Teacher, Students Arrested On Drug Charges
January 27, 2011
A teacher at the Escambia (Ala.) Alternative School in Flomaton was arrested Wednesday on drug charges, as were two students in Atmore.
Jill A. Coulter, 54, of Cantonment, was charged with drug possession and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia after a K-9 search led to the discovery of marijuana in her vehicle in the school parking lot, according to the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office. Deputies also located rolling papers.
Also Wednesday, drug searches led to the arrest of two students at Escambia County High School in Atmore. An 18-year old student, Tikeria Wiggins, was charged with with unlawful possession of a controlled substance (hydrocodone) and unlawful possession of marijuana. A juvenile student was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Pictured: Jill A. Coulter.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (Part Three)
January 27, 2011
Today, it’s part four of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 25 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2011.
Today we introduce you to the third and final set of 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 behind the scenes practice photos. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Allie Rebecca Bryan
Allie is the 17-year old daughter of Keith and Becky Bryan. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years and a member of the Student Government Association for four years. Allie has been a member of the Tribal Beat marching band for four years, where she has participated in both the color guard and the drum line. She has been a member of the chorus for three years, has played guitar for the Northview Performing Arts program for three years, and has been a part of the theatre program for three years. She has been a member of the Beta Club for three years and a member of the Spanish Club for two years. In her community, Allie is an active member of Pace Assembly of God, where she participates with the IGNITE youth ministries. She has spent time volunteering with missions work in Brazil and plans on returning there soon. Allie was also selected to represent Escambia County on the 2010 National Youth Leadership Tour in Washington, D.C.
Her hobbies include singing, photography, watching Alabama football, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and earn her degree in social work.
Miss Lauren Elizabeth Cloud
Lauren is the 17-year old daughter of Ronnie Cloud and Angela McMahan. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and currently holds the title of co-captain. Last year, she was a member of the NHS competition team that placed eighth in the nation. She has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years, a member of the Five Flags Dance Academy for two years, and has played softball for the Molino Community Team for three years. She has also been a member of DCT for one year. In her community, Lauren has volunteered her time to work the “Kicking Cancer Bike Run” and has worked Relay for Life events. She also participated in the 2009 “Trotting for a Cure” 20-mile triathlon. Lauren works as a waitress for the Alabama Wing House in Atmore.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, photography, riding horses, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Troy University to obtain a degree in education. She wants to specialize in working with autistic children. While in attendance there, she hopes to become a Troy cheerleader.
Miss Ashley Nicole Mooney
Ashley is the 15-year old daughter of Scott and Sandy Mooney. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team, the junior varsity softball team, and a member of the NHS cheerleading competition team that placed eighth in the nation. She was also voted freshman class treasurer. This year, Ashley is a member of the varsity cheerleading team and was selected to represent her class on the homecoming court. In her community, she is an active member of Healing Waters Church. She was also awarded the “Take Stock in Children” scholarship.
Her hobbies include riding horses, hunting, playing tennis, scrapbooking, photography, and spending time with family.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida and become a photographer or a crime scene investigator.
Miss Mariah Laine Albritton
Mariah is the 14-year old daughter of Randy and Lisa Albritton. As an eighth grader, she won third place in the Miss EWMS pageant. She was also a member of the EWMS competition cheerleading team that won third in the nation in their division. At Northview, she is a junior varsity cheerleader. In her community, Mariah is an active member at the Pace Assembly of God Church and participates in the youth group. She also volunteers her time at Bratt Elementary.
Her hobbies include cheering, shopping, taking pictures, listening to music, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University to become an orthodontist.
Miss Rebekah Mary Sepulveda
Rebekah is the 14-year old daughter of Scott and Becky Sepulveda. As an eighth grader, she received an award for mathematics and the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. This year, Rebekah is a junior varsity cheerleader. In her community, she is an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and is involved with the S.M.Y.L.E. youth group. She also does volunteer work with her father at the Optimists Club, as well as volunteer work at Byrneville Elementary School.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, dancing, swimming, gymnastics, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree in dentistry.
Miss Abigail Christie-Anne Odom
Abby is the 16-year old daughter of Melissa Martin. She has been a member of the NHS Drama Department for one year and played “Susan” in their production of “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe”. She has been a member of the Art Club for two years and took first place at the Pensacola Art Show. This year, Abby is a junior varsity cheerleader and currently holds the title of captain. She was also selected to represent the junior class on the homecoming court. She has taken dance for 13 years at Studio 43 in Mobile and volunteers her time as an assistant coach of the Northwest Escambia Mites cheerleaders. In her community, Abby is an active member of Enon Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include listening to music, photography, reading, spending time with close friends, and dancing.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College and become an ultrasound technician.
Miss Courtney Alexandra Weaver
Courtney is the 15-year old daughter of Mike and Deana Weaver. In eighth grade, she was a member of the Ernest Ward Middle School Honor Society where she held the office of historian. She was also part of the EWMS competition cheerleading team that placed third in the nation in their division. She has played softball for the Northwest Escambia league for seven years and has received the “Top Gun” award for the past three years. At Northview, Courtney is a member of the Interact Club. In her community, she is an active member of the First Assembly of God church and the “Powerhouse” youth program.
Her hobbies include going to the beach, reading books by Nicholas Sparks, cooking, watching Alabama football, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree to become a pharmacist.
Miss Morgan Nicole Digmon
Morgan is the 14-year old daughter of Mark and Tina Digmon. At Northview, she is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has taken dance at Heather Leondard’s Danceworks for five years and helps teach ballet. In her community, Morgan is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, where she takes part in the youth group program.
Her hobbies include dancing, playing softball, shopping, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college at Auburn University. She hopes to one day become a dance teacher and own a dance studio.
Miss Lauryn Elizabeth Walker
Lauryn is the 14-year old daughter of Ronnie and Joy Walker. This year, she is on the junior varsity cheerleading team. In her community, Lauryn is an active member of Parkview Baptist Church. She has done volunteer work with Byrneville’s Relay for Life team, as well as Campfire U.S.A. daycare and Byrneville Elementary School.
Her hobbies include swimming, reading, dancing, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of South Alabama where she will study to become a nurse.
Man Gets 50 Years For Walmart Rape, Kidnapping
January 27, 2011
An Escambia County man was sentenced to 50 years in prison Monday for the rape of a young Pensacola woman abducted from a Walmart parking lot on Highway 29 in Pensacola.
Willard Ray Crowder, pleaded guilty in November to sexual battery with a deadly weapon or force and kidnapping.
About 10:30 p.m. on January 1, 2010, Crowder abducted an 18-year old female from the Walmart parking lot. The woman told deputies that she was having car trouble in the parking lot when the man put a knife to her throat and forced her into the back of a van. She was driven a short distance before her attacker raped her. She was driven back to Walmart and dropped off, told that she would be killed if she reported the attack to authorities.
Crowder’s DNA was obtained from the victim, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins.
Rise In Local Flu Cases Strains ER
January 27, 2011
The flu bug is biting, straining area emergency rooms and doctor’s offices with hundreds of patients per day.
Sacred Heart Hospital is seeing a large increase in the number of flu cases and other upper respiratory illnesses treated at its Emergency Department and at the Sacred Heart Urgent Care Center in Pensacola.
The Emergency Department has seen record numbers of patients in the past week – more than 300 people per day. At Sacred Heart Urgent Care, Medical Director Dr. Fred Mixon says the number of patients with flu-like symptoms has at least tripled from about five cases per day in December to 15-20 per day in the past week.
“Most people with flu-like symptoms do not need to go to the Emergency Department,” said Dr. Mixon. “I would encourage those who have flu symptoms – fever, chills, cough, sore throat and body aches – to contact their primary care physician if possible. Other health providers such as urgent care centers or community clinics will have shorter waiting times compared to an emergency department where patients may wait for several hours or longer to be treated.”
Cold Tonight, Sunny And Warm Friday
January 27, 2011
The weather only gets better for the next few days with a near-touch of spring. Expect sunny skies through Saturday, with temperatures warming to nearly 70.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight…Clear. Lows in the mid 30s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
- Friday…Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
- Friday Night…Clear. Lows in the mid 30s. West winds around 5 mph.
- Saturday…Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
- Saturday Night…Partly cloudy in the evening becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
- Sunday…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain in the morning… Then chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
- Sunday Night…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Lows in the upper 40s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
- Monday…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs around 70. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Monday Night…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Lows in the upper 40s. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Tuesday…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
- Tuesday Night…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows in the lower 50s. Chance of showers 50 percent.
- Wednesday…Cooler. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Highs in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 20 percent.
- Wednesday Night…Colder. Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s.
- Thursday…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.
George Anthony “Andy” Hollingsworth
January 27, 2011
George Anthony “Andy” Hollingsworth, 58 of Walnut Hill died Tuesday, January 25, 2011, at his residence. He was a hydraulic mechanic with Ingalls Shipyard. He was born in Atmore on December 20, 1952,to the late Grady and Agnes Albritton Hollingsworth.
He was preceded in death by a son, Chris Hollingsworth.
Survivors are one son, Scott Hollingsworth and wife, Melissa of Walnut Hill; four brothers, Dewey Hollingsworth of Nokomis, Ala., Martin Hollingsworth of Bratt, Winston Hollingsworth of Huntsville, Ala., Marvin Hollingsworth of Atmore, Ala; three sisters, Dorothy McKenzie of Nokomis, Ala., Donna Godwin of Huntsville, Ala., Melba Cook of Walnut Hill; two grandchildren Jacob and Alexies Hollingsworth.
Memorial Services will be Saturday January 29, 2011, at 11 a.m. from the Antioch Church in Nokomis, Fla. with Bro. Dal Hollingsworth officiating. Family will receive friends, Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the Antioch Church one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Antioch Building Fund. Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of all arrangements.
Hunter Injured In 30-Foot Fall From Tree Stand
January 26, 2011
A hunter was injured after falling about 30 feet from a tree stand this morning in Escambia County, Alabama.
John Davis, 33, of Atmore, was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola following the accident just after 7 a.m. in the Pineview community north of Flomaton.
According to Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton, Davis fell about 30 feet onto a log after experiencing a severe low blood sugar problem. Davis managed to call his father, who was hunting nearby, for help before falling, but the father was unable to get Davis out of the tree before his condition worsened.
Davis suffered a broken ankle as a result of the fall.
Davis’ tree stand was several hundred feet in the woods, with firefighters forced to carry him about 100 yards to a clearing that was accessible only with a pickup truck.
Century Seeks To Shut Down ‘Junkyard’ Business In Residential Neighborhood
January 26, 2011
The Town of Century is still fighting to shut down a “junkyard” operating in a residential neighborhood — six months after denying a rezoning request.
On the advice of the town’s attorney, Mayor Freddie McCall will contact Escambia County Code Enforcement and seek a cease and desist order against George William Philyaw and the “business” he operates from his home at 120 Front Street.
“Code enforcement said that wasn’t their job to do that,” Council President Ann Brooks said. “I understood that that was not part of their duties to shut a business down unless they were violating code.” Brooks was the lone council member voting against McCall pursing a cease and desist order.
“If we have to, we will…go through the courts and get a court order,” McCall said.
It’s not the first time the town has faced-off with Philyaw. In July 2009, the council voted to deny his request to rezone his property from residential to commercial so he could operate what the town’s consultant, Debbie Nickles, called a “junkyard”. During his rezoning hearing, Philyaw told the town council that he simply collects metal for recycling until he has a “load” and then it is sold.
Because that rezoning was denied, McCall maintains that Philyaw is continuing to operate an unlicensed business in a residential neighborhood.
During the June 28 rezoning hearing, numerous residents spoke against business, and the council was presented a petition with signatures from about three dozen residents in opposition.
According to town records, Philyaw applied for a business license to operate over three years ago, but the application was denied because the property was zoned residential.
Pictured top: The street view of the property at 120 Front Street, Century as seen just prior to a rezoning hearing during the summer of 2010. Pictured inset: Every Philyaw addresses the Century Town Council in support of the business during a June, 2010 rezoning hearing. Pictured below: The “junkyard” is located behind this fence on Front Street. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click the enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Sentenced For Battery On His Son
January 26, 2011
A Walnut Hill man has been found guilty on one misdemeanor battery charge after a summer 2009 incident in which he allegedly beat his son with a stick.
Andrew Kelly Freeman, 41, was sentenced to 12 months probation, ordered to enroll in an anger control counseling program, and ordered to not have contact with his sons. Child abuse and felony aggravated battery charges against Freeman were dropped.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Freeman’s 14 and 17 year old sons, who lived at the time with their mother in Georgia, were visiting Freeman at his home in the 7000 block of Occie Phillips Road.
The two boys decided to walk to a nearby house to call their mother to pick them up when Freeman reportedly pulled up in his pickup truck behind the boys and told them to put their bags in the truck and return to his residence. When the 14-year old victim refused, Freeman reportedly struck him multiple times on the back with a stick, breaking the stick. Freeman also grabbed the boy and punched him in the face with closed fist, according to the Sheriff’s Office report.
Escambia Schools To Host Career Academy Showcase Thursday
January 26, 2011
The Escambia County School District Workforce Education Department will host the 2011 “Empower Your Mind” Middle School and High School Annual Career Academy Showcase, Thursday from 6-8 p.m., at the Woodham Middle School Gymnasium, 150 East Burgess Road in Penacola.
The following schools will be showcasing career academies: Middle Schools – Bellview, Ernest Ward, Warrington, Woodham, and Workman. High Schools – Escambia, Northview, Pensacola, Pine Forest, J.M. Tate, and Booker T. Washington.
All current students and families of fifth, sixth, eighth, and ninth grade students in Escambia County are invited to attend the academy showcase to meet academy instructors, students, business partners and to discover opportunities provided through participation in career academies.
The School Choice Department will also be available to assist families with completing applications on site. Families are encouraged to take advantage of this service after gaining insight into the various career academies offered throughout the district.
The career academy application deadline for high school is March 1, 2011 and the deadline for middle school is April 1, 2011. Visit the Workforce Education Department website for online application information at career.escambia.k12.fl.us/home/index.asp. For additional information, contact Yalonda Tibbs, Workforce Instructor, (850) 469-5358 or email ytibbs@escambia.k12.fl.us.