbs – 4-H, 3rd Abbie Courson – 4 H, 4th Devin Bell – FFA
- Middleweight Swine: 1st Meagan Gibbs – FFA, 2nd John Hardin – 4-H, 3rd Jennifer Taylor – FFA
- Light Heavyweight: 1st Kellie Gindl – 4-H, 2nd Thomas Aliff – 4-H, 3rd Donald Cunningham – 4-H
- Heavyweight Swine: 1st Austin Dodd – 4-H, 2nd Brandon Lattourelle – 4-H, 3rd Josh Malonzo – FFA
- Grand Champion Market Hog – Kellie Gindl – 4-H
- Reserve Champion Market Hog – Thomas Aliff – 4 H
- Swine Jr Showmanship: 1st Brendan Bell – 4-H, 2nd John Hardin – 4-H, 3rd Tristan Livingston – 4-H
- Swine Intermediate Showmanship: 1st Forrest Gibbs Jr. – 4-H, 2nd Austin Dodd – 4-H, 3rd Donald Cunningham – 4 H
- Swine Sr. Showmanship: 1st Devin Bell – FFA, 2nd Meagan Gibbs – FFA, 3rd Thomas Conway – 4-H
YOUTH GOAT
- Class I, Breeding: Allison Vidak – FFA
- Grand Champion Doe: Allison Vidak – FFA
- Senior Showmanship: 1st place – Allison Vidak – FFA
YOUTH LAMB
- Class I Breeding Lamb winner: Miranda Vidak – 4-H
- Class II Breeding Lamb: Kellie Gindl – 4-H
- Breeding Champion: Kellie Gindl – 4-H
- Reserve Breeding Champion – Miranda Vidak – 4-H
MARKET LAMB
- Market Lamb: 1st Brooke Schlobohm – 4-H, 2nd Amber Estes – 4-H
- Market Lamb Champion: Brooke Schlobohm – 4-H
- Market Lamb Reserve Champion: Amber Estes – 4-H
- Lamb, Intermediate Showmanship: Miranda Vidak, 1st place – 4-H
- Lamb, Senior Showmanship: Kellie Gindl, 1st place – 4-H Amber Estes, 2nd place – 4-H Brooke Schlobohm , 3rd place – 4-H
MARKET STEERS
- Lightweight Steers: 1st place Julie Hester – FFA, 2nd place Amber Estes – 4-H, 3rd place Cody Wiggins – 4-H
- Middleweight Steers: 1st place Tyler Hester – FFA, 2nd place Austin Cunningham – 4-H, 3rd place Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Heavyweight Steers: 1st place Donald Cunningham – 4-H, 2nd place Blake Worley – 4-H, 3rd place Ashley Cunningham – 4-H
- Grand Champion Market Steer: Donald Cunningham – 4-H
- Reserve Champion Market Steer: Tyler Hester – FFA
- Junior Showmanship: 1st place, Blake Worley– 4-H,
- Intermediate Showmanship: 1st place, Donald Cunningham– 4-H, 2nd place, Ashley Cunningham– 4-H, 3rd place, Austin Cunningham– 4-H
- Senior Showmanship: 1st place, Lynsey Meharg – FFA, 2nd place, Cody Wiggins– 4-H, 3rd place, Amber Estes– 4-H
YOUTH PREVIEW STEER
- Class I winner: Allison Vidak – FFA
- Class II winner: Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Grand Champion Preview Steer: Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Reserve Champion Preview Steer: Allison Vidak – FFA
- Senior Showmanhip: 1st place, Lynsey Meharg – FFA, 2nd Place, Allison Vidak – FFA
YOUTH BEEF BREEDING
- Class I, Commercial: 1st Ashley Cunningham– 4-H,
- Class II, Commercial: 1st Emily Higdon – FFA, 2nd Allison Vidak – FFA
- Class III, Commercial: 1st Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Grand Champion Commercial: Emily Higdon – FFA
- Reserve Champion Commercial: Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Class I, Registered: 1st Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Class II, Registered: 1st Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Grand Champion Registered: Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Reserve Champion Registered: Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Overall Supreme Champion: Lynsey Meharg – FFA
- Overall Reserve Champion: Emily Higdon – FFA
- Intermediate Showmanship: 1st place, Ashley Cunningham– 4-H,
- Senior Showmanship: 1st place, Lynsey Meharg – FFA
Pictured top: The participants in this past weekend’s GCA and NRA Spring Livestock Show. Pictured below: Thomas Aliff (left), 13, won second place Reserve Grand Champion and John Wesly Hardin, 8, won second in his class and second in showmanship. Pictured bottom: Julie Hester (left), Ernest Ward Middle School FFA member, won first place in the lightweight steer category. Tyler Hester, Northview High FFA member, won first place in the middle weight steer category and was the Reserve Grand Champion. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Schools Dismissed Safely; Flooded Roads; Power Outages
March 31, 2009
School officials tells us that all area schools dismissed safely this afternoon after some minor delays due to flooded roads.
Transportation officials tell us that all North Escambia students from Ernest Ward and Northview that ride buses have been delivered to their homes.
Many area roads are flooded. Do not drive through standing water. A flash flood warning is in effect.
Scattered power outages are being reported across the area. A large scale outage that included Walnut Hill, Bratt and Davisville has been mostly restored.
Omega Drive House Fire
March 31, 2009
Fire units from across the area responded to a reported house fire on Omega Drive in Molino about 4:20 this afternoon.
Minor damage was reported. There were no injuries.
Area Pound Pup Becomes College Mascot
March 31, 2009
The new bulldog mascot for the University of North Carolina Asheville began his college career as a rescued dog at the Escambia County (Ala.) Animal Shelter.
His name was Rebel when he was rescued along with a female named Dixie in early 2008. Dixie and Rebel were the proud parents of 10 beautiful puppies. Their owners surrendered them to the animal shelter, according to Renee Jones, director of the Humane Society of Escambia County, Ala.
Jones fostered the canine family at her home for nine days before they were moved to the Rockin’ P Boxer rescue in Jackson, Ala.
“I sent her the pics of how adorable the pups were and she agreed to take them. Two of her wonderful volunteers met us in Montgomery and crammed the two adults along with the ten puppies into a small little neon and off they went,” Jone said. Rebel was later transfered to a rescue shelter in Georgia.
For years, UNC Asheville’s bulldog mascot, Rocky, has been known to be tenacious, strong and courageous… now rescued can be added to this list of traits.
The University unveiled its new live mascot “Rocky I,” a white Victorian Bulldog with black spots, at half-time of the men’s basketball homecoming game against Coastal Carolina on February 21, at UNC Asheville’s Justice Center. Rocky I will make his triumphant entrance following the presentation of the 2009 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees.
“To know that we were a part of Rocky’s, aka Rebel’s, happy ending and to know that he will bring much joy to the fans and players at UNC is more gratifying than I can even express,” Jones said. “So much sincere thanks to the rescues, the volunteers, and the individuals who adopt.”
“Students, alumni, faculty, staff and the entire community are absolutely going to fall in love with this dog,” said Kevan Frazier, UNC Asheville Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations, who has been instrumental in bringing back the tradition of a live mascot. “At first glance you see an 85-pound bulldog and then you see a very friendly attention-loving pal. And on top of that, he’s just cute.”
The University has had four live bulldog mascots dating from 1948 to the early 1980s. The tradition lay dormant for more than 20 years until recently. About two years ago, students, alumni and staff began working diligently to bring back the tradition.
Alumni couple and dog lovers Alexis and Ed Johnson volunteered to be the mascot’s keepers and trainers. Ed, who is a lecturer in UNC Asheville’s Mathematics Department, began contacting breeders across the southeast. For months he had little luck finding the right dog. On a whim one day, Ed started researching bulldog rescue organizations. In less than 30 minutes he found what seemed like a perfect match in Rebel.
Victorian Bulldogs are a new breed established to resemble the bulldogs of the 18th and 19th century. They are taller than the well-known English Bulldog and have broad faces, large heads, wide chests and short, smooth coats. Though still quite rare, the Victorian Bulldog is a much sought-after pet because they are affectionate and athletic.
Last November, Ed and Alexis drove to Georgia to meet the rescued Victorian Bulldog and to determine if they could mold him into mascot material. Immediately they knew they had found Rocky I.
“The dog was extremely gregarious and overly friendly. It was clear that he absolutely thrives on attention and would make a perfect mascot,” said Ed Johnson.
The couple soon learned another one of the dog’s traits. “By the time we arrived back in Asheville, the car, Alexis and I were completely covered in slobber,” laughed Johnson.
He now carries a UNC Asheville Athletics “True Blue” towel with him whenever Rocky has an outing. But nobody seems to mind a little drool.
“When I met Rocky, I knew that he was the dog for UNC Asheville,” said Frazier. “He was worth the wait, drool and all.”
A group of mathematics students have already encountered Rocky’s soon-to-be famous slobber – albeit in a totally unexpected way.
Johnson has been bringing Rocky to campus about once a week to become familiar with the sights and sounds of UNC Asheville before his big debut. Because these visits have been clandestine to lead up to the big reveal, Johnson left Rocky in his office briefly and closed the door. When he came back, student papers were strewn about the floor and covered in teeth marks and drool.
“Rocky actually ate some homework,” Johnson laughed. “Though he does actually prefer leather chews and homemade roast beef treats.”
When Johnson is in the office, a gate is placed across the door to keep Rocky from wandering the halls. The dog leans his neck over the gate reaching as far into the hallway as possible, looking for someone to come by to scratch his head.
One student who has met Rocky is Mary Ann Craver, who served on the mascot committee.
“I was so excited to meet him and wasn’t disappointed,” said Craver, a senior from Lexington, N.C. “Rocky’s energy is great. He’s very friendly and athletic and brings the mascot personality to life. Now the UNC Asheville Bulldog isn’t just a symbol.”
Frazier agrees and sees Rocky’s rescue from Georgia as especially serendipitous.
“From all accounts, this dog didn’t want any part of being a Georgia Bulldog,” he said. “Rocky is a UNC Asheville Bulldog through and through. We’re proud to welcome him home.”
Pictured: Now known as Rocky, this Victorian Bulldog was once a rescue at the Escambia County (Ala.) Animal Shelter. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com
DA Wants Manslaughter Bond Revoked For Man In Flomaton Crash
March 31, 2009
After he was involved in a Flomaton crash just over a week ago, a motion has been filed to revoke the bond for a man charged with manslaughter for a wreck that killed an Atmore couple.
Authorities say George Wesley Hauer was involved in an accident that injured a family of four on March 22 on Highway 31 east of Flomaton. At the time of the accident, he had been out on a $300,000 bond for only about two weeks after being charged with manslaughter in Baldwin County for a 2007 wreck that killed an Atmore couple.
“Driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle is a violation of the conditions of the defendant’s bond,” according to the motion filed by Baldwin County Assistant District Attorney Matt Simpson.
A hearing in the case had been scheduled for Wednesday, but court records indicate that it had already been postponed prior to the bond-revocation motion. The case itself is scheduled to be heard in August.
In the March 20, 2007, wreck, Dwight Eugene Nichols, 74, and his wife Wilma Ellavan Nichols, 77, of Atmore were traveling south in a Mercedes E320 on Highway 31 near Perdido, when they collided with a northbound sports utility vehicle driven by Hauer, according to Alabama State Troopers. Both Nichols died a short time later at an area hospital.
The March 22 Flomaton accident happened just after 4:00 p.m. on Highway 31 at Old Fannie Road. Two people were transported to Pensacola by two different LifeFlight helicopters, one to Sacred Heart Hospital and one to Baptist Hospital.
Officials say the car, driven by David Smith of Flomaton collided with a truck driven Hauer. Smith was transported to Baptist Hospital by ambulance were he was treated for a broken jaw.
Hauer was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital by LifeFlight in serious condition. He has since been released from the hospital.
State troopers say no charges have been filed in the March 22 accident as they continue their investigation. Troopers have not released further information on the accident.
Leigh Smith, a passenger in car, was transported by LifeFlight to Baptist Hospital in critical condition. Her condition was reportedly upgraded to stable Sunday night. Another passenger in the car, Samantha Bryant, a senior at Flomaton High School, was transported to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola with non life threatening injuries. Passenger Curtis Byrant refused treatment the scene.
Relatives tell us that Curtis Bryant suffered a broken wrist in the accident, and Samantha Bryant suffered just minor injuries. The mother, Leigh Smith remains hospitalized with broken ribs, a broken shoulder and a broken knee.
Pictured above: Rescue workers work to free a victim of a March 22 accident near Flomaton. Pictured top inset: Baldwin County jail booking photo for George Wesley Hauer. Pictured bottom inset: The Smith’s car. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.