Meet The Northview Chiefs Tonight
September 2, 2010
The Northview High School Quarterback Club will sponsor the annual “Meet the Chiefs” tonight at the NHS stadium.
Planned festivities for the night include performances by the Northview Chiefs Tribal Beat Marching Band, the Northview High School cheerleaders and the introduction of the 2010 Northview varsity and junior varsity Chiefs.
A hot dog plate with two hot dogs, chips and a drink will be available for $6. The Quarterback Club will also be selling new Chief car decals and other spirit items.
Activities begin at 7 p.m. at the Northview High School stadium. Admission is free.
FHP Cracks Down On Drunk Driving Now Through Labor Day
September 2, 2010
The Florida Highway Patrol is participating in the national “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” campaign through Labor Day. The Patrol is joining thousands of other
law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation to reduce the number of impaired drivers on Florida’s roadways in an effort to save lives.
“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but also the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” said FHP Director, Colonel John Czernis. “Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work and dozens of other expenses. Do not take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you can expect to be under arrest.”
The campaign encompasses the Labor Day holiday weekend, which begins September 3. The holiday caps off the summer season for many, and historically travel increases with people driving to celebrate with friends and family. In addition to the national enforcement campaign, the Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during the four-day holiday weekend. The operation involves all 50 state police and highway patrol organizations across the United States.
All uniformed FHP personnel, including those normally assigned to administrative duties, will patrol interstates and other major state roads during the four-day holiday period. FHP Auxiliary and Reserve troopers also will volunteer to augment the Patrol this weekend. The Patrol aims to increase its presence throughout Florida in an effort to deter traffic violations and to enhance services to motorists who break down while traveling or who need other assistance. Please remember to dial *FHP (*347) from your cell phone to contact FHP to report an aggressive or impaired driver or to request roadside assistance.
The Patrol reminds motorists that Florida’s primary safety belt law authorizes law enforcement officers to stop and cite motorists solely for failure to buckle up. Also, be sure to move over for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road. If you are unable to change lanes safely, slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit, or to five mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or less
Lawmen Seek Help In 25 Year Old Missing North Escambia Woman Case
September 2, 2010
Twenty-five years after she was first reported missing, authorities still don’t know what happened to a North Escambia woman believed to be the victim of violence.
On the morning of Saturday, August 31, 1985, Lucetta Pauley Starkie, 51, was reported missing by a sibling who explained that Starkie had been missing since about the beginning of July of that same year.
Starkie had been living with her husband of more than 25 years in the Bay Springs community near Walnut Hill at the last time she was seen. Starkie is believed to have been the victim of violence, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Lucetta Pauley Starkie was also known as “Lu” and “Lucy” to her friends and family, as well as Lucetta Mary Alice Starkie. Her whereabouts are still unknown.
Anyone with any information at all regarding what might have happened to Starkie, or anyone that was familiar with Starkie with the time frame leading up to August 31, 1985, is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (850) 436-9580 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Manhunt Puts College On Lockdown; Suspect Arrested
September 1, 2010
Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton was on lockdown Wednesday morning as manhunt was underway for a suspect that fled from police.
According to Brewton Police Chief Monte McGougin, authorities were searching for a man wanted for DUI that fled from officers last night. Benjamin Jackson was taken into custody early Wednesday afternoon. He was being treated for minor injuries received while he was one the run overnight in a wooded area near the college.
Jackson allegedly hit a house with his car Tuesday night. A manhunt for Jackson followed but was called off without success about midnight. Someone spotted Jackson about 8:00 Wednesday morning near Pea Ridge Road.
“He’s not going to be real dangerous,” McGougin said as the manhunt was underway. He described the suspect as a white male wearing red boxer shorts.
The lockdown at Jeff Davis was lifted about 10:45 a.m..
High Hopes: Selling Century To Potential Industry
September 1, 2010
Century’s mayor has high hopes for the future growth of his town. And he has about 40,000 square feet of space that would be just perfect for a company looking to locate and grow on the Gulf Coast.
“It has a lot of office space up front,” he said as he showed the empty Helicopter Technology Building in the town’s industrial park. “It has a little kitchen here with a microwave.” He knows the real estate sales pitch on the building the town repurchased for less than $1 at foreclosure auction one year ago.
Standing on the huge plant floor, McCall does not see just empty space and an odd arrangement of old couches and a grandfather clock moved from the office space. He sees the potential for a company to thrive — and the key to Century’s growth.
“It’s ready to go,” McCall said of the building. “Fairly heavy duty electrical wiring. Air conditioning. Plenty of room. It has great potential.”
The biggest potential of the building, according to the mayor, is the fact that it’s move-in ready. He said that would allow a company to become operational quickly, rather than waiting for permits and construction of a new facility.
As for the price, McCall — reverting back to his pitchman tone — said, “The more jobs it creates, the better we can negotiate”.
“Things are looking up in Century,” he said. “We are ready for a company to become part of the excitement.”
Companies interested in the building in the Century Industrial Park can contact Mayor Freddie McCall at (850) 256-3208 or Bennie Barnes at the Century Chamber of Commerce at (850) 256-3155.
Pictured top: Century Mayor Freddie McCall on the empty plant floor in the old Helicopter Technology Building in the Century Industrial Park. Pictured inset: McCall believes the building could be key to the grown of Century. Pictured below: The building, repurchased by the town a year ago at a foreclosure auction, sits empty. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Three Facing Charges After Deputies Find Alleged Cottage Hill Meth Lab
September 1, 2010
Three people are facing charges after deputies allegedly found an active meth lab in a Williams Ditch Road home.
William Todd Neal, 29, of Williams Ditch Road, Cantonment; Rebecca Doris Jernigan, 35, address listed as transient; and William Thomas Robbins, 22, of Belmont Road, Cantonment, were each charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The trio was arrested after Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were tipped off that a meth lab was being operated at 36 Williams Ditch Road in the Cottage Hill community. Deputies found a meth lab, finished methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia upon searching the residence, according to a Sheriff’s Office report, last week.
Deputies said they discovered that what they believed to be meth was being manufacturing at the time of the search; a hazardous materials team was called to the scene to remove the alleged meth lab.
Neal remains jailed with bond set at $25,200 bond. Jernigan was released on $6,000 bond, and Robbins is free on $16,000 bond.
State To Decide Future Of Florida’s Last Fox Pen In Walnut Hill
September 1, 2010
State wildlife officials will consider a rule this week that would spell a permanent end to fox pens in Florida — the last of which was located in Walnut Hill.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider the rule during a three day session at Pensacola Beach. The new rule, if approved, will prohibit the taking of fox or coyote by a dog or dogs within an enclosure.
The FWC shut down the Shady Oaks Fox Pen at 4000 South Highway 99 in Walnut Hill back in February when the commission voted to temporarily prohibit the chasing of foxes and coyotes in enclosures. The FWC did not accuse Shady Oaks or its owners of any wrongdoing.
There were as many as six state permitted fox pens in Florida in 2009, but all had closed by the end of the year except for the approximately 200 acre Shady Oaks Fox Pen in Walnut Hill. At one time, there were about 50 fox and coyote pens from the Panhandle to Central Florida.
The FWC meetings will be at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front, 12 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach. Meetings begin at 8:30 each day and are open to the public.
Pictured: A fence surrounds the Shady Oaks Fox Pen on South Highway 99 near Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
NHS, Jay Split Volleyball Matches
September 1, 2010
The Northview Chiefs and the Jay Royals split volleyball matches on Tuesday.
Northview Vs. Jay –Varsity
At the varsity level, the Lady Chiefs (1-1) beat Jay in four games — 25-18, 25-21, 23-25, 25-21.
Northview stats:
Shawn Montgomery — Kills-8, Aces-1, Blocks-2
Kara Hardin — Aces-1, Digs-3, Blocks-1 Kills-7
Ashley Digmon –Assists-5,Aces -9, Digs-5
Katie Wieborg – Kills-6, Assists-3, Aces-1
Northview Vs. Jay — Junior Varsity
In JV action, the Lady Royals defeated Northview (0-2) in a three-game match, 25-21, 15-25, 7-15.
Northview JV stats:
Rebecca Masaitis – Kills-1, Assists-1, Aces-1
Madison Arrington — Assits-6. Aces-1
Lana Clayton – Kills-4, Aces-1
Danielle Steadham — Kills-3, Aces-1
Work To Begin Today On Elm Street In Century
September 1, 2010
Traffic flow is expected to be interrupted for about 10 days on Elm Street in Century. Motorists should choose an alternative route while construction is underway, according to Sonya Daniel, public information manager for Escambia County.
High Court Strikes Three Amendments From Ballot
September 1, 2010
The state’s highest court on Tuesday removed three lawmaker-orchestrated amendments from the November ballot, including proposals asking voters to block parts of the federal health care law and to preserve legislators’ ability to draw legislative districts in a certain way.
In three lengthy opinions, the seven-member Supreme Court rejected the Republican-led Legislature’s proposed ballot measures, ruling all of them were misleading.
The court left on the ballot two other redistricting-related amendments that were put before voters through the petition process. Those two amendments, 5 and 6, aim to prevent lawmakers from drawing districts that will favor themselves or their party – which legislators had argued was nearly impossible.
Amendments 5 and 6 had been challenged by two members of Congress. Amendment 7, the legislatively-written amendment removed from the ballot by the court on Tuesday, was a response to Amendments 5 and 6.
The court’s decisions drew anger from an array of GOP lawmakers who decried “activist judges” for overstepping the court’s bounds.
While careful to say he has respect for the judicial branch, incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon said the court’s rulings themselves were constitutionally suspect.
“It’s terribly disappointing to have the work of the legislative branch demolished by a co-equal branch of government, especially when there’s no express authority in the Constitution for their doing so,” said Cannon, who was the losing lawyer in the case over Amendment 7, having personally argued it before the court.
Cannon’s Senate counterpart, Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos, was one of the most outspoken backers of Amendment 7.
“They’re clearly trying to legislate from the bench” said Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, who chaired hearings on Amendments 5 and 6 that led lawmakers to create Amendment 7. “I believe in equal branches of government. It sounds to me like the court thinks it is more equal than the other branches.”
The Legislature’s redistricting proposal pitted lawmakers against a group called FairDistrictsFlorida that drafted Amendments 5 and 6, which if passed in November will require districts to be drawn in a way so as not to favor political parties or legislative incumbents.
U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown, a Jacksonville Democrat, and Mario Diaz-Balart, a Miami Republican, had sued to get Amendments 5 and 6 thrown off the ballot, saying they threatened minority interests by not allowing districts to be drawn to favor certain types of candidates.
The Supreme Court’s 22-page 5-2 decision said the Legislature’s proposed amendment could allow lawmakers to nullify a constitutional requirement that districts to be geographically contiguous – but didn’t make that clear to voters.
“This is a matter that should have been clearly and unambiguously stated in the ballot language,” the court wrote. “Failing this clear explanation, the voters will be unaware of the valuable right-the right to have districts composed of contiguous territory-which may be lost if the amendment is adopted.”
Justices Charles Canady and Ricky Polston, who were the two dissenting votes, completely disagreed with their colleagues’ argument that the contiguous requirement could be overridden, with Canady writing that the amendment would not “nullify, dilute, or alter this provision of the Florida Constitution.”
“Florida voters will now have a clear chance to vote yes on Amendments 5 and 6 on Nov. 2 and place rules into the Florida Constitution for politicians to follow when they draw the district lines,” said Ellen Freidin, campaign chairwoman for FairDistrictsFlorida. “These rules will stop politicians from drawing districts to favor themselves and will put the political power back into the hands of the people – where it belongs.”
In its ruling on Amendment 3 on property tax exemptions, the court agreed with Circuit Judge John Cooper that the average voter could easily be misled by the ballot title and summary, which was riddled with seeming contradictions and incongruities as to who qualified for the additional exemption.
Cooper ruled the measure’s ballot title and summary didn’t mention a Jan. 1, 2010 effective date, the absence of which could lead voters to incorrectly assume they were eligible for additional homestead exemption benefits. The proposal, which would offer qualified buyers an additional homestead exemption benefit, was crafted by lawmakers in 2009 to boost home sales.
Because of the omission, “voters may be misled into believing they qualify for the additional exemption when they do not, or conversely believe they do not qualify when they do,” the court wrote in the 5-2 opinion upholding Cooper. Polston and Canady dissented.
Amendment 9 grew out of Republican opposition to the Obama administration’s health care overhaul. The amendment would have tried to prevent Floridians from being compelled to participate in any health care system and sought to protect residents who want to opt out of a new federal requirement that they eventually buy health insurance or face penalties.
Circuit Judge James Shelfer killed that proposal, and the Supreme Court, in a 5-2 decision with Canady and Polston again dissenting, agreed that the ballot proposal did not pass constitutional muster and that the summary voters would see was a classic example of “flying under false colors.” The court also dismissed an idea by Attorney General Bill McCollum to put the entire amendment on the ballot to clear up any confusion.
“This Court does not have the authority to substitute the language that three-fifths of the members of the Legislature have voted to place on the ballot,” the majority wrote.
Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, who sponsored the health care amendment in the House said the opinion smelled of “judicial activism” and that it was “judges playing politics.” He also said that he would refile the amendment during the next legislative session and try to put it on the November 2012 ballot.
By Kathleen Haughney and Michael Peltier
The News Service Florida