Lady Royals Advance To Historic State Championship Game

May 8, 2012

The Jay Lady Royals rallied top beat Port St. Joe 7-5 Monday in the state semifinal round to reach the Class 1A state championship game today.

Update: Jay lost to Lafayette Tuesday afternoon 12-9. A previous story is below.

Port St. Joe took an early 3-0 lead Monday afternoon in the first inning. In the bottom of the first, senior Tessa Hendricks knocked a solo homer over the fence of the National Training Center to make it 3-1.

The Lady Royals were on fire in the bottom of the second with four runs for a 5-3 Jay lead. The Royals had RBI singles from Olivia Wright, Tessa Hendricks and Ashlyn Geek.

Port St. Joe made it a tie game in the third with a couple of a RBI singles, 5-5.

The fourth and five innings were scoreless.

In the sixth inning, the Lady Royals added two. Olivia Wright had a single and made second on sacrifice bunt by Ashlyn Geek. Tessa Hendricks was walked. Then Port St. Joe committed a grave error on a fly to right, allowing the ball to roll to the fence. That sent Wright and Hendricks across the plate.

Then with three up and three down for Port St. Joe in the seventh, the Lady Royals secured the chance at the state championship game on Tuesday.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News, Sports, TOP sports

Services Announced For Retired Fire Chief Robert Stewart

May 8, 2012

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Robert Stewart, the former chief of the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department who passed away on Sunday at age 62.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 6–9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore with the Rev. Homer Stewart and Rev. Kevin Stott officiating. Burial will follow at the Godwin Cemetery in Bratt.

Stewart will receive a full fireman’s funeral. His coffin will be carried atop an Escambia Fire Rescue truck along the funeral route — from Petty Eastside Chapel on Highway 31 west of Atmore, through downtown Atmore along Highway 21 to Highway 97 in Florida, and west on Highway 4 to Godwin Cemetery. The public is invited to line the funeral procession route to pay respects to the man that first began answering fire calls 35 years ago.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Cantonment Rotary Foundation Ted Ciano Memorial Golf Tournament Planned

May 8, 2012

The Cantonment Rotary Club will host the second annual Cantonment Rotary Foundation Ted Ciano Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, May 11 at the Scenic Hills Country Club in Pensacola.

“Mr C,” as he was affectionately known throughout Florida’s Panhandle, was a longtime member and past president of the Cantonment Rotary Club and was the driving force behind the establishment of the Cantonment Rotary Foundation. The Foundation presents at least eight scholarships per year as part of an endowed scholarship program, provides funding for the Miracle League, Council on Aging, Honor Flights, Loaves & Fishes, and numerous other local charities, as well as international projects through Rotary International Matching Grants.

The golf tournament is the primary funding source for the Cantonment Foundation and requires not only the dedicated efforts of club members, but also the support of the community. Tee sign sponsors, door prizes, and sponsored teams are the essential elements of any golf tournament.

The format is a four person scramble with the usual prizes for “closest to the pin”, “longest drive”, etc. In addition, every player receives a nice door prize. Last year’s door prizes ranged from $25 gift certificates, to an exquisite diamond ring from Jeweler’s Trade Shop. No one left empty handed and some were fortunate enough to get more than one door prize.

In addition to the first place prize, the winning team will have their names placed on the Ted Ciano Trophy which is permanently housed at Scenic Hills Country Cluband will also receive a fee paid invitation to defend their title in the 2013 tournament. The field will be limited to 32 four-person teams. To participate, contact Paul Fredrick at (850) 384-9745 or email ears_1@cox.net.

The Cantonment Rotary Foundation Ted Ciano Memorial Golf Tournament is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News, Sports, TOP sports

Robert Leon Stewart

May 8, 2012

Mr. Robert Leon Stewart, Jr., 62, passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2012, at his home in Bratt.

Mr. Stewart was a native and lifelong resident of Bratt. Mr. Stewart was retired from Masland Carpet Plant after 42 years of service. He was in the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Century Masonic Lodge #213, Pinebarren Creek Hunting Club, Bratt Ruritan Club, and assistant scout master at Bratt, and he was the past president and board member of the Bratt-Davisville Water System.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruth Stewart and grandchildren, William Adam, Robert Nicholas and Ashley Nicole.

He is survived by his wife of 43½ years, Diann Thortis Stewart of Bratt; son Sam Stewart of Bratt; daughter and son-in-Law, Kelly and Jeff Kennedy of Romoland, CA; four sisters, Mildred (Walt) Dzurus of Longwood, FL, Neita Smith of Atmore, Myrna (Ray) Hodgen of Atmore and Jackie (David) Johnson of Bratt; two grandchildren, Private Tanner Kennedy of Fort Benning, GA, and Andrew Kennedy of Romoland, CA, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore with the Rev. Homer Stewart and Rev. Kevin Stott officiating. Burial will follow at the Godwin Cemetery in Bratt.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 6–9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be members of the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Pinebarren Creek Hunting Club.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries

Wahoos Fall 3-2 In 12

May 8, 2012

The Blue Wahoos led most of the way, but needed a ninth inning run to force extra innings before Keenan Wiley scored from third on a wild pitch with two outs in the 12th inning giving the Mississippi Braves the 3-2 win over Pensacola.

The Wahoos went up 1-0 when Joel Guzman unloaded for his fourth home run of the season in the top of the second. Mark Serrano kept it that way by working five shutout innings in his first start of the season. Mississippi tied the game in the seventh on an RBI single by Ian Gac which drove home Matt Kennelly from second. The hit was off Drew Hayes, though Clayton Tanner got charged with the run.

Mississippi took the lead with a solo home run by Evan Gattis to make it 2-1. Pensacola capitalized on a leadoff walk by Didi Gregorius in the ninth to tie the game and send it into extra innings. Josh Ewing drew a pinch hit walk to load the bases before Koyie Hill worked a walk from Ryan Butcher to force home Gregorius and tie the game.

It stayed tied until the 12th. After a double steal put runners at second and third, Chris Manno (0-1) threw a wild pitch which scored Wiley from third. Hill’s throw to Manno covering home looked to be ahead of the runner, but the ball got away allowing Wiley to get in safely for the winning run.

Henry Rodriguez waited until the top of the 12th to collect his first hit of the game, a double to right field, and extend his hit streak to a league-leading 15 games. Brodie Greene led the way for the Wahoos offensively with a four-hit game.

Manno was charged with the loss after allowing the winning run to score in the 12th after recording two outs. Chris Masters (1-1) earned the win for the Braves. He allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless 12th inning.

The series continues on Tuesday night with the first pitch set for 7:00 p.m. from Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss. Right-hander Kyle Lotzkar will make his Double-A debut for the Blue Wahoos after earning a promotion at the end of the Blue Wahoos homestand. He will be opposed by Mississippi left-hander Sean Gilmartin (0-4, 3.55).

By Tommy Thrall

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News, Sports, TOP sports

Rain Possible Today, Wednesday

May 8, 2012

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming north between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 82. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 53. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive

Busted In Bed: US Marshals Nab Escambia Fugitive In Milton

May 8, 2012

The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force caught up with a wanted Pensacola man Monday while he was sleeping in a hotel room one county away from where he was being sought.

Escambia County fugitive Dexter Antonio Locke awoke to Task Force officers standing over him Monday at the Red Roof Inn located at Avalon Boulevard and I-10 in Santa Rosa County.

After he was placed under arrest by the Task Force, a powdery substance what is believed to be almost quarter pound of cocaine, several thousand dollars in cash and some marijuana were found in the room, according to U.S. Marshals.

An unidentified 18-year old female was also present in the room but was not charged.

Locke iwas wanted in Escambia County on a warrant from September of 2011 revoking his bond on an arrest in which he was charged with trafficking heroin and cocaine.

Task Force Officers from FDLE, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties as well as Defuniak Police Department arrested Locke without incident around 12:30. It is unknown at this time what additional charges Locke will face. The apparent drugs and cash were turned over to Santa Rosa Narcotics Unit, which also assisted in the arrest.

The Marshals received this case about a month ago and have been following leads between the two counties. At times, the Task Force would conduct surveillance at this hotel and Monday they caught their break, according to a news released.

Once they confirmed it was Locke in themotel room, they immediately moved in. No resistance was met at the door as they were let in by the female. Locke was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

Richard E. “Ricky” Richburg, Sr.

May 8, 2012

Richard E. “Ricky” Richburg, Sr., age 63, of Milton, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2012. He was born January 12, 1949, in Century, FL to the late Pascal & Sarah Sprow Richburg.

Ricky was a U.S. Army Veteran and of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, the true love of his life was his family, the heartstrings of joy in his life were his grandchildren and great grandchild.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 42 years, Pamela Yuhasz Richburg; three sons, Richard E. (Bonnie) Richburg, Jr., John (Krickett) Richburg, all of Milton, and Morgan (Kristy) Richburg of Holt; 12 grandchildren, one great grandchild; a brother, Bill Richburg of North Carolina; five sisters, Ann Cook of Beulah, Jennifer Arnette of Bay Minette, Mary Williams of Cantonment, Paul Jo Rayles of North Carolina and Donna Morris of Cantonment.

Private graveside services will be held at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.
Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries

Donald Lyvon Phillips, Sr.

May 8, 2012

Donald Lyvon Phillips, Sr., 75, of Jay died Sunday, May 6, 2012, at his home surrounded by his wife and three daughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli “Bud” and Sadie Phillips; son, Donald L Phillips, Jr.; brother, Gerald Phillips and father-in-law, Floyd White.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Sharon White-Phillips; three daughters, Tammy Snelson, Kimi Smith and Carmen (John) Gustafson; grandchildren, Nate Phillips, Summer Alford, Lynzi (Frankie) Dyess, Jessica (Brian) Varner, Nick Snelson, Sydney Snelson, Jenny Gustafson and Lukas Snelson; great-grandchild, Dustin Dyess; sister, Maxine (John L.) Jones; special mother-in-law, Mary Dell White and many nieces and nephews.

Lyvon was born August 28, 1936, in Brewton and lived in the Berrydale community all his life. He was a building contractor and used his talents to help many friends and neighbors in the community. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He was known as one of the “great storytellers” of all time.

Funeral services will be held at Jay Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 2 p.m. with burial following at Walling Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Jay Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, from 6-8 p.m.

Active pallbearers will be Keith Jones, Nate Phillips, Nick Snelson, Lukas Snelson, Adam White and Justin White.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. C. David Smith, Jimmy White, Glenn White, Mark Phillips, Jerry Phillips, Mallory Cooley, Randy Cooley, Billy Morrell, Bobby Hicks, Duke Vunovich, Curtis Peaden, Hansel Prescott, Robert Ingram, Bobby Hicks, Harold Thompson and Huey Gay.

A special thank you to Dr. C. David Smith and staff, and Covenant Hospice employees, Tracey, Trish, Cathy and Kevin. Also, a very special thanks to niece, Paige Baxley and mother-in-law, Mary Dell White for their loving and compassionate care.

Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries

Escambia Honors Shining Stars

May 8, 2012

The Greater Escambia Community Foundation and WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, presented the Shining Star Award to 39 Escambia County elementary students in a ceremony Sunday afternoon at WSRE’s Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio on the main campus of Pensacola State College.

Area principals and teachers selected the winners based on good citizenship, community service and adherence to the core values of the Escambia County School District: equality, responsibility, integrity, respect, honesty and patriotism. Each winner was awarded a certificate of achievement and a new bicycle and helmet.

From the North Escambia area, recipients (pictured at bottom of page) were: