North Escambia Residents Slow To Order $40 DTV Converter Coupons
May 1, 2008
Residents in the North Escambia area have been slow to jump on the bandwagon and order their free $40 coupons for the upcoming switch to digital television in February 2009.
Imagine watching your favorite primetime TV program, when all of a sudden your analog TV screen goes to black…for good. That is what will happen by February 17 of next year to those watching broadcast TV without a digital converter box.
The government is handing out $40 coupons to anyone that asks to help purchase the converter box, but so far the number of people requesting the coupons in North Escambia is relatively low. Each person is allowed to request up to two coupons. The coupon supply is limited. When the coupon allotment is exhausted, those that have not requested coupons will not receive the $40 savings.
In Century’s 32535 zip code, only 189 coupons had been requested as of last week. In the McDavid/Walnut Hill 32568 zip, 215 coupons had been requested. A total of 244 coupons had been requested in the Molino 32577 zip by the end of last week.
While those watching satellite or cable television, or those with digital tuner TV will not be required to connect a converter box in order to continue watching their favorite broadcast stations, a converter box would be required in order to watch TV when the satellite or cable system was not working.
In to order a $40 converter box coupon from the government, visit dtv2009.org or call 1-888-DTV-2009. The boxes sell at retail from about $40 to $70.
Here is more information from the dtv2009 web site:
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after February 17, 2009.
Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after February 17, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the significance of the February 17, 2009 digital TV transition date?
If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after February 17, 2009. Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.
How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?
From now through March 31, 2009, all U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed and cannot be replaced.
For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?
Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
What can the public do to plan for the transition?
Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on February 17, 2009.
The TV transition deadline will be here soon. Working together, we can make this historic digital transition a success for all Americans.
Northview Senior Honors Night Rescheduled By One Day
May 1, 2008
The Northview High School Senior Honors Night has been rescheduled from May 22 to May 23 to allow the school one extra day to tabulate test results.
The school district recently implemented subject area exams (SAE’s) for all students, include high school seniors. The district’s subject area exams do not end until May 21, according to Northview Principal Gayle Weaver.
“There is not enough time to have the SAE’s sent downtown for scoring by the district, returned to the school electronically by the district, and averaged into grades by each teacher, for a timely ranking of seniors on May 22,” Weaver told NorthEscambia.com. “The timeline for ranking will be very close on May 23, but the guidance department is prepared to do everything they possibly can do to have the ranking in time for the Senior Honors Night at 7 p.m. on May 23.”
Northview seniors will graduate the following day, May 24 at 4:00.
Pickup Truck Crashes, Pushes Car Into Home
April 30, 2008
A man’s medical condition apparently led to a vehicle crash that sent a car under the porch of a mobile home in Century Wednesday morning.
The accident happened about 11:20 in the 9000 block of North Century Boulevard, near the intersection of Henry Street. The Florida Highway Patrol says a pickup driven by Willie Mitchell, 50, was southbound on Century Boulevard when he apparently suffered a seizure that caused him to drift across the highway and crash into a parked Saturn in front of a mobile home. The force of the impact pushed the Saturn under the porch of the mobile home.
Troopers said that Mitchell did not appear to be injured as a result of the crash. He was taken from the scene by ambulance for treatment of his medical condition.
No one in the mobile home was injured in the crash.
Pictured above: The red pickup truck crashed into this Saturn, pushing it under the the porch of a mobile home on North Century Boulevard late Wednesday morning. Pictured below: The Saturn under the porch after the pickup was towed from the scene. Pictured bottom: More photos from the accident. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Fire Breaks Out At Bondurant Lumberyard
April 30, 2008
Fire departments from across the area responded to a fire at Bondurant Lumber in Flomaton, Alabama, about 12:40 Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities on scene told NorthEscambia.com that two trailers loaded with wood chips were pulled burning out of from under a covered building in the lumberyard. Firefighters on one side of the complex worked to extinguish the burning wood chips in the trailers, while firefighters on the other side of the yard worked to extinguish the fire in the building.
When NorthEscambia.com arrived on scene just moments after the blaze was reported, a thick white smoke was pouring from both side of the lumberyard from the two fires.
The Century Volunteer Fire Department, the McDavid Volunteer Fire Department and the Walnut Hill Volunteer Department from North Escambia responded to assist the Flomaton Fire Department with the two blazes. Fire departments from across western Escambia County, Alabama, were also called to the scene, including the Atmore, Lambeth and Wawbeek fire departments.
The Walnut Hill and McDavid volunteer fire departments left the scene about 2:20; some members of the Century Volunteer Fire Department remained on the scene until about 4:25.
For a photo gallery from the fires at Bondurant Lumber in Flomaton, click here.
Bondurant Lumber is located just west of Flomaton, Alabama, on Highway 31.
Pictured above: Fire explodes from the back of a wood chip trailer when it is opened at Bondurant Lumber in Flomaton Wednesday afternoon. Pictured below: A fireman works in the rafters of a building at the lumber company. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Three North Escambia Veterans On Honor Flight
April 30, 2008
Three North Escambia area men were among 100 veterans that took a one day trip from Pensacola to Washington to visit the National World War II Memorial Wednesday.
Odie Bell of Molino, Valentine Henn of Cantonment and Nathan Welch of Cantonment were aboard the inaugural Emerald Coast Honor Flight, a flight for World War II veterans. They landed in Washington just after 9:00 Wednesday morning and returned about 12 hours later.
While in the nation’s capital, they visited the National World War II Memorial where they were honored for their service to the country. They were met at the airport by Rep. Jeff Miller, and met with Sen. Bob Dole. They also visited the Vietnam and Korean war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.
The Emerald Coast Honor Flight is at no cost to the 100 veterans. The trips are paid for by the non profit Honor Flight organization.
Oops! How Do You Spell That?
April 30, 2008
This sign erected by the Escambia County Road Department at the intersection of Arthur Brown Road and Corley Road in Walnut Hill has a bit of misspelling on it. Notice that “Arthur” is spelled “Authur”.
The County Engineering Department has been notified about the misspelling, and a supervisor indicated that the sign would be replaced soon.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
School Board Cuts 115 Teachers, 40 Clerks, Carver/Century Assistant Principal And More
April 30, 2008
The Escambia County School Board voted Tuesday night to cut 115 teaching positions, 40 elementary school administrative clerks and the assistant principal position at Carver/Century K-8 School.
The total cuts recommended by Superintendent Jim Paul and approved by the board total $6.2 million. Most of that $6.2 million will come from having high school teachers teach another class each day. High school teachers currently are in the classroom for five out of seven periods each day, but next year that will increase to six out of seven. That portion of Paul’s plan will save the district an estimated $3.2 million.
A total of 40 administrative clerk positions at elementary schools will be cut for a savings of just over $845,000.
The assistant principal position at Carver/Century will be eliminated, as will the principal of the OASIS student program in Pensacola for a total savings of about $170,000.
Sixteen of the115 teaching positions to be cut will be the exceptional student education (ESE) program to save $705,000. Ten teachers will be cut from various art, physical education and music positions in the county to save $440,870. Sixteen “sparsity unit” positions….teachers in classes that do not have enough students to qualify for financial aid from the state…will be cut to save $741,102.
The board says that no current employee will lose their job; those in the eliminated positions will be reassigned within the district.
The only vote against Paul’s proposal came from Claudia Brown-Curry who called for more administrative cuts and fewer cuts directly related to the district’s classrooms.
The district expects a $15 million shortfall next year due to state budget cuts and rising fuel costs.
Carver/Century Student Wins National Poetry Month Award
April 30, 2008
A Carver/Century K-8 School student’s poem was named a winner in a poetry contest.
Melanie Foust won third place representing Grades 7-9 in the April National Poetry Month Student Poetry Contest sponsored by the West Florida Literary Federation and the Friends of the Pensacola Public Library.
Melanie won a $15.00 award for her poem “Connect” and will be offered the opportunity to have her poem published in the WFLF’s 2008 creative writing anthology, The Emerald Coast Review XIV, coming this fall.
She was also invited to a reception in her honor at Books-a-Million.
Pictured above: Melanie Foust and Carver/Century Principal Jeff Garthwaite. Pictured below: Melanie’s poem “Connect”. Submitted story and photo.
Northview Falls To Marianna In Quarterfinal Baseball
April 30, 2008
The Northview High School Varsity Baseball Team lost their quarterfinal game by a point Tuesday night.
Marianna downed the Chiefs 6-5 in their Region 1-3A quarterfinal game.
The Marianna Bulldogs (19-7) were up 6-0 in the third. Northview (12-14) picked up five runs on eight hits for the night.
In other 1-3A quarterfinal action, Catholic beat Chipley 4-2.
Sunny And Warmer Today, Rain In The Forecast For Friday, Saturday
April 30, 2008
After a cool start this Wednesday morning in the 40’s, the North Escambia area will warm to about 78 this afternoon under sunny skies.
Tonight’s low will be warmer, about 53, followed by a high back in the low 80’s for Thursday. A chance of rain creeps into our forecast by Friday at 40 percent. The rain chance continues at 50 percent for Friday night and 40 percent on Saturday.
Sunny skies will return for your Sunday, with a warm high of 85.
Pictured above: The sun sets at Lake Stone near Century Tuesday night. Submitted photo by Alisa Hart of Flomaton, who says the fishing at Lake Stone “is once again worth going for”.