Part Of I-10 Renamed For Deputy Killed 33 Years Ago
April 6, 2022
A portion of I-10 in Escambia County has been renamed for an Escambia County deputy killed in the line of duty over 30 years ago.
On December, 3, 1988, Deputy Donald Ray Cook was on his way to an off duty job in his patrol car. While monitoring his police radio, Cook learned of a high speed pursuit of armed robbers on I-10 headed into Escambia County from Santa Rosa County.
Cook responded to I-10 where he set up a roadblock in the west bound lane between the off ramp to Highway 29 and the I -10 spur near the railroad trestle. Cook exited his vehicle and the pursuit continued toward the roadblock where he was struck and killed. The suspect were taken into custody several miles away after their vehicle was disabled.
Cook was a five-year veteran of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“His name is engraved on the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., and he is recognized at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, but we have reached a point in time where our citizens need to be reminded daily of the sacrifice our officers make, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. One way we could do this is to name an appropriate section of Interstate 10 in memory of Deputy Donald Ray Cook,” retired FDLE Agent Ed Hudson of McDavid wrote in an email to Senator Doug Broxson’s Office asking for the renaming.
A formal ceremony was held Tuesday with Cook’s family.
Tate High Names Students Of The Month
April 6, 2022
Tate High School recently announce their January Students of the Month. They are Caden Graham and Alyssa Daniels. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bluff Springs, Cotton Lake and Williams Lake Recreation Sites Closed Due To Flooding
April 6, 2022
The Northwest Florida Water Management District has once again closed three recreation sites in the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area due to flooding or anticipated flooding.
The Bluff Springs, Cotton Lake and Williams Lake sites are closed until further notice.
Pictured: Flooding at the Cotton Lake Recreation Area. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Slight Chance Of Rain Tonight; Sunshine For Thursday
April 6, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms possible before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 71. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 39. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Kenny Ray Pierson, Jr.
April 6, 2022
Kenny Ray Pierson, Jr. passed away on March 30, 2022 at the age of 47. He was born on March 18, 1977 in Pensacola, Florida. Kenny worked for Timber Contractors as a logger.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Raymond “Bum” and Jeanette Pierson; and his paternal great grandparents, Raymond L. and Rose Pierson.
Kenny is survived by his two sons, Kenneth Ray Pierson, II and Kolton Pierson; daughter, Kensley Pierson; parents, Kenneth Ray, Sr. and Shannon Holmes Pierson; sister, Alexis Pierson; niece, Kenleigh Bienias; aunt and uncle, Acie and Brenda Dickerson; aunt, Barbara Joyner; and uncle. Jeff Holmes.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM, on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow in Cora Baptist Church Cemetery, Jay, Florida.
The family will receive friends at 10AM prior to services.
Elaine Connell Penton
April 6, 2022
Elaine Connell Penton passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family March 30, 2022. She was born December 21, 1946 in Clanton, Alabama to the late Dalton and Sarah Connell.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Wayne Penton; and grandson, Trace Penton.
Elaine is survived by her children; Cyndi (David) Boyd, Howard (Becky) Penton, Jerry Penton; 7 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren with one on the way, sister; Christina Martin, numerous nieces and nephews.
Elaine also fondly known as “MeMe”, took pride in caring for and supporting her family and friends in numerous pastimes including car racing, sports and high school band. She was most happy surrounded by family and friends and providing an expertly home cooked meal. She was an avid animal lover, she never met a stray she didn’t like.
In keeping with her wishes, a memorial will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers to honor her love of animals, please donate to your local animal rescue.
Michael Wayne Barnhill
April 6, 2022
Mr. Michael Wayne Barnhill, age 58, passed away, Monday, April 4, 2022 peacefully at his home in Atmore, AL. He was a lifelong resident of Atmore, AL. He retired at Wind Creek Atmore with several years of service.
Mr. Barnhill valued his time he got to spend with his family and friends. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing basketball, and was an avid Alabama Football Fan. He was a member of Gospel Light Chapel, and a proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley White Barnhill, one brother, Roger Wayne Barnhill, and one sister, Terri Barnhill Watkins.
He is survived by his father, Dillard Barnhill, of Atmore, AL; one brother, Ronald “Rocky” Barnhill, of Atmore, AL; two sisters, Melissa Barnhill Ellis, of Flomaton, AL; Madonna Barnhill, of Atmore, AL; other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC with Rev. Charles Rolin officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 10:30 AM until service time at 11:00 AM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC.
Dr. Sueann Line Donahue
April 6, 2022
Dr. Sueann Line Donahue was born in Kenton County Kentucky on July 2, 1939. She was the
daughter of John D. Line and Katherine Masters Line. She graduated from Dixie High School
and worked across the river in Cincinnati for AT&T as an Engineering Clerk. She left Kentucky
when she married Charles Richard Donahue of the US Navy. They traveled the world and were
married 62 years. They were blessed with two children Melessa “Donahue” Veith and Sean D.
Donahue. She decided to begin her college career in 1975 after substitute teaching. This would
be a magnificent undertaking resulting in an Associates (PJC) Bachelors (UWF)Masters &
Specialist (UWF)degrees and ultimately her Doctorate of Philosophy in Elementary Education
(PHD) at FSU. She completed her Doctorate in 1997 at the youthful age of 56. She was a
“teacher of teachers” and children. Even after receiving her doctorate, she continued to teach 5 th
grade. She retired from ECSD at 70 with 30+ years but continued as an instructor in education
at UWF. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa International, Delta Kappa Gamma- Alpha XI,
Women of the Church, Military Wives Clubs. She was a fabulous mother to her two children and
8 grandchildren. She invested in their lives in so many ways especially spiritually. She was a
supporter of many. Very giving. She loved her hobbies and even with them she was giving. She
loved to sew. She made things for herself but through sewing she gave to others. She loved to
read and gave books away. She loved to grow flowers and work outside. She enjoyed traveling
and went to Europe for 3 weeks once. Her life was a full one. Most of all she was a strong
Believer with a serious Faith. She believed in Prayer and when asked about a concern she
always said “Pray about it” and “Ask for the Lords will”. There are so many scriptures she would
quote and she referenced Christ in many. She loves Jesus. This really sums up her life. She
loved Chuck Donahue, she loved her children and grandchildren, her family, her teaching, her
friends, her colleagues, her students. She loved her very life, but ultimately, she loved Jesus
and she will spend eternity with Him.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Crutcher and Elizabeth Masters and John C. and
Nell Line; aunts and uncles, Lines and Masters; sister, Linda L. Ravencraft; stepsister, Kathy
Bova.
Sueann is survived by her husband, Charles Richard Donahue; daughter, Melessa D.
(Andrew)Veith; son, Sean D. (Ginny) Donahue; grandchildren, Victoria Veith, Gabriel Veith,
Olivia Veith, Amelia Veith, Charles D.F. Donahue, Sofia and Jonah Drach, and Noah Kirkland;
numerous nieces and nephews on both sides. Memorials can be made to the Dr. Sueann L.
Donahue- Beginning Teacher Scholarship at PSC.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida is entrusted
with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.
Miriam Nee (Reznick) Hillerby
April 6, 2022
Miriam Nee (Reznick) Hillerby, 72, went to be with our Heavenly Father on March23, 2022. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1949, to her parents, Robert and Hazel Mathias Reznick.
Miriam worked at Wheeling, IL as a dispatcher for many years. She also worked for the Wauconda police department.
She was a foster mom to many for many years. Miriam was a very kind and loving woman.
She is preceded in death by both her parents.
Miriam leaves behind her longtime companion, Jimmy Thompson; loving sister, Laurie (Eric) Steinke; as well as her nieces, Michele and Jocelynn; and great nephew, Trevor; her grandchildren who called her Maw Maw, Mathew, Danny, Pari, Kali, and many others; she also leaves behind her close friends, Chris, Gage, Cheryl, Kristen, and Dorothy who she loved till the end.
She will be missed by many who loved her.
Trahan Family Funeral Home are overseeing arrangements.
Pickup Truck Crashes Off Beulah Road Bridge
April 5, 2022
A pickup truck and utility trailer crashed off a bridge on Beulah Road sometime Tuesday.
About 1:15 p.m., a passerby discovered the Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck and a trailer with lawn equipment in a creek next to a bridge between Muscogee Road and the Perdido Landfill. The cab of the truck was mostly underwater, but it appeared the driver may have exited through a window.
There was no one found in the truck or downstream in or along the creek.
Authorities were unsure what time the accident occurred. Preliminary attempts to reach the owner of the vehicle by phone were reportedly unsuccessful.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
