State Ed Boss: More Guns In Schools Not Answer
January 25, 2013
More guns in schools aren’t necessarily the answer to school safety issues, the new state education boss said.
Education Commissioner Tony Bennett says instead that creating a culture where kids and adults in talk openly and trust each other – and where adults communicate about potential problems – is a big part of the solution to school violence.
In a radio interview aired Thursday night, Bennett said when he was in Indiana the schools focused on being proactive in identifying potential problems, “as opposed to reactively, which is the discussion about putting more guns in our schools. I have to tell you, I don’t believe that’s the solution,” Bennett says. “I believe the solution is where we develop a school system where every child feels safe, every child has a significant adult they can go to and where we have a seamless line of communications where all of the leaders who affect a child’s education have the ability to share information so we don’t have that situation like we had in Columbine, where every community agency, they were dealing with those kids, and they didn’t talk to each other.”
By The News Service of Florida
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (part three)
January 25, 2013
Today, it’s part three of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2013″.
Today we introduce you to the third group of contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge. (Click for part one or part two 0f the series.)
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with more photos and pageant preview. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Kaitlyn Noelle Abbott
Kaitlyn is the 14-year old daughter of Brian and Stephanie Abbott. She is sponsored by the V.F.W. Post 7016 in Atmore. At Northview, Kaitlyn is a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band. She is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. In her community, she is a member and an instructor for Twirl Time Twirlers. She takes dance at Heather Leonard’s Danceworks and is a member of the American Legion Junior Auxillary where she holds the office of secretary. Kaitlyn recently won the All-Star performer award, the Grand Championship performer, and first place in a solo competition division at the Marching Auxillary Association that was held at the University of South Alabama. She was selected to participate in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando and at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Her hobbies including twirling the baton and dancing.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama as a Crimsonette and earn her degree to become a pediatrician.
Miss Audra Elizabeth Martin
Audra is the 16-year old daughter of Doug and Sharon Martin. She is sponsored by Dr. Gibbs at Shands Hospital and Hazel’s Curl Country. Audra has been a member of the weightlifting team for two years, a member of the track team for one year, and a member of the Student Government Association for one year. She has been a member of the NJROTC for three years and has played softball for two years. In her community, Audra has played soccer for four years.
Her hobbies include swimming, weightlifting, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and then possibly join the Coast Guard.
Miss Julia Renee Thorpe
Julia is the 18-year old daughter of Jim and Mary Thorpe. She is sponsored by her family. Julia has been a member of the Beta Club for two years and currently holds the office of president. She has been a member of Rho Kappa for two years, the track team for two years, the cross country team for two years, the junior varsity volleyball team for one year, and the basketball team for three years. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years, the Spanish club for one year, where she serves as the historian and the Art Club for two years, where she also holds the office of historian. Julia has been a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for three years and is currently the Editor. She is in the top ten in the Senior Class and is an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. She was also chosen as the October “Student of the Month.” In her community, Julia was chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership of Atmore association. She won first place in the Sawmill Pageant Poster contest, first place in the Lions Club World Peace Poster contest, first place in the Lieutenant Governor’s Writing contest, and third place in the Farm City Essay contest. She also volunteers to work with the teachers at Bratt Elementary on planning/workdays at the beginning and end of the school year. Julia is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Atmore and participates in their community outreach programs.
Her hobbies include reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of West Florida for two years and then transfer to Florida State to pursue a degree in business management.
Miss Penny Nicole Banda
Penny is the 15-year old daughter of Adam and Amanda Bailey. She is sponsored by Quincy Compressor. Penny has been a member of the junior varsity volleyball team for two years, a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the junior varsity basketball team for one year. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for two years and was awarded “Best Effort” for the 2011-2012 volleyball season. Penny has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for two years, the Book Club for one year, and the Student Government Association for one year. In her community, she volunteers her time at Bratt Elementary School.
Her hobbies include riding horses, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a four year university and study animal science.
Miss Olivia Kate Neal
Olivia is the 16-year old daughter of Waymon and Phyllis Neal. She is sponsored by Brewton Mill Federal Credit Union. Olivia has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year, the drama club for one year, and has played junior varsity volleyball for two years. She is a member of the weightlifting team and a member of the S.A.D.D. club. In her community, Olivia is an active member of Little Escambia Baptist Church and participates in the youth group.
Her hobbies include playing volleyball, fishing, attending mission trips, hunting, cooking, watching Alabama football, and listening to music.
Her future plans are to attend a major college and earn a degree in sports medicine.
Miss Kamryn Denise Brock
Kamryn is the 16-year old daughter of Joey and Heather Brock. Her sponsor is her family. As a freshman, Kamryn was a junior varsity cheerleader and was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She was also selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court and was voted Freshman Class Maid. This year, Kamryn is a member of the varsity cheerleading team and is also a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for one year, the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for one year. Kamryn was also voted freshmen and sophomore class president.
Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends; especially her trandfather and little brother.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University and obtain her degree to become a veterinarian.
Miss Lauryn Elizabeth Walker
Lauryn is the 16-year old daughter of Ronnie and Joy Walker. Her sponsor for tonight is her family. Lauryn has been a junior varsity cheerleader for three years and as a sophomore, she held the title of captain. As a freshman, Lauryn was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She has been a member of the Beta Club for one year and is also an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. In her community, she volunteers her time at Byrneville Elementary School and participates in various Relay for Life events.
Her hobbies include cheering, shopping, and hanging out with friends.
Her future plans are to attending nursing school and to specialize in pediatric nursing.
Miss Karmen LeeAnna Watson
Karmen is the daughter of Kevin Watson and Kevin and Shane Spence. Her sponsor is Atmore Industry. Karmen has been a member of the track team for one year, the DCT club for one year, and is a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band. In her community, she is a member of Angie Shelley’s Twirl Time and is a member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
Her hobbies include photography, twirling, and helping people.
Her future plans are to attend fashion and photography school in New York City. Later in life, Karmen would like to open a group home for needy children.
It All Adds Up: Northview Math Team Wins Big
January 25, 2013
Thursday, the Northview High School Math Team placed second overall during the Annual JDCC Invitational Math Tournament at Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton. The T.R. Miller High took first, while Flomaton placed third.
Members of the Northview Math Team are Justin Halteman, Winston Riley, Jazzlyn Franklin, Timothy Rackard, Courtney Lambert, Kasie Braun, Victoria Wright and Jessica Amerson. Team sponsor is Robert Lambeth.
Pictured above: The Northview High School Math Team (L-R) Winston Riley, Kasie Braun, Justin Halteman (in back), Jazzlyn Franklin, Courtney Lambert, Victoria Wright, Jessica Amerson and Timothy Rackard (kneeling). Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click toe enlarge.
Poarch Creeks Donate $964K To Atmore Hospital
January 24, 2013
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians presented a $964,000 check to Atmore Community Hospital Thursday morning.
“We are thrilled that we are able to help out our local hospital, especially in these tough economic times. The Tribal Council realizes how important quality healthcare is, and that every person deserves to receive the best care available. We believe this donation will only enhance that quality of care that is already being provided by Atmore Community Hospital.” said Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin.
An initial donation of $484,000 will be used for renovations and equipment to the hospital and emergency room, with no less than $150,000 of the donation to be used to renovate the emergency room. The Tribe will donate $40,000 a month for a year, with the option for the Tribe to make an additional donation to match money collected from a community supported fundraising event.
“This is an especially difficult time for rural hospitals across the nation. This gift from the Tribe will allow us to make some much-needed improvements to our facility’s equipment and technology,” said John Tucker, ACH vice president and administrator. “We are very appreciative that the Tribe has once again demonstrated its commitment and extraordinary generosity to organizations in our community.”
Pictured: (L-R) David Gehman, Tribal Council secretary; Garvis Sells, Tribal Council member at-large; Buford L. Rolin, Tribal chairman, Sandy Hollinger, Tribal council member at-large; Stephanie Bryan, Tribal vice chair; William Grissett, Escambia County Alabama Community Hospitals board chairman; and John Tucker, administration, Atmore Community Hospital. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Chemical Leak At Pace Plant
January 24, 2013
A chemical leak at Taminco Pace #4 plant located at 4575 U.S. Hwy. 90 was reported to Santa Rosa County Emergency Communications by the company at 7:18 Thursday morning. A shelter in place order was issued as a precautionary measure for the east side of the plant and the public alarm system or sirens were activated.
Two employees and one truck driver were triaged on site and transported in stable condition to West Florida Hospital for evaluation. One employee was taken to Santa Rosa Occupational Health. Two EMS workers were also being evaluated at West Florida.
The spill occurred during a rail transfer on company property and released DMA60, a methylamine-water mixture. The material released is used in pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and water treatment chemicals. Taminco reports the situation was contained in approximately five minutes. The shelter in place notice was lifted at approximately 7:45 a.m. when an all clear message of the public alarm system was issued. No offsite impact was reported.
Shelter In Place Information From Santa Rosa County
Chemical leaks can happen anywhere in today’s world. Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it’s simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside. The process of staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside is known as “sheltering in place.” Residents no matter where they live should learn what steps to take to protect themselves and their family before a shelter in place noticed is issued:
The process used to seal the room is considered a temporary protective measure to create a barrier between you and potentially contaminated air outside. It is a type of sheltering in place that requires preplanning. If you are told to shelter in place, take your children and pets indoors immediately and:
- Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
- If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains.
- Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.
- Close the fireplace damper.
- Get your family disaster supply kit and make sure the radio is working.
- Go to an interior room without windows that’s above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
- Bring your pets with you; and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
- It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
- Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
- Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.
Trial Set For Teen Accused Of Violent Attack During Molino Burglary
January 24, 2013
An April trial date has been set for a 15-year old teen accused of a violent attack against a woman during a burglary at a Molino residence.
Aquanis Javon Brown of Richardson Road will be tried as an adult for burglary of a dwelling with assault or battery, aggravated battery using a deadly weapon and petit theft. As a juvenile, he was also charged with battery by strangulation and attempted sexual assault with a weapon at the time of his October 2012 arrest.
The 54-year old victim told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that she returned alone to her home were she found Brown standing in a bedroom wearing gloves. Brown physically attacked her, punching her in the face and body with his fists, according to an arrest report, before attempting to remove the victim’s pants. He then began to strangle the victim to the point she told deputies she believed she was going to die. She fought back, clawing at Brown’s face.
Brown grabbed a pair of scissors, the report states, and began stabbing at the victim, stabbing her in the hand. Brown continued to attempt to remove the victim’s pants before walking out and going through things in other rooms of the home. She then closed the bedroom door, barricaded it with furniture and waited for deputies to arrive.
Deputies found the victim with several injuries. She told them that she was absolutely certain that Brown was her attacker; she said she has known him all of his life. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Sheriff’s deputies located Brown suffering from multiple fresh lacerations to his face and neck. He told deputies that he had cut himself shaving. He was arrested and delivered to the Department of Youth Services.
According to court documents, Brown is accused of stealing needles, medications, baking powder and other household items from the victim’s home.
Charged as an adult, Brown is being held in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $165,000. This week, Judge Linda Nobles set jury selection in Brown’s trial to being April 1.
Alabama Man Critically Injured In Wreck Outside Jay
January 24, 2013
An Alabama man was critically injured in a three vehicle wreck southeast of Jay Wednesday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said two vehicles were stopped for a turning vehicle on Highway 87 near Country Mill Road. As 63-year old David M. Kicker of Repton, AL, approached from behind, he struck one stopped vehicle, pushing it into the other vehicle. Kicker’s 2010 Ford Explorer continued into the ditch while rotating. Then with just the left front tire on the surface of the roadway, his SUV barrel-rolled one complete rotation in the ditch before coming to rest on all four tires, the FHP reported.
Kicker was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola in critical condition.
The driver of the vehicle first struck by Kicker’s SUV, 20-year old Orion Wayne Motsco of Jay, was not injured, but his 2006 Honda Accord was totaled. The driver of the third vehicle, 47-year old John P. Miller of Robertsdale, AL, was also not injured.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Cove Landfill Fire Burns Again
January 24, 2013
The Cove Landfill in Ensley was burning again Thursday morning, sending huge plumes of smoke skyward — just hours after the fire was declared extinguished.
Escambia County Solid Waste officials declared Wednesday night that the fire was completely out with no smoke or ashes, but the fire reignited by morning.
The Cove Landfill, located directly behind Pine Meadow Elementary School, started burning last Friday, often producing large amounts of smoke. The fire was burning underground, where natural debris such as tree limbs, stumps and other natural material spontaneously combusted. Officials say there is no construction debris in the material.
As the smoke billowed from the site Tuesday, children at Pine Meadow Elementary were relocated from portable classrooms into the main building as a precaution. Air conditioners and fans were used to keep air circulating for students.
The smoke prompted the Escambia County Health Department to issue a health advisory.
Pictured: Smoke billows from the Cove Landfill behind Pine Meadow Elementary School Thursday morning. Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Murzin Now Aide To Former Opponent Evers
January 24, 2013
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
Sen. Greg Evers (R-Baker) has a familiar face in his office. Former Rep. Dave Murzin, who once wanted the seat Evers holds, is now one of Evers’ two legislative assistants in his Pensacola office.
“I look forward to serving the people of Northwest Florida through the office of Senator Greg Evers,” Murzin said Wednesday. “I am humbled by the opportunity given to me by Senator Evers.”
Murzin was term limited in 2010 and was running against Evers, then also in the House, in the GOP primary for the seat being vacated by former Sen. Durrell Peaden. Murzin dropped out of that race in May 2010, to run for an Escambia County commission seat. When he lost the multiple candidate commission election in August of that year, it was the first time he’d been out of politics since college.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Escambia Legislative Delegation To Consider Local Proposals
January 24, 2013
The Escambia County Legislative Delegation will hold a public meeting next week to consider three local bills, including proposals made by the City of Pensacola, the Town of Century and the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA).
The delegation, consisting of Sen. Greg Evers, Rep. Clay Ford, and Rep. Clay Ingram, will meet Thursday, January 31 at the University of West Florida, Building 90, at 5 p.m.