Creative High School Students To Be Honored With MIRA Awards
March 25, 2012
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation will host the 2012 Mira Creative Arts Awards program on March 29, 2012. Sixty-nine of Escambia County’s most creative high school seniors were selected as recipients of the 2012 Mira Creative Arts Awards. They will be honored at a dinner at New World Landing.
Winners will receive engraved medallions, a book scholarship from Pensacola State College, and memberships from the Pensacola Museum of Art and Artel Gallery.
This year’s Mira Creative Arts Awards winners are:
Northview High School: Jacob Baldwin, Instrumental Music; Joseph Baldwin, Instrumental Music; Josie Doucette, Journalism; Alissa Fiellin, Graphic Art; Cory King, Instrumental Music; Melissa Jayne Moretz, Instrumental Music; Kiani Okahashi, Visual Art; Chelsea Parham, Theatre; Justin Purvis, Theatre; Darwin Eugene (D.J.) Robinson, II, Graphic Arts.
Tate High School: Amber Baker, Drama; Tabetha Champitto, Chorus; Katelyn Clairain, Photography; Jacob Dearrington, Instrumental Music; Adam DiMercurio, Debate; Angela Howard, Chorus; Amanda Alzira Medeiros, Visual Art; Matthew Perez-Rex, Pottery; Chris Snyder, Instrumental Music; Victoria Veith, TV Production.
West Florida High School: Kelli Brock, Instrumental Music; Lexi Buker, Journalism; T. J. Grier, Journalism; Katherine Ledbetter, Visual Art; Coral Elizabeth Molchanoff, Theatre;
Michaela Rodriguez, Instrumental Music; Julia L. Spear, Multimedia/Broadcasting; Hunter Sport, Journalism; Jessica Brooke Touchstone, Drama; Jerrad Dusan Vunovich, Visual Art.
Escambia High: Megan Beebe, Web Design, Instrumental Music; Nike Evers, Visual Arts; Stephen French, Instrumental Music; Brittany Horton, Vocal Music; Laura Krauss, Instrumental Music; Abigail Lord, Journalism; Monique Queen-Smith, Theatre; Andria Quinlan, Digital Multimedia; Morgan Sasser, Theatre; Andrea Marie Ulm, Culinary Art.
Pensacola High School: R. J. Burns, Instrumental Music; Tiffany Chiang, Visual Art; Jessica Grandrup, Instrumental Music; Rachel Hovell, Creative Achievement; Alys Mead, Drama’ Jisung Moon, Creative Writing; Sara Omlor, Visual Art; Aaron Rogers, Instrumental Music; Carson Schmidt, Drama; Danielle K. Telhiard, Photography.
Pine Forest High School: Meagan Desirae Jean Evans, Visual Art; Giselle Collie, Orchestra; Kevin Fails, Instrumental Music; Alexander Daniel Gueits, Journalism; Catherine M. Hobbs, Culinary Arts; Anastasia Larkins, Instrumental Music; Jeremy Nelson, Theatre; Ramel Price, Orchestra; Sara Thomas, Visual Art.
Washington High School: Nicholas C. Bridges, Vocal Music; Chelsey Domschke, Photography; Luke Evans, Drama; Gabriel Friedman, Drama; Gerard Gunner, Instrumental Music; Lindsay Riddle, Drama; Brandon Spencer, Instrumental Music; Luke C. Vest, Visual Art; Marie Videau, Drama; Joycelyn Woods, Instrumental and Vocal Music.
Recipe: Magic Crust Custard Pie
March 25, 2012
Sometimes basics are best… and this tasty little custard number from home cook Robyn Witte has all the right ingredients to become a new favorite.
First, its classic vanilla custard flavor and gooey texture just can’t be beat. What’s more, this tasty confection comes together in a snap.
To prepare, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender then pour into a pie pan. The crust forms “magically” as the flour settles to the bottom of the pan during baking. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Magic Crust Custard Pie
What You Need
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 c white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups 2% milk,
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
Directions
- Put all ingredients into a blender.
- Blend for 30 seconds. Pour into buttered 9-inch pie pan.
- Sprinkle with nutmeg. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. The flour will settle to make its own crust.
Baggett Inducted Into Daughters Of The American Revolution
March 25, 2012
The culmination of about 15 years of research was finalized recently for Vicki Gandy Baggett of Bratt as she was inducted into the Three Rivers Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Baggett’s eligibility for membership was certified by the National Society in Washington, D.C. She was able to prove lineal descent from an ancestor who gave aid to American colonists during the American Revolution. Baggett’s Patriot is Reuben Powell, who served in Georgia. He is on her mother’s side.
“I started researching this about 15 or 16 years ago,” said Baggett. “I had always been told that several of my father’s upline had fought to help found this country during the Revolution. I even had a cousin who had joined under the same lineage; however, when I submitted my paperwork, the national organization halted membership under that particular Patriot because they said he was just too young to serve during the war. I found in so many documents, though, that this Gandy Patriot had falsified his age in order to serve, perhaps in the place of his brother who already had children. I also had such a hard time finding which Gandy I belonged to, because so many of them had the same first name. Many men would name their sons after their brothers and uncles out of respect, especially if the elder were deceased. This was so hard for me to follow. Remember there weren’t any birth certificates back then.”
Baggett added that she decided to try on her mother’s side. “Because my upline on my mother’s side had such unusual first names, tracing the lineage was much easier.” Her American Patriot is seven generations up and served with the Committee on Safety in 1775.
Baggett added that Ms. Rosa Seymour, the Chapter Regent of the Three Rivers DAR Chapter of Milton was instrumental in assisting her in proving lineage. The Three Rivers Chapter was organized in Milton on October 6, 2007, with 82 members, but now has 153 members.
Baggett is an English teacher at Northview High School and attends Poplar Dell Baptist Church. She is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Lodge #188 of Century. She and her husband, Garry, have two children, Corry and Lexxi.
Anyone who is interested in proving their American Revolutionary membership can contact Seymour at (850) 477-2019.
Locals Place In Azalea Trail Run
March 25, 2012
Several North Escambia area runners took part in the Azalea Trail Run Saturday in Mobile, including two runners with top 20 finishes.
Hugh Long, age 75 of Atmore, finished second in his age division. Three other area residents, Michelle Peebles of McDavid, Jo Nolin of Flomaton and Charlene Cunningham of Century were top 10 finishers in their divisions.
Here are North Escambia area finishers in the Azalea Trail Run, listed by overall finish place followed by division place:
Azalea Trail Run 2012 10K
114 — 19, Bell Keith, 28 M, Atmore, 42:30
472 — 10, Rice Bert W, 63 M, Atmore, 50:44
791 — 80, Weber Jason, 36 M, Atmore, 54:57
968 — 10, Peacock Wayne, 67 M, Cantonment, 57:01
1205 — 71, Turner Shannon, 32 F, Flomaton, 59:39
1277 — 117, Clarke Adam, 40 M, Cantonment, 1:00:25
1483 — 100, Mosley Ashley, 36 F, Atmore, 1:02:33
1510 — 2, Long Hugh D, 75 M, Atmore, 1:02:53
1577 — 111, White Amy, 36 F, Flomaton, 1:03:33
1698 — 14, Peacock Sharon, 59 F, Cantonment, 1:05:04
1786 — 130, Bell Dawn, 38 F, Atmore, 1:06:29
1858 — 138, Godwin Jolynn, 36 F, Atmore, 1:07:23
1863 — 134, Godwin Gordon, 37 M, Atmore, 1:07:28
1882 — 142, Ragan Tonya, 39 F, Atmore, 1:07:50
1903 — 122, Hughes Ashley, 28 F, Atmore, 1:08:24
1933 — 143, Lassitter Amanda, 34 F, Atmore, 1:08:56
Azalea Trail Run 2012 5K
204 — 16 Yoder Glendon L, 30 M, Atmore, 27:50
227 — 43 King Adrian D, 12 M, Century, 28:19
258 — 16 King Gene L, 39 M, Century, 28:53
278 — 7 Peebles Michelle, 41 F, McDavid, 29:18
447 — 16 McGill Brian, 52 M, Atmore, 31:57
476 — 28 Smith Katie, 31 F, Atmore, 32:25
509 — 31 Johnson Heather, 34 F, Atmore, 32:45
666 — 33 Nall Natalie N, 43 F, Atmore, 34:37
669 — 49 Heaton Betty J, 32 F, Atmore, 34:38
963 — 68 King Judy L, 39 F, Century, 38:12
1176 — 7 Nolin Jo, 62 F, Flomaton, 41:10
1339 — 121 Steele Kellie, 32 F, Flomaton, 44:33
1545 — 97 Venker Cecilia, 23 F, Atlanta, 49:25
1588 — 100 McGhee Sydney W, 23 F, Atmore, 50:32
1589 — 101 Black Jessica M, 23 F, Atmore, 50:32
1682 — 9 Cunningham Charlene R, 69 F, Century, 54:16
1877 — 47 Heaton Jae, 6 F, Atmore, 1:58:13
1878 — 65 Heaton Mark, 33 M, Atmore, 1:58:13
Arrest Made In Murder
March 25, 2012
An Escambia County man has been charged in connection with a drug-related murder Tuesday in Ensley.
Bryan Andrew Hines, 21, is charged with first degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Frederic Ortiz, age 26, off Highway 29 near I-10. Hines is being held on a $250,000 bond, according to the Escambia County Jail.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Hayworth Avenue to a report of shots fired. When they arrived, Ortiz was found shot to death, lying in the middle of the street.
Pictured above: A man was shot and killed on Hayworth Street of Highway 29 Tuesday night. Photos by Bree Sison WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
What Is Your Church Doing For Easter?
March 25, 2012
What is your church doing for Easter?
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Send your announcement to news@northescambia.com or click here for our contact page. We will also be happy to publish photos after your event; email them to news@northescambia.com.
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Helms, Goodman To Wed
March 25, 2012
Ms. Patricia Helms and the late Lavon Helms of Pace are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Tammy Helms, to Christopher Goodman, son of David Doheny Jr. of Gulf Breeze and Karen Rooker of Pinson, Ala.
Ms. Helms is a full time student of Pensacola State College pursuing a nursing career in Pace.
Mr. Goodman is a service technician for Auxiliary Power, Inc. of Pensacola.
A November 10, 2012, wedding is planned.
Scott Signs School Prayer Bill
March 24, 2012
Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed a controversial law cosponsored by Sen. Greg Evers that would allow student prayer at mandatory school events, prompting several groups opposed to the law to warn school districts against implementing it.
The measure signed by Scott would pave the way for local districts to approve policies allowing students to decide whether to have another student deliver an “inspirational message” at school events. Scott signed the bill without comment.
Supporters say the measure would simply reaffirm the right of Florida students under the First Amendment to proclaim their religious beliefs without fear of being restricted by government.
They said the country was in danger of becoming unmoored from the religious traditions that guide the nation.
“When we took school prayer … out of school, it’s clearly documented that school discipline — disciplinary cases went up, that we had a lot more school vandalism, that we had a lot more disrespect for schools, including the physical plant as well as school personnel, teachers and principals,” Rep. Charles Van Zant, a Keystone Heights Republican and House sponsor of the bill, said during a committee hearing in February.
But opponents of the bill said it would lead to potentially offensive messages and could ensnare school districts in costly lawsuits. While supporters are largely viewed as trying to open up a channel for student prayer, both sides in the debate agree it could also allow messages that include Holocaust denial, racially-charged speeches, uncomfortable beliefs of some fringe religions or endorsements of sex and drugs, among many other topics.
On Friday, the ACLU of Florida, the Anti-Defamation League and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State each separately issued warnings to local school districts that going ahead with an inspirational message policy could subject them to costly legal challenges.
“Legislators are clearly inviting Florida school boards to plunge into a legal swamp,” said the Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “It’s wrong to subject students to coercive prayer and proselytizing. Our public schools should respect diversity, not undermine it.”
By The News Service of Florida
Two Men Arrested For Food Giant Robbery
March 24, 2012
Two men were arrested Friday for a December robbery at the Food Giant grocery store in Century.
Danielle Kapric Burt, age 26 of Century, and Derrick Antonio Cohen, age 23 of Pensacola, were each charged with felony robbery, felony larceny and battery. Both were released Friday from the Escambia County Jail on $21,000 bond.
On the morning of December 23, the manager of the Food Giant was getting into a vehicle with the daily bank deposit when he was struck from behind. The deposit, containing checks and an undisclosed amount of cash was snatched by a then unknown assailant who then ran behind the store, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
A manhunt with a Century Correctional Institute K-9 team followed, but no suspects were located.
Multiple witnesses were able to pin the robbery on Burt and place Cohen as the driver of a getaway car, which was parked a short distance away on Henry Street, according to an arrest report.
Pictured top: Deputies check a house on Henry Street in Century for a robbery suspect the morning of December 23. Pictured left insert: A Century Correctional Intitute K-9 team works to track the suspect on Henry Street. Pictured below: The manager of the Food Giant in Century was robbed outside the store in December. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Cutting Copper Wires From Power Poles
March 24, 2012
An Escambia County man was arrested after a copper-cutting crime spree early Friday morning.
A citizen reported watching as Michael Wade McConnell cut ground wires from a power pole. The citizen confronted him, gave chase and called the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office about 4 a.m.
Deputies discovered that copper ground wires from 25 separate power poles had been cut and removed from the Ferry Pass area. They also found McConnell was in possession of cutting tools and copper wiring.
McConnell was arrested and charged with 13 first degree felony counts of theft of copper with interruption of services and 13 counts of criminal mischief. McConnell’s total bond was set at $663,000.
Charges are pending in the remaining dozen incidents.