Northview NJROTC Heads To Florida A & M For Drill Competition
February 10, 2009
The Northview High School NJROTC attended the annual Florida A&M Drill Competition recently in Tallahassee.
“It was an opportunity for the unit to compete against other schools that are not in our area and it was an exciting and successful day,” Northview NJROTC instructor Charlie Code said. “It was a great experience for the unit and one that they will use to build upon for the future.”
Northview placed in the following events:
- Uarmed Basic Drill: 2nd place
- Armed Basic Drill: 2nd place
- Color Guard Drill: 4th place
- Personnel Inspection: 5th place
- Individual Drill: Jessica Bloodsworth, placed 2nd out of 150 cadets.
A total of 16 schools participated in the day-long event.
Click here for a complete photo gallery from the event.
Pictured above: The Northview High School NJROTC at the annual Florida A&M Drill Competition recently in Tallahasee. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Expect Fewer Trains In Area After Fire Damages Railroad Trestle
February 9, 2009
There will be fewer CSX trains passing through North Escambia and South Alabama the next couple of weeks following a fire that damaged a railroad trestle over Bayou Sara in north Mobile County Saturday afternoon.
Juveniles were reported to have rain away from the Bayou Sara trestle just before the fire. The trestle received heavy damage, and CSX says it will be out of service for up to two weeks.
Trains leaving Mobile must pass over the trestle before heading toward Birmingham or Pensacola.
The trains, about 18-20 per day, that are heading to Pensacola pass through Atmore, Flomaton, Century and Molino before heading south.
The Bayou Sara span is about two miles from the scene of the September 22, 1993, Amtrak Sunset Limited disaster on the Big Bayou Canot bridge. There were 47 people in that accident.
Ernest Ward Cheerleaders Take Second Best In Nation
February 9, 2009
(With Link To Video)The Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleaders have taken second best in the entire nation Sunday afternoon in Orlando in the Universal Cheerleaders Association competition.
The EWMS cheerleaders took first place in the UCA West Florida Regional in November at Tate High School. Their score was so high that they automatically bypassed the preliminary rounds of competition Saturday in Orlando. The EWMS Golden Eagle cheerleaders were automatically advanced to Sunday’s final round.
Click here for a few more photos from Orlando (including new photos from Sunday afternoon’s competition).
Members of the EWMS squad are Cheyenne Godwin, Hannah Gibson, Katelynne Calloway, Ali Martin, Ariel Holland, Mariah Albritton, Lana Clayton, Morgan Ward, Raven Weaver, Reagan Bell, Angel Mitchell, Paeton Hadley, Ashley Mooney, Madison Arrington, Coach Ashley Salter and large number of parent volunteers.
Click here to watch a video of the EWMS performance Sunday in Orlando (enter “Ernest Ward” in the search box under the video tab). The video site is sometimes overloaded and slow; be patient.
Pictured above: The EWMS cheerleaders pose for a quick photo for NorthEscambia.com heading into Disney World this afternoon. Pictured below: And they’re off! The Golden Eagles head to their competition. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Council, Escambia Commissioners Seek Input Into Economic Development Plans
February 9, 2009
Escambia County Commissioners and Pensacola City Council are asking the public to submit concepts, ideas, or thoughts on the best way for the county to manage its economic development growth.
The entities want to know if they are doing a good job now in the public’s opinion. They are wanting input on any better way, and what model should be used for future economic growth planning.
All submissions should be in writing, including contact information with a return address and phone number. If submittal is from a group or committee, themembers, chairman and contact information should be included. Include, at a minimum, the following information:
1. Comments on the existing economic development structure.
2. How should our economic development effort be structured?
3. What role should county government play in economic development?
4. Suggested industries we should target for this area.
5. Additional thoughts and concerns related to economic development in this area.
All information should be submitted by March 1, 2009, as a PDF or by mail to:
Larry M. Newsom, Economic Development Coordinator
Escambia County, 221 Palafox Place, Room 210
Pensacola, FL 32502
larry_newsom@co.escambia.fl.us
Individuals can share their submittals at the March Joint Meeting (date to be announced). Due to time constraints, presentations will be limited to three minutes.
County Gets Grants For Hurricane Upgrade At Walnut Hill, McDavid Fire Stations
February 9, 2009
Two area fire stations will get hurricane retrofits with grant money from the State of Florida.
Hurricane shutters will installed at the McDavid and Walnut Hill fire stations of Escambia Fire Rescue using $35,543 in grants from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
The grant will provide $18,132 for the hurricane shutters at the McDavid Fire Station on North Century Boulevard.
Another $16,411 from the grant money will be used for hurricane shutters for the Walnut Hill Fire Station on Highway 97.
Escambia County applied for the grants back on May 1, 2007.
Escambia County Applies For Grant For Century And Molino ECAT Buses
February 8, 2009
Escambia County is applying for a grant to fund the ECAT bus that runs between North Escambia and Pensacola six days per week.
The $231,696 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation will be matched by the county for the “Route 60″ bus that stops in Century and Molino each day and connects to the rest of the Escambia County Area Transit system in the Pensacola area.
The application is for a “Federal Transit Administration non-urbanized area funding” grant to be used in the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The grant is to offset operational expenses of public transportation in more rural areas.
Funding from the grant will also be used for the Pensacola Bay Transportation Company paratransit program for disabled persons in rural area of Escambia County.
The ECAT Route 60 bus from Century and Molino to Pensacola is the most expensive bus per person and the most expensive bus per hour in the entire public transportation system in the county, NorthEscambia.com reported on December 31.
The bus costs $16.27 per passenger to operate, according to ECAT numbers from the last fiscal year. That’s the most expensive cost per passenger by far over any other bus in the system, with every other route falling below $10 per person (except for a free tourist route that runs to Pensacola Beach). In fact, is almost twice the next most expensive route per person, a 12th Avenue area route that costs ECAT $8.68 per person. The Century and Molino to Pensacola bus is also the most expensive per hour to operate in the ECAT system, at $78.29 per hour.
A total of 7,819 riders took the Route 60 bus over a one year period. That compares to 145,883 riders on a Fairfield Drive area bus.
Read the December 31 NorthEscambia.com story about the route by clicking here.
Molino Teen Wins Junior 5K In Bridge Run; Many Area Residents Place
February 8, 2009
A 13-year old Molino teen took first place in the male overall Junior 5K at Saturday’s Pensacola Double Bridge Run.
David McGahan, 13, of Molino finished first among the males in the Junior 5K with a gun time of 20:43. McGahan place 19th overall in the overall 5K results,
Several other North Escambia area residents placed in the 5K, including:
Richard Mason, 69, of Molino with a gun time of 31:29 placed third in the male 65-69 age group.
Matt Dobson, 39, of Jay placed first in the male 15K overall, with a guntime of 53:20.
The complete list of North Escambia area residents that placed in the 5K run/walk and 15K run in Saturday’s Pensacola Double Bridge Run is below.
Overall 5K run results:
019 David McGahan M 13 Molino FL 1:19:25
083 Daniel Sheppard M 38 Jay FL 1:22:38
114 Rob Bath M 57 Molino FL 1:23:47
132 Gloria Raney F 17 Jay FL 1:24:23
185 Kenneth Nobles M 29 Molino FL 1:25:38
209 Shirley Raney F 46 Jay FL 1:26:03
210 Lance Raney M 54 Jay FL 1:26:03
217 Melissa Nobles F 25 Molino FL 1:26:17
305 April Watson F 32 Jay FL 1:27:52
318 Greg McGahan M 41 Molino FL 1:28:10
319 Moriah McGahan F 11 Molino FL 1:28:10
329 Abby Raney F 14 Jay FL 1:28:22
367 Beth Anne Whitfield F 46 Jay FL 1:28:59
381 Sandy Arrant F 34 Jay FL 1:29:12
382 Lana Rowell F 27 Jay FL 1:29:13
409 Taylor Brown M 13 Molino FL 1:29:36
413 Anthony Watson M 34 Jay FL 1:29:40
432 Richard Mason M 69 Molino FL 1:30:12
542 Justin Marsh M 24 Atmore AL 1:32:33
575 Amy Sheppard F 36 Jay FL 1:33:17
590 Madison Whitfield M 48 Jay FL 1:33:38
650 Erin McCay F 32 Jay FL 1:35:47
799 Tracy Yuhasz F 44 Molino FL 1:51:22
Overall 5K walk results:
148 Tanya Brown F 47 Molino FL 50:27
Overall 15K results:
012 Matt Dobson M 39 Jay FL 53:20
133 Kristopher Head M 21 Jay FL 1:07:15
210 Keith Bell M 25 Atmore AL 1:10:31
531 Brandon Chambless M 15 Walnut Hill FL 1:19:00
699 Kevin Bell M 30 Atmore AL 1:23:05
940 Stacey Lowe F 34 Jay FL 1:29:45
Ready For Your Tax Refund? E-file Is Fast, Free
February 8, 2009
If you are anxious to get your federal tax refund (or you really just want to pay early), you can e-file your 2008 tax return with the IRS. Your refund could be in your bank account in as little as 10 days, and, in many cases, filing can be absolutely free.
The IRS e-file program for 2008 federal tax returns is highlighted by new features that will allow expanded access to electronic filing and help people looking for faster refunds.
IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman encouraged taxpayers to explore e-file this year as the best option to file accurate tax returns and get fast refunds during the current economic downturn. The e-file program also includes new improvements to the Free File program that will allow nearly all taxpayers to e-file for free.
“These are tough times, and e-file is the best way for people to get cash in their pocket quickly,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “Filing electronically with direct deposit can get refunds to taxpayers in as few as 10 days. Combined with important changes in the Free File program, we believe e-file is a better option than ever before for the nation’s taxpayers.”
Last year the average refund was $2,429. The IRS realizes people need their refunds quickly. Shulman urged people who haven’t e-filed before to consider the e-file option this year.
IRS e-file totaled nearly 90 million tax returns in 2008. Almost 58 percent of all returns were filed electronically. Last year, there was a surge in e-file from home computers. Nearly 27 million people prepared their own e-file return. That’s an increase of more than 19 percent from the previous year.
IRS e-file meets the needs of nearly all taxpayers, no matter how complicated or simple their returns are. E-file helps taxpayers take advantage of the tax credits available to them to maximize their refunds during these tough economic times.
A variety of tax software products are available commercially that offer e-file. This year, several of them will not charge additional fees for e-filing for the first time.
In addition, most taxpayers qualify for free tax preparation offered through Free File on IRS.gov. Regardless of income level, taxpayers who are comfortable with filling out paper tax forms and who don’t need extra assistance can use the IRS’s new Free File Fillable Forms. These new online versions of paper tax forms that can be e-filed are available for the first time by visiting the IRS.gov Free File site.
Benefits of e-File
Taxpayers who use e-file and who choose direct deposit can receive their refund in as few as 10 days. That’s because with e-file, there’s no paper return going to the IRS. And with direct deposit, there’s no paper refund going to the taxpayer. So it’s all electronic and much faster than paper.
IRS e-file allows taxpayers to file their returns now and pay later if they owe taxes. It allows taxpayers to file both federal and most state returns at the same time.
Taxpayers may use IRS e-file through their tax preparers, or with a computer using tax preparation software. This software is available on the Internet for online use or for download. Many retail stores sell the software for offline use. The IRS does not charge taxpayers to e-file their completed returns, but some tax preparers and software manufactures may charge a fee. However, this year a number of large software companies are waiving this additional fee.
To get all the benefits of electronic filing, taxpayers must make sure that when they are done with their returns, they take the final step of e-filing them. Taxpayers who use a paid preparer should make sure their preparers are taking this final step, too. In addition to error checks contained in the return-preparation software, additional checks are done during the e-file transmission process. That’s why the error rate is so low for e-filed returns. In fact, the error rate is significantly reduced from 20 percent with paper returns to about 1 percent with e-filed returns.
E-filed tax return information is protected through encryption. Also, taxpayers receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours that the IRS has accepted their return.
Free File
Free File, which is a form of e-file, is a free federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for eligible taxpayers developed through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance LLC. The Alliance is a group of private-sector tax software companies. Since Free File’s debut in 2003, a total of more than 24 million returns have been prepared and e-filed through the program.
Free File offers 20 different software options that can assist taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $56,000 or less in 2008 to e-file their federal tax returns for free. That means 70 percent of all taxpayers – 98 million taxpayers – can take advantage of tax software that will help them complete their returns through the Free File program. Three companies are offering their products in Spanish.
This year, the IRS and its partners are offering a new option, Free File Fillable Tax Forms, which opens up Free File to virtually everyone, even those whose incomes exceed $56,000.
Free File Fillable Tax Forms allows taxpayers to fill out and file their tax forms electronically, just as they would on paper. This option does not include an “interview” process like the other Free File offerings, but it does allow taxpayers to enter their tax data, perform basic math calculations, sign electronically, print their returns for recordkeeping and e-file their returns. This “self-service” option may be right for those who are comfortable with the tax law, know what forms they want to use or don’t need assistance to complete their returns.
Both the fillable-forms option and the previously available “full service” Free File offerings are available only through the IRS.gov Web site. Both new and returning taxpayers must access Free File through IRS.gov. Otherwise, the e-file provider may charge them a fee. Look for details on IRS.gov beginning Jan. 16.
Almost 4.8 million tax returns were filed through Free File last year, an increase of 24 percent over the previous year’s total of nearly 3.9 million returns.
History of IRS e-File
The IRS began the e-file program in 1986 as a pilot project in three cities: Cincinnati, Phoenix and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. That year, there were 25,000 tax returns filed electronically. The e-file program expanded nationwide in 1990 and 4.2 million tax returns were filed. IRS e-file has undergone tremendous growth each year, with nearly 90 million tax returns e-filed last year.
To get started with the e-file, visit the http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118508,00.html
Editor’s Note: Taxact.com offers a free and easy program that you can download for free and offers one free federal e-file. We have used it for years with no problems. Visit Taxact.com to download the free program.
Registration This Month At NWE, Molino And Century; Improvements At Molino
February 7, 2009
Ball registration will be held Saturdays this month in Century, Molino and Walnut Hill, and there have been some big improvements at the Molino ballpark. Schedules and registration information for all three parks are below.
There are five new batting cages in place this year at Don Sutton Park in Molino. Two new awnings have been installed over several of the bleachers, and organizers say that will be a big improvement for parents watching the games.
Living Water Fire Protection provided all of the materials for the frames on the new batting cages, says Arty Kleinatland, president of the Molino Recreation Association. The netting was funded by hosting last year’s NWFGSA softball tournament at the park.
“We continue to improve our park in an effort to retain and attract the Molino children to our park instead of going to bigger parks to the south,” Kleinatland said. “In an effort to allow all children to play ball, we have reduced our registration fees.” The fees for the first child playing ball this year in Molino have been reduced from $65 to $50.
Registration will be held each Saturday for the Molino Recreation Association at Don Sutton park in Molino. Registration will continue each Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. through February 23. The annual draft will be February 28.
Registration fees have been reduced this year due to the economy. This year, registration fees are $50 for the first child, $45 for the second, $40 for the third and free for additional players from the same family. A birth certificate copy is required to be on file for each child.
Teams for the Molino Recreation Association will include:
- Wee Ball –ages 3 & 4
- Tee Ball — ages 5, 6 & 7
- Baseball — ages 8 to 15
- Girls Softball — ages 8 to 16
If you would like to coach or just help out on your child’s team, you can sign up on the day your child is registered. For more information, call 587-4090.
Registration for Northwest Escambia Little League baseball continues each Saturday until February 21 from 10 a.m. until noon at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill.
The cost is $35 for the first child from a family, $25 for the second child and free for each additional child. A copy of each child’s birth certificate is required for registration.
This year, NWE will offer Wee Ball for children ages 3 and 4 on the brand new “Drew’s Field”
- Wee Ball — ages 3 & 4
- Tee Ball — ages 5, 6 & 7
- Minor and Major League Baseball — ages 8 to 12
- Minor and Marjor League Softball — ages 8 to 16
- Junior and Senior League Softball –ages 13 to 16
- Junior and Senior Leage Baseball — ages 13 to 16
- Machine Pitch Baseball — age 8
For more information, call 327-6722 or 327-6155 after five p.m.
Century Little League ball registration will held Saturdays from noon until at Showalter Park.
Registration fees have been lowered this year for $30 for the first child and $20 for each additional child. A copy of each child’s birth certificate is requested. The following teams will be formed:
- Pre-T — 3 & 4
- Tee Ball — 5 to 7 boys and 5 to 8 girls
- Minor League Baseball — 8 to 10 y
- Machine-Pitch Minor League — 8 to 10
- Girls Minor League Softball — 9 to 10
- Boys Major League Baseball — 11 to 12
- Girls Major League Softball — 11 to 12
Ages are determined according to the child’s age on May 1, 2009.
NorthEscambia.com is looking for people to help us with stats and photos from NWE, Century and Molino play this year. If you are interested, use our contact form to let us know.
Pictured top: Improvement at Don Sutton Park in Molino, including a new awning and batting cage. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Florida Divison Of Forestry To Offer Free Firefighter Training
February 7, 2009
Volunteer and paid firefighters from any agency will have the chance to attend free training from the Florida Division of Forestry.
Officials with the Florida Division of Forestry, in partnership with the Santa Rosa County Firefighters Association, have announced the 2009 Wildland Fire Conference, a free training opportunity for volunteers or personnel from any fire service agency.
The event will be held February 20-22, at the Bo Johnson Life Fitness Center (Building 4000) at the Pensacola Junior College Milton Campus, located at 5988 Highway 90 in Milton.
According to Rena’ Barnes, forest area supervisor, “This is an excellent opportunity for volunteer and paid fire service personnel from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties to receive beneficial training. This type of training is only offered once per year, and each individual who might have an interest needs to take advantage of it while they can.”
Courses offered will include required annual training, such as the Annual Fireline Refresher (RT-130), and other informative classes on wildland fire issues. Additionally, Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS-300) will be taught separately during the event.
In-person registration is required on Friday, February 20th, starting at 6 p.m. The ICS-300 course starts Friday night, from 7-10 p.m, and the remainder of that course and the conference will be held from 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 21st, and from 8:15 a.m. until noon on Sunday, February 22nd. Lunch will be provided for participants on Saturday and Sunday.
Individuals planning to attend are asked to sign up now for classes in which they are interested by visiting the February training calendar, located at the bottom left of the web page at www.santarosa.fl.gov/firedept. If the number of persons registered for a class exceeds space available, preference will be given to current firefighters and to persons who pre-registered.
For more information, contact Rena’ Barnes at (850) 957-6161 or barnesr@doacs.state.fl.us.
Pictured above: A fire rages through an Oak Grove wheat field in June 2008. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.