Northview’s McCall Named MVP; East Beats West In All-Star Softball, Baseball
May 25, 2012
Northview High School senior Lauren McCall was named the West MVP Thursday night as East defeated the West 11-2 in the Pensacola Sports Association’s 2012 Subway High School All-Star Softball Game.
McCall had the West’s first hit during the game that features the top seniors from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. After the shortstop’s infield single, McCall’s catch ended the fifth inning of play at the University of West Florida.
From Jay, Becca Callaway walked before an RBI double from Milton’s Katie Worley, and Tessa Hendricks also added an RBI double.
In the boys softball All-Star game Thursday, the East also defeated the west, 8-0
All-Star Players, All-Star Coaches
Head coaches for this year’s event included Brian Watson from Jay High School for the East softball team and Mike Haveard from Pine Forest for the west softball team. In the baseball game, Cory Hamrick from Niceville High headed up the east team while Tate High’s Greg Blackmon coached the West boys.
Announced rosters for the 2012 Subway High School All-Star baseball and softball games were as follows:
West Softball: Victoria East, Ashley Peters, Brittany Morris, and Aubrey Yeagle from Escambia, Brianna Coleman, Brittany Manning-Davis, Rebeka Touary, and Sara Grace Gunter from Pine Forest, Kristen Hughes from East Hill, Lauren McCall from Northview, Amber Wells from Catholic, Samantha Hurley from Pensacola, Kayla Rosario, Kaitlyn Kenfield, Gabby Leifur, and Kalina Kenfield from West Florida Tech, Heather Schaff, Kim Baker, Barette Barnes, Marina Cobbs, Holly Brown, and Kat Tucker from Tate, and Rachel Medley from Washington.
East Softball: Kasey Harrison from Laurel Hill, Megan McDonald and Amanda Curington from Gulf Breeze, Hannah Day from Crestview, Lauren Osburn, Sarah Beth Marquis, and Meghan Redalieu from Navarre, Hannah Jones from Pace, Stephanie Hartness, Jamie Ujvari, Jessica Ujvari, and Courtney Adams from Niceville, Brittany Tiller from Rocky Bayou, Katie Worley, Kassandra Gilley, and Desiree Velasguez from Milton, Becca Calloway and Tessa Hendricks from Jay, Tory Kilcrease from Baker, Jaime Phillips and Jennifer Phillips from Fort Walton, and Rikki Rummel from Choctaw.
West Baseball: Scott Robertson, Matt Mckibben, and Avery Van Brussel from Washington, Skyler Beckerman, Tyler Murphy, Chase Anderson, and Tucker Massey from West Florida Tech, Tyler Curtis, Hunter Black, Austin Quina, Mac Seibert, and Cody Palmer from Tate, Preston Szuch, Tyler Henry, and Chase Keifer from Catholic, Tanner Brooks and Zach Barrow from Northview, Trenton Potter and Kody Bryant from Pensacola Christian, Brandon Nagem, Jon Cagle-Lister, and Zach Hathaway from Pine Forest, Joey Scapecchi and Kaleb Lewis from Escambia, and Brandon Haragul and Jimmy Threat from Pensacola.
East Baseball: Kameron Miller, Dylan Lee, and Derek Lovelace from Crestview, Kyle Mcgee from Gulf Breeze, Tanner Black, Miguel Paulino, and Luke Clark from Choctaw, Bucky Locke from Baker, Cory Eller and Mike Haynes from Niceville, Sammy James from Jay, Patrick Maddox, Patrick Ervin, Daniel Hampton, Steven Jernigan, and Clay Benefield from Pace, Paul Young and Jordan Martin from Milton, Dylan Peacock from Central, Steven Wills from Rocky Bayou, Kyle Slingerland from Laurel Hill, Jacob Terry and Dusty Jones from Navarre, Ian Hok and Trey Marshall from Fort Walton.
Different Poll Shows Obama Leads
May 25, 2012
While the latest Quinnipiac University poll shows former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leading in Florida, a separate poll by NBC News and Marist shows President Barack Obama ahead in his bid for re-election.
According to the NBC-Marist survey, Obama would get 45 percent of the vote if the vote in Florida if the election were held today, while Romney would get 40 percent.
Obama and Vice President Joe Biden would lead a ticket of Romney and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio by a 48-44 margin, while the gap would close to 47-45 if Romney chose former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
The poll also shows incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson beating Republican Congressman Connie Mack, the GOP frontrunner, by a 43-38 margin.
Democrats have complained that the Quinnipiac poll is too heavily weighted toward Republicans, but the Marist poll gives a strong edge to Democrats that might not materialize in November: 43 percent of those polled were Democrats, 35 percent were Republicans and 21 percent were independents.
The poll was taken of 1,078 registered voters May 17-20 and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
By The News Service of Florida
Gulf Power Names New President
May 25, 2012
Gulf Power Company is getting a new president.
Stan Connally, a senior vice president at Georgia Power, will be the company’s 16th president, succeeding Mark Crosswhite who has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer of Southern Company, Gulf Power’s parent firm.
“Mark and Stan both have a depth of experience throughout our system that has prepared them to assume these new leadership positions,” said Tom Fanning, Southern Company president. “Their experience, along with their passion and insight, will help Gulf Power and Southern Company meet the challenges ahead.”
Connally, who has headed up Georgia Power’s fossil and hydro generation operations since 2010, began his career with Southern Company in 1989 as a co-op student at Georgia Power’s Plant Yates. He has held positions of increasing responsibility in various areas, including customer operations, sales and marketing, and power generation at Georgia Power, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power.
“Gulf Power has a reputation in the utility industry of great employees, great customer service and innovative programs,” Connally said. “I look forward to joining the team and my family and I are excited about living in Northwest Florida.”
A native of Newnan, Ga., Connally graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He completed the Goizueta Executive Education Program at Emory University in 2004 and the Southern Company Senior Leadership Development Program in 2009. He has served on the boards of the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport and United Way of Jackson/George counties in Mississippi.
In his new role Crosswhite will be responsible for Southern Company’s generation and transmission operations, Southern Power, Southern Wholesale Energy, engineering and construction services, and research and environmental activities.
Under Crosswhite, Gulf Power has gone through the lengthy process of getting approval from the Florida Public Service Commission to increase base electric rates.
The leadership transition will become effective on July 1.
Blue Wahoos Top Braves 4-2
May 25, 2012
Pensacola left fielder Yordanys Perez homered as part of a two-hit effort and center fielder Ryan LaMarre threw two runners out at home plate, while the bullpen trio of Clayton Tanner, Curtis Partch and Donnie Joseph held Mississippi to just three hits in the final 3.1 frames, as the Blue Wahoos defeated the Braves 4-2 in front of a capacity crowd of 5,038 on Thursday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
It was the 15th sellout crowd the Blue Wahoos have played in front of this year, in their 21st home opening this year. The victory improves Pensacola’s record to 23-24, while the defeat drops Mississippi to 20-26 in 2012.
Perez got the scoring started for the Blue Wahoos in the second, when he lifted a 3-1 pitch over the left field wall to grab a 1-0 lead. It was the third longball of the year in Perez’s first year at professional level, as well as his second in three contests.
Pensacola would then increase the margin to three in the fourth with a pair of clutch two-out at bats. Perez drove in his second run of the game with an RBI single, while C Mark Fleury drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 3-0.
The Braves however would narrow the deficit to one with single tallies in the fifth and sixth innings, both thanks to 3B Joe Leonard. The third baseman began the fifth frame with a homer to left, and then brought in SS Andrelton Simmons in the following frame with a single.
Mississippi was kept off the scoreboard twice thanks to Blue Wahoos CF Ryan LaMarre, who threw out baserunners attempting to score in the third and sixth innings. LaMarre now has 11 outfield assists this season, ranking him first in the Southern League by a wide margin.
Pensacola starter J.C. Sulbaran (5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO) earned the win after allowing just two earned runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings, while Tanner, Partch and Joseph combined to shut down the Braves from there in support of Sulbaran. Tanner (1.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 SO) and Partch (0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 SO) each notched holds for their efforts, while Joseph (1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 SO) converted his Southern League leading 11th save of the year in 12 opportunities. Braves starting pitcher Gary Moran (5,1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 1-2 on the year after giving up three runs on five hits in 5.1 frames.
It was Perez’s (2-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI) fourth multi-hit outing in his last six contests, while RF Josh Fellhauer (2-4, 1 R, 1 2B) also collected two hits for the Blue Wahoos. Leonard (2-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI), along with CF Todd Cunningham (2-5), C Christian Bethancourt (2-4) and RF Cory Harrilchak (2-3) all recorded two base knocks for the Braves in the loss.
With the series tied, Pensacola and Mississippi will meet again Friday night, with first pitch set for 7:00 pm. RHP Kyle Lotzkar is slated to take the bump for the Blue Wahoos, while the Braves are expected to give the ball to LHP Luis Avilan in the third game of the series.
All fans are asked to wear blue for Friday night’s game in honor of two-time NFL champion and New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, who will be on hand to throw out a first pitch. Fans will also want to arrive early, as the first 2,000 fans to enter the gates will receive a special patriotic Blue Wahoos cap courtesy of Virginia College.
By Andrew Green
Four Major Daily Newspapers To Publish Only Three Days Per Week
May 25, 2012
Four major daily newspapers announced Thursday that they will only print three issues per week beginning later this year.
The Times-Picayune, a 175-year old New Orleans paper; the Mobile Press-Register, The Birmingham News and The Huntsville Times will only publish a printed paper on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays beginning in the fall. Instead, the papers will focus more efforts on their online offerings.
The Pensacola News Journal, which was at last report printed the Mobile-Press Register facility in Mobile, has no plans to reduce is publishing schedule, according to a post Thursday on the newspaper’s website by Executive Editor Richard Schneider.
Gannett, the owner of the Pensacola News Journal and 81 other daily newspapers, has announced that it will begin charging readers to access news online by the end of the year.
NorthEscambia.com has no plans to charge readers for content.
Highway 29 At Tate School Road To Close Briefly
May 25, 2012
Highway 29 at Tate School Road will be shutdown north and southbound about 8:30 this morning for about 15-20 minutes by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to allow Tate High School’s graduating seniors to cross the highway in their annual processional to their senior breakfast.
Edward Allen “Poppy” Presley
May 25, 2012
Edward Allen “Poppy” Presley, 54 of Nokomis, AL, passed away Wednesday May 23, 2012, in Atmore. He was employed by Masland Carpets for over 25 years as a die manager. He was born in Atmore to James O. and Jacquelyn Daniel Presley, Jr. on October 18, 1957.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Perlie and Leona Daniel; Ollie and Gladys Presley and his father-in-law, Ronald Strawbridge.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Strawbridge Presley; one son, Troy Allen Presley; two daughters, Allison Presley Wynn and Anna Presley all of Nokomis, AL; his parents James and Jackie Presley; one brother, Mark D. Presley; one sister, Laura Presley Smith and husband, Don all of Nokomis, AL; six grandchildren, Cole Wynn, Cameron Wynn, Chasen Wynn, Ceanna Wynn, Cierra Wynn and Troy Edward Presley; nieces, Kelley Presley, Stephanie Maddox and husband Walt of Tuscaloosa, AL; nephew, Eric Roberts and wife, Morgan; mother-in-law, Loyce Strawbridge; brother-in-law, Tommy Strawbridge and wife, Janet; sister-in-law, Sherry Daniel and husband, Dennis; nephews, Travis Daniel and wife, Jessie; Josh Daniel, niece, Jill Davis; nephews, Brandon Strawbridge and wife, Mandy, and Brian Strawbridge and wife, Megan.
Services will be held Saturday, May 26, 2012, at noon at Atmore Memorial Chapel with Rev. Don Davis and Rev. Dennis Daniels officiating. Interment will follow in Nokomis Baptist Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Daryl Williams, Olan Albritton, Travis Daniel, Josh Daniel, Brain Strawbridge, Brandon Strawbridge, Eric Roberts and Jason Stuart.
Family will receive friends, Saturday, May 26, 2012, at Atmore Memorial Chapel from 10 a.m. until service time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of all arrangements.
Essie Mae Chavers
May 25, 2012
Mrs. Essie Mae Chavers, age 89, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012, in the Brewton hospital.
Mrs. Chavers was a native and life long resident of the Wallace community. She taught school at the A.D. Kelley school in Wallace for a number of years, and volunteered for the National Weather Service for 50 years. She was a member of Hanberry Holiness Church. Mrs. Chavers was preceded in death by her husband, Lee C. Chavers; a son, Floyd Chavers; two brothers, Leonard Pettis, and Cleve Pettis; and a sister, Voncile Chavers.
She is survived by her son, Elton (Jackie Windham) Chavers of Bon Secour; one daughter, Kathryn (Leonard) Conrad of Wallace; four brothers, Howard Pettis of Mobile, Coley Pettis of Mobile, Claude Pettis of Theodore, and Allen D. Pettis of Wallace; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with Rev. Phillip Pettis and Rev. Wilbur “Gam” Graves officiating. Interment will follow in Hanberry Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Craver’s Funeral Home on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hanberry Holiness Church Cemetery Fund.
Leonard B. “Lennie” Daniels
May 25, 2012
Leonard B. “Lennie” Daniels, age 81 of Cantonment, passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.
Mr. Daniels was the co- owner/operator of Daniels Ellis Electrical Supply Company for over 50 years. He was a member of East Brent Baptist Church. He served his country in the United States Air Force. He will be remembered as a man who loved his family with all of his heart, he put God first in everything he did. A good and honest man who was non-judgmental. He was a best friend “to many”. He led by example. He always said that “there is a right way, a wrong way and God’s way”. His employees always said of him that no matter how difficult times were, Lennie always kept the faith.
He is preceded in death by one grandson, Riley Daniels; five sisters, Vera Strickland, Lynette Brown, Johnnie Baggett, Addie Lee Hall and Margie Parker and one brother, Walter Daniels.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Gwynne Daniels; three children, Zeta Gornick (Joe), Angie Gilmore (Mark) and Mike Daniels (Gena); five grandchildren, Rachel Parker, Brandon Gilmore, Chad Gornick, Justin Gilmore and Reagan Daniels; one great-grandson, Carson Parker; one brother, James W. Daniels; numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Doyle Mobley,Enzor Kimbro, Gary Bedgood, Charlie Martin, John W. Ellis, James Wiggins. Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond Gilmore and Lennie’s Sunday school class.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Brent Baptist Church Building Fund, 4801 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32503, or The Ronald McDonald House, 5200 Bayou Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32503.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2012, at East Brent Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Dale Patterson officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.
LS “Pete” Bartley
May 25, 2012
Mr. LS “Pete” Bartley, 77, passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2012, in Phillipsville, AL. Mr. Bartley was a native of Walnut Hill and a resident of Phillipsville for the past 34 years. He attended Walnut Hill Baptist Church. He was a woodworker, cabinetmaker and an avid gardener.
He is preceded in death by a son Bruce Bartley and grandson L. Shawn Bartley.
He is survived by his wife, Estelle Bartley of Phillipsville; four sons, Edwin (Carol) Bartley of Phillipsville, John Edward (Barbara) Ryland of Robinsonville, Ronnie (Viola) Ryland of Phillipsville, and Donnie (Amanda Marie Crain) Ryland of Bay Minette; daughter, Sherry R. (Reth) Smith of WhiteHouse Fork; two sisters, Martha (Adrian) Stacey of Atmore and Joyce Black of Texas; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Sunday, May 27, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Craig Hayles officiating. Burial will follow at the Walnut Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 26, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 p. m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Quincy Stacey, Larry Hayles, Barry Homan, Brandan Brlyski, David Garrett and Logan Smith.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements.