Local Employment Numbers Improve
May 18, 2013
The latest jobs numbers released Friday show the unemployment rate fell dramatically in the North Escambia area.
Escambia County’s unemployment rate fell from 6.9 percent in March to 6.4 percent for April. There were 628 fewer people reported unemployed during the period, for a total Escambia County unemployment of 9,005 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 8.0 percent.
Santa Rosa County unemployment decreased from 6.2 percent in March to 5.8 percent in April. Santa Rosa County had a total of 4,334 persons reported to be still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 7.4 percent.
In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment dropped from 8.5 percent in March to 7.4 percent in April. That represented 1,112 people unemployed in the county during the month. The year-ago rate was 7.8 percent.
The jobless numbers released by Florida and Alabama do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.2 percent in April, down from 7. 5 percent a month earlier, giving Gov. Rick Scott more fodder for his claim that the administration’s efforts are working to return the economy to pre-recession success.
The new rate is the lowest it has been since September of 2008, early in the recession and marks several months of continued recovery. The improvement also, however, tracks national gains in employment, though the state’s jobless rate is now below the national rate of 7.5 percent.
“Florida’s families are getting back to work and our state’s economy is growing,” Scott said in a statement. “With 16,700 new private sector jobs added last month and an unemployment rate that continues to decline, Florida is once again below the national average at 7.2 percent.”
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 6.9percent in April, was down from March’s rate of 7.2 percent and was below the year-ago rate of 7.4 percent.
Northview Plays Two Spring Jamboree Games Today
May 18, 2013
The Florida 1A state champion Northview Chiefs will take on a couple of Alabama teams in spring football games this afternoon in East Brewton.
The Chiefs will take on Andalusia High School at 1:00 before playing Hillcrest-Evergreen at 2:40. Both games will be played at W.S. Neal High School.
The complete schedule for the five-team jamboree is as follows:
· 1:00 Northview vs. Andalusia
· 1:50 W.S. Neal vs Andalusia
· 2:40 Northview vs. Hillcrest
· 3:30 p.m. Linden vs. W.S. Neal
· 4:20 p.m Hillcrest vs. Linden
Admission is $5. W.S. Neal is located at 801 Andrew Jackson Street [map].
Pictured top: Northview Head Coach Sid Wheatley goes over the playbook with his Chiefs during a Tuesday afternoon practice. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview, Ernest Ward Hold Annual FFA Banquet
May 18, 2013
The Northview High School FFA held their 18th annual banquet Friday night along with the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA.
The night also included many awards for Northview and Ernest Ward Middle school FFA members and supporters.
Among those honored for their support of the FFA program were Sheila Holland, Billy Johnson, Bill Welch, and Arty and Pam Kleinatland. The five were named honorary members of the Northview FFA.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Some of the other awards and scholarships presented Friday night included:
Blue and Gold Awards: Dillian Crutchfield, Gene Hassebrock, Bethany Reynolds, Jeremy Stacey, Karissa Strickland, Kaitlyn Kleinatland and Grady Rigby.
Outstanding Freshman and Star Greenhand: Haylee Weaver
Outstanding Sophmore: Tiffani Cruce
Outstanding Junior: Courtney Solari
Outstanding Senior: Jessica Baldwin
2012-2013 Officer Leadership Awards: Photographer-Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Chaplain-Bethany Reynolds, Historian- Courtney Weekly, Parliamentarian- Tiffani Cruce, Sentinel – Dillian Crutchfield, Reporter-Haylee Weaver, Treasurer- Jeremy Stacey, Secretary- Karissa Strickland, Vice-President – Courtney Solari, President – Jessica Baldwin
High Point Award: Jessica Baldwin
American Degree: Lydia Weaver
State Degree: Jessica Baldwin and Dillian Crutchfield
Chapter Degree: Tiffani Cruce and Karissa Strickland
Greenhand Degree: Katelyn Born, Kamryn Brock, Codie Calloway, Ciara Campbell, Lane Godwin, Gene Hassebrock, Ricky Jones, Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Trevor Levins, Moriah McGahan, Ben Preston, Laurie Purdy, Bethany Reynolds, Savanna Roux, Levi Solomon, Haylee Weaver and Courtney Weekley
FFA Alumni Scholarship: Jessica Baldwin and Dillian Crutchfield
Thomas E. Weaver Memorial Scholarship: Jessica Baldwin
Glynn C. Key Scholarship: Jessica Baldwin
Jamie Hall Memorial Scholarship: Lydia Weaver and Mitchell Singleton
The new Northview FFA officers named for the 2013-2014 school year were: President – Courtney Solari, Vice President – Courtney Weekley, 2nd Vice President – Haylee Weaver, Secretary – Bethany Reynolds, Treasurer – Moriah McGahan, Reporter – Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Sentinel – Tabitha Chavers, Parlimentarian – Mitchell Singleton, Historian – Hunter Kite, Chaplian – Tamara Barrows, Photographer – Jessica Stacey, and Public Relations – Tiffani Cruce.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jay’s Olivia Wright Signs Softball Scholarship With Wallace State
May 18, 2013
Jay High School senior Olivia Wright signed a softball scholarship with Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, AL.
The Wallace State fast pitch softball program won the 2008 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I National Championship, finishing national runner-up on two other occasions and third in 2012. Wallace State softball reclaimed the top spot in the state in 2012, winning its fifth Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC)/Region 22 state championship in six seasons and its seventh straight Northern Division title. The Lions finished with a 60-12 record and had a third-place finish at the NJCAA tournament.
Wright is the daughter of Shannon Wright and Keith Wright. She is the granddaughter of Aldon and Nancy Lloyd and Marie Wright.
Earlier this year, Northview High senior Misty Doran also signed a softball scholarship with Wallace State.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Beat The Baybears 4-2
May 18, 2013
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored all of their runs in a four-run fifth inning and held off a late-inning comeback from the Mobile BayBears to win the series opener 4-2 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium on Friday night.
In the decisive fifth, the Wahoos posted six straight singles to start the inning with RBI’s coming from Brian Pearl, Bryson Smith, and Luis Durango to open up a 3-0 lead. After a double play and a walk, Travis Mattair laced a single to left, scoring Smith, but Durango was cut down at the plate on a strong throw from left field Brent Clevlen to abruptly end the inning. It was the second time in the ballgame Clevlen threw out Durango, with the first time coming for the final out in the first inning.
The BayBears battled back in the later innings against the Pensacola bullpen. Mobile smacked three straight one-out singles in the sixth against Brian Pearl, but was only able to get one run on a fielder’s choice. In the eighth inning, Raywilly Gomez brought home a run on an infield single with one out, but Loek Van Mil retired the next two hitters to strand an additional two runners
Missed chances reigned supreme for Mobile as they left 12 runners on base, including two in each of the last five frames. The BayBears had 13 hits in the contest, but just one extra base hit.
Wahoos’ starter Chad Rogers received a no-decision in the contest as he was ejected with two outs in the top of the fifth arguing a call at third base. Rogers was in complete control at the time of his ejection as he had scattered six hits and struck out two. Pearl (2-0) earned the win with 1.1 innings of relief and also gathered his first career hit and RBI in the fifth inning.
Prior to Rogers’ ejection, Ryan LaMarre was tossed from the game in the last of the fourth after he popped out to the second baseman. LaMarre was arguing a check swing appeal at first base on the previous pitch.
Having won four of their last five, the Wahoos turn to southpaw Ryan Dennick (2-2, 2.93) in game two of the series with the BayBears. Archie Bradley (2-0, 0.64) gets the call for Mobile. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Story by Kevin Burke
Today: Market at St. Monica’s, Palafox Market Open
May 18, 2013
Two local markets will be open today offering fresh produce and much more.
The Market at Saint Monica’s is open the first and third Saturdays of each month (including today) from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Items expected include fresh produce, meat, prepared foods, plants, jewelry, hair bows ,fresh cut flowers, arts, crafts and more.
The Market at Saint Monica’s in the parking lot of Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church, 699 South Highway 95-A, Cantonment.
As it enters its sixth season, the Palafox Market continues to expand with new vendors and more products. Customers have Saturdays to browse the unique goods offered by local farmers, gardeners, artisans and bakers.
The Palafox Market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. rain or shine. The market is located under the shade trees in Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on North Palafox Street between Garden and Wright Streets. For more information, including products available and how to become a vendor, or to sign up for the weekly newsletter, visit the website at www.palafoxmarket.com.
Pictured: Lee Lee’s Sassy Blooms is an expected vendor at Saturday’s Market at Saint Monica’s in Cantonment. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
County Waives Noise Ordinance For Molino Bar Fund Raiser
May 17, 2013
The Escambia County Commission voted Thursday night for a limited waiver of the county’s noise ordinances for a June Special Olympics Fund Raiser at a Molino Bar.
The outdoor “S.O.B. A-Thon” event (with the initials representing “Special Olympic Biker”) is planned for 8 a.m. until midnight on Saturday, June 8. at Louie’s Tavern in the 200 block of Molino Road The all-day event will include a 145 mile bike run and live music beginning at 6 p.m.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will be notified that the waiver was issued.
Ernest Ward’s Sounds Of Spring
May 17, 2013
The Ernest Ward Middle School music department presented their annual spring concert Thursday night at the Walnut Hill Community Center. The Ernest Ward advanced and beginning bands, and the Ernest Ward chorus performed during the evening event. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barrineau Park Man Convicted Of Animal Cruelty
May 17, 2013
A Barrineau Park man was convicted on animal cruelty charges Thursday and now faces up to 12 years in prison.
Roger Legrande Kervin, 67, was originally charged with 88 animal abuse related charges. He was convicted Thursday of two felony counts of animal cruelty and one misdemeanor count. Prior to his jury trial, he pleaded no contest to one count of confinement of animals without sufficient food, water or exercise, a misdemeanor.
He remains free on bond as he awaits his sentencing on June 17.
Kervin was arrested in February 2012, three days after the first of 90 animals were seized from his property on Lawson Lane near Barrineau Park. Many of the animals were euthanized.
Before his arrest, Kervin spoke out in his own defense, saying that he had done nothing wrong. Kervin said he kept his dogs in good shape for wild hog hunting, often using the wild pork to feed people at charity events. During his trial Thursday, Kervin continued to maintain that he kept dogs on his property for hunting wild hogs.
This was not the first time Kervin had faced animal abuse charges. According to court records, he was sentenced to probation in 1992 for using animals to bait or fight other animals.
Editor’s note: The following information, from the State Attorney’s Office arrest warrant affidavit, is graphic and may be disturbing to some readers. It details the original allegations against Kervin at the time of his arrest. Dozens of the charges against Kervin were dropped or dismissed prior to his trial.
Escambia County Animal Control seized 20 dogs on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. According to an affidavit, several of the dogs were emaciated while some displayed open sores and infections. Some of the dogs were aggressive and had puncture wounds and scarring. One of the dogs was in a seizure and was in need of immediate medical attention. Another suffered a ruptured anus.
The pen where the dogs were kept were filled with feces and mud that was several inches deep with limited to no shelter. The dogs had no potable water and no food. Several where tethered with “large” or “heavy” chains. Ten of the 20 dogs –both hounds, bulldogs and mixed breeds — that were seized Tuesday were euthanized.
The affidavit details the condition of each euthanized dog. In addition to being emaciated, one or more of the dogs suffered from conjunctivitis in both eyes, sores, infections, infected toenails and fly sores.
“Several of the dogs had puncture wounds and scarring consistent with fighting,” the arrest warrant states.
In addition to the seized dogs, Escambia County Animal Control found two dead goats, one dead hog and nine skeletal remains. Another 23 dogs on the premises were living in feces-covered pens with non-potable water, no food and limited to no shelter. There were 16 hogs kept in a pen withour escape from their slop which contained feces, urine, food and mud. The hogs also had no drinking water and no food. There was, according to the report, a dead hog in the same pen as the live hog. There were 16 goats, five of which were at large on Lawson Lane. Some were malnourished and their pen had no grazing material.
When the State Attorney’s Office, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County Animal control returned on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, with a search warrant, 23 dogs, 16 goats, 16 hogs and two piglets were seized. Authorities also seized treadmills and unspecified medications. The animals were in poor living conditions, but authorities noted that conditions had improved from the previous day. Fresh sand and dirt and been placed in all of the pens and shelters to cover the feces and mud. At least one standing pen had been washed out with a hose to remove feces from the bottom.
Pictured above and below: Roger Kervin’s property on Lawson Lane at the time numerous animals were seized. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Crime Spree Ends With Arrest In Louisiana
May 17, 2013
A suspect has been named in an April 30 robbery of an individual in Atmore. After the incident a property owner reported was doing construction work at his rental property on Fourth Avenue when he was robbed of his wallet and phone at gunpoint.
Atmore Police said three individuals traveled together from Atlanta to Louisiana, committing a string of robberies a long the way — including the Atmore robbery. They were finally apprehended by the St. Tammany Parish (LA) Sheriff’s Office.
The victim in Atmore was presented a photo lineup and positively identified 28-year old Kristopher Cameron Jones of Slidell, LA. Atmore Police expect a robbery first degree warrant to be issued for Jones. There’s not word on when he might be extradited back to Alabama to face the charge.
The April 30 robbery in Atmore prompted a manhunt that essentially shut down an area around Horner Street for several hours.