Volleyball: Baker Beats Northview
September 16, 2016
The Northview Chiefs lost to the Baker High School Gators in girls high school volleyball action Thursday.
JV 11-25, 16-25 Baker wins
Varsity 10-25, 18-25, 5-25 Baker wins
The Lady Chiefs will next travel to Escambia High School in Pensacola on Monday before returning home to host Central on Thursday.
Pictured: Junior varsity action as Northview hosted Baker Thursday afternoon in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Provost Named UWF President Amid Claim Of ‘Interference’
September 16, 2016
University of West Florida trustees on Thursday elevated a provost to the school’s presidency, rejecting a state senator while the top trustee cited “interference” from Tallahassee in the decision.
Culminating a six-month search process, which resulted in 83 applicants to replace retiring President Judy Bense, the university’s Board of Trustees voted 9-4 to make Provost and Vice President Martha Saunders the new president on Jan. 1. Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican who served as Senate president from 2012 to 2014, received the other votes.
Saunders has deep academic ties to the Pensacola-based university, where she served as a faculty member and administrator between 1984 and 2002 before leaving to take administrative jobs at out-of-state schools, including the presidency of the University of Southern Mississippi. She returned to the University of West Florida as provost in 2013.
She described the board’s decision as a “fairy tale” ending to her academic journey, saying she was surprised by the vote.
“I’m thrilled and honored beyond belief,” Saunders said. “It has been a long and arduous process, but UWF is worth it.”
Gaetz had the fewest amount of higher-education credentials among the final four candidates. But he had the deepest ties to Tallahassee, where state government plays a large role in setting policy for the university as well as providing the bulk of its funding.
But political machinations in Tallahassee may have played a role in Gaetz coming up short.
Lewis Bear, chairman of the trustees, decried “character assassination” aimed at Gaetz, as critics tried to tie the senator to an ongoing investigation of a hospice company that Gaetz helped found but later sold his interest in. Bear said Gaetz had no part in the inquiry.
“I think we have spread bad rumors about somebody who has done a great job for our state,” Bear said.
Bear also said he was disturbed by “government” interference in the process.
“A number of our trustees have had phone calls from Tallahassee, from high office, from governing boards,” Bear said. “There was never any undue pressure, but there were promises that if you vote for a certain candidate we will do certain things to enhance the University of West Florida.”
Asked to clarify his remarks after the meeting, Bear said his information was “third hand” from trustees, whom he declined to name, nor would he name any Tallahassee officials who allegedly made the calls.
But Bear said he believed the calls hurt Gaetz’s candidacy.
“The comments that were made were insinuations that if the university does not select a person with direct relationships with legislators that the university shouldn’t worry about that because there are people in Tallahassee who will make sure if we select a different candidate, the university would still be taken care of,” Bear said.
Gaetz, who is leaving the Senate in November because of term limits, declined to react to Bear’s comments.
“I was honored to be nominated and privileged to even be considered,” Gaetz said. “I think the trustees made an excellent selection in Dr. Saunders. I know her. I have worked with her. And I admire her, and I wish her and the university the very best.”
Brittany Davis, communications director for the state university system, said neither Chancellor Marshall Criser III nor any members of the system’s Board of Governors, which oversees the 12 state universities, contacted UWF trustees in favor or opposition to a presidential candidate.
Jackie Schutz, communications director for Gov. Rick Scott, said the governor “frequently talks with trustees on key issues at our universities.”
“He is thankful for their service to the state and the many hours they volunteer to make our higher education system more affordable and accountable,” Schutz said. “Gov. Scott appreciates all of the candidates who put their names forward to serve as president of UWF and looks forward to working with president-elect Martha Saunders as she meets with the Board of Governors to outline her vision for UWF’s future.”
Scott has played an active role in the boards of trustees that run each university.
Earlier this year, he rejected two University of West Florida trustees who sought reappointment to the board. His two replacement appointees, as well as another trustee who was reappointed in March, were among the nine trustees voting for Saunders.
Three of the four trustees, including Bear, who voted for Gaetz, had also either been appointed or reappointed by Scott.
Also this year, Scott rejected the reappointment of Allan Bense, a former House speaker, as a trustee for Florida State University, apparently miffed by Bense’s earlier support for a tuition increase.
Mort O’Sullivan, a University of West Florida trustee who chaired the search committee that recommended the four final candidates and who also supported Gaetz, said he had not received calls from anyone in Tallahassee regarding his vote.
“We conducted an open, fair, honest process, that was my charge,” O’Sullivan said about the search committee. “I know in my heart we accomplished that.”
Saunders had strong support from the university faculty. The faculty Senate passed a resolution Friday in opposition to Gaetz, with a survey showing a majority preferred Saunders. Ted Fox, a trustee and a biology professor who leads the Senate, was among the nine supporters of Saunders.
Jake Hebert, another trustee who is president of the Student Government Association, also voted for Saunders.
“I think it went the way it should have,” Hebert said, saying Saunders was “the right one for the future of the university even in Tallahassee.”
Two other presidential candidates, Frank Ashley, a vice president with The College Board, and William M. “Mike” Sherman, a provost at The University of Akron, drew praise from the trustees but no votes in the final decision.
O’Sullivan was designated by the board to negotiate the details of Saunders’ three-year contract. She will also undergo a more extensive background check before she assumes the presidency in January. Saunders, who will be the university’s sixth president, also faces a confirmation vote from the state Board of Governors.
by Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida
Sun And Showers For Today
September 16, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Today: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind becoming east 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 89. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
Gulf Power Looks To Hire New Line Workers
September 16, 2016
Line work is dangerous. Long hours, difficult – if not impossible – conditions. Life-threatening situations with thousands of volts of electricity flowing through the lines. As first responders, lineworkers need to be able to respond at home or other parts of the state or country during any kind of weather.
During the recent hurricane that hit Northwest Florida and the southeastern part of the country, Gulf Power deployed 100 lineworkers to Tallahassee and Georgia to assist in power restoration for more than a week. Lineworkers not only restored energy and got the lights back on, but helped restore hope to hundreds of thousands of customers during the hot August summer.
It takes a certain kind of person to tackle this line of work.
Gulf Power will be hosting a Line Worker Expo in October, specifically to recruit people who might be interested.
“It’s tough work and it takes someone with a special skill set to excel at it,” said Rick DelaHaya, Gulf Power spokesperson. “We have to constantly be on the lookout for candidates who can come in and do this job, safely and efficiently.”
The expo will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 8, at the McCrary Training Center in Pensacola. Line crews from all three districts will be there to demonstrate the different types of jobs involved in line work. Exhibits will also be set up for potential recruits to see what is involved in being a lineworker for Gulf Power.
“The crews will work through several different scenarios, demonstrating the skills required to do the job and show those attending how it’s done,” DelaHaya added. “Human Resources will also be there to answer any questions about working for Southern Company and Gulf Power.”
HR will also help the recruits sign up for an employment profile on the company’s Careers website. There is no cost for candidates to attend and lunch will be provided at the event.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who has thought about a career in line service with Gulf Power to come out — learn about the job and ask any questions,” said DelaHaya.
For more information on the Lineworker Expo, contact Ben Scott, at 850.505.5630 or register at http://glfpwr.co/lineworkerexpo.
Joann Deriemacker
September 16, 2016
Joann Deriemacker, 71, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on September 13, 2016. Joann was born in Mobile, AL on March 20, 1945. She married David Deriemacker on August 4, 1962. They were married 54 years. Joann was a full-time homemaker and was devoted to her family. She was also a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Joann is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Virginia Dorman, and her father, Willis Loyd Ealy.
She is survived by her husband Dave and five children, Richard Deriemacker, Tina Holley, Robert Deriemacker, Janeen Boothe and David Deriemacker,Jr., all of Pensacola, FL. Joann is also survived by seven siblings, Phillip Ealy, Roy Ealy, Kay Simmons, Lynn Woodcock, Jessie Dorman, Paula Clemens and Sue Henry; 20 grandchildren, Brittney Williams, Brandon Lockett, Bridgette Holley, Brody Holley, Blake Holley, Braxton Holley, Bryce Holley, Braden Holley, Trent Deriemacker, Ariel Watson, Tyler Deriemacker, Reed Deriemacker, Raina Deriemacker, Darian Decker, Thomas James (TJ) Deriemacker, Hayden Ealy, Jayce Deriemacker, Haley Workman, Aylana Boothe, Maddox Boothe; 13 great-grandchildren, Alexis Malley, Nickolas (Bubba) Malley, Talan Williams, Mason Williams, Levi Williams, Liam Cole, Andy Norman, Halena Deriemacker, Brennan Deriemacker, Bobby (JJ) Whitmire, IV, Joanna Orlando, Branson Orlando, Baby Orlando; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on September 24, 2016, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Pastor Mike Mashburn will be officiating.
The family will accept visitors prior to the service from 1 p.m . until 3 p.m.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Berry Lynn Ross
September 16, 2016
Berry Lynn Ross, 47 of Poarch, AL, passed away on Monday, September 12, 2016, in Atmore. He was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and served on the Tribal Council. He born in Pasadena, TX on July 3, 1969, to Eugene R. and Marilyn Morris Ross.
He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene R. Ross; and grandparents, M.C. and Hattie Lou Morris.
Survivors include his wife, Melissa Freeman Ross of Poarch, AL; two sons, Elliot Gene Ross and Troy Lynn Ross, both of Poarch, AL; one brother, Steven (Regina) Ross of Poarch, AL; and many aunts, uncles, family and friends.
Services were held Friday, September 16, 2016, at the Friendly Holiness Church, with Bro. Benny Stokes and Bro. Johnny Stabler officiating.
Interment was in New Home Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Burl Wiggins, Odell McGhee, Marion McGhee, Darrell Hollinger, Jerrel Hollinger, James Bagwell, Rusty Lassitter and Clint Lassitter.
Honorary pallbearers was the Poarch Creek Indian Tribal Council.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Dale Walker Mitchell
September 16, 2016
Dale Walker Mitchell, 62, of Pensacola, FL, passed away August 24, 2016, surrounded by his closet friends. Dale was born November 14, 1954, in Pensacola to Roy and Dorothy Mitchell.
After graduating from high school, Dale joined his friends on the music circuit, serving as roadie for the local band, Lemon Slack, until his desire for a more routine life led him to go to
work at Monsanto (now Ascend) in 1974 were he worked until his retirement a few years ago.
Dale was preceded in death by his father and mother.
He is survived by his aunt, Stella Margaret Gatlin and numerous cousins and several close friends.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at 10 a.m. in Magnolia Cemetery in DeFuniak Springs, FL, with the Rev. Joel Glenn officiating.
Tinie Bell Barlow Minchew
September 16, 2016
Mrs. Tinie Bell Barlow Minchew, 78, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2016, in Pensacola, FL.
Mrs. Minchew was a native of Nokomis, FL, former resident of Davisville, FL and had resided in Atmore, AL for the past 10 years. Mrs. Minchew was a foster care parent for many years for probably 100+ kids. She loved to sew, cook and can. She always placed others before herself and loved God above all. She was a member of the Calvary Deliverance Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, L.B. Minchew; one son, Douglas Gordon Minchew; parents, Charlie and Stella Barlow; two brothers, Yearl Barlow and Jessie Lee Barlow; and one sister, Loise Ganey.
She is survived by one son, Danny (Lavene) Minchew of Booneville, AL; four daughters, Glenda “Becky” Adams of Davisville, FL, Ruthie (Ray) Dunn of Atmore, AL, Dorothy (Billy) Martin of Davisville, FL and Natalie Minchew of Lakeland, FL; one sister, Lucille Bruley of Atmore, AL; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Sunday, September 18, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Enfinger officiating.
Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 17, 2016, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Jason Dunn, Joel Minchew, Myles Harrelson, Michael Harrelson, Trey McGhee and Tyler Krippes.
Alternate pallbearers will be Andy McKinney and Devin Dunn.
Honorary pallbearer will be Jonathan Adams.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Northview FFA Chapter, Alumni Association Named National Award Winners
September 15, 2016
Once again, the Northview High School FFA chapter has been named one of the very best in the nation, and the Northview High School FFA Alumni will receive a national bronze award.
The Northview FFA will receive the national Two-Star Chapter Award during the National FFA Convention and Expo next month in Indianapolis, IN. The Northview High School FFA was named one of Florida’s Finest FFA chapters and recognized on stage during the 88th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando this past June.
The selection of Florida’s Finest FFA Chapters is based upon the completion of the National Chapter Award program application. These chapters have excelled in the areas of student, chapter and community development and have worked hard to fulfill the mission of the FFA. Northview’s FFA chapter will represent Florida at the national level.
The Northview High School FFA’s “Fresh From Florida Advocacy Program” was also named the second best program in 2015 and 2016 and was previously honored as the best in Florida for three consecutive years.
Pictured: Northview High School’s FFA chapter was named one of Florida’s Finest FFA chapters and recognized on stage during the 88th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando this past June. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Slight Chance Of Showers, Otherwise Partly Sunny Today
September 15, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.