Escambia Man Convicted Of Trafficking Fentanyl
February 22, 2023
An Escambia County man is facing up to 30 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking.
Ryan Donald Snodgrass was found guilty of trafficking in fentanyl over 28 grams and driving while license revoked pursuant to habitual traffic offender.
In April 2021, the Florida Highway Patrol stopped Snodgrass for driving with a suspended license. After a K-9 alerted on the vehicle, 56 grams of fentanyl were found under the driver’s seat.
Snodgrass will be sentenced on April 20 and must serve at least a 25 year minimum sentence.
Elizabeth “JoAnn” Wolff
February 22, 2023
Elizabeth “JoAnn” Wolff, 69, of Cantonment, Florida passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023. She was born November 21, 1953 in Fort Gordon, Georgia to John and Christine McGlothren. She was one of four children. JoAnn was raised in a military and law enforcement life style. She married and had a daughter, Diane, the joy of her life!
JoAnn worked a variety of administrative office jobs before becoming disabled. JoAnn was a proud Grandma to Alex. JoAnn loved to worship our Lord. Prior to moving to DeFuniak Springs, Florida, she was a member of Jubilee Church, and became a member of Northridge Church when she returned to Pensacola.
JoAnn liked painting, arts and crafts, and flower arranging. She had a “green thumb” for any plant, and the ability to revive plants that were barely living. She enjoyed sports – baseball (Braves), football (Saints), and Nascar racing.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Martha Buttlar (McGlothren); and her daughter, Diane Bush (Wolff).
She is survived by her sister, Sharon Vonderhaar (John); brother, Wayne McGlothren (Melanie); her grandson, Alex King; her son-in-law, Jonathon Bush; and a host of extended aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also leaves her furry, comfort companion, “Ruby”, her protective dachshund.
Graveside service will begin at 11:30 AM Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Flowers may be sent to Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway Pensacola, Florida 32505.
Tate Aggies Tennis Tops Escambia 7-0
February 22, 2023
Tate High School boys and girls tennis defeated Escambia High 7-0 Tuesday. Up next, Aggies tennis will travel to Gulf Breeze on Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Windy And Warm Wednesday, High Near 80
February 22, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Windy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the evening.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the morning.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Breezy.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 74.
Herminia Emely Dawson
February 22, 2023
Herminia Emely Dawson was born March 20, 1951, and she ran to the Lord’s arms Sunday, February 19, 2023. She loved her family, and everyone she encountered, in the name of the Lord. She set a beautiful example of love through serving family and community.
Herminia Emely Dawson is preceded in death by her parents Eduardo & Margarita Palacios and beloved husband of 17 years, Tommy Dawson. She is survived by her sisters: Rosario Perez, Margarita Palacios, Juanita Palacios; brothers: Abel Palacios, Eduardo Palacios, and Pedro Palacios (Carol); four children: daughter Jaquelin Lister and sons: Carlos (Jacksubelly) Valarezo, Rick (Melissa) Valarezo, and Michael Valarezo; twelve grandchildren: Carlos, Anna Marie, Allyson, Alexander, Roman, Valentino, Celeste, Carlie, Desiree, Christian, Javier, and Josiah; twelve great-grandchildren: Alaysia, Harmony, Avianna, Red, Isabel, Alonzo, Sophia, Titus, Hazel, Rylee, Carlos Jr., and Emilio. She also leaves behind her much loved dog Cujo.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 23 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North followed by a noon service by Pastor Mark Davis. Gravesite service immediately following at First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill (Cantonment).
Charles Roy Stander
February 22, 2023
Charles Roy Stander, 83, passed away peacefully to heaven on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Chuck had an infectious smile that brightened everyone’s day. Born in Chapman, Nebraska, Chuck married his high school sweetheart Barbara Jean Sinnett and moved to Pensacola, Florida. He worked as a Chemical Engineer for Monsanto. They raised three children, Julie Maddox, Lynda Boyle, and Jeff Stander, and have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Chuck was an avid gardener and loved to work and supervise in his garden. He was an emeritus member of the Escambia County Master Gardeners, and a member of several local garden clubs. Chuck always had an ongoing project and was a master at making a comprehensive “Things to Do” list.
He was caring, supportive, and unselfish in his interactions with everyone he was around, making sure to express his appreciation for others. He was always willing to discuss, advise, and debate the pros and cons with his friends and family. He believed in doing the right thing, even when it was hard, and his honesty and integrity were an inspiration to all who knew him.
Chuck will always be remembered for his infectious laughter and love for life. He had a kind heart and a gentle spirit that touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace Chuck, and know that you are loved.
The family will be receiving guests during a Celebration of Life at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North on Saturday, March 18th from 2:00-4:00 pm.
One Airlifted After Highway 97 Crash Into A Utility Pole
February 21, 2023
One person was airlifted to the hospital following a wreck on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill Tuesday afternoon.
The driver of a SUV was northbound on Highway 97 just south of Ernest Ward Middle School when she failed to properly negotiate a curve. The vehicle left the roadway, traveled between several trees and struck a utility pole. The pole was broken in the crash, sending power lines to the ground.
One adult was airlifted by MedStar helicopter to a Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Another adult and a toddler were not seriously injured.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative reported about 10 customers lost power along Highway 97 as a result of the downed lines.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Convicted Of 2020 Murder
February 21, 2023
An Escambia County man has been convicted of a 2020 murder.
An Escambia County jury found Trenton Dominic Capri Newkirk, 22, guilty of second degree murder with a firearm.
In the late evening hours of December 29, 2020, at Forest Creek Apartments in Warrington, Newkirk shot and killed 16-year-old Jeffrey Kennell at the front door of Kennell’s apartment. The following day, Newkirk fled to Oregon. Newkirk was subsequently arrested and charged for Kennell’s death.
During Newkirk’s trial, the jury heard evidence that Kennell’s killing was possibly in retaliation for another homicide, which occurred two days prior to Kennell’s. Although Newkirk previously denied being at Forest Creek Apartments on the day of the crime, or having a cell phone, witness testimony placed Newkirk at the scene of the shooting, which was corroborated by location data from his cell phone.
He faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced in April.
Juvenile Murdered In Atmore, Second Juvenile Charged
February 21, 2023
Atmore Police have released few details about a murder Monday night.
According to police, a female juvenile was shot in a vehicle about 10 p.m. near an intersection on Carver avenue by another juvenile, according to Sgt. Darrell McMann The suspect then drove the female to the emergency room at Atmore Community Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.
The suspect has been charged with murder and was transported to the Escambia County (Alabama) Detention Center.
Atmore Police have not released any names because both parties are juveniles.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured top: A shooting reportedly occurred inside this vehicle, seen parked behind the Atmore Police Department Tuesday morning. Pictured below: The intersection of Carver Avenue and Ashley Street, just over a block from the Atmore Police Department. The shooting reportedly happened somewhere along Carver Avenue. Pictured below: Atmore Community Hospital. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Failed Century Bridge Closed For Three Years; Now Two More Bridges Now Have Issues
February 21, 2023
A Century bridge that was near collapse has now been closed for over three years, and now the town is looking at repair issues with two more bridges.
On January 29, 2020, the town suddenly closed the bridge on Freedom Road, just east of Jefferson Avenue. Photos obtained by NorthEscambia.com a few days later showed the dangerous conditions that led to the emergency closure. Several pilings under the wooden bridge were no longer properly supporting the structure, and some of the pilings were split or had extreme deterioration (pictured above).
The closure turned Freedom Road into a cul-de-sac with one way in and one way out for residents, including the Camellia Gardens apartment complex.
Now, two more bridges are facing washout issues.
For more photos, click or tap here.
On Jefferson Avenue, just north of Freedom Road, there’s a large area washed out between two large culverts that travel under the concrete structure. Our photographs show a void that extends for several feet under the sloped concrete side of the bridge, but it’s unclear if the void extends under the concrete roadway deck. Mayor Ben Boutwell said the bridge is believed to be safe, but no certified bridge inspection has been done.
And on Jefferson Avenue over Mill Creek, near the old sawmill, there’s another washout problem according to the town.
Boutwell said the town is working to find the funding necessary to make the repairs to all three bridges, if possible.
Repair cost estimates for the Freedom Road bridge are over $1 million — funds Century does not have on hand. Their entire budget for the town and operations like gas and water is just $5.8 million for the entire year.
Boutwell said the town has asked the local legislative delegation to fund two projects — repair the Freedom Road bridge for $1 million plus and $1 million for repairs to the water well that serves Century Correctional Institution.
“But we’ve made it clear that if they can only do one, the water well is the priority,” the mayor said. In August 2022, the well suffered a “catastrophic” failure, forcing the town to switch to an emergency connection to Central Water Works. That has cost the town $52,952 as of the end of February.
The town is also seeking Community Development Block Grant funds for all three bridges.
“We might be able to retroactively apply for Hurricane Sally funds that are available,” the mayor added.
Freedom Road Bridge
In January 2020, Mott McDonald engineers conducted a limited inspection of the bridge and found the following problems:
- A backwall has deflected toward the water, pushing piles toward the water and causing them to rotate, split and no longer bear weight.
- One bridge piling has a split at the top of the pile, but it is providing some support.
- A second pile has been pushed completely out and no longer supports the bridge.
- A third pile has split, and only half the pile is providing support.
- A fourth pile has deterioration with only a three-inch diameter section remaining about six feet below the bridge. The outer pile section has broken.
- There is soil loss behind a backwall.
- There is a large void underneath the roadway on the east side the bridge
“We cannot predict when the…backwall lateral loads will completly fail…causing the bridge the collapse,” engineer Bart Hendricks wrote in his report. “We also cannot predict when the roadway over the void on the southeast corner will collapse”
The age of the bridge was not provided to the engineer, but he determined the timber pilings may be at or beyond the typical life of 30 years. “A better long-term financial decision may be to replace this structure rather than perform repairs,” Hendricks wrote.
Mott McDonald engineers also recommended that the town perform bridge inspections for all bridges that are not inspected by the Florida Department of Transportation. Those inspections are required every two years for longer bridges by the Federal Highway Administration. The town has not moved forward with the inspections.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Pictured top and bottom photos: The closed Freedom Road bridge. Pictured inset and first three photos below: The Jefferson Avenue bridge just north of Freedom Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
