Jay Grad Performs At Olympic Opening Ceremony
July 27, 2012
A 2009 Jay High School performedwith fellow University of Florida Band members at the opening ceremonies of the London Olympic Games.
Kimmy Hudon is a native of Santa Rosa County. She has been a part of the Fighting Gator Marching Band for three years.
The Gator Marching Band is the only American band invited to play at the Olympics. They played the Star Spangled Banner as the U.S. team entered the stadium and “God Save the Queen” for the British team during the Parade of Nations.
Hudon is the daughter of Kathy and Aubrey Penton and Rick and Shelley Hudon.
Car Plunges Into Lake (With Photo Gallery)
July 27, 2012
There were no injuries when a car plunged into a lake on Pine Forest Road Thursday night.
Craig Rutledge, 50, was traveling through the Silver Lake Mobile Home Park in the 7300 block of Pine Forest Road when he hit a parked Nissan Sentra on the shoulder of the road leading into the mobile home park, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He continued to travel east, striking a water main and running off into the lake at the front of the mobile home park.
Witnesses jumped into the water following the 9:31 p.m. accident and tried to rescue Rutledge. He later exited the vehicle while it was submerged, according to the FHP.
Rutledge was not injured. He was charged with careless driving and driving while license suspended, troopers said.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team was called to the scene to search for any other possible occupants of the vehicle and assist with removing the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu from the water.
For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
Pictured top: Dive team members assist in removing submerged a car from a lake on Pine Forest Road Thursday night. Pictured inset: The driver of the car was not injured when he plunged into this lake. Pictured below: The car after it was removed from the water. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Bond Set For Deputy Shooting Suspect
July 27, 2012
Bond was set Thursday at over a million dollars for the man accused of shooting an Escambia County deputy on July 11.
Antonio Moorer, 27, remains in the Escambia County Jail after Judge Darlene Dickey set his bond at $1,115,000. He is charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and vehicle theft for the shooting of Deputy Ryan Robinson, 32, as he worked in the Oakwood Terrace Apartments on Truman Avenue.
A shot was fired into Robinson’s stomach, but his bulletproof vest stopped the round. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was treated and released.
The incident happened about 10:45 p.m. July 11 as three members of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Anti-Crime Unit, also known as TAC unit, were conducting “proactive police work” in the apartment complex. Deputy Robinson gave chase, and one of the men fired at him.
Deputies quickly surrounded one apartment and removed four people, one of which they believed to be the shooter. In the meantime, someone stole an unmarked TAC Unit vehicle that was found abandoned a short time later a few blocks away at the intersection of Coons and Norris avenues. A manhunt followed in the area for the suspect with numerous officers, K-9 units and the department’s helicopter.
The Sheriff’s Office said Moorer had fled the scene that night. But a warrant was issued for his arrest when the investigation concluded.
Pictured: The scene at the Oakwood Terrace Apartments on Truman Avenue off W Street after an officer was shot Wednesday night. Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Huntsville Stars Edge The Pensacola Blue Wahoos 3-2
July 27, 2012
Huntsville center field Josh Prince dropped down a suicide squeeze bunt in the seventh inning for what turned out to be the game-winning play, while left fielder Khris Davis launched his seventh homer of the season to lead the Stars to a 3-2 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos in front of a capacity crowd of 5,038 on Thursday evening at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
It was the fifth straight win for Huntsville, who also clinched a series victory and improved to 16-17 in the second half, while the Fish fell to 18-15 mark since the league’s All-Star Break. The sellout was the 33rd of the year for the Blue Wahoos in their 52nd home opening this year.
For the third straight night, Pensacola scored the game’s first run, with LF Donald Lutz leading off the second frame by launching a longball to right center. The homer was the second since the left-handed slugger joined to Wahoos and gave the Fish the early 1-0 advantage.
Huntsville however answered back with single tallies in the third and fourth frames to take a 2-1 lead. Prince reached with a one-out double, before eventually coming plateward on SS Tommy Manzella’s RBI single to right. The Stars subsequently scored in the next inning when Davis drove a solo homer to left, his seventh of 2012.
The Blue Wahoos would then even the count at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth. 3B David Vidal doubled to deep center and moved to third on Lutz’s single prior to a Stars fielding miscue, which brought home Vidal. Lutz later attempted to score on a fly out to right, but was gunned down by RF Kentrail Davis after Lutz ran into C Adam Weisenburger, who held on to the throw at the plate.
Huntsville would then break the draw in the seventh to grab the lead for good. 3B Hainly Statia led off with a base knock, took second on Kentrail Davis’ single and third on an error, before Prince put down the suicide squeeze bunt to bring across Statia.
Manzella (2-5, 1 RBI) and Statia (2-4,1 R) each recorded two base knocks to pace the Stars, while Lutz (3-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI) led the Blue Wahoos with his three hits. 1B Beau Mills collected a hit in the sixth frame to extend his team-record on-base streak to 29 contests.
Huntsville starting pitcher Josh Stinson (6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 2 SO) earned the win to up his record to 11-5, while right-handers Darren Byrd (2.0 IP, 1 SO) and Brandon Kintzler (1.0 IP) combined for three perfect innings in support of Stinson. Byrd recorded his ninth hold of the season, while Kitzler notched his fifth save of 2012.
Pensacola starter Daniel Corcino (6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO) did not factor in the decision despite yielding just two earned runs on five hits in his six innings, while LHP Wilkin De La Rosa (0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 SO) suffered the loss for the Blue Wahoos.
The Blue Wahoos and Stars are slated to meet again on Friday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the bayfront stadium. Pensacola is expected to give the nod to RHP J.C. Sulbaran, while RHP Evan Anundensen is slated to toe the rubber for Huntsville.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: Daniel Corcino yielded just two runs in six innings in Pensacola’s 3-2 loss Thursday night. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Betty Clements Hahn
July 27, 2012
Betty Clements Hahn of Cleveland, AR, went to be with the Lord on Monday July 23, 2012.
She was born in Dothan on October 18, 1945, to the late Idell Smith Clements and Samuel Otis Clements. Betty graduated from J.M. Tate High school in 1963 and went on to earn a degree in cosmetology. She married Gordon Michael ‘Mickey’ Hahn on February 2, 1968. They resided in the Cantonment area where Betty operated two successful salons before relocating to Sydney, AR in 1979. She continued to work in the field of cosmetology before retiring to keep books for Mickey’s business.
Betty’s greatest joy came in spending time with her family, “making memories” whether water-skiing on the lake, attending St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, or vacationing with the extended family as often as possible. She also enjoyed a love of reading, collecting family photographs, and watching her beloved hummingbirds.
She is preceded in death by her son, Dustin Shane Hahn, her parents, her father and mother-in-law, Charles and Mal Hahn, a sister-in-law, Diana Hahn and brother-in-law, Bill Hahn (Zenova).
A devoted wife, mother, and ‘Nana’, she is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Mickey, one son: Michael ‘Ty’ Hahn and wife, Kathy of Cleveland, AK, and four grandchildren: Cody Rankin, Brittni, Dusty, and Gabbi Hahn. She is also survived by a brother, Toney Clements (Diane) of Cantonment; sisters, Collie Goodwin (Ronnie) of Cantonment, and Sandra Lovins (Elvin) of Milton.
She also leaves behind many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Arkansas Hospice,2405 E. Parkway, Ste. 3 Russellville, AR 72802. A memorial service will be held at Farmhill United Methodist Church, Cantonment, Friday July 27th, 2012 at 11am.
Preteen Seriously Injured In Gonzalez Crash
July 26, 2012
A preteen was seriously injured in a single vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Gonzalez.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 37-year old Melissa Ann Carver of Pensacola was eastbound on Old Chemstrand Road west of Mill Creek Trail in heavy rain when she lost control and ran off the road into the front yard of a home. The right side of her 2002 GMC Envoy struck a large tree, seriously injuring backseat passenger Chance P. Durdan, 12.
Carver and a second passenger, 12-year old Steven R. Durdan, received minor injuries. All three were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Carver was cited for traveling too fast for conditions, according to the FHP.
The Cantonment, Molino and Ensley stations of Escambia Fire Rescue were dispatched to the accident, along with Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured: Three people were injured in this crash Thursday afternoon on Old Chemstrand Road, including a 12-year old in serious condition. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Hot Weather Continues
July 26, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
- Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
- Sunday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Suspect Arrested In Multiple Cantonment Buglaries
July 26, 2012
A man suspected of multiple burglaries in the Cantonment area is now behind bars.
Joseph Logan Banks, age 22 of Winners Circle in Cantonment, is charged with several counts of burglary, larceny and criminal mischief. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail on a $127,000 bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Banks is accused of committing several residential burglaries in the Cantonment area. He allegedly burglarized multiple home, stealing jewelry and other items.
Authorities Search Septic Tank For Body Of Woman Missing For 9 Years
July 26, 2012
Alabama authorities continued their search Wednesday for Melinda Wall McGhee, an Atmore area woman that has been missing for over nine years.
The Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Department used cadaver dogs to search a septic tank on Ewing Farm Road about five miles northwest of Atmore and just a short distance from the Kent Road home at which McGhee was last seen in 2003.
“We searched at an old home place that we had never searched before after getting a tip,” Escambia County (Ala.) Chief Deputy Mike Lambert said.
After pumping the septic tank, Lambert said nothing suspicious was found.
McGhee, then 31, returned to her home about 8 a.m. on March 24, 2003, after working the night shift as a nurse at a Bay Minette nursing home.
Her husband, Troy McGhee, was at work at Masland Carpets in Atmore. Their two children were at a babysitter, and Troy’s son from a previous relationship was at a dentist’s office. At about 8:30 the morning of March 24, 2003, Melinda McGhee spoke to her mother on the phone. It was the last time anyone known to Melinda would ever hear from her.
At about 4:00 that afternoon, husband Troy came home to find Melinda missing. There was blood and evidence of a violent struggle inside the home. He reported his wife missing.
Melinda’s vehicle was found parked near the house with her keys locked inside. Her purse and cellular phone were inside the residence. Foul play is suspected in her disappearance.
“We are still actively pursuing leads and investigating this case,” Lambert said. “If anyone has any information, even the tiniest or most minute detail, please call us. We want answers so we can bring closure for this family.”
Over the years, there have been several searches for Melinda’s body or clues into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
In March 2009, authorities searched an area off Perry Lane in Wawbeek for clues in Melinda’s disappearance. Perry Lane is about a mile north of Highway 31 off Sardis Church Road near Old Atmore Road. The location is about three miles north of the Florida/Alabama line . On the last day of January 2009, authorities searched a water-filled gravel pit off Jack Springs Roads near the Judson Cemetery between Atmore and Poarch. All of the searches have turned up empty.
Anyone with information on McGhee’s disappearance is asked to call the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Department at (251) 809-0741 or their local law enforcement agency.
Pictured above: Two photos of Melinda Wall McGhee who went missing in March 2003.
School Sales Tax Holidays Coming In Florida And Alabama
July 26, 2012
Back to school sales tax holidays are coming up soon, giving shoppers a chance to save a bit on clothing and school supplies.
Florida’s sales tax holiday will be August 3-5 with no tax on purchases of clothing, footwear and certain accessories selling for $75 or less, or on certain school supplies that are $15 or less. For complete information, click here (pdf).
Alabama’s sales tax holiday will also be August 3-5 with no state sales tax on clothing, footwear and certain accessories selling for $75 or less, or on certain school supplies that are $15 or less. Note that Atmore will not participate in the sales tax holiday and will still charge local sales tax. For a list of exempt items in Alabama, click here (pdf).