Escambia Early Voting Passing 25,000 Mark
November 1, 2012
Early voters in Escambia County will pass the 25,000 mark today.
Through Wednesday night, 24,854 early voting ballots had been cast, according to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office. The busiest early voting site has been the Tryon Library (9,452 ballots) followed by Cantonment (4,942 ballots).
Early voting will be available through Saturday, November 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
- Supervisor of Elections Annex, 292 Muscogee Road, Cantonment
- Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Langley Avenue
- Supervisor of Elections Main Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor
- West Florida Public Library, 200 West Gregory Street
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
Football Pundit ‘Chief Nostradamus’ Weighs In On Northview Football, 1A Playoffs
November 1, 2012
Here’s a look at Friday night’s Northview Chiefs football and District 1A playoff predictions from NorthEscambia.com’s new Northview football pundit - Chief Nostradamus, “The Cow Pasture Prophet” —
Ok Chiefs football fans, here’s a somewhat murky forecast for the upcoming 1A playoffs. Things are starting to shape-up, and after this Friday night’s action, the 1A regional semi-final playoff picture will become clear. So, some of these predictions can and probably will change. And here it goes.
Let us start in Region 1 where Northview goes to battle Baker this Friday. With a win by the boys from Bratt, the Chiefs will clinch a second consecutive district title. In the first playoff round, NHS will host the District 2 runner-up, which should be the looser of the Graceville – Cottondale game on Nov. 2.
The other half of the Region 1’s semi-final bracket will be the District 2 champ, the Graceville – Cottondale winner, verses Freeport; that is if Freeport can hold off Jay Friday night. Now consider that over the past few weeks Freeport has had back-to-back thrashings at the hands of Northview and Chipley, which in my opinion makes Freeport anything but a shoe in. Here comes the twist; if somehow Jay manages to purloin a win from Freeport, the District 1 runner-up race will fall into a three-way tailspin. Landing in a pile at the bottom will be Freeport, Baker, and Jay all locked in a last place tie at 1-2. If the three-way tie scenario comes to fruition, a shootout among the Gators, Royals, and Bulldogs on Monday, November 5, will have to happen to determine the runner-up. Now that’s a mouth full.
Head east and on to Region 2 and Districts 3 and 4. Holmes County looks as if it is the team to beat in this region. Friday night’s Holmes County – Chipley contest will settle the District 3 champion question and a Blue Devil win secure the 3-1A trophy. Bozeman is in a solid second place situation in this district and has only a weak South Walton squad left on its schedule. Unfortunately, the Seahawks have been beat like a drum in the band all year, and there’s not a chance that the fish hawks will pose significant challenge for the Bucks. Bozeman will dispatch the surfer boys of Santa Rosa Beach in what should be a Bucks rout.
The District 4 race will be officially over Friday night after Liberty County Bulldogs capture the district title after taking a bite out of the Port St. Joe Tiger Sharks. With a Bulldog win, the Blountstown Tigers stroll into the playoffs as the district runner-up. The Tigers have only lowly West Gadsden remaining on the district schedule, and Blountstown should defeat West Gadsden with ease.
Region 2’s semi-finals looks like a Blountstown road trip to Bonifay’s cow patty littered rodeo stadium in the city to play host Holmes County. In the other game, the Bozeman Bucks will travel east over into the Eastern Time zone for a clash with the Liberty County Bulldogs in Bristol.
East of Tallahassee is where you’ll find Regions 3 and 4 with their Districts of 5, 6, 7, and 8. It is from Districts 6 and 7 that the top three 1A teams in the state AP rankings hail from: Union County, Trenton, and Newberry. Too bad for the North Florida sports writers, but only one of the three good teams has the chance to be in the state finals.
The District 5 champ, Mayo’s Lafayette High School, dethroned the last year’s district title holder and state champion, Jefferson County, in a come from behind fourth quarter thriller win 21-20. However, Jefferson County is still not out of the playoff hunt, yet. Jefferson County must win at Hamilton County this week to earn a runner-up playoff berth. As for Hamilton County, it has had some success on the field as of late.
District 6’s champion is number one in the state, 8-0, Trenton. Close behind, if you can consider it close, is 6-3 (1-1) Hilliard who was smacked by Trenton 49-6 last Friday night.
Region 3’s semi-final appears to be Hilliard traveling to Lafayette in one match up. And either an uninspiring 1-7 Jefferson County team or a mediocre 2-7 Hamilton County will play powerhouse Trenton in the other. When this region shakes out, Trenton should win out and represent Region 3 in the state semi-finals.
In Region 4, the emerging scenario has Union County crowned as the 7-1A champion with Newberry becoming the runner-up. In District 8, none of the teams appear to be contenders for extended post season play with 2-6 (2-1) Wildwood in line for earning the district title. 4-3 (1-1) T. Dewitt Taylor, 4-4 (1-1) Crescent City, and 0-8 (0-2) The Villages round out this second-rate district.
The predicted field for the regional four semi-finals on Nov. 16 should be Union County at home against the District 8 runner-up Crescent City, and in the other half of the bracket, Newberry will travel to the potential District 8 champion, Wildwood.
Well that’s about it for now Chiefs fans and Friday is coming fast. Baker is just down the road and a short drive from North Escambia. I encourage all of us Northview fans to head over Baker and show your support as we watch our awesome Chiefs defeat the Gators this Friday night!
Poarch Creeks Restart Casino Construction In Wetumpka
November 1, 2012
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians restarted construction Wednesday on a hotel and casino in Wetumpka, Ala., after a brief hiatus for discussions with another tribe that claims the project is located on sacred ground.
Two weeks ago, the Poarch Band halted he $246 million expansion of a casino and 20-story hotel in Wetumpka, Ala., in order to continue discussions with the Muscogee Creek Indians.
“This development is a reasonable approach to land use; and no one cares more about the sanctity of our land and the well-being of our people and our neighbors than we do, Poarch Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin said. “Since 2006, we have reached out to the Muscogee Nation with the hope that they would be open to understanding the facts about the twenty-first century conditions of what was once Hickory Ground Town and would recognize that our development in Wetumpka does not alter that. Unfortunately we have reached an impasse.”
The Muscogee tribe from Oklahoma calls the site “Hickory Ground” and considers it sacred because it was used as a burial ground, a ceremonial site and was also the last home of the Muscogee Creek National prior to the tribe being removed in the 1830’s.
The Muscogee Tribe offered no public response Wednesday night.
Photo Gallery: Hundreds Attend Molino Fall Festival
November 1, 2012
Hundreds of people attended a community-wide Fall Festival in Molino Wednesday night. Sponsored by four area churches, the interdenominational event provided a safe Christian alternative on Halloween night.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
The event was sponsored by Victory Assembly of God, Highland Baptist Church, CrossFaith Church and Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
The event featured a variety of games, bounce house, a hayride and lots of free food.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Advocates: Let Cops Ticket For Some Crimes Instead Of Jail
November 1, 2012
The state’s criminal justice system has seen some success with using alternatives to lock-ups for juvenile offenders. It’s been so successful that there’s a burgeoning movement to increase the use of non-jail diversion programs with non-violent adult offenders.
Backers of the idea announced on Wednesday an agreement with Leon County by which police will have the ability to issue civil citations to people who commit certain crimes rather than taking them to jail.
If implemented statewide, backers say providing an alternative to jail or prison for non-violent adults could save Florida tens of millions of dollars a year.
“It’s worked so well with the juveniles that we think it’ll work really well with adults,” said Mark Flynn, president and CEO of the Smart Justice Alliance, which is pushing the concept.
The approach works by giving law enforcement officers the discretion to issue a civil citation rather than make an arrest – but only when the offender has no previous record and the offense is non-violent.
Leon County, which includes Tallahassee, was selected as the pilot partly because the concept of juvenile civil citations began here 17 years ago. Also, all the key players needed to make such a move in the county are on board, particularly State Attorney Willie Meggs, Sheriff Larry Campbell and Tallahassee Police Chief Dennis Jones.
Civil citations for juveniles were also a success in Miami-Dade County, where Wansley Walters, now secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, was then the director of juvenile services. DJJ reports that in 2009-2010, roughly 7,000 young people statewide went through the civil citation process, with just 7 percent re-offending. In comparison, one-third of adults released from Florida prisons re-offend within three years.
According to a January 2011 report by the Associated Industries of Florida Foundation, the success of the juvenile diversion programs in Leon and Miami-Dade “suggested that the number of juveniles processed through the system could be reduced by 40 percent through diversion.”
With juveniles, the non-violent offenses that qualify them for civil citations usually involve petty theft or marijuana, said TPD’s Jones.
Asked if leaving such decisions to the discretion of law enforcement officers is wise, Campbell and Jones said that’s how the system works now.
“We do that every day,” said Campbell. “Half of law enforcement is discretion.”
“This program is designed for the lesser offenses…The attitude of the offender may have something to do with it,” said Jones. “Arrests should be our last tool, regardless.”
The “smart justice” coalition’s plan for Leon requires adult offenders to undergo an assessment within 72 hours, perform at least 25 hours of community service, undergo treatment for contributing factors such as drug abuse, theft or gambling – and pay all costs of the program.
Those who fail to meet the conditions face arrest, but clearly the great majority of juvenile offenders have been scared straight.
“They’re held accountable,” said Tom Olk, executive director of DISC Village, who has spear-headed the plan to extend civil citations to adults.
Proponents of the plan say public safety is well served by diverting scarce resources from offenders who don’t need to be behind bars – and targeting dangerously violent felons instead.
“Someone who has made a made a minor mistake won’t be put in with a hardened criminal,” said Campbell.
Reducing the nightly number of inmates in the county jail – now about 1,000 in Leon County – would reduce costs on everything from mandatory medical screening to laundry, Campbell said..
The coalition hopes to take the approach statewide soon. Existing rules adopted by the Florida Supreme Court provide the authority for it, but local circuit courts have to be involved, too.
“We’ve been working on this project on a statewide basis for several years and are finally getting some traction,” said Olk. “We just happen to be the first. I know that there are other circuits that hope to come online in the next couple of months. They’re watching us closely…I can honestly say they don’t have the level of cooperation and support that we do [in Leon]. But we’ve always had it here.”
Olk acknowledged that while Leon and Miami-Dade have long assimilated juvenile civil citations, not all counties agree.
“There are still areas of the state where they don’t (the idea for juveniles), and I’m sure they’re not going to like adult civil citation,” he said.
But he predicted the data would prove his case.
“What does it cost? Is it effective?” Olk asked. “Once we have that data, we think it’ll spread like wildfire.”
By Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
Century Recognizes Longtime Employees
November 1, 2012
The Town of Century has recognized 13 employees for a combined 265 years of service.
Pictured are: (front, L-R) Steve Ross, 22 years; Comer Wilson, 16 years; Mayor Freddie McCall; Eddie Hammond, 30 years; W.L. Tyree, 22 years; Larry Murphy, 30 years; (back, L-R) Kristina Wood, 11 years; Carl Godwin, 22 years; Robert Powell, 15 years; Sedrick Lowery, 10 years; Robert Tims, 24 years; Donnie Waters, 21 years. Not pictured: Louise Harwell, 20 years, and Joe Brown, 22 years. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jimmie Eugene “Gene” Curry
November 1, 2012
Mr. Jimmie Eugene “Gene” Curry, 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, in Fairhope.
Mr. Curry was a native of Bay Minette and a resident of Perdido for the past 39 years. He was a lumber stacker at Swift Lumber Co. He did lawn care and landscaping. He kept up Perdido Baptist Cemetery for 25 years, Perdido Baptist Church, the Post Office and Masonic Lodge with real dedication. He attended the Perdido Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Lillian “Bounce” Curry of Perdido; three stepsons, Johnny Weekley of Perdido, Freddie (Patricia) Weekley of Perdido and Harold (Debbie) Weekley of Perdido; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday, November 3, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Perdido Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Klotz officiating.
Burial will follow at the Perdido Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, November 2, 2012, from 6 until 9 p.m. at the Perdido Baptist Church.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements.
Ingrid McHenry
November 1, 2012
Mrs. Ingrid McHenry, 71, passed away on Monday, October 29, 2012, in Brewton.
Mrs. McHenry was a native of Neunkirchen Kries Ottweiler, Germany, former resident of Century and has resided in Barnett Crossroads for the past 12 years. She was a loving and caring mother, cared for others as well and was an avid fisherman. Her husband, Felton Harvey Jones, preceded her in death.
Survivors include her two sons, Mark Edward (Diane) Jones of Milton and Cory Austin McHenry of Atmore; one daughter, Fedelia Jones Davis of Robertsdale; best friend, Tasha Grant of Century and six grandchildren, Kyle Lee Atkins, Kameron Austin Davis, Sommer Alexis Davis, Deanna Marie McHenry, Sophie Dee McHenry and Kenzie Elizabeth McHenry.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 2, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Elder Harold Brown officiating.
Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC in charge of all arrangements.
Man Gets Life For Burglary
November 1, 2012
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to life in prison for burglarizing a home an beating the elderly resident.
George Eddins, Jr., was convicted of burglary of a dwelling with assault or battery and aggravated battery upon a person 65 years of age or older with great bodily harm or a deadly weapon. Immediately following the jury verdict, Judge Jan Shackelford sentenced Eddins to life in state prison for the burglary and 30 years concurrent on the aggravated battery charge.
On January 21, 2012, Eddings entered the residence of a sleeping elderly man. The victim took a hammer from his dresser and confronted Eddins. Eddins then pulled a knife on Lucas and took away the hammer. Eddins then severely beat the victim, striking him numerous times in the head.
The victim was able to escape from the residence and go to a neighbor to contact law enforcement. The victim was able to identify the defendant and his DNA was located in the residence.
Eddins had nine prior felony convictions on his record, including several burglaries and grand thefts.
Scott Highlights Job Growth During Panhandle Visit
November 1, 2012
Gov. Rick Scott says job creation is on the rise in Florida. During a tour of L-3 Crestview Aerospace Wednesday, he highlighted a decrease in unemployment for veterans in Florida and highlighted the region as having the best unemployment rate in the state.
“I have made job growth my top priority, and today’s tour was an incredible opportunity to meet and interact with the folks who are finding great jobs in our communities. L-3 Crestview Aerospace is an example of a company that has invested in Florida and expanded job opportunities for our veterans,” Scott said. “In their most recent expansion, they hired more than fifty veterans, providing their business with a quality workforce – and giving these men and women who served our nation a second career. We’ve worked to improve Florida’s job climate for our veterans. In fact, since September 2011, our veterans’ unemployment rate went from 15 percent to 6.8 percent – an 8 percent decrease.”
During the tour, the governor highlighted a number of indicators that he said demonstrate Florida is creating more jobs and opportunities for businesses:
- The Crestview / Ft. Walton Beach / Destin region had the lowest unemployment in Florida of 5.9 percent.
- Unemployment statewide has dropped for 22 consecutive months.
- 156,800 private sector jobs have been created since December 2010.
- Florida has had the largest drop in unemployment in the nation since December 2010.
L-3 Crestview Aerospace is a division of L-3 Integrated Systems, an aircraft modification, aero structure fabrication and assembly facility.
L-3 Crestview Aerospace has invested more than $6 million in improving their Northwest Florida facilities, where projects range from manufacturing engine firewalls to complete helicopter cabins. As part of its ongoing growth, L-3 Crestview Aerospace works closely with the Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties and its JobsPlus One-Stop Career Centers. JobsPlus has helped L-3 Crestview Aerospace find and recruit 71 new employees since January 2011 – 57 of them veterans.
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scott toured a Crestview manufacturing company Wednesday, highlighting job grown. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.