Funeral Services Held For Former Sheriff Jim Lowman
October 23, 2011
Funeral services were held Sunday for former Escambia County Sheriff Jim Lowman. Lowman, who served as sheriff from 1992-2000, passed away Wednesday night at a local hospital. He was 76.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church of Cantonment. Burial followed at Whitmire Cemetery. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North in Cantonment was charge of arrangements.
Lowman is survived by his wife Sue, four children and numerous other relatives and friends.
For the complete obituary, click here.
Northview Holds Senior Night
October 23, 2011
Northview High School honored their seniors during the annual Senior Night Friday before a football win over Freeport.
The school also honored Athletic Director Sammy Day who will retire at this end of this school year. Day has been a teacher and coach for 37 years (1975-2012) in the Escambia County School District and has served as athletic director and coach at Northview High School for 18 years (1995-2012).
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery click here.
Seniors honored Friday night included:
Cheerleading Team
- Taylor Byrd
- Alissa Fiellin
- Lauren Ashley McCall
- Charleigh Victoria McPherson
- Abby Odom
- Taylor Nicole Rigby
- Autumn Rose Slay
- Brittany Thompson
Football Team
- Austin Albritton
- Joshua Tanner Brooks
- Wesley Chancery
- Cole Eicher
- Andrew Farrow
- Jamie Lee Gafford
- Sean Knight
- Caleb Leonard
- Montaio Mitchell
- Alex Payne
- Brian Ross
- Brandon Sheets
- Sam Spence
- Nathan Therrell
Tribal Beat Band
- Jacob Baldwin
- Joseph Baldwin
- Joseph Davis
- Cory King
- Melissa Jayne Martinez Moretz
- Chelsea Parham
- Justin Purvis
- DJ Robinson
NJROTC
- Keisha Adams
- Jody Day
- Christina Donald
- Amber Francis
- Lantz Jones
- Seth Long
- Aaron McCants
- Kayla Miles
- Kiani Okahashi
Pictured top: The Northview High School band, cheerleading, NJROTC and football players were honored Friday night. Pictured inset: Athletic Director Sammy Day was presented a plaque and honored by Principal Gayle Weaver. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Crime Drops In Florida
October 23, 2011
The number of violent crimes in Florida dropped 3.2 percent during the first half of the year while certain non-violent crimes dropped by 1.8 percent, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement reported Friday.
FDLE tracks certain crimes that are reported to the FBI as part of the national Uniform Crime Reporting program.
The statistics for the first 6 months of 2011 showed a 3.1 percent drop in the number of murders, a 4.3 percent decrease in robbery, and a marked decrease of nearly 10 percent in auto theft.
One group of tracked crimes, forcible sex offenses, saw a slight increase of 1.1 percent, FDLE reported.
“These first six months’ results are a strong indicator of what we will see for 2011, and the downward trend of Florida’s crime numbers is a positive sign,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey.
The report also noted that five police officers were killed in the line of duty in the first half of the year. The half-year report only reflects actual number of crimes, not the crime rate, which would factor in population. The crime rate is reported on an annual basis.
By The News Service of Florida
James “Jim” Lowman
October 23, 2011
Former Sheriff Jim Lowman, 76, departed his earthly home unexpectedly on October 20, 2011, in a local hospital. His favorite verse of the bible was Philippians 4-6: The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mimi and Pitt Lowman, his in-laws, Lucile and W. B. (Bill) Merritt.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, best friend and sweetheart of 38 years, Sue Lowman. He was blessed with four children: Richard Scott Lowman, Lesley Lowman O’Ferrell and husband Steve, Jamie M. Lowman, Jennifer Lowman Medina and husband Tony. The blessing continued with 7 grandchildren Jacob and Molly and their mother Debra; Carly, Luke, and Abbie Infinger and their father Buddy, Jay and Gavan. He had one brother Joel Lowman (Anne), a brother-in-law, W. B. (Bill) Merritt, Jr. (Peggy), and sister-in-law, Ellen Atchison (James). He is survived by his aunt Mickey Hughes of Little Rock, Ark., along with numerous nieces and nephews. His love for his family was indescribable and unconditional. A special thank you to Roger and Jenny Grice, who were there to help with whatever was needed; to Karen Byers, Jim’s milkshake buddy and comedian, and those nurses and therapists who worked so hard to keep Jim comfortable and safe.
Jim was born in Batesville, Arkansas. He attended Little Rock high school during its turbulent years. At sixteen he began his college years at Quachita Baptist College, where he graduated with degrees in business and economics, and then enlisted in the United States Army attaining the rank of first Lieutenant. After discharge from the Army, he worked for several companies. His job with Exxon led him to Pensacola. He then entered the school system where he taught at Woodham and also served as a Dean. Humorously, this led him to a job in the Juvenile Justice System. After all these experiences he attained his life-long goal of working in law enforcement, inspired by his Uncle “Big Jimmy” Lowman, Captain of the Arkansas State Police. You might have guessed, he was “Little Jimmy” in his family circle.
He spent several years working in the Narcotics Unit, then rose through the ranks to the position of Captain. During this time he earned a Master’s degree in criminal justice from Troy State. He was truly led by the Lord to run for Sheriff of Escambia County. He often said that he didn’t know whether he was supposed to win or lose, but he was sure that God wanted him to run. After consulting with his Pastor, Dr. Chuck Register, the decision was made. At tremendous risk, he retired from the Sheriff’s Office to run for Sheriff. God gave him eight years to serve the people of Escambia County. He was an easy going man with good intentions. The worst part of the job was having to fire someone. He was always so concerned about the families of the officers and the personnel that worked with him. He never made a decision without praying about it first, often frustrating his fellow workers by the wait. It was said by many that the best time to talk to him was on Thursday morning, because he had been to choir practice on Wednesday night.
He was faithful member of First Baptist Church of Cantonment. There he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and enjoyed his class so much. He was the church treasurer for many years and was elected Deacon. He trusted the Lord with all his heart, and his family and friends find such solace in the knowledge that he is now walking streets of gold, fishing with his father-in-law in the River of Life, and casting crowns at the feet of Jesus. We long to join him in that glorious place, as he has joined his loved ones there.
Dr. Chuck Register will conduct the service. He knew Jim’s heart so well. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim’s Sunday School class and retired and active Sheriff’s Department personnel. Pallbearers will be Roger Grice, Laron Summerlin, Shane Linke, Ottoway Fillingim, Lamar Wiggins and Buddy Infinger along with Adult 7 Sunday School class. Visitation will be Sunday, October 23, at First Baptist Church of Cantonment at 1:30 pm. The funeral will follow at 2:30 PM. Burial will be at Whitmire Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
Daniel “DW” Wesley Harris
October 23, 2011
Daniel “DW” Wesley Harris, age 69, died on October 18, 2011.
DW was a native of Vernon, Florida and had resided in Bay Springs since 1996. He was a retired iron worker of 48 years.
He is preceded in death by: an infant son, David Wayne; parents, Wesley and Byrdie Lee: and two brothers.
Survivors include: wife, Sally; three sons, Steven of Pensacola, Ronnie (Sandra) and Joe (Teresa) both of Bonifay; two daughters, Sharlene (Andy) of Bonifay and JoAnn (Billy) of Vernon; three step-daughters, Sheri (Michael) of Mobile, AL, Lori (Craig) of Jackson, AL and Billie Jo of Pensacola; four grandsons, Dustin, Hunter, Haydon, and Conagher; five granddaughters, Christina, Abby, Brooke, Emily, and Cameran; one brother, Billy (Margaret) of Lantana, FL; three sisters, Valda of Pensacola, Penny (Roland) of Columbus, GA and Diane of Dallas, TX.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Church Cemetery in Bonifay, FL.
Trahan Family Funeral Home in Pensacola, FL is in charge of arrangements.
ECAT Receives Safety Award
October 23, 2011
Escambia Count Area Transit has received the 2011 Veolia Transportation Safety Performance Award, Category B, for its commitment to transit safety.
The award was presented at the 2011 Veolia General Managers’ Conference on October 5 in New Orleans.
Veolia Transportation’s CEO, Mark Joseph, and COO, Ken Westbrook, joined Jérôme Gallot, Veolia Transdev’s CEO, to present this the award to Mike Ake, Veolia’s Regional VP on behalf of ECAT, during the conference’s award presentations.
The Safety Performance Award, presented every two years, recognizes Veolia transit systems for positive safety records and dedication to improving safety.
The top honor in each category is given to the system with the best overall bus safety program based on the previous year’s data. ECAT’s low accident and injury frequency was a factor in winning against the other 85 eligible transit systems in Category B (transit systems with a fleet size of 41-80 vehicles).
Criteria for the Safety Performance Award include:
- No catastrophic losses during previous year
- A strong culture of safety, ensuring safety programs exceed company standards
- Analysis of combined accident and injury frequency
Ken Gordon, general manager of ECAT, said he was honored that ECAT has been recognized for its committed efforts in safety. ECAT’s performance in safety has shown significant improvements since 2008.
“This would not be possible without Veolia’s dedicated support in safety training and education,” said Ted Woolcock, ECAT’s director of Safety and Training.
CPR Saves Two Puppies Rescued From Century House Fire
October 22, 2011
First responders used CPR to save two puppies rescued from a Century house fire Friday afternoon.
The fire damaged a small wood-frame home at the end of Cumbie Lane off McCall road about 4:30 p.m. The blaze was contained mostly to a bathroom, but smoke filled most of the house.
Firefighters found three puppies in the house suffering from smoke inhalation and rushed them outside to a waiting EMT from Escambia County EMS. With the help of other first responders, the EMT administered oxygen and performed CPR on the puppies. Slowly, one of the puppies began to breathe normally and was returned to the its owner. A second puppy was breathing poorly, the human-size oxygen mask too big for its tiny face. The EMT improvised, cutting a water bottle for a perfect puppy fit.
CPR was performed on a third puppy for about 10 minutes, but it did not survive.
There were no human injuries in Friday afternoon’s fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
The Century, McDavid, Walnut Hill and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the fire, along with the Flomaton Volunteer Fire Department and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured top: A puppy saved from a Friday afternoon fire in Century is returned to its owner. Pictured inset: First responders administer oxygen and perform CPR on two puppies. Pictured below: An improvised oxygen mask made from a water bottle is used on a tiny puppy. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Woman Murdered Friday Night In Escambia, Man Arrested
October 22, 2011
A Friday night murder in Escambia County is under investigation.
James Scott Thompson, 50, is charged with first degree premeditated murder after shooting a woman whose identity has not yet been released.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 4900 block of LaVentana Circle where they found Thompson leaning over the female’s body outside the residence. Deputies gathered enough evidence during their investigation to arrest Thompson, according to Sgt. Mike Ward, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.
Thompson remains in the Escambia County Jail under no bond. Further details have not been released.
Huge Win: Northview Beats Freeport (With Photo Galleries)
October 22, 2011
The Northview Chiefs picked up a tremendous District 1-1A win Friday night over the Freeport Bulldogs.
“It was a huge, huge win,” Northview Head Coach Sid Wheatley said as Chief fans and players celebrated on the field in Bratt. With Northview at 2-0 in the district and Freeport falling to 1-1, the Chiefs are in perfect position to claim the district crown.
- For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
- For a photo gallery with the NHS cheerleaders, band and dance team, click here.
Northview opened the scoring with 8:20 on the clock in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from LaMikal Kyles. A good Kevin Vaughan kick, and the Chiefs were up 7-0. Freeport answered with an even three minutes in the first with a 10 yard TD run and a good kick, 7-7.
In the second quarter, Montaio Mitchell was in early on a 4-yard run. A good Vaughan kick, the the Chiefs were up 14-7 on Senior Night in Bratt. The Bulldogs scored with 8:41 to go in the half on a 40 yard pass. A blocked kick, and Northview held a narrow 14-13 lead. But the Chiefs were not done before heading to the lockers at the half — Kyles scored his second touchdown of the night on a 39-yard pass from senior Brandon Sheets. A missed kick, and Northview was up 20-13 going into halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, Freeport hit the scoreboard early in the fourth on a 14-yard touchdown pass and a good two-point conversion for a 21-20 Bulldog lead. But the Chiefs were not content with behind behind, with Sheets keeping the pigskin for a 21-yard touchdown run. A good two-pointer from senior Montaio Mitchell, and Northview was back on top 28-21.
Mitchell was in from 34-yards out on a pass from Sheets with 3:18 in the game. A good kick from Vaughan for the night’s final — 35-21.
“They played extremely well; they are well coached,” Wheatley said about rival Freeport. “They are always very confident and feel very well about what they do. We just came out and outplayed them a little bit in the second half . We got a couple of key stops and hit a couple of big plays when we needed to.”
The Northview Chiefs (4-2, 2-0) will be on the road next Friday night to take on Vernon.
“I don’t know much about them right now,” Wheatley said. “They’ve always got great athletes and always have a lot of skilled people.”
- For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
- For a photo gallery with the NHS cheerleaders, band and dance team, click here.
Editor’s Note: A photo gallery from Northview Senior Night activities will be published on Sunday.
Pictured: Northview beat Freeport Friday night in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Prep Football Scores
October 22, 2011
Here’s a look at football finals from Friday night around the North Escambia area…
Florida
- Northview 35, Freeport 21 [Read more...]
- Baker 61, Jay 26 [Read more...]
- Pace 24, Tate 10 [Read more...]
- PHS 45, Pine Forest 21 4th
- West Florida 25, Rutherford 19 [Read more...]
Alabama
- Flomaton 57, Choctaw 14
- ECHS (Atmore) 33, Monroe County 0 [Read more...]
- Saraland 42 WS Neal 28
- TR Miller 48 Catholic Prep 7
- Escambia Academy 32 Ft Dale 30