‘Amazing’ – McDavid Student Graduates With 14 Years Of Perfect Attendance
June 11, 2013
When Katelynn Zisa of McDavid was in kindergarten at Byrneville Elementary School, she set a pretty high goal — perfect attendance through her senior year.
And with her graduation last week from West Florida High School, she had finally accomplished her goal of 14 years of perfect attendance without missing a single day since pre-kindergarten. Ever. That’s over 2,500 days of class with Zisa present each and every morning.
“It’s something you just don’t hear of very much,” Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said. As far as Thomas knows, Zisa is the first to graduate with complete perfect attendance during his career as superintendent. “It’s amazing for someone to go 12 years and never miss a day of school.”
“It was a hard goal to accomplish,” Zisa said. One of the hardest parts, she said, was balancing three or four years of playing sports and getting home late from games. “I still stayed up doing homework, and the next day I would do it again. Most students would stay home to catch up on everything. I could have stayed home but my goal was important to me so I held my head up.”
“You know that somewhere along the way she had to overcome some obstacles to make it all those years without missing a day,” Thomas said. “It’s a tribute to determination.”
Now that she’s a graduate, Zisa is looking for a job. And, potential employers, she’s likely to show up for work every day.
“I bet she’ll be there every day,” Thomas said. “I’d hire her.”
Editor’s note: Zisa and her mother have report cards showing 14 years of perfect attendance, including kindergarten. Due to record availability, the school district was only able to verify the the last 12 years — grades 1-12 — of perfect attendance.
Election Day Tips: House District 2
June 11, 2013
Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford offered the following tips for today’s House District 2 election:
- All voters in House District 2 will be eligible to vote in the June 11 election, regardless of party affiliation.
- To find out if you are registered in House District 2, check your voter information card, visit EscambiaVotes.com, or call the elections office at 850-595-3900.
- Confirm the location of your polling place. Voters in precinct 29 will be voting at the Malcolm Yonge Center, 924 East Jackson Street, which they will share with voters of precinct 50. Precinct 31 voters will be voting at the West Florida Public Library, 239 North Spring Street. There will be signs outside the facility to direct voters. Check your voter information card, EscambiaVotes.com, or call 595-3900 for more information on polling locations.
- If you are unsure of your registration status, check EscambiaVotes.com, or call 595-3900
- Photo and signature ID is required for all voters – if you do not present an approved form of ID, you may vote a provisional ballot
- Registration books closed on May 13 – new registrations and party changes for this election may not be made at the polls
- You may not return your voted absentee ballot to your precinct on Election Day – it must be returned to the Elections Office by 7 p.m.
- If you requested an absentee ballot but chose not to return it and wish to vote at your polling place instead, please bring your unvoted ballot with you so it can be cancelled
- Early voting ended Saturday – if you have not yet voted, you must go to your precinct on Election Day
- Busiest times at the polls tend to be 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. until the polls close at 7:00 p.m.
For further information, call 850) 595-3900, email soe@escambiavotes.com or visit EscambiaVotes.com.
Alabama Shooting Suspects Surrenders
June 11, 2013
An Atmore man surrendered himself to authorities Monday in connection with a shooting June in Freemanville, AL.
Joshua Wilson was charged with assault and booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton. He’s accused in a 2 a.m. shooting on June 1 outside Thymes Place, a bar on Freemanville Road.
Deputies say Wilson got into an argument with Roger Hall of Atmore over a female. Hall and an uninvolved bystander identified as Charles Finklea were both shot. A warrant has been issued for Hall for assault.
Vacation Bible Schools Are A Summertime Tradition
June 11, 2013
Vacation Bible School is a summertime tradition for hundreds of area children — arts, crafts, food, songs and lessons usually all geared toward a worship theme.
This year is no exception, with numerous North Escambia area churches holding VBS events for children of all ages, including “Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS” this week at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church just off Highway 29 on Bogia Road (pictured).
Here’s a look at Vacation Bible Schools going on in the area through the summer:
Ray’s Chapel VBS
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church will hold their “Amazing Wonders Aviation” VBS through June 14, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
FBC Bratt VBS
The First Baptist Church of Bratt will hold their “Colossal Coaster World, Facing Fear, Trusting God” VBS through June 14 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. for ages three through 6th grade.
Cottage Hill VBS
Cottage Hill United Methodist Church will hold VBS through June 14, from 6-9 p.m. for children kindergarten through ninth grade. Supper is provided each night. 229 Williams Ditch Road in Cantonment. For more information call Barbara at (850) 968-2410.
Canoe Bapist VBS
Canoe Baptist Church will host “Adventures on Promise Island” Vacation Bible school, through June 13, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. VBS fun day and registration will be June 8 from 10:30 a.m. until noon.
Wallace (AL) Baptist VBS
Wallace Baptist Church in Wallace, Alabama will hold VBS through June 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for ages three through 9th grade. Family night will be on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m.
Cottage Hill VBS
The First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill will host “Colossal Coaster” Vacation Bible School June 17 -21, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. for grades K-5. Transportation available. For more information, call (850) 968-2357.
FBC Cantonment VBS
First Baptist Church of Cantonment will host “Colossal Coaster World” VBS June 24 – June 28 from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. at 118 Morris Avenue in Cantonment. For more info (850) 968-9135.
St. Luke UMC VBS
St. Luke United Methodist Church will host “Kingdom Rock” VBS, June 24 – June 28 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. for children ages 4 through 6th grade. The church is located at 1394 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. Sign up at https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/stlukeumc. For more information call (850) 477-3145.
Victory Assembly VBS
“Big Top” Vacation Bible School at Victory Assembly of God, 1895 Victory Road, Cantonment, June 24-28, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m for birth to fifth grade. (850) 587-2295.
Hickory Hammock VBS
Hickory Hammock Baptist Church will hold VBS, June 24-28 from 9 a.m. until noon at 8351 Hickory Hammock Road in Milton. (850) 623-8959.
Pensacola Baptist Temple VBS
Pensacola Baptist Temple will hold VBS, June 24-28 at 6:30 p.m. For more information call (850) 455-5000.
Beulah Freewill VBS
Beulah Freewill Baptist Church will hold VBS June 24 – June 29 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. For more information call (850) 944-0408.
Windy Hill VBS
Windy Hill Baptist Church will hold their VBS July 8 – July 12 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for all ages. Dinner will be served at 5:15 p.m. each evening at 9896 Rebel Road in Beulah. Call (850) 944-2246 for more information.
Pine Forest Assembly VBS
Pine Forest Assembly of God will hold their “Hayday, Growing in Friendship with Jesus” VBS, Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, from 5%3
Wendell Eugene Thompson
June 11, 2013
Wendell Eugene Thompson, 50, of Walnut Hill, passed away Saturday, June 08, 2013, in Walnut Hill. He was a factory worker born in Atmore on February 24, 1963, to the late Willard E. and Ann Caraway Thompson. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include one sister, Joyce (Randall) Jay of Walnut Hill; one niece, Anna (Drew) Odom of Monroeville; three nephews, Michael Jay of Hawaii, Stephen Jay and Alex Jay, both of Walnut Hill.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, June 13, 2013, at 4 p.m. with Bro. Bubba Rolin officiating.
Interment will follow in Pine Barren Cemetery.
Family will receive friends, Thursday, June 13, 2013, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc is in charge of all arrangements.
Molino, Other Parks To Receive Special Needs Playground Equipment
June 11, 2013
Seven Escambia County parks — including one in Molino — will soon receive equipment targeted for children with special needs.
These additions will go adjacent to current playground structures at the respective locations. This equipment is designed specifically for children of all ages with special needs and is designed to stimulate motor and sensory skills along while providing enjoyment.
New special needs playground equipment will be installed at the following Escambia County Parks:
- Molino Community Complex and Park, 6450 Highway 95A , Molino
- Beulah Regional Park, 7820 Mobile Highway
- Old Ensley School Park, 107 East Detroit Boulevard
- Lexington Terrace, 700 S. Old Corry Field Road
- Regency Park, 8245 Fathom Road
- Southwest Sports Complex, 2020 Bauer Road
- Wedgewood Park, 6405 Wagner Road
The project will be funding by LOST — Local Option Sales Tax — funds. Installation of the new equipment is expected to be complete by the end of the summer.
A new, brightly-colored playground was installed behind in January at the new Molino Community Complex on Highway 95A. The playground will be enhanced with new special needs equipment by the end of the summer. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Braves Reclaim First With Two Wins Over Pensacola’s Wahoos
June 11, 2013
The Blue Wahoos nearly prevented the Braves from reclaiming the top spot in the Southern League South Division on two separate occasions on Monday, but the resilient Braves battled back in both games to walk-off with a 7-5 win in the conclusion of Sunday’s game and a 3-1 win in the second game.
Sunday’s game was resumed with Pensacola leading 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth, but the Braves quickly plated a two-out run when the game resumed and scored another in the bottom of the eighth to cut the Wahoos lead to two. Theo Bowe provided an insurance run in the top of the ninth with a solo home run, his second of the road trip and his third of the season, to make it a 5-2 Wahoos advantage.
The Braves exploded offensively in the bottom of the ninth against Blue Wahoos reliever Loek Van Mil. A hit by pitch and single started the inning, before Mycal Jones unloaded a pinch-hit three-run home run to tie the score at 5-5. With two outs, Kyle Russell walked before Christian Marrerro belted a game-winning two-run home run to straight away centerfield giving the Braves a 7-5 win.
In game two and the game scoreless, the Blue Wahoos used an error to allow Joe Mather to reach and advance to second opening the sixth inning. Tucker Barnhart quickly followed with a double to the right field corner which plated Mather for the game’s first run. The Braves countered with a run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at one. Dan Brewer drew a one-out walk from Shaun Ellis and scored on a base-hit from Christian Bethancourt off Brian Pearl to make it a 1-1 game. The run was charged to Ellis and was the only run the Wahoos spot starter was tagged with over 5.1 innings.
Both teams were retired in order in the seventh inning to force extras. Pensacola threatened in the top of the eighth but were held scoreless. The Braves struck again in the bottom of the eighth. After an error at shortstop loaded the bases with only one out, Christian Bethancourt hit a ground rule double plating two runs to give Mississippi their second walk-off win of the night.
Despite a win by Mobile, the Braves have reclaimed sole possession of first place in the Southern League South Division by a half-game. Pensacola will try to knock the Braves out of first in the series finale on Tuesday. The Wahoos will turn to RHP Josh Smith (5-5, 3.50) while the Braves counter with RHP Aaron Northcraft (2-4, 4.58). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.
story by Kevin Burke
Douglas Wayne Henderson
June 11, 2013
Douglas Wayne Henderson was born on December 15, 1953m and left this earth for his heavenly home on June 7, 2013.
Doug was born in Citronelle, AL, to James and Thelma Newburn Henderson. He grew up mostly in Citronelle playing baseball and football. After a tour in the army which he spent in Germany, he moved to Pensacola where his family relocated. He learned the trades of carpentry, roofing and mechanical insulating.
In 1973 he met Carole Reid, and they were married in 1975. God saw fit to bless them with their first child, Jeromy Lee in 1976 then Jason Wayne in 1981. They then moved to Molino to raise their boys. This man worked many long seven day weeks, trying to provide a good life for this family. In 1984 I think God had to slow him down a little. He had an accident at work and became a paraplegic; it did not slow him down at all. From his wheelchair he hunted, fished and built furniture. He was the Children’s Church and Children’s Choir director at The Living Word of Faith Church for many years. He also coached for Molino Little League for 11 years.
During this time God blessed them with their first daughter Sabra Leigh in 1991 and their second, Sarah Antoinette in 1992. He tried hard to never miss an event that his children participated in; it didn’t matter if it was football, baseball, track, school plays or Native American pow-wows.
In 2008 Douglas was blessed with his first grandchild, Jriston Lee and his second, Justin Wayne in 2009. He was an amazing Dad and Paw-Paw. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and James; brother, William Michael; sisters, Alice Annice and Catherine Renee; mother-in-law, Rose Lee; brother-in-law, Donald Allen and nephews, Keith and Michael. He is survived by his wife, Carole; sons, Jeromy Lee and Jason Wayne; daughters, Sabra Leigh and Sarah Antoinette; daughters-in-law, whom he considered his own, Jennifer and Kimberly; and his grandsons, Jriston and Justin; brothers, James Brian and James Curtis Jr. and wife Mary; sisters, Lois Steed, Jamie Benian and husband Larry and Sharon Pederson and husband Rodney.
You will be dearly missed Douglas Wayne, rest in peace. Till we meet again.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2013, from 4-6 p.m.. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Tom McClung officiating. Interment will follow at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery, Bogia, FL.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Verda Nell Hart
June 11, 2013
Verda Nell Hart, 91 of Atmore, formerly of Pensacola, passed away Sunday, June 09, 2013, in Atmore. She was an auditor, born on August 22, 1921, in Covington County, AL to the late Samson and Frances Hutto Hurst. Mrs. Hart was a member of The First Assembly of God of Atmore.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Lycurqus Hart, Sr.; son, Jesse L. Hart, II; and daughter, Ramona Ellen Mock.
Survivors include her son son, Bill Hart of Daphne; two daughters, Jacquelyn Lorraine Hart Harrison of Atmore and Wanda Nell Hart Tucker of Pensacola; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Thursday, June 13, 2013, at 11 a.m. from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Price officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Family will receive friends, Thursday, June 13, 2013, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc is in charge of all arrangements.
Alvin Warren “Buddy” Cooper
June 11, 2013
Alvin Warren “Buddy” Cooper, age 77, born in Rabun, AL and a resident of Bay Minette, died Sunday, June 9, 2013, at his residence. He was an engineering technician for 36 years at Monsanto. He served in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby (Yarbrough) Cooper of Bay Minette; two daughters, Karen (Mike) Butler of St. Augustine, FL and Tammy (Bobby) Sprinkle of Foley; one brother, Dale (Patricia) Cooper of Atmore; two sisters, Sue Carol Mosley of Abbeville, AL and Rose (Charles) Gilley of Bratt; and three grandchildren, Tyler Butler, Erinne Butler and Cade McCullough.
The funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with Chaplain Cindy Still and Reverend Bill Carr officiating.
Burial will follow at Bay Minette Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Adult 2 Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church.