Zadie Baggett
October 18, 2011
Mrs. Zadie Baggett, 91, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2011, at home in Uriah, AL.
Mrs. Baggett was a native and lifelong resident of Uriah. She was an avid gardener, loved flowers, her family and friends, enjoyed fishing and attended the Mineola Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Baggett, a daughter, Bonnie Lou Baggett, a son, Douglas Baggett, and a grandson, Trey Massingill.
She is survived by four sons, Roy and Evie Baggett of Atmore, William and Janice Baggett of Lottie, , Ronald and Linda Baggett of Little Rock, AL, and Kenny and Patricia Baggett of Uriah; four daughters, Bobbie Stinson of Frisco City, Mary Ann and Edward Stewart of Georgiana, AL, Sharon and Sam Turberville of Uriah, and Lois Baggett of Frisco City; 20 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at noon the Mineola Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony McMillan, the Rev. David Cooper, and the Rev. George Fisher officiating.
Burial will follow at Mineola Cemetery with Petty Funeral Home in Atmore directing. Visitation will be Tuesday evening, October 18, 2011, at her home in Uriah, AL.
Pallbearers will be D.J. House, Chance Baggett, Rex Baggett, Josh Baggett, Larry Ikner and Keith Turberville. Honorary pallbearers will be Shannon Ikner, Chris Ikner, Stewart Ikner, Gary Baggett, Jacob Baggett and Kevin Turberville.
Go Little Chiefs: Northview Plans Mini Cheerleading Clinic
October 18, 2011
The annual Northview Mini-Cheerleading Clinic will be held Thursday evening, giving area girls the chance to cheer at an upcoming Northview Chiefs game.
The clinic will be from from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m Thursday in the school gym. The clinic is open to children three-years old through the eighth grade. Cost is $10 per person, and t-shirts will be available for purchase the at the clinic.
The girls will perform during the October 21st Northview Chiefs football game at home against Freeport High School. They girls will receive free admission to the game,ribbon and a megaphone filled with goodies.
For questions, call Anna at Northview at (850) 327-6681.
Pictured: Mini-cheerleaders perform last year at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Work For Minimum Wage? You’re Getting A Raise
October 18, 2011
Florida’s minimum wage for non-tipped employees will increase January 1 to $7.67 an hour, a 4.9 percent increase from the $7.31 an hour minimum for 2011, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Wages for tipped employees will rise to $4.65 an hour, up from $4.29.
The wage increase is based on the increase of the federal Consumer Price Index for urban wage workers in the southeastern United States. Following a 2004 constitutional amendment, Florida is among 10 states that automatically raise minimum wage rates.
The federal rate, now $7.25 an hour, must be raised by an act of Congress. The state was sued earlier this year for using an inflation calculation that reduced the annual increase for January 1 by factoring in a deflationary period in 2009.
Florida Debit Card Bill Would Prohibit Fees
October 18, 2011
Banks would be prohibited from charging customers monthly fees for debit card use under a measure filed in the state Legislature Monday. The proposal would also prevent consumers from being charged for not using their cards.
The bill (HB 375) would definitely affect nearly two-thirds of Florida banks, those regulated by the state. Whether it would affect the remainder, including some of the big national banks that customers are mad at, is in dispute. The banking industry says those federally regulated banks wouldn’t be covered, but the bill sponsor argues that a 2009 Supreme Court decision opens the door for the state to put limits on those banks as well.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, who said banks are trying to recoup losses accrued elsewhere.
“The banks sold us all on the idea of a cashless society, and now that we’ve bought into their promise of free, easy access to our own money, they want to charge us for it,” Clemens said. “Anyone with a sense of decency should be outraged.”
Last month, Bank of America announced it would begin charging customers $5 a month for debit card use, joining SunTrust and Regions banks, which already impose such fees.
Bankers argue that the state can’t regulate federally regulated institutions, and so BOA wouldn’t be covered by the prohibition anyway, said Anthony DiMarco, a lobbyist for the Florida Banking Association.
But Clemens disagrees, citing the 2009 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Cuomo v. Clearing House Association, a case out of New York, in which the court by a 5-4 ruling decided that a federal banking regulation did not preempt the ability of states to enforce their own fair-lending laws.
“To me it’s clear that the Cuomo case allows states to be able to not only regulate local banks but also federal banks,” Clemens said.
Banking industry officials oppose the measure either way, saying such fees are needed to recoup costs and make up for federal legislation passed in 2010 limiting their ability to charge retailers for swiping their debit cards.
“Generally, we are opposed to anything that restricts our ability to determine fees,” DiMarco said.
The federal law limits the amount of money banks can charge merchants when customers use a debit card. Banks say the federal law will cost them an estimated $6.6 billion per year in revenue. Rather than recoup their costs by boosting fees to retailers, banks are turning to consumers to pay the bill.
An industry survey conducted by Bankrate.com in August found ATM charges at their highest rates for the seventh straight year. The higher fees coincide with a decline in free checking accounts and higher penalties for non-sufficient funds.
Clemens’ measure is one of a number of bills affecting banking fees and consumer credit as the market adjusts to federal legislation, a sluggish economy, and cash strapped businesses.
Earlier this month, Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, filed a measure (SB 438) that would raise the maximum allowed interest rates on some loans of less than $25,000. An identical measure (HB 275) was filed by Rep. Rachel Burgin, R-Riverview.
The consumer credit bill has come under fire from consumer groups that say now is not the time to raise the portion of loans that can be subjected to higher interest rates. “There is nothing in this bill that is good for consumers,” said Brad Ashwell, the legislative advocate for Florida Public Interest Research Group.
By Michael Peltier
The News Service of Florida
Northview, Tate Split Volleyball Games
October 18, 2011
The Tate Aggies defeated the Northview Chiefs Monday in varsity high school volleyball action, while the junior varsity Lady Chiefs beat Tate.
Varsity
Tate defeated Northview in three straight, 25-9, 25-17, 25-14.
Josie Docuette had three aces, three kills, a block and a dig for the Lady Chiefs. Payton Hadley contributed one ace, four assists, one block and a dig, while Morgan Payne had two kills and six digs.
For Tate, Maia Nguyen had three aces, 14 assists, four digs; Madeline Sellers had a block and a kill. Bianca Brown contributed two aces, nine kills and five digs, as Perhawna Williams added tow blocks. Kyla Muhammad had one ace, seven kills, one block and four digs for the Aggies.
The varsity Lady Chiefs are 4-17 overall, 3-5 in district play.
Junior Varsity
Northview defeated Tate 25-23, 24-26, 16-14.
Danielle Steaham had four kills, two assists, two blocks and two digs for the JV Lady Chiefs, as Hannah Fiellin posted three aces, two kills, three assists and two digs. Tiffani Pritchett added three aces and six assists, and Rebecca Grim had one ace, two kills, one assist and two digs.
The JV Lady Chiefs are 10-8 overall, 4-2 in the district.
Northview will end their regular season on the road Tuesday at Escambia. The junior varsity takes to the court at 4:30 p.m., while the varsity plays at 5:30 p.m.
Two Cited After Bratt Wreck
October 17, 2011
Two people were cited after a two vehicle crash Monday afternoon on West Highway 4.
The Florida Highway Patrols says 80-year old Martez G. Dortch of Century was westbound on Highway 4 near Dortch Road when she attempted to turn into a driveway and traveled into the path of a 2002 Ford Mustang driven by Delorise A. Milam, 26, of Century.
Milam braked in an attempt to avoid hitting Dortch, but the front of the Mustang collided with the Dortch’s 2007 Ford Taurus.
Dortch and Milam received minor injuries but were not transported to the hospital. Milam’s passenger, 45-year old Kimberly G. Honeywell of Century, was transported to Jay Hospital with minor injuries.
Dortch was charged with turning left in front of approaching traffic, and Milam was cited with having no insurance.
Pictured above: One person from this Ford Mustang was injured in a two vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Bratt. Pictured below: The driver of this vehicle was not injured. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Linda Faye Glenn Amerson
October 17, 2011
Mrs. Linda Faye Glenn Amerson, 66, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2011, in Bratt.
Mrs. Amerson was born and raised in Byrneville and was a resident of Bratt. She married her beloved husband, Tucson at the age of 17, worked as an industrial nurse for Vanity Fair Mills for 22 years. She was a devout Christian..
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Tucson E. Amerson of Bratt; three daughters, Adrianna and Chuck Ellis of Bratt, Tammy Amerson-Parrish of Bratt, and Michelle and Allen Driskell of Byrneville; seven grandchildren, Wesley and Bonnie Maughon, Colton Maughon, Hannah Ellis, Blaize Parrish, Drake Driskell, Maddie Driskell, and Cody Ellis; two great-grandchildren, Emily Maughon and Greyson Maughon; two brothers, Danny Glenn of Perdido, AL, and Roy Glenn of LA; and five sisters, Charlene Cruz, Wessie Rowel, and Judy Phillips, all of Jacksonville, Donna Reaves of Christian Home and Edna Thornton of Byrneville.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Rusty Knowles officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, October 17, 2011 between 5:30 and 9:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Bernard Conway, Kevin Reaves, Kiley Reaves, Timbo Cofield, Shane Burkett and Craig Burkett.
Lomond Clary
October 17, 2011
Lomond Clary, 75, of Molino, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2011, surrounded by loved ones. Lomond was born on August 31, 1936, in Crestview, to Essie Lou (McCurley) and Glenville Gray Clary. Lomond grew up in Laurel Hill, Florida. He attended Auburn University and, in 1973, he settled with his wife and children in Molino, where he lived most of his life.
In 1991, Lomond retired from Monsanto Chemical Plant after 36 years of service. He retired as a Research Chemical Technician, and spent the majority of his career “on the hill”.
Lomond enjoyed the outdoor life of fishing and farming, riding his tractor, feeding his fish and loved college football. He had many hobbies over the years, but his passion was spending time with his family. Lomond always had a smile on his face. He was a very loving man, a mentor and teacher to all, best friend to many, an excellent father and grandfather, and he will be truly missed and held in our hearts forever.
Lomond leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 43 years, Carolyn (Jackson) Clary, of Molino; sons Ronald Wayne Penney and Glenville Grant Clary, (Tracy); daughter Kimberly Clary Thomas (Scott); grandchildren Brooklyn, Nicholas, Kallie, Devan, Emily, Mollye, Raven Gray, Jewelianna; a great granddaughter Ryleigh; two nephews, Gary and Terry Clary and his father-in-law, Charles E. Jackson, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Glenville Eugene Clary.
Services will be held at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home in Pensacola. The Family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2011, and a Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 20, 2011.
Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Exclusive: Baby Killer Set To Be Executed, Baby’s Mom Speaks Out
October 17, 2011
[Exclusive] A convicted Atmore baby killer is set to be executed Thursday, and the mother of the baby is speaking out for the first time about the murder of her 6-month old son and the death penalty to be carried out against her husband.
Christopher Thomas Johnson is scheduled to be put to death at 6 p.m. Thursday at Holman Prison in Atmore. He testified that he purposefully beat his son, Elias Ocean Johnson, to death on February 20, 2005, because he hated his wife Dana Johnson.
“Thursday I will be granted closure finally,” Dana Johnson told NorthEscambia.com in an exclusive interview. “Although I normally do not agree with capital punishment, I will not lose any sleep over this particular execution. Whether it is right or wrong I feel that a weight will be lifted from my soul on Thursday, and finally I will feel relief.”
“You go see Jesus,” were the last words Christopher Johnson said to his son, he testified at his trial, before beating him to death.
Those words have unimaginably haunted Dana Johnson for over six years. She’s rarely spoken about the murder, and is sharing photos of Elias for the first-time ever in this story.
“My son was the most delightful calm little boy I have ever known. Christopher Johnson took him from me. I have spent years trying to heal from this unimaginable pain,” Dana Johnson said. “I am scarred by this, and Christopher took away my son, my trust in other people, and even my desire to ever have another child. I still have a hard time being around children because of the sorrow it makes me feel. Everyday I see children that are Elias’ age, and I wonder what he would have been like.”
Dana Johnson won’t be able to attend Thursday’s execution. She now lives far from Atmore in the western United States where she is studying to become a nurse.
“I can tell you one thing, Thursday will be a day of closure for me, whether that is wrong or right. I curse the day that I met that man,” Dana Johnson said, adding that she feels sorry that Atmore is associated with this heinous crime.
“I am sorry that the people of Atmore, myself, and my son had to be subjected to this horrible crime. The people of Atmore were some of the kindest and most welcoming people I have ever met,” she said.
Christopher Johnson fired his public defenders and served as his own attorney during his 2006 Escambia County trial, telling the judge and jury that he wanted the death penalty for his actions. It took the jury less than a half hour to return a guilty verdict, and the death penalty was imposed. The death sentence has been upheld by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, and Christopher Johnson has, to date, declined additional appeals.
Pictured: Christopher Thomas Johnson is scheduled to be executed Thursday for the murder of this little boy, Elias Ocean Johnson, back in 2005 in Atmore. This is the first time these photos of Elias Johnson have ever been published. NorthEscambia.com exclusive, click to enlarge.
Century Elections Results Officially Certified
October 17, 2011
The results of last week’s Century election have been officially certified by the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office.
Final, official results are as follows:
