Lillian Mayson Laue
January 21, 2026
Lillian Mayson Laue, of Atmore, AL, passed away on January 16, 2026. Lillian was born on February 12, 1928, to the late C. Clifford Mayson and Kathryn F. Bremer. She was a homemaker who enjoyed puzzles, knitting, especially Christmas socks, and was a member of Saint Andrew’s Atmore Anglican Church in Atmore, AL.
Lillian is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Wheeler Laue; and her sister, June Frances Crawford.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Bumann, of Atmore, AL; granddaughter, Terri Laue; and great-grandson, Logan Wheeler Roberts.
Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel in Atmore, AL, with Chaplain Joe Stevens officiating.
Interment was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active Pallbearers will be Charlie Crawford, Mark Crawford, Cody Crawford, Bob Laue, Richard Booth and David Todd. Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Houck and Dan Martin.
Two Injured In Gang-Related Shooting Following Atmore MLK Block Party
January 20, 2026
A day of celebration ended in gunfire Monday night as a shooting following an MLK Day block party in atmore left two people injured and investigators searching for those responsible.
According to the Atmore Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of Carver Avenue and Ashley Street at approximately 9:06 p.m. on January 19. The shooting occurred shortly after a day-long “MLK Car Meet and Block Party” had concluded. The event had been widely advertised on social media and drew a large crowd to the area.
Patrol officers arrived on the scene in less than one minute to find that over 30 rounds had been fired.
Victims in Stable Condition
Police confirmed two victims suffered gunshot wounds. One of the victims, a male subject, was reportedly shot while attempting to assist another person to safety. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital and are currently listed in stable condition.
Gang Activity Suspected
APD Major Charles Thompson stated that preliminary information suggests the incident is gang-related, a conclusion reached based on evidence gathered by the department’s Narcotics/Vice Unit.
Multiple divisions have been assigned to the case. The department’s Special Response Team is also on standby to execute search or arrest warrants as the investigation progresse, Thompson said.
“This type of senseless violence and complete disregard for human life and public safety will not be tolerated in our community,” Thompson said in a statement.
The Investigation
Detectives are currently reviewing both city-owned and private surveillance footage from the neighborhood. Ballistics experts are also working to trace the more than 30 shell casings recovered from the scene.
The Atmore Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting or those involved to contact investigators immediately at (251) 368-9141.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
State, Local Officials Tackle Traffic Woes At Jim Allen Elementary School
January 20, 2026
Local and state officials recently held a meeting to discuss how to improve the arrival and dismissal time traffic delays at Jim Allen Elementary School in Cantonment.
State Rep. Michelle Salzman, Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard, District 5 School Board Member Tom Harrell and key school district staff met with the Florida Department of Transportation to begin discussing potential solutions. The meeting came about following citizen concerns during a District 5 Q & A Session in Molino on January 6.
“The discussion centered on traffic management challenges affecting school bus safety, student drop-off and pick-up times, and the broader impact on daily commuters in the north end of the district,” Salzman said.
“We want to do those things that we can do to make it safer,” Harrell said. “We are laser-focused on it and ways to improve, but there are so many variables there. It’s to the point we need extra extra assistance; we want to make sure that we have done all the things that we can.”
The school board member said Jim Allen is “landlocked” all the way around with no room to grow or expand in order to get cars off of Highway 95A. There is an apartment complex to the south of the school, and wetlands and a cemetery to the north. In front of the school on Highway 95A, there is limited or no right of way for turn lanes due to railroad tracks.
Harrell said an FDOT traffic study could determine options, such as perhaps encouraging drivers to use Neal Road with a traffic light at Neal Road and Highway 29. But a final plan would come from FDOT.
“I do believe FDOT will assist us with doing studies in that thoroughfare in front of the school and do what we can to assist them to help us to help the students and families,” Leonard said.
“As a result of the meeting, a clear plan of action was established,” Salzman said. “The Florida Department of Transportation will work with the school district to conduct targeted traffic studies to identify immediate and long-term solutions. One of the primary objectives moving forward is the installation of at least one additional traffic light along Highway 29 while aimed at improving safety during school hours.”
“The proposed improvements are intended to enhance traffic flow and driving safety for the entire community on a daily basis,” Salzman added.
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Midweek Warmup Ahead; Cold Rain For The Weekend
January 20, 2026
Clouds will begin to increase over the next few days as a series of weather systems approach the area. While Wednesday remains dry with a high in the low 60s, rain chances enter the picture Thursday afternoon and persist through the weekend. Saturday night looks to be the wettest period with a 90% chance of showers before temperatures take a sharp dip, leading to overnight lows in the 20s by early next week.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 63. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Northeast wind around 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: Showers. Low around 39. East wind around 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22.
Curiosity Caught The Cat Owner: Atmore Man Searching For Pet Arrested On Meth Charge
January 20, 2026
An Atmore man who was looking for his missing cat was arrested on drug charges, according to the Atmore Police Department.
An Atmore Police Department officer on routine patrol found a vehicle parked at the gate of a locked business on Robinsonville Road. That’s where they found a woman lying down in the backseat. She informed the officer that her boyfriend, 46-year-old Dennis Sothman, had climbed over the gate looking for their cat.
APD deployed a drone, locating Sothman hiding behind some bushes. He was detained, and officers found “several” grams of methamphetamine on his person along with items used to package narcotics, police said.
Sothman was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and attempting to elude an officer.
Three Injured In Highway 168 Rollover Crash
January 20, 2026
Three people were injured in a single-vehicle crash Monday afternoon near Byrneville.
A Ford Expedition was westbound on Highway 168 between the two intersections with Wawbeek Road when the vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason, struck a ditch and culvert, and became airborne. The vehicle came to rest on its side on the shoulder of the road.
One person wasapped in the vehicle for an extended period of time while firefighters worked to extricate her, removing the windshield and cutting off the roof. The woman and a 17-year-old female were transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital by Escambia County EMS. Another passenger, also a 17-year-old female, was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition.
For additional photos, click here.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further details.
The Walnut Hill and Century stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Convicted Felons Charged With Trafficking Fentanyl
January 20, 2026
Two Escambia County convicted felons have been indicted on federal fentanyl trafficking charges.
Ke Anthony Javon Blackmon, 29, and Averee Kathryn Savage, 27, were indicted by a federal grand jury. Each was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
If convicted, as charged, they each face a minimum mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment on the drug charges and a maximum of 15 years imprisonment on the gun charge.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Cantonment 10,000 Pound Food Distribution Is Today
January 20, 2026
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will host a food distribution Tuesday, January 20, providing 10,000 pounds of food to local residents in need. The giveaway will begin at 3 p.m. at Carver Park, located at 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Attendees should line up facing north on Webb Street.
To receive food, individuals must present a valid identification. The distribution will operate on a first come, first served basis as supplies last. Only one bag or box per person with an ID.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Giant Xylophone, Wind Chimes: Ascend Cares Volunteers Complete Work On New Roy Hyatt Sensory Trail
January 20, 2026
Volunteers from Ascend Cares returned for another work day on Friday at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center in Cantonment to complete work on the new Roy Hyatt Sensory Trail.
They include “Windows to the Wind,” a “Whirling Wind Station,” a “Crunch Trail,” a huge xylophone, a human-sized bamboo wind chime, and a natural wood binocular station.
The Roy Hyatt Environmental Center is owned by the Escambia County School District and utilized for school field trips. RHEC is not open to the public; however, there are several annual special events that are open to the public. Those events are usually posted in advance on NorthEscambia.com.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Carole Jo Bayne Brouillette
January 20, 2026
Carole Jo Bayne Brouillette transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on January 1, 2026. Born in Chicago on September 6, 1942, Carole spent most of her life in Florida, where she built a life filled with love, resilience, and service to others.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Bayne and Frances Whedon, sisters Zoet and Cynthia, brother Seth; and Evelyn Brouillette, who lovingly adopted Carole years ago. She is survived by children: John (Tina) Jenkins of Lake City, FL; Terri Jenkins of Pensacola, FL; and Tracy (Kelly) Duckett of Lake City, FL. She also leaves behind a sister Edna Brouillette and her newly discovered sister, Paula Petrakovic of Utah, and a circle of dear friends spanning multiple states, who cherished her deeply.
Carole’s greatest joy was her family. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren (of which one is on the way). Her grandchildren include Leah (Nate), Aleah; Daniel (Amanda); Whitney (Dustin); Aaron (Lauren); Caitlin, Ryan (Amanda); and Brantley (Serenity), along with a host of beloved great-grandchildren who will carry her memory forward.
Great grandchildren include Skyla, Ava, Peyton, Zack, Jackson, Kasen, Ashlynn, Aria, Pearl, Hannah, Hudson, Ryker, Aspen, Maverick and Wilder.
Great-great grandchildren include Jace and Meadow (who is on the way).
Carole’s life was a testament to perseverance and unconditional love. She faced challenges with courage and determination, always striving to protect and nurture her children—even when life required her to do so from afar. Her heart never wavered in its devotion.
Professionally, Carole was a long-time employee at Reynolds Hardware in Pensacola, where her enthusiasm, professionalism, and radiant smile earned her a loyal clientele. Beyond her work, Carole quietly embodied the spirit of humanitarianism. She helped countless young families in her Cantonment community, never seeking recognition—an unsung heroine who lived by the motto, “help thy neighbor.”
Carole often reflected on life’s meaning and requested this poem be shared:
“What will they say about me, those whom I hold so dear? What will they best remember when I’m no longer here? Will they recall mistakes I’ve made, battles I never won? Moments of pain I’ve caused them, things I have left undone. Will they censor my human failings and wish I’d been noble and strong? Will they scoff at the hopes I nurtured, the dreams that somehow went wrong? … Or will they be moved by compassion, directed by Heaven above To temper their judgment with kindness and soften their memories with LOVE?”
Those who loved Carole did exactly that—they saw her strength, shared her hopes, and embraced her heart without judgment. Her legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and love.
Rest easy, Carole. You will always be missed and loved.
In lieu of a service, donations may be made in Carole’s memory to Teen Challenge Thrift Store (40 W 9 Mile Rd), Allen Memorial Methodist Church Food Pantry Program, and the American Red Cross, Northwest Florida Chapter.