School District Dumps Sprint/Nextel, Moves To Verizon Wireless
January 14, 2013
The Escambia County School Board is terminating wireless service with Sprint/Nextel and moving to Verizon Wireless.
In a December letter, the school district notified Sprint/Nextel that their service contract will be terminated on January 22 due to a “lack of service coverage within Escambia County”.
The county has moved its wireless communications to Verizon. The district currently uses about 340 radio/cell phone units, with most departments using the radio feature for continuous communications with service and maintenance crews throughout the district. The contract also includes GPS data service for 424 school buses, and emergency telecommunications backup during disasters.
The annual contract with Verizon Wireless is expected to cost the district $123,000 through the end of 2013.
Blood Drive This Morning At Walnut Hill VFD
January 14, 2013
A blood drive will take place today in Walnut Hill. The Northwest Florida Blood Services Bloodmobile will be at Walnut Hill Fire Department at 7760 Highway 97 from 8 a.m. until noon.
The graphic below, provided by Northwest Florida Blood Services, shows some of the benefits of donating blood.
Man Pleads To Lesser Charge In Barn Massage Case
January 14, 2013
A Century man that was charged with felony sexual assault for alleged improper conduct while performing a massage on a female in his barn has pleaded no contest to a lesser charge.
Judge Terry Terrell withheld adjudication on a misdemeanor charge of battery against William Haynes Gandy, 68. He was sentenced to one year probation and 25 hours of community service.
The victim told deputies that she met Gandy about a year ago because “he is a well known certified massage therapist”, and she had gone through massage therapy school and was told Gandy might be able to help her find a job. The victim later stopped pursuing a job, but Gandy did give her a few free massages associated with her pregnancy, the arrest report states.
After giving birth to her child, the victim told deputies that she began to ignore Gandy’s phone calls until he told her to come over, bring her resume and get a free massage and “see what he could do about getting her a job”, the report states.
The victim said Gandy took her to a barn outside his home where he keeps his massage table and equipment. She was partially unclothed and covered by a sheet, the arrest report states, when she claimed Gandy began to touch her inappropriately and against her will.
Gandy told deputies that at no time did he inappropriately touch the victim.
Public Meeting Wednesday To Discuss Libraries
January 14, 2013
The West Florida Public Library will host a public meeting Wednesday to provide a format for public discussion and input regarding the future direction of the library system. The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Escambia County Extension Services Office, 3740 Stephani Road in Cantonment.
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in a discussion of the future of libraries in general and how the West Florida Public Library services, collections and facility can continue to meet the future needs of library patrons. No preparation or expertise on public libraries is required, and no registration is required.
For more information contact Dondie Roper at (850) 436-5037, or droper@cityofpensacola.com.
Rainy Start To Week
January 14, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- This Afternoon: A 30 percent chance of showers. Areas of fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 65. South wind around 5 mph.
- Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 53. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 62. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 44. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 52. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northwest wind around 10 mph.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind around 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Ripley Named President Of Century Chamber Of Commerce
January 14, 2013
Don Ripley has been named the new president of the Century Chamber of Commerce, taking over for outgoing president Benny Barnes.
“I’m proud to do what I can for Century as I’ve come to love the people here,” Ripley said. “I’d like to see more people active in the chamber. That would allow us to implement new ideas and garner suggestions to improve our employment opportunities. Ideally, we would like to create an environment that allows our kids to stay in the area after their education is complete.”
Ripley has served as administrator of the Century Care Center since 1999. He has served on the Century Chamber of Commerce Board for 13 years, including two previous years as president and vice president for about 10 years.
Barnes will remain on the all-volunteer chamber’s board of directors.
Pictured: Outgoing Century Chamber of Commerce President Benny Barnes (left) passes the gavel to new President Don Ripley. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Evie D White “Me-Maw” Dove
January 14, 2013
Mrs. Evie D. White “Me-Maw” Dove, 92, passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2013, in Davisville.
Mrs. Dove was a native of Perdido and a resident of Davisville for the past 70 years. Mrs. Dove was an active member of the Pine Barren Baptist Church for 60 years. She loved the Lord with all heart and spent her life sharing His love with others.
Her husband, Dewitt Dove, precedes her in death.
Survivors include her son, Ronald (Judy) Dove of Davisville; two brothers, Curtis White of Georgia and Fred White of Brewton; three grandchildren, Ronald (Kelly) Dove, Jr. of Flomaton, Patrick (Laurie) Dove of Davisville and Chris (Jennifer) Dove of Davisville; eight great-grandchildren, Shelbi Dove, Tyler Dove, Raegen Dove, Allyson Bullard, Ryan Dove, Jacob Dove, Makayla Dove and Kaden Dove; and three great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Harper officiating.
Burial will follow at Pine Barren Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 15, 2013, from 6 until 9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Ronald Dove, Jr., Tyler Dove, Patrick Dove, Chris Dove, Shelbi Dove, Scott Francis and Eli Himes.
Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond Norris, Fernie Faircloth, Calvin Davis, Ralph Darby, Butch Fillingim, Mickey Peterson, Jack Beck and R.C. Rice.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Lawrence Alfred (Buck) Gohagan Sr.
January 14, 2013
Lawrence Alfred (Buck) Gohagan Sr., born March 17, 1934, died from complications of COPD on January 13, 2012.
Buck is a Navy veteran who participated in atomic bomb testing at the Bikini Islands. Under Gov. John Patterson, Buck was one of the first water safety patrolmen for the State of Alabama Department of Conservation. His passion for flight began at Atmore Flying Service; he later became the owner/operator of AAA Flying.
He was an avid fisherman, until his health prevented him from going. He loved the Forever Wild lands; a tribute from his son Eric – “To all the men and women who fish and have kids, take them fishing. Teach them respect for others and teach them to have the morals of the old times. The world lost another great fisherman. I knew him my whole life. I look back and wish that I would have learned more of the hot spots he knew. But we will continue to tell all the great stories he told us to our children. Take in all the fresh air and fill your lungs up every day with Heaven’s air and catch a big one up there for us!”
He was preceded in death by son, Michael Alfred Gohagan and an infant son, by his parents Argene and Della Mae Parker Gohagan, brother William Harold Gohagan.
Buck is survived by his wife of 44 years, Regina Bailey Gohagan; daughter Belinda Kay (Joe Frank) Wooten, Lawrence Gohagan Jr. Larry (Kambi) Gohagan, Charles Eric (Teresa) Gohagan, Emily Marie (Jeff) DeRidder, Kristen Elizabeth (Michael) Branch; grandchildren, Chad Wooten, Brad Wooten, Shane McGhee, Kyla Gilman, Carlee Gohagan, Cayla Gohagan, Christina Gohagan, Kenzie Gohagan, Haley Hadley, Codey Hadley, Micheal Fox, Nikki DeRidder, Samantha DeRidder, Amy Branch, Bailey Bass, Sarah Branch, and Jaxson Branch; great-grandchildren Casey Lane Wooten, Cade Wooten, Daylon Wooten, Raylee Wooten, Brandy Wooten, Kelton Wooten, Brooke McGhee, and Trey McGhee; sisters, Dorothy Jean (Joe) Bolton and Sibyl (Farrell) Brown; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and best friend and neighbor Gary Helton.
Active pallbearers will be Chad Wooten, Trey McGhee, Andrew Bell, Codey Hadley, Micheal Fox and Bailey Bass.
Honorary pallbearer will be Casey Lane Wooten.
Visitation will be from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be at 3:30 pm on January 15, 2013, at McCullough Cemetery with Bro. Byrd Mapoles and Elder Marion Johnson officiating. Military flag honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars. Special music provided by Buck’s friends Wayne and Cornelia Presley.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gideon Bible ministry or to the family.
Frances Montez Quimby
January 14, 2013
Frances Montez Quimby, 94 of Perdido, passed away Saturday, January 12, 2013, in Atmore. She was owner of Jack and Jill Nursery. She was born on September 25, 1918, to the late Ira and Parlee Williamson Oswald in Excel. She was a member of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Owen Quimby; grandson, Kenneth Ryan Quimby; sister, Qudia Higdon; and two brothers, I.W. “Dub” Oswald and Hayward Oswald.
Survivors include two sons, Johnny M. (Marie) Quimby of Perdido and Kenneth R. (Sheila) Quimby of Foley; devoted brother-in-law, Joseph Higdon of Berneuda, Ala; grandchildren, Daniel Bryan Quimby, Christopher O. (Lee) Quimby, James Scott (Susan) Enriquez, Heather (Ian) Campbell, Matthew (Lonni) Quimby, Kelly (Tommy) Thomas; great-granddaughter, Jessica Sliwinski; and 14 nieces and nephews.
Services will be Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 11 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Grindle and Rev. Scott Brooks officiating. Interment will follow in Enon Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Chris Quimby, Matt Quimby, Richard Phillips, Mike Frickey, Carl Poche, Peter LaRose.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 9:30 a.m. until service time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc is in charge of all arrangements.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 29, Kingsfield Road Crash
January 13, 2013
There were no serious injures reported in a Sunday afternoon wreck at the intersection of Highway 29 and Kingsfield Road. The accident was reported about 12:48 p.m. Submitted cell phone photos by Kari Doyle for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
