Another Inmate Escapes From Alabama Work Release Center
July 24, 2018
For the second time in two days, there has been an inmate escape from the Loxley Work Release Center in Baldwin County, AL.
Cory Allen Kingery, 37, was last seen wearing state prison whites but may have changed into a blue shirt. Kingery (pictured left) is 5-foot 8-inches tall and 155 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He is serving a two year sentence for theft of property.
Two other inmates, Damon Rashad Dinsmore and Cantorius Alan White, escaped Monday morning from the same Alabama Department of Corrections facility. White was recaptured in Loxley a short time later by local police.
Dinsmore crashed a vehicle into a pole at the Atmore I-65 exit Chevron station about 8 a.m. He fled on foot and and was tracked by K-9 units. He was spotted by a logging crew on Bell Fork Road just after 11 a.m.
Anyone that sees Kingery should call their local law enforcement agency or 911.
Pictured top: The capture of escaped inmate Damon Rashad Dinsmore near Atmore Monday morning. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDOT Completes Review After Molino Bridge Collapse; Construction Resumes
July 24, 2018
Construction activities have resumed at a Molino Bridge project weeks after a collapse, but some portions of the bridge will be removed and reconstructed, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
On June 30 at the Barrineau Park Road (Hwy. 196) bridge over Jacks Branch, concrete for a bridge deck span was being poured into temporary forms when a rod and temporary truss failed. That caused two deck spans of concrete that had not hardened to fall into water below.
“There are some portions of the bridge that are structurally sound and will remain in place while other sections will be removed and reconstructed,” said Tanya Branton, public relations specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation. FDOT conducted a engineering reassessment following the collapse.
The contractor has also started work on the roadway approaches to the bridge and an embankment as the demolition of the damaged portions continues.
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Branton said the collapse was caused by the failure of a threaded support rod in the form system. The contractor is modifying its form system to prevent future problems.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) and other regulatory agencies were notified of the collapse and visited the site. They are not expected to issue any fines, according to FDOT.
The estimated completion date is now September 21, 2018. Prior to the form failure, the estimated completion was August 10, 2018.
On June 30, workers in the area noticed a “dip” as they were pouring the concrete and attempted a repair, but the form system collapsed,” FDOT District 3 Public Information Director Ian Satter told NorthEscambia.com in the hours following the collapse.
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It was the second incident in the bridge in June. Earlier in the month, crews were attempting to place concrete in another deck form that failed, causing the deck and truss under the form to sag, he said. That section of bridge deck was removed by the contractor (photos at page bottom).
GDB-US Constructors, Inc. of Parish, FL, is the contractor on the project, the lowest of four bidders. Satter said to his knowledge, this is their first bridge project in FDOT District 3, which includes the area from Pensacola to Tallahassee.
Barrineau Park Road at Jacks Branch has been closed since January with traffic detoured via Highway 29, Molino Road (Hwy. 182), and Highway 95A.
Photos obtained by NorthEscambia.com and NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pictured below: Sections of concrete bridge deck removed from the bridge after it began to sag three weeks ago can be seen to the right of the bridge.
Atmore Fire Chief Peebles Honored As ‘Hometown Hero’
July 24, 2018
Atmore Fire Chief Ronald Peebles was named a Modern Woodman “Hometown Hero” during a dinner Monday.
The Hometown Hero program honors individuals or groups for their outstanding service to the community.
Peebles is a North Escambia resident.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Jail Job Information Fair Set For Friday
July 24, 2018
The Escambia County Corrections – Jail Division is hosting a job information fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 27 at the Escambia County Jail located at 2935 N. L St. in Pensacola. The correctional facility is currently accepting applications for corrections officer trainees, certified corrections officers and medical professionals including:
- Corrections Officer Trainee – High school diploma or equivalent, minimum age of 20. No certification is necessary, but applicants must be willing to complete Corrections Basic Recruit School, which will be provided at no cost as outlined in the employment contract. Accepted applicants will receive $13.75 per hour training pay and $15.12 per hour after graduation/state certification. The next course is tentatively set to begin the first week of October. Apply by Sunday, Aug. 19 online here.
- Corrections Officer - High school diploma or equivalent, minimum age of 20, and one year of experience performing work as a certified corrections officer/detention deputy; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience If you are certified in corrections in another state, a federal agency, or military, or if you have more than four years’ break in Florida Corrections certification, you may be exempted from attending the full basic recruit academy and may qualify for an Equivalency of Training. To determine if you meet the requirements please contact the Gulf Coast Criminal Justice Selection Center for an assessment. To be eligible for this position, you must first complete the Equivalency of Training process. Starting pay is $15.12 per hour without experience and $16.63 per hour with a minimum of one year experience; however, it is subject to collective bargaining. Apply online here.
- Clinical Nurse - This position provides nursing care to patients in a correctional facility under the direction of physicians and nurse practitioners. Valid State of Florida Registered Nurse with two years of current critical care or emergency department experience required. Starting pay is $29.00 per hour. Open until filled. Apply online here.
- Medical Assistant – This position provides direct patient care and related support to nursing staff. Completion of Certified Medical Assistant and current CPR for Health Care Providers Certification program required. Starting pay is $10.49 per hour. Open until filled. Apply online here.
- LPN – LPNs in our facility provide general patient care and basic patient education. Valid State of Florida Licensed Practical Nurse and current CPR for Health Care Providers Certification required. Starting pay is $16.63. Open continuous. Apply online here.
- RN – Our nurses provide a holistic nursing care to patients housed in the correctional facility. Valid State of Florida Registered Nurse License and Current CPR for Health Care Providers Certification required. Starting pay is $24.11 per hour. Open continuous. Apply online here.
In addition to a stable position in the corrections industry, a job with Escambia County Corrections offers a comprehensive benefit plan for employees who work 30 or more hours a week. Benefits include health, dental, life, vision, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts for medical and childcare, long-term disability, vacations, retirement and other voluntary insurance products.
For more information about the Job Information Fair, please contact Lt. Shawn Hankins at 850-436-9136 or sphankins@myescambia.com.
40 Percent Chance Of Rain Today, Humidity Down A Bit
July 24, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Battle Continues Over Florida ‘High Quality’ Schools Requirement
July 24, 2018
When Florida voters went to the polls in 1998, more than 70 percent approved a constitutional amendment that required the state to provide an “uniform, efficient, safe, secure and high quality” system of public schools.
But two decades later, the Florida Supreme Court is preparing to wade into a long-running battle about whether the state has adequately carried out the requirement — and whether judges should even decide questions that attorneys for the state describe as a “political thicket.”
The state last week filed a 72-page brief asking the Supreme Court to uphold a decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal that rejected the lawsuit, which has been led by a group called Citizens for Strong Schools.
In the brief, the state’s attorneys argued that the issues raised by the plaintiffs are “non-justiciable political questions” that courts should not resolve. But even if the Supreme Court disagrees with that argument, the state’s attorneys contend that Florida has made “dramatic improvements” in student performance, dispelling the notion that it has not provided an adequate education system.
“Florida’s school reforms and education policies — most of which were implemented after the 1998 constitutional amendment … — have led to steady and impressive gains in student performance,” the brief said.
But in a brief filed last month, attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that the Supreme Court should overturn the 1st District Court of Appeal ruling and send the case back to a circuit judge under an “appropriate standard of review” to determine if the state has met the constitutional requirements.
In questioning the quality of education provided in the state, the plaintiffs’ brief pointed to issues such as disparities in student test performances in different counties and by different racial and ethnic groups.
“The (1998 constitutional) revision mandates that the state give all children in Florida a chance to obtain a high quality education,” the plaintiffs’ brief said. “Parents allege this is not occurring. But the First DCA (District Court of Appeal) ruled that, regardless, courts have no power to ensure it does. That decision was an abdication of the courts’ core responsibility to act when other branches of government’s acts violate the Constitution.”
The 1998 amendment was placed on the ballot by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, a panel that meets every 20 years to consider revisions to the Constitution. Voters approved the measure at the same time they elected Republican Gov. Jeb Bush, who ushered in major — and often-controversial — changes to the education system that continue to reverberate in 2018.
Among other things, Bush and his supporters backed expansion of school choice, high-stakes testing and grading the performances of public schools.
The constitutional amendment, in part, said it is a “paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of all children residing within its borders.” The amendment fleshed that out, in part, by saying adequate provision will be made for a “uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system” of public schools.
Citizens for Strong Schools and the other plaintiffs initially filed the lawsuit in 2009. A Leon County circuit judge ruled in favor of the state in 2016, and the 1st District Court of Appeal followed suit in December.
After the plaintiffs took the issue to the Supreme Court in January, the state argued justices should not take it up. But the Supreme Court decided in April to hear the case. It has not scheduled oral arguments.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Registration Continuing For Bratt Basketball Camp With Former NBA Coach
July 24, 2018
Registration is continuing at the First Baptist Church of Bratt for a three day basketball camp beginning Wednesday with a former NBA, college and high school coach.
The camp for children ages 8-14 will be held Wednesday through Friday at the church.
Coach Roger Dutremble of Global Sports Outreach will teach kids the fundamentals of basketball and Biblical awareness.
Dutremble is a a retired coach and member of the International Basketball Hall of Fame. He career includes coaching at every level from high school to the NBA, and into international arenas, with a lifetime coaching record of 687-117 and seven national championships. He was selected “Coach of the Year” six times, and served as national team head coach to Belgium, Scotland, and Jordan. He was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, serving under Paul Westhead and Pat Riley, from 1979-83 and helping the team to three NBA championships with players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The cost is $45 per student with a limited number of scholarships available. The funds are used exclusively to purchase shoes and basketballs for needy children in other countries where Dutremble conducts camps.
The First Baptist Church of Bratt is located on Highway 4 just west of Northview High School.
All children participating in the camp will receive a certificate of completion and a t-shirt from Dutremble. For registration information, call (850) 327-6529, email thawsey@gmail.com, visit the church Tuesday or register at 8:30 Wednesday morning.
Pictured: Students that participated in a previous basketball camp at the First Baptist Church of Bratt. Inset: Coach Roger Dutremble of Global Sports Outreach. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Century’s New Gas Supervisor On The Job, Again
July 24, 2018
Century’s new gas superintendent is on the job, a position he previously held.
Walter “Wally” Kellett worked for the town as gas superintendent from June 2015 to May 2016 when he left to pursue another job, according to the town. He has returned as gas superintendent, replacing Kim Godwin who was promoted to town clerk.
Kellett worked for Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division in Memphis, TN, from 1990 until 2015, and was the department’s Supervisor of Gas Services from 2001 to 2015, according to his resume. At Memphis Light, Gas and Water, he was responsible for the direction of nearly 50 employees in a system with 313,000 meters. During his tenure, he also worked as a commercial and industrial service representative, a commercial and industrial gas welder installer and a gas utility technician. He holds numerous industry-related professional licenses and certifications, his resume states.
Kellett recently retired from Memphis Light, Gas and Water.
Tate, Northview Quarterback Clubs To Meet Tonight
July 24, 2018
The Tate High and Northview High quarterback clubs will meet tonight at their respective schools.
The Tate Quarterback Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the back classroom of the new gym. All parents and fans are welcome to attend.
The Northview Chiefs Quarterback Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the weight room/field house. All parents and fans are welcome.
Wahoos Winning Streak Ends With Loss To Lookouts
July 24, 2018
After Pensacola had taken the lead in the top of the ninth inning, the Lookouts rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth to top the Blue Wahoos, 4-3, Monday night at AT&T Field in Chattanooga, Tenn. The loss snapped the Blue Wahoos winning streak at six games.
Pensacola took an early lead with a run in the top of the first when Mitch Nay singled home Jose Siri. The lead was short lived. In the bottom of the inning Brent Rooker socked his 18th home run of the season to tie the game.
The Blue Wahoos answered to reclaim the lead when Taylor Sparks scored on a wild pitch with two outs in the second inning. The game stayed 2-1 until Chattanooga tied the game in the fifth. Jaylen Davis singled on a line drive that hit off Wahoos pitcher Seth Varner and ricocheted in the hole between first and second base and allowed Jimmy Kerrigan to score.
With the game tied in the ninth, Luis Gonzalez drove home Mitch Nay with a one-out double to right field. Pensacola had a chance for more, but stranded two runners in scoring position. The Lookouts answered against Wahoos reliver Alejandro Chacin (L, 1-2). Mitchell Kranson led off the bottom of the ninth with a pinch-hit home run to tie the game. Then, with one out, Tanner English tripled to left field. With two outs, Chris Paul yanked a 1-2 pitch to left field for the game winning hit.
Pensacola wasn’t without opportunities in the game. The Blue Wahoos left 15 runners on base and were just 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position.
Despite a no-decision, Varner was solid. He allowed just two runs, one earned, over six innings with one walk and five strikeouts. Carlos Navas backed him up with two scoreless innings in relief. The blown save was the first of the season for Chacin. Ryne Harper (W, 1-2) picked up with win despite allowing a run (unearned) over 1.1 innings.
The Blue Wahoos will try to bounce back on Tuesday night with RHP Vladimir Gutierrez (8-8, 4.13) on the mound against RHP Omar Bencomo (6-4, 3.41).