Molino Welcomes Soldier Home From Afghanistan
March 1, 2014
A local soldier received a hero’s welcome home to Molino late Friday afternoon.
U.S. Army Capt. Lea Wiggins had spent the last year stationed at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division working as a military liaison. With an escort provided by the Molino Volunteer Fire Department, Wiggins rolled into a parking lot in Molino filled with family, friends and even complete strangers on hand to welcome her home with flags, balloons, American flags and an over abundance of smiles.
“You don’t know us,” one lady told Wiggins. “But we heard about this, and we wanted to be here and thank you for your service.”
“I was blown away. It was more than I every could have asked for or imagined. It’s very humbling and very surprising,” Wiggins said of the event. “It means the world,” she said, “it’s a big motivator for not just myself, but for soldiers that are still over there still fighting.”
For Wiggins it was an exciting event — especially the chance to see her sister Heather Kinnard who is expecting her first baby, a boy, in June. “I was hoping he would kick for me,’ Wiggins said.
“I missed family and friends,” she said. “It’s not just enough to be able to talk to them now and then, I wanted to just sit down with them just catch up on everything.”
Now that Wiggins back on American soil, she plans to finish her captain’s career course, hopefully taking a command by the end of the year. And she’ll probably work a little bit on a new hobby she picked up in Afghanistan – Muay Thai kickboxing.
Friday’s celebration was compliments of Fran Hampton at Fran’s Country Diner, who said she just wanted to do something to support our military.
Pictured above and below: U.S. Army Capt. Lea Wiggins was welcomed back to Molino during an event Friday evening at Fran’s Diner. Pictured bottom inset: Wiggins with her pregnant sister Heather Kinnard, hoping to feel the unborn boy kick. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Studers Announce Institute For ‘Measuring And Improving’ Communities
March 1, 2014
Local entrepreneurs Quint and Rishy Studer announced Friday they are funding a nonprofit institute to sponsor research into the development of strategies and tools to help cities evaluate and address the health of their economy, government and quality of life.
“We’re going to work to identify benchmarks, create assessment tools, and highlight best practices from across the nation to help cities address the challenges they face,” said Quint Studer. “Our goal is to work with communities to significantly improve life for people.”
The Studer Institute will be led by former Pensacola News Journal Executive Editor Randy Hammer. During his tenure at the PNJ, the newspaper won the National Headliner Award and was a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Hammer, who was twice named Gannett Company’s editor of the year, left the newspaper in 2006 to become a vice president at the Louisville Courier-Journal in Kentucky. For the past six years he had been the president and publisher of the Asheville Citizen-Times in North Carolina.
Hammer will serve as president and CEO of the institute. Joining him on the staff:
- Mollye Barrows, longtime WEAR-TV reporter and anchor. Barrows, who also goes by Mollye Vigodsky, joined the station in 1995 as an intern and worked her way up to become an investigative reporter and eventually an anchor.
In 2005, Barrows won second place in the Florida Associated Press Broadcasters competition for an investigative segment called “Secrets in the Schoolhouse.” In 2004, Barrows also wrote a book called “Perversion of Justice,” which chronicled the case of two juvenile boys, the King brothers, who were convicted of killing their father.
- Brian Hooper, who for the past five years has been an attorney at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon. Last spring the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce honored Hooper with its Emerging Leader of the Year award.
A native Californian, Hooper is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Harvard Law School. Before moving to Pensacola, he was a clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and an associate director of the federal Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism.
- Reggie Dogan, teacher and former PNJ columnist. For the past year Dogan has been a teacher at the Escambia Charter School, an alternative school for at-risk youth. He also taught at the Dixon School of the Arts.
Before becoming a teacher, Dogan spent 15 years at the PNJ as an assistant city editor, assistant editorial page editor and columnist.
“Our immediate focus is the Pensacola metro and the West Florida area,” said Hammer. “We are partnering with the Haas Center at the University of West Florida to develop an index of social and economic metrics that we hope people will be able to use to move their communities forward.”
“I’m very excited about the staff Randy is building at the Studer Institute,” said Quint Studer. “As Rishy and I have always said, there is so much talent right here in Pensacola, and we’re proud to have such a passionate group of professionals who care so deeply about making Pensacola a significantly better place to live.”
Quint Studer, a former president of Baptist Hospital and now co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos with his wife, Rishy, founded the Studer Group in 2000 with four full-time employees. Today it is a healthcare and education consulting firm that employs 205 people across the country.
“Cities are good at building streets, parks, and brick-and-mortar buildings,” he said, explaining his thinking behind the institute. “But Rishy and I have learned over the years that it’s much more difficult to build a community, to improve a community, and to make life better for people. That’s the hard part, and that’s going to be our driving passion behind the Institute.”
In addition to partnering with the Hass Center, the institute plans to collaborate with other local institutions and media outlets to develop the regional index and report on its findings.
10 Issues To Watch During The 2014 Florida Legislative Session
March 1, 2014
Florida lawmakers will start the 2014 session Tuesday with a budget surplus and an eye on the November elections. But they still will have to address some tough questions before the session ends May 2. Among the questions: How can Florida better protect vulnerable children? Is it time to overhaul the state pension system? And should the state allow resort casinos to set up shop? Here are 10 issues to watch during the next two months:
BRIGHTER BUDGET: Tallahassee is always a happier place when the state has a budget surplus. And lawmakers will go into the session with a roughly $1 billion cushion. Gov. Rick Scott proposed a $74.2 billion budget plan that includes tax cuts and increased spending on education and child welfare. Lawmakers don’t have to follow Scott’s recommendations, but cutting taxes and spending money on kids could be popular ideas in an election year.
CHILD PROTECTION: The state has faced scrutiny during the past year because of highly publicized incidents of children dying of abuse and neglect. Also, it has been stung by reports of sexual predators being free to commit new crimes. While the details of the issues are different, both come back to the state Department of Children and Families. Lawmakers will try to take steps during the session to improve child protection, while also cracking down on sexually violent predators.
NO SAFE BETS IN GAMBLING ISSUE: The Senate has spent months gathering information about whether to revamp gambling laws, including whether to allow high-end resort casinos in South Florida. But as the session starts, it is unclear whether lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott will agree on a plan. House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, is calling for gambling expansions to go before voters. Meanwhile, House and Senate leaders want to know how Scott will handle a critical gambling deal that runs out in 2015 with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
GUN BILLS HAVE GOOD SHOT: When National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer speaks, Republican lawmakers listen. And Hammer looks like she will be successful again this session with proposals such as a bill that would make clear people can fire warning shots in self defense. Democrats, meanwhile, want to repeal or substantially change the controversial “stand your ground” law, but the chances of that happening in the Republican-controlled Legislature are slim — or maybe none.
HEALTH CARE FIGHTS: The 2013 legislative session was filled with debate about whether Florida should expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. While Democrats will try to resurrect the issue this year, a Medicaid expansion is all but dead. But the health-care world could see a couple of major lobbying fights, including a hospital-industry battle about state approvals of new trauma centers. Also, a debate has been raging about a House proposal to allow nurse practitioners to provide care without the supervision of physicians.
RETIREMENT REVAMP: House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, has made a top priority of trying to move the state away from a traditional pension system for future government workers. A group of Republican senators banded together with Democrats last year to kill a proposed shift into 401(k)-style plans. But Weatherford and his allies are back this year with other alternatives. This could become one of the most-intriguing political issues of the session.
SCHOOL CHOICE: This year’s legislative session, like all others, will include myriad bills and budget issues that affect the public-education system. But one issue that could become controversial is a proposal to expand a voucher-like program that helps pay for low-income students to go to private schools. House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, has promised a “massive expansion” of what is known as the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. But groups such as the Florida Education Association teachers union have long opposed voucher-like ideas.
TAX CUTS ON TAP: As Republicans have dominated Florida politics since the late 1990s, one of their go-to issues has been cutting taxes. Gov. Rick Scott hopes to tap into that as he runs for re-election this year. Scott is pitching $500 million in tax and fee cuts, including the rollback of a vehicle-registration fee increase approved in 2009. Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, have already committed to making $500 million in cuts, though details remain to be worked out.
TUITION TARGETED: Taking a cue from Gov. Rick Scott, lawmakers appear poised to take steps to hold down tuition in state colleges and universities. Among other things, legislative leaders have expressed support for changing a law that allows universities to raise tuition as much as 15 percent a year. Also, they say they want to make the Florida Prepaid College Program more affordable. Questions remain, however, about whether lawmakers will approve extending in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants.
WATER WORRIES: Senate Appropriations Chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, is one of the most-powerful people in the Legislature. He also happens to live in part of Southeast Florida where residents are riled about pollution being discharged from Lake Okeechobee into nearby waterways. Negron is leading efforts to get money for a collection of projects aimed at addressing the pollution issue. Meanwhile, lawmakers also are looking at a series of other water-related issues, such as trying to better protect the state’s natural springs.
by The News Service of Florida
Simmons Appointed To Pensacola State Board
March 1, 2014
Friday, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Chip Simmons to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees.
Simmons, 49, of Cantonment, is the chief of police for the City of Pensacola. He currently serves as a member of the Florida Police Chief’s Association and the FBI National Academy Associates. Simmons received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Troy State University. He succeeds Deidre Young and is appointed for a term beginning February 28, 2014, and ending May 31, 2014.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Fire Damages South Escambia County Apartment Complex
March 1, 2014
At least one resident was left temporarily homeless after an early morning fire at the Sandstone Apartments on Old Corry Field Road. There were no serious injuries reported, but one person was evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. Reader submitted photo by Max Karimi for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
I-10 Lane Closures Planned
March 1, 2014
Lane closures are planned for I-1o in the area of Scenic Highway for both Monday and Tuesday nights.
MONDAY
The westbound left lane of Interstate 10 will be closed beneath the Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) overpass Monday, March 3, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform pavement testing. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control.
All planned activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
TUESDAY
The westbound outside lane of Interstate 10 (I-10), west of the U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) overpass will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, March 4. Crews will be installing a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) pole east of the I-10/U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) interchange.
Lane restrictions will be in effect from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The westbound I-10 exit ramp to Scenic Highway will also be temporarily closed during the work. Drivers will utilize Davis Highway (State Road 291/ mile marker 13) north to U.S. 90 as an alternate route.
Photos: Ernest Ward Holds Womanless Beauty Pageant
March 1, 2014
Chase Gifford was named Junior Mr. Miss Ernest Ward Middle School in a womanless beauty pageant Friday night. First runner-up was Levi Wagner, second runner-up was Health Sheldt and third runner-up was Aaron Dees. Wagner also received the audience vote People’s Choice Award.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Proceeds from the just-for-fun event, sponsored by the school’s cheerleaders, will be used to replace badly worn carpeting on steps leading to the school’s stage.
Pictured top: Junior Mr. Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Chase Gifford. Pictured inset: Levi Wagner, first runner-up and People’s Choice award winner won a tube of toothpaste as the Best Smile Award. Pictured below: Second runner up Heath Sheldt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wreck Claims Life Of Alabama Man
March 1, 2014
A Frisco City, Ala., man died in a single vehicle accident in Atmore Friday morning.
The victim was identified as 20-year old Ethan David Warden. He was southbound on Highway 21 when his pickup truck clipped a guard rail approaching the Sizemore Creek Bridge, ran off the roadway, became airborne and rolled into a ravine.
Warden was transported to Atmore Community Hospital and was later pronounced deceased.
The accident remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.
Woman Sentenced For Using Deceased Mother’s Credit Card, Checks
February 28, 2014
A Molino woman has been sentenced for using her deceased mother’s credit card and writing checks on her account.
On October 11, 2013, Rhonda Renee Fillingim, 42, was arrested for writing a $20 check on the account of her deceased mother Linda Albritton to Molino Park Elementary School during a fall carnival. During the busy carnival, the principal did not notice the check belonged to Albritton, not Fillingim. The check was later returned by the bank because it was written on a closed account.
For the Molino Park check, Fillingim was charged with felony passing a forged instrument. She was charged for allegedly signing her deceased mother’s name and issuing two checks totaling $47.34 to Hendrix Lawn and Cycle in Molino.
Fillingim was also charged with 64 felony counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and one count of felony grand theft for using her mother’s credit card.
Her brother, Orbin Albritton, reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in August that Fillingim had used their deceased mother Linda Albritton’s Sears Mastercard to make no less than $6,500 worth of unauthorized purchases over a two week period that begin one day after their mother died on December 31, 2012. Credit card statements showed 64 transactions during the period totaling $8,960.32, according to an arrest report.
She pleaded no contest to one count of fraudulent use of a credit card, one count of grand theft, two counts of uttering a forged instrument and one count of petit theft. The dozens of remaining charges were dropped.
Fillingim was sentenced to 24 months probation and 240 hours of community service. The court, which withheld adjudication in the case, also withheld the right to determine what restitution might be owed in the case.
Atmore Mourns Loss Of Police Officer Dean Lindberg
February 28, 2014
Atmore is mourning the loss of Office Dean Lindberg. He was 54.
Lindberg suffered a stroke early Sunday morning, February 23, and never regained consciousness before passing away on Tuesday, February 25 at the USA Medical Center in Mobile.
Visitation for Atmore Police Office Dean Lindberg will be held Saturday, March 1 from 9:30 until service time at 11:00 at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home at 1322 South Main Street in Atmore. Burial will follow with full military honors at the Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church at 170 West Bogia Road in McDavid.
A retired Army Ranger, Officer Lindberg has been employed with Atmore Police Department as a full-time Law Enforcement Officer since March of 2011. He had previously worked as a law enforcement officer for the Kent, WA, Police Department and the Whiting Field Naval Air Station.
He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Mary Ann Lindberg, two sons, Terry (Kate) Lindberg and Adam Lindberg both of Kent, WA, a daughter, HunterRose Lindberg, and a host of other relatives and friends. He attended the Grace Valley Baptist Church in Cantonment.