Camp Fire Opening New Childcare Facility In Century
April 3, 2008
A new childcare facility with room for about 70 children will open its doors this weekend in Century.
Camp Fire USA and the Town of Century will show off the new child development center on Industrial Boulevard Saturday, and it will open for business on Monday.
An open house will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the new facility. The public is invited to attend.
IP’s Cantonment Mill Issued Draft Discharge Permit
April 3, 2008
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has released the most recent draft for the Cantonement International Paper Mill’s discharge permit
The project includes a $70 million upgrade to the mill’s wastewater treatment system, removal of the mill’s discharge to Eleven Mile Creek, some restoration of a 1,400 wetlands tract, and conservation of several hundred adjoining acres.
To educate the public on this complex issue, the Pensacola Mill has launched a Web site – www.protectourecosystem.com – explaining the project with maps, diagrams and photos, and outlining information about the mill’s product lines and local economic impact.
“We’re pleased to have reached this milestone,” said Chris Read, Pensacola mill manager. “We’re looking forward to fulfilling the commitment we made nearly a decade ago to improve the water quality of the Perdido Bay system and provide for the restoration of a wetlands habitat.”
For more information about the permit itself, visit the www.dep.state.fl.us/northwest and click on “International Paper Company” on the right-hand side of the page.
Two District 5 Candidates File Finance Reports
April 2, 2008
Two District 5 candidates, Kevin White and Tom Harrell, had filed their first quarter 2008 financial reports by April 1. The reports are due by April 10 and cover the period from January 1 to March 31 of 2008.
Incumbent Escambia County Commission candidate Kevin White reported $2,560 in contributions from January 1 until March 31. He reported $4,768.93 in expenditures during the same period, with most of that money ($4,696.65) going for campaign signs. Other funds were spent by the Republican candidate on bank charges and campaign literature.
Since his campaign began, White has received $36,715 in contributions. He had spent $5,200.63 as of March 31.
Tom Harrell, candidate for the District 5 Escambia County School Board seat held by Pete Gindl, had filed his campaign finance report on April 1.
Harrell reported $2,005.38 in contributions and in-kind services, including a $1,085 in funds and in-kind services that he gave to his own campaign. During the same first quarter of 2008, Harrell spent $2,277.80, mostly on signs. Other funds were spent postage and office supplies.
Since his campaign began, Harrell reports that he has received $3,191.71 in cash and in-kind contributions. He has spent $2,327.80.
As other candidates file their finance reports between now and April 10, NorthEscambia.com will bring you the information. Once the filing period ends, we will bring you complete financial tally on all of the District 5 candidates. We will also publish their campaign finance reports so you can see exactly who contributed how much, and how the candidates have spent their campaign war chests.
Ever Eat Out In Alabama? You Need To Read This
April 1, 2008
Many people from the North Escambia area eat out at restaurants that are located across the state line in Alabama. If you do and you have ever wondered just how safe that restaurant is, now there is a way to easily find out online.
The Alabama Department of Public Health has unveiled a new web site that list scores for more than 23,000 restaurants and food service establishments in the state.
Searching the site will reassure you that every restaurant in Atmore and Flomaton scored in the 90’s on their last health inspections. Some in Atmore, including Chen’s Chinese Buffet, B & T Bar-b-que, Chilly’s, and the Winn Dixie deli, scored near perfect 99’s.
To search Alabama restuarant health ratings, click here.
Softball Clinic Saturday In Molino
April 1, 2008
A softball clinic will be held Saturday in Molino from 10:00 until 1:00. The clinic will include both hitting and defensive drills.
At 2:00, there will be pitching drills.
The cost is $10 for the pitching drills and $20 for the hitting and defensive drills.
For more information, contact Donnie Nicholson at 587-5539 or 207-0663.
Free Exercise Program In Century
March 31, 2008
Century Care Center is offering a free exercise program to their employees and to the entire community.
The class is a combination of yoga and Pilates. Classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons 3:00 from 3:45 and 5:00 until 5:45 at the Century Community Center on Highway 4. The instructor is Century Care’s own Revia Whatley (pictured left). Everyone is invited to participate.
Century Celebrates 108 Years Of History
March 30, 2008
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society celebrated the 108th birthday of Century Saturday with a day of activities.
The day began at 9:00 with the raising of the colors. There was a “War Between the States skirmish” reenacted, as well as an authentic Civil War canon firing. Visitors had the opportunity to visit a civil war campsite, enjoy food and live music, and visit the museums. A Mayberry sheriff’s car and Barney Fife look-a-like (pictured left, click to enlarge) were also on hand.
The events took place in the area of the Alger-Sullivan Historical District at Fourth and and Jefferson streets in Century.
For a complete photo gallery from Century’s 108th birthday celebration, click here.
Pictured above: A Civil War era cannon was fired for the 108th birthday of Century Saturday. Notice the fire shooting out of the front of the cannon at the exact moment it fired. Pictured below: A Civil War camp was setup in the Alger-Sullivan Historical District in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Yes Lord, We’ll Ride With You; Riding For The Son
March 30, 2008
Sometimes in life, the courage to walk up to someone you don’t know and say those first words can be tough. Finding the courage to walk up to the stereotypical tough man biker and just start talking about salvation…well, that can be even tougher.
But it is a courage that disabled Vietnam vet Michael Largay has obtained, and it is a courage that has become his passion.
“Excuse me sir, but do you know about Jesus,” he asked when he first walked up to this reporter in Century Saturday. “I wondered if I could tell you a little bit about Him.” He was unaware at the time the he was speaking to a reporter.
That’s what Michael does. Everywhere he goes, even if it is in the middle of a rough biker gang. He has turned his Honda Goldwing into a tool for reaching the lost and pointing them toward the Golden Gates of Heaven.
“We ride for the Lord,” he said of the group he participates with, the Christian Motorcycle Association (the CMA).
The Bible says in Luke14:23 “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” That’s the motto of the bikers that ride with the group. They hit the highways and let other bikers know about the Lord. Anytime, anywhere. Even if it is at the Florida Welcome Center on I-10 waiting for bikers on their way to the notoriously wild Daytona Bike Week.
“Just being on this bike opens doors,” Michael said of his Honda Goldwing, which was recently named the best in class at the Florida Goldwing Rally. “This is a missionary tool. Just being on this bike has a way of attracting other bikers to speak.”
“A lot of bikers are not the typical people that would go to a regular church on Sunday. They say ‘a church ain’t cool’, so they are not going to come to know the Lord that way. “But if you go up to them and say ‘hey, can I bless your bike’ that usually works. That opens the door. You can ask them before you start if there’s anything you can pray for in their lives.”
“Lord, bless this bike, and keep it and its rider safe on the highways,” he said his prayer usually beings. “Then you add ‘Lord, bless this man and his problems’. They come to realize that God is their God too, and He cares about them. And that they can come to know Him.”
“Bikers know when they see this patch that they can get anything they need, whether it be medical help, mechanical help, money or prayer,” he said pointing to his CMA patch that says “Riding for the Son”.
Another man walks over, admiring the Honda Goldwing.
“I wish I could get a bike like this,” he told Michael, “but my wife would never let me.”
“Do you know Jesus,” Michael asked the man.
“Yes sir, I do. We love Him, and we go to Ray’s Chapel,” the man said.
“Well, tell her that you could get a bike and do missionary work for the Lord. She might let you get one.”
Michael’s friend and fellow CMA member David Davis (pictured left) both sing in the choir at East Brent Baptist Church in Pensacola. Davis said he never misses the opportunity to witness, especially to children.
“I like meeting other people, especially children, and telling them about Jesus,” David said.
“Yeah, he will practically chase a child down to give them a Bible, Michael said.
Michael never missed an opportunity to tell others about Jesus either. He recently joined a Honda Goldwing group in Pensacola. “That’s open more channels for me to tell others about Jesus, because I got to lead prayer for the group.”
“If just one person, just one, can come to know the Lord because of what I do, I will be a happy man,” he said. “It is not about the number of people you lead to Jesus. It is about talking and talking to people until the Lord leads you to that one person that needs to be saved.”
“It’s all about Him. It’s all about Jesus.”
For more photos of Michael and his Honda Goldwing, click here.
Pictured top of page: Michael Largay (center) talks with a Barney Fife lookalike and Billy R. Ward of Bogia in Century on Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click any photo on this page to enlarge.
Big Time At Showalter Fun Day
March 29, 2008
A Family Fun Day was held Saturday at Showalter Park in Century.
In these reader submitted photos, we see Logan Bryan getting batting tips from his dad Kevin Bryan (below).
Above, we see Logan having a good time Saturday At the bottom of the page, we see Logan getting a big hug from “Big Daddy” Preston Bryan and Logan taking a swing.
We encourage your submissions here at NorthEscambia.com. If you have photos of a community event or news happening, email them news@northescambia.com
Aldersgate Held Easter Egg Hunt
March 29, 2008
Aldersgate Methodist Church held their annual Easter Egg Hunt for children in the Molino community recently.
Over 65 area children enjoyed the festivities which included an egg hunt, games, prizes, refreshments and fellowship. Games included a sack race and “Pin the Tail on the Bunny”.
There was a Best Decorated Egg Contest for various age groups. One of the winners was Aden Davis (pictured at left), who decorated his egg with a handmade cross made from dogwood branches.
The Aldersgate Kids Choir performed during the event for everyone’s enjoyment.
Photos and story submitted by Aldersgate Children’s Coordinator Sandra Greenwell.