Lady Chiefs Prep For Volleyball Season

August 14, 2013

The Northview Lady Chiefs volleyball teams will begin the 2013 season soon.

On August 22, the varsity Lady Chiefs will host a preseason classic beginning at 5 p.m. featuring Northview, PCC, Jay and Central. On Monday, August 26, the varsity team will be in action at home against Holmes County at 5 p.m.

On Tuesday, August 27, Northview will host Pensacola Catholic. The JV plays at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity at 6 p.m.

Pictured top: Members of the varsity Lady Chiefs are: (front, L-R) Hanna Ging (9 Soph), Lily Townson (10 Sr), Tiffani Pritchett (2 Sr), (middle row) Shelby Nielsen (4, Sr), Mallory Wiggins (12, Sr), Rebecca Grim (5, Sr), Penny Banda (13, Jr), (back row) Lana Clayton (6, Sr), E’Layzha Bates (8, Jr), Danielle Steadham (7, Sr), Kyndall Hall (14, Jr). Pictured below:  Members of the JV team are (front, L-R) Beverly Hughes (9, Fr), Hope Coggins (3, Jr), Maddi Weber (2, Soph), Brittany Ward (24, Soph), (back row) Mallory Merchant (5, Fr), Dimonique Brown (1, Fr), Laurie Purdy (7, Soph), Leah Fischer (6, Soph), Courtney Grim (10, Fr), Victoria Amerson (14, Fr). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Florida To Sue Georgia In Water Fight

August 14, 2013

Gov. Rick Scott announced Tuesday that Florida will file a lawsuit in the U.S. Supreme Court as part of a long-running battle with Georgia over water consumption.

The announcement came shortly after a U.S. Senate field hearing in Franklin County about the collapse of the seafood industry in Apalachicola Bay, with Florida senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio conducting the hearing.

The lawsuit is the latest move in a 23-year dispute among Florida, Georgia and Alabama over the water in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin.

Florida has long argued that water use at the top of the system, in the metro Atlanta area, has reduced the downstream flow of freshwater to the Apalachicola Bay region, damaging northwest Florida’s critical oyster industry. Both Florida and Alabama contend that too much water is siphoned off upstream for Atlanta’s drinking-water supply

Last year, the Apalachicola Bay collapsed. The lack of freshwater combined with a historic drought to produce the lowest flows in 89 years — since they have been recorded. That followed a series of court rulings that sent the responsibility for regulating the flows back to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“It’s having a dramatic impact, and it’s because Georgia has taken our water,” Scott said. “The Corps of Engineers is not worried about us. That’s why Florida’s going to file suit against Georgia. Take this all this way to the Supreme Court.”

Scott called the lawsuit “our only way forward after 20 years of failed negotiations with Georgia.” Under federal law, a lawsuit between states can only be brought as an original action in the U.S. Supreme Court, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal called the move a frivolous waste of time and money when Georgia has waited more than a year for Florida to respond to a settlement proposal.

“Gov. Scott’s threat to sue my state in the U.S. Supreme Court greatly disappoints me after I negotiated in good faith for two years,” Deal said in a prepared statement. “More than a year ago, I offered a framework for a comprehensive agreement. Florida never responded. It’s absurd to waste taxpayers’ money and prolong this process with a court battle when I’ve proposed a workable solution.”

The Corps of Engineers, which controls the flows, relies on a 2011 ruling from a federal appeals court that says Georgia has a legal right to water from Lake Lanier, at the top of the river system. The ruling overturned a federal magistrate’s 2009 ruling in favor of Florida and Alabama.

Florida has asked Congress for help getting the Corps of Engineers to release more water downstream, to no avail.

The Atlanta area uses 360 million gallons of water per day, according to the governor’s office, and Georgia’s consumption is expected to nearly double to 705 million gallons per day by 2035 — about the entire amount of water in the Apalachicola Bay.

In his opening remarks during the hearing, Nelson said the Apalachicola River and bay are the “true economic engines of this region. Without more freshwater, this region’s economy could find itself in jeopardy to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Jonathan Steverson, executive director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District, told Nelson and Rubio that Georgia’s consumption has increased to more than 90 percent of the water from the river system. Florida, in contrast, uses 2.5 percent.

He also said the formula for allocating water was weighted toward Georgia.

“Georgia is getting its piece first,” Steverson said. “The good lord giveth and Georgia and the court taketh away.”

A reworking of the formula allocating the flows is waiting for the Corps of Engineers to prepare a new environmental impact statement for the river system.

Representing the corps at Tuesday’s hearing, Col. Jon Chytka said the final version of the statement wouldn’t be complete until early 2016.

“The reason we don’t think we can expedite it is the technical complexities,” he said.

“Anything that needs to be expedited can be expedited,” returned Nelson. He asked Chytka what it would take to “get it done quickly.”

“Sir, we have to follow the law,” Chytka replied.

The hearing drew an overflow crowd and was preceded by a rally on the courthouse steps.

Historically, the Apalachicola River and bay have been major economic drivers for the region, producing 90 percent of Florida’s oysters and 10 percent of the nation’s supply. The commercial and recreational fishing industries of the river basin generate $200 million a year and support 85 percent of the local population, according to the Seafood Management Assistance Resource and Recovery Team, a group of seafood workers and buyers.

The bay’s waters also have made rural Franklin County a destination for seafood-loving tourists. But the quality of the seafood depends on a mix of freshwater and saltwater that can’t be achieved without the release of freshwater upstream.

Witnesses at the hearing said the seafood industry is being harmed because the freshwater flows are too low.

Fourth-generation oystermen Shannon Hartsfield and Ricky Banks testified to the devastating impact of the low flows on the local workforce. Banks said three of his family members had been forced to leave the state to find work.

The oystermen were glad for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s announcement on Monday that it will issue a fishery disaster declaration for Florida’s oyster harvesting area in the Gulf of Mexico. But they warned that only increased freshwater flows would keep their way of life intact.

“We’re used to doing it on our own,” Banks said. “But we’ve come up against something we have no control over.”

After the hearing, Rubio and Scott toured the riverfront and sampled fresh oysters on the dock with Republican Congressman Steve Southerland, who represents the area.

Scott said Alabama hadn’t yet decided whether to join the lawsuit.

Other Florida leaders supported the lawsuit. Bondi, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford released statements praising Scott.

“We don’t like to sue our neighbors,” Gaetz said. “But their intransigence has left us no other course.”

By Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida

Mary Nell Meitzler

August 14, 2013

Mary Nell Meitzler, 79 of Atmore, passed away Monday, August 12, 2013, at Century. She was retired as a seamstress for 33 years with Vanity Fair Mills. She was born in Monroe County, AL, on January 9, 1935, to the late Luther Bryant and Ollie Mae Hayles Stafford. She was a member of Atmore Church of God.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Meitzler.

Survivors include two sons, Larry (Pat) Meitzler of Walnut Hill and Ellis “Bubba”(Angie) Meitzler of Canoe; one sister, Jewell Mae Melvin of Atmore; two grandsons, Michael Meitzler and John Victor.

Services will be Thursday, August 15, 2013, at 11 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bryars officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc is in charge of all arrangements.

Micheal D. Lee

August 14, 2013

Micheal D. Lee, formerly of Molino, passed away on August 6, 2013, in Tampa. He was a 2002 graduate of Tate High School.

Micheal is survived by his mother and step-father Shelia and Allen Griffin; sisters, Cheri and Tiffani Griffin, all of Pensacola; special grandmother, Gloria Sims, of Molino; father, Donnie (Sue) Lee of Biloxi; aunt, Sharon Ford of Jasper, GA; uncle, Joe Sims of Tallahassee and Larry Ford of Atlanta; and special uncle and aunt Darnell and Janay Sims of Gonzalez; cousins Branden Ford of New York City, Darnell Ford of Atlanta, Erica Sims and Jalisa Houston of Tallahassee; special cousins, Glenda and Lacheka Weaden, and Edward and Amber Wilson all of Pensacola; and godparents, Lewis and Velma Robinson of Pensacola.

Funeral services will be held August 15, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church on North Davis Highway, with the Rev. Frank Jenkins officiating.

Internment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pensacola.

Friends may visit from 12 p.m. until 12:45 p.m., August 15, 2013, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

FHP Releases Details In Gobbler Road Crash

August 14, 2013

Wednesday morning, the Florida Highway Patrol released details of a Sunday night wreck in Walnut Hill.

The FHP said 41-year old Robert Henderson of McDavid was traveling east on Gobbler Road when he failed to negotiate a curve. He then traveled onto the shoulder in his 2002 Ford F150, over-corrected and overturned into a ditch. The truck continued to overturn several times through the ditch and into a field next to a residence. The pickup came to rest on its roof.

Henderson was transported by Atmore Ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital with minor injuries. His passenger, 13-year old Amber Richardson of Navarre, was not injured.

Henderson was cited with careless driving by the Florida Highway Patrol.  The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.

Pictured: A Sunday night wreck on Gobbler Road in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Mississippi Downs Pensacola

August 14, 2013

The Mississippi Braves scored three runs in the first five batters of the game and never looked back, knocking off the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 5-3 on Tuesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. It was Pensacola’s third straight setback.

Mississippi ambushed Pensacola starter Jon Moscot in the first as the first three batters reached within a six-pitch span, culminating in a two-run double by Tommy La Stella to push the Braves in front 2-0. La Stella would score two batter later on an Edward Salcedo to make it 3-0.

Moscot settled down to throw three scoreless frames before the Wahoos scratched a run across in the last of the fourth on a Ryan LaMarre triple and a fielding error by the shortstop Jaime Pedroza.

The Braves responded with an RBI single from Christian Marrero in the top of the fifth to make it 4-1. Moscot worked out of a bases loaded jam, but didn’t make it past the fifth inning, allowing four runs on nine hits to fall to 1-1 in Double-A.

Pensacola made things interesting once again with a pair of runs in the last of the fifth on a Tucker Barnhart RBI groundout and a Travis Mattair RBI single to claw to within 4-3 against Mississippi starter Aaron Northcraft, who went six innings to pick up his seventh win of the year.

Christian Bethancourt put the Braves back on top by two with a towering solo homer off Chris Manno in the top of the sixth to make it 5-3.

The Wahoos attempted a dramatic rally in the last of the ninth inning, loading the bases with one out against Braves closer Ryne Harper, only to see Brandon Short strike out and Mike Costanzo pop out to end the game. Combined with a Jacksonville win over Birmingham, the Wahoos fell five games out of first place in the South Division standings.

Pensacola will look to snap its three-game losing streak on Wednesday night behind Tim Crabbe (6-8, 3.44). Gus Schlosser (6-4, 2.37) will get the call for the Braves with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. on Faith Night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.

Teddy Jay Kirkland

August 14, 2013

Teddy Jay Kirkland passed away on August5, 2013. Teddy was born February 20, 1954. He grew up with his family in Chumuckla.  He worked as a carpenter by trade for over 30 years. He worked at Monsanto until he tried to venture out start his own family business with his son, Jason Kirkland until Jason’s untimely death. He then returned to work at Solutia. He worked hard and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Teddy was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ruth Gavin; father, Edgar Paul; and his son, Jason Kirkland.

He is survived by his mother, Helen Paul, two children, Matthew Kirkland and Kelley Cody; four grandchildren, Peyton Cody, Mason Cody, Jasyslon Kirkland, and James Kirkland; two brothers, Johnny Kirkland and Darryl Paul; and sister, Sheila Morris.

Viewing to be held on Friday, August 16, at 5 p.m. with services to follow at 6 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Jay Funeral Home.

Jerry Franklin Fields, Sr.

August 14, 2013

Jerry Franklin Fields, Sr., age 75, of the Cobbtown Community passed away August 12, 2013, at Jay Hospital. He was born to Jessie and Ira Fields on November 20, 1937, in Crestview. He was a member of the Cobbtown Holiness Church and loved serving the Lord. He served in the US Army and later went into construction.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jessie Fields; mother, Ira Fields; brother, William L. Fields and brother-in-law, Bill Morgan.

He is survived by his sons, Jerry Jr. (Jennifer) Fields, Randy (Tracy) Fields and John (Carrie) Fields; brother, Jackie (Anita) Fields; sisters, Katie (Larry) Glover, Jessie Mae Stone, and Beth Morgan; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and a very special friend, Ellen Pennington. He was a loving son, father, and brother and will be truly missed.

A visitation will be held at Jay Funeral Home on Saturday, August 17, 2013, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. with Rev. Jim Lassister officiating.

Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery.

A special thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice and Jay Hospital and staff.

Active pallbearers will be Uncle Jackie, Lester Black Jr., Tim Floyd, Rob Jackson, Brandon Parker, and Samuel Lassister.

Honorary pallbearers are Bro. Black Sr., Bro. Went, Bro. Tony, Shannon Flynn, Donald Cobb, Andrew Barrell, Leroy Cobb, and Stanley Whitfield.

Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pauline Street Crossing Repairs Rescheduled

August 13, 2013

Pauline Street in Cantonment will be closed from Old Chemstrand Road to East Kingsfield Road fromt 6 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, to Friday, August 23, at 4:30 p.m.

Crews will work to repair the railroad crossing during this time and construction work could be delayed or rescheduled due to inclement weather.  Drivers are urged to obey posted signs and use caution when traveling through the area.

The work was originally planned for this week, but rescheduled for next week.

Five Charged With Attacking 77-Year Old Man

August 13, 2013

Four juveniles and a 19-year old have been charged with attacking a 77-year old man Monday night and chasing him into Navy Boulevard.

The incident happened just after 9 p.m. near 400 North Navy Boulevard. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received several reports of teenagers chasing a man with a stick. Deputies arrived to observe several teens fleeing the scene.

According to witnesses, the juveniles approached the victim and chased the 77-year old into Navy Boulevard, hitting him several times with the stick and causing minor injuries. The victim declined medical treatment.

Arrested were Shaknee Golay, 19; Alicia Wilson, 15; Keyon Black, 16; Javontae Wilson, 13; and Demtirus Wilson, 12. Each was charged with aggravated assault on a person over 65 years of age.  Black, Javontae Wilson and Demtirus Wilson were also charged with aggravated battery on a person over 65 years of age.

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