Softball Tourney To Benefit Wreck Victim Mark Shipps, Jr.
May 1, 2013
The Junior Classic Softball Tournament will be held beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 10 and continuing Saturday, May 11 at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill, with proceeds benefiting wreck victim Mark Allen Shipps, Jr. and his family.
It will be based on USSSA slow pitch softball rules, with three females on the field per team at all ties. There will be a two loss elimination in effect. Registration is $150 per team.
The event will also include food, music and more. Volunteers are needed in any form — from playing on a team, to umpiring and more. Boston butts are also available for $25. For more information or to register, contact Bradley Lowery at (850) 232-3205 or BJL0005@auburn.edu.
Food and drink donations area also needed (burgers, hot dogs, sodas, water, sports drinks, etc).
A benefit account has been established at United Bank in Atmore for Mark Shipps, Jr. The account information is: Mark Shipps Jr. Benefit Account, account #151892711, P.O. Box 8, Atmore, AL 36504. Checks should be made out to “Mark Shipps Jr. Benefit Account”.
For an earlier story with more information about Shipps’ accident, click here.
Hunt For Suspect Continues After Atmore Armed Robbery
May 1, 2013
A manhunt was underway late Tuesday afternoon and early Tuesday in Atmore for a robbery suspect.
A property owner reported was doing construction work at his rental property on Fourth Avenue when he was robbed of his wallet and phone at gunpoint in by a while male. The suspect was described as a white male, about 5-foot, 10-inches and 175 pounds wearing pants that had a black and white camouflage pattern, and a hoodie or cap.
The Atmore Police Department established a perimeter around the area and called a K-9 team from the Alabama Department of Corrections. Horner Street and several other streets in the area were closed for the search.
A suspect was taken into custody about 7:30 p.m. near Fourth Avenue and Horner Street, and roads were re-opened about 7:40 p.m. Later in the evening, the man taken into custody was released without being charged after police were unable to find evidence linking him to the crime.
Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to call the Atmore Police Department at (251) 368-9141.
$1.5 Million Replacement Of Highway 97A Bridge Begins Next Week
May 1, 2013
The Florida Department of Transportation will begin replacement of a bridge on Highway 97A over Boggy Creek in the Bay Springs community the week of May 6. Crews are setting up work zone signage this week.
Weather permitting the $1.5 million project should take about eight months to complete. During construction, an on-site diversion will be built for local residents to continue to have access to the area.
The 121 foot bridge was constructed in 1969 and is supported on wooden timbers. The bridge is rated as “structurally deficient” and has a current weight limit of 15 tons. The bridge is located about one mile west of South Highway 99.
The speed limit will be reduced to 30 mph through the work zone. FDOT is advising motorists to use caution when traveling through the work area and to be aware that speeding violations will be doubled when workers are present.
Jay Beats Central To Advance In Regional Tournament
May 1, 2013
The Jay Lady Royals are moving on the regional finals Friday night after a win Tuesday night.
Jay beat Central 16-6 in six innings. Chassity McCranie pitched four for the Royals, striking out five. Oliva Wright was 4-4 with a double, triple, a home run and five RBIs. Wright recently signed to play college ball at Wallace State. Ashlyn Geck was 1-5 with an RBI; Michaela Stewart was 1-4; Sydney Lowery was 3-5; Brittany Gillman was 2-3 and Taylor Moore was 3-4.
Jay will host the Chipley Tigers at 7 p.m. Friday.
Pictured: The Jay Lady Royals celebrate a win over Central Tuesday night to advance in the regional softball tournament. Photo by Diann Tagert for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Cantonment Shed
April 30, 2013
[Updated] Several fire stations responded to a shed fire in Cantonment early Tuesday evening, sending black smoke into the sky that was visible for miles.
The fire was reported about 6:15 in the 400 block of Well Line Road, near the corner of Lakeview Avenue. The shed, about 400 square feet in size, was completely destroyed in the fire.
The blaze is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story stated “The first fire units on scene reported the shed was behind a locked gate and a citizen would not allow firefighters on the property.” While that was the report from the first fire units on scene, the fire unit’s report was based upon incomplete information. Fire officials confirmed Wednesday morning that they were allowed access to the property.
Pictured top: Black smoke from a fire Tuesday evening on Well Line Road was visible from the Cantonment Ballpark. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Dies In Santa Rosa I-10 Wreck
April 30, 2013
An Escambia County man died in a traffic crash Monday night on I-10 in Santa Rosa County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a semi-tractor trailer was stopped in the outside eastbound lane of I-10 after being involved in a prior crash. The driver of the semi had placed emergency reflectors in the roadway and had activated his emergency flashers on the truck and trailer to warn motorists.
Daniel Mac Dobbins, age 34 of Pensacola, was eastbound on I-10 at the 34 mile marker when he failed to see the semi, traveling over the reflectors and into the rear of the trailer being pulled by the semi. Dobbins’ 2006 VW Passat came to rest under the trailer. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash was not alcohol related, according to the FHP.
Woman Sentenced For August 2012 Cutting In Century
April 30, 2013
A Flomaton woman has been sentenced in connection with a cutting that occurred in Century in late August 2012.
Chelesa Dianne Boutwell, now 20, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon following the early morning incident in the area of Pond and Ramar streets.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Jay Hospital after receiving a report of a cutting victim. They discovered 21-year old Hannah Joyce Campbell of Century had 8-10 cuts to her face and hand from an unknown sharp object, according to an arrest report. Campbell was transferred to a Pensacola hospital for further treatment for her injuries.
Boutwell told deputies that she had been having problems with Campbell for about a week. The pair became involved in a physical altercation, and Boutwell admitted to hitting Campbell several times. Boutwell said when she noticed that Campell was bleeding, she stopped and helped her up off the ground, the arrest report stated. Boutwell told deputies she did not know how Campbell was cut, but believed the injuries may have been caused by a ring on her finger.
Boutwell pleaded not contest to the charges against her. Judge Ross Goodman withheld adjudication and sentenced Boutwell to a suspended 36 months in state prison and placed her on probation for 36 months.
She was also ordered to stay away from Campbell, pay a restitution amount to be determined and attend anger management counseling.
Cantonment Insurance Agent Busted For Selling Fraudulent Policies
April 30, 2013
A Cantonment insurance agent has been arrested on several felony charges for allegedly selling hundreds of fraudulent life insurance policies through a fake employment company.
Randall Petersen, 47, was charged with insurance fraud, grand theft and criminal use of personal identification. Investigators contend that Petersen created a fictitious employment company to lure individuals into applying for fraudulent life insurance policies earning him more than $330,000 in bonuses and commissions, according to Florida Department of Financial Services and CFO Jeff Atwater.
Petersen placed an estimated 285 fictitious life insurance policies with American National Insurance Company, which paid him bonuses and commissions of more than $330,000. American National informed the department of the suspected fraud once the policies started canceling for nonpayment.
Petersen was booked into the Escambia County Jail. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison. Pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, administrative action may be taken against his insurance license.
Petersen was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
Miracle League Selected For $10,000, Jimmie Johnson’s Helmet of Hope
April 30, 2013
Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has selected the Miracle League of Pensacola to be featured on the 2013 Jimmie Johnson Foundation Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope. The Miracle League will receive $10,000 and will appear on the helmet Johnson will wear during race weekend activities at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn on August 18.
The Miracle League of Pensacola provides a safe, organized baseball league and facilities for Gulf Coast children with mental and/or physical challenges where every player plays, every player hits, every player gets on base, every player scores and every player wins – every inning. Currently they serve nearly 200 players ranging in age from 4 to 64 years young.
Paul Hinson, a volunteer umpire for the organization, nominated The Miracle League of Pensacola for the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, saying, “We accept all players, regardless of their challenges, there are players confined to wheelchairs, players with Down Syndrome and players with attention and learning disorders.”
The League pairs up an able bodied person with each player, enabling the people of the community to form a bond with the players and also to see the happiness that the players gain by being able to play the game of baseball.
“We are honored to be recognized and will continue to provide a safe and organized baseball league for the Gulf Coast,” Shirley Godwin of the Miracle League said.
Pictured top: Miracle League of Pensacola players, coaches and volunteers offer a special “thanks” to Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet for Nascar, after their selection to appear on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope and a $10,000 grant. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Florida Libraries To Present Civil War Programs
April 30, 2013
West Florida Public Library has been awarded a grant by the Gilder Lehman Institute of American History to host Civil War programs and scholar‐led discussions. There will be various events for persons of all ages taking place at most library branches during the month of May.
To begin the program, Dave Ehlert, skilled Civil War history performer from Branson, Missouri, will be at the West Florida Genealogy Library, located on the PSC Main Campus at 5:30 pm Wednesday, May 1st. He will portray Lincoln and Twain with historical drama, humor and education in a live production of “Abe Lincoln, Mark Twain & the Civil War.” Light refreshments will be served.
On Thursdays at 5:30, May 2 and May 30th at Southwest and Main libraries respectively, Price Legg will share reenactment history of a civil war soldier. Phil Duryea, volunteer coordinator for the National Naval Aviation Museum, will share artifacts of Civil War memorabilia and authentic maps of the era. Both programs are for families with children ages 7 and older.
Woody Barnes will share his wealth of genealogical knowledge in his presentation “War Between the States Military Records”. He is a member of the Jamestown Society, Society of the War of 1812, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). Participants are encouraged to bring their own family history notes and utilize the library’s computers for online genealogical research after the program. He will appear at the Molino Branch Library on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. and the Main Library at 5:30 p.m. on May 23.
Programs for children will include activities ranging from how to write with a quill pen to the questionably tasty experience of hardtack. Program days and times are Main Library on Wednesday, May 15 at 4 p.m., at Tryon Library on Thursday, May 16 at 4 p.m. , at Westside Library on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. , and at the Molino Library on Monday, May 20 at 4 p.m.
The Civil War 150 Grant is in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War made possible by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in partnership with The Library of America and the National Endowment for the Humanities.