Tate Aggies Breast Cancer Walk Raises Over $2K
October 25, 2016
Over 100 people took part in the recent Aggies Support the Fight: A Walk to Help End Breast Cancer at Tate High School, hosted by Tate High School’s Community Caregivers and National Honor Society.
Organizers had hopes of 300 laps walked, representing 300,000 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, but participants walked just over 400 laps. The proceeds were combined with the Lady Aggies volleyball team’s Dig Pink proceeds and the Student Council’s “Fight Like an Aggie” shirt proceeds for a combined donation of just over $2,100 to the Pensacola Breast Cancer Association.
Plans are already underway for a second annual walk in 2017.
Additional Tate High School clubs — FAB, Art Club, Mu Alpha Theta, HOSA, and Spanish Club — also worked to make the walk successful.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Helping Others: Grand Opening Today For New Cantonment Thrift Store
October 25, 2016
A grand opening was held Tuesday at a new secondhand thrift store in Cantonment that aims to help others.
Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church officially opened Monica’s Attic Thrift Store in the old Winn Dixie shopping center at 470 Highway 29 South. Regular operating hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Patrons of Monica’s Attic Thrift Store can shop knowing their purchases will positively impact the community, and donors can recycle items they no longer use or need, with the benefit of a tax deduction. Carrying a variety of gently used home décor, furniture, housewares, and books, as well as clothing and accessories for men, women and children, store sales will fund the community food pantry and the beans and rice programs of Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church.
Leadership of the congregation, which includes approximately 135 members, saw a promising opportunity to enhance their service to the community with the development of a thrift store, says Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II.
“Our aim with the store is to offer quality items at reasonable prices for those who may be shopping on a limited budget, while also establishing a self-sustaining means by which we can further expand our outreach services to benefit more families and individuals in this community,” MacWhinnie explains. “Keeping in mind our fundamental purpose as a body of believers is to love and serve others, the thrift store was a natural avenue for our church to continue to positively impact our neighbors in very practical, but important ways.”
In addition to the thrift store, the congregation extends several ministries to the community at large. Their emergency food pantry allows the church to supply a bag of non-perishable foods and basic hygiene products on the spot, any time a sudden need arises, such as a personal tragedy or natural disaster.
To provide meals to those in need more frequently, the monthly beans and rice ministry packages and distributes gifts of food, including large bags of beans, rice and other items as available. Since the program was established in 2008, the church has served an average of 30 local families each month. But recently, the need has increased, with growing numbers of people gathering at the church on the last Saturday of the month to receive the generous helpings of food offered.
Donations may be dropped off at the store during operating hours. Special arrangements for large donations may be made by calling (850) 780-6888.
Pictured: Monica’s Attic Thrift Store in Cantonment. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Cross Country Places At Districts, Headed To Regionals
October 25, 2016
The Northview Boy’s Cross Country team is headed to regionals after a third place finish Saturday during the district meet at Sims Middle School in Pace. Two Northview boys place in the top 15 — Brandon Korinchak was third, and Tanner Levins was sixth.
The girl’s team placed fifth with many members setting personal record times.
The regional cross meet will be held at the Pensacola Equestrian Center on Friday.
Pictured: The Northview boys and girls cross country teams last Saturday at the district meet in Pace. Pictured inset: Brandon Korinchak (left) placed third, and Tanner Levins was sixth. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDLE: If You See Something, Say Something
October 25, 2016
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has unveiled Florida’s online “If You See Something, Say Something” tool kit, an important resource providing safety information for businesses and citizens. The tool kit contains a variety of educational videos and flyers from general awareness to industry specific information for more than a dozen businesses including hotels, transportation and healthcare.
Florida Governor Rick Scott said, “Remembering ‘If You See Something, Say Something™’ is an important way we can all work together to protect Florida’s families and visitors. FDLE’s Tool Kit will provide helpful public safety information for communities across the state. I applaud our brave law enforcement officers for working each day to do all they can to keep our state safe.”
In addition to the tool kit, FDLE is developing partnerships to broaden the campaign’s reach and working to educate businesses and citizens about the role we all play in keeping our community safe.
The “If You See Something, Say Something™” Tool Kit is available on FDLE’s website at, http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cms/FFC/S4/SAR-Home.aspx.
Pictured: State officials unveiled Florida’s online “If You See Something, Say Somethin” tool kit on Monday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jonathan Brandon Edgar
October 25, 2016
Jonathan Brandon Edgar, age 40, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Brandon was born December 5, 1975 to Charles H. and Opal Edgar, Jr. Brandon was passionate about family, football, coaching, fishing and cooking. He graduated from Catholic High School in 1994 where he played football. He continued his football career at University of West Alabama. Brandon had a lifelong career in Construction Management. In 2005 he and his brother, Jody, established a home building company, EdCorp, that has provided homes to over 50 families. While working at Mitchell Homes, Brandon met the love of his life Kimberly Freeman Edgar. They were married on January 21, 2006 and he became a proud stepfather to Jami Alexa Zettler. As a family, they welcomed Jonathan Ray Edgar on January 24, 2007.
He was a coach and mentor to numerous players over the years at West Florida High School, Bellview Athletic Association, Gulf Coast Bombers travel team, ADIKTIV Bombers travel team, and most currently St. John Catholic School flag football team. His love for fishing led him to become a Captain and owner and operator of charter boats, Lickety-Split and No Worries. Over the last ten years he built a successful chartering business, Extreme Offshore Charters, out of Zeke’s Landing Marina in Orange Beach, AL. Brandon shared his love for cooking by preparing many of his favorite recipes for his family and friends. He was notorious for his family fish fry’s, gameday gatherings and intimate dinners.
He is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Charles H. and Agnes Edgar Sr. and maternal grandparents Percy and Alice Bryan. Brandon is survived by his wife, Kimberly Freeman Edgar and children Jami Zettler and Johnny Ray; his parents Charles H. and Opal Edgar, Jr.; brothers Chuck Edgar (Cindy), Jody Edgar (Blair), Tim Edgar (Tonya) and Randy Edgar; numerous nieces, nephews, great nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Chuck Edgar, Jody Edgar, Tim Edgar, Randy Edgar, Gordy Grellia, Jason Edgar, Chad Edgar, Sean Till, and Nikki Hoffay. Honorary pallbearers will be ADIKTIV bombers travel ball team players and coaches.
The family would like to invite any past or present players that Brandon coached to wear their jersey to either service to honor him.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Don Abrams officiating. Burial to follow in Pensacola Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Camp Rap-A-Hope 2701 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 36606, (camprapahope.org), ADIKTIV Sports Academy c/o Kevin Johnson 4301 Woodbine Rd, Pace, FL 32571 or Catholic High School Cheerleading Program c/o Amanda Macon 3043 West Scott St., Pensacola, FL 32505.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North in Cantonment is in charge of all arrangements.
Albert Jeff Ross
October 25, 2016
Mr. Albert Jeff Ross, age 81, of Atmore passed away Friday, October 21, 2016, at his residence. He was born in Atmore to the late Albert Leigh and Ardell Mitchell Ross. He was retired from State of Alabama Department of Corrections after working for 35 years as a correctional officer. He was a member of The Sons of the Confederacy, Alabama Department of History Archives, member of Escambia County, Alabama Historical Society, and worked closely with the Alabama Department of Conservation Enforcement Officers.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Ida Hall.
Mr. Ross was survived by his devoted and faithful friend, Norma Homan of Rabon, AL; one niece, Sandra (David) Sommerman of Marietta, GA.; great-nephews, Andrew and Matthew Sommerman; two special first cousins, Lucille Peacock of Little Rock, AL and Wade Ross of CA; a host of cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at 2 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Canoe with Bro. Waylon Stuckey officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Alabama Department of Correction Enforcement Officers, Frank Reid, Ryan Rhodes, Steve Lawson, David Smith, Kenneth Blalock and Mitch Johnson.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 26, 2016, from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Canoe. Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of all arrangements.
Kenneth Alfred Meadows, Jr.
October 25, 2016
Mr. Kenneth Alfred Meadows, Jr. age 64 of Hwy. 31 Flomaton passed away Monday October 24, 2016, in a Birmingham hospital after a battle with lymphoma cancer. He was a native of Wheeling, WV, where he graduated Warwood High School, A former resident of Pensacola before moving to Flomaton, Mr. Meadows was a member of the St. Maurice Catholic Church, He attended the University of Kentucky and the University of West Florida and was the music teacher at W.S. Neal Elementary School, band director at W.S. Neal Middle School and Jay High School. He was a professional musician playing in bands and currently playing in the Panama City Philharmonic Orchestra.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathleen Paul Meadows of Flomaton; two sons, Kenneth Daniel (Tiffany) Meadows of Molino and Kevin Michael Meadows of Flomaton; sister Mary Jane (Jim) Wiselka of Wheeling, WV; and three grandchildren Christian, Aspen, Hudson.
Visitation will be held Thursday night October 27, 2016, from 5 until 7:00 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton. Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday morning October 28, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at The Saint Maurice Catholic Church with Father Patrick Madden officiating.
Scott Randall Chepan
October 25, 2016
Scott Randall Chepan, 58, of Molino was born October 4, 1958, in Peoria, IL, to Donald and Donna Chepan. He passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2016.
Scott is preceded in death by his mother, Donna (Cool) Chepan.
He is survived by his daughter, Dara Chepan (his “Scoober”); father, Donald (Patricia) Chepan; brother, Allen (Laura) Chepan and his fiancé’, Nancy Weaver who will miss her sweetheart and her true love.
Scott played guitar with several bands and considered all of them his brothers. He loved the beach and everything about it, especially the smells, fresh seafood and the warm Florida sun. Scott loved to laugh and had a smile that will never be forgotten. He left this world doing what he loved, riding his Hog and helping others.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, October 25, 2016, from 4-5:00 p.m. with services to follow immediately at 5:00 p.m.
Fire Rips Through Home (With Gallery, Video)
October 24, 2016
Fire destroyed a home on Rockaway Creek Road in Atmore Monday afternoon.
The fire reportedly began with a lawnmower near the rear of the residence and quickly spread into the home and attic. Flames were shooting several feet into the air when the first firefighters arrived on scene.
The occupants of the home and their pets were able to escape without injury.
The Atmore Fire Department. Poarch Fire Department and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia (FL) Fire Fire Rescue responded to the blaze, along with the Atmore Police Department and Atmore Ambulance.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos and video, click to enlarge.
No Injuries In Early Morning Highway 29 Accident
October 24, 2016
There were no injuries in a single vehicle wreck early Monday morning on Highway 29.
The accident was reported about 4:15 a.m. on Highway 29 just north of Quintette Road. The driver of a SUV lost control and ran off the roadway into a ditch. The driver refused medical treatment at the scene.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details, including the name of the driver, have not yet been released.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.