FFA District Winners Announced
January 29, 2018
Friday, FFA Chapters from across the area competed in the FFA District competition. Competitors previously won their Sub-District competitions in December to advance to this level.
The FFA provides numerous career and leadership development events providing a variety of opportunities for members to compete in individual and team events.
Winners of FFA District 1 competitions are below. The first place winner from each category will advance to represent the district at the 90th Florida State FFA Convention in Orlando in June.
Opening and Closing Ceremony:
1st Place – Jay Middle FFA
2nd Place – Paxton Middle FFA
Middle School Extemporaneous Speaking:
1st Place – Colton Philips, Paxton Middle FFA
2nd Place – Thuan Vo, Beulah Academy of Science FFA
Middle School Prepared Public Speaking:
1st Place – Haley Pickron, Paxton Middle FFA
Creed Speaking:
1st Place: Amber Gilman, Northview FFA
2nd Place: Laura Fleaman, Chipley FFA
Tractor Driving:
1st Place – Zach Rutherford, Central FFA
2nd Place – Bailey Miller, Bethlehem FFA
High School Parliamentary Procedure
1st Place – Tate FFA
High School Prepared Public Speaking
1st Place – Avery Young, Tate FFA
2nd Place – Bailey Patterson, Chipley FFA
High School Extemporaneous Speaking
1st Place – Wyatt Patterson, Chipley FFA
2nd Place – Gabe Ferguson, Tate FFA
For additional winner photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Francis Robert Gindl, Sr.
January 29, 2018
Francis Robert Gindl, Sr. 89, of Pensacola, passed away with family by his side Saturday, January 27, 2018. He was born August 3, 1928, in Pensacola, Florida to the late Charles and Pauline (Laritz) Gindl. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margery Walters Gindl and his son, Francis Robert (Bobby) Gindl, Jr.
Francis was a graduate of J.M. Tate High School, Class of 1946, where he was voted the most handsome in the senior class. While he attended high school, he was employed by the system to drive a school bus because there was a driver shortage due to WWII. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba during the Korean War. In 1952, he met the love of his life Margery Walters and they married November 13 of the same year. He and Margie had three children, Bobby, Linda and Amy. Francis worked at Monsanto for 39 years until his retirement at the age of 65. Margie passed away in June 1991, but Francis was able to find happiness again with Pauline Summerlin and they married in August 1994.
Francis was very active in supporting his children and hundreds of other children with their 4-H and band activities. He received the Florida 4-H Leadership Award for his many years of service as a 4-H leader and volunteer and was inducted into the first group of the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. He was an active member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Barrineau Park as an usher and a reader and was a favorite Bingo caller on Sunday afternoons in the church hall. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a charter member of the Barrineau Park Historical Society. Two of his favorite activities were hunting and fishing and he took delight in teaching his grandchildren how to do both. He was an avid Auburn University fan and cheered the Tigers on during football season.
Francis is survived by his wife, Pauline Summerlin Gindl; daughters, Linda (Andrew) Veren of Fairhope and Amy (Marc) Thibodeau, of Danville, VA; daughter in law, Tena Mann Gindl, of Cantonment; sisters, Mildred Anderson, of Pensacola and Mary Ann Prembroke of Bennington, VT. He is also survived by Pauline’s sons, Bob Summerlin and Barry Summerlin. Francis was loved by his eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, as well as Pauline’s four
granddaughters, nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home in Cantonment on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staffs at Sabal House Assisted Living and Covenant Inpatient Hospice Center at Sacred Heart Hospital for their compassion and caring spirit. We extend a very special thank you to Lou and Jody who loved him and helped care for him day after day.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to The Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 3015 St Elizabeth St, Molino, Florida, 32577.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Robert Earl Tolbert
January 29, 2018
Mr. Robert Earl Tolbert, Sr., 80, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2018, in Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Tolbert was a native of Evergreen, AL, former resident of Jay, FL and had resided in Santa Rosa Beach, FL for the past two years. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. He was an avid fisherman, gardener and was a member of the Poplar Dell Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Pauline Tolbert; parents, Ed and Ethel Tolbert; four brothers Bill, John, Franklin and Chester Tolbert and three sisters, Irene Barlow, Gladys Smith and Estelle Ates.
He is survived by his two sons, Robert E. (Patricia) Tolbert, Jr. of Jay, FL and Freddie (Karen) Tolbert of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; one daughter, Brenda (Jimmy) Gallagher of Winnsboro, LA; three sisters, Rose Richardson of Flomaton, AL, Sara Weaver of Pensacola, FL and Abbie Smith of Flomaton, AL; two grandchildren, Brian Kelly and Brandy Ferrington and two great-grandchildren, Aaron Ferrington and Katelyn Ferrington.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Poplar Dell Baptist Church with Rev. Mitch Herring and Rev. Willie Oglesbee officiating.
Burial will follow at the Poplar Dell Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 31, 2018, from 12 p.m. until service time at the Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Jeremy Nowling, Richard Jara, Jerry Kirkland, James Kirkland, Heath Owens and Darrell Salter.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Carolyn Irene Boykin
January 29, 2018
Carolyn Irene Boykin, 66, entered into her eternal home on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, after a valiant fight with a brief battle with ALS. Her love and devotion to her family and strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ surrounded her even unto her last breath. Carolyn was born to the late Charles and Hazel Little on January 10, 1952, in Hattiesburg, MS. She graduated from Bassfield, MS and went on to be a wife to the late Buddy Boykin, mother to Anthony Arnold and Rebecca Cole, and stepmom to Devanie Ellison. She and Buddy traveled all over the U.S. doing arts and craft shows and made wonderful memories, as well as numerous friends. She was retired from the Escambia County School District where she devoted 25 years of service. She was an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church where she loved worshiping her Lord and Savior. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Waterfront Rescue Mission and the Waterfront home for Women. She was loved
and adored by all and to many she was known as “Mee-Maw” or “KK”.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse “Buddy” Boykin and her parents, Charles R. and Hazel I. Little.
She is lovingly remembered by her son, Anthony Arnold; daughters, Rebecca Cole and Devanie Ellison (Burie). She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Madison, Gracie, Chloe, and Maverick Cole, Tiffany Driver (Joe), Brittany Comstock (Aaron) and Brady Ellison (Kendra); and seven great-grandchildren, Eli, Cade, Brooks, Trent, Tucker, Emily and Teagan. She will also be missed dearly by her sister, Betty Terrell (Jerry) along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Carolyn gave of herself selflessly and never met a stranger, she was the glue that held it all together.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Brother William Heiden and Brother Mark Torrez officiating.
Interment was at Clear Springs Methodist Church Cemetery in Robertsdale, AL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Waterfront Mission.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.
Teresa O’Connor Davidson
January 29, 2018
Teresa O’Connor Davidson, age 60, of Milton, was called home Thursday, January 25, 2018. She was born March 11, 1957, in Bay Minette, AL, to the late Alfred and Evelyn Maxine O’Connor. Teresa was a proud part of the Cantonment community for most of her life, taking pride in her children’s involvement with the “Cantonment Cowboys.” She was a long time employee of the Oriental House restaurant and volunteered with the Emerald Coast Honor Flights 1 and 2. Teresa was an avid Alabama football and Alan Jackson fan, although her favorite color was purple. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and caretaker to her constant canine companions Christmas, Jethro and Charlie, as well as a
host of houseplants she loved.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles Eugene O’Connor; and a host of cherished pets.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband William “Bill” Davidson; her children, Ruben Caro (Angie) and Latisha Burkett (fiancé Kevin); grandchildren, Brianna, Justin, Demeire, Kayleigh, Madison and Ian; great-grandson, Camden; eight siblings; step-mother, Juanita O’Connor; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 31, 2018, from 1 p.m. until the funeral service begins at 2 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Pastor Chuck Granat will officiate.
Interment will follow at Clear Springs UMC Cemetery in Clear Springs, AL.
Teresa’s family is accepting donations in memoriam to offset funeral expenses through the funeral home office (850)937-8118.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Fire Damages Cantonment Home
January 28, 2018
Fire damaged a home on the 2000 block of Welcome Road in Cantonment Sunday afternoon.
Initial reports indicated the 2:45 p.m. fire may have started in the kitchen of the home before possibly spreading into the attic. Escambia Fire Rescue was able to quickly bring the fire under control.
All occupants were able to escape the blaze without injuries. Fire people were displaced by the fire; they are being temporarily assisted by the American Red Cross.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Duck Hunters Rescue Owl Tangled In Fishing Line
January 28, 2018
A group duck hunting at Salter’s Lake near Century Saturday rescued an owl tangled in fishing line.
Ben Preston, David Preston, Ross Daughdrill, Lakelynn Parker and Tammy Parker were hunting when Ben Preston went out to retrieve a duck that had fallen into a wooded area. He came upon the owl hanging from the fishing line. They covered the owl with a bag while the fishing line was cut. Ben and Lakelynn wrapped the owl in Ben’s jacket and put him in their boat.
They called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and a FWC officer met them at the Salter’s Lake Boat Ramp to pick up the owl.
The FWC warns that that monofilament fishing line and fishing hooks can snag and entangle birds, sea turtles and manatees, leading to injury and even death.
“People can prevent injury and death to wildlife by committing to stop litter of tackle and monofilament line,” said FWC biologist Ricardo Zambrano.
Tackle should be checked frequently for frayed line that may easily break. Unwanted or damaged line should be stored safely and securely until it can be placed in a recycling bin. The FWC urges those outdoors to pick up, secure and appropriate dispose of any fishing line they may see.
Photos by Ross Daughdrill and Tammy Parker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Missing Toddler Found Safe With Mom After Cantonment Search
January 28, 2018
A toddler was found safe with his mother after a search in the Cantonment area late Saturday afternoon.
According to Deb Henley, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the mother went to visit a relative and took the child with her but forgot to tell the grandfather. The mother does not have phone, so the grandfather was unable to reach her to find out where she was at and if she had the child.
“So he called just in case,” Henley said.
The grandfather called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to the residence on Pace Parkway off Muscogee Road about 4:35 p.m.
ECSO deputies and a K-9 searched the house and the area for the child, and Escambia Search and Rescue was alerted.
“We were eventually able to verify she had taken her daughter with her,” Henley said. The child was safe and was never in any danger.
Chloe Ragsdale Named Miss Ernest Ward (With Photo Gallery)
January 28, 2018
Chloe Adele Ragsdale was named Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Saturday night in “Fabulous 50’s” themed pageant at the school.
Third runner-up was McKenna Rae Simmons, second runner-up was Elianna Teresa Morales, and the first runner-up in the annual pageant was Carsyn Laine Dortch.
Other awards presented were: Miss Hospitality MaKayla Shana Ramsey, Miss Congeniality Jordan Jade Wilson, People’s Choice Addison Ruby Geck, Miss Personality McKenna Rae Simmons, Miss Physical Fitness Chloe Adele Ragsdale, and Miss Poise and Appearance Carsyn Laine Dortch.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the pageant, click here.
Pictured top: Third runner-up McKenna Rae Simmons, second runner-up Elianna Teresa Morales, Miss EWMS Chloe Adle Ragsdale, and first runner-up Carsyn Laine Dortch. Pictured below: The contestants in the annual pageant. Pictured below: Miss EWMS 2018 Chloe Adele is crowned by outgoing Miss EWMS 2017 Tavianna Parker. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Producers Place Statewide In National Corn Yield Contest
January 28, 2018
Miriam Classen and her son Kevin Classen of Walnut Hill placed second in Florida in their categories in the 2017 National Corn Yield Contest.
Miriam Classen placed second in the “A No-Till/Strip-Till Non Irrigated” category with a yield of 212.8423 bushels per acre.
Kevin Classen placed second in the “A Non-Irrigated” category with a yield of 211.2845 bushels per acre.
The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 53rd year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members.
“The contest provides farmers more than just an opportunity for friendly competition; it generates data that impacts future production practices across the industry,” said Roger Zylstra, chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques first developed by contest winners grow into far-reaching advances, helping farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations. Our contest emphasizes innovation both from growers and technology providers, thus enabling us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”
For more than half of a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved, but the opportunity to learn from their peers.
Jason Weber of Atmore with a yield of 214.3802 and James R. Weber of Atmore with a yield of 213.3344 entered but did not place int he Alabama Non-Irrigated division. Jason Weber also had a yield of 207.8621 in the No-Till/Strip-Till Non Irrigated category but did not place in the state category.