Scott Signs Bill To Crack Down On Animal Abuse
April 6, 2008
Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott signed “Ponce’s Law’ which creates harsher penalties for animal abusers. “Ponce’s Law” is named for a 9-month-old Labrador retriever puppy found beaten to death in Ponce Inlet last year. This legislation allows a judge to bar someone convicted of animal cruelty from owning a pet, and makes it more likely that an offender would to go prison. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Up To 12 Inches Of Rain In Parts Of North Escambia
April 6, 2008
A few areas around North Escambia received up to a foot of rain by midday Saturday. Minor flooding was reported around the area, but there were no reports of major damage.
Flood warnings were issued for the Escambia River near Century, and for the Perdido River near Barrineau Park. Both warning have since expired.
Radar estimates from the National Weather Service indicate seven to twelve inches of rain in an area from Highway 97 in Walnut Hill west and southwest into Baldwin County, Alabama. By contrast, the radar estimates about two inches in the heart of Molino and about two to three inches in Century. It estimates about four inches to six inches fell from Davisville to Bratt, and about five or six inches in McDavid and Bogia. The graphic at the top of the page shows the total NWS rainfall estimates.
Pictured below: Water roars through the spillway at Wiggins Lake in Walnut Hill Saturday afternoon. Pictured bottom: Water standing near a home on North Highway 99 in the Bratt community Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos.
Aldersgate Relay For Life Team Holds Rummage Sale
April 5, 2008
There was a large indoor rummage sale Saturday to benefit the American Cancer Society Saturday at Aldersgate Methodist Church. The day’s heavy rains did not stop the indoor sale, that featured kitchen items, linens, toys, small appliances, collectibles, clothing, electronics, furniture, books and more.
All proceeds were to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
The Aldersgate Methodist team is one of about 25 scheduled to take part in the North Pensacola Relay for Life on May 2 at Tate High School.
Ribbon Is Cut On A New Daycare Facility In Century
April 5, 2008
With the cut of a ribbon, a nine year old dream of a childcare facility in the town of Century became a reality Saturday morning. The new Camp Fire USA child development center on Industrial Boulevard will official open for business at 7:00 Monday morning.
“This has been such a long time coming, La-Vonne Haven, executive director of the Gulf Wind Council of Camp Fire U.S.A., said. “This is just wonderful. I’m so glad this has finally happened.”
“I’m so excited; it’s going to be great,” Director Barbara Rigby told NorthEscambia.com as we took an exclusive sneak peek at the facility Friday afternoon.
The facility, which is licensed for up to 75 children, will accept kids from age one to age 12, and it will have an after school care program for those older kids.
“This is not just for Century,” Rigby said. “This is for Century, Bratt, Byrneville, McDavid, Walnut Hill…all of the communities around here.”
The facility, which was built with the cooperation of the Town of Century, will employ five staff members in the beginning, all highly qualified teachers will all the required certifications. More staff members will be added as the center nears capacity.
So far, there are 18 children registered…all of which are currently in a voluntary pre-k program. That program will move effective Monday from Byrneville Elementary to the new Camp Fire USA facility in Century.
“They are so excited,” Rigby said. “Oh man, they are so excited to get here and see their new school.”
An open registration was held during Saturday’s open house. Parents needing financial assistance with the daycare costs can receive assistance from the Early Learning Coalition, Rigby said. Families that meeting financial guidelines will be able to receive vouchers for childcare at the facility.
The voucher program is income based, and parents must work at least 20 hours to qualify, “no stay at home moms,” Rigby said. Parents can obtain more information on the voucher program at Saturday’s open house.
The facility will be open, beginning this Monday, from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Pictured above: The ribbon is cut at the new Camp Fire USA child development center in Century Saturday morning. Pictured below: The interior of the new Camp Fire USA childcare facility in Century during our exclusive sneak peek tour Friday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rabid Racoon Reported In Cantonment Area
April 5, 2008
The Escambia County Health Department reports that a rabid racoon was spotted in the Cantonment area near the intersection of West Ten Mile Road and Stefani Road.
The rabid racoon may have interacted with other domestic animals that are kept outside or allowed to go outdoors, such as dogs, cats or horses, the health department said.
The Brook Hollow, Brook Hollow Acres and Sharon Park subdivisions should pay particular attention to their domestic animals for signs of wild animal bites or rabies exposure, according to a press release from the health department. If rabies exposure is suspected, pet owners should contact their veterinarian immediately.
From the Escambia County Health Department:
Rabies is fatal to humans and pets. It can be transmitted even through a minor scratch from a wild animal or an unvaccinated domestic animal that was exposed. Residents are reminded not to interact with raccoons or any wild animals that may carry rabies such as bats and foxes. It is vital that residents get their animals, including horses, vaccinated against rabies and keep the vaccinations current.
The Escambia County Health Department advises:
- Animals with rabies may show strange behavior – they can be aggressive, attacking for no aapparent reason – while others, especially wild animals, may act very tame
- The animal may not be able to eat, drink, or swallow. They may drool because they cannot swallow their saliva. They may stagger or become paralyzed. Eventually they will die.
- Raccoons, in particular, may carry rabies without showing the normal signs of the disease.
- The best way to avoid exposure to rabies is to avoid contact with raccoons and wild animals.
- Keep raccoons out of the house and yard – do not place raccoon feeders in the yard.
- Protect pets by vaccinating them for rabies.
Century Care Center Celebrates Taste Of Success
April 5, 2008
Century Care Center celebrated the taste of success Friday with steak and all the trimmings.
Century Care has received a top award for patient care, beating out 13 other nursing homes in the state of Florida. And Friday, Director Don Ripley (pictured above) treated all of the staff, invited guests from the community and residents to steak, potatoes, salad, cake, ice cream and more.
Century Care received the President’s Circle of Excellence award from Summit Care. Summit Care is a management company based in Tallahassee that currently manages Century Care and 13 other nursing care facilities in the state. Century Care was rated the company’s number one facility.
“We have a wonderful team working to provide the best care available to your moms, dads, grannies, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and friends. We work hard, we care, and
we are proud,” said Activities Director Mae Hildreth.
Century Care is also ranked among the top five percent of nursing homes in Florida, currently ranking 33 out of 670 care facilities in the state. When new numbers are tabulated, they expect that to increase to number 12 out of 670.
March 2008 information from the Florida Agency for Health Care Information shows that Century Care Center received five of a possible five stars for “Quality of Care”, “Quality of Life”, “Nutrition and Hydration”, “Restraints and Abuse”, “Pressure Ulcers”, “Decline” and “Dignity”. The five star rating in categories like “Pressure Ulcers” indicates that facility does not suffer a problem in that area.
“Thanks to all staff for making our surveys rank above average in quality of care,” Hildreth said.
The only other Summit Care facilities in Northwest Florida are located in Milton.
Man Gets 15 Years For Molino Drunk Driving Death
April 5, 2008
Anthony Mattheiss (pictured left) of Cantonment was sentenced to just 15 years in prison for DUI manslaughter in connection with a May 15, 2007, crash south of Molino.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash on Highway 29 near Booth Lake Road occurred when a Mercedes driven by Mattheiss, 45, crashed into a Chevy at about 95 mph, killing 71 year old Charles Stanton of Cantonment. The posted speed limit in that area is 65 mph.
The FHP says Mattheiss blood alcohol level was 0.16, which is twice the legal limit in Florida.
A passenger in Mattheiss vehicle, Gary Cooper, and the driver of the Chevrolet, Eddie Evans, were also injured in the crash, according to the FHP. Cooper’s medical bills topped over three quarters of a million dollars.
Stanton was on his way home from playing bingo in Atmore about 10:00 that night. Mattheiss had just left Swanees lounge less than five miles to the south.
At his sentencing hearing Friday, Mattheiss reportedly told the courtroom that he was sorry.
Zinghoppers Delight Children At Century Branch Library
April 5, 2008
The Zinghoppers performed to the delight of children at the Century Branch Library Friday afternoon.
Click here for a complete photo gallery from the Zinghoppers at the Century Branch Library.
The Zinghoppers blend upbeat music, dynamic and playful lyrics, slapstick comedy and humor, along with important “edutainment” elements designed for the audience’s age group, the Zinghoppers are high energy fun!.
This upbeat show features a band of “animal friends”: Penelope The Possum (lead singer, bass), Coconuts The Kangaroo (drums) and Olo The Donkey (guitar). They are accompanied by their friend Conductor Jack (ukulele) who drives the Happy Train and joins the band on stage.
Entertaining children in an inspiring world where imagination will take them on amazing adventures, the Zinghoppers encourage kids to explore the world around them through music, movement and laughter – and they won’t even know they’re learning.
The characters in the Zinghoppers are like any group of young friends learning to develop positive relationships with each other. The show also reflects the importance of family and friends to preschoolers. While the animals in the band aren’t necessarily related, they act very much like siblings and they love and care for each other. Expressive movement is both vital to and loved by preschoolers whether it be through dancing or role-playing. The Zinghoppers include these elements. Also, children love to laugh at funny visual situations. Our characters reflect this: they too love to laugh and there is a significant amount of humor in the show.
Pictured above: Children and parents alike enjoy the Zinghoppers at the Century Branch Library Friday afternoon. Pictured below: The Zinghoppers. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos.
County Cutting Some Top Jobs, Eliminating Departments
April 4, 2008
Escambia County government will look a lot different by July 1 after sweeping changes announced late Friday afternoon by County Administrator Bob McLaughlin.
The number of departments in the county will be reduced from 18 to six “bureaus”, group by similarities in functions and programs. Positions and titles will change, McLaughlin explained to county staff just prior to the Friday afternoon press conference, with several department director positions being eliminated.
Many directors will have the option of early retirement; if not, they will be reassigned.
McLaughlin explained that he was given direction by the County Commission when he was hired to streamline county departments and personnel.
The realignment process will continue over the next several months, as the “bureau chiefs” organize each of the bureaus. The will be a full presentation of the plan to the commission at the April 10 Committee of the Whole workshop.
One Escapee Captured In Molino; Second Escapes Friday, Now Captured
April 4, 2008
One escaped inmate is back in custody and another is on the run after a second unrelated escape.
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies have apprehended Timothy Smith, 25, who was reported missing from the Escambia County Road Camp in Cantonment.
Smith (pictured top left) was spotted by a work crew working near Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino about 1:30 Friday afternoon. They grabbed him and held him until deputies arrived.
Meanwhile, another inmate escaped from the Escambia County Jail about 12:30 Friday afternoon. Troy Major, who escaped with a sheriff’s department van, was captured trying to catch a bus at the Greyhound bus station in Pensacola about 3:45. Major (pictured bottom left) was being held on charges of grand theft and forgery.
Smith was discovered missing during a routine head count Thursday night about 9:30. It is believed that he may have escaped through or over a perimeter fence near the camp’s smoking area. Several holes were found in the fence.
Smith was being held on several charges, including a burglary charge. He was to have appeared in court Friday on that charge.
Both men are now back in the Escambia County Jail charged with escape.