Northview Track Meet, JV Baseball Canceled Today, JV And Varsity Canceled For Friday
February 23, 2012
A track meet scheduled for this afternoon at Northview High School has been canceled due to wet track conditions. A JV baseball game set for 4 p.m. has also been canceled, along with varsity and JV games scheduled for Friday.
The next scheduled track meet is March 6 at 4 p.m. at Northview. Central, Jay, J.U. Blacksher and Escambia Academy are scheduled to participate.
Both the JV and varsity baseball teams were scheduled travel to Freeport on Friday, but were canceled Thursday afternoon due to a Freeport scheduling problem.
Cancer Scam: Chris Luker Charges To Be Dropped; Wife Sonja Faces Trial
February 23, 2012
Charges will be dropped in the next few days against the husband in the Molino couple accused of faking the wife’s cancer diagnosis for financial gain, according to prosecutors.
Gerald “Chris” Luker entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors under which he made restitution to each identifiable victim, and, in turn, charges against him were to be dismissed.
“The evidence indicated that he believed that his wife had cancer,” Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said Wednesday, “and that he was not criminally involved.”
Sonja Luker is still facing trial next month and has no plea agreement available to her from prosecutors, Marcille said. Sonja Luker is charged with felony fraud; a previous grand theft charge against her was dropped in May 2011.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, numerous fundraisers were held between May 2004 and October 2010 that raised over $19,000. Sheriff’s investigators found that about $14,000 was used in 2009 to avoid foreclosure on their home in the 4700 block of Pine Circle Drive and about $4,000 in cash was used by Chris Luker to purchase a 1997 Harley motorcycle, according to an arrest report.
Chris Luker provided the funds to make restitution to those that donated to the “Sonja Luker Kickin Cancer Fund” and checks were mailed to victims over the past week. Victims that made donations by check received the full amount of the original donation.
By tracing bank deposits, prosecutors found $8,506.81 in donations that were made in cash by unknown donors to Sonja Luker. Chris Luker agreed to make an equal donation of $8,506.81 to the American Cancer Society “with the intent of the original donors to support the cure for cancer,” according to a letter that known victims received from the State Attorney’s Office.
Under the plea agreement, Chris Luker will be unable to claim a tax deduction for his donation to the American Cancer Society.
Pictured top: Sonja and Chris Luker (in black shirts) are seen in a 2009 NorthEscambia.com photo from a motorcycle ride fundraiser that benefited her alleged fight against cancer. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Republican Women’s Club To Host District 5 Commission Candidate Forum
February 23, 2012
The Escambia Federated Republican’s Women’s Club will host an Escambia County Commission District 5 candidate forum next week.
The forum will feature four of the five Republican candidates seeking the seat of incumbent Kevin White, who dropped out of the race last week.
Sam Archer, Glenn Austin, Steven Barry and Jim Taylor are scheduled to take part in the forum Monday at 11:30 a.m. at New World Landing in Pensacola. The cost, including lunch, is $15 for club members and $18 for non-members. Payment will be accepted by cash or check at the door.
For more information or to RSVP, email efrwcrsvp@gmail.com or call Leslie Ingram at (850) 723-3820.
School Prayer Bill Passes Final House Committee Stop
February 23, 2012
A bill allowing inspirational messages in public schools appeared to be on the cusp of becoming law Wednesday, as the last House committee to consider the bill approved the measure.
The House Judiciary Committee’s move sends the bill (SB 98) to the House floor; if it passes there without being amended, the measure would head to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature.
Supporters of the measure say that it simply restores the constitutional rights of students by allowing them to decide — without input from school officials — whether an inspirational message should be delivered at school events. Local school boards could decide whether to enact rules allowing the inspirational messages.
“The bill is sorely needed to protect students from the war against religious liberty and free speech,” said John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council, which had voiced concerns about an earlier version of the measure. “The Florida ACLU, the Anti-Defamation League and other left leaning group’s opposition to this bill even after amended is intellectually dishonest, inconsistent with classical liberalism and really exposes their hostility toward religion as expressed by private citizens in the public square.”
But opponents say the measure is little more than a stalking horse for religious messages.
“The reality is, it’s nothing more than a euphemism for prayer,” said Rep. Richard Steinberg, D-Miami Beach. “It’s because we can’t say ‘prayer’ in a bill, because we know that the courts will strike it immediately.”
And that, they say, will land the state in court to defend the measure even as revenues for defending such challenges dwindles.
“Religious issues and government generate lots of litigation,” said Pamela Burch Fort with the ACLU of Florida. “And if this measure is enacted, it will invite litigation.”
David Barkey, religious freedom counsel for the Anti-Defamation League, labeled the measure “un-American” in a statement issued after the vote.
“Our public schools are about uniting children as Americans and not dividing along religious lines,” Barkley said.
Supporters pushed back on those notions. Rep. Charles Van Zant, the Keystone Heights Republican who’s handling the measure in the House, emphasized that nothing in the bill requires prayer.
“This bill doesn’t mention it — and I didn’t, either,” Van Zant said.
And KrisAnne Hall, a former prosecutor fired for speaking at tea-party gatherings two years ago, blasted the reasoning that the state should reject the measure to avoid litigation.
“Do not shy away from standing for constitutional rights simply because there may be a threat of challenge,” Hall told the committee.
By The News Service of Florida
Northview High Observes Black History Month (Photos)
February 23, 2012
Northview High School marked Black History Month Wednesday with a program “Black Light: Embracing Diversity & Celebrating Contributions.”
Guest speaker Eugene Franklin, founder and CEO of the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of education to the students, along with cultural understanding.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Born into segregation, Franklin (pictured left) said he had no hope of becoming anything in life that would make a difference, despite his dream to do something important like the great men of modern history.
But the draft and the U.S. Navy changed Franklin’s outlook on life and he learned to appreciate diverse cultures. “It was the greatest thing that ever happened to me,” he said. “I gained a new vision of how the world works.”
“I knew then that one day America would live up to its creed that all people are created equal.”
“We need to learn to appreciate our differences and base our judgments on culture,” he said, “and not look at race.”
“History is being made today by each and every one of you,” Franklin told the Northview students. “Do everything you can to make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Also during the program, Cultural Diversity essay award winners were announced:
- 9th grade: Samantha Sharpless, first place;Tony Puente, honorable mention
- 10th grade: Talana Heathcock, first place; Katelynne Calloway, honorable mention
- 12th grade: Jamila Codrington, first place
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: Briana Harris performs during a Black History Month program Wednesday at Northview High School. Pictured inset: Guest speaker Eugene Franklin. Pictured below: Students perform during the event. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Celebrates FFA Week With Breakfast (Photos)
February 23, 2012
FFA students at Ernest Ward Middle School did their part to celebrate National FFA Week with a Wednesday morning breakfast for faculty and staff.
Students cooked a breakfast of eggs, grits, biscuits, bacon, sausage and more for the EWMS faculty and staff.
Pictured: FFA students at Ernest Ward Middle School provide breakfast for the school’s faculty and staff Wednesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Laura Jackson Is Jim Allen’s Teacher Of Year; 5 County Finalists Named
February 23, 2012
Laura Jackson was named the Jim Allen Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Jackson, who teaches the fifth grade at Jim Allen, was also chosen as one of the Top 10 teachers in Escambia County.
Teachers of the year are chosen by the faculty and staff at each school in the county. The Escambia County Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual Golden Apple Awards Dinner tonight in Pensacola.
The five finalists for Escambia County Teacher of the Year are: Fran Cook, Helen Caro Elementary; Marjorie Stradley, West Florida High School; Jeffrey Pribble, Escambia High School;
Terri Perniam N.B. Cook Elementary School; and Catherine Rudd, Scenic Heights Elementary.
Two Women Charged In 2011 Home Invasion
February 23, 2012
Two Escambia County women are charged in a home invasion that took place in December 2011.
Investigators say Verna Rosa Malia Sealey, 36, and Leandra Yvette Austin, 25, were armed with a shotgun with they forced their way into home near Ensley on the night of December 7. They reportedly ordered the resident to the floor, asking “Where is the money?”.
When the victim denied having any money, Austin allegedly struck him several times with the shotgun. The suspects searched through the home and fled with the victim’s cordless phone. The victim received minor injuries and declined medical attention.
Investigators received a tip that Sealey and Austin were responsible for the home invasion. During the investigation, it was learned that both Austin and Sealey were currently in jail on robbery charges for robbing a Circle K within the city limits. The Pensacola Police Department was able to apprehend them shortly after that robbery.
Investigators said that Sealey and Austin still had the phone that was taken during the home invasion at the time of the Circle K robbery.
Both women were charged with home invasion robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. They are currently being held in the Escambia County Jail. With additional charges of robbery, intimidation and drug possession, Sealey’s bond is set at $387,700. Austin, who is also charged with robbery, burglary and larceny, is being held without bond due to a probation violation.
Poarch Creeks Receive $1.85 Million Housing Grant
February 23, 2012
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians have been awarded a $1.85 million Indian Housing Block Grant.
The $1,859,361 grant from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is intended to primarily benefit low-income families living on Indian reservations or in other communities. The award to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians was part of $108 million in additional Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) allocations to 68 tribes in 19 states announced Tuesday.
“These funds are making a real difference in tribal communities each and every day,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Projects include affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, community centers and safety programs that every community needs to thrive. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to ensure Native American communities can build their economies in response to their needs and as they see fit.”
Eligible activities for the funds include housing development, assistance to housing developed under the Indian Housing Program, housing services to eligible families and individuals, crime prevention and safety, and model activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing problems.
JV Aggies Fall To West Florida
February 23, 2012
The junior varsity Tate Aggies lost to West Florida High’s Jaguars in Wednesday night baseball action, 7-2.
With the loss, the JV Aggies are 3-1 on the season.
The JV Aggies will be in action again Thursday evening at 4:30 at Washington High School. Varsity action will follow at 7 p.m.