Two Railroad Crossings Being Installed In Walnut Hill
January 30, 2012
Railroad crossing gates and flashing lights are being installed at two locations in Walnut Hill at a cost of about $445,000.
The crossing are being install on Arthur Brown Road about two miles west of Highway 97 and on Pine Forest Road.
Arthur Brown Road
The Florida Department of Transportation will fund the $250,000 estimated cost to improve the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway crossing on Arthur Brown Road. Escambia County and Alabama & Gulf Coast will split the $3,146 annual maintenance cost for the crossing controls.
Currently, westbound drivers on Arthur Brown Road approaching the crossing travel parallel to the railroad tracks before making an immediate 90 degree turn across the tracks, making it difficult to see oncoming trains.
Work on the Arthur Brown Crossing began last week.
Pine Forest Road
A railroad crossing signal will be installed on Pine Forest Road in Walnut Hill.
The Florida Department of Transportation will fund the $195,000 estimated cost to improve the the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway crossing on Pine Forest Road.. Escambia County and Alabama & Gulf Coast will split the $3,146 annual maintenance for the crossing controls.
The railway, Pelt Road and Rockaway Creek Road all intersect Pine Forest Road over about a 200 foot span, in what is almost a three-way intersection with the railroad tracks in the middle. The crossing is about two miles from Highway 97.
Work on the crossing is expected to begin as early as this week.
Pictured: Work is almost complete on a new railroad cross on Arthur Brown Road in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Baggett, Johnson Headed To Boys State
January 30, 2012
Two Northview High School juniors have beenchosen as Boys State representatives for 2012.
Corry Baggett and Trey Johnson were chosen by The American Legion to travel to Tallahassee for a week long comprehensive course in state and local government.
- Develop civic leadership and pride in American citizenship
- Develop a keen interest in the detailed study of our government
- Develop in our citizens a determination to maintain our form of government, primarily by bringing them to the realization of how great it is to be an American
- Develop a sense of individual obligation to the Community, State and Nation
- Safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of Justice, Freedom and Democracy.
Pictured: Northview juniors Trey Johnson (left) and Correy Baggett were chosen for Boys State. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed By Molino Couple’s Vehicle On Hwy 29
January 29, 2012
A Molino couple’s vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian on Highway 29 Saturday night in Pensacola.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 47-year old Johanna L. Kenney of Pensacola was walking along the west shoulder of Highway 29 approaching Hood Drive, near the Ensley Walmart, about 9:25 p.m.
A 2002 GMC Sierra driven by 68-year old John C. Marshall of Molino was traveling south in the southbound outside lane of Highway 29. That’s when Kenney left the west shoulder of the road and walked into the southbound lanes of Highway 29 and into the path of Marshall’s vehicle.
Kenney was pronounced dead on the scene. Marshall and his passenger, 62-year old Nancy P. Marshall, were not injured.
No charges have been filed in the accident, but it remains under investigation, according to the FHP.
The Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the accident.
Charleigh McPherson Named Miss NHS 2012 (With Photo Gallery)
January 29, 2012
Charleigh McPherson was crowned Miss Northview High School for 2012 Saturday night. First Runner-Up was Anna Fischer, and Second Runner-Up was Lauren McCall.
Other members of the Top 7 were Ariel Holland, Ashley Cunningham, Abby Odom and Melissa Moretz.
Ashton McCall was named Miss Congeniality, and Melissa Moretz was named Miss Hospitality. The Miss Physical Fitness award was Ashley Cunningham, while Abby Odom was named Miss Poise and Appearance.
For about 200 NorthEscambia.com photos from the pageant, click here.
Miss NHS 2012 Charleigh Victoria McPherson
Charleigh is the 18-year old daughter of Larry and Mary McPherson. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team and was the recipient of the 2008-2009 Spirit Award. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for three years and was co-captain her junior year. This year, Charleigh holds the title of captain. She has been a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, a member of the golf team for one year, a member of the Art Club for one year, and a member of the Interact Club for one year. Charleigh has been a member of Rho Kappa for one year and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. As a sophomore, she was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. I
n the 2009 Miss NHS pageant, Charleigh was hand selected by the judges as the recipient of the Miss Hospitality award. She was also one of the top ten contestants in the 2010 and 2011 Miss NHS pageants. In her community, Charleigh has played on the Northwest Escambia softball team for six years and has played on the Molino softball team for one year. She is an active member of St. Robert’s Catholic Church where she sings in the choir. Last year, Charleigh was chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership Program in Atmore and this year she serves as a Chamber Ambassador of Atmore.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, baking, listening to music and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a junior college and then transfer to a University to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She then wants to be accepted into law school.
First Runner-up Anna Elizabeth Fischer
Anna is the 15-year old daughter of Jerry and Ramona Fischer. She has been a junior varsity cheerleader for one year, where she served as co-captain, a member of the dance team for one year, and a member of the yearbook staff for one year. She has been a varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Squad Strength award. Anna was also a 2010-2011 Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-star. She is a member of the All-Girls Club and was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court as freshman class maid. In her community, Anna has taken dance with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks for 12 years. She is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church and participates in the youth choir. She also volunteers with the church nursery and at vacation bible school. Anna has volunteered her time as a “Coastal Clean-up” participant.
Her hobbies include drawing, dancing, scrapbooking, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida and study fashion design.
Second Runner-up Lauren Ashley McCall
Lauren is the 17-year old daughter of Joey and Robin McCall. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and is currently co-captain of the team. She has been a member of the softball team for four years, the golf team for one year, the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Interact Club for one year. She was voted sophomore class president and was chosen to represent her peers on the Homecoming Court her freshman and sophomore years.
This year, Lauren was crowned Homecoming Queen for 2011. She was selected by the Suburban West Rotary Club as the grand prize winner in the Rotary International Four Way Test essay contest. Lauren has received the “Miss Physical Fitness” award two years in a row and was one of the Top 10 contestants in Miss NHS for two years. In her community Lauren is an active member of Bratt First Baptist Church, where she participates in the youth group. She is also a member of Team David, which is a youth leadership group within her church, and the Random Acts of Kindness team. She volunteered with the Century Relay for Life team and has helped with “Operation Christmas Child”.
Her hobbies include dancing, swimming, going to the beach, watching Auburn football, 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 Auburn University to obtain her degree in sports medicine.
Pictured top First Runner-up Anna Fischer, Miss NHS 2012 Charleigh McPherson, Second Runner-up Lauren McCall. Pictured below: Members of the Top 7 — Ashley Cunningham, Ariel Holland, First Runner-up Anna Fischer, Miss NHS 2012 Charleigh McPherson, Second Runner-up Lauren McCall, Abby Odom and Melissa Moretz. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Man Charged After Molino Hit And Run Crash
January 29, 2012
A Pensacola man was arrested following a hit and run crash Saturday morning in Molino.
Larry Joe Chatman, 49 of Pensacola, was charged with hit and run, DUI property damage and driving with a suspended license. He was released from the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $3,000.
The front right corner of Chatman’s vehicle reportedly struck the left rear of a Toyota Scion just before 9 a.m. near the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino. Chatman continued south on Highway 29 where he was taken into custody near Molino Road.
There were no injuries reported in the crash.
Further details have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the scene.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mitt Romney Campaigns In Escambia County (With Photo Gallery)
January 29, 2012
Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney brought his campaign to Escambia County Saturday morning, appearing before a high-energy crowd of supporters at The Fish House.
“I really think this is a battle for the soul of America,” Romney said, just days before Florida’s Presidential Primary Election.
Romney promised to increase America’s military might, increasing the ranks by tens of thousands if elected. “The world is not a more safe place,” he told the crowd, flanked by Arizona Sen. John McCain, Rep. Jeff Miller, Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward and actor John Voight.
“We’re a patriotic people,” Romney said. “We love America.”
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Mitt Romney’s visit to Escambia County, click here.
Pictured: Republican Mitt Romney’s campaign stop at The Fish House Saturday morning. Photos by Jodi Peacock for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Pensacola Independent News contributed to this report.
Century First Baptist Youth ‘Change’ Pastor
January 29, 2012
Members of the Century First Baptist Church recently collected change in jars labeled with college football teams. The heaviest team’s jar was named the winner, with Pastor David Boyd agreeing to wear the winning team’s clothing for a Sunday night.
The Florida Gators narrowly edged out the Alabama Crimson Tide, putting Boyd into a Gators’ sweatshirt.
About $60 in change — over 10 pounds of coins — was collected, with the proceeds benefiting a youth camp trip.
Do you have news or photos to share from your church? Email news@northescambia.com
Pictured: The Century First Baptist Church Youth Group with Pastor David Boyd (second adult from right in the back row) sporting a Florida Gators’ sweatshirt. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Scouts Hold Pinewood Derby
January 29, 2012
Scout Pack 430 held their annual Pinewood Derby Saturday morning at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One On One With Sen. John McCain: Mitt Romney And North Escamiba
January 28, 2012
In 2008, Arizona Sen. John McCain was the Republican presidential nominee, edging out Mitt Romney to face off against Democrat Barack Obama. Now, McCain’s on the campaign trail singing Romney’s praises.
Friday afternoon, McCain took the time for a one-on-one phone interview with NorthEscambia.com.
“Mitt Romney has the experience in the public and private sector to be the next president and lead this country,” McCain said. “With a win in the Florida primary, he will have the wind at his back and the momentum needed to win.”
McCain said Romney is the best chance that Republicans have of beating Obama. And once in the White House, “he knows how to work with Democrats across the aisle,” the Arizona senator said, to accomplish the Romney agenda.
As for a Romney running mate — McCain said he’s looking toward Florida’s own Marco Rubio because “he’s top tier and has the experience”.
McCain said a Romney administration would be a good thing for areas like North Escambia. There is an answer, he said, to the financial ills like unemployment and business failures in North Escambia.
“We need to give businesses large and small the kind of certainty about the future that they need to invest and light a fire in your communities,” he said. “But that’s not happening now. They never know when the next regulation is coming down from Washington.”
“It’s the same with the smalls cities and towns; there’s too much regulation,” McCain said.
McCain said he feels a special bond with Escambia County where he and other McCain family members attended flight training in Pensacola.
“National security and defense spending is very important,” McCain said, turning back from reminiscing about Escambia County to the campaign at hand. “And Mitt Romney understands that national security is important in this community.”
Century Correctional Inmate Convicted Of Murdering Another CCI Inmate
January 28, 2012
A Century Correctional Institution inmate was found guilty Friday of the 2010 murder of another inmate at the facility.
An Escambia County jury convicted John Scaife after a two-day trial of manslaughter and battery upon a prison detainee.
On December 22, 2010, Scaife engaged in a brief verbal argument with fellow Century Correctional Institution inmate Donald Bart. Scaife then struck Bart once in the face, causing Bart to fall backwards and hit his head on the concrete floor. Three days later, Bart became unresponsive and subsequently died on December 26 due to bleeding within his brain and swelling of his brain. It was determined that Donald Bart had several nasal fractures as well as a fracture to the lower rear portion of his skull, and that these injuries were all a result of Scaife’s actions on December 22, according to testimony.
Scaife faces a sentence of up to 40 years in state prison as a habitual felony offender when he is sentenced by Judge Joel Boles on March 15.
Scaife was serving a 12 year sentence from Polk County for a 2001 conviction on charges of burglary, grand theft auto and fleeing/eluding law enforcement. According to the Florida Department of Corrections, he has been in and out of prison since 1979 for a list of offenses that include burglary, robbery, aggravated battery, sexual battery and petty theft.
Bart was sentenced in 2009 in St. Lucie County to eight years for arson, torturing animals and burglary, and a five year sentence for a 2008 St. Lucie County conviction on marijuana charges.