Henry Malvin Adams, Sr.
May 16, 2013
Mr. Henry Malvin Adams Sr., 76, of Flomaton, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at a Pensacola medical facility.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Flomaton, where he worked as a tool pusher for Delta Drilling Company.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry James and Janie Carter Adams; daughter, Vanessa Adams; son, Herbert Randall Adams; and two sisters, Joyce McCall and Janice Stice.
He is survived by his wife, Bertie Cross Adams of Flomaton; sons, Henry Malvin (Barbara) Adams, Jr. of Pollard and Wendall Ervin (Rita) Adams of Flomaton; daughters, Adona (Gary) Lacy of Jay and Kathy (Bill) Avent of Pace; brothers, James Adams of Pollard, H.J. Adams of Brewton, Carl Adams of Mobile, and Dalton Adams of Salt Lake City, UT; sister, Fay Drake of Mobile; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 17, 2013 at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013, at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m. with the Rev. James Howard Henry officiating.
Pallbearers will be Wilton Thompson, Trent Adams, Brent Adams, Caleb Adams, Randy Adams and Michael Adams.
Burial will follow in Pollard Cemetery.
Flomaton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
More Details Released: Cantonment Man Gets Five Years For Child Porn
May 16, 2013
A former gospel music pianist from Cantonment is headed to federal prison on child pornography charges.
Mack Stewart Varnado Jr., 32, pleaded guilty earlier this year to recipient of child pornography and transportation in child pornography. He was indicted after an investigation revealed that he sent 14 child pornography images to another person, according to court documents.
He was sentenced to five years in federal prison and ordered to report to begin his sentence by July 15. After release, he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be on probation for six years.
On October 13, 2011, a cybertip was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that sparked the local investigation. The report documented email messages containing child pornography being transmitted from an AOL account in the Northern District of Florida. Specifically, on October 12, 2011, AOL detected an email message sent from a user account traced to Varnado to an Yahoo subscriber.
The message contained several child sexual exploitation images. Detective Chris Wilkinson, of the Pensacola Police Department, was able to trace this email message to Varnado at his residence in Cantonment. A total of 14 illicit images had been sent by Varnado. All of the images depicted minor children between approximately 10-14 years old engaged in various sexual activities.
On or about January 13, 2012, Detective Wilkinson obtained a warrant to search the email account hosted by AOL, located in Dulles, Virginia. On January 18, 2012, AOL responded that Varnado maintained email messages, both sent and received, which had attachments of child pornography.
All this information led to a federal search warrant on Varnado’s residence in Cantonment. The defendant was present during the execution of the search warrant. Multiple pieces of digital media were seized. A forensic examination of Varnado’s digital media revealed images and videos of child pornography, matches for the screen name in the original tip, and matches to those images located in the “sent” mailbox linked to the email account used by Varnado.
In addition, based upon Varnado sending and receiving child pornography from his residence in Cantonment, Senior United States District Judge Roger Vinson ordered that Varnado forfeit his interest in the residence because it was used to facilitate the online crimes against children. This amounted to Varnado forfeiting $74,000 to the United States government.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Marsh said, “Protecting our children from the permanent scars left behind when this kind of exploitation occurs is critically important work. This prison sentence, along with the forfeiture ruling, should send a strong message of deterrence. We have the expertise to responsibly gather the necessary evidence to charge these cases, and the charges when proven beyond a reasonable doubt carry serious penalties under federal law.” She expressed her gratitude to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Pensacola Police Department for their cooperation, dedication, and expertise in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood,
Varnado was a pianist for the nationally known gospel group The Dixie Echoes from 1998 until last year.
Area Businesses Alerted About Bad Checks
May 16, 2013
The Atmore Police Department is warning business owners to be on the lookout for bogus checks.
Officials said Wednesday that the department has received numerous complaints from local business owners that have accepted checks that turned out to be forged, counterfeited or written on closed accounts.
” This has become a more frequent problem in the past few months,” said Investigator Robby Williams. “Business owners and employees should be diligent when dealing with customers paying with checks.”
The Atmore Police Department is offering the following tips to area businesses that accept checks:
- Determine the origin of the check. If it is a check you were not expecting or is from a sender with whom you are unfamiliar, you should be suspicious of its validity.
- At the bottom of a check, you will see three groups of numbers. The first group is the routing number. The second is the account number, and the third is the check number. The bottom line on all checks printed and used in North America is printed using a special font called MICR (short for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). Look at the check number in the upper right hand corner and see if it matches the last few digits (the third group of numbers) on the MICR line. The MICR line is the long string of numbers that is at the bottom of the check.
- Visit: http://www.fededirectory.frb.org/search.cfm Enter the routing number in the search box and click “Search.” The website will then tell you what financial institution is linked to that routing number, along with the city in which the financial institution is located. If this is not the same as the information printed on the check, it may be a fake check.
- Call the bank that issued the check if you are still unsure about the check’s validity. You can provide them with the routing number and account number, as shown in the MICR line. They can then tell you if it is a legit check.
- Confirm the identity of the check writer. All I.D. can be forged. The most reliable form of I.D. is that which contains a photo and a physical description. Take the I.D. in hand and write the I.D. number, birth date, address and other descriptive data on the front of the check. If possible, make a photo copy of the I.D. Ask questions. If the I.D. does not belong to the person writing the check, they may be thrown off guard. Make sure the person presenting the check is the same person on the I.D. Several of the cases being currently investigated by Atmore Police involve the offender using a fake I.D.
- The signature should be legible and signed in the presence of the individual accepting the check. Do NOT accept previously signed checks. For a company check, it is vital that the signature is legible. If not, print the individual’s name on the front of the check. The complete address should be imprinted on the check.
- Require a street address, in addition to a P.O. Box number. Obtain a phone number as well.
Pictured: A portion of downtown Atmore. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
RV Fire Shuts Down Portion Of I-10
May 16, 2013
Fire destroyed an RV, shutting down a portion of I-10 Wednesday evening. The westbound lanes of I-10 were closed about a mile west of the Florida Welcome Center in Beulah for about an hour due to the fire. There were no injuries reported. Pictured: An RV burns on I-10 about 6:45 p.m. Reader submitted photos by Lynn Garrett, click to enlarge.
Frances Lillian (Dewberry) Acree
May 16, 2013
On May 14, 2013, Frances Lillian (Dewberry) Acree became absence from her body and present with the Lord. She was 94 years old and a charter member of Berrydale Baptist Church. She loved her children, and her children called her blessed. We will miss her every day until we meet again in our heavenly home.
She was born on December 13,1918, to James Fletcher Dewberry and Lillar Ryals Dewberry.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Benjamin Ruston Acree; three sons, Benjamin Rushton Acree Jr., Larry Ewin Acree, and Robert Earl Acree; five brothers and one sister. She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Marie (Hugh) Turman, Betty Charles (Patrick) Burleson, Nelda Gail (Tony) Cozart; her sons, James Juston (Jackie) Acree, Roger Dale (Peggy) Acree; and a daughter-in-law Mary Ann Acree; 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to say a special thanks to the nurses of Jay Hospital for their care and kindness to our mother and her children. Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Berrydale Baptist Church at 10 a.m.. with Brother Robert Gandy officiating services. Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Byron Stuckey
May 16, 2013
Mr. Byron Stuckey, 81, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Byrneville.
Mr. Stuckey was a native and a resident of Byrneville for most of his life. Mr. Stuckey was a veteran of the Korean War and retired from Campbell Sand and Gravel. Mr. Stuckey attended the Byrneville United Methodist Church. His parents, William Aubrey and Nancy Stuckey, five sisters and lifelong companion, Merle Spettel precede him in death.
Survivors include his two sons, William Walter (Grace Marie) Stuckey of Atmore and Richard Byron (Lorraine) Stuckey of Atmore; three daughters, Vanessa Dale Powell of Century, Amanthio Michelle (James) Merchant of Brewton and Clarise Stuckey of Atmore; one brother, Orrie (Betty) Stuckey of Byrneville; two sisters, Esta Jones of Byrneville and Viola Stapleton of Theodore; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 17, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. William Stuckey and Bro. Richard Stuckey officiating.
Burial will follow at the Byrneville Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC, is in charge of all arrangements.
Henry James Price
May 16, 2013
Mr. Henry James Price, 53, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 in Atmore. Mr. Price was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore. Mr. Price was an employee of Masland Carpets for 35 years. His father, H.C. Price and stepfather, Nick Ramer precede him in death.
Survivors include his mother, Eva McGhee Ramer of Tuscaloosa; wife of 32 years, Esther Price of Poarch; two sons, Derek Steven Price and Trey Stephon Price both of Poarch; one sister, Linda Nevin of Tuscaloosa; and two grandchildren, Ladon Price and Alex Price.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 18, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel with Rev. William “Bubba” Rolin officiating.
Burial will follow at the New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, May 17, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Danny King, Clint King, Jim Jernigan, Rod Taylor, Bo Harvard and Alvin Paul.
Honorary pallbearers will be Derek Price, Trey Price and Elvis Presley.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC, is in charge of all arrangements.
Blue Wahoos Beat Chattanooga
May 16, 2013
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos extended their winning streak to a season-high three games in dramatic fashion, walking off over the Chattanooga Lookouts 4-3 in 10 innings on Wednesday night in front of 3,914 fans at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
Ryan LaMarre was the hero in Wednesday’s contest providing the game-winning single that scored Bryson Smith from second. LaMarre was originally trying to lay down a sac bunt with runners on first and second, but slapped the single inside the first base bag with two strikes.
The Wahoos offense jumped out to an early start with two solo homers, one from Joe Mather in the second inning and another from Smith in the third. Both Mather and Smith finished with three-hit games as the Wahoos scored four or more runs for the fourth consecutive contest.
Much like last night, Chattanooga battled back and eventually took the lead in the later innings. Trailing 2-1 heading to the eighth, Omar Luna snuck a single through the middle of the infield that scored Yasiel Puig and Blake Smith to give the Lookouts a 3-2 advantage.
In the last of the eighth inning, Pensacola loaded the bases and knotted the game when Mather blooped a single into right for his second RBI of the contest. The Wahoos couldn’t push across another run though as Jose Dominguez forced a fielder’s choice from Travis Mattair and struck out Devin Lohman.
Chris Manno got the win in relief for Pensacola by working out of trouble in the 10th inning, his only inning of work. He allowed a walk and a single but struck out two to improve to 1-1. Aaron Miller (0-2) took the loss for Chattanooga by giving up a run on two hits without recording an out.
Pensacola starter Josh Smith turned in a quality start by giving up a run while scattering seven hits in six innings. He didn’t factor in the decision but struck out four and lowered his ERA to below 4.00 for the first time this year.
Having already won the series, Pensacola looks to win its fourth in a row on Thursday night at 7 p.m. Major league rehabber Manny Parra (0-0, 0.00) will start and throw two innings for the Wahoos, followed by originally scheduled starter Tim Crabbe (2-2, 2.27). Ross Stripling (1-0, 1.50) gets the ball for Chattanooga.
story by Kevin Burke
School Bus Driver Charged After Rear-Ending Pickup Truck
May 15, 2013
An Escambia County school bus driver was charged after rear-ending a pickup truck this afternoon on 9½ Mile Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 28-year old Mika R. Perritt, age 28 of Atlanta, was stopped for traffic in a 2000 Chevrolet C1500 on 9½ Mile Road near Raymar Street. The school bus driver, Letha D. Mauldin, age 57 of Cantonment, failed to stop before hitting the pickup about 2:05 p.m.
Damage to both vehicles was minimal.
There were 49 children on the bus at the time of the crash. There were no injuries.
Mauldin, the bus driver, was charged with careless driving, the FHP said.
Speedy Finish: Sheriff’s Office Recovers Molino Teen’s Kart Racing Gear
May 15, 2013
A championship kart racing Molino teen, and his sister, are headed for the starting line this weekend thanks to the speedy work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Tuesday afternoon, Investigator David Preston returned about $16,000 worth of stolen kart racing gear back to the Parker family. Jarrett Parker, 18, is a star of sorts in the world of kart racing, winning state titles and racing his way to the top in several national events.
But the brakes were put on his racing career after the burglary at the family workshop on Gibson road on May 4. A 2012 Elite Triton kart, five motors, cases of MAXXIS tires, tools and other items were taken from the workshop, while other items not related to kart racing like lawn equipment were left behind.
After a story about the thefts appeared on NorthEscambia.com on May 6, the Sheriff’s Office and family began to receive tips that led to the recovery of the racing equipment.
“I’m glad to have this stuff back where I can race again,” Jarrett Parker said Tuesday afternoon as the family picked up the tires, engines and more at the Molino Sheriff’s Substation. Almost every piece of stolen equipment was recovered undamaged, other than the suspects had attempted to change the appearance of several engines by painting them.
Preston said arrests are forthcoming in the case, but declined to provide further details about the suspects.
Jarrett said he plans to race this weekend in State Line, Mississippi. And sister Lakelynn Parker is getting into the action too in her first major kart race.
“I won’t beat him,” Lakelynn said, smiling. “But that’s because I’m in a different class.”
Some of the stolen items, including three motors, belonged to Jarrett’s 10-year old teammate Chambers McGilberry of Selma, Ala. Jarrett Parker has been serving as a mentor for McGilberry for several months.
“The Lord has blessed us,” mom Tammra Parker said. offering her thanks to everyone that helped spread the word about the burglary, leading to the recovery. “We are truly grateful.”
Pictured top: Molino teen Jarrett Parker with about $16,000 worth of stolen kart racing gear returned Tuesday by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Pictured top inset: The suspects attempted to change the appearance of motors by painting them. Pictured bottom inset: Parker thanks Escambia County Sheriff’s Investigator David Preston. Pictured inset: Jarrett Parker and his father Cott discuss the case with Preston Tuesday afternoon in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
