Century Man Arrested On Weapons Charges
September 9, 2013
A Century man has been charged with dealing in stolen property and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number. Randy Wayne Sims, 41, was later released from the Escambia County Jail on a $6,000 bond.
Over 20 long guns were reported stolen during a July residential burglary in Brewton, Ala. The Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the federal ATF in the case.
Sims allegedly purchased an AR-15 type rifle for $175 and three single barrel shotguns for $125 each from a man who said he obtained the guns from his grandfather. The man, who was not named in a released Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office report, later returned and Sims purchased three double barrel shotguns for $125 each. Sims told investigators that he did not realize the serial numbers had been removed from several of the weapons.
He also told investigators that he just thought it was a “really good deal” that he purchased an AR-15 type rifle for just $175 when it usually retails for over $1,000. Sims also said he was purchasing the weapons as Christmas presents for his family members.
Because Sims purchased numerous firearms for well below their value, some of the firearms had their serial numbers removed and he said he was very familiar with firearms and their value, he should have reasonably believed the firearms he purchased were stolen, according to an arrest report.
A federal investigation in the case is ongoing.
Two other people were previously arrested in the case; Joshua James Land and Joseph Williams, both of Jay were charged with burglary of a residence and theft of property second degree.
Northview Open House Tuesday Evening
September 9, 2013
Northview High School will host their annual Open House Tuesday evening, beginning at 6:00, in the school’s theater. The evening’s agenda is planned to meet informational needs of parents. All parents, students, community members and other stakeholders are invited to attend.
For a printable agenda, click here.
High School Football Standings, Upcoming Schedule
September 9, 2013
Here is a district by district look at last Friday night’s high school football scores and this week’s schedule. District play has not yet started, so there are no district rankings.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Those Pesky Love Bugs – Even Making The Power Blink?
September 9, 2013
Escambia River Electric Cooperative reported a blinking problem in the Pace and Quintette areas on Sunday afternoon from a seemingly unlikely source — love bugs.
“Clusters of love bugs are believed to be causing this issue,” the electric utility reported in a statement on their Facebook page.
Here are some love bug facts, from the University of Florida:
- Origins. Contrary to popular belief, the University of Florida did not introduce the love bug to the state. During the 20th century, lovebugs migrated from Central America, traveling through Texas and Louisiana before arriving in Florida.
- Attractants. Lovebugs are attracted to decomposing plant debris, but may confuse these odors with chemicals in exhaust fumes. Heat also attracts lovebugs. Both of these factors can lead them to congregate around highways.
- Active times. Lovebugs are usually active between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., in temperatures above 84°F.
- Mating season. Mating peaks and lasts about four weeks in May and September. Typically, two main generations occur during this time, but the insects can be seen throughout the summer.
- Problems. Lovebugs are mainly a nuisance. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases and are not poisonous. They can damage automobile paint if they are “baked” in the sun.
- Solutions. After a lovebug-filled drive, wash your car with water and scrub it to remove the lovebugs. A hood air deflector or screen will reduce the number of spattered lovebugs on your car. Using car wax will protect an automobile’s paint.
- Pesticides. Chemical controls are ineffective, as the lovebug is widespread and continually drifts onto highways from adjacent areas.
Photo Gallery: Northview Takes On Marianna
September 9, 2013
The Northview Chiefs traveled to Marianna Friday night to take on the Bulldogs.
For a game results story, click here.
For a photo gallery featuring action photos, cheerleaders and the band, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Young Marines Honor The Memory Of LCpl Travis M. Nelson
September 8, 2013
A young Travis Nelson of Bratt grew up in a military family and had two things on his mind — fishing and growing up to join the military.
He lived that dream, spending many days at his favorite fishing spots. At 14, he joined the Young Marines of Pensacola. By age 19, he had made it from Bratt to the front lines in Afghanistan as a United States Marine. It was there in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, that LCpl Travis M. Nelson lost his life in August 2011 defending the freedom of his family, friends and the America he loved so much.
Saturday, the Young Marines of Pensacola gathered at the LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park on Highway 4 in Bratt, near Nelson’s childhood home, to honor one of their own that paid the ultimate price.
The Young Marines, boys and girls ages 8 to 18, stood silently at attention as a wreath was placed at the park’s memorial to Nelson. Then they posed for a photo, the Young Marines and the memorial to a fallen Marine.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Results Of Florida’s First Statewide Forest Inventory Released
September 8, 2013
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced Wednesday the results of the first statewide inventory of 17 million acres of forest land. The study, required by the Legislature and led by the Florida Forest Service, evaluated the distribution, availability and sustainability of Florida’s timber resources.
“This study is the most comprehensive forest inventory in the United States. It provides us with a snapshot of the sustainability of Florida’s forests and identifies areas where we can make improvements,” Putnam said. “The study indicates that most counties in Florida have highly sustainable forests that meet or exceed the demands of our forest products industry.”
The study focused on mapping forestland cover, identifying forestland ownership and analyzing the growth and demand for timber resources by Florida’s primary wood-using mills.
Findings include:
- 17 million acres of forestland covers 49 percent of the land in Florida.
- Of 8 million pine acres, 7 million are in North Florida. Pine accounts for about 1/3 of all forest land.
- 63 percent of forest land is privately owned, mostly in non-corporate ownership.
- 37 percent of forest land is owned by federal, state, county and municipal governments.
- 65 wood-using mills in the state are made up mostly of sawmills, mulch, chip-and-saw and pulp mills.
- Softwood pulpwood – mostly pine – is in the highest demand among all timber products.
- 49 counties in Florida exhibit sustainable forests where growth meets or exceeds timber demand.
- There is relatively little pressure for both hardwood pulpwood and sawtimber, with hardwood forests sustainable throughout the state.
- South Florida’s 5 million acres of forests are predominantly in water – almost 4 million acres are mangrove, cypress or other forested wetlands.
- Two-thirds of the state’s forests are more than 40 years old, predominantly older hardwood forests.
To view the Comprehensive Statewide Forest Inventory Analysis Study, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com/Forest_Inventory.
Pictured: A Florida Stewardship Forest located near Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Hayes Graduates From Basic Infantry Training
September 8, 2013
Army Pvt. Desmon A. Hayes has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and
experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
Hayes is the son of Denise Hayes of Highway 31 South, Flomaton.
Friday Night Football Schedule
September 8, 2013
Here’s a look at next Friday night’s high school football schedules for teams around the area:
FLORIDA
- Northview at Chipley, 7 p.m.
- Bay at Tate, 7:30 p.m.
- Vernon at Jay, 7 p.m.
- Escambia at Rutherford, 7 p.m.
- Niceville at Pine Forest, 7:30 p.m.
- Catholic at PHS, 7:30 p.m.
- Gulf Breeze at Choctawhatchee, 7 p.m.
- Lake Area New Tech (La.) at Washington, 7:30 p.m.
- Fort Walton Beach at Milton, 7:30 p.m.
- Pace at Navarre, 7:30 p.m.
- OPEN: West Florida
ALABAMA
- Flomaton at Choctaw County
- Escambia County (Atmore) at Wilcox Central
- Escambia Academy at Monroe Academy
- Cottage Hill Christian at W.S. Neal
- T.R. Miller at Excel
Chavers, Ramsey To Wed
September 8, 2013
Mr. and Mrs. Will Chavers of Flomaton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Misty Nicole Chavers, to J. D. Ramsey, son of Jim Ramsey of Heber Springs, Arkansas.
The bride to be is a 2001 graduate of Flomaton High School and a 2003 graduate of Jefferson Davis Community College. She also attended Auburn University. Misty is a graduate of International Gospel Outreach of Semmes, Alabama.
The prospective groom is a 1996 graduate of Heber Springs High School. He is the CEO of Kingdom Call Ministries, Inc. and travels nationally holding crusades as a Christian evangelist.
The wedding will be September 14 in Mobile. Wedding gifts can be sent to PO Box 891 in Wilmer, Alabama.