Man Arrested After Running From Deputies Late Friday Night
September 12, 2009
A Century man was arrested after running from deputies Friday night in Century.
Clark Gable Burt, 36, of Jackson Street, Century, was charged with trespassing and resisting an officer after an incident at Century Woods Apartments late Friday night.
When Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy James Gilman spotted Burt at the apartment complex, Burt fled on foot. After a short foot chase, he was taken into custody and booked in the Escambia County Jail.
Burt remained in jail on $1,000 bond early Saturday morning.
Jay Royals Slam Holmes County 28-7
September 12, 2009
The Jay Royals opened their football season in big way Friday night, slamming Holmes County 28-7.
The Royals were three for three inside the three — three times the Blue Devils were inside the three ,and three times the Royals defense prevented them from scoring.
On their opening drive, the Royals were on the board after a Steven Brabham quarterback keeper. Brabham scored again in the second quarter. Both kicks were good, the Royals were up 14-0 in Bonifay.
With about three minutes to go in the half, Holmes County scored on a 24-yard touchdown pass.
In the third, the Royals’ Rush Hendricks rushed 56 yards to the one. A dive into the end zone from Hendricks and a good kick put the Royals on top 21-7 with about nine minutes in the third.
With 4:25 in the half, QB Brabham had a 56-yard TD pass to Hunter Boutwell for another half dozen. The kick was good, as the Jay Royals beat Holmes County 28-7.
Pensacola High Beats Tate
September 12, 2009
Tate High School lost to Pensacola High Friday night in close ballgame, 7-0.
The first three quarters were scoreless. A 12-yard pass with 7:23 to go in the game from Jalen Spencer to David Giannotti put Pensacola High on the board. A good kick, and the PHS was up 7-0.
Tate will be on the road to Satsuma, Ala., next week.
Costly Turnovers: Seahawks Down NHS 14-6
September 12, 2009
The Northview Chiefs were doomed by a series of mistakes in a 14-6 loss to South Walton Friday night in Bratt.
The Chiefs’ turnovers included a fumble at the five and a Seahawks interception on the six. The Seahawks held the Chiefs to just 157 yards on the night.
“It was a hard fought game,” Sid Wheatley said after his first ever lost as the Chiefs’ head coach.”We committed too many mistakes, offensively and defensively.”
At practice next week, Wheatley said it will be back to the fundamentals for Northview.
“We’ve got to secure the football and take advantage of our opportunities because they only come along ever so often.”
“We will be better defensively; we will be better offensively,” Wheatley said. “We are going to eliminate our mistakes.
NorthEscambia.com will post the complete game audio and a highlight video Sunday morning.
The Chiefs received the kickoff, with Dustin Yuhasz receiving deep at about the three yard line. Yuhasz returned to the 37 where he stepped out of bounds. From a tight wing formation, Lowery handed off to Jeremy Jackson for a gain of two. At second and eight on the 40, Yuhasz picked up couple to the 42. On the third down, Yuhasz went around the side for fourth and four. Austin Reid punted for with a bounce and roll in the end zone to end the Chief first drive of the night.
The Seahawks were in control at their own 20. Levi Giddeons on the stop for the Chiefs, with the Seahawks picking up a couple. On the next play, the Seahawks picked up first down at the 38. South Walton passed into Chief territory down to the 48 for a first down. They picked up a few yards, but punted away to NHS.
Chief’s were at first and 10 on their own 23 yard line with 6:30 in the first. Jeremy Jackson gained serious ground the right side to the Seahawk 42. First and 10 for the Chiefs, Lowery handed off to Yuhasz with a sweep to the left for a gain of nine. Ka’Daris Grice gained a little ground for a first down for the Chiefs at the 31.
A Lowery pass to Grice was incomplete, bouncing out of Grice’s arms. A fumble between Lowery and Yuhasz, and the Seahawks recovered at their 31 for the first turnover of the night. South Walton drove for a dozen on two plays for a first down at the 41. SWHS picked up another first down. A chop block call drove South Walton back to 32 for second and 22. A Lonnie Gardner stop allowed just a one yard gain on the next play. An equipment violation drove the Seahawks back again, to third and 26 with about two and a half in the first.
The Seahawks picked up 16 on the next down and punted it away. A Sheets return, minus a little penalty yardage, put the Chiefs at first and 10 from the 33 with 1:23 in the first quarter. Jackson picked up two. Yuhasz picked up a couple for third and six. The Chiefs ended the first quarter at fourth and two.
A series of Seahawks drives gave them the first touchdown of the night 6:39. A good kick, and South Walton was on top, 7-0.
Freshman La’Mikal Kyles took the kick at the 20 for Northview and headed up the side all the way to Seahawks’s 25 for a gain of 55. Lowery to Grice, Grice up the middle for a gain of four. A Lowery pitch to Jackson put the Chiefs at the 16 for third and a short two. Yuhasz, behind the blocking of John Sellars, picked up a first down at the 12 with 4:55 in the half. A pass to Jackson was incomplete. Jackson redeemed himself on the next play, down to inside the one. A false start penalty put the Chiefs at first and six. A Lowery pass to Yuhasz picked up a yard. The Chiefs fumbled on the next down, and the Seahawks recovered on the five.
With a 1:52 in the half, the Seahawks fumbled, and junior Austin Arrington recovered to the 15 yard line for a Chiefs first and 10. Yuhasz got the ball, handed off to Jackson to the four. A holding penalty put the Chiefs back to the 18. Yuhasz lost about four on the next play. Lowery stumbled and tripped on the next play to put the Chiefs back to the 26 for third and 20.
Lowery passed into the arms of Yuhasz in the end zone, but he he could not hold onto the pigskin. Fourth down for the Chiefs, a Lowery pass was intercepted by the Seahawks with 2.3 seconds in the half for the third Chiefs’ turnover. The second half ended, South Walton up 7-0.
The Seahawks marched to third and three at the three 3:55 in the third. The Seahawks were in on their first possession of the second half. The extra point was good, and the Seahawks were up 14-0 with 3:46 in the third.
With 45 seconds in the third, the Chiefs had marched to third and one at the 16. A pitch to Kyles and the freshman wonder was off to the seven with 39.4 seconds in the third. Kyles took the ball up the right side for a gain of about a yard to the five to end the third quarter at 14-0.
Brandon Sheets was at the quarterback position for the the first play of the fourth. From second and five, Shakel Holmes was in for the Chief’s only TD on the night. A missed kick, and the Chiefs were behind 14-6 with 11:54 to go in the ballgame.
And that’s where the game ended, the South Walton Seahawks over the Northview Chiefs 14-6.
Sunday morning, we will have complete game audio and a highlight video from tonight’s game.
The Chiefs are off next Friday night and return to action on September 25 on the road in Bozeman.
Picture top: Dustin Yuhasz (#4) on the carry for the Northview Chiefs flanked by Ka’Daris Grice (#3) and Brad Lowery (#12) Friday night in Bratt. Pictured insets: More action from the Northview Chiefs versus South Walton Friday night in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton, Escambia Academy Lose; ECHS Wins
September 12, 2009
Southern Choctaw 25 Flomaton 14
Southern Choctaw beat the Flomaton Hurricanes Friday night, 25-14. It was the first loss of the season for the Canes, now 2-1-0.
Both of the Hurricanes’ touchdowns came from Ryheem Davis. Flomaton will host 2A’s top team Leroy next week.
Escambia County 33 Faith Academy 12
The Escambia County High School Blue Devils put 33 consecutive points on the scoreboard in their 33-12 victory over Faith Academy Friday night. Rico Stallworth led the Blue Devils with three touchdowns and 144 yards on 18 carries. Nico Williams had 15 carries for 114 yards for ECHS.
Southern Academy 23 Escambia Academy 6
The Escambia Academy Cougars lost to Southern Academy 23 – 6 on Friday night in Greensboro, AL. The only score for the Cougars came on a 70 yard run from scrimmage by Jaylen Henry.
The Cougars (2-2) next game is Friday night in Canoe.
$28K Awarded For Survelliance Equipment, Bullet Proof Vests
September 12, 2009
The U.S. Department of Justice will award $28,153 to help fight crime in Esambia County (Ala.), Atmore and Brewton.
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby announced grants awarded through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, which provides funding for law enforcement agencies to implement programs that prevent and control crime based on their own identified needs.
Atmore, Brewton and Escambia County (Ala.) will share the $28,153 to purchase surveillance equipment for the narcotics and investigation division and bullet proof vests for patrol officers.
“Providing funds directly to our law enforcement officers allow them to control crime based on their own needs and is one of the best ways we can support our crime fighters.” Shelby said.
Firefighters Battle Fire At Atmore School (With Photo Gallery)
September 12, 2009
Firefighters spent a couple of hours battling a fire at an Atmore school Friday afternoon.
The blaze at the Compass School on Martin Luther King Avenue was contained to an abandoned gymnasium that was being torn down. Officials say that debris was accidentally ignited about 4:00 p.m. as a contractor worked on the demolition.
There was no damage reported to main buildings of the Compass School, an alternative school located in the former Escambia County Middle School.
Fire units from Poarch and Atmore were among those battling the fire in the remains of the building and demolition debris. They reported the fire out about 5:45 p.m. and left the scene, but the fire was reported to be burning again by 6 p.m.
The Walnut Hill Station of Esambia Fire Rescue was called to Atmore to stand by and answer any additional calls.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the scene, click here.
Pictured above and below: Firefighters battle a Friday afternoon fire at the Compass School in Atmore, NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wet Weekend As Low Moves Inland From Gulf
September 12, 2009
It looks like a soggy weekend here in North Escambia and surrounding areas. Here’s your official forecast:
- Today: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 81. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph.
- Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. South wind around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84.
- Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
- Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.
Blog: Where Were You That September Morning?
September 11, 2009
September 11, 2001. It’s been eight years today. We’ll all ask each other today, “where were you”. So here’s my story.
Life, at least when that morning began, seemed good. I’ve always been a work at home dad, so I was home with my two girls. The youngest was almost four months old, and the oldest was approaching her fourth birthday. It was a normal morning. The little one was asleep, “fat and happy” as we used to say, after a morning bottle. The oldest was in the living room just a few feet from my office watching PBS Kids on the TV as I worked on a project for a client.
Then this arrived in my inbox:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 08:52am– World trade center damaged; unconfirmed reports say a plane has
crashed into tower. Details to come.
I got up, walked to the living room and flipped the TV to CNN. They were talking about how a pilot could make such an error, hitting such a large building. They were speculating that it was just a small plane. But then as the TV news helicopters zoomed their cameras in closer, the anchors were beginning to notice what I had already thought….those holes the tower were to big to have been a small plane.
I called my wife at work in Atmore. She had seen the breaking news email, and had tried to visit the CNN website to see the story. If you remember trying to use the internet that morning, it was near impossible to get a news website to load; they were all overloaded. She was unable to see the pictures. I was describing what I saw on the TV to her.
I managed to grab a picture from CNN via my web server and then download and email it to her. We were speculating about how it could happen when the second one hit.
I remember saying “wait, hold on, wait…”. I told her what I just watched on the TV. The second plane had hit the other tower. We quickly decided that we were at war as the anchors on TV speculated again that perhaps there was a problem with some navigational system, causing jetliners on a beautiful, clear morning in New York to fly into some of the tallest structures in the world.
Another breaking news email arrived:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:21am– Second plane crashes into World Trade Center.
She and I began to speculate ourselves that we were at war. What would we do? What should we do? What about the kids? It was not panic, understand, but just that protective momma and daddy instinct, I suppose. Prayer. That was a good idea. Maybe go to the bank and get out a little cash. That seemed like a good idea. How would you prep for a war on American soil? We were not sure.
I continued to relay information about what I was seeing on TV to my wife at work, who, in turn, would relay the information to her coworkers. They had a TV, but no cable service or antenna. They ended up fashioning a homemade antenna to see a fuzzy picture.
Meanwhile, the breaking news emails kept arriving…
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:32am– Sources tell CNN one of two planes that crashed into World Trade
Center was an American Airlines 767.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:42am– President Bush calls plane crashes at World Trade Center a
terrorist act.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:45am– Significant fire at the Pentagon. Details to come.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:46am– White House evactuated. Details to come.
The Pentagon on fire? The White House evacuated? Notice that in CNN’s email they were in such a hurry that they misspelled “evacuated”. One sentence at a time, the situation became more grave.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:55am– CNN confirms a plane hit the Pentagon
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:03am– One of World Trade Center towers collapses; fire forces
evacuation of State Department
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:30am– Second World Trade Center tower collapses in Manhattan
Over and over, we watched those towers collapse on TV, and we watched our Pentagon burn.
Our almost four year old asked a lot of questions. “Were people hurt? Did they need a Band-aid?” The magnitude of the event was lost on a four year old. Looking back at those first few hours, I think the magnitude of the event was lost on all of us.
Like many Americans, I sat glued to the TV that day, continuing to watch the video of the towers falling. Our almost four year old asked if another building fell down or if it was the same one. It was time to change the channel on the TV.
You might remember that many of the entertainment TV stations ran network news feeds. Others just simply ran screens about the day’s events. There was no USA network, no ESPN, no MTV. But on PBS, we found children’s programming at a time it was not normally on. For a little while, sitting in the living room floor holding my kids, the world stopped turning that September day, as we watched Big Bird and the Cookie Monster.
Country artist Alan Jackson later wrote a song “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?”.
Some of those lyrics:
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cryDid you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left belowBut I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where where you when the world stopped turning that September day? Your comments are welcome below.
Local Man Recalls Flying On September 11, Not Knowing Attacks Had Occurred
September 11, 2009
Eight years ago this morning, Freddie McCall of Century and his son were preparing their small plane to fly to Texas. It was a major business decision for the McCalls…should they bid on a contract for the Texas company, or should they not? They knew that landing the contract for their company, Brewton Aviation, would mean hiring a new pilot or perhaps one of them moving to Texas. It would be a day that would change their lives. But little did they know how much the lives of all Americans were about to change that morning…September 11, 2001.
McCall flew out of the Brewton airport early that morning, headed for brief stops in Mobile and Baton Rouge before heading to Texas. Plans quickly changed, as the weather became too foggy to fly. The McCalls set their small plane down on a grassy strip near Jay to wait for the fog to burn off. They had no communications… no cellular phone and their radio was not turned on.
We all know the sequence of events that most people saw unfold on live television before our eyes. At 7:45 our time, a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center in New York. Television anchors were talking about the terrible accident, speculating how a pilot could make such a grave mistake. As millions watched the TV, a second plane hit the second Twin Tower at 8:03. We all knew…we were under attack.
But McCall and his son still had no idea of the horror unfolding in New York. A world away, the fog had lifted in Jay. They took off, flying under the level of airport radar, toward Mobile. Their biggest concern was still the trip to Texas and the business deal.
At 8:40 local time, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights in the United States, for the first time in American history. Brewton Avation’s plane continued toward Mobile. They had no idea that they were flying in increasingly empty skies .
“Our big concern that day was the contract for our company in Texas,” McCall said. “I had thought long and hard about it, and we had prayed about it.”
As they approached Mobile, McCall contacted the Mobile Regional Airport to let them know they were approaching at about 500 feet, still below the level of the airport’s radar.
“A voice came back real prompt like and asked where we were,” he said. “They told us to fly directly to the airport and get that plane down as fast as we could.”
McCall and his son knew something was going on, but they had no idea what.
Upon landing in Mobile, the Brewton Aviation plane was met by authorities who told them to get anything out of the plane they ever wanted to see again. McCall said that he still did not know what was going on in New York, and by that point, at the Pentagon in Washington.
McCall and his son were escorted to a room that had a TV. They watched the replays of the towers being hit again and again.
They called their wives to get rides back home. Their plane was held by federal authorities for a week before it was released.
Post-9/11 business has changed in many ways for Brewton Aviation and McCall. Insurance is up 20 times what it was before the terrorist attacks. Flight plans are required by Homeland Security and the FAA.
“The Lord was good to us, increasing our contracts in other ways,” McCall said of his business, post-9/11. “We have kept our head above water, and we have survived.”
“And our country has survived; the Lord took care of all of us,” he said.
McCall now serves as mayor of Century.