Susan Deloras Merritt
January 28, 2013
Our Angel, Susan Merritt, 62, passed away peacefully surrounded by all those who loved her on January 25, 2013. Susan Deloras Merritt was born to the late William and Ruby Johnson in Pensacola on April 27, 1950. Susan was a lifetime resident of Pensacola and Molino where she raised her six children. She was a loving, devoted, selfless, strong, and sacrificial wife and mother. Susan taught her children that family is our most valuable treasure. She was a fierce protector and defender of her children whom she covered in prayer.
Susan is preceded in death by William Johnson (father), Ruby Johnson (mother), Patsy Stacey (sister), and William “Willie” Patrick Merritt (son). She is survived by her husband, Raymond Merritt Sr. (Buck) of 47 years who she loves dearly; her daughters, Teresa Allen (Clay), Kim Vaughn, Maggie Lafferty (David). Her son’s Raymond Merritt Jr. (Dee Dee), James Merritt (Susan). Best friend and sister’s Catrine Pippin and Gertrude Merritt. Her siblings, Cindy Leonard, Willie Johnson, Pat Johnson and Rusty Johnson. Numerous spoiled grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Susan retired from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Tuesday January 29, 2013. Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Wednesday January 30, 2013, at St. Jude’s Thaddeus Catholic Church in Cantonment.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Covenant Hospice who took such wonderful care of our mother.
Pall bearers will be her six grandsons Christopher Echele, A.J. Echele, Jonathan Echele, Lil Robert Vaughn, Shane Merritt and Hunter Allen.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
William Samuel Stapleton, Sr.
January 28, 2013
Mr. William Samuel Stapleton, Sr., age 68 of Brewton passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013, at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Stapleton was born in Florida and had been a resident of Brewton since 2005 coming from Jay. He worked as a roofer in the construction industry.
He is survived by his sons, Rusty (Jamie) Stapleton of Brewton and William S. Stapleton, Jr. of Berrydale; sisters, Mae Stapleton of South Florida and Aline Stapleton of PA; step-grandchildren, Christopher Captenter, Caitlyn Carpenter and Joseph Carpenter.
A memorial service will be announced at a later time, Craver’s Funeral Home directing.
Cannon Appointed to Deputy Secretary at the Department of Corrections
January 28, 2013
Timothy H. Cannon has been appointed as Deputy Secretary of Operations for the Florida Department of Corrections.
Cannon brings over 23 years of corrections experience to this role and has risen through the ranks of the department, where he started as a correctional officer in 1989.
As deputy secretary, Cannon will be responsible for managing daily operational issues and working with executive leadership to implement policy initiatives to enhance overall operations while ensuring that the department continually meets its mission.
“This is a great day for the Department,” said Corrections Secretary Mike Crews. “We are fortunate to have so many dedicated staff and great leadership in our Agency and it is an honor to be able to promote someone with Deputy Secretary Cannon’s knowledge and operational experience in the Department. He has a genuine concern for employees and I am confident that he will continue to lead with the same integrity, passion and commitment that has been so evident throughout his career.”
“God has richly blessed me in my life; I am humbled and honored to serve the staff of this great Agency. Our successes are directly attributed to the contributions of our dedicated, hard working staff – I appreciate each of them and look forward to working for them,“ Cannon said.
Martha Verge Edwards
January 28, 2013
Martha Verge Edwards, age 64, a resident of Pensacola, formerly of Douglass, Kansas, passed away on January 25, 2013, at the Specialty Center of Pensacola. She was born on November 6, 1948, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the daughter of William and Helen Verge. The family moved to Independence, Kansas, when she was a toddler. She attended school in that town, graduating from Independence High School in 1966.
For several years she was a home health care provider for Mercy Hospital of Independence, Kansas. In January of 2000, Martha was united in marriage to Dennis Brent (Butch) Edwards of Douglass, Kansas, where she resided until she moved to Pensacola after her husband’s death.
Martha was a member of and served as office clerk at Beulah Baptist Church in Pensacola.
Martha is survived by her mother, Helen Verge of Independence, Kansas; her brother Richard Verge and wife Carolyn, also of Independence; a brother Willis Verge and wife Georganna of Rogers, Arkansas; brother Thomas Verge and wife Vera of Pensacola; sister-in-law Martha Jo Verge of Bethany, Oklahoma, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father William Verge of Independence, her husband, Butch, and one brother Alfred Verge of Bethany, Oklahoma.
A memorial service will be held at Beulah Baptist Church, Pensacola at a later date. Graveside services will be held at the Harrisonville Cemetery, Wayside, Kansas, on Wednesday, January 30, 2013.
Ariel Holland Named Miss Northview High 2013 (With Photo Gallery)
January 27, 2013
Ariel Holland was crowned Miss Northview High School for 2013 Saturday night. First Runner-Up was Ashley Cunningham, and Second Runner-Up was Kendal Cobb.
Other members of the Top 5 were Kaitlyn Abbot and Morgan Ward.
Lily Townson was named Miss Congeniality, and Kamryn Brock was named Miss Hospitality. The Miss Physical Fitness award was Shaquanna Jones, while Courtney Lambert was named Miss Poise and Appearance.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the pageant, click here.
Pictured top: Second Runner-Up Kendal Cobb, Miss Northview High School 2013 Ariel Holland, First Runner-Up Ashley Cunnningham. Pictured inset: Holland was crowned by Miss Northview High School 2012 Charleigh McPherson. Pictured below: Miss Hospitality Kamryn Brock, Miss Physical Fitness Shaquanna Jones, Miss Congeniality Lily Townson and Miss Poise and Appearance Courtney Lambert. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Man Arrested On Drug Charges, Probation Violation Warrant
January 27, 2013
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Century man Saturday night that had been on the run from law for last couple of months.
Javis Cane Grimes was booked into the Escambia County Jail about 9:15 p.m. Saturday on an outstanding violation of probation warrant, failure to appear and a bond revocation in an outstanding drug case, along with new charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Grimes is being held without bond.
The violation of probation warrant was from a 2010 case in which Grimes was convicted of possession of drug equipment and two counts of possession of a listed chemical after a Byrneville traffic stop.
During a search of Grimes’ pickup truck, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies found pseudoephedrine pills, rubber tubing, starter fluid and other potential meth-making ingredients, according to a Sheriff’s Office arrest report. For the items, he completed an 18 months prison sentence in February 2012 and began 24 months on probation.
In November 2012, Grimes was arrested again after a traffic stop on Highway 168 near Wawbeek Road. In the vehicle, deputies reported finding methamphetamine, two syringes and multiple items used to manufacture methamphetamine inside the vehicle, according to an arrest report. He is awaiting trial for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The arrest promoted a violation of probation warrant to be issued on November 8.
Pictured top: Drug paraphernalia discovered after a traffic stop on a pickup truck driven by Javis Grimes in 2010. Grimes was sentenced to 18 months in state prison for the the items, along with other drug paraphernalia. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Stamp Prices Increase
January 27, 2013
The price of mailing a letter or a postcard went up one penny Sunday.
A first class letter stamp increased to 46 cents, while postcard stamps increased to 33 cents.
The new 46-cent Forever stamps will allow customers to mail letters to any location in the United States. Forever stamps are always good for mailing a one-ounce letter anytime in the future regardless of price changes.
A new first class Mail Global Forever Stamp introduced Sunday will allow customers to mail letters anywhere in the world for one set price of $1.10.
New pricing also begins for Priority Mail flat services as follows:
- Small box — $5.80
- Medium box — $12.35
- Large box — $16.85
- Large APO/FPO box — $14.85
- Regular envelope — $5.60
- Legal envelope — $5.75
- Padded envelope — $5.95
Pictured: First class Forever stamps. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Farm Bill Extension Means Additional Opportunities For Agricultural Assistance
January 27, 2013
The 2008 Farm Bill was recently extended by Congress until September. This extension has allowed the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida to add an additional chance for producers to improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, and achieve other environmental benefits.
“Adding an additional ranking date is going to give more producers time to submit their applications and help them get started with implementing the practices they need to benefit the natural resources on their operations,” said NRCS acting state conservationist Roney Gutierrez.
Interested producers should visit their local NRCS service center now to receive more information on the:
- Organic initiative–helps producers install conservation practices on USDA certified organic operations or those working toward organic certification.
- Seasonal high tunnel initiative–helps producers install high tunnels designed to extend the growing season, increase productivity, keep plants at a steady temperature and conserve water and energy.
- On-farm energy initiative–helps producers conserve energy on their operations.
- Longleaf pine initiative–helps private landowners improve the sustainability and profitability of Longleaf pine forest ecosystems.
They can then apply for conservation technical assistance and possible cost-share funding opportunities. Applications must be filed no later than March 15, 2013, to be eligible for this year’s funding.
Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, the March 15th date has been set to make fiscal year 2013 funding decisions for these special initiatives. Producers may continue to apply for all funded programs throughout the year.
Additional information on NRCS, conservation assistance, and available programs can be found on this website: www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA – NRCS office. To find the nearest office go to your telephone directory under “U. S. Government, Department of Agriculture”, or on the web at: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.
New Football Districts Finalized – Big Changes For Tate, Catholic
January 27, 2013
The Florida High School Athletic Association released final football classifications and districts for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. The assignments mean a big change for Tate, a big jump for Catholic and the same big dreams of a state championship for Northview.
Tate, Crestview and Niceville slide up to three-school 1-7A, leaving the area’s Big 6 — Escambia, Milton, Pace, Pensacola, Pine Forest and Washington — in Class 1-6A.
A growing Catholic High was facing some serious road trips with a move proposed last month 3A, a district that included only schools in the Jacksonville area. The Crusaders appealed up two classes to 1-5A for a seven school district — Catholic, West Florida, Panama City Arnold, Gulf Breeze, Panama City Bay, Panama City Rutherford and Mosley.
Meanwhile, District 1-1A remains the same for the next couple of years, with the state champion Northview Chiefs, Jay, Baker and Freeport.
District 1-7A
- Tate
- Crestview
- Niceville
District 1-6A
- Escambia
- Milton
- Pace
- Pensacola High
- Pine Forest
- Washington
District 1-5A
- West Florida
- Gulf Breeze
- Pensacola Catholic
- Panama City Arnold
- Panama City Bay
- Panama City Rutherford
District 1-1A
- Northview
- Jay
- Baker
- Freeport
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Students Of The Month Named
January 27, 2013
Students of the month for November have been named in Escambia County. The awards are presented monthly to a limited number of students from participating schools.
(North Escambia area schools are in bold.)
- Bellview Elementary — Aleksander Dennis, second; Kendall Davis, third;
- Beulah Elementary — Callie Crayton, third;Aidan Pittman, KG;
- Blue Angels Elementary — Julian Castro, third; Margo Mason, third;
- Bratt Elementary — Berklee Hall, first
- Brentwood Elementary — Zoe Alford, first Terry Lyons, first;
- Cook Elementary — Amanda Mills, fourth;
- Cordova Park Elementary — Alexi Malone, third; Wassim Khabou, third;
- Ensley Elementary — Delarius Henderson, fifth;
- Ferry Pass Elementary — Ge]Shun Brothers, third; Avery Vargason, third;
- Hellen Caro Elementary — Asia Casey, fifth;
- Holm Elementary — Bailey Robinson, first Zariah Small, first;
- Jim Allen Elementary — Jillian Whetzel, third; Gracey Spencer, third
- Lincoln Park Elementary — Nilajah Lopez, first;
- Lipscomb Elementary — Hanh]Nhan Tran, fifth; Kendall Blackmon, fourth;
- Longleaf Elementary — Cheyenne Boyett, second; Shykureia White, second;
- McArthur Elementary — Alexis Peterson, third; Oliver Alvarez, third;
- Molino Park Elementary — Gyanna Edmonson, third; Annastasia Mcpherson, third
- Montclair Elementary — Tierra Dailey, fourth; Thomas Jenkins, fourth;
- Myrtle Grove Elementary — Shane Jackson, second; Autumn Sawyer, second;
- Navy Point Elementary — Cody Casalina, fifth; Julie Tran, fourth;
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — Aidan Corzine, second; Jenna Conaway, second;
- Scenic Heights Elementary — Savannah Holzknecht, second; Jeremiah Fortune, second;
- Semmes Elementary — Brianna Olige, fourth; Gregory Bullard, fourth;
- Sherwood Elementary — Holli Estares, fourth; Janelle Willis, fourth;
- Suter Elementary — Brianna Luecht, third; Tanner Creech, third;
- Weis Elementary — Seydou Hanne, fourth; Sarah Feliccia, fourth; Seydou Hanne, fourth; Sarah Feliccia, fourth;
- West Pensacola Elementary — Skidazia Bonner, second; Adam Fleshner, second.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
- Bailey Middle — Phillip Washburn, sixth; Trinity Vorachack, seventh; Nathania Torres, eighth;
- Bellview Middle — Rya Dukes, eighth; Elayza Agabin, seventh;
- Brown Barge Middle — Justin Liu, sixth London Taliaferro, eighth;
- Ernest Ward Middle — Rebecca Diamond, sixth; Triston Long, seventh Dakota Tipton, eighth;
- Ferry Pass Middle — Minh Tran, eighth; Katelyn Smith, eighth;
- Ransom Middle — Rebekah Dwyer, sixth; Hunter Riggan, sixth;
- Warrington Middle — Ka’niyah Mcallister, sixth; Za’nya Stallworth, sixth;
- Woodham Middle — Alendrea Dantzler, eighth; Tony Smith, eighth; Ansley Denty, sixth; Charles Warren, sixth.
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Northview High — Moriah McGahan, 9th; Ureil Codrington, 9th;
- Pine Forest High — Reanna Micari, 11th;
- Tate High — Jardae Ward, 12th; Jacob Howard, 10th;
- West Florida High — Jaylen Smith, 12th; Jaleese Cope, 12th;
- Escambia Westgate — Aishan Byrd, second; Davis Dukes, third; Helena James, seventh; Miracle Taylor, sixth; Leah Ciampini, 12th; Jennifer Henderson, 10th.
SPECIAL CENTERS
- Beulah Academy — Taylor Winans, seventh; Katelyn Mines, eighth;
- George Stone Vocational — Kristen Walsh, third;
- PATS Center — Gage Montgomery, fourth; Jordan Hay, fifth; Julie Hawkins, seventh; Mitchell Roberts, eighth.