Download Northview Vs. Baker
October 3, 2009
To download the MP3 audio from the October 2 Northview High School game against Baker, click here.
Note that this is a large MP3 file. The file will take up to one hour to download on a dialup internet connection. On cable, satellite, DSL and high speed wireless connections, the file will download in just minutes. This file is for personal use only. Any commercial use is strictly prohibited. © 2009 NorthEscambia.com
Taking It To The Streets: Sheriff David Morgan Walks Walnut Hill Neighborhood
October 3, 2009
For Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan, days at the office are getting back to normal. After the Byrd and Melanie Billings murders cast him into the national spotlight, he was spending a lot of time doing interviews with the big boys in the news business — CNN, FOX, ABC and all those other three letter networks and celebrities like Larry King, Aaron Cooper and even Oprah.
But Friday afternoon, Morgan was back where he likes to be…on the streets of Escambia County. After taking part in Northview High School’s Homecoming Parade, the sheriff, Lt. Roger Grice and Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Kevin White walked Juniper Street in Walnut Hill. It was a chance for 
Morgan to meet some of the residents on a street that is often plagued by crime. Just last week, an Escambia County teacher’s aide was busted on Juniper Street after the sheriff’s department executed a search warrant and recovered a large amount of cocaine.
Since taking office in January, Morgan has walked many neighborhoods in the county, spreading the message that he is serious about crime.
“We have gotten tough on crime in Escambia County,” the sheriff said. “It is not business as usual for criminals in this county.”
“Getting out like this is a chance to meet the citizens of neighborhoods where crime is a problem to reassure them that we care,” Morgan said.
Morgan also made a stop at Escambia Grain — a community hub of sorts – in Walnut Hill to talk to employees.
Pictured top: Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Roger Grice, District 5 Commissioner Kevin White and Escambia Sheriff David Morgan walk Juniper Street in Walnut Hill Friday afternoon. Pictured inset: Morgan talks with Juniper Street residents. Pictured below: A visit with Escambia Grain Manager Ed Nowlin. Pictured bottom: Morgan walks Juniper Street. NorthEscamba.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Student Hit By Car Last Friday Night Remains In Critical Condition
October 3, 2009
The Tate High School student struck by a car following a Tate High School football game a week ago remains in critical condition.
Tyler J. Spear, 15, of Cantonment was critically injured when he was hit by a 1997 Honda Accord of Molino at 9:05 p.m. on September 25.
Spear had reportedly left the Tate High football game and walked to Winn Dixie. He was attempting to cross Highway 29 to go return to the football game. The stretch of highway he was crossing is dark and has no crosswalks. Spear, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, was wearing all-dark clothing.
“He left the game at Tate to go to Winn Dixie. He thought he had enough time to cross the street but didn’t and that is when he got hit,” Tyler’s mother Vanessa Strother said. “He turned to the driver and looked her right in the eye. He hit the windshield and then landed face down in the road.”
The Tate sophomore remains hospitalized at Sacred Heart with a leg broken in two places, a broken nose and arm, facial injuries, a lacerated spleen and possible nerve damage. Family members said he was on a ventilator to help him breathe until Thursday night. Now Vanessa and Davis Strother sit by Tyler’s bedside everyday hoping for a recovery for their son.
The driver of the car that hit Spear, Robbin Gerich, 42, of Molino, was not injured in the crash. Her passenger, Lawrence C. Gerich, 35, of Molino, was not injured, but was transported to the hospital by ambulance for another medical condition, according to the FHP.
Gerich is not facing charges in the crash; the FHP says Tyler failed to yield to the vehicle.
Northview Beats Baker For Homecoming Win
October 3, 2009
Northview High School beat the Baker Gators 34-14 for a big district win in Friday night’s homecoming game for the Chiefs.
“I was proud of this team tonight,” first-year Head Coach Sid Wheatley said after the Chiefs’ win. “It’s a big win, a big team win. Everybody on the team played hard tonight.”
The Chiefs racked up 244 yards, 209 of them on ground as they bit the Gators hard.
After Chiefs drove to the one, Shakel Holmes scored the first NHS touchdown of the night. A good Brad Lowery kick put the Chiefs up 7-0 with 3:55 to go in the first quarter.
The second quarter started with Aaron Chancery punting for the Chiefs. Brandon Sheets sent receiving gator out of bounds at about the Chiefs 42. Baker managed to score a touchdown from inside their one yard line. They missed their point after, leaving the Chiefs on top with 9:36 on the clock in the second.
Thye Gators kickoff to the Chiefs and the ball was caught by Chris Sheets with an impressive 35 yard run, first and ten chiefs.
With 8:32 in the quarter, Dustin Yuhasz picks-up four yards for second down and five for NHS, followed by Shakel Holmes who picked up a first down for the Chiefs. La’Mikal Kyles carried to the Gator 33 yard line to make it first and ten for NHS.
With 7:25 on the clock, Dustin Yuhasz hit the end zone with a 33 yard run. Brad Lowery made the point after, 14-6 NHS leading in Bratt.
With 2:55 to go in the half, Cole Gandy put the Chiefs fans on their feet with a mid-field interception. NHS was first and 10 on the 50. Jeremy Jackson picked up the first down for NHS at the Gator 38. Dustin Yahasz picked up 18 yards to the 20, but a holding call marched the Chiefs back five for first and 15.
Brad Lowery on the carry for the Chiefs brought them down to the 34 yard line just short of a first down The Gators took over first and 10 at their own 34 yard line. With 10 seconds to go in the half, the Gators punted the ball away. The score at the half was Northview 14, the Baker Gators 6.
With less than four minutes to go in the third, Yuhasz powered his way in for another TD. Brad Lowery made the point after, giving the Chiefs a 21-6 lead.
The fourth quarter saw two more touchdowns for the Chiefs. With about eight minutes in the homecoming game, Jeremy Jackson was in from five yards out for another Chiefs touchdown. A good kick, and Northview was up 28-6. Then, with 5:58 in the game, La’Mikal Kyles added another half dozen for the Chiefs on a four yard run. A missed kick, and Northview’s lead was at 34-6.
With about two minutes in the ballgame, the Baker Gators managed to add a touchdown and a two point conversion. That put the game at the final score, Northview 34 Baker 16.
“The defense was big for us tonight,” Wheatley said. With three turnovers, they were on their game. Ka’Daris Grice recovered a fumble for the Chiefs and Austin Arrington and Cole Gandy had big interceptions for Northview.
“The offense was good, with good running that really moved the ball forward. We were on our game, other than a few little mistakes early,” Wheatley said.
The Northview Chiefs (3-1, 2-1) will be on the road next Friday night against Bonifay.
Pictured top: Montaio Mitchell gets around a host of Baker Gators Friday night. Pictured top inset: Austin Arrington make an interception for the Chiefs. Pictured bottom inset: Brandon Sheets passes. Pictured below: Jeremy Jackson stretches for the goal line. Pictured bottom (scroll down): That whole “I before E” spelling thing was tough for the Baker Gators. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Football: A Win For Tate; Losses For Flomaton, ECHS, EA And Jay
October 3, 2009
Tate 49 Catholic 14
The Tate Aggies had a really good homecoming Friday night with a big 49-14 win over Catholic High School.
The Aggies took an early lead with quarterback Edwin Richburg to Joey Harmon for a 73 yard touchdown run only about a minute into the game. Tate put 20 points on the scoreboard in the first quarter of the game and never looked back as they gave the Crusaders their first loss of the season.
Mobile Christian 32 Flomaton 0
Flomaton was handed a tough loss Friday night as Mobile Christian picked up their first win of the season 32-0 over the Canes.
The Leopards were up 26-0 by halftime over the visiting Flomaton Hurricanes.
Leflore 32 Escambia County (Atmore) 21
Homecoming was not happy for the Escambia County Blue Devils as they lost to LeFlore of Mobile 32-21 Friday night in Atmore.
The Blue Devils (1-5, 1-3) will head south to Gulf Shores next Friday night.
Marengo Academy 35 Escambia Academy 13
A first quarter 90-yard run from Jalen Henry and a two point conversion gave Escambia Academy an early 8-0 lead in Canoe. Henry also added a 54-yard TD, but it was not enough as Marengo Academy beat Escambia Academy 35-13.
Sneads 21 Jay 20
Sneads handed the Jay Royals their second loss of the season Friday night 21-20.
The Royals (1-2, 1-2) will celebrate homecoming against Vernon next Friday night.
Kassandra Lett Named Northview Homecoming Queen
October 3, 2009
Kassandra Lett was named as Northview High School’s 2009 Homecoming Queen Friday night.
First runner up was Erica Rendell; second runner up was Amber McMillan.
Ariel Holland was named Freshman Maid. Sophomore Maid was Raylin Spence, and Junior Maid was Miranda Burkett.
Kassandra Alexandra Lett, Homecoming Queen
Kassandra is the daughter Alexander and Sandra Lett. Kassandra is a varsity cheerleader and president and District I reporter for FBLA. She is also a member of the Minority Culture Club. In her community, she is an active member of Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church.
Amber Nicolle McMillan, Second Runner Up
Amber is the daughter of Mac and Donna McMillan. Amber is a varsity cheerleader and a member of the basketball and varsity softball team. She also serves as senior class secretary. In her community, Amber is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church and the Relay for Life team.
Miranda Beth Burkett, Junior Maid
Miranda is the daughter of Rodney and Dana Burkett. Miranda is a member of the Northview FFA, and the varsity softball and weightlifting teams. She is also junior class historian. In her community, Miranda volunteers at the Northview concession stands and Century Little League.
Raylin Miranda Spence, Sophomore Maid
Raylin is the daughter of Kevin and Shane Spence. Raylin is a member of the varsity volleyball team, FFA and FCA. She is also the Northview Chiefs mascot. In her community, Raylin is an active member of Bratt First Baptist Church and the National Barrel Horse Association.
Ariel Kaye Holland, Freshman Maid
Ariel is the daughter of Wayne and Amy Holland. She is a junior varsity cheerleader and a member of FFA. In her community, Ariel is a member of Bratt First Baptist Church, the Molino Cats softball team and volunteers for the NWE mini cheerleaders. She is a member of First City Gymnastics.
Pictured above: Freshman maid Ariel Holland, Junior Maid Miranda Burkett, First Runner Up Erica Rendell, Homecoming Queen Kassandra Lett, Second Runner Up Amber McMillan and Freshman Maid Raylin Spence. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Jay Peanut Festival Will Attract Thousands
October 3, 2009
The 20th Annual Jay Peanut Festival is expected to attract about 70,000 people this weekend.
The Peanut Festival will feature something fun for everyone including arts and crafts, antiques, inflatable rides, rock climbing wall, pony rides, hay rides, train rides and much more. The Gabbert’s 1930’s Farm Museum will also be open for tours. There will be plenty of food available…kettle corn, BBQ, hamburgers, roasted corn, apple dumplings and more.
And, of course, peanuts will be the star of the festival, and there will be plenty of green peanuts and boiled peanuts as well as fried, roasted and candied peanuts.
Admission and parking are free, but the Jay High School FFA will be hosting the first annual Keith Rowland Memorial Scholarship fundraiser during the Peanut Festival. You can support the Jay FFA by parking your car on the designated grounds at the Rowland home. (3696 Pine Level Chruch Road) A trolley cart will be provided for transport. We are asking for a $4.00 donation. All proceeds will go to the Keith Rowland FFA Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The event is dedicated to the memory of Melissa Caroline Gabbert, who died of cancer in 1990. The Jay Peanut festival will take place until 6 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Gabbert Farm south of Jay off Highway 89 at 3604 Pine Level Church Road. (A map is at the bottom of this page.)
Pictured above: Large crowds attended the annual Jay Peanut Festival last year. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Reunion Today For 1985-1995 Ernest Ward Graduates
October 3, 2009
Ernest Ward High School alumni who graduated from 1985 to 1995 will have the chance to see old friends at a combined class reunion today.
Graduates are invited to family-friendly lunch at the Walnut Hill Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring lunch and drinks for their family.
Saturday evening there will be an adults-only event at McGuire’s Irish Pub in Pensacola from 7 p.m. until. There is a charge of $20 per person for the evening event, which will cover non-alcoholic drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Organizers want to stress this combined class reunion event is not taking the place of the Class of 1989 reunion. The Ernest Ward High School Class of 1989 will hold a reunion from 7 to 11 p.m. October 10 at the Wind Creek ballroom in Atmore. Contact Cindy Darby Lee at (251) 446-8192 or email gosport1@frontiernet.net.
Photos: Northview Homecoming Parade
October 2, 2009
The Northview High School Homecoming Parade was held Friday afternoon in Bratt. Hundreds of people were in the parade, and hundreds more lined the route from Bratt Elementary to Northview.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the parade, click here.
Pictured above and below: The Northview High School’s first ever Homecoming Parade rolls through “downtown” Bratt Friday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Arrest Of Man Shooting Near Deputy Leads To More Arrests, Clearing 40 Burglaries
October 2, 2009
The arrest of a man early Wednesday morning after he fired a gun near an Escambia County deputy’s marked cruiser has led the Pensacola Police Department to solve about 40 vehicle burglaries.
Deputy Rudy Brown, who works in the Century Precinct, was on his way to work about 6 a.m. Wednesday when Joshua Lee Brown, 25, fired a handgun four times from his vehicle as he passed the deputy’s cruiser. Deputy Brown, who is no relationship to the suspect, gave pursuit and arrested Joshua Brown on charges of discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle and theft of a firearm.
The firearm was listed as stolen by Pensacola Police. After suspect Brown was questioned, he provided information that led to the arrest of two Pensacola men who are now facing a slew of charges in connection with scores of vehicle burglaries that have occurred in Pensacola since July.
Kevin Wayne Smith, 20, of West Highway 98, and Joshua Brandon Smith, 19, of East DeSoto Street, are both charged with five counts of vehicle burglary and four counts of grand theft of firearms. Additional charges are pending on both men, who are not related, said Pensacola Police Sgt. Chuck Mallett.
Since July 23, approximately 40 vehicle burglaries have been reported to Pensacola Police in the Scenic Heights, Cordova Park and East Pensacola Heights areas. The burglaries occurred primarily in the evening to early morning hours with entry being made to unlocked vehicles or by tampering with vehicle locks, Mallett said.
Among the items that were taken were four handguns, GPS units, cell phones, digital cameras, money, portable DVD players, prescription medications, jewelry, Ipods, and MP3 players. Some of the items have already been returned to their owners, and detectives were trying to identify owners of remaining items, Mallett said.
In addition to the charges from Wednesday morning’s incident, Joshua Lee Brown was charged by Pensacola Police with strong-armed robbery and one count of vehicle burglary.
Jonathan Tyler Broxson, 19, of Durango Drive, Pensacola, was charged with strong-armed robbery and criminal mischief to a police cruiser. Jessica Lynn Broxson, 23, of East Kingsfield Road, Pensacola, was charged with strong-armed robbery and one count of vehicle burglary. She is Joshua Brown’s girlfriend and Jonathan’s sister. Jessica Broxson was in the vehicle with Joshua Brown at the time he fired the shots near the deputy’s cruiser, according to the ESCO.
The strong-armed robbery occurred just after midnight September 29 when Jonathan and Jessica Broxson and Joshua Brown approached a 71-year-old woman in the parking lot of Ninth Avenue Bingo at Ninth Avenue and Langley Avenue.
The three suspects said they had a dead battery in their vehicle and asked if she could help. The woman pulled her car around to help them jump start their vehicle, and while they were talking, she said she’d won a large amount of money playing bingo. When the woman left, the suspects followed her home. As she was getting out of her car, Jonathan Broxson leaned in, pinned her against the back of the seat, grabbed her purse, and the three suspects fled the scene.
Anyone whose vehicle may have been burglarized in the aforementioned areas and time period is asked to contact Detective James Hendry at (850) 435-1977 or Detective Jon Thacker at (850) 435-1975.
To read the original NorthEscambia.com story about Wednesday morning’s shots-fired incident, click here.