Out Of Century CI Just A Month, Man Busted For Bank Robbery
December 5, 2011
A man that took a cab for his getaway car after robbing a bank last week was released from Century Correctional Institution less than a month before his arrest.
Darrel Ward, 27, was released from Century CI on November 1 after serving his sentence for a 2008 Escambia County conviction on charges of providing false information to a pawnbroker and fleeing or eluding law enforcement.
Ward walked into the Member’s First Credit Union on Airport Boulevard last Thurday, passed a note to a teller demanding money and alluded that he had a weapon, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. After the teller gave Ward an undisclosed amount of cash, he fled in a cab.
The cab driver said he dropped Ward off in the 700 block of Ladner Drive in the Marcus Pointe subdivision. Off duty deputy Troy Brown saw Ward jumping the back fence of Sam’s Fun City. Ward was taken into custody with incident. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail on robbery and larceny charges with bond set at $105,000.
Sheriff’s K-9 units were able to recover a bag of money behind Sam’s Fun City and the Rave Theater.
Atmore’s Linam Named To Another Academic Football Team
December 5, 2011
Former Atmore resident Josh Linam, already a member of the CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District First Team, earned another prestigious honor Friday. The University of Central Florida Knights’ middle linebacker was voted onto the Conference USA All-Academic First Team, marking the second-straight season he was named to the squad.
Majoring in sports and fitness, Linam currently carries a cumulative grade-point average of 3.36, and was one of just three members of this year’s C-USA All-Academic Team who were repeat selections.
Linam, a senior, started 25 of UCF’s last 26 games at middle linebacker, ranking third on the team in 2011 with 66 tackles including a season-high nine vs. East Carolina and UTEP. He also collected 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and a pair of interceptions. Linam received College Football Performance Awards Honorable Mention National Linebacker of the Week honors for his effort against UTEP, which featured 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception.
For his career, Linam registered 165 tackles with 20 tackles for loss and three interceptions in 50 games played.
Tate High Softball Team Honored For Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
December 5, 2011
The Tate High School softball team was recognized as the 2011 Top School Fundraising Team during the recent American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer banquet.
The team raised $3,262 for the walk, beginning with their spring season when they dedicated one of their home games to “striking out” breast cancer.
Pictured accepted their award are (L-R) Olivia Dixon, Barrett Barnes, Coach Melinda Wyatt, Heather Shaft and Kimberly Baker. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Woman One Of America’s Newest Citizens
December 5, 2011
A Flomaton resident is one of America’s newest citizens.
Jeanette Johnson and 19 others became United States citizens following a naturalization ceremony in U.S. District Court in Mobile last Thursday. Jeanette, who is originally from the Philippines, lives in Flomaton with her husband Steven and daughter Breanna.
Pictured: New American citizen Jeanette Johnson of Flomaton, along with her husband Steven and daughter Breanna following a naturalization ceremony in Mobile. Submitted photos by Kelly McNeese for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pam Trice Named Bratt Elementary Teacher Of The Year
December 5, 2011
First grade teacher Pam Trice has been named Teacher of the Year at Bratt Elementary School. Trice, a teacher for the past 20 years, is in her ninth year at Bratt.
Trice traveled the world with her husband, CDR George Trice USN (Ret), during his 33 years of service, allowing her to teach in many places including Hawaii, Japan, Cuba, Colorado and finally Bratt Elementary.
She loves to bring the world to her students through global activities, reading books and even cooking activities.
“I can’t imagine doing anything other than teaching first grade,” Trice said.
See Lots Of Smoke Outside Sunday?
December 4, 2011
Many North Escambia residents reported a lot of smoke outdoors Sunday afternoon.
According to the Florida Division of Forestry, there was a 750 acre burn near Munson that was sending smoke toward the area. There was also a 1,000 acre burn on Eglin Air Force Base that might have contributed to the smoky conditions for some.
There were no major brush fires reported in North Escambia Sunday afternoon.
Two Injured In Molino Crash, Both Charged
December 4, 2011
[Updated] Two North Escambia residents were injured in a two vehicle wreck Saturday night in Molino.
The Florida Highway Patrol says 17-year old Christopher J Kennamore failed to stop his 2003 Ford Ranger at stop sign on Barrineau Park Road and continued into the path of a Chevrolet pickup being driven southbound on Highway 29 by Jeffrey R. Flowers, 33, of Molino.
Flowers was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. Kennamore was also transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
Kennamore was charged with violation of stop sign, and Flowers was charged with proof of insurance, according to the FHP.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Pictured: Two North Escambia residents were injured in this two vehicle crash Saturday night on Highway 29 at Barrineau Park Road in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Van Crashes Through International Paper Fence
December 4, 2011
A Saturday night wreck in Cantonment is under investigation as authorities work to determine why a driver crashed through a paper mill fence.
The accident happened about 11 p.m. on Muscogee Road just off Highway 29. The driver of a van lost control and crashed into a fence at International Paper. There were no serious injuries reported.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Century Road Construction Causes Delays
December 4, 2011
Road construction at Century’s only intersection with a traffic signal created delays on Saturday. Crews were working to resurface a potion of State Road 4 at North Century Boulevard (Highway 29). NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Student Selected As Take Stock In Children Finalist
December 4, 2011
A North Escambia student is one of just 12 finalists in Florida to be selected as a finalist for the Take Stock in Children Leaders 4 Life Fellowship.
Daniel Pierce, a senior at Tate High School, is among several thousand students across the state benefiting from the Take Stock in Children mentoring program.
As a finalist, he was awarded a Mac laptop. If selected as one of the five to be awarded the fellowship, he will receive leadership training and development, and up to $10,000 annually to cover the costs of housing, food, textbooks, supplies, transportation and other college-related expenses.
“We are so proud to be able to present these life-changing fellowships, generously provided by the Asofsky Family Foundation, as an extension of our commitment to improve college enrollment and retention,” said Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, president/CEO of Take Stock in Children. “This is a great opportunity for our incredible students who work so hard towards fulfilling their dream of earning a college degree.”