Wahoos Open Series With Huntsville With 8-5 Win
August 4, 2012
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos earned an 8-5 win over the Huntsville Stars at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville, Ala. on Friday night to open the five-game set. The Wahoos cranked out 12 hits in the winning effort while shortstop Billy Hamilton inched closer to the Minor League stolen base record with three steals giving him 122 for the season. He is now 23 shy of matching Vince Coleman’s 1983 record.
Pensacola claimed an early lead with a pair of runs in the top of the second. David Vidal doubled home Donald Lutz for the game’s first run. Vidal scored later on an RBI groundout by Miguel Rojas. It was one of three runs Vidal scored in the game.
Huntsville answered with a run in the bottom of the inning when Adam Weisenburger singled in Hunter Morris, part of a three hit game for Weisenburger.
The Blue Wahoos made it 3-1 in the fourth when Vidal came home on an RBI single by Hamilton. Vidal extended the Wahoos lead to 4-1 with his seventh home run of the season. It was a solo shot to center field.
Heading into the ninth inning, the Wahoos were leading 5-3 searching for insurance runs. Two batters after Ryan LaMarre doubled home Hamilton, Bryson Smith drove in two more with a two-run single, which scored Josh Fellhauer and LaMarre and extended the lead to 8-3.
The Stars added some suspense with a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth, but Chris Manno (1) came in out of the bullpen and retired the final two batters of the game to preserve the win for Pensacola. He retired both batters he faced to earn his first save of the season.
On his 23rd birthday, Chad Rogers (1-0) earned the win in his Blue Wahoos debut. He surrendered just one run on seven hits over five innings. Johnnie Lowe (1-2) took the loss for the Stars after giving up four runs, two earned, on six hits over six innings. He fanned seven and walked two.
Offensively, five Blue Wahoos had multi-hit games. Hamilton (2-for-4), Fellhauer (2-for-4), LaMarre (2-for-5), Smith (2-for-2) and Vidal (2-for-4) all had a pair of hits in the winning effort. Smith, a late inning replacement, finished with three RBI while Vidal finished with a pair of RBI.
The series continues from Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville on Saturday. LHP Tony Cingrani (5-3, 2.15) gets the nod for the Fish against RHP Ariel Pena (0-0, 9.00). First pitch is set for 6:43 p.m.
By Tommy Thrall
Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
One Person Injured, Three Horses Killed In Wreck
August 3, 2012
One person received minor injuries when she slammed into three horses Thursday night in Davisville.
Delores A. Milam, age 27 of Atmore, was eastbound on West Highway 4 just west of Sandy Hollow Road about 9:30 p.m. when three horses ran into the path of her 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The front of the SUV struck all three horses.
Milam was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Two of the animals came to rest across West Highway 4. One horse was killed when it went over the hood of the SUV, crushing the windshield and roof the vehicle. A second horse was euthanized due to the severity of injuries. The third horse managed to walk off the roadway but was also euthanized due to critical injuries.
The owner of the horses is unknown, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The FHP is continuing their investigation into the accident.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Pictured: One person received minor injuries and three horses died as a result of this crash Thursday night on West Highway 4 in Davisville. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Gastrointestinal Infections On The Rise In Escambia County
August 3, 2012
Gastrointestinal infections are on the rise in Escambia County, and the Escambia County Health Department is urging area residents to practice proper hygiene to prevent illness.
According to the health department:
Gastrointestinal infections can be highly contagious and are usually spread through contaminated food or drinking water, person to person contact with an infected person, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and headache.
Most gastrointestinal infections can be prevented with proper hygiene practices, clean drinking water, and safe food preparation. The best way to avoid contracting or spreading these infections is to take the following precautions:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, handling diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
Use proper hand washing practices by rubbing soapy water on hands and under fingernails for 15-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Cook foods properly and wash fruits and vegetables before serving. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for preparing meats or fish and vegetables or fruits.
If you become ill, stay home. If your child becomes ill, keep him/her out of school or childcare until free from symptoms for 48 hours.
If you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, do not prepare food for other people.
Thoroughly disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
Immediately remove and wash possibly contaminated clothing or linens after an episode of diarrhea or vomiting.
Treatment for gastrointestinal illnesses includes drinking plenty of clear fluids and getting plenty of rest. Dehydration is a serious concern, especially among elderly adults and young children, so it is important to maintain proper fluid replacement. If symptoms are severe, such as bloody stool or high fever, it is recommended that you contact your doctor.
New Traffic Signal On Nine Mile Road
August 3, 2012
The Florida Department of Transportation will activate a new traffic signal at the intersection of I-10 and Nine Mile Road in Beulah Monday morning at 10 a.m. The signal has been in a flash mode to acquaint motorists with the location.
The new signal is mounted on horizontal mast arms. Since the signal is in the horizontal position, FDOT said motorists with color vision problems will need to remember red is on the left and green on the right. Drivers are urged to use caution when approaching the intersection.
One Shot At Escambia County Apartment Complex, Two Arrested
August 3, 2012
One person was shot Thursday evening in Escambia County, and two men are behind bars charged with the crime.
Van Spikes, 19, was shot in the groin and thigh while at the Alabaster Gardens Apartments off Massachusetts Avenue about 7:30 p.m. He was transported to an area hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. His name has not been released.
Witnesses told deputies that they heard gunshots and then saw two white males jumping the fence and leaving the area in silver Honda.
Deputies in the area located a car matching that description a few blocks away and witnessed the occupants throw a gun out of the car window. The vehicles occupants — Anthony Schubert, 20, and Dylan White, 17, — were arrested for aggravated battery.
Shubert and White, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, admitted to investigators that they were at the apartment complex to sell drugs.
Further details have not yet been released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured above: One person was shot at the Alabaster Gardens Apartments off Massachusetts Avenue Thursday evening. Photo courtesy Anthony Pura, WEAR 3, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Theft Suspect Talking, Praying Her Way Into Homes Of The Elderly
August 3, 2012
Molino and Cantonment are on alert after reports of someone talking their way, even praying their way, into the homes of elderly residents.
A resident of Ridgecrest Lane told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that she invited a lady into her home to pray with her because she was under the impression that the stranger was from a local church. The Sheriff’s Office said the woman’s purse was stolen, and her Navy Federal card used to make purchases at two Cantonment businesses. Few other details have been officially released as the Sheriff’s Office continues their investigation.
But family members tell NorthEscambia.com that the 92-year old woman was approached at her home by a woman that said she was from the Beulah Baptist Church and would like to go inside her home to pray with her.
The suspect stayed and prayed with the woman for about 15 minutes. As the suspect started to leave the home, she told the elderly victim that she had left her cell phone behind on the sofa. After going back to get her phone, the female suspect left.
The victim later discovered that her purse was missing — including her keys with a Navy Federal financial card attached.
Family said the victim’s card was then used for $10 at Gee Willie’s convenience store on Highway 29 in Cantonment, and then to make two separate purchases totaling over $300 at the nearby Cantonment Dollar General store.
The suspect was described as a skinny white female, about 5-foot , 4-inches tall, in her mid 20’s to early 30’s. According to the Sheriff’s Office, she may have been driving a silver Dodge pickup truck. Investigators are working with the stores involved to obtain surveillance video of the suspect.
NorthEscambia.com was alerted to another incident involving someone making their way into the home of an elderly resident. A police report was not filed in the second incident.
And an elderly resident on Bet Raines Road said a woman came to her backdoor and started a conversation. The elderly woman was led to believe that the female was from a local church and invited her inside for a cold drink. The female then asked to use the restroom. And some point, the resident became uncomfortable with the situation and tried to call relatives. The suspicious woman then left.
Nothing was reported missing in the Bet Raines Road incident.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Atmore, Escambia (AL) Candidates Square Off In Forum (With Gallery)
August 3, 2012
Candidates for political office in Atmore and Escambia County, Ala., took their message to the people Thursday night during a candidate forum.
Candidates speaking included the three men vying for the job of Atmore’s mayor.
Bernard Bishop said it’s time for Atmore to “get off the porch, roll up out sleeve and get to work.”
“Atmore is sitting on the threshold of a revolution,” Bishop said. “We need to prepare the ground of Atmore for a harvest.”
Lloyd Albritton said he was the candidate of change. “Atmore needs to pick up it’s own trash,” Albritton said. “We desperately need change in this town.”
The third mayoral candidate, Jim Staff, said “Let’s move Atmore forward”.
“We can only go forward for PCI and Atmore,” he mentioned.
The Leadership Atmore Alumni Association, a non-partisan group, sponsored the forum.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Candidates Set For Atmore City Elections
After a total of more than two decades in office, incumbent Atmore Mayor Howard Shell won’t seek re-election. He was first elected to the Atmore City Council 1984 before being appointed mayor after the death of then-Mayor Patricia McKenzie. After winning the mayor’s race twice, he remained in office until being beaten in 1996 by Rodney Owens, an Atmore chiropractor. He returned to office in 2000 and is serving his third term since returning to office.
The Leadership Atmore Alumni Association, a non-partisan group, sponsored the forum.
Qualified candidates for Atmore city offices are as follows:
- Mayor — Lloyd Albritton, Bernard Bishop, Jim Staff
- District 1 – Webb Nall (incumbent), Chad Thrower
- District 2 – Cornell Torrence (incumbent), Thomas S. “Teddy” McNeal
- District 3 – Chris Walker (incumbent)
- District 4 – Larry Houck, Phil Johnson, Susan Smith
- District 5 – Gregg Akins, Michael Arnold, Sandra Gray, Chris Harrison
Other Escambia County races of interest in the Atmore area include:
- Judge of Probate — Emilie Mims (R, incumbent), Robert Douglas Agerton (D).
- School Board District 2 – Danny Benjamin (D, incumbent)
- School Board District 3 – Jack Donald Crutchfield (D, incumbent) , Mike Edwards (R).
- School Board District 7 – Charles H. (Chuck) Brooks (D, incumbent), Coleman Wallace Sr. (R).
- Commission District 2 – John Raymond Wiggins (D, incumbent)
- Commission District 4 – Brandon Smith (R, incumbent), James H. Hall Jr. (D).
- Circuit Court — Bert Rice (D, incumbent )
- Circuit Clerk — John Robert Fountain (D), Becki Breckenridge (R)
Picture top: Atmore mayoral candidates Bernard Bishop, Jim Staff and Lloyd Albritton share a laugh during a political forum Thursday night in Atmore. Pictured inset: Probate judge candidate Emilie Mims (incumbent) and Douglas Agerton. Photos by Jodi Peacock for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Gets Prison Time For Torching Home, Pickup In Cantonment
August 3, 2012
A man has been sentenced for torching his pickup truck and Cantonment home in two different fires.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said Lawrence William Patterson III, 24, set a fire inside his 2006 GMC Canyon pickup truck just before midnight on February 15, 2011. The fire was extinguished by the fire department, but not before it caused extensive damage to the garage in the 1800 block of Wareham Way in Cantonment. The rest of the house was not damaged.
The fire marshal left the scene at 5:03 a.m. on February 16. At 5:23 a.m., the fire department was called back to the house. This time, the other side of the house was on fire.
Patterson told investigators that the first fire was caused by some sort of malfunction in the truck. But when fire marshals investigated the two fires, they took debris samples from inside that truck that later test positive for gasoline.
Two fire marshal investigators and an independent fire investigator all determined that the fires were not accident and had been intentionally set.
Patterson attempted to file claims with two insurance companies — one for the truck and the other for the house. During the investigation, he gave conflicting statements to the insurance companies, claiming the fires were accidents.
Patterson was convicted of two counts of arson first degree, arson second degree, arson resulting in injury, two counts of insurance fraud and two counts of burning to defraud insurer. He was sentenced to Judge Linda Nobles to 10 years in state prison followed by 15 years in probation.
Florida Consumer Confidence On The Rise
August 3, 2012
Consumer confidence was up slightly in July over June, and dramatically higher than it was a year ago, a new report from the University of Florida finds.
Confidence of Florida consumers rose three points from June to July, to 76, nine points higher than the same period last year, according to the report by the university’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. Perceptions of personal finances rose in July to their highest point since the end of the recession at the end of 2009.
Expectations of personal finances a year from now also rose, while expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next year fell one point, the pollsters said.
Floridians’ gloomiest thoughts are on the prospects for U.S. economic conditions over the next five years, on which confidence fell three points to 77.
Perceptions as to whether it is a good time to buy big ticket items rose seven points to 84 in July.
“In July consumers are feeling much better about their personal finances compared to June and really to their circumstances since the recession ended two and a half years ago,” said Chris McCarty, the survey director. “Some of this can be attributed to a more positive housing picture in some areas of the state where prices are actually rising rather than falling.
By The News Service of Florida
Stewart Named Interim Florida Educational Commissioner
August 3, 2012
Public Schools Chancellor Pam Stewart will take over as interim education commissioner while the State Board of Education looks for a permanent leader for the department.
Board members agreed to tap Stewart for the position during a Thursday morning conference call.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Gerard Robinson announced his resignation, effective Aug. 31, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. Robinson had also come under fire in recent months for his agency’s handling of the rollout of some FCAT scores and school grades.
Board Chairwoman Kathleen Shanahan said Stewart is only interested in being interim commissioner.
“Right now, she is not interested in the job on a permanent basis. That is her position today.” Shanahan said.