Highland Kid’s Klub Celebrates Easter

March 23, 2008

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highlandeaster92.jpgDozens of children celebrated Easter morning at Highland Baptist in Molino.

The children’s Kid’s Klub held an Easter Egg Hunt during the Sunday School hour, and also enjoyed a snack. During the worship service, the children performed a song for over 300 in attendance.

For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here

Click any photo on this page to enlarge.

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Exclusive Photos & Video: Police Chase Through North Escambia Easter Sunday

March 23, 2008

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The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department chased a potentially suicidal man about 50 miles through North Escambia Sunday afternoon.

chase50.jpgThe man was identified as Aaron Bruce, 18, by deputies. Law enforcement officers had been on the lookout for Bruce since early afternoon after relatives reported that he was possibly suicidal and he believed that police officers were out to get him, according to Lt. Sammy Peavy of the Escambia Sheriff’s Department. He had also removed an ankle GPS monitoring device that he was wearing while awaiting trail on earlier charges of grand theft auto and burglary. He is pictured left (click to enlarge) behind the wheel of his Grand Am during the chase.

Bruce left the area of Old Chemstrand and Chemstrand roads near Solutia in Cantonment and stole a tag because his Pontiac Grand Am did not have a tag, Peavy said. Deputies spotted Bruce and gave chase near Jack’s Branch Road and Kingsfield Road. The chase proceeded north on Jacks Branch Road past Barrineau Park Road, north on County Road 99 to Walnut Hill (pictured top), south on Highway 97, across Highway 29 in Molino to Molino Road, and south on Molino Road to the Cottage Hill community. Bruce finally hit a chain link fence at a home on the end of a dirt lane off Crowndale Road.

Deputies had “backed off” of the vehicle when the sheriff’s department helicopter began following the Grand Am near Pilgrim Hills along Highway 97. When Bruce hit the fence off Crowndale Road, residents of the area gave chase before deputies arrived. He fled into a wooded area, according to witnesses. A perimeter was setup by deputies around the area, and a sheriff’s canine unit was called to the scene.

That canine unit was unable to locate Bruce, possibly because the residents that gave chase had contaminated the suspect’s scent, Peavy said. He said the sheriff’s helicopter had spotted Bruce in the woods but had lost him.

The search was called off a little after 3:00 Sunday afternoon.

bruce.jpgBruce was later arrested by deputies and charged with reckless driving and fleeing or attempting to allude law enforcement authorities. His bond was set at $5,000 on the reckless driving charge and $45,000 on the attempting to allude charge. He is pictured, left in his booking photo.

NorthEscambia.com has obtained exclusive video of the chase as it turned from Highway 99 to Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.

(article continues below video, click to play video)

Speeds in the chase were reported to approach 70 mph, but the chase often proceeded at speeds near the speed limit. NorthEscambia.com was able to follow the chase at a safe distance at a legal speed for some distance down Highway 97 from Highway 99.

One of Bruce’s relatives, who did not wish to be identified or directly quoted , told NorthEscambia.com that Bruce had become upset “over a girl” earlier Sunday. The relative said he found Bruce cutting an extension cord in a garage and threatening to hang himself.

Click here for a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, including exclusive photos of the chase as it passed though Walnut Hill.

(Scroll down for all photos.) Pictured below: Bruce turns at a high rate of speed from County Road 99 to Highway 97 Sunday afternoon. The smaller spare tire on the right rear of the vehicle is beginning to lift off the highway in this photo. Pictured below middle: The suspect behind the wheel during Sunday’s chase. Pictured bottom: The vehicle hit a fence at the end of a dirt lane off Crowndale Road in the Cottage Hill community. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.

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Molino Sunrise Service Celebrates Resurrection

March 23, 2008

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Six Molino churches came together for an Easter Morning Sunrise Service Sunday morning at Aldersgate Methodist Church.

Some wore their Sunday best and others came in jeans and t-shirts to celebrate the risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Over 100 braved a cold wind to sing, hear the Easter message from Bro. Jeff McKee from Victory Assembly of God, and pray.

The event included worshipers from Aldersgate Methodist Church, New Beginnings Church of God, Molino First Assembly of God, Highland Baptist church, Victory Assembly of God and NorthEnd Community Church.

For a complete photo gallery from the service, click here.

The Bible says:

Matthew 28:1-20

Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5

But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”

8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”

The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.

The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

from the Holman Christian Standard Bible

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Walnut Hill Baptist Holds Spring Fling

March 23, 2008

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Walnut Hill Baptist Church held its annual Spring Fling Saturday afternoon at Dream Acres Farm on Mason Road.

The annual event included an Easter Egg Hunt, food, fishing, a puppet show and even an Egg Drop. In the Egg Drop, children created containers they thought could be dropped from the loft of a barn to the ground with an egg inside…without breaking the egg. Four children were successful in creating such containers, including one design that included a parachute (pictured below).

For a complete photo gallery from the Walnut Hill Baptist Spring Fling, click here.

Dream Acres Farm is the home of Rev. James and Ellen Boyd. Boyd is pastor of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church in Atmore.

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Woman With Local Ties Finishes Play In NCAA Final Four

March 23, 2008

tinagrace1.jpgA young woman with local ties played this weekend for Atlanta’s Oglethorpe University in the battle for the NCAA Division III title.

Oglethorpe Junior forward Tina Grace, a Pensacola Catholic High graduate, is the granddaughter of Jim and Alpha Maloney of Pilgrim Hills near Molino.

Oglethorpe University’s women’s basketball teams’ incredible run through the 2008 NCAA Tournament came to an end on Friday night as Messiah College defeated the Petrels, 80-60.

In a battle of the birds, the Petrels and the Falcons traded baskets in the early going, with Oglethorpe jumping to an early 10-9 advantage. That’s when Messiah College, however, made a move and went on a decisive 15-0 run from which Oglethorpe could never recover. The Petrels trailed by as many as 22 points in the contest before finally succombing by the final score.

The junior with grandparents here in North Escambia, Tina Grace, led all scorers with 21 points and 7 rebounds and Katie Kulavic, despite some early foul trouble, scored 14 points for Oglethorpe. The Petrels struggled to knock down shots against a swarming Falcon defense that held Oglethorpe to 34% shooting for the game.

The Petrels post-season run included thrilling victories over Piedmont, Thomas More, William Smith and Kean University before a veteran Messiah College team was too much to overcome. Despite the outcome, Oglethorpe will return seven of their top eight players in terms of minutes played for the 2008-2009 campaign that should see the Petrels comfortably ranked in the Preseason Top 25.

The Oglethorpe University women’s basketball team finished their most successful season in school history in defeat on Saturday afternoon, losing to Wisconsin-Whitewater, 80-67. The Warhawks were literally able to rebound from Friday’s loss in the national semifinal, crushing Oglethorpe on the boards with their size, 69-30.

Grace scored ten points in Saturday’s game.

Game information courtesy Oglethorpe University.

Many Special Services Planned In North Escambia This Easter Sunday

March 23, 2008

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Numerous services commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ will be held across the North Escambia area today and Sunday

There will also activities all weekend at the Green Acres Farm in Davisville. Click here for that story.

Molino Area

  • Grace Valley Baptist Church: Spring Revival starting Easter morning 10:30 a.m. Pastor Noah Broughton from Somerset, Kentucky, will be with us Sunday, 10:30 am
    and 6:30 p.m. and March 24-28 7:00 p.m. More info? 587-5787
  • Aldersgate Methodist Church: Easter morning worship at Aldersgate at 8:30 and 10:30.
  • Victory Assembly of God: Easter morning worship service at 10:30.
  • CrossFaith Church: 10:00 Easter Sunday morning worship, children’s Easter egg hunt during morning service.
  • Highland Baptist Church: Easter morning service at 10:45. Easter egg hunt during Sunday School for Toddlers-Fifth grade at 9:30.

Walnut Hill/Bratt Area

  • First Baptist Church of Bratt: Easter Services, Sunday morning at 10:30 following Sunday School at 9:15 (no 8:30 service). The Worship Choir will perform the Easter musical “I’ve Seen Jesus”.
  • Walnut Hill Baptist Church: Easter Cantata will be presented during 11:00 worship service.

McDavid Area

  • McDavid United Methodist Church: Easter service starting at 9 a.m. with Sunday School after the morning service. During our morning service we will also baptize one into the kingdom of God. Everyone is welcome to come and meet God who will accept you just as you are.

Century Area

  • First Baptist Century: Easter morning worship services will be held at 10:45 Sunday morning.

Pictured above: Community Easter Sunrise Service this morning in Molino.

Highway 97 Accident Injures One Saturday Afternoon

March 22, 2008

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An Atmore woman was injured in a one vehicle accident on Highway 97 near Walnut Hill just after 2:00 Saturday afternoon.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Laquette Barron, 26, of Atmore was injured when she apparently fell asleep behind the wheel of her Toyota while headed north on Highway 97 just south of Highway 164. Troopers say Barron was asleep when her vehicle left the roadway and traveled hundreds of feet in the ditch before striking a culvert at Highway 164. Her vehicle then went airborne before flipping over and landing on the other side on Highway 164 next to Highway 97, the FHP says.

Barron was flown from the scene by LifeFlight, but her injuries did not appear to be life threatening, according to the Highway Patrol. Troopers say Barron’s mother stated that she had worked all night, and she was on her way home after stopping to purchase Easter baskets for her children. Two large Easter baskets lay on the ground beside the car.

Troopers say Barron was not wearing a seatbelt and speed was a factor in the crash.

Pictured above: This vehicle went airborne across Highway 164 before landing next to Highway 97 Saturday afternoon. Pictured below (scroll down for all pictures) : Easter baskets lay on the ground next to the car; LifeFlight responded to the scene. Pictured bottom: This picture shows how far the car landed from Highway 164. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.

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Bratt First Baptist Church Holds Community Easter Egg Hunt

March 22, 2008

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The Bratt First Baptist Church held a Community Easter Egg Hunt at the Oak Grove Park Saturday morning. Dozens of children listened to the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection before scrambling to find hundreds of eggs hidden across the park.

For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the egg hunt, click here.

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Green Acres Farm In Davisville Has Easter Weekend Open House

March 22, 2008

There will be an open house this Easter weekend at the Green Acres Farm in Davisville.

“Fruit trees are flowering and baby animals have been born,” said Mark Casson. “We’d love to see you and share the farm with you.”

Casson and his wife Kimberly live on Green Acres Farm at 10810 Highway 97, about four tenths of a mile south of Meadows Road (about a mile south of the Alabama state line).

Activities include petting the kids (baby goats) and lambs for the children, a potluck lunch and an Easter egg hunt.

Petting times are  Sunday afternoon at 2:00 and 4:00.

There will be an Easter service at 11:00 on Sunday with a potluck lunch to follow. There will be an Easter Egg hunt at 2:00 Sunday afternoon.

The Tortoise And The Hare: The Big Race At The Century Branch Library

March 21, 2008

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The Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth performed the Tortoise and the Hare at the Century Branch Library Thursday afternoon for about 20 children

Aesop’s fable was given a fun updated twist in this new musical. Bunni Hare always wins every race and is pushing for her own brand of running shoes. But there’s no one running against her in the forest race. So Thomas Tortoise decides he will compete, even though he knows he’s bound to come in second. But during the race Bunni is so confident that she will win that she takes the time to answer a phone call. The famous sports reporter Howard Crow-sell was there to call the play by play in this fantastic fable as Bunni learns her lesson.

ACT For Youth is dedicated to bringing the art of theatre to children and families. Their mission is to create performances, workshops, and educational programs that inspire and encourage discussion. Bunni was played by Noel Holland, Atlantic’s education director. Howard Crow-sel was played by Don Gruel, the group’s artistic director.

The Zinghoppers will appear at the Century Branch Library on Friday, April 4 at 2:30. 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.

For a complete photo gallery from the Tortoise and the Hare, click here.

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