FWC Explains Decision To Euthanize Cantonment Bear
May 26, 2012
After following the saga of a black bear seen around a Cantonment apartment complex for a week, many area residents were saddened — or even outraged — that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made the decision to euthanize the bear on Friday. [Read more...]
After reading the comments from local residents on a NorthEscambia.com article, Karen Parker, FWC public information coordinator, submitted the following detailed explanation defending the agency’s actions:
Many people do not understand why we have to do this. The answer is that it wasn’t an option for us to release the bear into the wild. He was so conditioned to human-provided food, and showed such a lack of fear of people, that he would simply repeat this behavior elsewhere and someone may be hurt. Unfortunately there are no areas left in Florida where we would feel assured he would not come into contact with people.
Placing the bear in captivity seems a reasonable solution to many people. Unfortunately, placing wild, adult bears in captivity, as many people have asked us to do, has been proven to be harmful to wild bears because they do not adapt well to captivity. Adult female bears normally range over a 15 square mile area, and to place such a wide-ranging animal into a space a fraction of that size is similar to putting a person into solitary confinement. Wild bears taken into captivity risk injuring themselves and their human caretakers as they attempt to escape. These animals also often show signs of stress and depression by remaining in their night dens for weeks or months at a time, destroying items in their exhibits, pacing and swaying repetitively, as well as mutilating themselves.
That leaves us with only one viable option and that is to euthanize the bear. We do not enjoy putting animals down, but there are times when it is necessary, even when human behavior is the one at fault. This and other similar situations involving people, pets and bears, are caused by humans and can be resolved by humans. By preventing bears from getting human-provided food, we can prevent these types of needless situations.
It is heartbreaking to have to euthanize healthy bears, and we completely understand and empathize with those who object to the FWC taking this action. Many communities in Florida are near or in ideal bear habitat, and bears naturally wander into these neighborhoods in search of food. But generally, they stay only if they find a consistent source of food that is easy to obtain – food such as unsecured garbage, birdseed, and pet food. Unfortunately, once bears become used to humans and the food they provide, bears can lose their natural fear of people. When they do, this can be the unfortunate result.
The best way for people to help is to insist that communities in or adjacent to bear country take actions to prevent situations like this from occurring. Some of the most effective tools are rules, ordinances and policies that require the use of proven bear resistant garbage cans and dumpsters by residents, businesses, governments, schools, etc., and not allowing pet foods, bird seed or other food items to be left out of overnight. These tools provide a long term solution to significantly reduce conflicts between humans and bears, instead of having to rely on short term fixes like euthanizing individual offending bears. If what attracts the bears is not corrected and eliminated, more bears may be euthanized.
To successfully implement and enforce such requirements requires both a financial commitment and behavioral change by the people and communities affected because the actions must be consistent and long term. In addition, bear-proof containers are typically more expensive than regular trash receptacles. However, the result is a safer community and fewer bears having to be euthanized.
We can live in bear country without having bear conflicts. Please visit MyFWC.com/bear for more information about Florida’s bears and how you can have a local impact on reducing human-bear conflicts.
Submitted by Karen Parker
Public Information Coordinator
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Jim Allen, Other Schools Collect 74,000 Plastic Bags For Homeless Sleeping Mats
May 26, 2012
Jim Allen Elementary joined a half dozen other elementary schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in collecting 74,000 plastic grocery type bags that will eventually provide a sleeping surface for homeless people.
Jim Allen, Bellview, A.K. Suter, Oakcrest, Lipscomb, St John the Evangelist and Bagdad elementary collected the bags in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Management Northwest District and the Waterfront Rescue Mission. The classes at each school that collected the most bags were awarded a reusable shopping bag and a one-day pass to any Florida state park.
The bags will be used by a volunteer group that will crochet them into sleeping mats to be donated to the homeless. Each mat requires about 500 bags, meaning the students’ efforts will lead to 148 mats.
The finished mats are 3×6 feet, are lightweight and easy to carry with shoulder strap. They provide the homeless with protection from moisture and hard surfaces when they sleep.
Northview Baccalaureate Service Sunday
May 26, 2012
The Northview High School Class of 2012 will hold their Baccalaureate program at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bratt First Baptist Church in the Family Life Center. Everyone is invited to attend.
All NHS seniors (even those that did not attend any practices) are asked to wear their cap and gown and meet in the sanctuary of the church at 1:30 p.m.
The student-led and organized program will include scripture, prayer and original instrumental and vocal music provided by the Northview Senior Class Ensemble and students.
Bratt First Baptist Church is located on Highway 4 just west of Northview High School.
Forest Service Monitoring Weekend Fire Weather Conditions
May 26, 2012
Officials with Florida Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center are keeping a close eye on weather conditions this weekend as several factors are emerging that could pose an elevated risk of wildfire.
An increased drought level along with a decreased relative humidity for the next few days has prompted officials to increase staffing and preposition equipment and personnel to better respond to any potential wildfires.
“With the weather conditions what they are – not much rain recently, dry air coming in and increased drought levels – and higher than usual amounts of traffic on the roads for the holiday, we are taking steps to make sure our response time is what it needs to be if we get a call,” said David Smith, operations administrator for the Blackwater District, which in includes Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Residents are urged to use extreme caution and follow all laws if they decide to burn yard debris. Start any burning early before the afternoon sea breeze kicks in and make sure your fire is completely out – no heat, no smoke – before it is left unattended.
Escambia Man Gets Two Life Terms For Sexual Battery Of Teen
May 26, 2012
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for the sexual battery of a teen.
Michael Dochterman was sentenced by Judge Terry Terrell to two consecutive life sentences for two counts of sexual battery with a knife. Dochterman was also sentenced to an additional 20 years for a third sexual battery and failing to register as a sex offender. Judge Terrell sentenced Docterman as a dangerous sexual felony offender and designated him as a sexual predator.
Last July, Dochterman forced his girlfriend’s 15-year old daughter to have sex with him while repeatedly stabbing her with a knife. The victim was stabbed nine times and suffered a collapsed lung.
At his sentencing, Dochterman stated “I don’t deserve to be in society”.
Dochterman had previously been convicted of sexual battery.
Escambia Man Receives 151 Months In Prison For Armed Robbery
May 26, 2012
Friday, Aaron Kendel Richardson was sentenced by Judge Paul Rasmussen to 151.5 months in state prison for four counts of robbery with a firearm. The first 10 years will be served as a mandatory minimum under the 10-20-Life law.
The charges stem from multiple robberies in October 2011. In one of the robberies, Richardson, who was 17 years of age at the time, pulled a handgun on three Navy sailors and demanded their money. After taking their money, Richardson fled in a vehicle and was arrested later that night after being spotted by law enforcement.
Richardson was also sentenced Friday for being the driver of the same vehicle involving another robbery that occurred the same night.
Wahoos Fall 6-5 Friday Night
May 26, 2012
Mississippi plated a ninth inning run with back-to-back doubles from first baseman Ian Gac and pinch hitter Barrett Kleinknecht after Pensacola came back from an early 5-0 deficit, as the Braves defeated the Blue Wahoos 6-5 in front of another sellout crowd of 5,038 on Friday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
It was the 16th sellout of the year in 21 home dates for the Blue Wahoos, who continue to lead the Southern League in attendance in their inaugural season. The defeat drops the Fish to a 23-25 mark in 2012, while the Braves improved their record to 21-26. Two-time NFL champion, Milton High School graduate and New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes was in attendance, and threw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the game.
After allowing the Blue Wahoos to comeback after they were down five, Gac doubled down the left field, while Kleinknecht followed with a double of his own on the next pitch to bring home Gac on what turned out to be the game-winning hit.
The Braves jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the 1stt thanks to a two-run homer from SS Andrelton Simmons. It was the second roundtripper of the year and of the series for the Braves’ fourth-best prospect. Mississippi then increased the margin to five in the fourth thanks to RBI singles from CF Keenan Wiley and 2B Phil Gosselin, while Gac had a sacrifice fly.
The Blue Wahoos however, answered back with a five-run sixth inning to tie it at 5-5. CF Ryan LaMarre reached on a fielder’s choice and took second on an error before he was plated by SS Didi Gregorius for the club’s first tally of the contest. Gregorius moved to third on 2B Brodie Greene’s double, before both were sent home on 1B Joel Guzman’s two-run single to right. Guzman would score along with 3B David Vidal, who was hit by a pitch, on LF P.J. Phillips’ clutch two-run double to center to draw the contest even.
Guzman (2-4, 1 R, 2 RBI) was the lone Pensacola batter to record two hits in the contest, while Gosselin (2-5, 1 2B, 1 RBI) and LF Alden Carrithers (2-4, 1 R, 1 BB) each collected multi-hit efforts for the Braves.
Mississippi reliever Ryan Buchter (1.0 IP, 2 SO) earned his second victory of the year after fanning two batters in his scoreless inning of relief, while closer Mark Lamm (1.0 IP, 1 H) tossed a scoreless ninth to notch his sixth save of the season. Pensacola closer Donnie Joseph (1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 SO) suffered his first loss of 2012, yielding a run on two hits in one inning. It was just the second run Joseph has given up all year in 22 appearances.
The Blue Wahoos and Braves are scheduled to meet again Saturday evening, with first pitch set for 6:30 pm. RHP Daniel Corcino is expected to get the start for Pensacola, while Mississippi is slated to send LHP Sean Gilmartin to the hill.
Fans will want to arrive early and stay late for Saturday night’s contest, as NFL champ and Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Josh Sitton will be at the game and throw out a ceremonial first pitch. All fans are asked to wear green or gold in honor of Sitton. The Blue Wahoos will also be wearing special camouflage jerseys sponsored by Andrews Institute, with the jerseys being auctioned off throughout the game in a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the Eagle Fund – Wounded Military.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: OF Yordanys Perez up to bat for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jerry Alston
May 26, 2012
Mr. Jerry Alston, 62, passed away on May 25, 2012, in Mobile.
Mr. Alston was a native of Atmore and has lived in Bay Minette for the past 4 years.
Mr. Alston was co-owner of Alston Brothers Lawn & Tractor and Mobile director of Maintenance of Trucking Company.
He was preceded in death by his father Bob Alston.
Survivors include his mother, Marie Alston of Atmore; wife, Deborah Alston of Bay Minette; son, Jerry Bradford Alston-US Navy; two daughters, Angelia (Ronnie) Brown of Bratt and Hayden Amanda Alston of Bay Minette; two brothers, Larry (Dianne) Alston of Mobile and Sam (Beth) Alston of Mobile; and grandchild Cailtin Brown.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 26, 2012, at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Kenneth Johnson and Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 26, 2012, from 1 p.m. until funeral time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Rick Dees, Tommy Dees, Kenny Cole, David Tillery, Yancy Harold and Pat McCabe.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Benefit Today For Flomaton Cancer Patient Tommy Allgood
May 26, 2012
A benefit will be held today from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Flomaton Community Center for cancer patient and Flomaton resident Tommy Allgood.
Allgood’s battle with prostate cancer began a few days before Christmas in 2007. After undergoing surgery and maximum lifetime amounts of radiation, it was determined that the cancer had spread to his bones. Since that time, he has undergone many different types of chemotherapy and bone treatments.
During his last hospital stay, the doctors found that the cancer had spread to his lungs. Even with the latest diagnosis, Allgood still remains upbeat and optimistic. He’s not shy about telling anyone his favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called, according to His purpose.”
Allgood is a lifelong resident of Flomaton, and a 1977 Flomaton High graduate. He retired from International Paper in 2009 after 15 years of service. Allgood and his wife Nancy have been married for 33 years and have two sons, Jesse and Jonathan.
Today’s event will help defray some of Allgood’s medical expenses. There will be a yard sale, fish fry, cake auction, jump castle, face painting, singing and much more. T-shirts will also be sold with Allgood’s favorite Bible verse as well as his favorite saying, “It’s All-Good!”.
Submitted article by Alisa Hart for NorthEscambia.com
Pictured top: Flomaton cancer patient Tommy Allgood (far bottom right) and his family. Pictured inset: Allgood and his wife Nancy. Pictured below: Allgood with new granddaughter Natalie. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Donald Lynn Schmidt
May 26, 2012
Donald Lynn Schmidt, 53 of Bratt, passed away Friday May 25, 2012, in Pensacola. He was a farmer and carpenter, born on June 16, 1958, in Turlock County, CA, to Sam S. and Lavaunda Schmidt. He will be remembered as a big hearted person, and he loved to give.
He is preceded in death by a son, Darrell Walker.
Survivors are his wife, Susan Hadley Schmidt of Bratt; son, Ron Moore of Saraland; daughter, Kelly Wall of Pensacola; his parents, Sam and Lavaunda Schmidt of Scotia, NE; three grandchildren, Austin Wall, Lily Moore and Waylon Moore; three brothers, Maynard Schmidt and wife Karen of Scotia, NE; Galen Schmidt and wife Rosalie of Walnut Hill, Chester Schmidt of Bratt; two sisters Delilah Wilson of Atmore, Mary Koehn and husband Evan of Scotia, NE; and any friends.
Services will be Monday May 28, 2012, at 2 p.m. from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church with Bro. Brian Decker and Bro. Earl Harrison officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers are Scott Nightengale, Doyle Nightengale, Randy Nightengale, Jermey Young, Josh Ray, Rick Cooper, Scott Stevens and Mark Hall.
Family will receive friends Monday May 28, 2012, at the church one hour prior to service time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.