Latest Headlines

Top 11 Stories Of 2011

January 3, 2012

Here is the second part of our pick for the Top 11 Stories of 2011. (For the first six stories, click here.)

5. Century Lumber and Land

Century Lumber and Land held a ribbon cutting in October 2010. The ribbon cutting was delayed as the company continued to seek financing, and officials learned later that the company did not have any option or claim to the old Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company at the time of the ribbon cutting. Over 3,000 people applied for jobs at the company. As 2011 rolled around, company officials continued to make promises about a series of industries that would bring up to 500 jobs to Century. As October rolled around, James Leonard Craft, the manager of Century Lumber and land, was jailed in Alabama on numerous securities and financial fraud related charges after being indicted as the result of an Alabama Securities Commission investigation into his alleged practices with Century Lumber and Land. Meanwhile, a realtor announced that the old Alger-Sullivan property was still on the market.

4. Northview and West Florida football

2011’s season for the Northview Chiefs was repeat of 2010 with the school’s second ever trip to a state semifinal game. The Chiefs were able to host their entire playoff run at home in Bratt. For the West Florida Jaguars, it was a dream season with nine wins — the most every in the school’s history, and their second ever appearance in the playoffs.

3. Three Children Die in Atmore House Fire

In November, three young children died in a house fire in Atmore. Their 18-year old mothers, twin sisters Akeevia Lajoseia Abner and Tekeevia Lajoseialan Abner, were each charged with three counts of reckless murder. An investigation revealed that the children, ranging in age from 22 months to 3 years, had been left home alone with an unattended stove. There was also a mattress found blocking the front door of the home.

2. Federal And State Raid of Medical Center

In late July, federal and state law enforcement swarmed the Jay Medical Center, seizing records belonging to hundreds of patients from across the area. Dr. Cleatious David Smith and Dr. John-Stewart Michael Smith were forced to surrender their DEA licenses to prescribe narcotics on the spot, and about two weeks later they requested leaves of absence from the medical staff of Jay Hospital. Agencies including the FBI, federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the Attorney General’s Office, the Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Law Enforcement took part in the raid. As of the end of the year, no one had been charged with any crime as a result of the raid.

1. LCpl Travis Nelson

NorthEscambia.com’s Top Story of 2011 was the death of Marine LCpl Travis M Nelson and the events that followed. For more, click here for a story about LCpl Nelson and his family being named 2011 North Escambia Persons of the Year.

For a look back at stories from 2011 about LCpl Nelson, click the links below:

Local Marine Travis Nelson Killed In Afghanistan
August 19, 2011

Fallen Marine’s Family: He Was Our Hero
August 20, 2011

Hundreds Honor Fallen Marine With Facebook Profile Picture
August 22, 2011

Fallen Marine Travis Nelson Returns Home Wednesday, Funeral Friday
August 22, 2011

Obituary: Lance Cpl. Travis Michael Nelson
August 22, 2011

Fallen Marine’s Name Added To Walnut Hill Veterans Wall Of Honor
August 23, 2011

Powerful Photo Gallery: Fallen Marine’s Remains Arrive In U.S.
August 24, 2011

Lance Cpl. Travis Nelson Arrives At Pensacola NAS
August 24, 2011

Heartfelt Homecoming: Fallen Marine Returns (Photo Gallery: Pensacola, Walnut Hill, Atmore)
August 25, 2011

Flags Ordered At Half Staff Today For Lance Cpl Travis Nelson
August 26, 2011

Funeral Held For Fallen Marine (With Photo Gallery)
August 27, 2011