Wahoos Win Third Straight
August 10, 2013
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored in each of their first three at-bats, leading from wire-to-wire in a 5-2 victory over the Jacksonville Suns in front of a capacity crowd of 5,038 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium on Friday night. The win gave Pensacola its third straight series victory and pushed the Wahoos to within two games of the first place Suns.
Mike Costanzo led the charge for Pensacola, starting things off with a one-out triple in the first and scoring on a sacrifice fly from Yorman Rodriguez. In the second inning, the Wahoos got a two-run double from starting pitcher Tim Crabbe with two outs to make it 3-0.
Crabbe surrendered a run in the top of the third on a two-out double from Mark Canha, but his offense backed him again with a run in the last of the third on a bases-loaded, two-out infield single from Tucker Barnhart that scored Costanzo to make it 4-1.
Again the Suns battled back with a run in the top of the fourth on a RBI single from Michael Main, but Crabbe limited the damage to the single tally. The right-hander got help from all over the diamond, with Barnhart cutting down a runner at the plate in the second when Austin Barnes tried to score on a ball that squirted a couple feet to his right being the highlight. Overall, Crabbe (6-8) lasted five innings for Pensacola, allowing two runs on seven hits with five strikeouts.
The 4-2 scored stood until the last of the seventh inning when Costanzo dropped a single into shallow center, scoring Corey Wimberly to make it 5-2. Costanzo went 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and an RBI.
Pensacola’s bullpen was once again outstanding, limiting the Suns to just two base hits over four innings of relief. Chris Manno extended his scoreless innings streak to 16, dating back to June 30. Parker Frazier struck out three over two frames, and Loek Van Mil slammed the door with a dominant ninth that featured two strikeouts. For Van Mil, it was his eighth save of the season, and first since July 3.
With the series win under their belt, the Wahoos now look to extend their winning streak to a season-long four games on Saturday night. Josh Smith (9-8, 3.77) gets the ball for Pensacola against Jacksonville’s Justin Nicolino (2-2, 6.05).
Two Reportedly Flee Burning Vehicle Alongside Highway 29
August 9, 2013
Two people reportedly fled the scene of a vehicle fire this afternoon on Highway 29 near Molino.
The Buick Century burned alongside Highway 29 near Barth road about 12:20 p.m. Witnesses said two people jumped out of the burning Buick and fled with another driver in an unknown type vehicle.
The incident is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. Further details were not available.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Cantonment Crash
August 9, 2013
One person was injured in a two vehicle accident this morning in Cantonment.
The accident happened just after 11:00 on Highway 29 in front of the Grocery Advantage. The injured driver was transported by Escambia County EMS to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not been released. The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Teen Killed In ATV Crash, 10-Year Old Critically Injured
August 9, 2013
A teenager was killed and a 10-year old was critically injured in an ATV accident near Jay Thursday evening.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 17-year old Cheyenne Taylor Glenn of Jay was southbound on Oil Plant Road, about two miles north of Highway 4 when she failed to negotiate an uphill right curve and lost control of her 1999 Yamaha four-wheeler. The vehicle traveled up an embankment, striking several small trees. The four-wheeler then struck a large limb that had fallen and was just off the ground. The limb broke, causing it to strike Glenn and her passenger, Jadynn Dannelley of Jay.
The impact with the limb forced both occupants off the seat of the four-wheeler. Glenn was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash at 5:23 p.m. Dannelley, 10, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where she was listed in critical condition early Friday mornig.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pictured top: A cross was erected late Thursday night on Oil Plant Road near Jay in memory of 17-year old Cheyenne Taylor Glenn who died in an ATV accident. Pictured inset: Cheyenne Taylor Glenn. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Groundbreaking Held For New Ernest Ward Middle School (With Photo Gallery)
August 9, 2013
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday moning for a new $17 million rebuild of Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
“It is a great investment in this community,” said Deputy Superintendent Norm Ross. “It’s also something that is long overdue.”
The oldest buildings at Ernest Ward, including the main classroom wing, were constructed in 1945 to replace a campus ravaged by fire in 1943. That old school had been constructed to replace an Ernest Ward School that first opened in a log cabin in 1896.
Ernest Ward graduate Billy Ward, who later served as a longtime probate judge in Escambia County, looked fondly Thursday at the plans for new EWMS campus as he remembered his days at what was then Ernest Ward School.
“It sure is nice,” Ward said, “I bet it will have all the buttons and extras that you can think of putting into a new building.”
Ward remembers the day in 1943 that smoke billowed toward the sky from what was then the campus of Ernest Ward on Arthur Brown Road, near the site of the modern day grain elevator. “I rode my bicycle as hard as I could to get over there and see what happened,” he said. “It just burnt to the ground.”
Classes for the remainder of 1943 and 1944 were held in the school gym, located across Arthur Brown Road and untouched by the fire.
“They divided the gym up and we finished school there,” Ward explained, “before they open the new school here (on Highway 97) in 1945. It was nice back then.”
The new Ernest Ward Middle School, expected to open in 18 to 24 months, will be more than just nice. It will be an ultra modern learning facility, according to Principal Nancy Perry.
“It’s truly an exciting day,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said Thursday morning. “We are grateful for everyone that’s worked so hard to make this day happen.”
Escambia County voters played a big part in making the $17 million facility a reality, thanks to the voter-approved half cent sales tax. Escambia is one of 16 of Florida’s 67 counties where voters have approved the half cent sales tax, which can be used for construction projects.
“We offer our thanks to the county voters,” School Board Chairman Jeff Bergosh said. “We just cant beat that drum enough…You can’t put a price tag on having those funds available and not having to do a bond issue for this project.”
“The half cent sales tax is the secret to this,” District 5 School Board member Bill Slayton said. “The state has all but stopped funding new schools.”
The new two-story Ernest Ward school building will be constructed as students remain on campus in the current facility. The new school will be constructed between the current building and the football stadium. Once the new building is complete, the current building will be torn down, and portables and modular buildings currently on the campus will be removed.
For a photo gallery from Thursday’s Ernest Ward Middle School groundbreaking, click here.
Pictured: A groundbreaking was held for a new $17 million Ernest Ward Middle School Thursday morning in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Alger-Sullivan Collector’s Day, Singing And More Saturday
August 9, 2013
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society is planning day of activities Saturday at 610 4th Street in Century (the corner of Jefferson Avenue and 4th Street).
The day will incldue Gospel Singing, a Collectors’ Day, and an awards lunch for the crew that reassembled the Old 100 train. The public is invited to bring their collection of anything that they would like to show, sell, or swap. There is no fee; visitors are invited just come and set up their table and display.
Planned displays include Bert Black and his whittlers, Mike Brock and his knives, Kim and Dickie Laney with a mixed bag of their collections, Jerry Fischer, Jr. and bottles, Don Sales with his stamp collection, and several others. Singers include David Smith from Century First Baptist Church, and a group from Ray’s Chapel consisting of Bobby Holland and brothers Henry and Daniel Leonard.
Church choir or other groups and would like to participate in the gospel singing should call Jerry Fischer at (850) 256-3980 for more information.
There will be a special recognition of the Warren Crew who did such a great job reassembling the steam locomotive Old 100. Hotdogs and cold drinks will be for sale and a fish fry will be held for lunch.
Pictured top: Flintnapping by Winston Burnham of Pace Saturday at 2011 Collector’s Day in Century. Pictured inset: A collection of bottles. Pictured below: A pickup truck size camera on display. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Past Due Customer Threatens To Blow Up Gulf Power
August 9, 2013
A woman is charged with threatening to blow up a Gulf Power building after learning her power was going to be disconnected for non-payment.
Natasha Eillen White, 31, was charged with threatening to discharged a destructive device, a second degree felony. She was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
Investigators said White contacted Gulf Power to discuss a bill that was two months overdue and learned that her power was going to be disconnected. During the conversation, she made a threat to “blow up” a Gulf Power building, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators were able to trace the call and identify White as the suspect.
Pensacola’s Wu Now League Of Cities President
August 9, 2013
Pensacola City Council President P.C. Wu has moved up to president of the Florida League of Cities after the organization’s former leader, Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Marono, was suspended from office this week because of federal corruption charges.
Ryan Banfill, a spokesman for the league, said its executive committee took action Wednesday to elevate Wu, who had served as first vice president. Banfill said Wu was already preparing to take the top job next week, as Marono’s term was set to expire.
“There was already a period of transition going on anyway,” Banfill said.
Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday issued executive orders suspending Marono and Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi after federal authorities charged them with conspiracy to commit extortion in a fraudulent grant scheme.
Oleda Allene (Wilson) Steege
August 9, 2013
Mrs. Oleda Allene (Wilson) Steege, 77, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2013, in Davisville.
Mrs. Steege was a native of Atmore and had resided in Davisville for the past 55 years. Mrs. Steege was a board member of Atmore Little League, florist at Atmore Garden Center for Cordie Powell for 18 years, member of Concerned Citizens of Atmore, Atmore Saddle Club, Alabama Women’s Bowling Association and a lifetime member of Order of the Eastern Stars in Davisville. She attended the Pine Barren Baptist Church in Davisville.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Irma Adelle (Miller) Wilson; husband, Simon Theodore “Teddy” Steege; son, Darrell Steege; brother, Clark Wilson; and grandson, Russell Mack.
Survivors include her son, Gerald Steege of Davisville; two daughters, Rene Steege Bunch and Arelene Steege Mack both of Atmore; one sister, Lauverne Dortch of Davisville; seven grandchildren, Wesley Mack, Daniel Mack, Ronnie Bunch, Nicole Steege, Alexandra Steege, Gerry Steege and Tabitha Roberson; five great-grandchildren, Braiden Bauder, Skyler Mack, Gavin Mack, Russell Mack and Kaelyn Steege.
Funeral services will be Sunday, August 11, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the children and grandchildren officiating.
Burial will follow at the Pine Barren Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 10, 2013, from 1 p.m. until service time at 3 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Wesley Mack, Daniel Mack, Ronnie Bunch, Gerry Steege, James Roberson and Jonathan Wilson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Phillip Mack, Gene Dortch, Joe Roberson, Ray Parker, Matthew Reynolds, Aaron Purvis, Nathan Dortch, and Randall Rolin.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC is in charge of all arrangements.
James “JV” Brooks
August 9, 2013
James “JV” Brooks, age 83, a native of Evergreen, AL, and longtime resident of Cantonment, passed away August 8, 2013. He retired from Champion Paper Company after 33 years of service. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He loved spending time at home with his family and also enjoyed fishing and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl Brooks; and two sisters, JoAnn Volovecky and Bobby Jean.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary; son, Tommy (Brenda) Jordan; daughter, Cindy (Mike) Burkette; many nieces, nephews, and many friends; grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael Jordan, Timothy Jordan and Justin Burkette; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Funeral services begin at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Larry McKeehan, Brother Glen Vaughn and Pastor Jeff McKee officiating. Interment will follow at Cottage Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with his arrangements.