North Escambia Native Rebekah Bydlak Tops $100K Raised In Congressional Race
June 7, 2016
Congressional candidate Rebekah Johansen Bydlak has announced that she closed out the month of May with over $100,000 in donations from over 200 donors, and over $90,000 cash on hand.
A candidate for Congress in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, Bydlak, 25, would make history if she is successful in the August 30 Republican primary, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and the first female to represent Florida’s 1st District.
“Every day, I talk to people in Northwest Florida who are sick and tired of politics as usual,” Bydlak said, “Our early success is a clear sign that I offer these voters the outsider alternative they are looking for. We need a strong advocate who will cut spending, protect our veterans, and fight for individual liberty and getting the federal government out of our lives. I am that advocate.”
Bydlak, a resident of Cantonment and a McDavid native said her fundraising momentum has continued into the early days of June.
“I am confident that we will continue to raise the funds necessary to support our strong grassroots team that will carry us to victory in August,” she said, “Our many supporters across the First District can be confident that every dollar they have given to my campaign will be spent getting our message to voters as effectively as possible and fighting for the cause that we all share.”
Bydlak is a native of Northwest Florida and a graduate of Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida. She holds a master’s degree in political science and public administration from UWF and spent the last three years advocating for lower spending and debt among the public, elected officials, and candidates across the country as director of outreach for the Coalition to Reduce Spending.
Bydlak is seeking the Congressional seat currently held by Rep. Jeff Miller, who has announced that he will not see reelection.
Byrneville Elementary Presents Awards
June 7, 2016
Byrneville Elementary School recently presented the following awards:
Thornton/1st Grade
All A’s
Gabrielle Hawsey
Emma Claire Mast
Jase Portwood
Allison Yoder
A/B
Keiyon Brown
Preston Hudson
Layla Jordan
Isaiah Phifer
Jamie Roberts
Crest Waters
Zachary Weaver
Citizenship
Keiyon Brown
Nathan Carter
Gabrielle Hawsey
Preston Hudson
Layla Jordan
Emma Claire Mast
Isaiah Phifer
Jase Portwood
Jamie Roberts
Jamahri Simpson
Crest Waters
Zachary Weaver
Allison Yoder
Highest Averages in Reading: Emma Claire Mast, Allison Yoder
Discovery Education Reading Awards: Emma Claire Mast, Allison Yoder, Jamie Roberts, Layla Jordan
Highest Averages in Math: Emma Claire Mast, Jase Portwood, Allison Yoder
Highest Averages in Social Studies: Gabrielle Hawsey, Emma Claire Mast, Jase Portwood, Allison Yoder
Highest Averages in Science: Layla Jordan, Emma Claire Mast, Crest Waters, Allison Yoder
Penmanship Award: Preston Hudson
Most Improved: D’Angelo Phifer and Samantha Smith
Brown/1st Grade
A Honor Roll
Caleb Levins
Taylor Curtis
A/B Honor Roll
Autumn Coleman
Benji Parker
Logan Morris
Kayden Harwell
Cannon Whorff
Outstanding Citizenship
Alston Wolfe
Aleah Therrell
Caleb Levins
Taylor Curtis
Wesley Lambeth
Most Improved in Reading: Aliyah Reed
Most Improved in Math: Bonnie Trump
Most Improved Overall: Alston Wolfe
Frankhouser&Linton/2nd Grade
A Honor Roll
Luke Godwin
Elizabeth Coleman
Bree Robertson
A/B Honor Roll
London Brooks
Makenzie Levins
Ryder Lee
Savannah Hudson
Evelyn Smith
Cameron Bourgeois
Most Improved in Math: Brynlie Shaw
Most Improved in Reading: Emily Carter
Perfect Citizenship: Ryder Lee
Weaver/ 3rd Grade
All A Honor Roll
Maddie Mae Driskell
Kelan Jurey
Riley Long
Evin Matlock
Mia Turner-White
A/B Honor Roll
Ayden Atallah
Gavin Beasley
Tripp Curtis
Jade Howell
Allie Odom
Mallory Smith
Highest Language Arts Average: Maddie Mae Driskell and Riley Long
Highest Math Average: Evin Matlock
Highest Science Average: Riley Long
Highest Social Studies Average: Riley Long
Dunsford/ 3rd Grade
A Honor Roll
Madison Levins
Addisen Miller
Brian Yoder
A/B Honor Roll
Kailee Ancell
Madeleine Atallah
Macie Buford
Braden Glick
Zack Herndon
Mia Kornegay
Rebecca Peebles
Jayden White
Highest Reading Average: Madison Levins
Highest Math Average: Madison Levins and Brian Yoder
Highest Science Average: Brian Yoder
Highest Social Studies Average: Brian Yoder
Most Accelerated Reader Points: Madeleine Atallah
Marshman/ 4th Grade
A Honor Roll(All Year)
Meredith Johnston
Tyler Riggs
A/B Honor Roll(All Year)
Adrianna Atallah
Madalyn Grimes
Kaylie Glick
Nolin Godwin
Kaylee Hamilton
Aydan Smith
Mandell Smith
Highest Language Arts Average: Kaylee Hamilton and Tyler Riggs
Highest Math Average: Madalyn Grimes
Highest Science Average: Meredith Johnston
Highest Social Studies Average: Tyler Riggs
Top 3 in AR:
Tyler Riggs
Caden Peterson
Kaylie Glick
Johnston/5th Grade
Student of the Year: Drake Allen Driskell
Cox Inspirations Hero: Kaden Odom
Top AR:
Blake Yoder (1st)
Drake Allen Driskell (2nd)
Gracie Long (3rd)
Most Improved:
Dakota Peebles (Reading)
Conner Sheffield (Math)
Honor Roll:
Leah Anderson (all year)
Hunter Barnes (all year)
Adyn Barrow
Abbie Buford (all year)
Josh Diamond (all year)
Aloysia Dortch (all year)
Drake Allen Driskell (all year)
Briana Dunsford (all year)
Bradley Hamilton (all year)
Chase Hampton (all year)
Johnnie Howell (all year)
Eli Jackson (all year)
Jakayla Jackson (all year)
Kayla Johnson (all year)
Emily Lambeth (all year)
Emily Levins (all year)
Gracie Long
Sydney Mast (all year)
Bailie Merchant (all year)
Kaden Odom (all year)
Aleigh Thornton
Tiana White
Blake Yoder (all year)
Science High Averages:
Bradley Hamilton (Highest)
Emily Levins (Highest)
Kaden Odom (2nd highest)
Blake Yoder (2nd highest)
Abbie Buford (2nd highest)
Drake Allen Driskell (2nd highest)
Social Studies High Averages:
Kaden Odom (Highest)
Emily Levins (Highest)
Drake Allen Driskell (2nd highest)
Bradley Hamilton (2nd highest)
Blake Yoder (2nd highest)
ELA High Averages:
Drake Allen Driskell (Highest)
Kaden Odom (2nd highest)
Emily Levins (2nd highest)
Math High Averages:
Drake Allen Driskell (Highest)
Emily Levins (Highest)
Blake Yoder (Highest)
Kaden Odom (2nd highest)
Invention Convention Winners:
Emily Lambeth (1st)
Patrick Rolin (2nd)
Kaden Odom (3rd)
Bernice Jane Ashcraft
June 7, 2016
Bernice Jane Ashcraft, 85 of Atmore, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2016, at her residence. She was a homemaker. She was born in Atmore on November 21, 1930, to the late Ennie Smith.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William H. Ashcraft; her mother, Ennie Mitchell; and siblings, Bill Lofton and Junior Mitchell.
Survivors include one son, Ricky Ashcraft and one daughter, Jill Ashcraft, both of Atmore; two grandchildren, Amanda Ashcraft and John Ashcraft; and one great-grandchild, Tykenya Ashcraft.
Services were held Monday, June 6, 2016, from Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment was in Pleasant Grove Baptist Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Eltra Mae (Sid) Vickrey Etheridge
June 7, 2016
Eltra Mae (Sid) Vickrey Etheridge entered into the gates of Heaven on June 2, 2016. She was born in Local (Huxford), AL on February 9, 1916, to Heman and Maggie Lomax Vickrey.
A consummate mother and caretaker, Sid was an excellent cook and she received great joy in taking care of others. She retired from Rachel Patterson Elementary School after 20 years of service. She was a resident of Atmore for over 70 years before relocating to Century Nursing and Rehabilitation in 2010. Even though she was a centurion in age, she never let it show in her appearance, physical stamina, or spirit. She took immense pleasure in assisting the residents who were no longer of good physical stamina. Over the years she attended various events through the local SAIL/RSVP centers and was lauded for her volunteer work. She loved shopping, cooking and showing her friends and family how much she loved them. She was also a sports fan and enjoyed bowling, and watching the Atlanta Braves!
Sid had an unwavering faith in God and lived a spirit of compassion and unconditional love to all who were blessed to know her. She was a member of Community of Christ Church in Atmore.
She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Earl Etheridge Sr. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Delaurace (Tuck) MacDonald; and her three brothers, Bernard “Bunk” Vickrey, Orval Vickrey, and Buddy Vickrey; and her two sisters, Ellie Wiggins, and Murvel Helton.
She is survived by her sons, Earl L. Etheridge Jr. and his wife Becky, of Savannah, GA, Bill Etheridge and his wife, Wylonette of Mobile; her daughter, Nancy Martin and her husband Bobby, of Walnut Hill; and a special grandson, Russell Martin of Tuscaloosa, AL. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, and numerous others who she cared for in life.
The family gives everyone who cared for her their deepest gratitude, especially her youngest daughter Nancy, whom she referred to as “Her Baby,” and who held her hand as she entered heaven, and her extended family at Century Nursing and Rehabilitation.
A funeral service celebrating her life was held on Sunday, June 5, 2016, at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore. The service was performed by the Elder Wayne Ellis, Elder Glenn Waldrop, and the eulogy was conducted by her grandson, Russell Martin.
Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Wahoos Beat Jackson 6-1
June 7, 2016
Pensacola Blue Wahoos right fielder Sebastian Elizalde singled and tripled to drive in four runs and help his team down the Jackson Generals, 6-1, Monday at The Ballpark at Jackson.
In his first year in Double-A, Elizalde is hitting .320 with two home runs and 13 RBIs for the Blue Wahoos.
Pensacola scored first when left fielder Tony Renda, who is hitting .320 on the season, hit his 20th double of the season on a fly ball to right field with two out to drive in catcher Joe Hudson, who doubled to start inning, to put Pensacola ahead, 1-0, over the Jackson Generals. Renda went 3-3 with two runs scored and an RBI Monday.
Elizalde singled on a liner to left field that scored both shortstop Zach Vincej and Renda to give Pensacola a 3-0 lead in the third. Blue Wahoos first baseman Kyle Parker then singled to center but Jackson center fielder Ian Miller threw a strike to home to get Elizalde out a home.
Pensacola starter Amir Garrett pitched out of two jams. He hit two batters with a pitch in the third inning. However, Hudson threw out Jackson right fielder Guillermo Heredia trying to steal second and Garret got out of the inning. In the fifth, Garrett had runners on second and third with two out but got DH Tyler O’Neill, who earned the Southern League Player of the Month for May, to pop out to short.
Garrett worked six innings and allowed one run, zero earned on three hits, two walks and struck out six. He improved to 5-3 on the year and has a 1.63 ERA.
Jackson scored in the fourth inning to get back a run, 3-1, when first baseman D.J. Peterson doubled to score left fielder Leon Landry, who reached second on a fielding error by Pensacola’s Renda.
Pensacola’s Elizalde then drove in two runs with a triple to right field in the eighth inning, scoring Vincej and Renda, putting the Blue Wahoos ahead, 5-1. Pensacola second baseman Brandon Dixon hit a deep sacrifice fly to centerfield that scored Elizalde and made the score, 6-3. Elizalde went 2-4, scored once and drove in four runs on his single and triple.
The top teams in the Southern League Northern Division and Southern Division are now tied, 1-1, in the five game series.
Pensacola improved to 33-23 to remain in first, while Jackson dropped to 37-20.
Besides getting run support and 11 hits from the Pensacola offense, Garrett received good relief, too. Nick Routt, Kevin Shackleford and Alejandro Chacin combined to throw three innings, allow two hits, walk one and strike out three.
The 24-year-old Brandon Dixon, who was named the Southern League Player of the Week, went 0-3 to end his six game hitting streak. He’s now 15-27 (.556) with eight homers and 19 RBIs the past seven games.
Wilbur T. “Dick” Brown
June 7, 2016
Mr. Wilbur T. “Dick” Brown, 87, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Atmore.
Mr. Brown was a native of Huxford, and a lifelong resident of Atmore. Mr. Brown was in the VFW Post 7016. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Korean, and Vietnam. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore. He is preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Brown.
He is survived by special friend, Mike Hanks of Atmore and special caregiver, Angie Searcy of Atmore.
Funeral services will be Thursday, June 9, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Arnold Hendricks and Rev. C.L. Langford officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Body Bearers.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Kennedy, Bernard Peacock, Billy Ridgeway, Mike Hanks, Marvin Rischer, Delmer Tew and the retired Postal Workers.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements, Atmore, Alabama.
David Lee Poston
June 7, 2016
David Lee Poston, born to Marcus and Eloise Poston, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2016.
David was an active member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and was a successful former owner of D P Technologies, Inc. Although a native of Pensacola, he was raised in El Paso and Las Vegas but the Navy and his family brought him back to his hometown. He enjoyed fishing, farming, his family and westerns. He was a devoted husband, loving father and wonderful soul.
David is survived by his loving wife, Alicia M Poston; daughter, Karie McClung; sons, Matthew (Stacy) Poston and Jacob (Sara) Poston; and eight grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Frank Yerg, Paul Schwartz, Brandon Poston, Pete Martinez, Bobby Miner and George Boudreaux.
Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Barrineau Park with interment to follow at adjoining cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org or your favorite charity.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
‘Ocean Commotion’ At Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church
June 7, 2016
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church kicked off their “Ocean Commotion” Vacation Bible School Monday night. The VBS continues nightly through Friday from 6 until 8:30. A light supper will be served each night. The church is located at 140 Bogia Road, just off Highway 29, in McDavid.
For a list of other area Vacation Bible Schools, click here. To submit photos from your church’s VBS, email news@northescambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Delaney Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Myrtis McGhee Kinman
June 7, 2016
Mrs. Myrtis McGhee Kinman, was born December 28, 1945, age 70, and passed away on Monday, June 6, 2016, in Atmore.
Mrs. Kinman was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore. She was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Poarch SAIL and the Atmore Apostolic Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Levi & Treacy McGhee; two brothers, Leo McGhee and Fred Lee McGhee; and five sisters, Carlie Dalrymple, Martha Wilson, Imogene Sheets, Eva Nell Burkett and Donna White.
She is survived by her husband, David L. Kinman of Atmore; children, Melanie (Wes) Owens of Atmore and David Allen (Jessica) Kinman of Atmore; grandchildren, Logan Boatwright of Auburn, Madelyn Boatwright of Atmore, Hayden Kinman of Atmore, AL and Kendall Kinman of Atmore, AL; step-grandson, Jacob Owens of Virginia; sisters, Helen Hallman, Deloris Kelley, Velma Crocker, Eldnar (Shirley Von) McGhee and Judy McGhee of Atmore, AL; 17 Nieces and 22 Nephews.
Funeral services will be Thursday, June 9, 2016, at 3 p.m. at the Atmore Apostolic Church with Bro. Tim James and Bro. Coleman Pylant officiating.
Burial will be at the New Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 8, 2016, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Atmore Apostolic Church.
Pallbearers will be Arthur Mothershed, Rodney Exum, Derrick McGhee, Josh Burkett, Aubrey Roberson and Greg McGhee.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Jimmy Douglas Beck
June 7, 2016
Jimmy Douglas Beck, 74, of Atmore, died June 4, 2016, in Covenant Hospice, Pensacola.
He was born March 2, 1942, in Pensacola. He has been a resident and faithful citizen of Atmore for all of his adult civilian life where he worked primarily as a meat cutter. He served honorably in the US Navy and is a “plank owner” (original crew member) of the USS Kitty Hawk Air Craft Carrier. He is preceded in death by his father, Curtis Beck; mother, Alma Beck; brothers, Bill “Charlie” and Roy Beck; and sister, Bettie A. Beck.
His church, Brooks Memorial Baptist, the VFW, American Legion, and his garden were among his most active endeavors. His generous spirit and sense of humor will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife, Willene Beck; children, Kevin and Kelly Beck; step-children, Eddie Cole, Greg Cole, and Susan (Bill) Speir; grandchildren, Will and Lena Cole Speir; and brothers, Cecil and Curt Beck.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home. Family viewing will be from 12 until 1 p.m. with public visitation from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., followed by funeral services at 3:00 pm. Pastor Robert Heard of Brooks Memorial Baptist Church will be officiating the service. All are welcome.
The local VFW and American Legion Posts are graciously providing pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, Patriot Guard motorcycle escort, and Honor Guard veteran’s burial services.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Atmore VFW Post 7016 and American Legion Post 90.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.