Charges Dropped Against Walnut Hill Man In Connection With Century Burglary
December 31, 2008
Burglary and petty theft charges have been dropped against a 19-year old Walnut Hill man in connection with the September burglary of a Century convenience store.
Prosecutors dropped the charges again Levi Colton Peters in connection with the burglary of the Century Kwik Stop in Century on September 4. Peters was arrested October 1 and charged with the burglary along with Justin Dwight Harrison, 18, of Atmore.
Peters plead no contest on a trespassing charge that stemmed from the incident. He was sentenced six months probation to run concurrent with 24 months probation that he was serving on a marijuana possession charge from earlier this year.
Harrison is scheduled to appear in court on January 28 on charges of burglary, petty theft and criminal mischief.
The Century Kwik Stop was burglarized at sunrise on September 4, with the bandit breaking the glass out of a door to gain entry.
Someone threw a lawnmower battery through the front door of the convenience store located at 8130 North Century Boulevard about 6:20 that morning, according to Sgt. Steve Smith with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. The burglar made off with a few packs of cigarettes before leaving the store.
Pictured above: Broken glass covers the sidewalk September 4 at the Century Kwik Stop after a burglary. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
FHP Out In Force For Long Holiday Weekend
December 31, 2008
If you are driving during this long New Year’s holiday weekend on Florida’s highways, the Florida Highway Patrol wants you to know that they are watching.
The FHP says they are using will use zero tolerance enforcement strategies to target aggressive and hazardous violators throughout the state during the New Year’s holiday enforcement period that began at 12:01 a.m. this morning and will at midnight January 4, 2009.
Troopers will place special emphasis on aggressive driving, Driving Under the Influence, speeding and safety restraint violations. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians who comply with Florida’s traffic laws and use sound judgment can help make this holiday period safer and less stressful.
“Our goal this holiday period is to make our roads safer for our residents and visitors,” said Colonel Czernis. “We will be out enforcing Florida traffic laws, placing emphasis on motorists who place others in danger. We will have zero tolerance for violators who have a disregard for the safety of others.”
All sworn personnel on the patrol normally assigned to administrative duties will be reassigned to patrol duties on high volume roadways. In addition, auxiliary and reserve troopers will volunteer to assist regular troopers during the heightened holiday enforcement period.
Motorists are urged to contact FHP or local law enforcement officials to report an impaired, aggressive or dangerous driver by dialing *FHP (*347) from a cell phone. Callers may remain anonymous. Motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or otherwise need assistance from the FHP are also encouraged to use *FHP.
The Florida Highway Patrol reminds motorists of Florida’s Move Over law. The law requires motorists to move over when a patrol car, emergency vehicle or tow truck/wrecker is stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing. Motorists are required to change lanes away from authorized emergency vehicles if able to move over safely or slow down while maintaining a safe speed. Violators of the Move Over law will be issued a citation.
Fire Weather Warning; Two Departments Fight Gobbler Road Fire
December 30, 2008
A red flag warning remains in effect for today due to low humidity, and that low humidity contributed the spread of a brush fire on Gobbler Road that was fought by two departments Tuesday afternoon.
The fire was reported about 12:15 Tuesday afternoon on Gobbler Road near Still Road in the Oak Grove community. Firefighters from the Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and Engine 519 were able to contain the blaze to about two acres.
It is not known how the blaze began. There were no injuries and no major damage.
A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.
Pictured above: A firefighter works to contain a brush fire on Gobbler Road Tuesday afternoon in Oak Grove. Pictured below: Flames shoot above small pine trees in the blaze. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2009: Work Begins To Resurface Highway 97; Highway 29 Project Could Be In The Works
December 30, 2008
By this time next year, work should be underway to resurface Highway 97 from Molino to the Alabama state line. And, if a possible Barack Obama stimulus package works out like the state highway department hopes, a major resurfacing project could taking place on Highway 29 from Molino to Pine Barren Road.
The scheduled resurfacing project of Highway 97 in North Escambia is near the end the design phase that should see the first new asphalt on the highway by the end of 2009.
“A lot of projects were cut due funding, but this project was not,” Tommie Speights, Public Information Director for District 3 of the Florida Department of Transportation, told NorthEscambia.com. “You are getting new pavement on that road; it is in the budget.”
A $1.78 million survey was conducted by Volkert and Associates of Mobile in late 2007 and early 2008. The current timetable from the DOT calls for the final design plans to be ready before mid-January. Permitting and other technical events will take place prior to the contract being let for bid. There is $16,372,775 in the state’s budget for the Highway 97 project.
“The project is scheduled to let for contract in late August 2009,” Speights said. “It would then take three to four months to begin actual resurfacing, so work would begin in about December of 2009.”
The resurfacing is expected to be complete by July 2010.
The entire 22.5 mile roadway is be repaved from Country Road 95 in Molino across Highway 29 to the Alabama state line. No major drainage changes are expected to the route’s 55 cross drains under the highway, with the exception of some possible changes near the intersection of Highway 97 and Crabtree Church Road.
Existing 12 foot wide travel lanes and five foot paved shoulders will be milled and resurfaced. This project does not include the four-laning of Highway 97. A four lane highway is not in any of the state’s current plans for Highway 97.
Meanwhile, if the state does receives funds as part of a federal stimulus package once Obama takes office, plans call for work on Highway 29. With federal stimulus money, the state would be able to start the contract process within 120 days to repave Highway 29 from Molino to Pine Barren Road.
The Highway 29 project has an estimated price tag of just over $5 million. Without federal money, the Highway 29 resurfacing project is not scheduled to take place within the next five years.
Pictured above: Survey crews work recently on Highway 97 near County Road 99 in north Escambia County. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Power Outage In Part Of Century
December 30, 2008
The fire department responded to a reported transformer fire this morning that left a portion of Century in the dark.
The Century Station of Escambia Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a transformer fire just after 12 a.m. Tuesday. Callers reported the transformer fire between Century Motors and Hudson Hill Road along North Century Boulevard.
The exact number of homes and businesses without power was not immediately known. Power was off in the area for about two hours.
There were no injuries.
Year In Review North Escambia’s Biggest Stories Of 2008: April
December 30, 2008
NorthEscambia.com is looking back at 2008 with our “Year in Review” series. Each day, we will review the biggest stories of 2008. Today, we take a look at the biggest stories of April 2008.
A tragic traffic accident at Jefferson Avenue and East Highway 4 in Century killed three young people on April 11. Michael Joe Edwards, 17; Daniel A. Smith, 16; and Jessica L. Smith, 20 were killed in the two vehicle wreck. Read more…
In early April, the Escambia County Commission voted to approve a land swap that will bring a new community park to Bratt. The park will be located at the corner of West Highway 4 and Bratt Road, near the First Baptist Church of Bratt. Read more…
Two months after a tornado ripped the steeple from Highland Baptist Church as a Sunday morning service was ending, the steeple returned to the Molino church (pictured top of page). Read more…
In a controversial story, we took an in-depth look at MySpace and how local students use the service. We found many playing it “safe”, but we found others listing details that could get them into trouble. Read more…
The first weekend of April was wet…very wet. Some areas of North Escambia received up to a foot of rain, especially from Walnut Hill west and southwest to Baldwin County. But in nearby Molino and Century, the rainfall total was only two to three inches. Read more…
With the cut of a ribbon, a nine year old dream of a childcare facility in the town of Century became a reality the first weekend of April The new Camp Fire USA child development center on Industrial Boulevard officially opened for business. Read more…
Gas prices were in the news, with a gallon of regular unleaded at $3.35 in North Escambia. Read more…
Century’s Relay for Life (pictured left), which raises funds for the American Cancer Society, was held. Read more…
Many departments in the Town of Century were reported to be over budget. ““If we ain’t careful, we are going to be flat broke,” one councilman said of the town’s financial condition. Read more…
We caught up with electrician Eric Strehl, a man with more courage than many. He was at work high above Bratt on top of a water tower. Read more and see the photos…
Play Ball! The little league season got into full swing in Century with a pitch by Century Mayor Freddie McCall. We had the story, and the photos. Read more…
Revision 1 of the unified county fire department plan was presented to the Escambia County Commission. The plan would ultimately undergo many revisions before being approved by the commission later in the year. Read more…
West Fraser’s McDavid Sawmill announced that they were cutting 80 jobs at the local facility. An entire shift was cut at the sawmill. Read more…
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church held a firefighter appreciation day with a service to thank are firefighters from the McDavid Volunteer Fire Department. Read more…
Northview High School took a step back into history, and culture, with a Renaissance Fair. Read more…
Little League season opened on the same day in both Molino and Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com was there, and we had photos from both communities. Read more…
About 65 acres near Molino was named a Stewardship Forest by the Florida Division of Forestry. Richard Freisinger’s forest land located about a mile north of Barrineau Park Road on County Road 95A received the designation. Read more…
It was announced that a new t-ball field at Bradberry Park would be named in honor of Drew Marlow, 2. He died in an automobile accident in late January. Read more…
Gas prices were in the news, again, as diesel hit over $4 a gallon locally. Read more…
Raids in Molino, Cottage Hill and Cantonment led to the arrest of eight people and the seizure of 50 dogs. A quantity of drugs was also seized. Read more…
Escambia School Board member Jeff Bergosh introduced the idea of closing Carver/Century K-8 School to save money. Read more…
Several North Escambia students were big winners at a 4-H livestock show. Read more…
Ernest Ward Middle School held their second annual sports banquet, and we were there with lots of photos. Read more..
After 14 years of teaching dance in North Escambia, Heather Leonard announced here retirement. She talked about those years and her strong Christian faith in an exclusive interview with NorthEscambia.com. Read more…
Over 400 area residents attended the annual EREC meeting at Northview High School the last Saturday of the month. Read more…
Ernest Ward Middle School students attended a health fair at the school where they learned the dangers of alcohol, smoking and other vices. Read more…
Molino Park Elementary School students spent a “Day with the Arts”. Students were exposed to many different art forms, including a concert. Read more…
Northview High School named their cheerleaders for the 2008-2009 school year. Read more…
The Escambia School Board cut 115 teachers and 40 clerks from across the system. The assistant principal’s position at Carver/Century K-8 was also cut. Read more…
Looking For A Last Minute Tax Deduction? Think Relay For Life
December 30, 2008
If you are looking for a great last minute tax deduction before the clock strikes midnight Wednesday night, the American Cancer Society would be a good choice. Fund raising for Century’s Relay for Life is underway, and NorthEscambia.com has a team that could use your support.
Our NorthEscambia.com team in the upcoming Century Relay for life is a team of one, but we would love to have you onboard with us. Fighting cancer is a team effort. The impact we can make together is much greater than what any of us could do alone. By supporting our team, you will be a part of a life-changing event that celebrates the lives of those who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and empowers all of us to fight back against a disease that takes too much.
To donate to the NorthEscambia.com Relay for Life team, click here and look for the “donate” button.
For more information about the Century Relay for Life, to volunteer, to sign up as a survivor or register a team, visit CenturyRelay.com
All donations to the NorthEscambia.com Relay for Life team go directly to the American Cancer Society. By making your donation online, your credit card will be charged by the American Cancer Society.
Adopted Or Foster Homes Needed Now For Horses
December 30, 2008
A group based in the Molino area that has spent over three years helping horses in Escambia County is now in need of foster homes for some of the animals.
Panhandle Equine Rescue is in desperate need of foster homes for rescued horses, according to PER President Diane Lowery. Many PER horses are also available now for adoption.
Some of the horses available for adoption include Eli, a 17-month old gelding; Rain Dancer, a seven-year old mare; Jasmine, an 8-year old black Mare; and Dot, a three-year old filly.
For more information on fostering or adopting a horse, call Diane at (850) 393-9793 or 587-2754.
Pictured above: Rain Dancer, a seven-year old mare, is just of the Panhandle Equine Rescue horses that needs an adopted or foster home.
Highway 168 Brush Fire
December 29, 2008
Fire units from Walnut Hill and Century responded to a brush fire on Highway 168 Monday afternoon.
The fire was reported just after 1 p.m. Monday behind two mobile homes on Highway 168 between Wiggins Road and Wawbeek Road. It was reported to be burning over an area about five acres in size.
Authorities say the fire began with a trash fire that got out of control. There were no injuries, and there was no property damage.
Fire units from the Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Engine 519 and the Florida Division of Forestry responded to the call.
North Escambia Won’t Have Recycling Containers When ECUA Service Starts
December 29, 2008
When ECUA takes over residential trash service in North Escambia next week, area residents will be missing their recyclable containers.
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority’s service, which replaces Allied Waste in the entire area except for the Town of Century, is suppose to include a once per week pickup of a trash container and a recyclable container. But it will be up to two weeks or more before the recyclable containers are delivered in North Escambia.
“We are delivering the recyclable containers as the requests come in,” ECUA spokesperson Natalie Bowers told NorthEscambia.com. Some in the ECUA service signed up months ago, but North Escambia residents were unable to sign up for ECUA’s recycling service until the end of December.
Those in the regular ECUA service area in the southern half of Escambia County that signed up earlier in the year have had their recycling containers already delivered. But ECUA’s customer service agents were unable to take signups from North Escambia Allied Waste customers until the last half of December.
North Escambia residents that had been using Allied Waste will see their service change from up 180 gallons per week of waste to the one 90 gallon trash container and recyclable container in size up to 90 gallons.
“Your total volume does not go down,” Bowers said. “It has not been cut in half.”
But with no container, there’s no recyclable pickup, Bowers acknowledged. She said ECUA did not order a huge number of recyclable containers in advance in order to better spend funds; ECUA did not want to have a large number of unused containers on hand.
Enough containers to supply the North Escambia residents that have signed up for recycling service should be on hand and delivered within one to two weeks after service begins on January 6, she said.
Across the entire ECUA service territory and the Allied Service area in North Escambia, only about 15% of the 73,000 residential waste customers have signed up for the recycling program.
“The sooner people sign up for the recycling container, the sooner it will be delivered,” Bowers said. Allied Waste customers can call 476-0480 or email support@ecua.org with their name, address and desired size — 40, 64 or 90 gallon — recyclable container.
All Allied Waste customers in North Escambia, except those in the Town of Century, will become ECUA customers. Pickup day for all customers north of Kingsfield Road will be Tuesday.
ECUA customers in North Escambia will receive the same services offered to current ECUA residential customers, including yard waste pickup and free once-per-month bulky waste pickup services.
The rate for ECUA service will be $17.99 per month, a reduction from $19.62 charged by Allied Waste. A small fuel charge will be added to the base rate. ECUA will offer a seniors rate of $15.08 to households in which the ECUA account is in the name of a resident who is 65 years old or older. To receive this reduced rate, one must accept use of a 60-gallon can rather than the standard 90-gallon can, and the customer must contact the ECUA Customer Service Department at 476-0480, to request the Seniors rate. A “lifeline” rate will be offered at $8.57 per month for very low income customers.