Cat’s Hat: Bid On Autographed Country Star Hat For Manna Food Pantries
December 13, 2011
The annual Cat Country 98.7 Manna Hat Auction is underway to raise much needed funds for Manna Food Pantries.
The hat is autographed by a long list of country stars, including award winners like Little Big Town, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Chris Young, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Erick Church and Toby Keith.
The autographs were collected at various concerts and events by Cat Country’s Brent Lane.
“This year the need is particularly great,” Brent Lane said about the need at Manna Food Pantries. “There has been an increase of 24 percent in services.”
One hundred percent of the auction proceeds will be donated by Cat Country to the Manna Food Pantries. That hat is listed on ebay in an auction that ends Friday morning.
To view the auction and make a bid, click here.
Shot Deputy’s Condition Improves
December 13, 2011
The Okaloosa County deputy shot last week in Santa Rosa County has been upgraded from serious to fair condition.
Steve Hough, 42,was shot in the face and twice in the leg while serving a warrant in the 5400 block of Camille Gardens Circle with the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force.
“Investigator Hough is a tough, determined individual when it comes to tracking down criminals and he is putting that same toughness and determination we admire so much into his recovery,” said Okaloosa Sheriff Larry Ashley. “All of us are aware of how dangerous it can be when you wear a badge and take an oath to protect the public as a law enforcement officer, and we pray for Steve to be back on his feet as soon as possible.”
The shooter, David Christopher Lewis, 34, was also wounded. He was last reported to be in critical condition.
Fourth Residential Fire Of The Month In Santa Rosa
December 12, 2011
A residential structure Monday night represents the fourth candle to be extinguished on Santa Rosa County’s “Keep Your Holidays Bright” fire safety tree. About 8:11 p.m., East Milton, Bagdad, Skyline and Harold fire departments responded to the home located in the 5700 block of North Airport Road in East Milton. The fire was contained to one bedroom, however the entire home incurred smoke damage displacing the family of two. No injuries were reported and the American Red Cross was called to assist. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the state fire marshal.
Santa Rosa County emergency service agencies are teaming up for the fifth year to promote fire safety during the month of December with the “Keep Your Holidays Bright” campaign. While a joyous time of year, cold weather, holiday decorations and festivities can create serious fire dangers. Fire fighters hope to reduce the number of fires in Santa Rosa County by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips throughout the month.
Man Accused Of Molesting Underage Tate High Student
December 12, 2011
A 48-year old Cantonment man is behind bars, accused of molesting a Tate High School student in an off-campus incident.
Marcus Eugene Stone is charged with lewd or lascivious behavior with a victim age 12-16. He remained in the Escambia County Jail early Monday morning with bond set at $20,000.
The Tate student contacted the school resource office and reported that an “uncomfortable situation” had occurred. The resource officer immediately contacted an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigator and the Department of Children and Families.
The juvenile female told investigators that Stone would routinely enter her room and give her back massages in order to wake her up each morning for school. On the morning of her report, said told investigators that back massage progressed with Stone inappropriately touching her.
Upon his arrest, Stone told deputies that he wanted to speak to an attorney before he said anything, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
Atmore Man Free On Bond After Century Shotgun Shooting
December 12, 2011
The 55-year old Atmore man accused of shooting another man with a shotgun last week in Century has been released from jail on $13,000 bond.
Willie Floyd of Freemanville Drive is charged with aggravated battery, discharging a firearm in a public place and criminal mischief. He’s accused of shooting 30-year old Deririck Medlock of Hoover, Ala., last week as he ran across the 8100 block of North Century Boulevard.
Medlock told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that he was traveling north on Century Boulevard when Floyd swerved in front of him, cutting him off. Medlock pulled into the parking lot of the Century Quick Stop after the incident. Floyd then pulled into the parking lot and opened fire with a shotgun, hitting Medlock’s car with birdshot.
As Medlock ran across North Century Boulevard, he heard another shot and was hit in the leg with birdshot. His injuries were not severe.
For an earlier story on the incident, click here.
Pictured top: A Hoover, Ala., man explains how an Atmore man shot him with shotgun Monday in Century as Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Frank Way listens. Pictured below: Damage to the victim’s car. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Funeral Services Held For Northview Student
December 12, 2011
Funeral services were held Sunday for 16-year old Kenneth Wade Jernigan, the Northview High School sophomore that passed away last Thursday following a Wednesday wreck not far from the school.
As an organ donor, Wade’s death will allow others a chance at life.
“Through his unselfish, giving spirit he chose to be an organ donor, and even though we greatly grieve his passing, through it he gave eight people and their families life and in this way he lives on through them,” the family said.
Pictured top: Kenneth Wade Jerninigan in a late October photo with his truck. Pictured inset: The sign in front of Northview High School along with a black wreath memorialize his death. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Wreaths Placed At Barrancas With Honor; Event Also Honors LCpl Travis Nelson
December 12, 2011
A few hundred volunteers took part in the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery over the weekend to honor those buried there.
About 2,500 fresh green wreaths, each with a simple red bow, were placed across the cemetery.
The ceremony was held in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Travis Nelson and Army Pfc. Matthew Colin, who were both killed in the line of duty this year. Nelson’s parents live in Bratt and is buried in Atmore, while Colin is from Navarre and is buried at Barrancas.
Some of were placed by family members of those buried there; others were placed by volunteers like 14-year old Eric “EJ” Lambeth, Jr. of Flomaton, a member of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Independence Division.
Following the ceremony, Lambeth was awarded a certificate for the NSCC Unit Commendation Ribbon, meeting all requirements for the Marksmanship Ribbon with expert “E” Appurtenance.
Eric Lambeth, Jr. is the son of Eric Lambeth, Sr. and Wendy Aldridge Caraway of Flomaton. His grandparents are Chuck and Gayle Aldridge of Century, and Bud and Lynett Lambeth of Flomaton.
Pictured top: The annual wreath-laying ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery. Pictured inset: Eric “EJ” Lambeth, Jr. of Flomaton, a member of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Independence Division. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend In Photos: Parades, Santa Takes A Harley, Animal Seizure
December 12, 2011
If you missed NorthEscambia.com over the weekend, you missed over 300 photos from several community and news events. Click an item below to view the corresponding story and/or photo gallery.
Pizza And Cheese Delivery: $220,800 Without Tip
December 12, 2011
The Escambia County School District is set to place an order for pizza and cheese totaling a bit under a quarter million dollars — without a delivery tip.
But it’s nothing unusual. In fact, it’s the ordinary order for the school district’s cafeterias for January 1 to June 30, 2012, to meet breakfast and lunch menu requirements for students.
The estimated $220,800 is set to be awarded to ConAgra Foods ($52,700), Schwan’s Food Service ($46,900), Sysco Gulf Coast ($5,000), and US Foodsevice ($116,200). The items will be stocked by the district’s central warehouse for distribution to school cafeterias across the county.
The school district is also set to purchase canned and frozen fruits and vegetables for the same time period at an estimated $498,600.
Passerby Spots Chimney Fire, Likely Saves Home
December 11, 2011
An observant passerby may have saved a Century home Saturday night.
Someone driving by a home in the 8000 block of North Century Boulevard noticed flames shooting out of a chimney and called 911. When firefighters arrived on scene, they confirmed that there was a chimney fire. It was quickly extinguished with no major damage reported to the home and no injuries.
The Century and McDavid Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Flomaton Fire Department responded to the blaze about 8:30 Saturday night.