No Charges In Grand Jury Probe Of I-10 Tree Removal, Evers’ Emails
January 18, 2012
No charges will be filed by a Tallahassee grand jury that looked into the removal 2,094 state-owned trees along Interstate 10 without paying the usual fees .
The trees were cut down by Bill Salter Outdoor Advertising and conservationists had alleged Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, then a member of the House, had influenced the state Department of Transportation to allow the billboard company to remove them.
Part of the investigation included emails to Evers in which the Bill Salter asked for help on the issue. Evers in turn lobbied then-Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Kopelousos on behalf of the company.
Evers has said publicly that he was simply helping a constituent.
Sample Ballots Are In The Mail For Jan. 31 Presidential Primary
January 18, 2012
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David H. Stafford said Tuesday that sample ballots for the January 31 Presidential Preference Primary are being mailed to Escambia County voters.
The sample ballot includes a ballot image, the voter’s polling location, instructions on marking their ballot, and information on early voting, absentee voting, and voting on Election Day. A sample ballot is also available at EscambiaVotes.com. While only registered Republicans can vote in that party’s primary for President, all voters, regardless of party, can vote on the countywide EDATE referendum.
Voters have three different ways to cast their ballot:
By Mail: Voters may vote by mail using an absentee ballot, which can be requested through the online form at EscambiaVotes.com, or by contacting the Supervisor of Elections by mail, phone (850-595-3900), e-mail (absentee@escambiavotes.com), or fax (850-595-3914). Requests must include the voter’s date of birth and the address, and must be received no later than Wednesday, January 25. Voted ballots must be received in the Elections Office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day and may not be returned to a polling location on Election Day. Absentee voters may track the status of their ballot at EscambiaVotes.com by clicking Track My Ballot.
Early Voting: Early voting will be available Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.; and from Monday, January 23 through Saturday, January 28 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Early voters will cast paper ballots through our digital scanners, and may choose any one of the four sites:
- Supervisor of Elections Main Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor
- Supervisor of Elections Annex, 292 Muscogee Road, Cantonment
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
- Tryon Branch Library*, 1200 Langley Avenue *As a result of the renovations of the downtown library, the Tryon Branch will be used instead of the Genealogy Branch.
At Your Precinct: The third option for voters is to cast a paper ballot at their precinct on Election Day, January 31, using our digital scanners. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. A touchscreen is also available at each polling place and early voting site for persons with disabilities.
Voters are reminded to bring their photo and signature ID with them to the polls, and are encouraged to contact the Elections Office by phone or e-mail with any questions.
Molino Man Gets Prison Time For Meth Lab
January 18, 2012
A Molino man has been sentenced to state prison on charges related to a meth lab found last year at his Molino Road home.
Sheldon Dewayne Flowers, 29, was sentenced by Judge Jan Shackleford to three years in prison with a minimum mandatory of three years, and court costs were set at over $50,000.
Flowers was originally arrested in February 2011 and charged with trafficking methamphetamine,, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a listed chemical.
The arrest came after Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit discovered a meth laboratory inside a home at 484 Molino Road. According to their report, deputies found methamphetamine, numerous items used in the manufacture of meth and a stolen Rug Doctor cleaning machine.
Deputies also said they discovered a Mason jar containing enough methamphetamine liquid to produce well over 200 grams of meth, along with a large “one pot” meth lab.
Stephanie Flowers of Molino was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with the meth lab discovery. Charges against her were later dropped.
Pictured above: A meth lab was located at a home in the 200 block on Molino Road in February 2011. Pictured below: Alleged liquid meth was found in the Mason jar below. Investigators transferred the liquid into the smaller plastic bottle for evidence. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Arbor Day: 1,650 Trees To Be Given Away
January 18, 2012
In celebration of Florida’s Arbor Day, three agencies will giveaway 1,650 trees at events in Century and Warrington during the next couple of days.
Escambia County, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) Extension, and Florida Forestry Service will giveaway Shumard Oak, Bald Cypress, River Birch, Mayhaw, Chickasaw Plum and Wax Myrtle seedlings.
The first event will be held on Thursday in the Agricultural Building at the corner of Industrial Boulevard and West Highway 4 in Century from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The second event will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Jones Swamp Preserve Trail entrance at 198 Patton Drive, near the intersection of Brigadier and Patton Drive in Warrington.
Extension Master Gardeners will also be available to advise participants on tree types and tree placement in the landscape. The Arbor Day Celebration is funded through the U. S. Department of Agriculture and Florida Forestry Service with a grant administered by Escambia County Community & Environment Department.
For more information, contact county arborist Jimmie Jarratt at 595-3535 or jnjarrat@co.escambia.fl.us.
Florida Senate Pushing Ahead With Budget – For Now
January 18, 2012
Senate leaders continued Tuesday to leave open the possibility of delaying the end of the legislative session until they get more definitive word on what the state’s revenue picture will look like in the budget year that begins July 1.
“We are actively working on completing a budget on time,” said Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island. “That is our unquestioned goal.”
But at the same time, Haridopolos and other Senate leaders said they were still wary of some of the volatility in individual revenue streams, even after state economists said last week they were relatively confident in the latest revenue estimates, which still leaves the Legislature facing a nearly $2 billion budget shortfall.
“At the end of the day, we’re here not to race a clock,” said Senate Budget Chairman J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, “but to do a good, quality job of taking the best available information to make the best possible decisions about spending the taxpayers’ dollars in a way that keeps our economy moving and meets our needs as best we possibly can.”
Haridopolos and Alexander made the comments at a joint media availability with Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, one of the leaders of a movement to get senators behind a letter giving Haridopolos what Gaetz described as a “vote of confidence” on working out the budget endgame. Gaetz said every member of the Senate who had seen the letter so far has signed on.
By The News Service of Florida
Two More ‘Operation Anything For A Buck’ Arrests
January 18, 2012
Two more Escambia County men have been arrested as part of Operation Anything for A Buck.
The undercover sting was conducted out of a store in which undercover officers would buy firearms and drugs.
Allah Farod Baldwin turned himself in at the Escambia County Jail Sunday morning on three outstanding warrants for selling cocaine to an undercover officer three different times. He was being held with bond set at $75,000.
D’Andre Lydell Robinson was arrested at Forest Creek Apartments on Patton Drive on outstanding federal indictment for selling an undercover officer a firearm during the undercover operation. Robinson also had an outstanding warrant for his involvement in the robbery of a cab driver in which the driver was shot during a robbery that occurred on October 30, 2011. Robinson was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $120,500.
The arrests bring the total number of arrests for Operation Anything For a Buck to 71. Investigators are still looking for one final suspect. Rodriges Lavonne George is wanted for two counts of dealing in stolen property.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of George is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Voting Ends Today In Auburn University Wedding Contest
January 18, 2012
Today is the last day to vote to help a Flomaton bride-to-be win her dream wedding on the campus of Auburn University. Voting ends at 4 p.m.
Details are in an earlier NorthEscambia.com story posted below.
A young North Escambia area woman has big dreams — a free wedding this spring on Samford Lawn on the campus of Auburn University.
Jennifer Coleman, a Flomaton High School graduate, and her groom-to-be, Wes Sinor, are one of three couples vying to win the May 26 wedding of their dreams including the dress, tuxedos, flowers, photos, cakes, limousine, entertainment, reception — the whole wedding package worth thousands.
“We met playing intramural football in October of 2008 here at Auburn out on the intramural field. We just started hanging out after that,” Wes said.
“We were best friends for about two, two and a half years, so we already knew each other through and through,” Jennifer said. But they did not decide to date until after that two plus years of friendship.
“So from the first moment we decided to date, we knew this was it,” she said.
A month after the first date, Wes popped the question — kind of a spur of the moment caught in love kind of thing — without a ring. She said yes.
About a year after that first impromptu proposal, Wes repeated the proposal. This time he was prepared. He had saved some cash for a ring and made his wedding proposal one night on the intramural field where the couple had met, surrounded by candles. Once again, Jennifer said yes.
The winning War Eagle Wedding couple will be chosen by votes from the public. To vote for Jennifer and Wes, visit www.wareaglewedding.com and vote. Additional votes can be cast on four Facebook pages listed on the War Eagle Wedding website. Voting ends at 4 p.m. on January 18.
Pictured top: Wes Sinor proposes to Jennifer Coleman of Flomaton on an intramural football field at Auburn University. Pictured inset: Pictured inset: The couple, pictured here at the 2011 Auburn-Mississippi State game, are huge Auburn football fans. Pictured below: War Eagle Wedding finalists Wes and Jennifer (photo courtesy Flip Flop Foto). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Honors Winning Football Team, Cheerleaders
January 18, 2012
Northview High School honored members of the school’s football teams and cheerleading squads Tuesday night during their annual banquet.
Chiefs head coach Sid Wheatley told his players that they should be proud of their season with the school’s second ever regional title.
“You’ve paved the way for great things to come next year,” Wheatley told his seniors.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Members of the 2011 Northview Chiefs recognized Tuesday night were:
- Most Valuable Offensive Player – Brandon Sheets
- Outstanding Offensive Back – Lamikal Kyles
- Outstanding Offensive Back – Roderick Woods
- Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Laderious Franklin
- Outstanding Receiver – Austin Albritton
- Outstanding Special Teams – Kevin Vaughn
- Most Valuable Defensive Player – Sean Knight
- Outstanding Defensive Lineman – Brian Ross
- Outstanding Linebacker – Roderick Woods
- Outstanding Defensive Back – LaMichael Banks
- Outstanding Defensive Back – Tanner Brooks
- Chief Award – Alex Payne
- Chief Award – Caleb Leonard
- Academic Award – Justin Halteman
- Team Leader Award – Nathan Therrell
- Team Leader Award – Cole Eicher
- Fire Award – Logan Weber
- Fire Award – Chad Smith
- All-Purpose Award – Montaio Mitchell
- Utility Award – Blake McCall
- Most Improved – Stetson Nash
Wheatley also recognized the team’s seniors — Andrew Farrow, Sean Knight, Montaio Mitchell, Brandon Sheets, Tanner Brooks, Austin Albritton, Jamie Gafford, Wes Chancery, Sam Spence, Caleb Leonard, Alex Payne, Cole Eicher, Nathan Therrell, Brian Ross
Coaches Ty Wise, Derek Marshman, Mandell Smith and John Madison were also recognized.
The Chiefs’ cheerleaders were also honored at the steak dinner. Individual awards were presented to:
- Varsity Most Improved – Brittany Thompson
- Varsity Squad Strength – Anna Fischer
- Varsity Best All Around – Ashley Cunningham
- Varsity Spirit Award – Ariel Holland
- JV Most Improved – Courtney Weaver
- JV Spirit Award – Kamryn Brock
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: Northview Chiefs MVP Brandon Sheets receives his award from Coach Ty Wise. Pictured below: Varsity cheerleaders (L-R) Brittany Thompson, Ashley Cunningham, Ariel Holland and Anna Fischer. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
White House To Honor Man For Leading Century, Escambia County Disaster Prep
January 18, 2012
The executive director of the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) will be recognized at the White House on Thursday for his efforts in Escambia County and Century.
Greg Strader, founder of BRACE, will be one of the 17 local leaders who will be honored at the White House as Champions of Change who help prepare their communities for disaster and build a more resilient nation.
“These men and women have demonstrated significant innovation and creativity in working to get their communities ready for the unexpected and embraced the approach of involving all members of their communities in emergency preparedness and response, reaching out to faith-based, tribal, non-profit, private sector and community-based organizations, as well as individual citizens,” according to the White House.
The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different issue is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to better their communities.
BRACE works to prepare educate and train local communities in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
According to Kermit Housh, chairman of the board for BRACE, Strader will meet with administration officials to discus how the public private partnership model used by BRACE to prepare local for disaster can be a model for other communities.
“This past year we’ve been reminded that disasters can strike at any time and that preparedness is critical,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. “We commend the innovative practices and achievements that these individuals bring to the field of emergency management in order to make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared.”
Through Strader and BRACE, Century recently held CERT — the Community Emergency Response Team — training, including mock disaster drill, for over two dozen local citizens.
Pictured top: Century town council member Sandra McMurray Jackson (left) and another CERT volunteer held a disaster “victim” during a CERT disaster drill. Pictured inset and below: CERT volunteers search for tornado victims during a drill. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Douglas Gwin Weaver
January 18, 2012
Douglas Gwin Weaver, a loving husband, father and grandfather, died unexpectedly on January 15, 2012. Douglas was born June 1, 1942, in Evergreen, AL.
He was preceded in death by his parents W.R. and Lena Weaver and brothers, W.A., Newton, DeWitt and Ronnie.
He is survived by Judy, his wife of 44 years; his daughter, Shelly (Jerry) Helton; son, Mark (Becky) Weaver; his granddaughters, Taylor, Morgan and Julia, who were the apples of his eye; his grandson, Douglas Cade, his newest pride and joy; his brother, Shannon (Malva) Weaver; his sisters, Helen (Jim) Butler, Yvonne (Ken) Chambers, Glenda (Don) Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
Douglas was a long time resident of the Clear Springs, AL, and Cantonment. He was a 1960 graduate of Tate High School. He served in the United States Army in Anchorage, AK. He enjoyed a long career in the logging industry and was the owner of M&S Logging. He spent many happy hours farming and raising cattle.
Douglas had the strong hands and firm handshake of a working man with a kind and generous heart always willing to help those who needed him.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment. Interment will follow at Clear Springs Cemetery in Clear Springs, AL. Serving, as pallbearers will be Doyle Weaver, Archie Weaver, Michael Patrick, Jimmy Elliott, Tommy Chastang and Bob Baggett, Jr.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, January 17, 2012, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South, Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.