Northview Boys Take Two From WS Neal
January 30, 2013
The Northview Chiefs took two from W.S. Neal Eagles Tuesday in boys basketball in East Brewton.
Northview 79, WS Neal 41
In varsity action, Northview beat WS Neal 79-41. Leading scorers for the Chiefs were Neino Robinson with 34, Cameron Newsome with 13, Laderious Franklin with 8 and Shane Bushaw with 8. With the win, Northview improved to 12-6 on the season.
Northview 50, WS Neal 27 (JV)
In junior varsity action, Northview beat WS Neal 50-27. Leading scorers for the Chiefs were Tydre Bradley with 16, Keondrae Lett with 13 and Nick Lambert with 11. The JV Chiefs improved to 6-2 on the season.
Both teams wrap up regular season play Friday at Tate. The junior varsity game tips off at 5:30, and the varsity plays at 7:00.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Gary Kitchens
January 30, 2013
Mr. Gary Kitchens, 68, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2013, in Monroeville.
Mr. Kitchens was a native of Waynesboro, MS, a former resident of Flomaton, and has resided in Monroeville for the past 10 years. Mr. Kitchens was an employee at Little Hawk Mining Co and he loved to fish. His son, Michael Kitchens and his parents, Henry Horace and Sallie Kitchens precede him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Kitchens of Monroeville; one daughter, Tammy Davis of Pensacola; one sister, Betty Inez Fizer of Crestview; a special niece, Hootie of Monroeville; and many other special nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Dunn and Rev. Robert Knowles officiating.
Visitation will be Friday, February 1, 2013, from 6 until 9 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements.
Katie “Eloise” (Warren) Simmons
January 29, 2013
Katie “Eloise” (Warren) Simmons, age 73, of Jay, was relieved of all her earthly pains and cares and was called home to her Heavenly Father on January 28, 2013. Eloise was a great cook and artist. She enjoyed sewing, fishing, and gardening. She was a loving wife, sister, and friend. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Frank Warren and Mary Cooper Warren; nephew, Ronald Craig Locklin and her beloved dog, Josie.
Eloise is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, Doug Simmons; two brothers, Frank Warren of Sneads, FL and Jerry (Pam) Warren of Conway, SC; three sisters, Janice Faye Locklin, Maxine (Mike) Pace of Brewton, and Kemp (David) Soule of Pensacola; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2013, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Cora Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 1, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Cora Baptist Church with Rev. LaDon Hall, Rev. Earle Greene, and Rev. Matthew Dobson officiating services. Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be the deacons of Cora Baptist Church, Mickey Diamond, Roger Dobson, Merlin Edwards, Leon Jackson, Jerry McGee, Frank Rowell and Dr. David Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Jay Fire Department Station #27.
The family would like to thank Dr. C. David Smith, Jay Fire Department Station 27, Baptist Home Healthcare, and Betty from Covenant Hospice of Pace. The family would like to give a special thanks to the pastor, deacons, and members of Cora Baptist Church for all the prayers, food, and support given to the family during our time of need.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Burglary Suspect Shot By Deputies Is Identified
January 29, 2013
Sheriff’s investigators have identified the man who was shot and killed by deputies after responding to a burglary in progress call Sunday night.
Paul Gordon Thayer, 49, was fatally shot. Deputies arrived on scene and encountered Thayer, who was armed with a firearm. During the encounter, Thayer pointed the firearm at deputies at which time the deputies discharged their firearms fatally wounding Thayer.
The incident occurred at a self-storage facility in the area of Mobile Highway and Dominguez Street about 10:30 p.m.
Deputy Sheriff Wayne Wright and Deputy 1st Class Mark Smith have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure in officer involved shootings. Wright has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2007, and Smith has served since 2005.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office are continuing their investigation.
Pictured top: A burglary suspect was shot and killed late Sunday night in a deputy-involved shooting. Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Morning Fire Destroys Northern Santa Rosa County Home
January 29, 2013
Fire destroyed an abandoned home in northern Santa Rosa County about 8:30 this morning. The home, located on Highway 89 near Allentown, was fully involved when the first units from the Allentown Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene. There were no injuries reported. Reader submitted photo by Jeremy Wells, click to enlarge.
Health Alert Lifted After Cove Landfill Fire Extinguished
January 29, 2013
The Escambia County Health Department has lifted the health advisory that was issued last week for health risks associated with smoke from the Cove Landfill fire.
Health officials said they have been informed that the debris fire has been extinguished and environmental health inspectors have confirmed that the resultant smoke has dissipated. The landfill is located in the Ensley area behind Pine Meadow Elementary.
Persons who believe they are experiencing residual health problems or symptoms related to the smoke should contact their primary care physician, according to the health department.
Pictured: Smoke billows from the Cove Landfill behind Pine Meadow Elementary School on January 24. Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Legislative Delegation To Consider Century, ECUA, Pensacola Requests
January 29, 2013
The Escambia County State Legislative Delegation will meet Thursday to decide if three local proposals will be presented for action to the full 2013 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature.
The proposals were submitted by the Town of Century, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority and the City of Pensacola.
Century is requesting a bill that permit the town of opt-out of a four-cent gas tax approved last year by the Escambia County Commission. Scheduled for implementation in 2014, the tax is expected to net about $4 million countywide for mass transit.
Century officials contend the new tax is unfair to North Escambia residents and may force the three gas stations in Century to close as they force drivers choosing to purchase lower priced gasoline across the state line in Flomaton.
ECUA is seeking legislation that would allow it to purchase fuel without state sales tax under the same terms as municipalities and counties. ECUA is also requesting management audits be required every five years, rather than the current three year period.
The City of Pensacola is looking for more flexibility on pension plans. Specifically, the city wants a state law called the Pensacola Civil Service Act repealed. Although reenacted in 1984 as a special act, the law had its origins in the 1931 Charter of the City, a charter that was repealed and replaced by referendum of the voters on October 8, 2009, when the current charter was adopted.
Escambia County’s legislative delegation, consisting of Sen. Greg Evers, Rep. Clay Ford, and Rep. Clay Ingram, will meet Thursday at the University of West Florida, Building 90, at 5 p.m.
Century Raises Water Rates, Now Taking Credit Cards
January 29, 2013
The Century Town Council voted unanimously Monday night to raise water rates — the first rate increase for the town’s water customers since 1995. The overall 10 percent rate hike is to be implemented with an immediate 5 percent increase and additional 5 percent increase six months later.
The rate for the first 1,500 gallons of water will increase to $9.45 on February 1 and increase again to $9.90 on August 1. Each additional 1,000 gallons will be $2.27 on February 1 and $2.49 on August 1. Sewer rates will remain the same at $13 for the first 6,000 gallons of water used.
In the past, the town has had difficulty applying for, or receiving the full amount of, federal grants for the water system because Century’s rates were markedly lower than surrounding areas.
The town also announced that major credit cards are being accepted for water, sewer and gas bills. The customer will be charged an extra 3.5 percent fee for service.
Pictured: Century Town Council members Sandra McMurry Jackson and Jacke Johnston at Monday night’s meeting. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Atlanta Police Arrest Area Sex Offender
January 29, 2013
The Atlanta Police Department has arrested a sex battery suspect wanted in Santa Rosa County.
Donzell Kevin Knuckles was charged in Santa Rosaa Rosa County with four counts of capital sexual battery on a child under 12 years of age, 10 counts of sexual assault by a custodian and 10 counts of lewd and lascivious crimes. His bond in Santa Rosa County was set at $1.4 million.
At this time, the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding Donzell Kevin Nuckles, they are urged to contact Detective Tynes with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (850) 983-1239
Suspect Arrested In ‘Massive Burglary Ring’
January 29, 2013
A Pensacola man was arrested late Monday afternoon for his alleged part in dozens of residential burglaries.
Decker Rayshun Brooks was booked into the Escambia County Jail on about two dozen burglary and theft charges, plus fleeing and eluding and hit and run. His bond was set at $182,500.
The Pensacola Police Department said Brooks and two 0ther men — 19-year old John Flynn and 18-year old Jo’Kavious Wilson — are the suspects in more than 50 residential burglaries that occurred since August 2012. Flynn and Wilson were arrested last week in what police termed a “massive burglary ring”. Investigators said more charges are pending on these and other suspects as the investigation continues.
Among items taken were televisions, computers, alcohol, guns, coins and a vehicle. Detectives are still trying to determine what the suspects did with the items.
Harnett said the investigation determined that Flynn was the leader of the group, who typically committed burglaries during daytime hours by ringing doorbells or knocking on doors. When no one answered, they would kick doors in for access to residences.