Century Care Center Wraps Up Week-Long Open House
May 21, 2008
The Century Care Center held a week-long open house last week.
Some of the week’s events included a pizza party, ice cream, an arts and crafts program, a field day, a special performance by Canticle (pictured above) and a clown (pictured below).
The non-profit Canticle performed with two harps, an oboe, and lady “with the voice of an angel,” Century Care Activities Director Mae Hildreth said.
“It was so beautiful it actually moved me to tears,” Hildreth said. “The residents were so impressed, they asked for autographs.”
The clown is named “Lady Butterfly” and is the daughter of a former Century Care Center resident. She entertained with balloon animals, face painting and just plain silliness.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward FFA Students Attend Auburn “BEEF U” Program
May 21, 2008
Three FFA members from Ernest Ward Middle School joined about 140 other youth from Alabama and Florida at first Beef Excellence Education for You (B.E.E.F. U) program recently.
EWMS students Seth Picheo, Devin Bell, Justin Hall participated in the program that taught kids ages eight to 18 lessons on beef cattle. Auburn University’s Animal Sciences department hosted B.E.E.F. U on campus.
At the Stanley Wilson Beef Teaching Unit and Auburn Bull Test Station, participants rotated through multiple sessions regarding live animals and carcasses. Live cattle terminology was covered as a briefing tool before partipants evaluated live cattle. The cattle were used to demonstrate beef conformation, feeder calf basics, and fed cattle evaluation.
In the Lambert-Powell Meats Laboratory, participants evaluated beef carcasses. The carcasses helped participants learn about and practice determining USDA yield grades and quality grades. A unique workshop taught participants how to make kielbasa, a beef and pork sausage. Participants learned which ingredients to use when making the sausage, how to prepare the meat and ingredients, and then had the opportunity to put the sausage meat into a casing.
Dr. Wayne Greene, Auburn Animal Sciences department head, said, “The B.E.E.F. U program was a success. These students had a preview of things they will learn if they become students in the Department of Animal Sciences at Auburn University.” He said B.E.E.F. U was a great training program for those that will become the leaders in the beef cattle industry.
The program was sponsored by the Alabama Cattleman’s Association 50 cent State Beef Check-Off program, Extension, and the Auburn College of Agriculture Animal Sciences department.
County Leaders Discuss Unified Fire Department With Volunteer Firefighters
May 20, 2008
The effort to consolidate the volunteer fire departments in Escambia County into one unified department is continuing, with many area volunteer firefighters left with questions about their futures in the consolidated department. The Escambia County Commission wants the unified department with a single command structure to bring the county’s paid and volunteer firefighters under one command by October 1.
Recently, Ferry Pass Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robbie Whitfield was hired by the county as its Volunteer Coordinator. Whitfield and Escambia Fire Rescue Chief Kenny Perkins were charged by the commission with coming up with unification plan.
Monday night, Whitfield told the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department that he is on the side of the volunteers.
“I appreciate what you do; it takes a lot,” Whitfield said.
Whitfield was joined by Century Volunteer Fire Department Chief Regi Burkett, representing the Volunteer Firefighter’s Association and District 5 County Commissioner Kevin White.
“I feel like some of the commissioners would throw the volunteers out tomorrow,” Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Stewart said “and we are just trying to keep the volunteers afloat.”
“Not Kevin,” Whitfield said. “He has gone to bat more than any other commissioner for the volunteers.”
As for the commission’s October 1 target date for the fire department consolidation, Whitfield said progress is being made.
“October 1 is just a target,” he told the volunteer firefighters. “As long as we are making progress, we are OK.”
“My only agenda in this is to make sure the volunteers are treated fairly,” Whitfield said.
“Robbie is not going to forget that he was a volunteer once,” White said.
“But the biggest change up here (in a north end volunteer department) is nothing,” Whitfield told the Walnut Hill volunteers.
Members of the WHVFD expressed several concerns, including concerns over a command structure in the new unified department.
Many volunteers, not just those in Walnut Hill’s Station 15, have expressed concerns about paid career firefighters not respecting the volunteer’s command.
Under the plan last discussed with the commission, the highest ranking officer, whether they be paid or volunteer, would be in command at a scene, except when an “incident command” has been established.
“The volunteer chief is in charge, even when the paid firefighters show up on a scene, except with when you have established an incident command,” Whitfield said.
One of the first firefighters on the scene of a major incident will establish an “incident command” over the scene.
“When an incident command is setup when you get their first,” Whitfield said, “that is the commanding officer. Even if it is the lowest ranking member of the department that sets up the incident command, that person is in charge of the incident. The incident commander is ultimately in charge.”
Concern was expressed by the volunteers about individual station identities…each volunteer department in the county currently as its own identity, logo and sometimes mascot.
“We will be Escambia Fire Rescue,” Whitfield said. “But you’ll still have Walnut Hill, Cantonment, Century, Molino and McDavid volunteer fire departments.” He added that each department will keep funds they may raise, such as the money raised each year by the Walnut Hill VFD with their annual fish fry.
And none of the departments should expect to lose their equipment either.
Don’t worry about someone walking into your station and saying ‘I am taking this engine or that piece of equipment’,” Whitfield said. “There’s enough equipment in this county; we don’t have to move any around.”
“I’ve been trying for years to get two more substations,” Stewart said. “Some of my people are not covered in any way or form. That’s a concern on their ISO.”
The ISO rating system is used to rank fire service protection and determine insurance rates. For a great deal of the Walnut Hill district, the ISO is a “5″ on a 10 point scale. But for some far away from the department’s main station in Walnut Hill or its substation in Bratt, that rating jumps higher and costs residents much more in insurance premiums.
Walnut Hill’s Station 15 has the largest geographic fire district in the county at 197 square miles. That compares to Whitfield’s Ferry Pass district at 17.67 square miles.
“From us sitting here in this station tonight, it is 20 minutes to the other side of this district,” Stewart said.
“You do one heck of a job up here,” Whitfield told Stewart. “I appreciate what you do very much.”
Right now, volunteers in the county need to focus on training, and members of the general public need to focus on contacting their commissioners in support of the volunteers, Whitfield said.
“Write a handwritten, signed letter to your commissioners explaining what kind of fire service is up here (in North Escambia),” Burkett said. “Community involvement is not going to hurt you one bit.”
Whitefield, White and Burkett agreed to a suggestion by Stewart that a community forum be held to allow the public the chance to have their say about the new unified county fire department. The date and time for the meeting will be announced here on NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured above: District 5 Commissioner Kevin White (left) and Escambia Fire Rescue Volunteer Coordinator Robbie Whitfield listen to volunteer firefighter concerns Monday night in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photo.
Blue Ribbon Committee Against Closing Carver/Century School
May 20, 2008
A blue ribbon committee was formed at Monday night’s Century city council meeting in an effort to make sure the school board knows that the Town of Century does not want its only remaining school.
“All of us are aware of what’s about to take place with our school”, said Mayor Freddie McCall at the packed meeting. “I would like to see our town participate in a blue ribbon committee to come up with plans to present to the school board to keep our school open. The school is close and dear to our hearts, and I don’t want to see it closed down. It is important to economic growth. It is hard to get industry without a school”.
Carver/Century K-8 School is in danger of being closed as early as the upcming 2008-2009 school year as part of budget cutbacks proposed by Escambia County School District Superintendent Jim Paul.
The blue ribbon committee was formed Monday night includes McCall; Principal Jeff Garthwaite, Paula Jernigan, Rev. Wiillie Carter, Laura Nelson, Brenda Spencer, Henry Hawkins; Mrs. Reginald McCants, Marilyn Robinson and Rev. Irwin Stallworth. “We want everyone’s input and these will be our spokespeople to get this off the ground and to the table”, said McCall.
Many residents of Century turned out Monday night to have their voices heard in support of keeping Carver/Century K-8 School open.
“Several (school) board members are ready to scratch us off”, said council member Gary Riley. “We need to show up in numbers with plans. They want to pull the plug on our life support while we still have life. Numbers make a difference; voices make a difference”.
Council woman Sharon Scott said, “I have a granddaughter I plan to see in Century, not Byrneville, Bratt or Molino”.
“Anyone who knows me knows I love the Century school and I don’t want to loose it. I would do anything for Century school,” said council woman Nadine McCaw.
The Rev. Carter said the town must be serious about supporting the school, but should not be lead by emotions. “Let’s not get carried away with our emotions”. Carter said he has been involved with the Century school for over 50 years. He spoke of former Century school students who have gone on to become doctors, professors and lawyers.
“I’ve seen students who were deprived become successful and those who had everything fail. Can one test determine whether a student suceeds or fails?” said Carter in reference to the FCAT test. Carver/Century had the lowest writing+ FCAT scores in the county. “I’m all for computers and calculators, but students used to have to use their minds. We don’t want to take away what God gave our kids and that’s a good set of brains,” he said.
Stallworth said that children will learn what they want to learn, but the community has to help. “Some children need help to read, and I’ll help them read,” Stallworth said as he made it known he would be glad to assist children in learning to read.
Diedre Harris plead with those in the room who have kids at other area schools to bring their children back to Century to get an education. “Let us be a house united,” she said, “let’s do what we have to do as a community to get what we need”. She urged people to bombard District Five School Board Member Pete Gindl with phone calls telling him “to vote no to closing our school”.
“It would be a joy to see my kids come back home to go to school”, said Rex McCants. “If Bryneville can do it, Century can do it”.
Alfonzie Cottrell reminded everyone that “there is an entire community at stake…not just the kids, but an entire community”.
Century residents are encouraged to show their support of keeping Century/Carver school open by attending tonight’s school board meeting at the Hall Center in Pensacola at 5:30.
Pictured above: Rev. Willie Carter addresses the Century Town Council Monday night in support of Carve/Century school. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Town Debates Woman’s $3,000 Sewage Bill; Receives Annual Gas System Report
May 20, 2008
For the second meeting the row, the Century Town Council debated a $3,000 bill for sewer service the town says Leola Robinson owes for property she owns on Williams Street.
Councilman Henry Hawkins made a motion to forgive the $3,000 sewer bill at Monday night’s meeting.
Councilwoman Ann Brooks voiced her concern that the sewer ordinance states that, whether or not a citizen is connected to the sewer, they are required to pay the tap fee. If they choose not to connect to the sewer, the town has the right to connect and charge the person.
Hawkins said he was not worried about the sewer tap. Mayor Freddie McCall said that there is a tap at the edge of Mrs. Robinson’s property but that “it is not convenient for them to go through the trees”. McCall said he is willing to move the tap to the end of the driveway to get the issue resolved.
However, after much discussion between Brooks and Hawkins, the matter was again tabled until all documents and facts surrounding the issue could be reviewed.
Also at Monday night’s meeting the Century town council reviewed the town’s annual natural gas system report.
Century’s natural gas system produced a net gain of over $220,000 last year on revenues of $657,640.
“The numbers are compiled from your bills”, Bobby Boyd told the council. Boyd also told the council that the amount of unaccounted for gas during the year amounted to a gain of 1.36%. This is the amount bought vs. the amount sold. “This is very rare for a town”, he said. He also praised the town saying that the two key ingredients for a great gas system is maintanance and correct billing and that Century was doing great in both areas.
Mayor Freddie McCall reported on the following items:
- all fire extinguishers serviced in October 2007 are up to date and good until October 2008;
- “No Overnight Parking” signs have arrived and have been installed at the Wayside Park.
- Contractor Mike Motes will be at City Hall on Wednesday, May 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to talk to anyone interested in housing assistance.
- at the next council meeting there will be a scoping meeting at 3:00 p.m.; a public workshop at 5:30, followed by the regularly scheduled council meeting at 7:00.
Councilman Gary Riley commended the street department for their work in putting down white markings on the city’s streets. McCall added that the sewer project on Jefferson Circle would need to be held off until school was out due to the problem that would be created by blocking the street to school buses. “We won’t get a lot done until school is out”, he said.
A Vision and Missions statement drafted by Councilman Henry Hawkins was passed out for review. Mr. Hawkins asked the council to look over the statement so that it could be discussed at the next council meeting.
District 5 Commission Candidate Calls It Quits, Drops Out Of Race
May 20, 2008
One candidate has withdrawn from the race for the District 5 County Commission seat. Democrat Georgette Harris of Cantonment has officially withdrawn her bid for the seat currently held by incumbent Republican Kevin White of Molino.
Two other Democrats, Jim Barnett of Molino and John Hartman of Gonzalez, remain in the race.
There are three other Republican still in the race. Randall McCrackin of Cantonment, Packy Mitchell of Cantonment, and Chris Washler of Cantonment remain on the ballot for the August 26 primary.
NWE Storm Takes On Muckdogs
May 20, 2008
The Northwest Escambia Alto Products Storm and the NWE Muckdogs battled it out on the t-ball field Monday afternoon at Bradberry Park.
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Person Injured In Rollover Accident Monday After Hitting Deer
May 19, 2008
One person was injured Monday afternoon when their vehicle flipped after hitting a deer.
The accident happened about 12:14 on Highway 97 about a half mile south of Highway 164 in Walnut Hill, near the Union Primitive Baptist Church.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Antoinette Franklin, 34, of Juniper Street in Walnut Hill was southbound on Highway 97 when she struck a deer near the church. She lost control of her 1995 Pontiac Grand Am, running off the road and flipping the car onto its side in a field on the northbound side of the highway.
Franklin was not believed to have been seriously injured in the accident. She had crawled out of the vehicle and was sitting in the vehicle of a passing motorist when the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department arrived.
She was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital.
The FHP says Franklin was wearing her seatbelt.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Where Do Century Kids Really Go To School? Most Don’t Attend Carver/Century
May 19, 2008
As the Escambia County School Board considers Superintendent Jim Paul’s proposal to close Carver/Century K-8 school, a recurring question is where are the children?
Most are not at Carver/Century. Over half the elementary age and middle school age children that live in Carver/Century’s district do not attend the school.
Because Carver/Century is rated as an “F” school that does not make “AYP” — Adequate Yearly Progress — students in the Carver/Century school attendance zone are eligible to transfer to other schools, often with transportation at the district’s expense.
Numbers NorthEscambia.com obtained late last week from the Escambia County School District indicate that of the 314 elementary age children in the Carver/Century attendance zone, only 126 actually attend the school. Almost 40 percent of them, 121 in all, attend Byrneville Elementary School, a public charter school.
Another 48 attend Bratt Elementary School, and 11 attend Molino Park. There are three at Jim Allen Elementary School, three at Ensley Elementary School, one at N.B. Cook Elementary and one at Warrington Elementary School.
For elementary age children in the Carver/Century zone, the school district provides transporation to Bratt Elementary or Molino Park Elementary.
On the middle school side of Carver/Century, about 56 percent of the students that live in the Carver/Century district do attend the school. The school district reports that of the 159 middle school students in the zone, 89 do attend Carver/Century. Another 68 go to Ernest Ward Middle School and two attend Ransom Middle School.
These numbers do not account for students that may live in the Carver/Century school zone that are home schooled, attend a private or church school, may attend school across the state line in Alabama, or that may attend school in Santa Rosa County.
Blog: NorthEscambia.com Readers Can Rent Movies For Free
May 19, 2008
One of the pleasures of living in North Escambia is our isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city. But when it comes time to rent a movie, it means a drive to the video store in a nearby place. With gas at $3.80 plus per gallon, it at least can double the cost of the movie to drive to the video store to get the movie then drive back to return it on time.
But we found a way you can rent the movies you want to see for FREE for a couple of weeks. The link is near the bottom of this story.
We have experimented with the two major online rent by mail companies…Blockbuster and Netflix. Both services have pretty much any movie you can think of, even obscure movies that your friends have never heard about. When we tried both services, we found that movies arrived in our mailbox usually in just one day.
We did find Netflix to be a little faster, and they had the new releases we wanted to see at our door the day of the release! The mailman was good to us on Tuesdays!
So how does this online rental thing work? It’s easy. You sign up for a free trial to make sure it is going to work for you, whether it be Blockbuster or Netflix. Then you pay a monthly fee, currently from $4.99 to $16.99 per month for Netflix, for UNLIMITED video rentals, up to a certain number at a time in your hands. You mail them back for free (no stamps or postage needed). Then within a day or two, new movies show up in your mailbox. There are never any late fees, and you can cancel anytime. No contracts, no strings, no small print.
Why are we telling you this…for a few good reasons. One…gas is expensive for trips to the video store. Two…we got tired of the nearest rental store to us being out of their two copies of the movie we wanted to see for weeks. Three…we tried both services and found that they both worked well. Four…if you will try the Netflix FREE two week trial, NorthEscambia.com will make a little commission.
NorthEscambia.com has arranged for our readers to try Netflix, with unlimited three at a time rentals, for FREE for two weeks. If you watch your movies and send them right back, you could probably watch 15 or more movies for free during the two weeks.
So here’s the bottom line deal…you can try Netflix for FREE for two weeks, and you’ll be supporting what we do here at NorthEscambia.com at the same time. You can cancel at the end of the two weeks and pay nothing and be under no obligation. We think, however, that you’ll probably want to stick around longer than two weeks. (Just to be clear…we don’t make anymore money if you do keep using Netflix, but we think you’ll like it!)
It’s our little gift to you…you get to try renting Netflix movies for FREE for two weeks, and you help NorthEscambia.com at the same time.
To try Netflix for free for two months, click on the Netflix ad on the front page of NorthEscambia.com; the ad is in the right column above the weather. Or you can click the below:
Netflix – Only $4.99 a month! No Late Fees. Try it for Free!
NorthEscambia.com only receives the commission if you click the ad on the front page or the link above.
Thanks for reading my blog. I’ve been scolded by plenty of you…I’ll start writing a blog more often. Promise. Thanks again for reading NorthEscambia.com each and every day!
—William