Gun Pointed At Vehicle During Road Rage Incident At Highway 29 And Highway 97, ECSO Says
July 22, 2020
A driver allegedly pointed a gun at another vehicle during a road rage incident at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
Sam Payne, Jr., age 28 of Atmore, was charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with intent to commit a felony and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a report that the driver of a silver Hyundai Sonata with a personalized tag had displayed a firearm during a road rage incident. Payne allegedly pointed the handgun at another vehicle occupied by two people as it was southbound on Highway 97. He followed them south on Highway 29 while flashing his headlights, according to an arrest report. The victim eventually turned into the parking lot of the Raceway on Highway 29 in Cantonment as the suspect continued southbound.
A deputy conducted a traffic stop on Hyundai Sonata with the specialty license plate at the intersection of Highway 29 and Tate School Road. Payne was removed from the vehicle at gunpoint and taken into custody.
Deputies reported finding a .45 caliber Hi-Point pistol on the front passenger seat. It had one round in the chamber and two in the magazine, the report states.. When the deputy removed Payne’s driver’s license from the center console of the vehicle, he located pills that field tested positive for methamphetamine.
The ECSO report states the victims positively identified Payne as the driver that pointed a gun at them.
Payne was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $7,500 bond.
Board Approves Six Escambia School Superintendent Semi-Finalists; Rejects The Addition Of Seven Others
July 22, 2020
The Escambia County School Board Tuesday night approved the semi-finalists to be the county’s next school superintendent. They systematically rejected all of the additional candidates from the applicant pool that were recommended by two board members, opting to move forward only the six candidates picked by a selection committee.
District 3 member Dr. Laura Edler had six additional candidate suggestions rejected. She unsuccessfully recommended Dr. Wayne Alexander, Adam M. Taylor, Dr. Michelle E. James and Dr. Brian T. Binggeli. Each of those motions by Edler failed due to the lack of a second.
Board Chairman Patty Hightower seconded motions by Edler to add Dr. Raymond L. Bryant, Jr. and Dr. Robert E. Schiller but each was voted down by board members Kevin Adams, Bill Slayton and Paul Fetsko.
On Schiller, Slayton commented, “It was ironic that I had family that was in the area when this gentleman was serving as a superintendent, and it was a bit of mess.”
Hightower made a motion to add Dr. Christopher N. Ruszkowski to the semi-finalist list, but failed due to the lack of a second.
The six semi-finalists moved forward in the selection process are:
Edler voted against the approval of the selection list candidates.
Up next, the semi-finalists will receive a list of questions to answer within a week, and complete background checks will be performed.
Escambia County’s Four New Fire Trucks Will Soon Be Ready For Service
July 22, 2020
Four new fire engines will soon be in service in Escambia County.
As NorthEscambia.com first reported earlier this month, the four 2019 Pierce Enforcer fire engines will replacing aging trucks in Molino, Ensley, Myrtle Grove and Pleasant Grove.
“The role of updated equipment and prevention efforts in providing quality fire protection cannot be overstated,” Public Safety Director Jason Rogers said. “Escambia County Fire Rescue is excited to get these trucks on the line to serve the community.”
One of the two new rescue trucks will replace the current 2011 model front line engine assigned to Ensley Fire Station. The other truck will replace the 2003 model year apparatus front line engine assigned to Molino Fire Station.
A squad engine will replace a 2002 model year apparatus rescue engine currently assigned to Pleasant Grove Fire Station, and a standard engine will replace the current 2004 model rescue engine apparatus assigned to Myrtle Grove Fire Station.
“These are new state-of-the-art fire apparatus that will ensure our personnel have safe and reliable apparatus for enhanced service delivery to our citizens and visitors,” said Fire Chief Paul Williams. “By implementing our apparatus replacement plan this allows for one or two apparatus to be purchased annually as we move forward opposed to the large truck purchases in the past. We want to thank the BOCC and staff for moving LOST funds forward and allowing for this purchase to happen this year, we are in need of updating our fleet and this is a great start.”
Williams told NorthEscambia.com that the trucks will be in service and responding to calls in about two weeks.
“They are still being upfitted and we are in the process of scheduling the orientation class offered by Pierce that teaches the new customers the operations of the truck,” he said.
Each truck features Cummins L9 450 horsepower engine, a 750-gallon tank, a Hale 1500-gallon per minute pump, a deck gun and seating for five personnel. The rear-forward facing crew cab seats, and an EMS compartment above each front wheel. The trucks also feature cargo netting with a single pull lanyard that secures the EMS compartments, a coated interior, vinyl seats, and headliner help with cab decontamination. The vertical exhaust keeps heat and emissions away from firefighters working around the apparatus.
In addition to providing dependable, state-of-the-art equipment, having new engines under warranty will also decrease repair and maintenance costs which have increased significantly due to the aging fleet, the county said when the purchase was approved unanimously by the Escambia County Commission about a year ago.
The four new vehicles were purchased for a total of $2,036,267 using Local Option Sales Tax funds.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Good Chance Of Evening Showers And Thunderstorms
July 22, 2020
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of evening showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Tate High Grad Ethan George Signs To Play Baseball At Coastal Alabama
July 22, 2020
Tate High School graduate Ethan George signed Tuesday afternoon to continue his baseball and academic career at Coastal Alabama Community College. George was a four-year member of the Aggies baseball team as a pitcher, third baseman and outfielder. He was also the varsity football quarterback. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Youth Employment Participants Recognized
July 22, 2020
Escambia County’s Youth Employment Program participants were recognized for their hard work this summer during a recent ceremony.
The Youth Employment Program gave 95 youth the opportunity to get paid work experience in various county departments, including Public Works, Public Safety, Escambia County Area Transit and West Florida Public Libraries.
“I think the most important investment is an investment in human capital,” said District 3 Commissioner Lumon May. ” It’s about including the next generation of leaders, and that’s what this program is about. We’ve had a great time this year, and I would like to thank all of our directors who made it possible for young people to come and work.”
Through the program, youth worked up to 30 hours a week at minimum wage, gaining valuable experience all summer while learning workforce etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
Youth Employment Program participants also received job readiness training and post-employment briefings, which provided them feedback about their job performance. The youth workers were recognized by May, Senator Doug Broxson, Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley and Neighborhood & Human Services staff during the ceremony.
In his closing remarks, Broxson encouraged the youth workers to donate blood as a way to assist the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You want the freedom to go to school, to go visit people, and to do what you want to do without restrictions,” he said. “I am imploring you to go and give blood and sign a pledge to give blood. If we come together as a community, we can defeat this horrible virus.”
Melvin Burgett
July 22, 2020
Melvin Burgett, 89, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2020. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his family along the rivers near his home in Molino. His favorite pastimes were spending time with his brother in law, Everette, eating Popeye’s chicken and playing Checkers with his dear friend, Bob.
He is preceded in death by his wife: Ruby Janette Burgett, parents: Joseph Burgett and Viola Huckabee Burgett and his sisters and brothers, Margaret Burgett, John Burgett, Joseph Burgett, Homer Burgett, Luther Burgett, Fletcher Burgett, Alter Burgett, Elvin Burgett, Arley Burgett, Hazel Burgett, Fred D. Burgett, and Velton Burgett.
He is survived by his son’s Joseph Burgett and Randy Burgett; daughter Janis Yvette Patterson, grandchildren, great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be: Howard Burgett, Larry Burgett, Danny Burgett, Kenneth Burgett, Donnie Burgett, and Peter Welch.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2020 beginning at 10:00am with the service to follow at 11:00am at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial to follow at Little Pine Barren Cemetery.
Kevin Spinks
July 22, 2020
Kevin was the exact definition of a true man. His strong stature, noteworthy hands and approachable demeanor made him loved by all. He was often referred to as the gentle giant or big teddy bear; but he was mostly known to all as, Big K. Hearts like his, full of generosity and love made anyone in his presence feel special. His heart ultimately belonged to his family, first and foremost. Ona, his first-born child was the absolute center of his universe. She was so excited to meet the man that spoke to her every day, she decided to come a month early. She stole his heart as soon as we welcomed her into this world. Within 5 years, the completion of his heart was met when he was blessed with his second baby girl Kali. Her personality and sass could put a smile on his face no matter what the day had given him. He joked about being surrounded by women his whole life, but we all know he loved every second of it. I don’t think there is a more amazing girl dad out there. He was the solver of all problems…Go cart mechanic, bad dream chaser, hair style tester, but most of all the constant protector over all three Girls, Ashley, Ona and Kali.
He firmly believed that you earned everything through hard work. In 2003 he started his career with the Sheet Metal Works Union and became a Journeyman of his trade by 2007. He finished early, just another measurement of his ingenuity and sharp mindedness, nothing ever held him back. He took pride in the quality and craftsmanship of his trade, making him an asset to everyone he knew. If you needed anything, call Big K, he would find a way to make it happen. One of his favorite quotes was, “You’ll never know, unless you try”. There is nothing he wouldn’t do to help anyone in need or just to lend a hand.
Because of his strong work ethic, he was able to provide the most wonderful life for himself and his family. He enjoyed traveling to the Smoky Mountains, attending NASCAR races with the full experience, spending time on the river, fishing on East Bay, but most of all being around his family and friends (who he truly considered family) grilling and enjoying everyone’s company. Rarely would you see him without a big grin on his face enjoying the simple things in life, as he took nothing for granted. With his girls, his family and his friends by his side, all was right in his world.
He was inducted as a Tennessee Squire with the Jack Daniels Distillery in Tennessee and was an honorary boat shed mechanic in Molino.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Chester and Juanita Spinks, William K. and Syble Chandler, Leona McCullough, and Capt. Bud Arnold; and uncles, Bill Chandler, Jerry Lee and Robert Ging.
Kevin is survived by his wife and soul mate of 18 years, Ashley Brianne Spinks, daughters, Ona Lee (11 years old), Kali Paige (6 years old), father, Larry Spinks (Sandra Jackson), mother, Sharon Chandler Nelson (Malcolm Nelson); parents in law, Steven Arnold and Ramona Arnold; sisters, Angie Edmondson (Tim Edmondson), Kayla Nelson (Curtis Roughton), Jessica Morgan (Joey Russell), Michell Baxter, and Tonya Emmons; nieces and nephews, Hayley Gibson (Kody Gibson), Hunter Lee (Kaleigh Godwin), Logan Edmondson, and Lydia Edmondson.
Funeral services will be held at 2PM, Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Mike Mashburn officiating.
The family will receive friends at 1PM prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been set up at Pen Air FCU for his beloved daughters Ona and Kali Spinks.
Edward Stephen Clemens, Sr.
July 22, 2020
Mr. Edward Stephen Clemens, Sr., age 90, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020 in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Clemens was a native of Valley Stream, New York, former resident of Century, FL and had resided in Atmore, AL for the past 10 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #1983, a veteran of the US Army and retired police officer with Nassau County, New York. He was former owner of Travel Ease Limousine Service and E&C Security of Sarasota County, Florida. He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen B. Clemens; father, Edward Clemens; his first wife, Dorothy Cane Clemens; second wife, Debbie Johnson Clemens and brother, Donald Clemens.
He is survived by his two sons, Edward S. (Paula) Clemens of Atmore, AL and William “Billy” (Patti) Clemens of Sarasota, FL; one sister-in-law, Jean Clemens of Baldwin, NY; three grandchildren, Bradley Clemens, Todd Clemens and Sara Clemens; one great grandchild, Avlynn Clemens; one nephew, Donald Clemens and one niece, Jean Clemens.
Escambia Schools Delay Start Date By Two Weeks, Mandate Face Coverings
July 21, 2020
The Escambia County School District will delay the first day of school by two weeks and mandate the use of face coverings.
The school board approved the recommendation from Superintendent Malcolm Thomas at their meeting Tuesday evening.
The first day for teachers will be Monday, August 17, and the first day for students will be Monday, August 24.
Thomas said more than twice the number of parents than expected chose the remote learning or virtual school option for their child, rather than the traditional classroom setting. The deadline for parents to make a choice was Monday.
“The number of students participating in the Remote Learning/Virtual School option means additional training for a number of our current instructors,” he said, “pushing the student start date to August 24, 2020 is necessary to provide our educators with the professional development required for quality virtual instruction. This also means students returning to Traditional School can improve social distancing within the classroom and school buses.”
Thomas will ask the board to approve the following wording about face coverings as district policy: “Face coverings will be worn in district facilities as directed by staff and instructional leaders. If a situation arises whereas a student, member of staff, or a visitor is not wearing, or is incapable of wearing a face covering, such individual may be assisted or guided by appropriate authorities within the district to undertake alternative, reasonable and accommodating actions to protect self and others.”
“Students and staff members will wear face coverings, or face shields, when they cannot adequately socially distance,” Thomas said. “While no one is expected to wear face coverings for 6 to 7 hours at a time, it is particularly important to comply on school buses, in hallways and/or shared spaces such as cafeterias and libraries. Parental support will be appreciated in order to maintain the safest learning environment possible.”
The Monday, August 24 return date for students will also mean 10-month educational support employees (ESP) within the district will return to their regular work schedules on Friday, August 21.