Three Northview Seniors Named To All-State Football Team
May 11, 2011
A Tallahassee area football publication has named three Northview High School seniors to their Class 1A All-State football team.
4QuartersOnline named Dustin Yuhasz as second team offense, Lonnie Gardner to first team defense and Austin Arrington to second team defense. All three were part of the first Chiefs team to ever advance to the state semifinals and the first NHS team in playoff action east of Tallahassee.
Pictured top: 4QuartersOnline Class 1A All-State football team members Dustin Yuhasz, Lonnie Gardner and Austin Arrington during the Chiefs’ Senior Night last fall. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Broxson Vows To Continue Effort To Repeal Septic Tank Inspections
May 11, 2011
Rep. Doug Broxson said Tuesday that he plans to continue to fight to repeal Florida’s new septic tank inspection requirements.
The first bill co-sponsored by Broxson after taking office was a septic tank inspection repeal, which passed the House 110-3. But the Senate never heard the bill, leaving the inspection requirement law on the books beginning July 1. (Read more…)
“I am very disappointed that the Senate refused to join with the House in repealing the septic tank inspections,” Broxson said Tuesday.
But the House did add language to the implementing bill that requires the Department of Health of submit a plan which includes an estimate of agency workload and funding needs for approval by the Legislative Budget Commission. Once the rules are developed, they would have to be ratified by both the House and Senate before being implemented.
“With these provisions in place to protect our citizens, the fight to repeal this burdensome regulation will continue and I will continue to support the repeal of this over-reaching state mandate,” Broxson said.
Camp Fire Teachers Take Pie In The Face For Relay
May 11, 2011
The teachers at the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center recently took a pie in the face recently for a good cause — the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Camp Fire is one of several teams that will take part in the Century Relay for Life beginning Friday evening. Each Camp Fire classroom raised $20 or more to see one of their teachers get a pie in the face for Relay.
For more pie-in-the-face photos, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Cross And Blue Shield To Enter Florida Medicaid Program
May 11, 2011
In a potentially huge change, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida plans to enter the Medicaid program and compete in what likely will become a statewide managed-care system.
Blue Cross, the state’s largest health insurer, has stayed out of Medicaid in the past. But its new stance comes as Florida lawmakers seek to enroll almost all Medicaid beneficiaries in managed-care plans — and as last year’s federal health law prepares to funnel more people into the system.
“As the state’s largest health insurer, BCBSF already serves many of Florida’s residents,” company spokesman John Herbkersman said in an e-mail Tuesday. “An expansion into the state’s Medicaid market allows BCBSF to provide the state’s Medicaid beneficiaries with the same level of service and quality that our members experience every day.”
The change is in its early stages. Herbkersman said the company is still considering issues such as when to enter the market.
Also, the Agency for Health Care Administration, which oversees Medicaid, has not received notification about Blue Cross’ plans, agency spokeswoman Shelisha Coleman said in an e-mail.
But Blue Cross is a well-known brand and already has relationships with physicians and other health providers across the state. Lawmakers last week approved a two-bill package aimed at turning Medicaid into a statewide managed-care system, and Blue Cross could be well-positioned to compete quickly.
“They’re going to be a strong competitor in every market they choose to enter,” said Bob Sharpe, a former state Medicaid director who unsuccessfully tried to attract Blue Cross into the program in the past.
Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said he was aware that Blue Cross was considering the move.
“To have the state’s largest health-insurance company willing to enter the marketplace would be a huge step in favor of consumers,” said Negron, a key architect of last week’s Medicaid overhaul.
The overhaul, if approved by the federal government, would lead to almost all Florida Medicaid recipients enrolling in managed-care plans by the end of 2014. HMOs and another type of managed-care plan, known as provider-service networks, would compete for contracts in 11 regions of the state.
Meanwhile, last year’s federal health law will change Medicaid eligibility standards in 2014. That move, which is part of the Obama administration’s effort to make sure almost all Americans have health coverage, will increase the number of beneficiaries in Florida.
About 2.9 million Floridians are enrolled in Medicaid, with about 1.3 million already in managed-care plans, according to AHCA figures. That managed-care total likely would more than double under the legislation passed last week — and could go even higher based on the federal eligibility changes.
Among the largest HMOs in the Medicaid program are subsidiaries of Tampa-based WellCare Health Plans and Amerigroup.
Though it has stayed out of Medicaid, Blue Cross has long been an influential player in state legislative and political circles. For instance, it has a contract to administer part of the state’s employee health-insurance program and also is well-known for its clout when lobbying on insurance issues.
Michael Garner, president of the Florida Association of Health Plans, an HMO industry group, said he could not comment about Blue Cross or any individual companies.
But more broadly, he said last week’s legislation is a bigger factor for managed-care plans than the federal health law, which is being challenged in court by Florida and other states.
“I think a lot of (health) plans are really looking at the short term,” Garner said. “I think the federal expansion is still a question mark out there.”
Garner said the existing Medicaid managed-care market in Florida has become “pretty much a mature market.” With the legislation adding more potential customers, the market will be more appealing to companies taking on the financial risks, he said.
Also, Garner said the bill will provide predictability for companies. As an example, the managed-care plans that are selected in each of the 11 regions will get five-year contracts.
Negron said Blue Cross’ willingness to enter Medicaid “means that we did something right.”
“I think there’s a buzz in the marketplace that Florida’s Medicaid program is a great business opportunity,” he said.\
By Jim Saunders
The News Service of Florida
Reuben B Ard, Jr
May 11, 2011
Reuben B Ard, Jr, age 53, left his family to go be with the Lord. Reuben was a resident of Molino, Florida, and a general contractor in Escambia County.
He left behind his dear loved ones including his wife, Darlene Ard; son Reuben B Ard, III of Montana; daughter Montana Ard of Molino, four grandchildren; Walter, 6, Cooper, 5, Corbin ,3, Caden, 2; mother Ann Penton, stepfather Gerald Penton all of Cantonment; eight siblings, Joyce Drake, Diane Ard, Sue Krochta, Wayne Ard, Joseph Ard, Julie Ard, James Ard and Jodie Ard; and several nieces and nephews.
Reuben had a lot of friends and touched a lot of hearts to be happy that he has left us all to go be with the Lord. He will be truly loved and missed by each and everyone who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 13, 201, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment. Interment will follow at Highland Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South, Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
Results: Atmore Babe Ruth Softball
May 11, 2011
Saturday was opening day for Atmore Babe Ruth Softball.
The results and stats, as submitted by the league, were as follows:
Atmore Marlins vs Poarch Lady Chiefs 3 – 11
Age Group 6 – 9
David’s Catfish Marlins
Coach Jessica Schwartz
Breanna McGowan – 1 run
Ragon Lassiter – 1 hit, 1 run
Skyler Riley – 1 hit, 1 rbi
Maddie Presley – 1 hit
Olivia Simmons – 1 hit
Miah Simmons – 1 run
Highlights – Madison Simmons playing third base made an out for the Marlins. Skyler Riler, pitcher, struck out a player with three strikes in a row.
Poarch Creek Lady Chiefs
Coach John Michael Beech
Lindsey Bowman – 2 runs, 2 rbis
Phenix Crews – 2 runs, 2 rbis
Raegan Chance – 2 hits, 2 runs
Hannah Emmons – 1 hit, 2 runs, 2 rbis
Kiah Parker – 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 rbis
Ashton Nelson – 1 run
Gabby McGhee – 2 hits
Cannyon Hayles – 1 hit, 2 rbis
Taya Hill – 2 hits
Highlights – Double play on first by Gabby McGhee and Raegan Chance. Pop fly caught by Raegan Chance thrown to first base – Gabby McGhee
Atmore Lions vs Poarch LA Girls 3 – 11
Age group 6 – 9
Rotary Club Lions
Coach Delicia Crenshaw
Team did not return Highlight Form.
Poarch Creek LA Girls
Coach Tim Ramer
Jayln Carlton – 1 hit, 3 runs, 1 rbi
Raven Ramer – 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 rbis
Taylor Respress – 1 hit, 1 run
Bailey Spann – 1 hit, 1 run, 1 rbi
Cassidy Murphy – 2 hits, 1 run
Alania Rolin – 1 run
Jasmine Norman – 1 hit, 1 run, 1 rbi
Sara Skelton – 1 hit, 1 run
Highlights – Raeven Ramer, pitcher, has 6 strikeouts. Bailey Spann, pitcher, has 2 strikeouts. Raeven Ramer has in the park homerun.
Atmore Silver Eagles vs Atmore Sluggers 10 – 7
Age Group 10 – 12
United Bank Silver Eagles
Coach Chris Rowland
Anna Lisa Boatwright – 1 hit, 1 run
Valen Shelly – 1 run
Zariah Lawson – 1 run
Carsen Barnett – 1 hit, 1 run
Aaliyah Williams – 2 hits
Arial Whatley – 3 hits, 2 runs
Lazarrian Boykin – 1 hit, 1 run
Alexus Cooper – 2 runs
Jennifer Weaver – 1 hit, 1 run
Highlights – None Submitted
SAV Sluggers
Coach Lori Bonds
Ashlyn Glick – 2 hits
Bailey Lancaster – 1 hit
Chelsea Day – 1 run
Savannah Fullerton – 1 run
Tinka Mitchell – 1 hit, 1 run
Diedra Paul – 1 hit, 1 run
Savahhan Tingle – 1 run
Raegan Harrell – 1 hit, 1 run
Aliaha Crenshaw – 1 hit
Lauren Metzler – 2 hits, 1 run
Highlights – The Sluggers rallied in the top of the third, scoring 3 runs off 3 hits after being held scoreless the first two innings. After holding the Silver Eagles to only 1 run in the bottom of the 3rd, the Sluggers continued to push from behind, scoring 4 more runs off 4 hits in the top of the fourth. The game was called due to the time limit leaving the score at 7 – 10. The Sluggers took 2 innings to adjust to the dominant Silver Eagles pitcher, but they were in the game from start to finish, never giving up.
Atmore Sluggers vs Atmore Flames 6 – 22
Age Group 10 – 12
SAV Sluggers
Coach Lori Bonds
Ashlyn Glick – 1 run
Lauren Metzler – 2 runs
Baiely Lancaster – 1 hit, 1 run
Katelyn Buckley – 1 hit
Diedra Paul – 1 hit
Aliaha Crenshaw – 1 hit, 1 hun
Savannah Fullerton – 1 run
Highlights – The Sluggers bats kept the game a tight match for the first two innings. However the Flames dominant bats proved to be too much in the 3rd ending the game at 6 – 22.
Atmore Utilities Board Flames
Coach Veronica Johnson
Abby Smith – 5 hits, 3 runs, 1 rbi
Skyteria Riley – 1 hit, 3 runs
Ciera Stots – 4 hits, 4 runs, 7 rbis
Bianca White – 3 hits, 3 runs, 5 rbis
Hannah Boothe – 3 hits, 4 runs, 2 rbis
Hannah Bailey – 1 hit, 2 runs
Nina Wiggins – 1 hit
Sara Rolin – 1 hit, 2 runs, 2 rbis
Darriona Nichols – 1 rbi
Zy’Daja Brown – 1 hit, 1 run, 1 rbi
Highlights – Ciera Stots – triple in 1st and 2nd. Ciera Stots – in the park grand slam in 3rd. Abby Smith and Hannah Boothe lead the team in stolen bases with 3 each, followed by Skyteria Riley with 2 and Hannah Bailey with 1. Bianca White – in the park home runs in 2nd and 3rd innings. Hannah Boothe – in the park homerun in 3rd. Sara Rolin – double in 1st. Abby Smith pitched the game for the Flames. All of the girls played their best.
Atmore Strikers vs Flomaton Canes 5 – 3
Age Group 13 – 16
Atmore Babe Ruth Strikers
Coach Shirley Simpkins
Ashleigh Simpkins – 2 hits, 1 run
Alana Johnson – 2 hits, 1 run
Courtney Cook – 1 hit, 1 run
Olivia Tatum – 2 hits, 2 runs
Carmesha Crenshaw – 1 hit
Justice Poole – 2 hits
Edrabderia ‘Eddy’ Thomas – 1 hit
Charley Jones – 1 hit
Highlights – In the 1st inning Ashley Simpkins scored the only run for the Strikers. At the end of the 2nd inning the score was 2 – 0 with Olivia Tatum scoring for the Strikers. At the end of the 3rd inning the score was 3 – 2. At the end of the 4th inning the score was 5 – 3 with Alana Johnson, Courtney Cook and Olivia Tatum scoring. The final score was 5 – 3, Strikers beating the Canes. Pitching for the Strikers was Jennifer Weaver.
Flomaton Canes
Coach Ben Rowe
Team did not return Highlight Form. Highlights – (Taken from home team stat book.) Scoring runs for Flomaton were Miss Conrad #9, Miss Mallory #1 and Miss Nicki #15.
Atmore Magnolias vs Poarch Shakers 2 – 16
Age Group 13 – 16
First National Bank Magnolias
Coach Paul Steele
Kassie Overstreet – 1 run
Jessica Sanspree – 1 run
Highlights – None submitted
Poarch Creek Shakers
Coach Jamie Ramer
Tristan Boothe – 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 rbis
Chelsey Ramer – 2 hits, 3 runs, 2 rbis
Magan Rackard – 1 hit, 1 run, 1 rbi
Taylor Hill – 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 rbis
Kaylee Cox – 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 rbis
Jordan Redditt – 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 rbis
Michelle Jackson – 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 rbis
Jordan Stabler – 1 hit, 1 run, 1 rbi
Makayla Bailey – 1 hit, 1 run
Game Highlights – Taylor Hill, pitcher, had 5 strikeouts. Jordan Stabler, pitcher, had 2 strikeouts. Chelsey Ramer had 1 Homerun.
Escambia Man Pleads Guilty To Carjacking
May 11, 2011
An Escambia County man has pleaded guilty on carjacking charges and now faces seven years to life in prison.
Terrence James Earl Scott, 20, entered the plea to a charge of carjacking while armed with a handgun, according to Pamela C. Marsh, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
On August 2, 2010, the carjacking victim had been unpacking his rental car at the Howard Johnson motel on Pensacola Boulevard, when Scott approached him and asked to borrow his cell phone. Scott next asked for a cigarette, and the victim handed him one. Moments later, Scott pulled out a silver handgun and instructed the victim to empty his pockets. The victim told Scott he did not have anything in his pockets.
Scott replied, “I will shoot you, man.” Scott struck the victim’s head with the gun, then told him to start the car and open the car trunk. The victim complied. When Scott ordered the victim to get inside the trunk, the victim refused, fearing he would be killed. Scott jumped into the car and drove away. A little more than 24 hours later, on Wednesday, August 4, Scott crashed the stolen car and abandoned it in a back yard in a residential area, while being pursued by Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies.
Scott fled the car on foot and was captured by the deputies within minutes of the crash. The handgun Scott had used in the carjacking was found behind the driver’s seat of the rental car.
Scott’s sentencing is scheduled for July 19, 2011, before Senior United States District Judge Roger Vinson. Scott faces a maximum of 15 years imprisonment for carjacking and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years up to life imprisonment for using a firearm in furtherance of that offense. The seven-year sentence must be served consecutively to the carjacking sentence, according to prosecutors.
Timothy Dalton Wilson
May 11, 2011
Timothy Dalton Wilson, age 18, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011.
Timothy was born October 15, 1992 in Pensacola, Florida. He was a 2010 graduate of West Florida High School of Advanced Technology. Timothy liked to call himself “The Captain”. He was the pirate of his own ship. Though, due to the storms, squalls, and hurricanes, his ship is now at rest. Timothy was a very honest, witty and intelligent one, that Timothy Dalton. Full of jokes, music, lyrics and energy drinks. He will be forever loved and forever remembered but never forgotten. Son, there will be a whole in our hearts forever, rest in Gods hands.
Survivors include his parents Timothy L. and Lisa G. Wilson; his sister, Jacqueline Wilson; his grandparents Alfred and Juanita O’Connor and Henry and Bea Frunk along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 12, 2011, at CrossFaith Church in Molino with Rev. Fred Stallworth and Rev. Rob Hines officiating. Interment will follow at Bay Springs Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, Cantonment on Wednesday, May 11, 2010, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South, Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
Drought Impacts Crops, Backyard Gardens; Raises Brush Fire Danger
May 10, 2011
The lack of rain is more of a problem than just brown, dry lawns in the North Escambia area. It’s issue for farmers and gardeners and is a potential wildfire problem for everyone.
For farmers, it means a delay in planting as they wait for meaningful rainfall, or it means the need to irrigate the dry soil. And for backyard gardeners, it means the need to pull out the hose to keep those young tomato plants and cucumbers alive.
A dry, cold fall and winter coupled with an abnormally dry spring means many of the grassy plants and small shrubs in the area are waiting tinderboxes for a stray spark or inattentive homeowner whose pile of burning leaves and yard debris got away from them as they went inside for a drink.
The peak of Florida’s wildfire season begins in mid-March and runs well into June and signs of an active season are evident and officials with the Florida Division of Forestry’s Blackwater District — which includes the North Escambia area — are urging residents to not only be cautious when burning but be prepared in case of an emergency.
Through the end of April, rangers in the Blackwater District, which includes Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, responded to 121 wildfires that have consumed 1,890 acres. During the same year to date period in 2010, there were 91 fires burning 627 acres.
“We have seen a tremendous increase in the number and size of fires this year compared to years past,” said David Smith, Operations Administrator for Blackwater. “We expect a high level of activity for the foreseeable future. Recent dry conditions have resulted in more active fire behavior and we are concerned the situation is expected to worsen in the near term if we don’t receive substantial rainfall soon.”
The first mention of rain in the North Escambia forecast comes Friday with a 30 percent chance of a shower. Then rain chances increase to 40 percent for Saturday and Sunday.
Pictured top: A field of corn is irrigated recently at Highway 4 and Dortch Road in Bratt. Pictured below: This file photo shows a wildfire raging through a North Escambia wheat field. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Collection For Tornado Victims Continues
May 10, 2011
NorthEscambia.com, Pen Air Federal Credit Union and public schools across North Escambia are continuing a collection to help Alabama tornado victims.
Donations are still be accepted at Northview High, Ernest Ward Middle, Molino Park Elementary, Bratt Elementary and Byrneville Elementary. Students are being asked to bring in items for the tornado victims, while the general public is encouraged to drop off their donations at any of the schools.
Items being collected include non-perishable food, water, personal care items (like deodorant, soap, toothpaste and shampoo), diapers, baby wipes, trash bags, mops and other cleaning supplies, batteries, flashlights, manual can openers and more. Clothing and cash are not being accepted at the schools. Monetary donations can be made at any Pen Air FCU location, including Century and Nine Mile Road.
For more information, email news@northescambia.com.
For information on other local tornado victim drives, click here.