Molino Scouts Hold Flag Retirement Ceremony (With Gallery)
June 15, 2016
Three Boy Scouts unfolded an American Flag Tuesday evening for the last time on the front lawn of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino to present its colors. A group of Scouts gathered around along with their parents and said the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag…which was faded, soiled and even torn.
Cubmaster of Pack 430, Kevin Danforth, said the flag was first used to cover a coffin during a military funeral, and it was then flown in front of the church for several months. Now it was time for the tattered flag to be retired — burned after being cut into pieces of cloth. Quietly, the scouts cut the flag, leaving leaving the blue star field intact to symbolize an unbroken union.
“It ceases to be a flag when it is cut into pieces,” Danforth said.
Then the flag was placed, blue star field first followed by the stripes, into a fire burning in a half barrel. The crowd watched as the fire consumed the flag remnants, and they sang “God Bless America”. The scouts then cut numerous other worn American Flags into pieces which were also incinerated.
The flag retirement ceremony is a way American flags can be retired when they’re too worn to fly, according to the U.S. Flag Code, a set of guidelines on treating the nation’s flag respectfully.
Tuesday was Flag Day.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
More Showers And Storms
June 15, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
McDavid Man Arrested For Burglary, Meth
June 15, 2016
A McDavid man has been arrested for a Flomaton burglary and on multiple drug charges.
Faron Ray Wilson, 24, was arrested for a 2015 burglary on Bridlepath Lane in Flomaton. When he was taken into custody at a home on Poplar Street, Flomaton Police reported that Wilson was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Flomaton Police.
Wilson was charged with unlawful posession of a controlled substance – methamphetamines, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, third degree burglary and second degree theft of property. He was booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton. He was also being held on an outstanding arrest warrant for Florida.
Flomaton Police are continuing to investigate the burglary, and Chief Bryan Davis said more arrests are likely.
Bicyclist Hit By Vehicle
June 15, 2016
A bicyclist was struck be a vehicle Tuesday night near Cottage Hill. The accident was reported about 7:45 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 95A and Cedertree Lane. Injuries to the bicyclist were not believed to be serious. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Tied For First After Loss To Montgomery
June 15, 2016
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are in the race for the first half Southern League South Division crown headed into its last series that starts Wednesday against the rival Mobile BayBears.
It’s only the second time the ball club has been in first place headed into the last series of the half since its inception five years ago. The other was the second half of last year.
Pensacola, which is six-for-six in series wins at home, is now 37-27 and tied for first with the Biloxi Shuckers. They beat the Birmingham Barons and end their season with a five-game series on the road against the Jacksonville Suns.
“I like our position,” said Pensacola manager Pat Kelly in his second year heading the club. “It’s a lot better than seven other teams in the league right now. It’s much more exciting to be playing for something in the last series.”
The Montgomery Biscuits escaped with a win in the final game of the series, 7-1, Tuesday in front of 3,532 fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Pensacola and Biloxi have shared first place all season this year. In 2015, the second half was decided in the next to last game of the season when Pensacola beat Mobile to win the division and play Biloxi in the South Division playoffs, which the Shuckers ended up winning.
“Mobile will be a tough series,” Kelly said. “They have good pitching and a very good bullpen. We have to win as many as we can in those six games.”
Pensacola and Mobile are playing six games to make up a rain out in the last game of the series at Hank Aaron Stadium.
On Tuesday night, Montgomery put the game away in the seventh inning by sending 10 hitters to the plate and scoring five runs on five hits. Biscuits Tommy Coyle scored the first run when he doubled, reached third on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Jake DePew and then scored on a squeeze play by Biscuits shortstop Juniel Querecuto to make the score 3-0.
The big hit came from Montgomery third baseman Patrick Leonard who smacked a one-out line drive to right center with the bases loaded, scoring all three runners on to put the Biscuits ahead, 6-0. Leonard scored the final run of the inning when second baseman Kean Wong singled to center to extend Montgomery’s lead, 7-0.
The big inning in the seventh might have been prevented, if reliever El’Hajj Muhammad cleanly fielded a bunt down the third base line by Montgomery catcher Jake DePew and then thrown Querecuto out at first, instead of throwing home late trying to get Coyle.
Pensacola right-hander Nick Travieso and pitching coach Danny Darwin have been working on his delivery. It seemed to pay off as he threw six innings and allowed two runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out five. In his past three starts, Travieso had given up 12 runs, 10 earned in 12.2 innings.
“It was nice to see him get back on track,” Kelly said.
Travieso did labor in the fourth inning giving up two runs to Montgomery on one hit, one hit batter, two walks and two wild pitches. He hit the Biscuits’ Leonard with a 90 mph fastball to lead off the fourth. Leonard then took second on a wild pitch. Travieso then walked Montgomery DH Mike Marjama and both he and Leonard advanced on another wild pitch. Montgomery center fielder Tommy Coyle, batting .126, reached his bat out and sent the ball into right field that scored Leonard and Marjama to put the Biscuits on top, 2-0.
Meanwhile, Biscuits right-hander Taylor Guerrieri, the Tampa Bay No. 6 prospect, threw five scoreless innings to improve to 5-4 with a 3.88 ERA. He allowed just three hits, one walk and struck out four Pensacola batters.
Kelly said Guerrieri threw a cutter that broke six-to-eight inches, keeping the Pensacola batters off balance.
“He was very effective,” Kelly said.
Judge To Hear Arguments In Abortion Law Challenge
June 15, 2016
A Tallahassee federal judge will hear arguments June 29 on a request from Planned Parenthood to block parts of a major abortion law approved this year by Gov. Rick Scott and Florida lawmakers.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle issued an order setting the date to hear arguments about whether to issue a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order against the law, which is scheduled to take effect July 1.
Planned Parenthood filed the lawsuit June 2 and challenged the constitutionality of three parts of the controversial law. The complaint, in part, targets a section of the law that seeks to prevent state agencies, local governments and Medicaid managed-care plans from contracting with organizations that own, operate or are affiliated with clinics that perform elective abortions.
While government agencies are already barred from funding elective abortions, Planned Parenthood argues that the new law would prevent clinics from receiving money to provide other health services for women, such as pap smears, pregnancy testing and screening for sexually transmitted diseases.
The complaint also challenges part of the law that would require the state Agency for Health Care Administration to inspect at least 50 percent of abortion-clinic patient records each year. In addition, the complaint challenges a section of the law that would change the state’s definition of trimesters of pregnancy.
Beulah Hall Spicer
June 15, 2016
Mrs. Beulah Hall Spicer, 91, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2016, in Atmore.
Mrs. Spicer was a native of Andalusia, Alabama and a resident of Bratt since 1959. Mrs. Spicer was a homemaker, loved farming and was a member of the Pleasant Home Baptist Church. She was a former employee of Monsanto and Alatex Industry.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Robert Ralph Spicer.
She is survived by her two sons, Robert E. (Stephanie) Spicer and Rex (Sarah) Spicer, all of Atmore; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 13, 2016, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Delbert Redditt and Rev. Tim Hawsey officiating.
Burial was at Serenity Gardens Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Berman Franklin Leonard, Jr.
June 15, 2016
Mr. Berman Franklin Leonard, Jr., 56, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Milton.
Mr. Leonard was a native and former resident of Atmore and had resided in Milton for the past year. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Carrie Leonard and his grandparents.
He is survived by his two brothers, Steve (B.B) Leonard and Mike Leonard, all of Century; one sister, Regina (Jeff) Ogden of Pace; one aunt, Lucille Sells of Atmore; two nephews, Curtis Ogden of Pace and Rocky Hadley of Perdido; and one niece, Stacey and Blake of Pace.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 18, 2016, at 3 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Ward officiating.
Burial will follow at the Judson Creek Indian Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 18, 2016, from 1 p.m. until service time at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Chuck Gainy, Tyler Hobbs, Johnny Nance, David Zornes, Billy Bennett and Gary Valasquez.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Lena Mae Richardson
June 15, 2016
Funeral services for Mrs. Lena Mae Richardson, 94, of Walnut Hill, will be held Saturday, June 18, 2016, at 1 p.m. at the Longmire-Jones Memorial Chapel of Turner Funeral Chapel with Rev. Willie White officiating.
Retirement of her remains will be next to her husband in Bethany Church Cemetery in Burnt Corn, AL.
Public viewing will be Friday, June 17, 2016, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home with Turner Funeral Chapel directing.
Russell Francis Anderson
June 15, 2016
Russell Francis Anderson “slipped the surly bonds of earth” on June 10, 2016. He was born on June 27, 1929 in Baltimore, MD, to J. Fred and Loretta (Wind) Anderson. He was the youngest of six children. In 1948 Russ enlisted in the Navy, retiring as a Master Chief in 1974, after serving in Alaska, Japan, Virginia, Turkey, Cyprus and Hawaii. Following his naval career, Russ pursued many interests including acquiring an associate’s degree in accounting and having his own accounting business for several years. During this time he became an active runner and completed several marathons. Russ married Judith (Wells-Evans) in 1960 and together they raised Kimberly (David) Waters.
He is predeceased by his parents; two brothers; and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years; daughter and son-in- law; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at Gonzalez United Methodist Church.
Interment will be on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at 10:15 am at Barrancas National Cemetery. Procession to start at Faith Chapel North at 9:30 am.
The family expresses deep appreciation to the care givers at The Waterford/Creekside and the Covenant Hospice nurses.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gonzalez United Methodist Church Debt Reduction or Covenant Alzheimer’s Services located at 5041 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL, 32504.
Arrangements handled by Faith Chapel North.