Friday Night Football Finals
September 14, 2013
Friday night football final scores from around the area:
Florida
- Chipley 47, Northview 18 [Read more...]
- Tate 35, Bay 21 [Read more...]
- Jay 13 Vernon 0 [Read more...]
- Fort Walton Beach 15, Milton 14
- Niceville 37, Pine Forest 6
- Baker 55, Holmes County 6
- Navarre 28, Pace 18
- Choctaw 31, Gulf Breeze 14
- Catholic 14, PHS 0
- Washington 37, Lake Area 12
- Walton 49, South Walton 0
Alabama
- Flomaton 23, Choctaw 20
- Wilcox 14, Escambia County (Atmore) 0
- T.R. Miller 54 Excel 14
- W.S. Neal 48, Cottage Hill 2
- Monroe Academy 50, Escambia Academy 14
Marvin “Hippie” John Odom
September 14, 2013
Mr. Marvin ‘Hippie John Odom, age 59 of Century, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2013, in a Milton health care facility.
Mr. Odom was a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Century since 1967. During his working years, he worked as a mechanic in the automotive industry. Mr. Odom was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Justine Bozes Odom; brothers, Paul Schmolke and Harvey Henry Odom, III. He was of the Christian faith.
He is survived by brothers, Carl Schmolke of Breaux Bridge, LA; D.C. (Merle) Odom and J.P. Odom, all of Century; sisters, Lois (Shep) Burkett of Flomaton, Pearl Macks and Rose (Willie) Wilson, all of Century, FL; cousins, Ricky Odom and Sherry Odom, both of Century; special friends, Lindy Hawsey and Linda Black, both of Atmore.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 16, 2013, from 10 a.m. until services being at 11 a.m. Rev. Eric Bryan will be officiating at Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Church in Century.
Interment will be in Beulah Chapel Assembly of God Cemetery in Century.
Flomaton Funeral Home is directing.
Man That Promised 500 Century Jobs Sentenced To Prison For Fraud
September 13, 2013
The man behind a promise of up to 500 jobs announced in 2010 that never materialized in Century — will spend the next few years in prison on fraud charges brought against him by Alabama authorities.
James Leonard Craft, age 72 of Century, pleaded guilty in Cullman County, Ala., to engaging in a scheme or artifice to defraud in connection with the sale of securities. He was sentenced to a 10-year sentence, split to serve three years, the first 90 days in jail, to be released with the opportunity to pay $185,000 in restitution to his victims. If Craft fails to pay the restitution as ordered, he will serve the remainder of his sentence in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections.
An investigation by the Alabama Securities Commission found that Craft solicited funds from investors to purportedly purchase wood products from South America, which were to be resold to U.S. distributors for the making of railroad cross ties and other products at a plant to be located in the former Alger Sullivan Lumber Company building in Century.
Craft was the manager of Century Lumber and Land, a company that held a ribbon cutting back in October 2010 for a group of new businesses that planned to locate in Century’s vacant Alger Sullivan Lumber Company property and bring up to 500 jobs to the struggling town. According to Workforce Escarosa, over 3,000 people applied for those jobs.
Craft stood holding the arm of Century Mayor Freddie McCall in October 2010 as the mayor cut a symbolic ribbon for Century Lumber and Land. Community members, Century town council members, county commissioners, and other county government representatives and business officials stood behind a Century Area Chamber of Commerce sign as the yellow ribbon fell.
But there was a tidbit very few of them knew — Craft nor the company never had any legal claim the to property where he was holding the ribbon cutting.
“It was never sold; it never even had a binder,” EXIT Realty NFI-Commerical agent Gary Watson said after the ribbon cutting on behalf of the property owners.
In 2010, the Alabama Securities Commission issued a cease and desist order on Craft and his Century Lumber and Land after an attempt was made to solicit money from Alabama investors in at least three Alabama counties. The ASC said neither Craft nor his business was registered to sell securities in Alabama as required by law.
In testimony in Cullman County (Ala.) Circuit Court, Craft readily admitted to Judge Gregory Nicholas that he intended on using the money for personal reasons while simultaneously making a fraudulent pitch that the investors’ funds were to be used to purchase wood products.
In September 2011, Craft was arrested by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and extradited to Etowah County, Ala., to face charges. Craft’s arrest stemmed from a Etowah County Grand jury indictment for alleged illegal securities activities associated with his company. Indictments against Craft were also returned in Cullman and Shelby counties. All of the charges were later combined and tried in Cullman County Circuit Court.
“Our mission at the Alabama Securities Commission is to protect Alabama citizens from the deceitful and devious activities of people like Mr. Craft who seem to have an unlimited ability to conjure up ways to steal money from vulnerable and trusting people. The felony conviction and the court’s strong response should send a loud and clear message to financia predators to stay out of the State of Alabama.” ASC Director Joseph Borg said.
Pictured top: Convicted felon James Leonard Craft (light blue shirt, front left) holds the arm of Century Mayor Freddie McCall as he cuts the ribbon for Century Lumber and Land in October 2010. Pictured below: A group hoping to apply for a job gathered during the ribbon cutting. Pictured inset: The former Alger Sullivan Lumber Company building in Century was the planned home for Craft’s company. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Benefit Car Wash Saturday For Pit Bull Attack Victim
September 13, 2013
A benefit car was will be held Saturday morning for the Nokomis woman who was viciously attacked and mauled by two pit bulls at her home July 18. The car wash for Sandra Lambert will be held from 9 a.m. until at O’Reilly Auto Parts on South Main Street in Atmore.
Lambert, 63, was transferred earlier this month from the USA Medical Center in Mobile to the West Florida Rehabilitation Institute in Pensacola, where she worked to learn to live without her dominant right arm. Her arm was amputated at the shoulder following the dog attack. She has now been released from the rehab center and is now staying at a relative’s home.
An account to help Lambert with medical expenses has been established. Donations can be made to the “Benefit Account for Sandra Lambert” at any branch of United Bank. Donations can be mailed to United Bank, P.O. Box 8, Atmore, AL 36504.
Pictured top: An Escambia County Animal Control officer removed a tranquilized pit bull from an enclosed porch at the home of Sandra Lambert on July 18. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Man Convicted Of Abusing Young Teen
September 13, 2013
A Santa Rosa County man has been convicted of abusing a young teen.
Russell Lee Maloney, 34, was convicted of sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority. He was arrested on April 30, 2012 after the 14-year old victim disclosed to her youth pastor that Maloney had engaged in sexual intercourse with her at his home. During a videotaped interview, Maloney admitted to Detective Scott Jones that he had sex with the child.
Circuit Judge John Simon scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2013, and ordered Maloney to remain in the Santa Rosa County Jail until that time. Maloney faces a maximum of 30 years in state prison.
Equine Group Rescues Two Malnourished Horses
September 13, 2013
Two malnourished horses were recently rescued by the Cantonment based Panhandle Equine Rescue.
PER received a report that a very thin horse was down in a yard on Bowman Avenue, just off Nine Mile Road. PER and Escambia County Animal Control responded and found two Tennessee Walking Horses in poor condition. One was unable to get up on her own.
“But with the help of a veterinarian, my family, volunteers and several county employees from animal control and environmental, we were able to get her up. She went down again, but they all quickly got her right back on her feet,” PER President Diane Lowery said. “Everyone came together to help this special little horse.”
The owner voluntarily signed ownership of the horses over to PER. The horses, mares named Capona and Sweet Mary, are mother and daughter, according to PER President Diane Lowery. PER reported Thursday that Capona remains in poor shape, still unable to stand without assistance.
“I am requesting prayers from everyone and donations. We still have a long road ahead and they are not out of the woods yet. This will be a costly endeavor, well worth it, but will put a huge dent in our funds.”
For additional photos of Capona, click here. (Warning: Some readers may find the photographs to be disturbing.)
The only horse rescue in Escambia County, Panhandle Equine Rescue was founded by a small group of concerned citizens with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and provide adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned equines. PER is authorized by the court system to investigate equine cruelty in Escambia County.
Lowery said PER may pursue the filing of criminal charges in the case.
For more information on Panhandle Equine Rescue and how to donate to the organization visit www.panhandleequinerescue.org.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Budget Surplus Projected, But Senate Budget Chair Cautious
September 13, 2013
A key legislative committee approved a report projecting an $845.7 million surplus in the budget year that begins July 1, but only after the Senate budget chief warned that new spending or tax cuts will still likely have to be offset somewhere else.
Continuing a policy from last year, Senate Budget Chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said the continuing recovery of the state’s budget from the wake of the Great Recession is no reason to go on a spending binge.
“In order to fund new priorities, initiatives, things that our constituents feel are important in 2013 and 2014, we’re going continue to have to have the discipline to review previous expenditures that were important to legislators who were duly elected in the 1990s and in 2000 and 2010,” Negron said.
His comments came as Gov. Rick Scott travels around the state to pitch a $500 million tax cut and ask Floridians which taxes and fees it should be used to cut. Negron has his own idea, filing a bill Thursday that would roll back vehicle-registration fees that were approved to close a budget shortfall in 2009. The new proposal (SB 156) updates a similar measure last year that died in part because of resistance to getting rid of a tax break benefiting insurance companies; the new proposal would jettison that, at least for now.
“But I still want to explore during session tax incentive programs that may have been great in 1983, 1986 or 2000 but have outlived their usefulness and maybe they’ve accomplished their objectives,” Negron said.
Despite Negron’s warnings about offsetting any budget changes, Scott is ultimately expected to get his tax cut through a GOP-dominated Legislature in an election year. House Majority Leader Steve Crisafulli, a Merritt Island Republican slated to take over as speaker after the 2014 elections, issued a statement Thursday suggesting as much.
“Though we will continue to follow our fiscally conservative principles as we develop our budget proposal in the upcoming session, I am hopeful that these improved conditions will allow us the opportunity to provide a significant tax break for Florida families and businesses,” Crisafulli said.
A spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party quickly flagged Negron’s comments in an email to reporters, arguing they could foreshadow budget cuts and were “further confirmation that Rick Scott’s tax plan will wind up being harmful to Florida’s families.”
The outlook approved Thursday by the Legislative Budget Commission was part of the state’s annual budget cycle. It attempts to account for expected spending in high priority areas and likely decisions by the Legislature, such as setting aside at least $1 billion to make sure the state can cover unforeseen expenses. But it doesn’t try to figure out what new programs or dramatic increases to existing programs lawmakers might approve.
The commission also approved a handful of amendments to the current spending plan, including changes to help close a $35.5 million deficit at the Department of Juvenile Justice created by a recent court ruling requiring the state to pay a larger share of the cost of locking up juvenile offenders.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Tonight’s Prep Football Schedule
September 13, 2013
Here is tonight’s high school football schedule from across the North Escambia area.
Headed to a game? Share your photos — email them to news@northescambia.com tonight!
FLORIDA
- Northview at Chipley, 7 p.m.
- Bay at Tate, 7:30 p.m.
- Vernon at Jay, 7 p.m.
- Escambia at Rutherford, 7 p.m.
- Niceville at Pine Forest, 7:30 p.m.
- Catholic at PHS, 7:30 p.m.
- Gulf Breeze at Choctawhatchee, 7 p.m.
- Lake Area New Tech (La.) at Washington, 7:30 p.m.
- Fort Walton Beach at Milton, 7:30 p.m.
- Pace at Navarre, 7:30 p.m.
- OPEN: West Florida
ALABAMA
- Flomaton at Choctaw County
- Escambia County (Atmore) at Wilcox Central
- Escambia Academy at Monroe Academy
- Cottage Hill Christian at W.S. Neal
- T.R. Miller at Excel
Deborah Hardy (Uphold)
September 13, 2013
Deborah Hardy (Uphold) age 43, of Jay, died on September 10, 2013, in Jay. She was a long time resident of Jay. She was a loving daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt.
She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth E. Uphold Sr.; sisters, Deborah Lynn Uphold and Jackie Kiser; brother, Kenneth Uphold Jr.; grandfather, Charles Uphold; aunt, Gladys Bennett and uncle, Manuel Bennett (Bud).
She is survived by her daughters, Shonda (Thomas) Routley, Samantha Uphold and Tiffany Uphold; mother, Betty Uphold; sisters, Sherry (Kenneth) Heinz, and Cathy (Ronald) Golembiewski; brothers, Jeffery Uphold, and Gary (Patricia) Uphold and her fiancé, Wayne Long. She is also survived by her grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Bro. Dennis Watson of My Father’s Vineyard officiating services. Burial will follow at New Beginning (United Pentecostal Church of Berrydale Cemetery).
A reception will follow after funeral at the New Beginning Church. Friends please bring a covered dish and drink.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Can Tate Get Back To Back Wins?
September 13, 2013
Last Friday night the Tate Aggies ended a 20 year loosing streak against Pensacola High School, and this week they are going for win two of the season.
The Aggies have another challenging opponent this week when Panama City Bay High School comes to town. The game against Bay High School is going to be another “tough game, because they are 2-0 for the year,” said Tate Coach Ronnie Douglas.
“They have some big kids and good skilled players so we have been working really hard to get ready for Bay and look forward to playing them,” Douglas said. “Winning is fun and makes the weekend work a lot easier, because there is a lot of work that goes on Friday night after the game, Saturday and Sunday to get ready for practice on Monday.”
The Aggies are not resting on the win; their practices have remained intense and organized as they prepare for the Bay Tornadoes.
This week’s Aggie Spotlight Players are No. 7 Marquis Cass and No. 6 Sawyer Smith.
“The win felt great and it was Coach Ronnie. It’s all the hard work he did, he pushed and we came out with a win,” Cass said. Coaches say Cass is a very hard hitting linebacker with good eye for the ball; he will defiantly be a player to watch as the year progresses and in his senior season.
“It was great to get the monkey off the back so to speak. We have worked really hard all summer and just to get that first win is great,” said sophomore quarterback Sawyer Smith. In last week’s win, Smith had a screen pass to running back Lavontia Samuel who took it all the way to the end zone for a 75-yard touchdown.
The Tate Aggies (1-1) host Panama City Bay (2-0) at Pete Gindl Stadium in Cantonment at 7:30 p.m.
by Darryl Singleton
NorthEscambia.com photos by Darryl Singleton, click to enlarge.