Poarch Creek Indians Win Alabama Gambling Challenge
September 4, 2015
An appeals court has ruled against the State of Alabama’s attempt to close casinos operated by the Poarch Creek Indians of Atmore.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an attempt by Alabama to block gambling at Wind Creek in Atmore and two other casinos owned by the tribe. The casinos operate electronic bingo games, which the state alleged were actually slot machines.
The federal appeals court upheld a district court ruling that the Poach Creek Indians have every right to run the casinos on tribal land in Alabama.
In a written statement, Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange said he does not intend to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The ruling was applauded by Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan.
“The State’s lawsuit was an attempt to prevent the Tribe, the only federally recognized Indian tribe in Alabama, from operating our gaming facilities in the State on our lands that are held in trust by the federal government,” Bryan said. “The Appeals Court decision has confirmed what we have always known, that the State does not have jurisdiction over our gaming facilities. The Tribe has been attempting to negotiate a Tribal-State compact since 1991, to no avail. However, we continue to be ready and willing to discuss with the Governor how a compact would benefit the entire State.”
The Poarch Creek Indians are also partners in the Gretna parimutuel facility in North Florida.
To read the complete 42 page ruling, click here.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Volleyball: Baker Defeats Northview
September 4, 2015
The Baker Gators defeated the Northview Chiefs in high school volleyball action Thursday in Bratt.
JV
Baker def. Northview 2-0
4-25, 7-25
Varsity
Baker def. Northview 3-0
11-25, 8-25, 14-25
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Amerson, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Gets 15 Years On Meth Charges
September 4, 2015
A Cantonment woman has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison for a active meth lab in her camper trailer.
Vanesa Sharp was convicted of trafficking in methamphetamine greater than 200 grams, unlawful possession of listed chemical anhydrous ammonia, unlawful possession of listed chemical pseudoephedrine, possession of controlled substance methamphetamine, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.
One March 22, 2014, Escambia County deputies responded to a narcotics complaint at 1400 Becks Lake Road in Cantonment. When Sharp answered the door of the camper trailer, deputies were met with a strange chemical odor.
During their encounter with Sharp, they observed a small amount of methamphetamine in Sharp’s purse.
Deputies discovered items in the camper trailer used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Deputies entered the camper trailer and confirmed there were no other occupants. Once a search warrant was obtained, narcotics investigators searched the trailer and found the following baggies containing methamphetamine, two plastic baggies containing marijuana, pseudoephedrine, coffee grinder and funnels both with pseudoephedrine residue, pipes, and an active one pot meth lab.
The meth oil inside the one pot tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed about 360 grams.
The one pot and other items were disposed of by a hazmat team.
Bense Reappointed As UWF President As Process Begins To Hire New Leader
September 4, 2015
Judy Bense, president of the University of West Florida since 2007, received approval Thursday to remain in the post as the Pensacola school moves through the process of hiring a new leader.
The state university system’s Board of Governors unanimously confirmed the reappointment of Bense — a move that came after the University of West Florida Board of Trustees voted to extend her contract through December 2016. In a June letter to the Board of Governors, University of West Florida trustees Chairman Lewis Bear said the university anticipates starting a search for a new president this fall.
Board of Governors Chairman Mori Hosseini praised Bense for making changes as the state has moved to more of a performance-based funding system for universities.
“Judy, you outdid yourself,” Hosseini said to Bense, who was at the board’s meeting in Gainesville.
by The News Service of Florida
Dianne Simmons
September 4, 2015
Mrs. Dianne Simmons, 64, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, in Flomaton.
Mrs. Simmons was a native of Greenville, Alabama, former resident of Excel, Alabama and has resided in Flomaton for the past two years. Mrs. Simmons was a member of Alger-Sullivan Historical Society and of the Century First Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her father, Harry Gladwell, Sr.
Survivors include her mother, Frances Rose of Monroeville; husband, Jerry Simmons of Flomaton; one step-son, Tony (Debra) Simmons of Panama City Beach; two daughters, Angela (Sterling) Moody of Greenville, AL and Tracy Thomas of Troy, AL; one step-daughter, Lisa Leigh (Clark) Cryderman of Stuart, FL; one brother, Allen (Marcie) Gladwell of Decatur, AL; two sisters, Donna (Sheldon) Bayles of Monroeville and Debbie (Wayne) Terry of Trinity, AL; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday, September 5, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Century First Baptist Church with Rev. Janet Lee officiating.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 5, 2015, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Century First Baptist Church.
Burial will follow at the Flomaton Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Fisher, Tony Bayles, Tony Simmons, Wayne Terry, Nathan Terry and Keith Adams.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Adult Ladies (Century First Baptist Church).
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Graffiti Bridge Goes Gold For Childhood Cancer Awareness
September 4, 2015
Pensacola’s iconic Graffiti Bridge has gone gold for childhood cancer awareness. The bridge was painted gold early Thursday to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness month.
The bridge calls attention to several childhood cancer patients, including Bryant Cooper of Jay. His mother, Janet Cooper, has become a leading local advocate for childhood cancer awareness. Click here for more information on the Cooper family’s battle against childhood cancer and a special event to be held Saturday.
Photos courtesy Ashton Hayward on NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kenneth “Ken” Dale Hunt
September 4, 2015
Kenneth “Ken” Dale Hunt, age 55 of Jay, passed away August 31, 2015, in Jay. He served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years and served as Assistant Chief for Jay Fire Department Station 28. He also worked at Jay Hospital as a CNA and private healthcare as well. He enjoyed the outdoors and was a loving son, brother and friend to those that knew him.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Kimberly Hunt and mother, Francis Hunt.
He is survived by his father, Dale ( Joyce) Hunt; brothers, Wallace Hunt and Kevin Hunt; step-brothers, Steve (Carol) Prettyman and Doug Prettyman; step-sisters, Peggy Prettyman and Cindy (Mike) White; uncle, Chip (Becky) Barbas; step-daughter, Tina (Tom) Berrian; grandchildren, Dekota Hunt and Destiny Berrian.
Funeral services were held Friday, September 4, 2015, Jay Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Pruitt and Rev. Chip Barbas officiating.
Linda Wilson Farrior
September 4, 2015
Linda Wilson Farrior, 73, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother returned to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 30, 2015 after a valiant battle with a lengthy illness. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.
Known affectionately as “Maw Maw”, she was a lifelong resident of Pensacola. As an active member of West Pensacola Baptist she sponsored and supported missionary efforts all over the world. She loved traveling, cooking, and sewing, but many of her happiest times were spent in the company of her family and friends.
She was welcomed home by her father, Chesley Wilson; mother, Elizabeth Wilson Bowling; and son, Daniel Farrior.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 31 years, Jerry Farrior; sons, Michael Lee, Robert “Rob” (Joy) Lee, and Phillip (Amanda) Farrior; sister, Faye (Joe) Nicholson; brother, Jack (Janet) Wilson; and step-father, Gary Bowling. She also had a very special place in her heart for her adult grandchildren, Jesse, Courtney (Richard), David, and Krista; five adolescent grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Pastor Jeff Walker officiating.
Pallbearers will be Randy Nicholson, Kevin Nicholson, Phillip Farrior, Jesse Lee, Richard Lassitter, David Lee.
Honorary pallbearer is Glenn Nicholson.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Larry Allen Gibbs
September 4, 2015
Larry Allen Gibbs passed away on September 4, 2015. He was 69 years old.
He is survived by his wife Debbie; daughters, Keisha Legerton (Gregg) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Leisha Strickland of Daphne; step-daughter, Amy Ramsey (Jerry) of Gulf Shores; step-granddaughter, Macey Ramsey of Gulf Shores; as well as other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was born in and was a longtime resident of Atmore. Larry joined the US Marine Corps in May 1969. He served his country in Vietnam, where he achieved the rank of Corporal. Larry was honorably discharged from military service in May1971.
After returning from Vietnam, Larry served the City of Atmore through the Atmore Police Department as a patrolman. He was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 1976 and to Detective Sergeant in 1981, becoming Atmore’s first detective. Larry developed and headed the first Detective Division and was promoted to Detective Lieutenant in 1984. In 1988, Larry was recruited by the Daphne Police Department to serve as a Detective Sergeant and to develop the first Detective Division for Daphne, AL. In 1995, after a 26-year career, Larry retired from Law Enforcement. After retirement, Larry moved to Gulf Shores where he enjoyed the slower pace of beach life, and served as security for local business establishments, as well as Gulf State Park. Larry was a proud Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association. In lieu of flowers, donations to the NRA on his behalf would be appreciated.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 6, 2015, at 2 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Full Military Honors will be bestowed prior to his internment at Oak Hill Cemetery on Sunday, September 6, 2015.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 6, 2015, from 1:30 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Eileen Elizabeth Cywanowicz
September 4, 2015
Eileen Elizabeth Cywanowicz, age 90, of Pensacola, passed away peacefully at home on September 1, 2015. She was born in Lawrence, MA to the late Joseph and Florence Jean and moved to Pensacola in 1965. Eileen’s joys were her passion for volunteering at the USO and the Pensacola Beach Visitors Center, which she did until her passing. She was a long time church and choir member at St. Josephs Catholic Church. Eileen retired from nursing at the Naval Hospital of Pensacola.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; son, John; her parents, stepmother, Yvonne Jean; and her sister, Louise White.
Eileen is survived by her daughter, Lynda; brother, Donald (Lee) Jean; nieces Donna and Sandy; and her nephew Kraige.
A Memorial mass will be held Friday, September 11, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 140 W Government St in Pensacola.
A private cremation was entrusted to Faith Chapel South.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to U.S.O. Pensacola or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.