State Attorney Launches Investigation Into Commissioner, Contract Rebid
January 20, 2010
The State Attorney’s Office has launched a review into the county commission’s rebid process and a meeting between a contractor and Commissioner Gene Valentino.
After a complaint from a citizen, the State Attorney’s office announced the “review” — which is the process of looking at the facts prior to beginning any full scale investigation.
When bids were opened on November 18 for a Maplewoods drainage project, Gulf Equipment Company of Mobile was low bidder at $1,768,621. Road, Inc. of Cantonment’s bid was $22,982.26 more. The county’s purchasing department recommended to the Escambia County Commission that they approve the Gulf Equipment bid.
Six days later, on November 24, Valentino admits that he met for about 45 minutes in his office with Roads, Inc. officials, including the company’s president Cody Rawson. Valentino tell the daily newspaper that he met with Rawson to ask for campaign support, but retracts that statement but not explain what was discussed in the meeting.
Roads, Inc. officials then contacted commissioners Kevin White, Grover Robinson and Wilson Robertson, telling them that they could correct a mistake on their bid and save the county $100,000.
Valentino made a motion on January 7 to rebid the project because of errors made by county staff. County Administrator Bob McLaughlin and staff members object. The motion passed 4-1, with Commissioner Marie Young against.
A week later, January 14, White made a motion at a Committee of the Whole meeting to reverse the rebid. White, Robinson and Robertson apologized, while Valentino points blame at county staff and the bid process. The vote to reverse the rebid and award the contract to Gulf Equipment will come at the January 21 meeting.
“I can assure you that I have never intentionally misstated or acted illegally on this or any other issue. However, I am embarrassed and ashamed if it appears that I may have compromised my office. I have not and will not,” Valentino wrote in a statement issued Tuesday.
To read Valentino’s complete statement, click here.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (With Photos)
January 20, 2010
Today, it’s part two of our five part series “the road to the crown” brought to you by Tammie’s Cuttin’ Loose and Mike Newton Photography. We are following 30 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2010.
Today we introduce you to the first 15 contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the second set of 15 contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 6:30, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Caitlyn Brianne Brown
Caitlyn is the 17-year old daughter of Ronnie and Angela Brown. As a freshman, she was a member of Angie Shelley’s Twirl Time. She has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band for three years and a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for 3 years. Caitlyn was selected as the sophomore class parliamentarian and currently serves as the secretary of the junior class. She has been a member of the Beta club for one year and a member of Rho Kappa for one year, where she currently serves as vice president. Since her freshman year, Caitlyn has been a lifeguard for the Atmore City Pool and has also taught swimming lessons.
Her hobbies include cooking, shopping, spending time with family and friends, and having “girl days” with her mom.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida. She hopes to major in Dentistry, with a specialized degree in Orthodontics. While she is in attendance there, Caitlyn plans on becoming a UF Gatorette.
Miss Hayley Renee Simpson
Hayley is the 17-year old daughter of Toney and Renee Simpson. She has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band for three years, where she currently serves as co-captain of the team. Hayley has been a member of the weightlifting team for three years and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years. She has been a member of the Beta club for one year and a member of Rho Kappa for one year, where she currently serves as historian. This year, Hayley was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. She was also voted junior class parliamentarian. Hayley is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist church and participates in the youth group.
Her hobbies include reading, listening to music, and twirling the baton.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida. She hopes to one day become an anesthesiologist.
Miss Lauren Ashley McCall
Lauren is the 15-year old daughter of Joey and Robin McCall. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team. This year, Lauren is a varsity cheerleader and she is also a member of the Northview High School competition cheerleading team that was selected to participate in the National High School Cheerleading Championship competition that takes place in Orlando, Florida. She has been a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, the golf team for one year, and the Future Farmers of America for one year. Lauren currently serves as the sophomore class president. For the past two years, she was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. Lauren was selected by the Suburban West Rotary Club as the grand prize winner in the Rotary International Four-way test essay contest. In her community Lauren is an active member of Bratt First Baptist church, where she participates in the youth group. She also volunteers her time with the Ernest Ward Swim Team.
Her hobbies include cheering, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University and major in sports medicine.
Miss Charleigh Victoria McPherson
Charleigh is the 16-year old daughter of Larry and Mary McPherson. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team and was the recipient of the 2008-2009 Spirit Award. This year, Charleigh is a member of the varsity cheerleading team and she is also a member of the Northview High School competition cheerleading team that was selected to participate in the National High School Cheerleading Championship competition in Orlando, Florida. She has been a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, a member of the golf team for one year, and a member of the art club for one year. This year, she was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. In the 2009 Miss NHS pageant, Charleigh was hand selected by the judges as the recipient of the Miss Hospitality award. Charleigh has played on the Northwest Escambia softball team for six years and has played on the Molino softball team for one year. She attends church at Saint Robert’s Catholic Church and is an active member there. She also sings in the choir.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, playing softball and golf, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and pursue a medical degree.
Miss Tori Daniela Reid
Tori is the 15-year old daughter of Keith and Chasity Reid. She is on the varsity cheerleading team and is also a member of the Northview High School competition cheerleading team that was selected to participate in the National High School Cheerleading Championship competition that takes place in Orlando, Florida. She is currently a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a member of the junior varsity softball team. In her community, Tori is an active member of Corner Stone Christian Church. She has also done volunteer work at the Heritage of Santa Rosa Nursing Home, where she would read to the residents and spend time with them.
Her hobbies include dancing, scrapbooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and become an anesthesiologist.
Miss Lindsey Danyell Holderfield
Lindsey is the-15 year old daughter of Matt and Norma White. She is currently a member of the varsity cheerleading team. She is also a member of the Northview High School competition cheerleading team that was selected to participate in the National High School Cheerleading Championship competition that takes place in Orlando, Florida.
Her hobbies include: cheering, reading, listening to music, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida where she wants to get a degree in Law. Lindsey hopes to one day become a lawyer who specializes in family law.
Miss Haley Danielle Knapp
Haley is the 18-year old daughter of Albert and Candace Knapp. As a freshman, she was a junior varsity cheerleader. When she was a sophomore, Haley was on the varsity cheerleading team. She has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, and member of DCT for two years. Last year, Haley participated in “Food for America”, where she taught elementary school students about farming. She was on Drill Team for three years and a member of 4H for five years. Haley has also done horse judging for one year. In her community, Haley is an active member at Harvest Christian Center.
Her hobbies include riding horses, running, scrapbooking, and spending time with her son, family, and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola Junior College and earn her degree. She hopes to one day work for Gulf Power as a dispatcher.
Miss Ariel Kaye Holland
Ariel is the 14-year old daughter of Wayne and Amy Holland. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year and she is also a member of the Northview High School competition cheerleading team that was selected to participate in the National High School Cheerleading Championship competition that takes place in Orlando, Florida. Ariel was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court and was voted Freshman Class Maid. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt and participates in the Team David program. She also volunteers her time with the Northwest Escambia Cheerleaders.
Her hobbies include softball, cheerleading, shopping, and swimming.
Her future plans are to attend Troy University where she will major in pharmaceuticals. She hopes to one day become a pharmacist.
Miss Kolbi Shae Cobb
Kolbi is the 17-year old daughter of Jamie and Becky Cobb. As a freshman, she was elected to serve as the class secretary. She has been a member of the cross country team for one year, the softball team for four years, and the golf team for two years. She has also been a member of Rho Kappa for two years, the Beta Club for three years, the Academic Team for one year, and the Math team for one year. Kolbi was selected by her classmates to represent them on the Homecoming Court for two years. She has also been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for three years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years, the Interact club for two years, and the Student Government Association for three years. Kolbi has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band for four years and currently holds the title of captain. She is a member of Twirl Time and has been a member of Century League Softball for seven years. She has also been on the Tri-County All Star softball team for three years. Kolbi is an active member of Faith Bible Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing softball.
Her future plans are to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in nursing with a specialty in burn trauma.
Miss Miranda Beth Burkett
Miranda is the 17-year old daughter of Rodney and Dana Burkett. She has been a member of the varsity softball team for three years, a member of the weightlifting team for two years, and a member of the varsity basketball team for one year. She has also been a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years. Miranda was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court and won the title of Junior Class Maid.
Her hobbies include researching astronomy, practicing the various sports she participates in, and spending time with her loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend college to study sports medicine. While there, she hopes to play softball.
Miss Sarah Malinda Killam
Sarah is the 16-year old daughter of Gary and Melanie Killam. She has been a member of the junior varsity volleyball team for one year and a member of the cross-country team for two years. She has also been a member of the softball team for three years, a member of the weightlifting team for three years, and a varsity cheerleader for one year. Sarah has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years and currently serves as president. She has been elected by her peers for the past three years to serve as class president. She was also selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court, both her freshman and sophomore years, and was chosen Freshman Class Maid. Sarah has been an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-star for two years and has taken ballet for ten years. She has been a member of the Beta Club for one year, the Student Government Association for one year, where she serves as historian, and a member of Rho Kappa for one year, where she serves as treasurer. Sarah is a member of Flomaton First Baptist Church and is active in both the youth group and the choir.
Her hobbies include playing the guitar, playing the piano, singing, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University.
Miss Amber Nicole McMillan
Amber is the 17-year old daughter of Hartwood and Donna McMillan. She has been a member of the varsity volleyball team for two years and a member of the basketball team for three years. Amber has been a member of the varsity softball team for four years, a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years, and the golf team for one year. She has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for four years, a member of the Spirit Club for one year, and has been elected class secretary for the past three years. In 2007, Amber was selected to represent the sophomore class on Homecoming Court. This year, she was again selected by her peers to represent the senior class and was voted by the school as second runner up to the Queen. She was also voted Most Athletic for the Senior Class. She has participated on the Relay for Life team the past two years and is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include running, playing summer league softball, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a career in medicine.
Miss Candice Louise Greenwell
Candice is the 17-year old daughter of Tommy and Sandra Greenwell. As a freshman, Candice was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team and a member of the basketball team. She has been on the varsity cheerleading team for two years, the varsity softball team for four years, and on the weightlifting team for three years. Candice has played varsity volleyball for two years. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for three years, a member of the Beta Club for two years and she has served as class president for four years. Candice is an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Her hobbies include turkey hunting with her father, playing softball, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola Junior College for two years and finish at Florida State University. She hopes to obtain a degree in education.
Miss Heather Danielle Ward
Heather is the 17-year old daughter of Charles and Wendy Ward. She has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years and a member of the Tribal Spirit yearbook staff for four years. She has been a member of FCCLA for one year and the Beta Club for two years. As a freshman, Heather was a junior varsity cheerleader. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years and is also a member of the Northview High School competition cheerleading team that was selected to participate in the National High School Cheerleading Championship competition in Orlando, Florida. She has been on the weightlifting team for two years and was on the track team one year. This year, Heather was selected to represent the Senior class on the Homecoming Court, as well as, Senior class historian. She was also voted Most School Spirit for the Senior Who’s Who. Heather has participated in Relay for Life for two years and has also volunteered for the Habitat for Humanity foundation. She has collected Christmas cards to send to the St. Jude’s Children’s ranch, where the kids reuse the cards to raise money.
Her hobbies include scrapbooking, photography, watching Alabama football games and spending time with her son and family.
Her future plans are to attend college and obtain her degree in nursing. She hopes to become a neo-natal nurse at a nearby hospital.
Miss Morgan Deann Smith
Morgan is the 14-year old daughter of Matthew and Tammy Smith.
She has been a member of the Northview High School Volleyball team for one year.
Her hobbies include going to the beach, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and become a pediatric nurse.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Homeowner Shoots At Intruder With Shotgun
January 20, 2010
A homeowner shot at an intruder Tuesday night in Cantonment, and deputies are still searching for the suspect.
About 6:30, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department responded to the home in the 1800 block of Wareham Way. That’s where a homeowner says he shot at a man trying to get into his house. Deputies don’t believe the homeowner’s shotgun blast hit the intruder, but they were not completely certain.
The intruder was not found.
Warem Way is a small cul-de-sac located off Louis Street, just south of International Paper.
Gene M. Valentino Statement
January 20, 2010
First, let me apologize to my constituents and Citizens of Escambia County for the confusion related to the issues associated with this recent bid. The way this has been handled and reported, as well as my own mistake, have added to an already bad situation. As your elected Commissioner I have a duty to represent all of the Citizens of the County in an ethical manner. I understand that in the current confusion some of you may feel I have not done so. I can assure you that I have never intentionally misstated or acted illegally on this or any other issue. However, I am embarrassed and ashamed if it appears that I may have compromised my office. I have not and will not. I will explain what occurred.
As to the question of “Did I solicit campaign contributions while in my office or on County Property?”
The answer is “No”. What did happen was, Mr. Rawson and Mr. Weaver asked for an appointment which I was happy to schedule as I would for any citizen. I was not aware in advance of the purpose of their visit. During the conversation I indicated that I would seek their support but stated that we’d discuss this matter at a separate time and place.
“Did I discuss the re-bid on the Maplewood Drainage Project?”
The answer is yes. Sort of. I was not aware that Roads, Inc. was in a bid process and had a problem. When Mr. Rawson and Mr. Weaver came into my office we made ’small talk’ for a while and then they got to the meat of their concern. That was the first time I became aware that they wished to discuss a pending bid and their alleged $100,000 mistake. Mr. Rawson and Mr. Weaver stated that they had been given two different alternatives to address their alleged mistake: one by County Staff and one by the County Administrator. The Purchasing Department allegedly told them there was no recourse for protest and to talk to the Commissioners. The County Administrator allegedly told them to file a bid protest, contrary to the other advice given. When I became aware that their true purpose for meeting with me was to discuss a bid in progress, I told them at that time I could not discuss this any further to protect bid protocol. I told them I would bring their concerns to staff. We ended on that note.
I then consulted with staff. They informed me that there was in fact a “breach in the process of the bid and that the process was flawed.”
It was my responsibility to bring this notion forward to protect “due process”.
If I sounded as though I was waffling at any time in my conversation with the reporter on this matter over a month later when rushing to a meeting, it was an error on my part and I apologize.
I hope this clarifies my actions and statements. Again, I wish to apologize for any appearance of wrong doing. However, I make no apology for my steadfast desire to improve our local economy and to create new jobs. I remain committed to protecting the “due process” of our government. I intend to move forward and to continue to champion the causes for District #2 and all of Escambia County. Let’s get back to work.
Gene M. Valentino
Escambia County Commissioner, District 2
Northview, Jay, Tate, Flomaton, Escambia Academy Basketball Results
January 20, 2010
Here’s a look at Northview, Jay and Tate basketball action from Tuesday afternoon.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Jay 40 Northview 25
The Jay Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs Tuesday, 40-25. The teams were tied at the end of a low-scoring first quarter, 4-4, but the Royals rallied in the second, outscoring the Chiefs by 10.
Lance Bushaw and Colton Sims led the Chiefs with seven each. Luke Rowell and Hunter Boutwell both had 10 for the Royals.
Northview – Lance Bushaw 7, Colton Sims 7, Austin Arrington 3, LaDarion White 6, Roderick Woods 2
Jay – Luke Rowell 10, Hunter Boutwell 10, Tyler Prescott 9, Todd Laney 4, Bugg Fischer 4, Dakota Walker 3.
Northview 4 3 9 9-25 Jay 1 13 9 14-40
Tate 75, West Florida High 56
Petey Jones had 19 as the Tage Aggies beat West Florida High 75-56 Tuesday. Tate improved to 12-5 on the season.
Tate: Petey Jones 19, Shermone Jones 13, Chris Walden 12, Whitney Richardson 5, Dylan Anderson 4, Jabrille Rasheed 4, Adam Stump 3, Spencer Taylor 2.
Tate 14 12 21 28-75 West Florida 6 10 14 26-56
Escambia Academy 59 Patrician Academy 39
Escambia Academy beat Patrician Academy Tuesday, 59-39. Darron McGhee led the Cougars with 15.
Escambia — Michael Hippa 10, James White 3, Nate Smith 10, Keaton Maher 2, Darron McGhee 14, Jake Wasden 3, Brandon Goddard 4, Tanner Kirk 9, Jalen Henry 2, Tanner Boatwright 2.
Red Level 47 Flomaton 45
Red Level beat Flomaton by a basket Tuesday, 47-45. The Hurricanes were led by Anthony Patterson with a dozen points.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Jay 56 Northview 39
Becca Calloway had 16 as the Jay Royals beat Northview Tuesday afternoon in Jay. Jones led the Chiefs with 14.
Northview — Shaniqua Jones 14, Amber McMillan 11, Angela Rodriguez 8, Lanecia Gomez 4, Sarah Killam 2.
Jay– Becca Calloway 16m, Tessa Henricks 14, Candice Mulford 10, Amber Steadham 4, Taylor Moore 2, Ginger Jennings 8, Courtney Hammac 2.
Jay 10 21 9 16-56 Northview 10 3 3 11-39
Tate 68 West Florida 28
The Lady Aggies of Tate beat West Florida 68-28 Tuesday afternoon at Tate.
Tate — Briske 16, Olsen 11, Brown 10, Hall 7, Tucker 6, Baldwin 2, Cobb 2, O’Brien 2, Thompson 2.
Tate 20 19 19 10-68 West Florida 7 8 12 1-28
Patrician Academy 63 Escambia Academy 44
Patrician handed a loss to the state ranked Escambia Academy Cougars Tuesday, 63-44. Jordan Jabe had 18 for the Cougars, and Amber Husky had 10.
Escambia — Amber Huskey 12, Jordan Jaye 16, Taylor Helton 8, Carlie Broughton 1, Kay Leigh Miller 5, Rachel Fuller 2.
Escambia 15 8 8 13-44 Patrician 15 15 18 13-63
Flomaton 56 Red Level 19
The Flomaton Hurricanes blew past Red Level Tuesday, 56-19. Brittany Mallet and Tara Gafford had 10 points each for the ‘Canes, now 18-4. Flomaton will play Jay Thursday afternoon.
Driver, Two Children Injured In Crash With 18-Wheeler
January 20, 2010
Three people, including two children, were injured when the driver of a car apparently drove under the trailer of an 18-wheeler Tuesday night in McDavid.
Madeline Hope Johnson, 28, failed to stop at the end of Highway 164 at Highway 29 about 7:15 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Her Pontiac Grand Prix traveled into the path of a southbound 18-wheeler on Highway 29 driven by Willie Lee Bell, 56, of Atlanta. The trailer tires apparently ran over the front of the Grand Prix, flattening the front of the car.
Johnson and her two children, ages eight and 12, were transported by ambulance to an area hospital. Johnson’s injuries were considered minor; the conditions of the children were not available.
Johnson told authorities that her brakes failed. Firemen at the nearby McDavid fire station said they heard the collision, but they never heard either vehicle brake. According to the FHP, Bell said he was southbound in the outside lane of Highway 29 when he barely saw the car approaching the intersection. He changed lanes, but was unable to avoid the crash.
The accident is still under investigation by the FHP.
The McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, Atmore Ambulance and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Pictured: Three people, including two children, were injured Tuesday night in McDavid when this car collided with an 18-wheeler. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
More Rain, Some Severe Storms
January 20, 2010
There’s more rain and a chance of severe storms in our forecast during the next day.Here is your official North Escambia area forecast.
- This Afternoon: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 68. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 60. South wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
- Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Some of the storms could be severe. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 73. South wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 70. Southeast wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 66. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.
- Monday: A 10 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 59.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 56.
EA Beats Monroe
January 19, 2010
Here’s a look at recent Escambia Academy basketball results:
Escambia Academy 67 Monroe Academy 51
With 19 points, Brandon Goddard paced the Escambia Cougars in their 67-51 win over Monroe on Monday. Keaton Maher added 10 for the Cougars.
Escambia — Michael Hippa 8, James White 6, Nate Smith 2, Keaton Maher 14, Darron McGhee 9, Jake Wasden 3, Brandon Goddard 19, Tanner Kirk 4, Jalen Henry 2.
Escambia Academy 41 Monroe Academy 28(JV)
Escambia Academy’s JV Cougars beat Monroe Monday 41-28. Jordan Sasser led the Cougars with 11.
Escambia — Jordan Sasser 11, Paul Arnold 5, Blake Quimby 8, Jacob Dean 8, Eddie Agrait 4, Scott Brantley 5.
Escambia Academy 11 Monroe 8 (Girls)
Monday, the Escambia Academy JV Cougars defeated Monroe 38-8. EA held Monroe scoreless in the first quarter and allowed just four points in the second. Page Lancaster led the Cougars with 11.
Escambia – Lacie Flowers 6, Grayson Emmons 9, Brook McGhee 2, Peyton Snider 6, Page Lancaster 11, Lulu McGhee 4.
Escambia 11 7 3 17-38 Monroe 0 4 2 2-8
Escambia Academy 63 Monroe 13 (Girls JV)
Escambia Academy’s Lady Cougars beat Monroe 63-13. EA improves to 14-3 on the season. Jordan Jaye led the scoring for the Cougars with 10, and Amber Huskey added 9.
Escambia — Amber Huskey 9, Jordan Jay 10, Taylor Helton 6, Grayson Emmons 8, Kay Leigh Miller 5.
Escambia — 17 22 12 12-63 Monroe 6 3 4 0-13
Help For Haiti: North Escambia Residents Donate Health Kits
January 19, 2010
About 200 health kits are on their way from Molino to Haiti, thanks to the hard work of a local church and generosity of the North Escambia community.
The idea started with Allie Vidak (pictured left), a youth member at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and her mom Rikki. Allie saw a need following the massive earthquake in the island nation, and they settled on preparing the health kits and sending them to Haiti via UMCOR — the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
With items like washcloths, combs and soap, the health kits provide for basic needs among the quake victims, Rikki Vidak said.
Monday morning, a small group of volunteers gathered at the church to assemble to kits.
“We have had a lot of donated items. This is our first day of putting the kits together. We have a lot of wonderful volunteers helping make the kits. We’ve had about 100 kits donated already put together and have put together about another 100 today,” she said. “”We are out of nail clippers, hand towels and combs. Anyone who still wants to help out can donate for about a month. We were going to accept donations for about a week, but have decided to extend the time period for donations for a month.”
A box for donations will be located outside the church office. Aldersgate is located on Highway 29 just south of Highway 97.
Persons wishing to help can donate any of the items listed below, or assemble complete kits as instructed.
Haiti Health Kits
Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.
* 1 hand towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27”, no kitchen towels)
* 1 washcloth
* 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
* 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
* 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
* 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes)
* 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
(NOTE: UMCOR is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire before it is sent. Please include $1 for each kit you send toward the purchase of toothpaste.)
Important Kit Assembly Information
All items included in kits must be NEW items.
All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations. Since strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, it is important that kits contain only the requested items—nothing more.
Do NOT include any personal notes, money or additional materials in the kits. These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.
Pictured: Volunteers assemble health kits Monday morning for earthquake victims in Haiti. NorthEscambia.com and submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Deputies Seek Home Depot Armed Robbery Suspect
January 19, 2010
Authorities are still searching for the person responsible for the weekend armed robbery of the Home Depot on Nine Mile Road.
At about 6:40 Sunday night, about 20 minutes before the store would normally close, a store employee said a masked man with a gun forced him into the manager’s office and ordered him to open the store’s vault. The employee was unable to open the vault.
When a manager entered the office, the gunman forced him to open the vault. The robber fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money. The store manager and the employee were left behind in the manager’s office, their hands bound with zip ties.
The gunman was described as being about 6 feet tall, about 160 pounds and in his early 40’s. He was wearing a dark gray jacket, gray Dickies band pants, black gloves with “mechanic” written on them, and gray shoes with blue stripes. He had a thin mustache.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.