Century Blood Drive Canceled Due To Weather
January 26, 2012
A blood drive that was scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Century was canceled due to weather concerns. The Northwest Florida Blood Services blood drive will be rescheduled, and we will announce the new date and time here on NorthEscambia.com once it is available.
Molino Man Charged With Using Chair To Attack Girlfriend
January 26, 2012
A Molino man is charged with felony battery after allegedly attacking his girlfriend with a wooden chair.
John Carl Nellums, 36, allegedly threw the chair across the kitchen of the Molino Road apartment he shares with his live-in girlfriend. The 45-year old victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that Nellums had been drinking all day Sunday and began arguing with her. She said he picked up a wooden dining room chair and threw it at her with all of his strength. Due to a previously broken and jagged edge on the chair, the victim said her thigh bled profusely after being hit by the chair. She was left with a deep tissue wound, according to a Sheriff’s Office report.
The victim said she was unable to get up off the floor for about 30 minutes. When she did get up to drive herself to the hospital, Nellums told her that if she did not let him go with her, he would “burn the house down”, according to an arrest report.
Nellums, who was previously convicted of aggravated battery in 1996 and pleaded no contest to another felony battery charge just five days before the incident, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Cooler Temps
January 26, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind around 10 mph becoming west.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Calm wind.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming north between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. North wind around 5 mph.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 60. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming east between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
- Tuesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Wednesday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Wednesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Thursday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Photo: The ‘Welcome To Florida’ Sign Says Gov Scott Is A What?
January 26, 2012
Those souvenir photos in front of the “Welcome to Florida” sign on Highway 29 at the state line in Century have been a little more interesting for over a month, thanks to a vandal.
A little spray paint transformed the official greeting to “Governor PRick Scott”. According to Webster’s dictionary, the word “prick” is defined as “a spiteful or contemptible man often having some authority”. (And a note to the little boys and girls: While the word is only sometimes vulgar, it’s still not considered a polite word to use.)
Despite calls reporting the graffiti to the Florida Department of Transportation, the sign has been proudly politicizing about the governor since at least the middle of December.
Pictured: The “Welcome to Florida” sign greets travelers headed into the state on Highway 29 in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Releases Second Nine Weeks Honor Roll
January 26, 2012
The following students were named to the second nine weeks honor roll at Byrneville Elementary School:
Kindergarten: Mrs. Barberree
All Satisfactory:
Adrianna Atallah
Wyatt Everly
Nolin Godwin
Hank Grant
Josh Johnson
Jakyia Newton
Ryder Nolen
Tyler Riggs
Reygan Steadham
Kindergarten: Mrs. Rogers
All Satisfactory:
Alexa Castro
Riley Dawson
Caitlyn Dortch
Madalyn Grimes
Camron Howell
Bobbie -Sue Jarrell
Meredith Johnston
Tyson McBride
Jaden Newton
Aydan Smith
First Grade: Mrs. Dawson
All A’s:
Leah Anderson
Kayla Johnson
Emily Levins
Kaden Odom
Aubrey Stuckey
A’s and B’s:
Aloysia Dortch
Audrey Goetter
Chase Hampton
Aleigh Thornton
First Grade: Mrs. Thornton
All A’s:
Drake Allen Driskell
Jessica Loftis
A’s and B’s:
Hunter Barnes
C.J. Bell
Briana Dunsford
Marina Franklin
Jamarkus Jefferson
Emily Lambeth
Grace Long
Zane Rolin
Cheyanne Thomas
Savanah Watters
Second Grade: Mrs. Weaver
All A’s:
Hunter Borelli
Shelby Cotita
James Loftis
Dillon Spears
A’s and B’s:
Grace Blackmon
Bama Coburn
Tessa Flowers
Kaitlin Gafford
Taylor Levins
Torka Mills
Harley Walker
Third Grade: Mrs. Dunsford
All A’s:
Sophia Cotita
Maille Kilcrease
A’s and B’s:
Travon Brown
Logan Bryan
Brianna Colter
Alyssa Goldenpenny
Heather Knowles
Abigail Levins
Tyler Merchant
Ty Rolin
Chad Sager
Fourth Grade: Mrs. Gilmore/Mrs. Sellers
All A’s:
Ian Gifford
Alex Glidewell
A’s and B’s:
Madicyn Bell
Skyler Busbee
Jacob Coleman
Alexis Lee
Lea Nall
Valorie Padilla
Savannah Steadham
Nicky Trump
Samantha Walston
Olivia Watson
Fifth Grade: Mrs. Johnston
All A’s:
Kris Baxter
Rebecca Diamon
Paige Killam
Seth Killam
Tanner Levins
Alex McMinn
Courtney Payne
Destiny Payne
A’s and B’s:
Austin Adams
Jacob Borelli
Matthew Caine
Patton Goetter
Colby Graham
Gracie Johnson
Keyana Macks
Hunter Moseley
Sarah Nelson
Peyton Newsome
Faith Watters
Century Relay For Life Won’t Be Held This Year
January 26, 2012
For the first time in several years, there will not be a Relay for Life event in Century this year.
“Cancer has hit us hard here,” McCall said, nothing the passing of council member Nadine McCaw due to cancer. He encouraged former Century Relay for Life teams to join with the Jay Relay for Life this year. McCall said the Town of Century is working to start a team to participate in the Jay Relay.
According to B.J. Davis with the American Cancer Society, former and potential Century area relay teams are encouraged to join the Jay Relay event on the Great Escambia Relay at Tate High School.
The Jay Relay for Life will be held April 20 beginning at 6 p.m. at Jay High School. For more information or to sign up, click here.
The Greater Escambia Relay for Life will be held May 4 beginning at 6 p.m. at Tate High School. For more information or to sign up, click here.
There is also a Relay for Life held in Atmore beginning at 6 p.m. on April 27. For more information or to sign up, click here.
Pictured: Scenes from the 2011 Century Relay for Life which was moved indoors due to weather. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (Part Two)
January 26, 2012
Today, it’s part three of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2012.
Today we introduce you to the second of three sets of contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the third set of contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Ashley Renea’ Cunningham
Ashley is the 16-year old daughter of Andy and Christina Cunningham. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for three years and currently serves as treasurer. She was also elected by her peers as vice-president of the freshman class, as well as, vice-president of the junior class. Ashley has been a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She has been on the varsity cheerleading team for two years and currently holds the title of co-captain. She is also the recipient of the 2011-2012 Best All Around award.
Last year, Ashley was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court, where she was chosen Sophomore Class Maid. This year, she was again selected to represent her junior class on the Homecoming Court. She has been a member of the track team for three years, the Science Club for one year, and a member of the Future Farmers of America for two years. She has been a member of the dance team for one year, the weightlifting team for one year, and a member of S.W.A.N.S for two years. In track, Ashley was awarded the “Do it for the team” award and the “Heart” award. In her community, she is a member of the 4-H Club and won the title of 2011 Grand Champion in Steer and Heifer.
Her hobbies include showing cattle, playing tennis with her family, watching Harry Potter DVD’s, and going to Pensacola Beach with her amazing friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and obtain her degree in education and become a teacher. She also hopes to one day coach cheerleading.
Miss Hannah Elizabeth Gibson
Hannah is the 14-year old daughter of Steve and Kristy Gibson. In eighth grade, she was a member of the National Junior Honor Society and a member of the Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleading team where she held the title of captain. She was also the recipient of the “Best all around cheerleader” award for two years.
She was the 2011-2012 Poarch Creek Indian Junior Princess first alternate.
At Northview, Hannah is a junior varsity cheerleader and a member of the Spanish Club. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Her hobbies include cooking, gymnastics, boating, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and earn her degree to become an orthodontist.
Miss Morgan Nicole Digmon
Morgan is the 15-year old daughter of Mark and Tina Digmon. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, a member of the dance team for one year, and a member of the softball team for two years.
Last year, she was an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-star and was awarded the Miss Poise and Appearance award in the 2011 Miss NHS pageant. She has taken dance at Heather Leondard’s Danceworks for seven years and helps teach ballet as an assistant teacher. In her community, Morgan is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, where she takes part in the youth group program and choir.
Her hobbies include dancing, shopping, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college at Auburn University. After earning her degree, she hopes to one day start a family.
Miss Abigail Christie-Anne Odom
Abby is the 17-year old grand-daughter of James and Mildred Windham. She has been a member of the NHS drama department for two years and played “Susan” in their production of “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.” This year, she was chosen to be the heroine, “Wendy March,” in their production of “The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux.” She has been a member of the Art Club for two years and took first place at the Pensacola Art show. Abby was a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and held the title of captain. This year, she is on the varsity cheerleading team.
She has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for one year, the dance team for one year, and chorus for one year. Last year, Abby was selected to represent the junior class on the Homecoming Court. In the 2011 Miss NHS pageant, Abby was among the top ten contestants. She has taken dance for 15 years at Studio 43 in Mobile and volunteers her time as an assistant coach of the Northwest Escambia Mites cheerleaders. In her community, Abby is an active member of Enon Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include making jewelry, photography, taking dance, spending time with her cheer family, as well as, spending time with other loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College and then later transfer to a major university to pursue a degree in photography.
Miss Brittany Danyel Thompson
Brittany is the 18 year old daughter of Anthony and Alicia Thompson. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for four years, a member of the Interact Club for three years, and a member of S.W.A.N.S. for three years. Brittany has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for four years and has held the office of historian and treasurer. She was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team her sophomore year and has been on the varsity cheerleading team for two years. She was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Most Improved award.
She has been in the Spanish Club for one year, on the weightlifting team for one year, and in the Future Business Leaders of America for one year, where she held the office of treasurer. She participated in the Chief Challenge 5K run and also volunteers her time building houses with the Habitat for Humanity in Atmore, Alabama. Brittany has also volunteered her time working with children at Camp E.D.G.E. for Aldersgate Church.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, dancing, photography, spending time with family and friends, and watching her favorite television program: “American Horror Story.”
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College for two years and then transfer to Florida State University. While in attendance, she hopes to join an academic sorority.
Miss Ashley Nicole Mooney
Ashley is the 16-year old daughter of Scott and Sandy Mooney. She was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year, the junior varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, where she currently serves as treasurer. She was also voted freshman class treasurer and is currently the president of the junior class. Ashley has been a varsity cheerleader for two years, a varsity softball player for one year, and a member of the track team for one year.
She has been a member of Rho Kappa for one year, where she currently serves as treasurer, a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Beta Club for one year. She was an Academic All-star for the 2010-2011 school year. Ashley was selected to represent her class on the Homecoming Court her sophomore and junior year. In her community, she is an active member of Healing Waters Church and a member of the Panhandle Allstar Cheerlading Team. She has volunteered her time with the Relay For Life foundation and was also awarded the “Take Stock in Children” scholarship.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, softball, running track, riding horses, photography, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Florida State University and cheer while pursing her bachelor’s degree.
Miss Melissa Jayne Martinez Moretz
Melissa is the 18-year old daughter of James and Lisa Moretz. She has been a member of the track team for two years and a member of the NJROTC program for four years, where she held the position of executive officer for one year. Melissa has been a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band for four years and has held the title of drum major.
As a cadet for the NJROTC, she has received the American Legion Military Excellence award, the Military Order of the World Wars award, the Theodore Roosevelt Youth medal, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart award. Melissa was also recognized by the Pensacola Suburban West Rotary Club and was awarded for exhibiting core values.
Her hobbies include writing short stories and poems, painting, reading, singing, and playing various instruments including the piano, the clarinet, and the saxophone. Melissa also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend several different universities so that she can expand her knowledge in a broad range of subjects. She also intends on traveling and living in places that are out of her comfort zone. When she is done traveling, she hopes to open a jazz café with live music and delightful food.
Tiffany Nichole Pritchett
Tiffany is the 15-year old daughter of James Pritchett and Debbie Lee. She has been on the junior varsity volleyball team for two years and this year she was moved up to varsity at the end of the season. Tiffani has also been on the junior varsity softball team for one year. She was the recipient of the “Best Offensive Volleyball Player” award for 2011 and was also an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Star.
In her community, she has played softball for the Molino Ballpark team for seven years. She also volunteers her time to help coach the younger girls in softball. Tiffani is an active member of Pace Assembly of God Church.
Her hobbies include playing volleyball, playing softball, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University and pursue a medical degree. She hopes to one day become a pediatrician.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Battery Charge Dropped Against 13-Year Old Autistic Student
January 26, 2012
Charges have been dropped in the case of a 13-year old autistic boy accused of attacking his teacher.
Conner Brown had been charged with felony battery for hitting 57-year Kathy Roupe of Pensacola in the head with a set of headphones at Ferry Pass Middle School. She suffered a concussion.
The charge was dropped after prosecutors decided Brown was not competent to stand trial.
Brown is back in school, this time at East Hill Academy, a private school for children with autism and related disorders.
Bye Bye Potato Chips: Bill Would Eliminate Non-healthy Food From Aid Programs
January 26, 2012
A bill that would eliminate “non-healthy, non-staple” foods from those permitted under food assistance guidelines sparked a tart debate in the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
The bill (SB 1658), sponsored by committee Chairwoman Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, would prohibit people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program money from using their benefits to buy foods containing trans fats; sweetened drinks, including sodas; candy; pudding; popsicles; potato chips; pretzels and a wide array of baked goods from the list of items currently allowed for purchase with SNAP funding under federal guidelines. The measure would prevent SNAP recipients from using their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to buy the prohibited items.
“Should the taxpayer foot the bill for Mountain Dew?” asked Storms.
Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, said it’s not the state’s place to dictate people’s diets. “To me, it’s just too much government intervention.”
But Sen. Jack Latvala, R-St. Petersburg, said he hadn’t realized that SNAP recipients could buy such items and that Storms’ measure was long overdue.
“It breaks all of our hearts the way government is having to cut back on things that people are used to getting help from government on,” he said. “We’ve all had to vote for some painful cuts. I think what Sen. Storms is trying to do here is to say, ‘This is one way we could prioritize.’”
Detert said she would vote yes out of respect for Storms, but that many people don’t know how to cook from scratch and such training would be more useful to them.
“I’d rather see something pro-active and a lot more help to poor people,” she said. “A lot of kids think all food comes in a bag through a car window.”
Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, asked if the measure contained a definition of “unhealthy.”
“Potato chips are healthy, is that what your argument is?” Storms answered.
“I’m trying to determine, if I show up to the store with my EBT card, who at the store is going to determine what in my cart is unhealthy and by what definition?” said Gibson.
Storms said her bill calls for the Florida Department of Children and Families to make up the list of items that could be paid for by SNAP funding. But she agreed to drop the term “unhealthy” from her bill, and it passed in the committee 4-2. It now goes to the Senate Budget Committee, its last stop.
By The News Service of Florida
Winning $61,330 Fantasy 5 Ticket Sold In Area
January 26, 2012
A winning ticket in Tuesday night’s Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 drawing was sold near Jay.
The Quick Pick ticket, with numbers 7-8-23-34-36 , was sold at the Berrydale Kwik Mart at 13010 Highway 87 North. The ticket was one of four winning tickets in the drawing.
Each of the four winning tickets are worth $61,330.55 each. There were also 289 tickets with four correct numbers worth $136.50 each, and 10,292 with three of five numbers worth $10.50 each.
The other winning tickets were sold in Estero (two at the same BP station) and Miami.