No Children Injured In Bus Versus Car Wreck
September 7, 2012
There were no children injured in a school bus versus car wreck this morning on Highway 29.
The accident happened about 7:55 a.m. at Highway 29 and West 9½ Mile Road. There were about 20 special needs children on the bus at the time of the crash. The only injury was to the driver of the vehicle that was hit by the bus. That person was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.
Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Man That Promised 500 Century Lumber Jobs Convicted Of Felony Fraud
September 7, 2012
CULLMAN, ALA — The man behind a promise of up to 500 jobs announced in 2010 that never materialized in Century — has pleaded guilty to financial fraud charges brought against him by Alabama authorities.
James Leonard Craft, age 72 of Century, pleaded guilty to engaging in a scheme or artifice to defraud in connection with the sale of securities. He faces from one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $370,000.
An investigation by the Alabama Securities Commission found that Craft solicited funds from investors to purportedly purchase wood products from South America, which were to be resold to U.S. distributors for the making of railroad cross ties and other products at a plant to be located in the former Alger Sullivan Lumber Company building in Century.
Craft was the manager of Century Lumber and Land, a company that held a ribbon cutting back in October 2010 for a group of new businesses that planned to locate in Century’s vacant Alger Sullivan Lumber Company property and bring up to 500 jobs to the struggling town. According to Workforce Escarosa, over 3,000 people applied for those jobs.
Craft stood holding the arm of Century Mayor Freddie McCall in October 2010 as the mayor cut a symbolic ribbon for Century Lumber and Land. Community members, Century town council members, county commissioners, and other county government representatives and business officials stood behind a Century Area Chamber of Commerce sign as the yellow ribbon fell.
But there was a tidbit very few of them knew — Craft or the company never had any legal claim the property where he was holding the ribbon cutting.
“It was never sold; it never even had a binder,” EXIT Realty NFI-Commerical agent Gary Watson said last year on behalf of the property owners.
In 2010, the Alabama Securities Commission issued a cease and desist order on Craft and his Century Lumber and Land after an attempt was made to solicit money from Alabama investors in at least three Alabama counties. The ASC said neither Craft or his business was registered to sell securities in Alabama as required by law.
In testimony in Cullman County (Ala.) Circuit Court, Craft readily admitted to Judge Gregory Nicholas that he intended on using the money for personal reasons while simultaneously making a fraudulent pitch that the investors’ funds were to be used to purchase wood products.
In September 2011, Craft was arrested by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and extradited to Etowah County, Ala., face charges. Craft’s arrest stemmed from a Etowah County Grand jury indictment for alleged illegal securities activities associated with his company. Indictments against Craft were also returned in Cullman and Shelby counties. All of the charges were later combined and tried in Cullman County Circuit Court.
“I hope the conviction of Mr. Craft sends a clear message to other fraudsters out there that the State of Alabama will not tolerate criminals preying on the citizens of Alabama,” said Greg Biggs, who prosecuted the case for the Alabama Securities Commission.
Craft remains free on bond while a pre-sentencing investigation is completed to determine Craft’s ultimate sentence and ability to pay $185,000 in restitution to his victims.
Pictured top: Convicted felon James Leonard Craft (light blue shirt, front left) holds the arm of Century Mayor Freddie McCall as he cuts the ribbon for Century Lumber and Land in October 2010. Pictured below: A group hoping to apply for a job gathered during the ribbon cutting. Pictured inset: The former Alger Sullivan Lumber Company building in Century was the planned home for Craft’s company. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Obama Asks For Four More Years Of Change
September 7, 2012
CHARLOTTE, NC — Trying to rekindle his connection with the American people after four years of recession and a slow recovery, President Barack Obama promised a better future if voters reaffirmed their commitment to an agenda he said still offered hope and change.
In a speech to a crowded hall on the final night of the Democratic National Convention, Obama conceded that his administration wasn’t offering a quick fix to problems “that have built up over decades” and would require years to correct.
“But know this, America: Our problems can be solved,” Obama said. “Our challenges can be met. The path we offer may be harder, but it leads to a better place.”
The speech marked a stark contrast from the situation Obama found himself in four years ago.
Then, he was a change agent running from the party out of power, the first major-party black presidential nominee, who drew such large crowds that he decided to hold his acceptance speech in a football stadium.
On Thursday, he spoke for about 40 minutes to a packed Time Warner Cable Arena, the night’s festivities having been moved from nearby Bank of America Stadium because officials said the weather forecast was too unpredictable. And Obama was in some ways arguing that a steady course would produce its own kind of change, or at least preserve the change that his administration had made over the past four years.
Obama himself acknowledged the shift in his position during the address, noting that the presidency had in some ways changed him from the young state senator who set the convention on fire in 2004 as the keynote speaker and the presidential candidate promising a fresh start in 2008.
“But as I stand here tonight, I have never been more hopeful about America,” he told cheering delegates. “Not because I think I have all the answers. Not because I’m naïve about the magnitude of our challenges. I’m hopeful because of you.”
The president also delivered a set of promises he said could be delivered if voters would give him a second turn. Obama pledged to create a million manufacturing jobs, boost exports, begin weaning America off foreign oil, rein in college costs and make deep reductions in the federal deficit.
But, much like GOP nominee Mitt Romney’s promise at the Republican National Convention to create 12 million new jobs, Obama offered few details on how he would reach those objectives.
“He offered more promises, but he hasn’t kept the promises he made four years ago,” Romney campaign manager Matt Rhoades said in a statement issued before the speech had ended. “Americans will hold President Obama accountable for his record — they know they’re not better off and that it’s time to change direction.”
Obama also used the speech to needle Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, over their differences on the issues. In a segment that seemed pointed at the senior citizens who could play a major role in deciding which candidate gets Florida’s 29 electoral votes, Obama took aim at the GOP’s plans for Medicare.
“And I will never turn Medicare into a voucher,” he said. “No American should ever have to spend their golden years at the mercy of insurance companies. They should retire with the care and dignity that they have earned.”
Obama’s speech capped off a night that featured a brief speech by former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican-turned-independent, and appearances from Hollywood stars like Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson. Democrats highlighted Obama’s achievements — including authorizing a bailout they say saved the American automobile industry and ordering the operation that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.
The message implicit in many of the night’s speeches: Obama has earned one more chance.
“We’re on a mission to move this nation forward — from doubt and downturn, to promise and prosperity,” said Vice President Joe Biden. “A mission I guarantee you we will complete.”
By Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Mother Arrested For Making Her Son Panhandle
September 7, 2012
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman Thursday for allegedly forcing her underage son to panhandle for her at a busy intersection.
Jaime Anne Spicer, age 34 of Pace, was charged with child abuse and booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Deputies responded to the area of Davis Highway and Olive Road Thursday morning after receiving several reports of a child holding a sign that read, “Homeless, need help, God Bless.”
Spicer was sitting on a nearby bench while her son stood on the side of the road with his sign. When deputies arrived, Spicer snatched the sign away from her son in an attempt to conceal it.
When deputies questioned Spicer about what she was doing, she told deputies that they were panhandling because she needed money to pay for her motel room. When asked why she attempted to conceal her son’s sign, Spicer told deputies that she was a substitute teacher and did not want to get into any trouble.
The child was turned over to his father, and the Department of Children and Families was notified.
Prison Inmate Indicted For Murdering Cellmate
September 7, 2012
A Santa Rosa County Grand Jury has returned a two-count indictment against a Santa Rosa Correctional Institution inmate for the murder of cellmate earlier this year.
Shawn Rogers was charged with first degree premeditated murder with a weapon and armed kidnapping with weapon. The charges stem from Rogers’ attack on inmate Ricky D. Martin, 24, on March 30, 2012. Martin died from blunt force trauma to his brain on April 8, 2012.
Martin, who was from Collier County, was serving time for 2007 conviction on charges of grand theft, armed burglary, trafficking in stolen property and four counts of grand theft of a firearm.
Rogers is serving a life sentence for robbery with a deadly weapon and a 15-year sentence for aggravated battery with deadly weapon.
The state intends to seek the death penalty for the murder, according to prosecutors.
Tonight’s Prep Schedule
September 7, 2012
Here’s a look at tonight’s prep footballs schedule for schools in the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Marianna at Northview, 7 p.m.
- Jay at Holmes County, 7 p.m.
- Fort Walton Beach at Tate, 7:30 p.m.
- Catholic at Gulf Breeze, 7:30 p.m.
- Crestview at Escambia, 7:30 p.m.
- Rutherford at Milton, 7:30 p.m.
- Navarre at PHS, 7:30 p.m.
- Pace at Niceville, 7:30 p.m.
- Washington at West Florida, 7:30 p.m.
ALABAMA
- Flomaton at Washington Co.
- Escambia County (Atmore) at Clarke Co.
- Monroe at Escambia Academy
- Opp at T.R. Miller
- W.S. Neal at Straughn
JV: Catholic Defeats Northview (With Photo Gallery)
September 7, 2012
The junior varsity Catholic Crusaders defeated the junior varsity Northview Chiefs Thursday night in Bratt, 12-0.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Northview hosted Catholic in JV football action Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Escambia Farmer’s Markets Named Among America’s Favorites
September 7, 2012
Two of the top 10 farmer’s markets in the country are located in Escambia County.
The Market at Saint Monica’s in Cantonment was named the number 10 small market in the country by the group American Farmland Trust. The Palafox Market, held in downtown Pensacola, was named the number 10 large market in the U.S. The Palafox market was also named the Florida’s second favorite.
The goal of American Farmland Trust’s fourth annual America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest was to highlight the role that farmers markets play in keeping family farmers on the land. The summer long contest was a nationwide challenge to see which markets can rally the most votes from their customers.
The bi-monthly Market at Saint Monica’s will be open again on September 15.
The Palafox market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Palafox Street between Garden and Wright streets in downtown Pensacola.
Pictured top: The Palafox Market in downtown Pensacola. Pictured inset and below: Items for sale earlier this summer at the Market at Saint Monica’s in Cantonment. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Beats Perdido (With Photo Gallery)
September 7, 2012
The Ernest Ward Eagles opened their middle school football season with a 44-6 win over Perdido Thursday night.
The Eagles took an early lead on a toss from Desmone Knight to Joshua English for a touchdown with 6:41 to go in the first. With a good two point conversion from Knight, EWMS was up 8-0.
Ernest Ward scored exactly five minutes later on a 15-yard touchdown run from Contraris Mitchell and a good two pointer from Knight, 16-0 with 1:41 in the first.
For a photo gallery, click here.
EWMS added another touchdown, this time a two yard quarterback keeper from Luke Ward, with 27.1 seconds to go in the first. After a flawless two point conversion from Dustin Bethea, Ernest Ward held a commanding 24-0 lead over Perdido headed into the second quarter.
With 6:01 on the clock in the second, Knight added another touchdown for the Eagles to make it 32-0. Then with 3:52 to go in the half, Mitchell was into the end zone for the Eagles. A missed two pointer, and it was 38-0.
Perdido added one touchdown from Dusty Baggett and missed the two point conversion, 38-6. Ernest Ward sealed the win with an English touchdown late in the game, 44-6.
Ernest Ward will host Elberta next Thursday night at 6:00 in Walnut Hill.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: Desmone Knight picks up yardage for Ernest Ward Thursday evening against Perdido in Walnut Hill. Pictured top inset: Quarterback Luke Ward completes a pass. Pictured bottom inset: Dustin Beathea on the run for the Eagles. Pictured below: The Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleaders. Pictured bottom: Kylie Brook on the piccolo in the Ernest Ward band. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Volleyball: Central Downs Northview (With Photo Gallery)
September 7, 2012
The Northview Chiefs split varsity and junior varsity games with Central High School Thursday on the volleyball court in Bratt.
In varsity action, Northview fell to Central in five, 24-26, 25-8, 25-17, 22-25, 13-15.
Shelley Mothershed had three aces, two kills and six assists for the Lady Chiefs, while Misty Doran had two aces, eight kills, four block and two digs.
In junior varsity action, the NHS Lady Chiefs defeated the Central Lady Jags 23-25, 25-7, 15-11. Hope Coggins recorded four aces, one kill and one dig for Northview, and Kyndall Hall added five aces and five kills for the Lady Chiefs.
The NHS junior varsity will host a tourney Saturday at Northview. The varsity and junior varsity will travel to Pensacola High School on Monday at 4:30/5:30.
The Lady Jags will host Pace beginning at 4:30 on Friday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: Varsity action from Thursday night as Northview hosted Central in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.