Wanda Bevens
February 10, 2012
Wanda Bevens, 80, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 2, 2012. She was born October 20, 1931, in McDavid to Wm. C. (Clint) Rigby and Agnes Byrd Rigby. She grew up in Century; graduated from Century High School and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Pensacola.
She was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Colorado Springs, CO, where she has been an active member for many years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Maleaze Butler and her brother, Hoytte Rigby.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Grant Bevens of Colorado Springs; sisters, Jean Mayo and Dee (Roger) Enzor of Pensacola; sisters-in-law, Marie Gardner, Lucille Baughman and Myrna Bevens of Colorado Springs and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 3 pm Friday, February 10, 2012, at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery in Bogia.
Memorial contributions may be made to Living Hope Church, 640 Manitou Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 or to the charity of your choice .
Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Jimmy Pospiech
February 10, 2012
On February 7, 2012, Jimmy Pospiech, beloved son, cherished brother, adored cousin and treasured friend passed beyond the reach of our smiles, hugs, love and good wishes. Jimmy was larger than life for all who came in contact with him. Never meeting a stranger in any of his travels; always returning to his favorite state of Florida with more friends than he left with. His laughter, dry humor, quick wit and generous spirit are part of his legacy to every life he touched and will remain with us through the rest of our lives.
Jimmy was a 1982 graduate of Jay High School. He was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church. He is much remembered as the drum major of the Jay High School Marching band from 1979-1982. Jimmy was a graduate from Florida State University and a proud member of the Florida State Marching Chiefs. He was a resident of Tallahassee from 1982 until he returned to his home town of Jay in 2010 to be closer to his family. Jimmy enjoyed the social and amiable atmosphere of The Fish House, where he had been employed since his return to Northwest Florida.
He is survived by his parents, Ted and Jean Pospiech, his sister Janet Pospiech and innumerable cousins and friends.
Jimmy will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2012, at Jay Funeral Home with Rev. Earle Green and Rev.Wayne Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Coldwater Cemetery. A visitation will be one hour prior from 1-2 p.m.. The family would like to thank the community and friends for their compassion and love giving to our family during this time.
Minor Fire At UWF
February 9, 2012
Firefighters responded to a small fire Thursday morning in the gym building at the University of West Florida.
The fire reportedly began in a laundry room about 11 a.m. and was quickly extinguished. Firefighters remained on the scene to clear smoke from the building.
The building was evacuated during the fire; there were no injuries reported.
Keith Alan Fleger
February 9, 2012
Keith Alan Fleger was called to his eternal home with the Lord on February 6, 2012. Keith was a lifelong resident of Pensacola, Florida. Keith was a 35 year employee of International Paper Company. Some of his favorite pass times were golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marjorie Fleger, and his sister, Sue Schnarr.
Keith is survived by his wife of 15 years, Debra Willis Fleger; stepdaughter, Angela Bouzios (Nick); stepson, Johnny Jones (Andrea); a sister, Joy Mitchell; six grandchildren; a very special nephew, Duerwood A. Willis, as well as many other special family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Mark Nettles, Jeffrey Ginwright, David Smallwood, Lamar Wiggins, Jim Hual, and Phil Nix.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Larry Huff officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery.
10 Years Community Control, Probation For Meth Lab
February 9, 2012
A Cantonment man has been sentenced to a total of 10 years community control and probation in connection with a meth lab found at a Cantonment home last year.
Adjudication was withheld in the case of Robert Edward Raines. He was sentenced by judge Michael Allen to 18 months community control to be followed by 8.5 years of probation. He was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service at 10 hours per month.
Raines was charged with possession of methamphetamines with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of listed chemicals with the intent to manufacture a control substance.
In February 2011, deputies reported finding Raines inside a home in the 1100 block of Muscogee Road with an active methamphetamine lab.
Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Over Equestrian Center Hiring
February 9, 2012
The Florida Commission on Ethics announced Wednesday that it dismissed a complaint filed against several Escambia County officials over the hiring of Forest Gibbs as marketing coordinator for the Escambia Equestrian Center.
The complaint by Escambia County resident Jim C. Hunt was filed against Commissioner Wilson Robertson and three members of a hiring committee that originally gave the job to Gibbs. Those staffers were Assistant County Administrator Larry Newsom, Human Resources Supervisor Barbara Keyser, and Chief of Recreation and Special Services Michael Rhodes.
The ethics commission dismissed the complaint due to lack of legal sufficiency.
Gibbs held the Equestrian Center job for about two weeks in October until being fired by County Administrator Randy Oliver following a complaint that Robertson influenced his hiring and landed Gibbs a $63,000 salary, which was higher than was advertised. The commission, including Robertson, called for a state investigation into the process. The State Attorney found no wrongdoing.
Gibbs filed suit in Escambia County Circuit Court against Commissioners Kevin White, Marie Young and Grover Robinson claiming that he was qualified and they improperly removed him from his new job. The suit does not name Escambia County as a defendant. Gene Valentino, who was not at a county meeting in which the board considered the matter, is also not being sued.
Gibbs is seeking unnamed damages in excess of $15,000 plus legal and court costs from White, Young and Robinson.
After re-advertising the position, Pamela Mauldwin of Milton was hired as Equestrian Center manager. She will begin her job on February 28.
Fannie Road Wreck Injures One
February 9, 2012
One person was injured in a single vehicle accident Wednesday night near Century.
The accident happened about 10:15 p.m. on Fannie Road near Carnley Road just northeast of Century. The driver of a GMC SUV apparently lost control and overturned off the roadway. The driver was transported to Jay Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Flomaton Fire Department responded to the crash because dispatchers originally believed the accident was in Alabama. The Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded.
Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Gov. Scott Appoints Darlene Dickey Of Molino To Escambia Court
February 9, 2012
Darlene F. Dickey, of Molino, was appointed Wednesday to the Escambia County Court by Gov. Rick Scott.
Dickey, 41, has been general counsel for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. Previously, she practiced with Bozeman, Jenkins and Matthews P.A. from 2003 to 2005 after three years as an assistant state attorney with the First Judicial Circuit.
After completing a bachelor’s degree, she served five years as a law enforcement officer, first with the University of West Florida Police Department, and later as a field training officer with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Dickey received a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and a law degree from Florida State University.
“Throughout Darlene’s career, she has gained valuable experience listening to all sides of the issues in order to gain the understanding needed to resolve conflicts, “Gov. Scott said. “Her willingness and ability to apply sound and restrained legal analysis will serve the people of Escambia County well.”
Dickey will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge John F. Simon to the First Judicial Circuit.
Standing Strong: NJROTC Annual Inspection Held (With Photo Gallery)
February 9, 2012
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held Wednesday at the school, with cadets undergoing face to face scrutiny.
The inspecting officer was Captain Maria Majar, MSC, Executive Officer for the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center in Pensacola. Accompanying her was the Command Master Chief, HMCM (SW) Timothy Perkett.
The day’s events began with a personnel inspection, drill demonstration and a pass-in-review in the school gym. Other events Wednesday included a financial record review, briefings, administrative inspections, supply inspections and more.
“I was absolutely impressed with all of the cadets,” Majar said. “They should all be very, very, extremely proud of themselves.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
About half of the cadets were recognized as “outstanding” in their uniforms. Those receiving the Outstanding Personal Appearance Award were: Jordyn Dunsford, Brittany Martin, Dylan Cartwright, Talia Syria, Haley Maddox, Andrea Miles, Victoria Wright, Kasie Braun, Kira Cartwright, Courtney Jones, Jeniya Odom, Lakelynn Parker, Tori Jordan, Dakota Craft, Kelsea Cohen, Jasmine Maher, Kayla Nahkala, Johnny Robbins, Cheyenne Godwin, Jaylen Parker, Kyle Hunter, Miranda Morris, Shauna Walker, Aaliyah Creamer, Kayla Miles, Amber Francis, Sean Allister, Natassja Scott, Ashley Joiner, Irene Stewart, Angelique Brown, Christina Donald, Jarrett Parker, Garrett Turner, Lane Carnley, Blaze Harkness, Michelle Carnley, Kent Smith and Cari Thompson.
Pictured: Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection Wednesday morning at the school. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cooler Weather Forecast
February 9, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: Isolated showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Friday Night: Scattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a north wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 24. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 51. North wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. East wind around 5 mph.
- Monday: Isolated showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Monday Night: Scattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Tuesday: Scattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
- Wednesday: Isolated showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 20%.