Fall Tradition: Pumpkins Have Arrived At Cantonment Pumpkin Patch
October 10, 2021
It’s a sure sign of fall in Cantonment.
The pumpkins have arrived at the Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch.
Friday evening, the Northview High School NJROTC took part in a community service project to unload 2,500 pumpkins by hand and place them under the tent. And we’re told not a single pumpkin was broken.
Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are available under the big tent on Highway 29 near Neal Road from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-6 on Sundays.
The Allen Memorial United Methodist Men have sponsored the Pumpkin Patch since 1995.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
No. 1 UWF Defeats North Greenville
October 10, 2021
Top-ranked UWF compiled 443 yards of offense and scored on its first four possessions to squash North Greenville, 52-10, at Younts Stadium Saturday night.
The Argonaut defense made play after play, beginning on the first series when Shea Campbell intercepted Kaelan Riley. That led to a 8-yard Shomari Mason score a play later.
NGU marched down the field and scored eight plays later on a Dre’ Williams 7-yard run. But that excitement for the home team was short-lived as Austin Reed needed just two plays as he connected with Rodney Coates for a 69-yard strike down the middle of the field for a 14-7 lead.
The Crusaders got a 49-yard field goal to get within 14-10 but never scored again.
Reed connected with Coates and David Durden before halftime to extend the lead to 28-10 at halftime.
The second half was more of the same. After receiving the opening kickoff, UWF capped off the drive with a 30-yard Griffin Cerra field goal. Anthony Johnson, Jr. stepped in front of a Crusader receiver at the 46 and followed some blockers in front of the UWF sideline for a pick-6.
Ka’Ron Ashley hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth before Mason scampered through the Crusaders for a 57-yard score with 7:10 remaining.
Mason finished the day with a career-high 108 yards on 10 carries. It was the third 100-yard game of his career. The 57-yard rushing TD is tied for the second-longest rushing score in program history.
Reed threw for 294 yards on 21-of-33 with four touchdowns – the fourth time in five games this season he has thrown as many. Coates was his favorite target, finishing with 123 yards on six catches while being thrown to three other times.
The UWF defense finished with four sacks, three additional tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, three pass break-ups and two interceptions. Will Breland was credited with seven tackles to lead the Argos. D’Anthony Bell and Jerquan Newton had six tackles apiece.
UWF (5-0, 2-0 Gulf South) finished with 443 yards of total offense. The Argonauts had 149 yards rushing between five running backs ands Reed.
NGU (3-3, 0-2) compiled 291 yards of total offense, with Riley throwing for 166 yards on 16-of-35. Cale Swift led the team on the ground with 43 yards on five carries. Leading rusher Williams entered the game averaging 106 yards per game but was held to 39 on 10 carries in the first half. He left late in the opening half with an injury and did not return.
After playing four road games in six weeks, UWF will return to Pensacola for home games at Blue Wahoos Stadium the next two weeks. This Saturday they will play host to No. 13 West Georgia (5-1, 3-1) at 4 p.m.
Photos courtesy Morgan Givens/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore’s Muskogee Technology Named Alabama Small Manufacturer of the Year
October 10, 2021
The Business Council of Alabama has named Muskogee Technology in Atmore as the 2021 Small Manufacturer of the Year.
For over 25 years, Muskogee Technology has become a leader across multiple manufacturing sectors, including defense, aerospace and energy.
During the pandemic, the company was challenged to pivot business operations and create an array of lifesaving products.
Muskogee Technology delivered in a myriad of ways; the manufacturer produced well over 20,000 protective gowns for health care workers, designed and produced thousands of acrylic partitions and sneeze guards to separate workers from customers, and produced specialized hand sanitizer stands and iPad kiosks for touchless temperature screening.
“We are extremely excited to be recognized by BCA for our hard work and dedication to Alabamians,” said Westly L. Woodruff, Muscogee Technology president and CEO. “MT is humbled by this recognition and attribute the award to our individual and collective dedication to excellence, fortitude, and perseverance throughout such a difficult time in our history while battling the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to a safe and productive 2022, within and for the State of Alabama’s manufacturing sector.”
MT employs over 75 people in Atmore. The company is an entity of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and a subsidiary of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority.
The Business Council of Alabama manufacturing awards were presented in partnership with the Alabama Technology Network.
Woman Accused Of Stabbing Her Father Has Been Arrested
October 9, 2021
A woman accused of stabbing her father multiple times Wednesday night was arrested Friday.
Alicia Irene Dixon, 31, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond on a felony charge of aggravated battery.
The father was at Dixon’s home on Frank Ard Road, just off Quintette Road, when the incident occurred about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to deputies.
A relative entered the home and saw him on the floor with three stab wounds to the chest area, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS and is expected to recover.
“That’s all we know because it was just dad and daughter, and when relatives came in she ran out,” Sgt. Melanie Peterson said.
Tate High Names Homecoming Queen Darby Phillips, King Cooper McKinney (With Photo Gallery)
October 9, 2021
Friday night, Tate High School named Homecoming Queen Darby Phillips and Homecoming King Cooper McKinney. First runner-up to the queen was Rykerria Allen, and second runner-up was Danica Riddell.
Queen Phillips and King McKinney, who are real life sweethearts, took a traditional ride around the stadium in a convertible after the crowning.
(Look for more bonus photo galleries by Monday with the Homecoming Parade, cheerleaders, alumni cheerleader, student life and more.)
Members of the Tate High School 2021 Homecoming Court are:
Freshmen
Faith Etheridge
Abigale Fowler
Carlyn Ham
Hailey Locke
Laila O’Neal
Jasmine Stanger
Sophomores
Chloe Biggs
Eva Grissom
Addy Meredith
Mia Portis
Alicen Ray
Delaney Weaver
Juniors
McKenzie Alfred
Emily Brabner
Kierstin Crooke
Savannah Guilford
Paige McKinney
Anna Whetzel
Seniors
Rykerria Allen
Jenna Banta
Kristina Demarco
Sophia Jones
Darby Phillips
Gemma Zakosk
Danica Riddell
Grace Neal
Erin Johnson
Lanie Brown
Kyndell Ammons
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Washington Tops Tate 44-7 (With Photo Gallery)
October 9, 2021
The Washington Wildcats defeated Tate 44-7 Friday night, putting a bit of a damper on the Aggies’ homecoming festivities at Pete Gindl Stadium.
The Aggies gained about 50 yards during their opening drive to a touchdown. On a handoff from sophomore quarterback Ward O-Brien, senior Warren Henke was in to put the Aggies up early in the first quarter 7-0.
It would be Tate’s only score of the night. It was the first game for the Aggies under the leadership of interim head coach Frank “Tank” Williamson following the resignation of Jay Lindsey on Monday.
The Tate Aggies (1-6) will be on the road to take on Crestview (4-3) next Friday night.
For more action photos, click or tap here.
(Look for more bonus photo galleries by Monday with the Homecoming Parade, cheerleaders, alumni cheerleader, student life and more.)
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Here’s How Escambia Residents Prioritize Spending $61.7 Million In Rescue Plan Funds
October 9, 2021
Escambia County citizens were recently asked how the county should prioritize the spending of $61.7 million in American Rescue Plan funds.
The ARP includes $61.7 million in direct local recovery assistance for Escambia County. The first half of the county’s award has been received, totaling $30.9 million. The second half is comparable and will arrive approximately one year after the first payment. The funds must be allocated by the end of 2024 and expenditures completed by the end of 2026.
There were 495 people that responded to the survey out of Escambia County’s adult population of about a quarter million.
Respondents prioritized expenditures as below:
No Rain, Lots Of Sunshine For The Weekend
October 9, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 65. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Columbus Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Friday Night Football Finals
October 9, 2021
Here are high school football finals from across the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
Washington 44, Tate 7 [Click here for game details.]
Baker 35, Jay 6
West Florida 14, Gulf Breeze 13
Pine Forest 34, Baker (Mobile, AL) 14
Mosley 30, Navarre 7
Milton 28, Pensacola High 7
Pace 44, Monroe 29
Pensacola Catholic 23, Gadsden County 18
Escambia 26, Fort Walton Beach 7 (Thursday)
Northview (bye week)
ALABAMA
Autauga Academy 31, Escambia Academy 17
Williamson 41, Escambia County (Atmore) 6
Flomaton 21, Excel 12
T.R. Miller 20, Hillcrest-Evergreen 0
Jackson at W.S. Neal
Pictured: Washington at Tate. NorthEscambia.com photo click to enlarge.
Willie Ray Thomas
October 9, 2021
Mr. Willie Ray Thomas, age 74, passed away, Wednesday October 6, 2021 in Mobile, AL. He was a lifelong resident of Century, FL. He was a member of the Century First Baptist Church, Century Masonic Lodge #213 and Scottish Rite. He served in the United States Army from 1964 until 1967. He was retired with the Escambia County Florida Sheriff’s Department, with thirty-two years of service.
Mr. Thomas loved Dirt Track and Snowball Derby Racing. He loved spending time at the camp, Hubbard’s Landing and fishing with his friends. He loved the grand dogs, Partner Toby, Tory, Bama, and Bailey
He is preceded in death by his parents, Verbie Thomas and Irene Hollingshead.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Gail Thomas, of Century, FL; two sons, Chris (Angie) Thomas, of Bay Minette, AL; Samuel Thomas, of Pensacola, FL; one daughter, Allyson (Brandon) Sharpless, of Mobile, AL; one brother, Benjamin C. (Mack) Hollingshead, of Foley, AL; three sisters, Lula Graves, of Flomaton, AL; Lorraine (Richard) Stuckey, of Atmore, AL; Hazel (Speedy) Brantley, of Flomaton, AL; two grandchildren, Cody Thomas, and Zachary Thomas, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 11, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. David Boyette officiating.
Burial will follow at Lambeth-Boutwell Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 10, 2021 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC.
Pallbearers will be Steve Turner, Coy Campbell, Ed Hudson, Dusty Carnley, Josh Lambeth, and Aaron Sharpless.
Honorary pallbearers will be Art Gunn, Larry Gee, Louis Tharpe, and Vincent Milstead.