ESCO: Woman Crashes On Nine Mile While Fleeing From Deputies
April 7, 2018
A woman that was fleeing from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was seriously injured when she crashed her car into a deep ditch Friday afternoon.
The ECSO said a woman passing fraudulent checks at Synovus Bank on Nine Mile Road near University Parkway left the business after the bank called the sheriff’s office. When the woman saw a patrol vehicle, she drove away at a high speed. Major Andrew Hobbs, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, said the deputies did not attempt to stop the woman or pull her over after she sped off.
The woman wrecked about a half mile away and was transported as a “trauma alert” to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details have not been released.
Photos courtesy Brianna Girdner for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three Injured In Head-On Wreck East Of Flomaton
April 7, 2018
Three people were injured in a two vehicle head-on crash Friday night east of Flomaton.
The wreck occurred about 8:35 p.m. on Highway 31 near Old Highway 31. The three injured were transported to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton by Escambia County (FL) EMS and McMillan Ambulance.
Additional details have not been released by Alabama State Troopers.
The Friendship and Flomaton fire departments responded, along with the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office and Flomaton Police Department.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate’s Kayley Groff Signs Tennis Scholarship With Coastal Alabama
April 7, 2018
Tate High School tennis player Kayley Groff signed full ride tennis scholarship with Coastal Alabama Community College.
Groff currently plays the number three position for the Tate Aggies with a 9-1 record so far this year.
“She has been a catalyst on the varsity squad for the last three years,” Tate head tennis coach David Bonucchi said.
Groff has also been a member of the Showband of the South for four years participating in Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Concert Band. She is also an exceptional academic student and a member of the Beta Club.
Pictured top: (standing, L-R) Tate High Principal Rick Shackle, Coastal Alabama’s tennis coach (full name unavailable), Tate tennis coach David Bonucchi, (sitting, L-R) mom Kaye Mathis, Kaley Groff, twin sister Haley Groff and Ronnie Antone. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Tops Washington, Northview Beats Baker
April 7, 2018
Tate and Northview both earned big wins Friday night in high school baseball.
Tate 10, Washington 3
The Tate High School Aggies Beat the Washington Wildcats 10-3 Friday night.
Cole Fryman earned the victory on the pitcher’s mound for the Aggies. He went four innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out two and walking one. Ryan Greene and Gabe Castro helped close out the game in relief.
For Tate: Blake Anderson 1-2, R, RBI; Ethan Bloodsworth 1-3, RBI; Reid Halfacre RBI; Trent Jeffcoat 2-3, 3B, R; Kaden Kings 2-5, RBI; Raymond Lafleur 2-4, 2B, 3RBI; Mason Land 4-4, 4R; RBI; Hunter McLean 2-3, 2R, 2RBI; Jesse Sherrill 1-2, 2R.
Northview 13, Baker 3
The Northview Chiefs beat the Baker Gators 13-3 Friday night in five innings in game that saw a one hour delay for rain and lightning.
Seth Killam pitched five, allowing five hits, three runs, one error and striking out seven.
For Northview: Trevor Singleton 3-3, 4R, Jackson Moore 2-4, 2B, RBI; Adam Aliff R, RBI; R; Seth Killam 2-4, 3R, RBI; Jason Fischer 2-4, R, RBI; 2-3, R, RBI; Tanner Levins 1-3, R, RBI; John Chivington 1-3, R; 2RBI.
Up next, the Chiefs will host Jay Tuesday at 6 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse Horse Passes Away
April 7, 2018
Some sad news to report today..one of the horses that was part of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse has died. Karen Powell’s horse Tag passed away Friday morning. Pictured: Tag and Karen Powell during an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse training last November in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Low 40’s For Tonight, Sunny Sunday
April 7, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A very slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 48.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.
Northview’s Trent Kite Takes Second In State Weightlifting Championship
April 7, 2018
Northview’s Trent Kite placed second Friday in the 2018 FHSAA 1A Weightlifting State Championships at Arnold High School in Panama City.
Kite, a sophomore, competed in the 129-pound weight class, setting personal records in both the bench press and clean and jerk portions of the meet.
In the bench press, Kite pressed 235 pounds, while he cleaned and jerked 210 pounds for a 445 pound total.
The 2nd place finish matches the highest finish in the history of Northview High School. Also finishing second for Northview were Greg Gibson in 1997 and Antheus Straughn in 1999. Kite is the first Northview lifter to place at the state meet since 2004, when Karlos Mims placed fifth in the 238-pound division.
Kite’s second place finish earned five points for Northview, good enough to finish tied for 13th overall in the team standings out of 61 schools competing in the meet and better than eight of the nine region schools represented at the meet.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Bounce Back With Win Over Mobile BayBears
April 7, 2018
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos bounced back after a tough loss on Opening Day to beat the Mobile BayBears, 9-1, on Friday night at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile.
The game was tied at 1-1 until Shed Long drew a bases loaded walk in the seventh inning. A batter later, Gavin LaValley roped a bases-clearing double just inside the third base bag. He would later score and the Wahoos were up 6-1.
Josh VanMeter unloaded a three-run homer in the top of the ninth to make it 9-1 and cap the Pensacola scoring. The blast was his second extra-base hit of the game. He hit a two-out double in the sixth inning.
Shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez also shined at the plate for the Blue Wahoos. The Havana, Cuba native singled three times in the game, making him 4-for-7 on the young season.
On the mound Keury Mella got a no-decision despite allowing just one run (earned) over five solid innings. He walked just one with three strikeouts. Robinson Leyer (W, 1-0) was the first guy out of the pen and he scooped up the win with two scoreless innings in relief. He allowed the first two batters he faced to reach safely, before retiring the next six hitters.
Jonah Wesely (L, 0-1) suffered the damage from the Blue Wahoos’ seventh inning rally resulting in his first loss of the season. He was charged with all five runs (four earned).
The two teams continue their five-game series with game three Saturday night at The Hank. Reds #9 prospect RHP Vladimir Gutierrez makes his anticipated Double-A debut against RHP Jose Rodriguez of the BayBears
Robert H. Maxwell
April 7, 2018
Robert H. Maxwell, retired Atmore lawyer, died Friday, April 6, 2018. He was 90 years old.
Maxwell is survived by his two sons, Richard King Maxwell (Bess) of Atmore and Dr. David Hamilton Maxwell (Jeanne) of Tuscaloosa; six grandchildren, Mallory M. Downey of Orange Beach, Richard Chapman Maxwell (Katie) of Atmore, Regina M. Allen (Carl) of Pelham, Amanda Bridges Maxwell of Greenville, SC, Robert Hamilton Maxwell II of Tuscaloosa, Kathryn Street Maxwell of Tuscaloosa; and six great grandchildren, Leslie Austin Downey, Harrison Maxwell Downey, Richard Warner Maxwell, Douglas Hamilton Maxwell, William Chapman Maxwell, Gilbert Talmadge Allen and numerous nephews and nieces. Mr. Maxwell was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Hattie Mallory King Maxwell and his four brothers, W. Randolph Maxwell of Miami, George T. Maxwell of Pensacola, Joseph W. Maxwell of Fairhope, and Dr. Benjamin C. Maxwell of Atmore, and by his parents , W.R. “Dolphie” Maxwell and Mary Talmadge Maxwell of Atmore. He was a graduate of Escambia County High School. In 1944 Maxwell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and saw service in the South Pacific and in China. He was a 1951 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law and practiced that profession until his retirement in 1998. While a student at The University of Alabama he held membership in Phi Eta Sigma scholarship fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega service group, Phi Alpha Delta legal organization, and Sigma Chi social fraternity. In the latter organization, Maxwell served successively as president and house manager.
Maxwell was a member of local and state bar associations, and in October, 1995 he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Atmore where for many years he served as trustee, choir member, Sunday School teacher and department superintendent. He was a member of the Atmore Lions Club and the Atmore Jaycees, in which he served as president. He also served as state vice president of the Alabama Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was member and former chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Mobile, and from that university he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in 2001. Maxwell was an incorporator and founding director of United Bancorporation of Alabama, Inc., and for 29 years was a director and corporate secretary of United Bank. Maxwell served for 12 years as a member and secretary of the Utilities Board of the City of Atmore, and for a number of years he was a member of the Alabama State Oil and Gas Board. Maxwell was active in political affairs, having served as a member of the Escambia County Republican Executive Committee from its inception in 1962, and for 12 years he was a member of the Alabama counterpart of that committee. In 1998, he won the Republican primary election and contended for a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Atmore with the Rev. Arnold Hendrix, Jr. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, with Johnson- Quimby Funeral Services in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that gifts be made to the University of Mobile, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613 or the charitable foundation of the Atmore Lions Club – The Robert H. Maxwell Charitable Foundation P.O. Box 906, Atmore, Alabama 36504
Flora Lynn McKenna
April 7, 2018
Flora Lynn (Henderson) McKenna, 73, of Pensacola, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018, at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital.
Flora Lynn McKenna was born to Robert Luther and Mary Elizabeth Henderson, on July 26, 1944, and grew up in the East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola. She attended public schools; graduated in 1963 from Pensacola High School; and attended Pensacola Jr. College.
Flora brought her sharp, inquisitive mind and caring heart to everything she did. She valued faith, family, community, and patriotism. Flora was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who lovingly raised two beautiful daughters, and delighted in spending time with her two grandchildren. Along with raising a family, Flora enjoyed success as a small business owner for several years.
Survived by her mother, Mary Elizabeth (Aldredge) Henderson; husband, Lawrence McKenna; daughters Kaly McKenna and Lisa McKenna; grandchildren Keith and Akira; many favorite nephews and nieces, beloved cousins, and dear friends. Predeceased by her father, Robert Luther Henderson; brothers Robert (Bobby) Henderson, Aubrey (Buddy) Henderson, and sister Jean (Henderson) Ramirez.
Special thanks to Flora’s caregivers and staff at West Florida Hospital and University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital for their compassionate care.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 9, 2018, at 10:00 AM with a Mass of the Christian Burial at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Pensacola, followed by a gravesite service at Barrancas National Cemetery at 12:00 noon. Family and friends are invited and may call on Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Faith Chapel North, 1000 S. Hwy 29, Cantonment, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas More Society, a not-for-profit, national public interest law firm dedicated to restoring respect for life, family, and religious liberty, and located at 19 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 603, Chicago, IL 60603.