Trial Delayed Yet Again For Molino Man Accused Of Killing His Daughter
September 15, 2008
The trial of a Molino man accused of killing his infant daughter in 2006 has been delayed yet another time.
A continuance was granted back on July 28 until September 15, but now the trail has been delayed another week until September 22.
Christopher Paterson, 28, was scheduled to stand trail July 14 for the death of his one year old daughter Ali Jean Paterson. But Assistant Public Defender Fred Carmody requested that the trial be postponed so an expert witness could prepare for the trial. The continuance request was granted by Circuit Judge Michael Allen until July 28.
Paterson’s trial was first been set to begin on May 12, but was postponed after the defense announced a new witness in the case.
The girl died on November 26, 2006, from burns she received two weeks earlier when she was left unattended in a hot bath, according to authorities. Paterson told deputies he placed the child in shower that just felt warm and went to another room to get a towel. He said that when he returned, Ali was screaming, and there was steam rising from the shower. He then called 911 after noticing red sores on the child.
Ali survived at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for two weeks before she died.
This was not Paterson’s first involvement with authorities over Ali. The Department of Children and Families investigated a broken leg she suffered in May 2006. Paterson and Brittany Knapp, Ali’s mother, took Ali to the hospital with a broken leg. They said her leg was broken when it became trapped in a slot in her crib. DCF did not find that the incident was abuse at that time.
Paterson was indicted by a grand jury on second degree manslaughter charges in February of 2007. He was arrested on May 1, 2007, near Gainesville. He has remained in jail since his arrest.
The latest delay in the trail stemmed from a defense motion to allow expert witnesses to exam the hot water system at the home were Ali suffered her fatal injuries. A hearing on that motion is scheduled for this afternoon.
Northview Downs Chipley 20-7; Photo Gallery
September 15, 2008
The Northview Chiefs downed Chipley 20-7 Friday night on the road.
The Tigers were first on the board with 6:20 in the first quarter. Jacques Givens hit the end zone from one yard out. The kick was good, 7-0, Chipley.
The Chiefs made a 77 yard drive in the second quarter to even the score. Quarterback Jay Jackson finished the nine-play drive with 13-yard TD run. The kick was good.
The Chiefs and the Tigers were tied 7-7 at the half. The Tigers were unable to score again the the second half, but Northview put another 13 on the board in the second.
Jackson picked up another touchdown run, this one at 13-yards, early in the fourth quarter to end a 14-play drive for the Chiefs.
Junior Shakel Holmes picked up a huge interception in the fourth quarter, putting Northview on the Chipley 32. After two more plays, Jackson was in the endzone for the third time with 9:02 to go in the game.
QB Jackson, a senior, had 26 carries on the night for 122 yards. He had three touchdowns against the Tigers, racking up 208 of the Chief’s 372 offensive yards.
For the Chief defense, sophomore Cole Gandy had 10 tackles.
Northview Head Coach Cody Keene said victory over the Chipley Tigers was one of the biggest wins of his career. Northview had never beaten Chipley since Keene has been the Chief’s head coach.
The Chiefs (1-1) will be at home next Friday night against Walton County. Northview’s first district game will be the following week on the road against Holmes County.
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
Pictured above: Montaio Mitchell with the ball for Northview. Pictured below: Northview’s big win Friday night against Chipley. Heather Leonard photos for NorthEscambia.com.
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Gulf Power Crews Head To Texas To Help After Ike
September 15, 2008
Gulf Power storm restoration teams have been dispatched to assist another utility for the second time this year, this time to help restore power near Galveston, Texas.
Sunday morning, a 20-truck caravan carrying 51 Gulf Power employees departed for the Lone Star state to assist crews from the Texas New Mexico Power Company as they restore outages caused by Hurricane Ike.
Because Gulf Power has finely-honed and experienced storm restoration teams, the company is called upon regularly to help other areas of the Southeast restore electric service after major storms.
“Our crews are recognized as some of the best in the industry,” said John Hutchinson, Corporate Services general manager, “They have a reputation for safe, fast, high quality work, so they get called on often.”
Of the 51 Gulf Power employees, 12 are from the Panama City are, 16 are from the Fort Walton Beach area and the other 23 are from Pensacola. They expect to be on assignment as long as they’re needed.
“Having a lot of help makes a big difference in how fast you can get the power back on,” Hutchinson said. “Companies from around the country have been there for us after previous storms, and we believe it’s the right thing to do.”
Flomaton Hurricanes Beat Southern Choctaw, 50-27
September 15, 2008
The Flomaton Hurricanes came from behind Friday night to take a huge victory against Southern Choctaw.
The Canes (3-0) were trailing 13-8 with about six minutes to go in the half. The Hurricanes then took over and stormed ahead with three touchdowns in the last five minutes of the first half. The score was 28-13 at the half.
Southern Choctaw picked up the last TD on the night with just less than 12 seconds on the clock. The Southern Choctaw Indians made the two point conversion, making the final 50-27.
Flomaton had 262 yards on the night; the Indians had 240 yards.
Tony Ellis had five touchdowns for the Canes against Southern Choctaw.
Flomaton is now 2-0 in regional play. The Hurricanes will travel to Leroy next Friday night to take on the Leroy Bears.
For more photos from the game, click here.
For even more photos, visit www.mikenewtonphotography.zenfolio.com.
Pictured above: The Flomaton Hurricanes beat Southern Choctaw Friday night. Submitted photo by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century To Hold Public Hearings
September 15, 2008
The Town of Century will hold a public hearing tonight at 7:00 the town hall to consider a recommendation from the Century Recreation Advisory Committee to submit a grant application for Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program funds to complete development of the Anthony Pleasant Sports Complex (formerly known as the Showalter Park Expansion Project). The hearing will also be to solicit public input and comment regarding the submission of the grant application in order to enhance recreational opportunities for the residents of the Town.
The Town of Century will hold another public hearing tonight at 7:15 at the Century Town Hall, located at 7995 North Century Boulevard, Century. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider a recommendation from the Century Recreation Advisory Committee to submit a grant application for Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program funds to develop a fishing pier and boat dock on a portion of a five acre parcel of land adjacent to the Escambia River, known as Fischer Landing, and to solicit public input and comment regarding the submission of the grant application in order to enhance recreational opportunities for the residents of the town.
Any questions regarding the public hearing should be directed to Dorothy Sims, town clerk, at (850) 256-3208. Century adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to services, programs and activities. Please call (850) 256-3208 for further information.
Six People Injured In Highway 29 Molino Wreck
September 14, 2008
Six people were injured in a two vehicle accident early Friday evening in Molino.
The accident happened about 6:40 at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97. All six people were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Travis E. Payne, 30, of Molino was crossing over Highway 29 from Highway 97 in a 1993 Buick when he pulled into the path of Lonna M. Knotts, 33, of Pensacola. Knotts was northbound on Highway 29. The two cars collided in the northbound lane of Highway 29. Payne’s vehicle spun around and came to rest on the shoulder of Highway 29. Knotts car landed in a deep ditch at the intersection.
Passengers in Payne’s vehicle were Brannen Batemen, 14, and Tommy Payne, 9, both of Molino. Passengers in Knott’s vehicle were Quimaine Knotts, 33, and Trevilis Lewis, 34, both of Pensacola.
Witnesses said Payne might have been unable to see Knott’s southbound vehicle as he pulled across Highway 97 due to a church bus in the northbound turn lane of Highway 29.
The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Volunteer Fire Department, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department all responded to the scene.
All six people in the accident were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Pictured above: Three people were injured in this vehicle driven by Travis Payne of Molino early Friday evening at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97. Pictured below: Three more people were injured in this car driven by Lonna M. Knotts of Pensacola. The car landed in a ditch behind Payne’s Buick (visible in the far left of the photo). NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Get About $70 Of Groceries, Including Steaks, For $30: No Strings Attached
September 14, 2008
As the cost of food continues to rise, there is a program available at a local church that can save more than half off the cost of groceries. And, perhaps best of all, everyone qualifies, no strings attached.
It’s called Angel Food Ministries, a program that provides food relief to more than a half million families a month across the nation.
It’s a simple concept…pay $30 for a box of food worth about $70. There are no applications; everyone qualifies. The process is simple too…just stop by the Allen Memorial United Methodist Church in Cantonment, pay the $30 and return on the designated pickup day to receive the box of food. They even accept food stamps.
And, for seniors, there’s a special box of food for just $25 that includes 10 full cooked, low sodium heat and eat meals.
Allen Memorial United Methodist Church has been the local host for the Angel Food Ministries program since October of 2006, according to their program director Katrina Williamson.
“It’s a great program,” Williamson said. “It can really help people out.”
Orders for September can be placed Monday from 10 until noon at the church at 206 Pace Parkway in Cantonment for a food delivery on September 27. The church accepts cash or food stamps.
The $30 September box of food includes 1.5 pounds of top sirloin steaks, two pounds of boneless chicken breasts, three pounds of breaded chicken chunks, a 1.5 pound pork fillet, a large supreme pizza, a pound of ground turkey, plus other items like french fries, several vegetables and desserts.
Specials are also available each month with the purchase of a regular box of food. For instance, this month, one special is 1.5 pounds of Kansas City strip steaks,, 1.5 pounds of ribeye steaks and two pounds of all beef hamburger for $20.
“Our food is “restaurant grade” meats, frozen vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc. which we acquire through our involvement with only the best producers/vendors of high quality, “name brand” foods. Never “seconds” or “day old” type products are involved,” according to the Angel Food Ministries web site.
For more information about the program, call Allen Memorial United Methodist Church at 968-6213 or visit www.angelfoodministries.com. To visit the church and place an order…take Highway 20 south into Cantonment. Turn right at the red light onto Muskogee Road. Take the second right onto Pace Parkway.
Other churches in the North Escambia area that might be interested in hosting the Angel Food Ministries program can visit www.angelfoodministries.com for more information.
For a menu with complete information, click here.
Many Escambia Stations Out Of Gas; AL Prices Up
September 14, 2008
Due to Hurricane Ike, many Escambia gas stations were out of gas Saturday night, or had only one grade available. Prices in Alabama, meanwhile, are soaring to near the $4 mark for regular unleaded.
Gas station after gas station in Pensacola had empty price signs and bags over pump handles. At the Tom Thumb on Airport Boulevard in Pensacola, only regular unleaded was available at $3.63 a gallon. At a Tom Thumb on Nine Mile Road, only diesel was available Saturday night; the station was out of all grades of gas. There was a similar across Pensacola Saturday night.
Most North Escambia stations had gas Saturday night. Prices ranged from $3.69 at the Tom Thumb in Molino, where all grades were still available, to $3.75 in Century. In Davisville, a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.69.
Across the state line in Alabama, the gas story is a bit different. Many stations have gas, but the price has spiked. At a station in Atmore, regular unleaded was at $3.89 a gallon. In Flomaton, one station was at $3.99 a gallon on Saturday. A station in Brewton, Alabama, was reported to be selling a gallon of regular unleaded at $4.65 per gallon.
Why the problems? Hurricane Ike is the simple answer, industry officials say.
In Texas, 13 of 26 major refineries are shut down. Add in increased demand from people that decided to top off their tanks and a few extra containers because a hurricane was in the Gulf, and you get an increased demand adding to the diminished supply.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist issued a statement assuring Floridians that our gas supply is adequate in the wake of Ike.
“Our supply is good, based on the projected demand from consumers. If stations do not have fuel, it is not due to the lack of supply, but because of a temporary increase in demand,” Crist said.
Meanwhile, as prices in Florida continue to rise as high as $5 a gallon in some place, the state’s attorney general says price gouging complaints are pouring in.
“Investigators with my Economic Crimes Division are reviewing the 261 complaints we have received about gasoline price gouging in multiple locations throughout the state,” Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said Saturday night.”
Pictured above: The Tom Thumb in Molino had all grades of gas available Saturday night. Regular unleaded was $3.69 per gallon. NorthEscambia.com photo.
“Our investigations will continue, and I encourage Floridians to stay vigilant and keep reporting complaints to my office. This information from consumers is essential to our investigators as they work to ensure businesses are not taking advantage of our consumers. Price gouging should be reported to my hotline, 1-866-966-7226,” McCollum said.\
Molino Volunteer Fire Department Open House Today
September 13, 2008
The Molino Volunteer Fire Department will host their annual Open House today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be a fish fry, games for the kids, LifeFlight helicopter display, Escambia Sheriff’s Department Air One helicopter display, an extrication demo, a bounce house for the kids, fire prevention education, and lots of fun for all.
The Molino VFD is located at 1459 Molino Road.
Other Area Football Scores
September 13, 2008
Vernon 28, Jay 7
After a halftime 7-0 lead, Veron picked up 21 points in the second half to down the Jay Royals Friday night. Jay fumbled six times on the night and had three plays intercepted.
Southern Academy 62, Escambia Academy 7
Faith Academy 20, Escambia County 14
Pensacola Catholic 17, Tate 15