Appeals Court Upholds Life Sentence Of Escambia Man That Murdered Mother Of His Child
August 27, 2020
The First District Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction and sentence of an Escambia County man for a 2018 murder.
Henry Martin Steiger was sentenced to life in prison for second degree murder of Cassandra Robinson, his girlfriend and the mother of his child.
She was last seen alive on February 1, 2018. A missing person investigation began after her disappearance was reported by her family. Her remains were located on July 11, 2018, inside a 565-gallon drum in a cargo trailer owned by Steiger that was located on a vacant lot.
Prosecutors said Steiger murdered Robinson after their daughter’s first birthday party.
The First District Court of Appeal found ruled that no error was committed by the trial court. The appeals court also declined to consider Steiger’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel because there was no allegation of fundamental error.
Ernest Ward Middle School Implements New Car Rider Morning Drop Off Procedure
August 27, 2020
Ernest Ward Middle School has implemented a new car rider drop off procedure effective today.
The following is the text of a callout phone message to parents made Wednesday evening:
“As many of you are aware of, the number of morning car riders at Ernest Ward has increased over last year, which is causing quite a backup. In an effort to alleviate the backup of traffic, beginning Thursday morning, August 27, if you arrive to drop off in the car rider line at 8:35 or later and do not plan to drop off for breakfast, you will need to take an alternate route.
“Instead of entering through the front gates and circling around in the field, you will need to utilize our gravel maintenance road on 99A and follow it around to the front of the school. If you arrive at school at 8:35 or later, school officials will be at the front entrance to remind you that it is not open. They will also be posted at the entrance to the gravel maintenance road to help direct you.
“If you arrive prior to 8:35 or plan to drop off in the center lane for breakfast, please continue to use the front entrance.
“This new process will hopefully help us avoid vehicles being backed up on Hwy 97, avoid having our grass torn up, and avoid people getting stuck in the muddy field due to inclement weather.”
Photos/images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dollar General At West Kingsfield, Hwy. 297A Gets Zoning Approval, With A Design Condition
August 26, 2020
The Escambia County Board of Adjustment on Wednesday granted approval to a conditional zoning for a new Dollar General on West Kingsfield Road at Highway 297A.
Teramore Development, LLC, of Thomasville, Georgia went before the board seeking a conditional use to build an 8,960 square foot Dollar General Store. The current low density mixed-use (LDMU) zoning is intended to provide for a mix or residential uses with neighborhood scaled retail sales and services with a retail limit of 6,000 square feet. A conditional use in the zoning category allows for retail sales up to 35,000 square feet.
The board approved the conditional use with the stipulation that the store have a residential area design with wood siding and a shingled roof as in a concept drawing submitted by the developer.
The Escambia County Land Development Code will require screening on the south and east property boundaries because the adjoining properties are residential, and the developer intends to install additional landscaping.
The initial application for the Dollar General went before the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) Wednesday afternoon. It’s the first of several required stops at the DRC before required approval can be granted to apply for a building permit.
The proposed development is on a 1.37 acre parcel on the southeast corner of the West Kingsfield Road and Highway 297A. The freestanding Dollar General will have 32 parking spots in a lot that will connect to West Kingsfield.
The property was previously developed as a single family residence that has since been removed.
The retailer intends to sell beer and wine the location.
Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Work Is Beginning To Replace Century Gas Meters For $56K; Town Couldn’t Account For 28% Of Natural Gas
August 26, 2020
Work is beginning to replace 283 gas meters in Century in an effort to increase revenue due to improved billing accuracy. As reported in July, the town could not account for 28 percent of the natural gas they purchased for resale. That’s not due a leak; it’s due to billing and meter inaccuracies, according to town officials.
Florida Gas Utility received bids on behalf of the town, with only one bid submitted from Precision Meter Repair, Inc. of Plant City, Florida. The company will go door to door to make the needed replacements. If no one is at home, a door hanger like the one pictured here will be placed on the door.
Residents need to be home at the time of the meter replacement to avoid a prolonged service interruption of an after-hours service call. That’s because once the meter is change, pilot lights will be relit by the company, and they’ll also ensure everything about the installation is safe.
The council approved the purchase of new gas meters in early 2019 for a system with 615 connections. City staff and contractors replaced 265 meters during the winter of 2019, while the other meters remained in storage.
Precision Meter will replace 283 meters and regulators at $160 each for a total of $45,280. Numerous meters will require a regulator replacement at $38 each, with the contract allocating up to an additional $10,754. The company said it will take about 45 to 60 days to complete the job once they begin.
There are 67 inactive meters that will not be replaced at this time. They will be changed out when service is requested by the customer.
The meter replacements is being funded by Local Option Sales Tax funds.
In 2018, the town could not account for nearly 60% of their bulk purchased natural gas.
NorthEscambia.com photo/graphic. Click to enlarge.
Four Sentenced To Federal Prison For Their Roles In Local Dog Fighting Conspiracy
August 26, 2020
The last of four defendants to be convicted for their roles in an Escambia County dog fighting conspiracy was sentence Tuesday in federal court in Pensacola.
David Lee Moser, 37, was sentenced to 12 months plus one day in prison. Moser pleaded guilty to conspiring with the co-defendants to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
The other three defendants were sentenced earlier this month:
- James “Tommy” Peek, 68, was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison. Peek had pleaded guilty to unlawfully conspiring to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act, delivering a dog to co-defendant Shane Sprague for purposes of having the dog participate in an animal fighting venture, and possessing a dog for purposes of having the dog participate in an animal fighting venture.
- Haley Cook Murph, 25, was sentenced to eight months in prison. Murph had pleaded guilty to unlawfully conspiring to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act, traveling to Alabama to purchase a fighting dog from a known dog fighter, and possessing that dog for purposes of using the dog in an animal fighting venture.
- Shane Patrick Sprague, 36, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison. A jury had convicted Sprague of felony conspiracy to violate the animal fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
Senior U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson in the Northern District of Florida imposed the sentences.
“Federal prison sentences are absolutely appropriate for these criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe for the Northern District of Florida. “Each one of them knowingly contributed to the immeasurable fear, suffering and pain these helpless dogs experienced. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who violate the Animal Welfare Act to the fullest extent of the law.”
Evidence at trial, along with admissions made by the pleading defendants in conjunction with their plea agreements, established that Sprague arranged dog fights and trafficked in fighting dogs with Moser and others. Moser admitted that he and Sprague agreed to fight their dogs against one another and to prepare a dog for a dog fight, and had discussed concealing evidence that one of Moser’s dogs had killed another dog.
Peek was one of the suppliers of fighting dogs to the conspiracy. He used his reputation as a prominent dog fighter to sell fighting dogs to others around the country. A dog fighting book commonly seized as evidence in dog fighting investigations has a chapter devoted to Peek, which Peek would autograph and sell to customers. He admitted to having delivered a dog to Sprague, believing that the dog would be used for fighting purposes. He also admitted to selling a dog to an undercover agent after making representations about the fighting “bloodlines” and prior and upcoming dog fights scheduled for some of the dogs on his yard.
Murph’s role was that of a makeshift “veterinarian.” Although Murph at no time possessed a veterinary license, she admitted to offering and performing veterinary and surgical procedures on dogs belonging to members of the conspiracy, treating dogs injured in a dog fight, and surgically removing dogs’ ears, including for the purpose of dog fighting. Two dogs she treated died from their fighting injuries. Murph also admitted to supplying a “bait” animal to test the fighting abilities of one of the dogs of a co-defendant. Finally, Murph admitted to traveling to Alabama to receive a dog from a known dog fighter, and to keeping that dog for the purposes of having the dog participate in an animal fighting venture.
“The cruel and inhumane practice of dog fighting has no place in a civilized society and is against federal law,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Williams of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG). “The outstanding work of the USDA-OIG agents who investigated this case made it possible to bring these operators of a major animal fighting venture and breeders who participate in such activities to justice. We will continue to vigorously investigate individuals who attend, facilitate, or profit from the misery inflicted upon animals during these barbaric fights.”
Pictured: Law enforcement and the ASPCA conducted an operation in the 7000 block of Beulah Road in July 2018. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ensley Elementary Student Reported Positive For COVID-19
August 26, 2020
A student at Ensley Elementary School was reported positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the second day of school, according to the Escambia County School District.
Officials were able to use seating charts to determine which other children came in close contact with the child, and parents of about 10-12 students were notified. The district said that if a parent did not receive a call, there’s no cause for concern.
The child reportedly attended school on Monday, but did not on Tuesday. The positive test was reported to the school by a parent.
Staff Wins Third Term As Atmore Mayor, But Challenger Smith Is Claiming ‘Voting Irregularities’
August 26, 2020
Atmore Mayor Jim Staff was reelected for a third term Tuesday, but his challenger, council member Susan Smith, is claiming the race is not over due to several “voting irregularities”.
“I am beyond grateful,” Staff said Tuesday night. “Tomorrow is a new day and it’s time to get back to work making Atmore the best that it can be for everyone in our community. Let’s all come together to make one Atmore.”
“It is not over; there are several, several voting irregularities that we will be looking into,” Smith said in a video posted Tuesday night. “So I am not conceding at this point. I want everybody to understand that. We are have a lot of issues that are being addressed right now as I am talking with you.”
Two incumbents will head back to the Atmore city council for another term – Webb Nall in District 1 and Jerome Wester in District 2. In District 3, incumbent Chris Walker was defeated by wide margin by Eunice Johnson with 72% of the vote. For the District 4 seat that was held by Smith, Shawn Lassiter defeated three other candidates with just over 50% of the total votes cast. And in District 5 incumbent Chris Harrison and challenger Bud Gideons will held to a runoff on October 6.
Here are complete, but unofficial results from Tuesday’s municipal election in Atmore:
MAYOR
- Jim Staff (I) – 918
- Susan Smith – 729
DISTRICT 1
- Webb Nall (I) – 148
- Bernard Williams – 125
DISTRICT 2
- Jerome Webster (I) – 168
- Angelia Norman – 112
DISTRICT 3
- Eunice Johnson – 154
- Chris Walker (I) – 59
DISTRICT 4
- Shawn Lassiter – 271
- Larry Houck – 170
- Logan Walston – 59
- Brandy Giger – 35
DISTRICT 5
- Bub Gideons – 124*
- Chris Harrison (I) – 106*
- Sandra Gray – 98
- *Gideons and Harrison to Oct. 6 runoff
Thanking Those That Keep Your Power On For Lineworker Appreciation Day
August 26, 2020
This year more than ever there’s been a lot of reasons to celebrate lineworkers on Lineworker Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Through thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms and even wildfires, the approximately 180 Gulf Power lineworkers have been busy this year. This weekend, Gulf Power was on alert as two hurricanes approached the Gulf of Mexico. While there does not appear to be an immediate threat to Northwest Florida, crews are ready to assist utilities to the west of us if needed.
And of course, the Gulf Power team has been working all of these events during a pandemic. The coronavirus has pushed the company to increase safety measures to protect its workers as well as customers while ensuring the lights stay on.
“Our lineworkers do such an incredible job each day and to add in the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been amazing to see their professionalism and high level of commitment to our customers and each other,” said Mike Spoor, Gulf Power’s vice president of power delivery. “This year is especially a time to show our appreciation for our lineworkers.”
Gulf Power implemented safety protocols to protect our team from contracting the virus in March. Face coverings, social distancing, increased sanitation measures and wellness checks have added a different meaning to working safely.
While lineworkers work daily to maintain high reliability levels to Gulf Power customers, they have also responded to other emergency events this year, including some in support of other energy companies.
- In April, a team of lineworkers and support personnel assisted Alabama Power following a series of tornadoes.
- Later that month, crews worked safely and quickly to restore power to thousands of customers here in Northwest Florida when a series of storms spawned several tornadoes.
- Wildfires came into play in May when a 2,000-acre fire swept through part of Santa Rosa County. Lineworkers restored power to about 1,100 customers who were affected by the blaze.
If that wasn’t enough, hurricane season started.
- In early June, lineworkers and support personnel set to work when Tropical Storm Cristobal knocked out power to 25,000 Gulf Power customers in less than 24 hours.
- A storm restoration team went to the eastern part of the state earlier this month to assist our FPL family when Hurricane Isaias was threatening Florida. The storm stayed offshore and did minimal damage but when it slammed into the Northeastern seaboard, another Gulf Power storm team traveled to New Jersey to assist with storm restoration there.
“In my 35 years in the utility industry, I don’t remember a year where there were so many different kinds of events where our lineworkers had to work to restore service to our customers,” Spoor said. “It’s a testament to their commitment and experience that they have battled adversity.”
Northview Chiefs Announce New 2020 Football Schedule
August 26, 2020
The Northview High School Chiefs have announced their new 2020 football schedule.
The Chiefs will begin the season at the road at Baker on September 18 before returning the next Friday night for senior night.
- Sept. 18 at Baker
- Sept. 25 vs. Holmes County (*Senior Night)
- Oct. 2 at Escambia Academy (AL)
- Oct. 9 at Walton
- Oct. 16 vs. South Walton
- Oct. 23 – OPEN
- Oct. 30 vs. Chipley (*Homecoming)
- Nov. 6 vs. Jay
Pictured: The Northview Chiefs defeated the Jay Royals 40-7 on November 1, 2019. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bondurant Wins Fifth Term As Flomaton Mayor; Wagner Defeats Crapps
August 26, 2020
Flomaton Mayor Dewey Bondurant was elected to fifth term on Tuesday.
Bondurant defeated challengers Chris Burnham and Kevin Knowles.
For town council District 4, Kay Wagner defeated incumbent C.E. (Buster) Crapps and Adienne Johnson. Wagner previously served four years as mayor and three terms on the town council.
Council members Charlie Reardon, Lillian Dean, Jim Johnson and Roger Adkinson were automatically reelected to their seats without opposition.
Here are complete but unofficial election results from Tuesday’s municipal election in Flomaton:
MAYOR
- Dewey J. Bondurant, Jr. (I) – 183
- Chris Burnham – 115
- Kevin Knowles – 66
DISTRICT 4
- Kay Wagner – 41
- C.E. (Buster) Crapps (I) – 36
- Adrienne Johnson – 3
NorthEscambia.com photo.