Birth: Elliott Joan Brown
November 25, 2012
Jacob and Lindsey Brown, of Corpus Christi, TX, announce the birth of their daughter, Elliott Joan Brown. She was born November 8, 2012, at Christus Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi. She weighed seven pounds four ounces, and was 19 ½ inches long. The grandparents are Doug and the late Joan Campbell of Denver, CO, and David and Teresa Brown of Davisville. The great-grandparents are James and Tiny Bolton of Davisville and Elizabeth Brown of Atmore.
Northview Beats Freeport For Regional Championship (With Photo Gallery)
November 24, 2012
The Northview’s road to Orlando continued Friday night with a 34-28 overtime win against the Freeport Bulldogs for the Chief’s third consecutive Region 1-1A championship.
The second meeting of the season between the teams was a whole new ballgame the second time around for the Chiefs. Earlier in the season, Northview crushed the Bulldogs 42-0 in Freeport. All week, Northview Coach Sid Wheatley preached that his players should just totally forget about that big win because Freeport was headed to Bratt for vengeance.
“We talked about it all week…that you could throw the 42-0 out the window because it was not going to have any bearing on this game tonight,” Wheatley said. “That (42-0) was not indicative of how Freeport normally plays us. I think they kind really carried a chip in on their shoulders.”
For a game action photo gallery, click here. (Band, dance team, cheerleader and additional photos will be published Monday.)
Freeport was first on the scoreboard after Northview fumbled the ball away at the 11-yard line. And Freeport scored again on a Northview fumble; this time at the one-yard line, 14-0.
A La’Mikal Kyles touchdown narrowed the gap to 14-7, Freeport’s favor. Then Neino Robinson scored on a 40 yard punt return to tie it up 14-14 headed into the half.
Kyles scored again in the third on a 10-yard pass from QB Kevin Vaughan, 21-14 Northview. Freeport then tied it up 21-21 with a 42-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs went again 28-21 with about six minutes to go in the game.
The Chiefs tied it up at 28-28 with a four-yard Vaughan to Cameron Newsome touchdown pass.
In overtime, Freeport scored on their first place, but it was called back for holding the backfield. The Bulldogs were unable to convert their remaining three downs to the scoreboard. A Kyles touchdown kicked off the fireworks and sealed the 34-28 Northview win.
“We pulled it off in overtime. It was a lot of character, a lot of resolve by out kids,” Wheatley said.
Kyles finished the night with three touchdowns, and 121 yards. Quarterback Vaughan completed 17 of 27 with 136 yards and a couple of touchdowns.
“I thought Kevin Vaughan ran the football well for us; he had a couple of big runs,” he said. “I thought the kid showed a lot of character, coming back when he could have gone into a shell.”
Next Friday, the Chiefs will be one the road in the state semifinals against Liberty County in Bristol. The winner advanced to the state championship game the following week in Orlando.
“It only gets tougher. There’s no doubt,” Wheatley said. “We are going to have to step it up next week.
For a game action photo gallery, click here. (Band, dance team, cheerleader and additional photos will be published Monday.)
Pictured top: Northview quarterback Kevin Vaughan gains yardage for the Chiefs Friday night in Bratt. Picture top inset: Neino Robinson reaches for a pass. Pictured bottom inset: La’Mikal Kyles catches a pass. Pictured below: The Chiefs celebrate a regional championship. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Auburn Fans Rule In High School Fundraiser
November 24, 2012
Auburn fans dominated in a recent fundraiser held at Northview High School. The Student Government Association held a “Cash of the Rivals” fundraiser in which Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Florida State fans competed to see which team was tops at Northview. The students cast votes costing 10 cents each for the their favorite team. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputy, Suspect Killed In Shooting; Second Deputy Critical
November 24, 2012
A shooting in Baldwin County (Ala.) Friday afternoon left one deputy and a suspect dead and critically injured another deputy.
About 4 p.m. Baldwin County deputies responded to 11830 Mallard Lane near Fairhope for a welfare concern over a suspect that acting aggressively toward family members. Deputies said the suspect, Scott Jansen, pulled out a weapon and opened fire, hitting two of three deputies multiple times.
Deputy Scott Ward, a 15-year veteran of the department, was pronounced dead the the USA Medical Center in Mobile. A second deputy, whose name has not been released, was in critical condition early Saturday morning. Jansen was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation by the Baldwin County Major Crimes Task Force.
Scott Jansen
Farm-City Week Recognizes Importance Of Local Agriculture
November 24, 2012
Today marks the close of the National Farm-City Week.
Local communities across America use the week to spread and celebrate agricultural awareness through this annual movement, which focuses on connecting rural and urban dwellers. The week is sponsored by the National Farm-City council, which has been dedicated to organizing the event since 1955.
“We got involved back in 2010 to raise awareness about the value of agriculture to our local region,” University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center Director and Professor Dr. Jeff Mullahey stated.
Mullahey said the main goal for the Farm-City Week was to “create more awareness about the importance and value of agriculture in northwest Florida, and to promote the benefits of agriculture as more than a source of food and fiber.”
While the healthcare and military industries may be the most visible in our regional economy, agriculture remains a top player. According to a study conducted by the University of Florida agriculture and natural resources directly provided 44,249 jobs to the northwest Florida region (consisting Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties). For perspective, compare that number to the estimated population of 51,923 within Pensacola city limits.
The study goes on to state that for every $1 million of revenue created by agriculture and natural resources, the industry creates 13.72 jobs. In 2008 the industry created over $357 million in revenue, roughly a quarter of which was paid out as labor income.
Part of the Farm-City movement is to encourage local communities to spend locally, by getting to know local farmers and purchasing local produce. By buying local produce, consumers can ensure that more money stays in the area. Buying locally also reduces the overall cost of food and production, which increases with every mile the food travels from producer to consumer. Shipping and processing are two unseen costs that raise the price of imported produce, while local produce either cuts down or cuts out these costs.
Consumers are also encouraged to educate themselves about where their food comes from and how it is produced by local farmers in Northwest Florida. Locally grown food is sold at farmers markets, roadside stands, retail markets, and online.
Agriculture creates jobs, adds money to the local economy and provides environmental benefits, like green space, that improve the quality of life in northwest Florida.
“Not to mention,” Mullahey adds, “agriculture feeds us three times a day and provides clothes for our family.”
Pictured top: Wheat is one of the crops produced in North Escambia. Pictured inset: Escambia Grain in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Alabama Man Arrested After Escambia Wreck
November 24, 2012
An Alabama man was arrested after a Thanksgiving Day traffic crash in Escambia County.
Magno Aden Gonzales, 27, of Lillian Ala., was southbound on W Street approach Marcus Pointe Boulevard when he failed to stop for a red light, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His Dodge pickup truck collided with a Ford F150 driven by 54-year George Thorsen of Pensacola. The impact pushed Thorsen’s vehicle into a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by 54-year old Doris Falzone of Pensacola.
Gonzales attempted to run away from the scene, according to the FHP, but was stopped and held by bystanders. He was charged with DUI, no valid driver’s license and leaving the scene of a crash with injuries.
Falzone and and Thorsen received minor injuries in the crash and were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital.
Photo: Southern Snow
November 24, 2012
Pictured: The sun sets behind a Walnut Hill cotton field Friday evening, giving the appearance of “southern snow”. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets 25 Years For Assaulting Prostitute
November 24, 2012
An Escambia County man is headed to prison for sexually assaulting a prostitute.
William George Redmond III, 36, was sentenced by Circuit Judge J. Scott Duncan to 25 years in state prison as a habitual felony offender for two counts of sexual battery, assault and procuring another for prostitution.
An Escambia County jury found Redmond guilty after hearing evidence that during the early morning hours of December 12, 2011, the defendant picked up a known prostitute in his vehicle and drove her around while trying to find money.
During the drive, the defendant stated that he would not give her money and the victim attempted to escape from his vehicle, but Redmond pulled her back in the vehicle. Redmond then drove to a secluded area, parked his vehicle, and forced the victim to engage in sexual activity, according to prosecutors.
Afterwards, Redmond dropped the victim off and she immediately alerted law enforcement.
Community Mourns Loss Of Longtime Educator, Youth Leader
November 24, 2012
Friends, family and students are mourning the loss of a beloved teacher and youth leader who passed away suddenly on Friday.
Bobby Gindl, 59, taught agriculture for 30 years before retiring. He left retirement to return to teaching math and science for several years at Ernest Ward Middle School. He was currently teaching agriculture at Central School in Allentown.
Gindl was a graduate of Tate High School, Pensacola Junior College and Auburn University where he majored in vocational agriculture.
“It has made a huge impact on my life,” Bobby Gindl said during a ceremony recognizing the longevity of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club . “I ended up becoming an agricultural teacher.”
Gindl was also the leader of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club, the oldest continuing 4-H Club in the state of Florida. He became involved with 4-H at an early age under the leadership of his father Francis Gindl.
He is survived by his wife Tena and numerous relatives. For the complete obituary, click here.
Pictured: Bobby Gindl at a ceremony honoring the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Looks For Regional Win Over Freeport (With Admission, Noisemaker Info)
November 23, 2012
The Northview Chiefs will play tonight for their third straight regional title tonight in Bratt.
The Chiefs (8-3, 3-0) will host the Freeport Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. in Bratt in what will be Northview’s final home game of the season. With a win, the Chiefs will advance next Friday night to the state semifinals on the road against the winner of tonight’s Blountstown (7-4, 3-1) at Liberty County (9-2, 4-0) game.
For the Chiefs, it’s the third consecutive playoff appearance under head coach Sid Wheatley. The previous two trips along the state series came to an end at the state semifinal level, just one game short of a state championship game in Orlando.
The Chiefs have been nothing short of dominating in 1A play this year. Ranked No. 4 in the state, Northview has destroyed all 1A opponents this season by an average of five touchdowns. Last week, Northview whipped Cottondale in the regional seminfinals, 57-6. Their only losses have come at the hands of much larger schools with strong programs — Class 5A West Florida (10-1), Class 5A Gulf Breeze (7-4) and Class 4A Marianna (8-2).
The Freeport Bulldogs are are 6-5 overall, 2-1 in 1A play. Their only loss was 42-0 at the hands of the Chiefs back in October.
Last year, the Northview Chiefs beat Freeport 43-13 in Bratt in the regional finals.
Tonight’s Game: Admission Info
Northview hosts Freeport, 7:30 p.m. in Bratt. Admission is $8 (set by the FHSAA, not the school). There are no student discounts, no elementary discounts, no free admission for employees and no passes. Donations accepted for parking.
From The Quarterback Club
“The Northview Quarterback Club would like to remind Chiefs fans that Friday night’s regional championship will be the final home game of the season, regardless of outcome. Fans are encouraged to come out and show your support by bringing your noisemakers, signs, and most of all, your enthusiasm. We would like to duplicate the atmosphere we had at the state semi-final game last year against Chipley. Come out and support your Northview Chiefs and remember to get especially loud when you hear “the bells”. Go Chiefs!”
Pictured top: Action earlier this season as the Northview Chiefs beat Freeport 42-0 in Freeport. Pictured below: Action from last year’s regional final in which Northview beat Freeport 43-13. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
