Two Sheds Burn, Blaze Spreads Into Wildfire
March 22, 2019
Two sheds were destroyed by fire Friday in Beulah, and the fire spread into about 1.5 acres of grass, threatening homes.
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the 9900 block of Rebel Road about 12:30 and found the sheds already on the ground.
The fire was sparked by a debris fire that got out of control. There were no injuries reported.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kingsfield Road Crash Claims Life Of Pedestrian
March 22, 2019
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A pedestrian was killed in a crash Thursday night on East Kingsfield Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 39-year old Jason Fleming of Cantonment was traveling east on East Kingsfield about 8 p.m. approaching the intersection of Joel Street in a 2003 Honda Accent. A pedestrian was walking east on the white outside line of Kingsfield approaching the same intersection.
“The pedestrian failed to walk on the shoulder and due to being too close to passing traffic was struck,” according to the FHP. The name of the pedestrian has not been released awaiting notification of next of kin.
Any charges against Fleming are pending the outcome of the FHP investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Santa Rosa Man Sentenced To Death For Murder Of Alabama Pastor
March 22, 2019
A Jay man has been sentenced to death for a 2014 murder of a pastor in Escambia County, AL.
Brett Richard Yeiter, age 51 of Little Paul Lane, will die by lethal injection for the shooting death of his father-in-law Paul Phillips.
The shooting occurred Monday, October 27, 2014 at the Book of Acts Holiness Church on Jimmy Sellers Road, just north of the Florida line about 15 miles northwest of Munson, FL. Responding deputies found 69-year old Paul Phillips suffering from a gunshot wound from a shotgun. He passed away a short time later. Phillips was the pastor of the small church.
Yeiter shot Phillips after a dispute outside the church.
Yeiter was arrested a few days after the shooting by a Texas state trooper near Amarillo. At the time of his arrest, he was still driving the same truck with no tag that authorities said he used to flee the murder scene. Texas authorities said Yeter also used his credit card in western Oklahoma.
Pictured top: Brett Richard Yeiter was booked into the Carson County, TX jail after his arrest on October 30, 2014. Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Sentenced To Prison On Animal Cruelty Charges
March 22, 2019
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to prison for aggravated animal cruelty, cruelty to animals and contributing to the delinquency of a child.
Circuit Judge Kinsey sentenced 25-year old David Wick to four years in state prison followed by three years of supervision with conditions including that Wick not own any animals.On June 28, 2018, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for service at the home of Wick and deputies discovered several dogs in distress. Deputies immediately contacted Escambia County Animal Control to investigate and remove the animals.
Eleven animals were removed from the premises and two dogs passed away as a result of their malnourishment and lack of veterinary care. Wick’s small child was ultimately removed based on the conditions of the home.
Century Fire Department Selling Boston Butts To Benefit Fire Victims
March 22, 2019
Century firefighters are hold a Boston Butt Sale to benefit displaced fire victims in the Century and Byrneville areas.
Butts are $30 and can be ordered until March 25 by calling Shaun at (251) 236-1182 or Kevin Bullard at (850) 324-8457. Pick up will be noon until 4 p.m. on March 30 at the Century Fire Station.
Local Woman Named Top Mentor In Florida
March 22, 2019
Jeanne Meyer, a 13-year mentor in Escambia County’s Take Stock in Children program, was chosen as the statewide Mentor of the Year and was honored at the recent Take Stock Leadership Summit in Tallahassee.
Meyer has mentored six different students, including several at Tate High School, since 2006 and has been a huge inspiration to all of them. Of the five students who have graduated from high school, two have obtained college degrees and three are still in college. She has started mentoring another high school student this year and is excited to be able to help another student on the road to higher education.
“Now that I am in my third year of medical school, I have learned that many friends will come and go, but some people are fortunate enough to have some friends forever and Mrs. Jeanne has been one of these people for me. We still talk on at least a monthly basis despite my being in a different city for the last six years,” said Daniel Pierce, 2012 Tate High graduate.
Born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, Meyer graduated from Michigan State University and became a teacher in Detroit. Jeanne moved to a number of communities in Illinois, Colorado, and Wisconsin, raising two children while expanding her professional experience through positions in editing, finance and sales. Her dream job happened in Milwaukee where she opened her own independent bookstore.
After moving to Pensacola in 2004, Meyer wanted to volunteer in her new community but hadn’t found herself drawn to a particular organization. While attending a luncheon presentation about Take Stock in Children, Meyer heard the description of Take Stock’s mission and program. She was inspired to play a part in transforming the lives of low- income students through “scholarships, mentors & hope” and signed up to become a mentor in 2006.
“Ms. Jeanne quickly became my favorite person to talk to. She was by my side through some of the toughest times and some of the best times of my life. Our talks were always personal, and she always listened to everything I said with an open mind. She always had a way of making me smile,” said Olivia Brown a 2018 Tate High graduate.
Take Stock in Children is a statewide nonprofit which operates locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation. Students are selected at the end of sixth grade through a need-based application process. Selected students sign a contract to keep good grades, attendance & citizenship and remain crime and drug free. In return, students receive the support of a caring mentor, college readiness services provided by the college success coach, and a college tuition scholarship upon high school graduation. Donations for scholarships come from businesses, foundations, organizations and individuals and all donations are matched when scholarships are purchased from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
“Mentoring is a huge reason for the success of the Take Stock program. Jeanne Meyer represents the many wonderful people who are volunteer mentors with Take Stock. She is the epitome of what we look for in a mentor — someone who is kind, encouraging, caring, dedicated, dependable, knowledgeable, and who wants the best for the student,” said Sally Lee, Take Stock Student Services Coordinator in Escambia County. “Jeanne not only met with her students on a weekly basis during middle and high school, but has stayed in touch with them through college and beyond.”
New Cellphone Policy Begins Monday At Ransom Middle School
March 22, 2019
There will be a new cellphone policy in effect when students return to Ransom Middle School after spring break.
Beginning Monday, March 25, cellphones can only be used between classes and during lunch. Students must put their phones away before entering classrooms, according to the school.
Tate Wins Aggie Classic Championship (With Photo Gallery)
March 22, 2019
The Tate Aggies won the their third Aggie Classic championship in four years Thursday night with a 5-3 victory over Choctaw, OK.
The Aggies were down by three in the top of the of the fifth when Raymond Lafleur homered on a 3-1 count.
Brantley Culbertson earned the win for the Aggies. He allowed four hits and zero runs over four and a third innings while striking out three. Darrien McDowell started on the mound for Tate, allowing five hits and three runs over two and two-thirds innings while striking out two.
The Aggies recorded no errors.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: The Tate Aggies won the Aggie Classic championship Thursday night. Pictured below: Raymond Lafleur rounds the bases after a go-ahead homer in the fifth. Photos by Crystal Tolbert for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Accused Of Forcing His Way Into Home Of Ex-wife
March 21, 2019
A Molino man was arrested by Pensacola Police after allegedly forcing his way into the home of his ex-wife and pushing her.
Fletcher Allan McCullough, 50, was charged with felony burglary with assault or battery and misdemeanor batter after the incident.
The victim told police that she had been separated from McCullough for about 2.5 years, and he was not allowed at her residence. She stated he appeared at her front door, and she tried to hold the door closed with her body. She said Fletcher forced his way through the front door, pushing her out of the way, according to an arrest report.
The victim said she told Fletcher numerous times that he was not allowed in the home, but Fletcher kept saying “I know he’s in there,” the report states. A man inside the home told officers he did not see the incident but heard everything.
During a later interview, according to the report, Fletcher state he was attempted to mend his relationship with his ex-wife but believed she was involved with the man that was inside the home.
Fletcher remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday night without bond.
Bright Idea: New Lighted Stop Signs Installed In Northern Santa Rosa County
March 21, 2019
There’s something new about several stop signs in northern Santa Rosa County, and local residents say it’s a bright idea.
The Florida Department of Transportation has provided four radar-activated, LED illuminated, solar powered stop signs that were installed by Santa Rosa County Public Works at two intersections — Highway 178 and Highway 89 south of Jay, and Munson Highway and Highway 4 in Munson.
The concept is simple. As vehicles approach, the LED lights on the signs illuminate to increase intersection awareness and safety.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
