Political Newcomer John Bass Wins Election To Century Town Council
March 19, 2025
Political newcomer John Bass easily won election to an open seat on the Century Town Council in a special primary election on Tuesday.
Three candidates appeared on the ballot on Tuesday for Century Town Council Seat 4.
Seat 4 on the council was left open in early January when Alicia Johnson was appointed interim mayor after Luis Gomez, Jr., resigned for health reasons.
“I am a life long citizen of Century that has appreciated and enjoyed the work of many others before me. Now I feel it’s my responsibility to help lead the way for future generations of Century residents.,” Bass, a retired correctional officer with an associate’s degree in electronic engineering, wrote in response to a questionnaire from NorthEscambia.com.
- John Bass – 75
- Kathryn Fleming – 27
- Lizbeth “Sparkie” Harrison – 26
With a 128 votes cast, Bass needed 65 votes to win — 50% plus one additional vote — to avoid a run-off in an April general election. There were 858 voters qualified to vote in Tuesday’s election, putting the voter turnout in the non-partisan race at almost 15%.
There were 85 votes in-person on Tuesday, with 54 of those going for Bass. A total of 43 votes were cast by mail prior to election, with the majority (21) going to Bass.
Both Fleming and Harrison took to the NorthEscambia.com Facebook page Tuesday night to congratulate Bass.
One candidate, Ben Boutwell, qualified for the position of mayor. He was elected automatically, and that contest did not appear on the special primary ballot. [Read: Century's Next Mayor Ben Boutwell Is Ready To Get To Work]
Boutwell and Bass will be sworn into office in early May.
Pictured top: John Bass (submitted photo). Pictured inset: There were 43 vote-by-mail ballots that were tabulated. Pictured below: Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender announces special primary election results Tuesday night at the Century Town Hall. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Two Cantonment Residents Charged With Aggravated Assault
March 19, 2025
A verbal dispute at a Ransley Station apartment complex escalated into violence on February 11, leading to the arrests of two Cantonment residents.
Matthew Thomas Sanders, Sr., 42 was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor battery. Chloe Dale Elder, 22, was charged with a single count of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call on Boesch Lane after a man reported being attacked. The victim told deputies that he was called to the scene by his sister after receiving threats. When he arrived, he saw Sanders and Elders exit a vehicle, and a confrontation ensued.
During the altercation, the victim stated that Sanders punched him in the face, causing visible bruising and swelling, according to an arrest report. Sanders then allegedly pulled out a screwdriver in a threatening manner while yelling at him. Elders, meanwhile, stood near the apartment door, initially watching before retrieving a homemade baton, the report states, and she then raised the baton as if preparing to strike the victim, causing him to fear for his safety.
As tensions escalated, the victim pulled out a pocket knife and warned Sanders and Elders to leave. Witnesses, including the victim’s sister and another acquaintance, corroborated his account, deputies said. Video footage reviewed by deputies showed Sanders backing away while Elders advanced with the baton raised in a threatening manner, the report states.
The incident occured February 11, but both suspects were recently arrested on a outstanding warrants that were issued in the case.
Elder was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $20,000 bond, while Sanders was freed on a bond of $30,000.
Chance Of Overnight Showers; Storms Not Expected
March 19, 2025
Here is the complete North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A chance of showers between 10pm and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: Areas of frost after 5am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
Friday: Widespread frost, mainly between 7am and 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 44. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 74.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Cantonment Church To Host Flower Arranging Class
March 19, 2025
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church is inviting community members to a hands-on flower arranging class on Saturday, March 29, at 9 a.m. The 90-minute session will be led by Beth Woods, a local master gardener, who will guide participants in creating beautiful floral arrangements. Attendees will also receive a leaflet on crafting a palm cross for Palm Sunday.
Participants need only bring flower snippers or scissors and a 4-6 inch vase; all flowers and greenery will be provided. The class is limited to 20 people, with a fee of $12 per person. Registration is available online. For more information, email Beth Woods at Bethw394@gmail.com.
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, located at 699 South Highway 95A in Cantonment, is launching the event as the first in a series of engaging and educational experiences planned for the year. April will feature how to cook Crayfish, Shrimp and Crabs the Louisiana way
Byrneville Elementary Names Students Of The Month
March 19, 2025
Byrneville Elementary School recently named their February Students of the Month.
They are:
- Kindergarten: Bailee Griffis and Stevie Grace Scott
- 1st Grade: Jayceon Jackson and Braelyn Smith
- 2nd Grade: Deylan Burt and Arayah McCall
- 3rd Grade: Camden McPhaul and B.J. Cooley
- 4th Grade: Eastyn Wiggins and Chaplin Grassia
- 5th Grade: Deliah Fantroy and Breanna Greenwell
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets 25 Years For Whataburger Parking Lot Carjacking
March 19, 2025
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison for a 2023 carjacking at a Pensacola Whataburger.
Stephon Dewaunn Dudley, Jr. was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge John Simon for carjacking with a firearm and robbery with a deadly weapon after he was found guilty by an Escambia County jury.
On the early morning of May 12, 2023, in the parking lot of Whataburger on Gregory Street, Dudley brandished a firearm as he and his co-defendant stole the victim’s car keys, wallet, phone, gold chain off his person, and his car. The Pensacola Police Department located the stolen vehicle on May 14, 2023, and a high-speed car chase ensued when the driver of the vehicle refused to stop. The chase ended when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed the car into an empty building. Dudley was in the passenger seat of the vehicle, and he was wearing a gold chain resembling the one stolen from the victim. A gun with his DNA was located in the glove box of the car. A search of Dudley’s phone revealed photos of the stolen car taken on May 13 and text conversations indicating the his attempt to sell the stolen vehicle.
Dudley had only been out of prison for four months at the time, following a 10-month sentence for robbery without a weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft auto and possession of a firearm.
Tate Downs Yukon (OK) 11-1 On Day Two Of The Aggie Classic
March 19, 2025
The Tate Aggies beat the Yukon Millers of Yukon, Oklahoma, 11-1 Tuesday night on day two of the Aggie Classic.
On the mound, Tate’s Zane Warrington struck out 10, allowing three hits and one run in six innings while walking two.
Nate Connors went 4-5 for the Aggies at the plate with two runs batted in, and Tatite Davis went 2-4 with one RBI.
Up next, the Aggies will face Washington OK Wednesday night at 7:00. WHS is coming off a 10-0 loss to Gulf Breeze.
Bruce Elbert Jerkins
March 19, 2025
Mr. Bruce Elbert Jerkins, who was 64 years old, passed away peacefully at his home in Bratt, Florida, on March 18, 2025. He was originally from Atmore and spent his entire life in the family home in Bratt, where he made many cherished memories. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Jerkins had a big heart, always helping others, he often times carried vegetable to family and friends. He loved spending his free time outdoors, fully embracing the joys of nature. Fishing and hunting were his favorite pastimes, providing him with both relaxation and excitement. On weekends, you could find him at the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves, or cooking out with friends, sharing laughter and delicious food. An avid Alabama football fan, he looked forward to game days, cheering for his team with passion and pride. His life was all about good times, good company, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.
Mr. Jerkins is preceded in death by his parents Benjamin F. (Freda Noles) Jerkins; brother, Hoyt Craig Jerkins.
He is survived by his sister, Deloris (Danny) Presley of Brewton, Alabama; brother, Aubrey Terry (Ethelena) Jerkins of Naples, Florida; nephew, Cody Jerkins; nieces, Miranda Jerkins, Baylie Lewis, Danyell Presley, and Lori Presley; great-nephews, Skylar Presley and Kaleb Presley.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Reverend Clarence Rolin officiating.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 21, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Burial will follow at Christian Home Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Davis, Mark Holland, Cliff Amerson, Ethan Cole, Sam Davis, and Leslie Barnes.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.
State Fire Marshal Determines Atmore Church Fire Was Caused By Lightning
March 18, 2025
Investigators have confirmed that a Saturday night fire that destroyed an Atmore Church was caused by lightning.
The fire was reported during a heavy thunderstorm just before 11 p.m. Saturday. Just hours after the fire started, Atmore Fire Chief Ronald Peebles said it appeared the fire was likely caused by lighting.
Investigators from the Alabama Department Fire Marshal’s Office returned to the Horner Street Scene Sunday morning, and by Monday, they confirmed the cause of the fire was a lightning strike. Alabama Department of Insurance – Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office Public Information Officer Jennifer Bowen confirmed the cause determination on Monday.
Neighbors told NorthEscambia.com Saturday night that they saw multiple lighting strikes in the area before the fire.
The fire first broke through the roof (pictured left) where the church’s old sanctuary joins a fellowship hall and classrooms that were constructed after a tree fell into the old sanctuary in the days following Hurricane Ivan.
Despite a high-pressure water flow of up to 1,500 gallons a minute from an Atmore Fire Department ladder truck, the massive fire quickly raced through about 160 feet of the attic of the building, with the steeple and cross crashing down into the flames (pictured top).
Dozens of firefighters from across the area responded to the fire, including the Atmore, Barnett Crossroads, Poarch Creek, Little Rock and Nokomis fire departments from Alabama, and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia (FL) Fire Rescue, with additional personal from Florida. The Atmore Police Department and other agencies also responded to fire, located just over a block off Atmore’s Main Street.
Firefighters remained on scene into the early morning hours of Sunday. There were no injuries reported.
For more photos from Sunday morning following the fire, click here.
For a photo gallery from the fire, click here.
Pictured top: The moment the steeple and cross collapsed into the flames Saturday night at First Presbyterian Church of Atmore. Pictured above and below: First destroyed the church, ripping through the attic. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Today Is Special Election Day In Century For Vacant Council Seat
March 18, 2025
Voters in Century will head to the polls on today in a special primary election to fill a vacant town council seat.
Three candidates will appear are the ballot for Century Town Council Seat 4. John Bass, Kathryn Fleming and Lizbeth Harrison are vying for the position.
The seat was left vacant after Alicia Johnson was appointed interim mayor after Luis Gomez, Jr., resigned for health reasons. Johnson chose not to run for the seat.
A candidate will need one more than 50% of the vote to be declared the winner; otherwise, there will be a general election on April 29.
Polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse at 7500 North Century Boulevard in Century. The election is nonpartisan and open to any registered voter that lives within the town limits. The voter registration deadline has passed.
We will have election results here on NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured top: (L-R) Century council candidates John Bass (submitted photo), and Kathryn Fleming and Lizbeth “Sparkie” Harrison (NorthEscambia.com photos).