Final Nine Mile Road Paving Work Ongoing Between Beulah Road, Untreiner Avenue
August 19, 2021
Crews are continuing to place the final friction layer of asphalt on Nine Mile Road between Beulah Road and Untreiner Avenue in Escambia County.
Weather permitting, paving crews will continue to work at night, between the hours of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., to place the remaining asphalt in this section. Crews anticipate finishing paving work later this month.
Pictured: The new friction layer of pavement for the westbound inside travel lane and turn lane near Home Depot. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Today’s Century Charter Review Committee Meeting Rescheduled
August 19, 2021
A Century Charter Review Committee meeting that was scheduled for today, August 19, has been rescheduled.
The meeting will now be held on Tuesday, September 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Century Community Center on West Highway 4.
The committee is working on a potential rewrite for the town’s charter.
Pictured: Member Michelle Cunningham at a July meeting of the Century Charter Review Committee. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Jeremy Shawn McKissack
August 19, 2021
Jeremy Shawn McKissack, 41, of Bay Minette, AL died on August 15, 2021 at North Baldwin Infirmary. Jeremy was a lifelong resident of Bay Minette, AL. Jeremy was a captain at Bay Minette Fire Department Station 70 where he served the community for 20 years. Jeremy also served the community of Daphne, AL. at Daphne Fire Department for 13 years. Jeremy volunteered his services with Perdido and Rabun volunteer fire departments. Jeremy was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family enjoying Auburn University sporting events. Jeremy, Amber and the girls were also known to go on very spontaneous road trips across the country to watch the Auburn Tigers! War Eagle!
Jeremy is survived by his wife Amber Bush McKissack, daughters, Andi Brooke McKissack and Abby Kate McKissack; his mother Regina Sprinkle (Thomas); father Larry Sprinkle (Allie); grandmother Annette McKissack, Aunt Rhonda Akins all of Bay Minette, AL; and mother and father in law Janet and Web Bush of Perdido, AL. Jeremy was loved by his aunts, uncles, sister & brother in law, cousins, nieces and nephews, amazing friends, as well as, the many first responders of Baldwin County, AL.
The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, August 21, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Bay Minette, AL. The family will receive friends from 9:00-11:00. Services will begin at 11:00 AM. Rev. Phil Bryars and Malcolm Harrelson will officiate the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jeremy’s life. Pallbearers will be Chief Mike Minchew, Wayne Bryars, Kenny Hanak, Bobby Dolan, Brian Dees, Chad Jones, Jeff Smith and Cameron Boyington. Interment will follow the funeral service at the Bay Minette Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank North Baldwin Infirmary medical staff, ICU nurses and doctors for their unwavering care and love shown to Jeremy. The family will be forever grateful for the love and care Jeremy was given
Bleday Drills Walk-Off Double In 13th Inning Marathon Victory
August 19, 2021
JJ Bleday lined an RBI double off the right-field wall in the bottom of the 13th off J.T. Hintzen (L, 4-2), which gave the Wahoos a 4-3 win on Wednesday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
After both teams scored in the 10th inning, both Biloxi and Pensacola squandered an abundance of chances before Bleday’s game-winning one-out double. In the 11th, the Blue Wahoos had runners and first and second with nobody out. However, Hintzen—who was in his first inning of work—struck out the following three batters in a row to end the inning.
After Alberto Guerrero pitched a scoreless 12th inning, the Blue Wahoos again failed to take advantage of the runner beginning on second. Pensacola had a failed bunt attempt before a line out and a ground ended their chances in the inning. Meanwhile, Biloxi quite literally ran themselves out of the inning in the top of the 13th. After a leadoff single from David Hamilton set up the Shuckers with runners on first and third and nobody out, the Shuckers ran into a bizarre double play.
With Hamilton running on the pitch, Mitch Longo hit a shallow fly to left field that was not deep enough to score Korry Howell from third base. Apparently, Hamilton on his was to second touched the bag, but failed to re-touch second base on his way to first. After an appeal, Hamilton was ruled out, which left only Howell at third with two outs. Guillen got a groundout to third on the next pitch, which set up the Wahoos for the walk-off in thr 13th.
None of the would have been possible had it not been for Brian Navarreto. In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Blue Wahoos were trailing 2-1 with Zack Brown on the mound for Biloxi. After a leadoff walk to Jerar Encarnacion, Pensacola had the winning run in Navarreto at the plate. Unfortunately, Encarnacion was thrown out trying to steal second just a few pitched prior to Navarreto belting a home run to left, which only tied the game at 2-2. Prior to the ninth, the Wahoos had only scored in the first after Bleday doubled, Peyton Burdick singled, and Griffin Conine hit into a double play, which brought home Bleday.
Max Meyer made his 17th start of the year for the Blue Wahoos and allowed two runs in six innings. Meyer walked only one batter and struck out four, and only required 58 pitches to get through six innings. His ERA in now down to 1.97, which is the lowest in all of professional baseball.
The bullpen was sensation again for Pensacola. Andrew McInvale continued to shine in his newly rediscovered form. The right-hander worked 1.1 innings and struck out four. Jefry Yan also pitched 1.2 innings of shutout ball for Pensacola. Guerrero turned in a season-long three innings without allowing a hit and allowed only one unearned run in the top of the 10th inning while striking out five. Alexander Guillen (W, 1-1) pitched the thirteenth, earning his first win as a Blue Wahoo.
Wilma Lexine Miller
August 19, 2021
Wilma Lexine Miller passed away on August 17, 2021 in Molino, FL.
She was born on February 3, 1928 in McCullough, AL to Joe and Ida Floyd. Lexine married the love of her life, Bobby C. Miller, Sr., after knowing him for only 3 days and they celebrated 70 sweet years together. They had 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 4 great, great-grandchildren. She was very proud of all of them.
As a young girl, she went to Barrineau Park School and then graduated from Tate High School in 1946. The family believes Lexine was the oldest original member of Barrineau Park. She went to Mobile Beauty School and became a beautician and worked in downtown Pensacola until she met her husband. Then she became a housewife and a wonderful mother. She made sure that her children were brought up to be kind, considerate, and very respectful of everyone. Her children kept her in the back of their minds while they were raising their own children – she was a great role model!
Lexine is survived by her daughters, Karen Wood and Donna L. Gatlin; and sons, Bobby C. Miller, Jr. and Michael R. Miller.
Funeral services will be held on August 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church with Elder David Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Dustin Ard, James Ard, Matthew Gatlin, Jason Miller, Mike Kapotsy, and Brad Shaw. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Eichholtz, Tim Daniels, Ronnie Beasly, Jechonias Wood, John Miller, and Jessy Gilliard.
The family requests that all precautions be taken for Covid-19 and wearing a mask is required.
Ernest Owen Wood, Sr.
August 19, 2021
Ernest Owen Wood, Sr.
July 15, 1939 – August 17, 2021
Owen was born July 15, 1939 in Copeland, Alabama and passed Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, Alabama after a lengthy illness. Born in Washington County, Owen later moved to Prichard in 1955, and graduated from Vigor High School with the Class of 1957. At 15 years of age, Owen wished to serve his country and joined the Alabama Army National Guard. Upon high school graduation, he transferred to the United States Navy, then graduated from the Navy Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Michigan. Owen served with distinction aboard the aircraft carrier USS Antietam and was honorably discharged from service in 1962. He then resided in Prichard, Alabama where he served his community as a member of the Civitan Club and was actively involved in the Mobile County political arena. He served as chairman of the Prichard Water and Sewer Board, and was a member of the Pentalpha Lodge #804 F&AM and the 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason Valley of Mobile. He worked for ALCOA, where he retired after 25 years and began operating a family farm in the cattle and hay business within the community of Canoe, Alabama. He attended Canoe United Methodist Church, and was affectionately known as the “unofficial mayor” of Canoe. Owen was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, and enjoyed his morning coffee with friends and strangers at Baker’s Store telling stories of his adventures. His greatest pride and joy was his grandchildren and beloved family. He is preceded in death by his parents, O.D. and Erna Wood, and his brothers, James and Edsel Wood. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ronda Jalis Wood; sons, Ernie (Regina) Wood and Vance (Traci) Wood; and grandchildren Michael, Rachel, and McKinley “Mac” Wood. The family would like to give a special thank you to the medical staff on 4th Floor South at Thomas Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.
A graveside service will be held at Canoe United Methodist Cemetery in Robinsonville, AL on Sunday, August 22nd at 2:00pm for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Children’s Home or a children’s charity of choice.
Pallbearers: Dennis Stanton, Charles Stanton, Tommy Young, Blake Young, Thomas Guy, Kelby Amos
Honorary Pallbearers: Jessie Richardson, Brian Wood, Bubba Wood, David Amos, Charles Agee.
The family request facial mask be worn and social distancing due to the current healthcare crisis.
Ola Mae Spence Weekly
August 19, 2021
Ola Mae Spence Weekly, 97 of Walnut Hill, FL. passed away August 19, 2021 in Monroeville, AL. She was born in Atmore, AL. on December 17, 1923 to late Ashley and Dora Grimsley Spence. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Floyd Weekly, her son Douglas Hadley, three sisters; Clinnie Joiner, Mary Creasy, Pearly Hollingsworth, five brothers Earnest Spence, Luke Spence, John Spence, Ransom Spence and A.D. Spence. She was a member of New Life Assembly of God Church in Walnut Hill, FL. She was retired from Vanity Fair in Atmore, AL.
She is survived by one son William D. “Billy” (Vicki) Taylor of Frisco City, AL. Seven grandchildren, many great grandchildren, family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 23, 2021 at 11 AM at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joe Gipson officiating. Burial will follow in Dry Springs Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be T. J. Hadley, Tony Hadley, Bob Welborn, Brandon Johnson, Julian Stafford and Josh Morgan.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 23, 2021 from 10 AM until service time at 11 Am at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Teresa Rene’ Mooney Etheridge
August 19, 2021
Teresa Rene’ Mooney Etheridge, 65, of Walnut Hill, FL. passed away August 16, 2021 in Pensacola, FL. She was born on February 27, 1956 in Atmore, AL. to the late Freddie Leon and Joan Milstead Mooney. She was a member of Atmore First Assembly of God and was a former EMT for Atmore Ambulance Service. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Michael Lennard Etheridge, Sr. and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her children Michael Lennard (Larissa) Etheridge, Jr. of Century, FL; Candace Rene’ (Dennis) Pittman, Jr. of Walnut Hill, FL; Ashley Beatrice Daw (Shaun Qualls) of Atmore, AL. and Haley Anne Etheridge of Walnut Hill, FL. One brother Eddie (Eunice) Mooney of Oak Grove, FL. and two sisters Tina (Frankie) Marsh of Oak Grove, FL. and Teelya Whitehead of Oak Grove, FL. Six grandchildren Dennis, III; Landon, Weston, Madalynn, Braxton; Camden; two special friends Cindy Freeman, Vicki Hardy and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 3 PM at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ted Bridges officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Harrison Whitehead, Brannon Whitehead, Bradley Whitehead, Dennis Pittman, Jr, Shaun Qualls and James Etheridge.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 2 PM until service time at 3 PM at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Eight Arrested, Two Wanted For Catalytic Converter Thefts In Escambia County
August 18, 2021
Eight people have been arrested, and at least two more are wanted, in connection with the theft of about 50 catalytic converter thefts.
The 10 suspects were identified over the past eight months.
Those arrested are:
– Kevin Duane Opry, 36, Pensacola
– Edward Edward Boyd, 53, Pensacola
– Kerry Eugene Dickerson, 32, Pensacola
– Jared Gabriel Dragon, 21, homeless
– Da’Kurynin Jasean Powers, 27, Pensacola
– Richard George Holt, 52, Milton
– Joseph Wilson, 41, Cantonment
– Charles Kettering, 44, Cantonment
The two suspects still wanted are:
- Ana Marie Redd-Manulat, 30
- Michael Griffin, Jr., 23
“The number of reported catalytic converter thefts is over 300. Thieves crawl under vehicles and cut out the catalytic converter,” the ECSO said. “This has become a serious issue, and with the volume of reports, the ECSO anticipates more arrests and additional charges.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
‘I Died Doing Something Meaningful’ – Gold Star Mom Reflects On 10th Anniversary Of The Death Of LCpl. Travis M. Nelson In Afghanistan
August 18, 2021
Today marks the 10 year anniversary of the death of local LCpl. Travis M. Nelson, who gave his life in Afghanistan on August 18, 2011.
Tuesday evening, Gold Star Mom Beckie Nelson spoke with NorthEscambia.com about the last 10 years, her son’s sacrifice in Afghanistan and the Taliban’s recent takeover.
I Died Doing Something Meaningful.
And she shared with us a short, simple note LCpl Travis Nelson left behind in his field book just in case he did not return.
“Dear friends & family, If your reading this it seems I didn’t get to come home. I love each and every one of you and I want you to know I have no regrets. I died doing something meaningful.”
He died a few short weeks after writing that note.
Beckie Nelson clings to those words that provided her peace and understanding.
“We received Travis’ belongings weeks after the funeral. The emotions we felt as we opened the trunk are unexplainable. Still in disbelief, our hearts still in pieces, it was gut wrenching to say the least. When I saw this page I closed the book, laid down on his bed with it in my arms and I actually slept for the first time in weeks.”
Not For Nothing.
“It was years before I opened it again and even now as I see it, and with the crisis in Afghanistan today, it’s like I know without a doubt his sacrifice, his loyalty to his Marine brothers and their mission, was ‘not for nothing’. It was a huge ’something’ to Travis and those beside him.”
“I have such mixed emotions. We’ve known that we had to bring our troops home; that was inevitable. They had to come home,” she said. “I do feel bad about the administration now and the way it was handled, pulling them out without a plan. It’s just such a hard time right now.”
“It’s not for nothing. They did what they went there to do in training the Afghan people to hold their own. For Travis and others, it was their loyalty to country and service. I felt like his mission, their mission, accomplished so much. I definitely don’t think it was in vain.”
Growing Up With A Promise To His Mother
A young Travis Nelson grew up in Bratt, just two doors down from the modern day Travis M. Nelson Park that was named in his memory about a year after its 2010 opening.
He would play on those very grounds, shooting his BB gun and riding his go cart. His first love in his young life was fishing. At four years old, he would spend hours with relatives fishing on the Escambia River. No matter how old he got, he never gave up the love for a fishing pole and hook. He also loved playing baseball at Northwest Escambia’s Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill.
On Sept., 11, 2001, Travis Nelson was nine years old when America was attacked. He was not playing; he was fixated on the news.
And he made a promise that day. The kind of promise to a mother than a young man will do anything to uphold.
“I’ll never forget him saying ‘Momma, I will protect you. I will be soldier’,” Beckie Nelson said.
The family last saw Travis on July 13, 2011, as he deployed for Afghanistan. Their last phone conversation was Monday, August, 15, 2011, as he requested items for a care package.
That care package was still sitting by the front door three days later. It never made it to the mail.
August 18, 2011.
It was about noon on Thursday, August 18, 2011, at the Nelson home in Bratt.
An American flag fluttered in the breeze on the porch.
And three men in military uniforms stood at the door. Beckie Nelson knew what that meant.
“I just screamed and said no,” she said. “I just went to my knees and said don’t let them come in. I knew right away that he was gone.”
My Biggest Fear
The next day, Beckie Nelson sat in the middle of her bed with a laptop, reading the scores of reader comments on a NorthEscambia.com story about Travis Nelson’s death.
“He really was our hero,” she said, clutching a 5×7 photo of her son.
“I didn’t think I could see past that day. I felt like it would always be that day. I didn’t imagine that I could ever talk about it,” she said Tuesday evening. “But I can, and it has to do with the support groups, the military support groups, and the community support.”
She was remarkably strong as she talked about the heart wrenching pain of that day.
But during our interview, her voice broke.
“My biggest fear,” she said before pausing. “My biggest fear was that Travis would be forgotten. I was scared I was going to forget.”
A Fallen Marine Returns.
LCpl. Travis M. Nelson was never forgotten.
The rain poured down at Pensacola Naval Air Station August 24, 2011, as Nelson’s body arrived on the final leg of his journey home.
Outside the main gate of Pensacola NAS, people gathered to pay their respects to the young soldier. The rain did not send them running; they stood silently — many holding American flags — as the hearse carrying an American hero departed on a 55-mile journey to Atmore.
Along the way, some of Pensacola’s busiest roadways came to a complete standstill as the motorcade passed. Many motorists stood outside their vehicles and paid their respects.
In Walnut Hill, just a few miles from Nelson’s boyhood home in Bratt, the motorcade slowed as it approached Ernest Ward Middle School. Nelson was a Golden Eagle, attending Ernest Ward in the sixth and seventh grades.
Hundreds of Ernest Ward Middle School students and teachers dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97, American flags in hand, waiting for the arrival of the motorcade.
Several of Nelson’s middle school teachers were among the crowd that suddenly grew silent as the first sirens could be heard. As the procession passed, the students stood with their hands over their hearts, waving Old Glory. The thunder of 127 Patriot Guard motorcycle riders vibrated the ground and echoed across the country fields near the school.
Six Florida Highway Patrol trooper vehicles led the hearse past the school. Many students and teachers broke down in tears at the sight of a flag draped coffin. Others cried as they made eye contact with Nelson’s parents and their daughter — who was a sixth grader at Ernest Ward at the time.
“I look back at those pictures now,” Beckie Nelson said Tuesday evening. “Those pictures from the middle school. It meant so much. Those kids are now fathers, mothers, some are now serving in the military.”
My Travis.
“Travis knew at nine years old that nothing was going to hold him back. That was his heart’s desire,” Beckie Nelson said 10 years later. “That’s what he wanted to do with his life.”
“God had a greater plan for my Travis.”
Above: NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
