Century Council Member Walks Out Of Monday Meeting
March 4, 2008
Century Town Council member Sharon Scott walked out of Monday night’s council meeting after almost getting into a verbal spat with the chairperson of the Carver Community Center.
Early in the meeting, council member Henry Hawkins questioned a $204 bill from the town’s attorney for a phone call made by Mayor Freddie McCall. McCall stated that the purpose of the telephone call was to seek advice on several issues, including an inquiry as to whether or not a vote by a council member to approved funds for the Carver Community Center would be a conflict of interest if a council member was serving on the community center board.
At the February 4 council meeting, the council approved a motion by council member Nadine McCaw to make $2,000 donations each to the Carver Community Center, the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society, Century Little League, the Century Sports Association and the Century Chamber of Commerce.
“Why wouldn’t it be an issue for Alger-Sullivan or the others,” Hawkins asked.
“I asked him a question to keep use (the town or council) from getting into trouble,” McCall told Hawkins. McCall said he had information that a council member might be serving on the Carver board, but he declined to name that person.
Several minutes later during the public comment portion of the meeting, Carver Community Center Director Marilyn Robinson, questioned the council as to why funds donated to the community center might be an issue, and why the council had said “things” about the community center. She said that no one from her board served on the council.
“Sharon Scott ain’t said squat,” Scott said. Scott and Robinson began to bicker, with Scott saying she had concerns about the safety of some events at the community center.
“For my son’s safety, I don’t want him going down there,” Scott said.
Council President Ann Brooks repeatedly used her gavel in attempt go gain order in the meeting.
Scott gathered her things and walked out of the meeting.
Century Moves Toward Borrowing $1.7 Million, Conducts Other Business
March 4, 2008
The Century Town Council voted Monday night to move forward toward borrowing about one and a half million dollars from the Rural Development Program for projects around the town.
The money would be used for standby generators, water main improvements and a 300,000 gallon elevated water tank to improve water pressure, according to Mayor Freddie McCall.
The town’s accountant, Robert Hudson, told the council that the $1.7 million, 40 year loan would have an annual payment of about $87,000. But if the council could obtain state funds in the amount of about $300,000, they could “buy down” the loan to $1.4 million with an annual payment of about $59,000. Hudson said the water department had about $85,000 in “free cash flow” during the 2007 fiscal year.
Dale Long of Fabre Engineering told the council that the project had been in the works for several years, and that they needed to move forward before the funding opportunity was lost. He told them that a vote to move forward with the application process would not obligate the town to actually borrow the money at this point, nor would it cost the town any money at the present time.
The town recently sent a letter to the state prison system requesting over a half million dollars in back payments for gas services. While the state had made payments for service at the Century Correctional Institute, those payments to the town total about $568,000 less than the invoiced amounts. The council agreed that they money could be used for the “buy down” on the development loan.
The council approved a motion by Nadine McCaw to move forward in the paperwork process of applying for the loan, with the stipulation that the town not be obligated for anything at this time.
“We have nothing to lose by letting them go forward,” Council President Ann Brooks said.
In other business, the Kevin Merchant from Century Little League approached the council about the little league running the concession stands for this year’s ballgames. While the council had already approved such at a previous meeting, Merchant said he wanted to publicly come before the council with the request because, “I don’t want anybody thinking anything was done behind closed doors.”
State ethics complaints were filed against Evelyn Hammond, former Century mayor, in regards to her previous handling of the concession stands.
The council also approved Merchant’s request for help in installing “safer bases” purchased by the league at the city’s ballpark.
The town council approved buying out a uniform services contract. At a recent council meeting, the mayor’s request for $932 to purchase t-shirts to replace the rented uniform shirts for 10 employees. But McCall later discovered that the uniforms were provided under a 12 year contract that could be bought out for a one time payment of $1,320. The council approved that payment.
In other business, the Century Town Council:
- voted to authorize the town clerk to pay utility bills as they are received. Gulf Power recently cut power off to the town’s Habitat Building after a bill went unpaid. Bills in Century were not paid until approved at the first Monday of the month meeting of the council, forcing some to become delinquent. The town will now vote to pay bills at each of the two council meetings per month. A letter explaining the town’s bill payment policies will be sent to all vendors, except the utility companies.
- voted 4-1 to hire Debbie Nichols at $23.50 per hour up to a maximum of 20 hours per week to work on the town’s Enterprise Zone paperwork and assist in applying for various grants. Council member Henry Hawkins cast the lone dissenting vote.
- voted to hold a committee meeting to review bids for the review of the town’s comprehensive plan.
- heard from Georges Van Nevel from Helicopter Technologies. Van Nevel stated that his company once again had cash flow following a January federal raid. He said he had made his March payment to the town and would attempt to make back payments as soon as possible. “I assure the council that the town is not going to lose any money on me,” he said.
- heard from resident Jerry Simmons who complained Allied Waste does not pick up his garbage as they should. McCall stated he would look into the problem.
Byrneville Soldier Currently Serving In Southeastern Iraq
March 4, 2008
Airman 1st Class William McCann of Byrneville is currently serving with the United States Air Force in Iraq.
Airman McCann is deployed with the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, which conducts combat patrols to deter local insurgents from attacking Camp Bucca. The combat patrols include looking for improvised explosive devices and gathering intelligence by directly engaging Iraqis in the local communities. The squadron is the only U.S. defense force that provides continual patrols “outside the wire” (venturing outside the secure zone) in southeast Iraq. Camp Bucca is an Iraqi prison camp holding over 20,000 detainees.
“A lot of young boys look on their dads as their heroes,” McCann’s father Billy McCann told NorthEscambia.com. “I look on my son as my hero!! I couldn’t be prouder! But I do not want to appear to brag on my son because there are several boys from this area who have been to Iraq or who are there now.”
McCann is a 2005 graduate of Northview High School. He is married to the former Crystal Crocker of Pensacola. She resides at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
Pictured above: Airman 1st Class William McCann conducts communications checks as he prepares for an outside the wire mission in southeast Iraq. Pictured below: Airman 1st Class William McCann readies his gear before going outside the wire to conduct security operations in southeast Iraq. Click either photo to enlarge.
If you know someone from the North Escambia area currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or another war zone, send us an email news@northescambia.com and let us know. We would love to feature them in a future story.
Another Candidate Enters School Superintendent Race
March 4, 2008
Republican Malcolm Thomas on Cantonment became the sixth candidate to prefile for the Escambia County School’s superintendent position. Thomas currently serves as the district’s administrator in charge of evaluation services.
He joins two other district administrators in the race for the school districts top job. Republican Ronnie Arnold, who is assistant superintendent of interagency and public affairs, and Republican Alan Scott, who is assistant superintendent for human resources, both prefiled last month after two-term incumbent Jim Paul withdrew from the race.
Claudia Brown-Curry, a current school board member; Cary Stidham, a former school board member; and Myra Simmons are also prefiled for the job as Democrats.
Smoke In The Area, Might Be From Baldwin County Fires
March 3, 2008
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a call of smoke in the area of Goodale Lane off Highway 97A in the Pineville community about 9:30 Monday night. Fire units responded to the area and were unable to find a fire. But they did report the smell of smoke in the area.
About 10:00, the Century Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Campbell Road and Boatramp Road to another call of smoke in the area. About 10:15, they determined that there was not a fire in that area.
Baldwin County (AL) officials report several controlled burns and other fires in their county that could be the source of smoke in the area. Escambia County (FL) issued a press release a few days ago about large controlled burns taking place near the Equestrian Center off Mobile Highway and another in Baldwin County (AL) north of the Lillian Bridge.
Monday night, strong winds across North Escambia from the southeast were believed to be blowing the smoke into the area.
One Dies In Highway 97 Wreck In Walnut Hill
March 3, 2008
(Updated 2:50 p.m. 3/3/08)
The Florida Highway Patrol says 80 year old Betty M. Lavender of Atmore died in a two vehicle accident on Highway 97 Sunday afternoon. The accident happened just before 3:00 on Highway 97 between Arthur Brown Road and Wiggins Lake Road.
Troopers say she pulled out of a driveway into the path of a southbound Volvo vehicle driven by Patrick O. Henry, 46, of Pensacola. Henry swerved to avoid Lavender’s vehicle, but struck it in driver’s side, pushing it into the ditch, according to the FHP. The accident happened in a curve at Shirley’s Country Collectibles.
Henry was trapped in his vehicle over 40 minutes while firemen worked with the Jaws of Life to remove him. He was transported from the scene by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he was listed in critical condition.
Paramedics pronounced Lavender dead on scene. Bystanders said Lavender had left a wedding at the nearby Walnut Hill Mennonite Church a short time before the accident.
There were no passengers in either vehicle, according to troopers. Charges are pending, according to the FHP.
The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department, McDavid Volunteer Fire Department, Atmore Fire Department and Atmore Ambulance responded to the scene.
Pictured above: Patrick O. Henry, 46, of Pensacola was trapped in this vehicle for nearly half an hour while firemen worked to free him. Pictured below: Betty Lavender, 80, was pronounced dead in this vehicle at the scene of Sunday afternoon’s accident in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Fire Chief’s Truck Hit
March 3, 2008
The fire truck belonging to Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Stewart was damaged Sunday afternoon. The chief’s truck was parked in a ditch, emergency lights flashing, when a flatbed wrecker driver accidentally rolled back into the truck…twice. A small hole was punched into the side of the truck.
The accident was witnessed by NorthEscambia.com, at least two Florida Highway Patrol troopers and numerous others. It happened at the scene of a fatal accident on Highway 97 as the wrecker driver was removing one of the accident vehicles. (Read about that accident by clicking here.)
Chief Stewart’s vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the accident.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos.
Fire Destroys Century Home
March 2, 2008
A small wood frame home in Century was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon. The home, located at the intersection of Fannie Road and Campbell Road in Century, was reported to be fully involved when firefighters were dispatched just after 1:00 Saturday afternoon.
Firefighters from the Century Volunteer Fire Department, McDavid Volunteer Fire Department, Molino Volunteer Fire Department, Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Flomaton (AL) Fire Department and the Friendship (Escambia, AL) Volunteer Fire Department all responded to the blaze.
Firefighter responding to the scene reported smoke visible from miles away and that the home was fully engulfed when they arrived. There no injuries immediately reported.
The exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
Click here for more photos from Saturday’s fire in Century.
Pictured above: A wood frame house in Century burns Saturday afternoon. Pictured below: A fireman inside the home. Submitted photos. Click to enlarge.
Post Office Named In Honor Of Molino Man
March 2, 2008
The Cantonment post office was named in honor of a Molino man Saturday afternoon. The post office was officially dedicated as the Charles H. Hendrix Post Office Building. Hendrix retired from the U.S. Postal Service as Postmaster of the Cantonment Post Office with 37 years of service.
“To have an opportunity to help this community in a small way pay tribute to a person that meant so much is a deep honor to me,” U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller (pictured left) told about 200 people in attendance at the dedication ceremony. Miller sponsored the federal legislation required to name the post office. It was signed by President George Bush on November 30, 2007.
Hendrix was born and raised in Molino, Florida, where he met his wife of 55 years, Barbara. They had three children Chuck, Rusty, and Cheryl. Hendrix was a member of Highland Baptist Church, where he served as the church treasurer, chairman of the board of deacons, and as a Sunday school superintendent. He was a charter member of the Molino Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as fire chief, assistant fire chief, and secretary of the department’s board of directors.
Hendrix was also a member of the Cantonment Rotary Club for 44 years. He served as president and was an active member of the Club Service Committee. Hendrix passed away last October at the age of 75.
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“I’m honored to stand here on behalf of the United States Congress to help dedicate this building today in the memory of a man that means so much to his family, his friends and to this community,” Miller said shortly before Hendrix’s widow Barbara helped unveil the name plaque on the front of the post office building.
The ceremony featured numerous people that reflected on Hendrix’s life and lengthy service to the Molino and Cantonment communities. (Pictured left: Charles and Barbara Hendrix)
In addition to Miller, speakers included Cantonment Postmaster Harold Gebhard, retired postal employee Adrian Enfinger, Rev. Ed Cotten on behalf of the Molino Volunteer Fire Department, Sam Kirkland from the Cantonment Rotary Club, his brother Dr. Winford Hendrix, Chuck Hendrix on behalf of the family and Highland Baptist Church Pastor Brian Calhoun.
The Pledge of Allegiance for the event was led by Hendrix’s granddaughters Leslee Hendrix, Meridith Weaver, Kayla Hendrix, Cari Hendrix, Lydia Weaver, Avery Hendrix and Haylee Weaver. His niece Paula Hendrix sang the National Anthem.
Member of the Molino Volunteer Fire Department were on hand to raise the post office flag. Hendrix was a founding member of the Molino VFD and served several years as the department’s chief.
Pictured top: Hendrix’s widow Barbara Hendrix and daughter Cheryl Weaver listen to Congressman Jeff Miller speak at Saturday’s dedication. Pictured bottom: The plaque on the front of the Cantonment post office building. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos.
Carley Hetrick Wins Northview Talent Series
March 2, 2008
Sophomore Carley Hetrick was named the winner of the Northview’s Got Talent Series Saturday night.
Hetrick sang “I Want to Be Free”, a contemporary Christian song that she wrote. “Oh God that hung the stars in the sky,” she sang. “Oh Lord, hear my humble plea…I want to be free.” She will receive a $150 cash prize as the first place winner.
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Other contestants in Saturday night’s talent competition were Allie Bryan, singing; Harrison Whitehead, comedy and 12 Gates, band.
Proceeds from the talent series will benefit the Performing Arts Program at Northview.
Pictured above: Carley Hetrick performs her song “I Want to Be Free” Saturday Night. Pictured below: Hetrick is announced as the winner by talent series coordinator Scott Slay.
For more photos from Saturday night’s Northview’s Got Talent, click here.
