North Escambia Native Robert Killam Aboard Recent Honor Flight
June 9, 2011
A Poplar Dell native was among 89 World War II veterans on a recent Honor Flight trip from Mobile to visit their memorial in Washington.
Robert Paul Killam, now an Atmore resident, served for 30 years stationed at the Pensacola Naval Air Station and for five years in Corpus Christi, Texas.
During the trip, the fifth for the Honor Flight of South Alabama organization, the veterans visited the WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Iwo Jima Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. They were welcome to Washington by Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and Rep. Jo Bonner.
Paulette (Killam) Kindred, a 1963 graduate of Century High School, said her father was deeply touched by how interested younger people were in learning about the experiences of the WWI veterans. Students at several Mobile area schools wrote personal thank-you notes to the veterans.
“The concerns these students listed in their notes were truly amazing,” Kindred said.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Awards Lighting Contract, Rejects Cheapest Bid
June 9, 2011
Century has awarded a $55,629 bid to replace lighting at three town buildings, rejecting a bid that was over $11,000 cheaper.
The energy conservation project will replace the lighting systems at the Century Town Hall, Agricultural Building and the former Helicopter Technology building with new, energy-efficient lighting.
The lowest bid received by the town was $44,361 from B & R Building Maintenance. That was bid was rejected, according to project consultant Debbie Nickles, because the company is not licensed to perform the work by Escambia County or the State of Florida. She said the individual that would have performed the work for the company does hold the proper license, but not the company.
The project was awarded by the Century Town Council to the second lowest bidder, D & T Electric for $55,629.
The following bids were received:
- B & R Building Maintenance, LLC — $44,361.00
- D & T Electric — $55,629.00
- F & M Electric — $56,726.26
- Brown Electric — $59,181.00
- Hual Electric, Inc. — $62,623.00
- Sylvania — $63,129.00
- Bill Smith Electric — $66,393.00
Jay High Cheerleaders Receive International Recognition For Helping Tornado Devastated Area
June 9, 2011
The Jay High School cheerleaders are getting a little international attention thanks to a story on NorthEscambia.com.
The varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders at Jay High School decided to “adopt” the cheerleading squads at Phill Campbell High School and send a personal care package to each cheerleader. Their efforts were featured in NorthEscambia.com story on May 11.
The NorthEscambia.com story is now featured on AmericaNeedsCheerleaders.com — a website dedicated to promoting positive contributions made by cheerleaders around the world.
Click here for the original NorthEscambia.com story and additional photos.
Click here for the AmericaNeedsCheerleaders.com story.
Pictured top: The Jay High School varsity cheerleaders created personal care packages for each member of a cheerleading squad in the town of Phil Campbell, Alabama, which was devastated last month by a tornado. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Federal Appeals Court Hears Florida Health Care Challenge
June 9, 2011
Grappling with how far Congress’ powers can go, three appeals-court judges Wednesday pointedly questioned attorneys in a case that could decide the future of last year’s federal health overhaul.
Florida has spearheaded the case, which primarily challenges part of the law that will require almost all Americans to have health insurance starting in 2014 — known widely as the “individual mandate.”
“Let’s talk about the individual mandate,” Joel Dubina, chief judge of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, said early in hearing that lasted 2 ½ hours. “That’s the heart of this case.”
With Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Attorney General Bill McCollum sitting at the front of the ornate courtroom, lawyers for opponents said it is unprecedented for Congress to force Americans to buy a product such as health insurance. They disputed that the U.S. Constitution’s allows such power.
“They (uninsured people) are not engaged in commerce,” said Paul Clement, a lead attorney for the opponents, which also include 25 other states. “They’re sitting in their living rooms. They’re not doing anything.”
But Acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Kumar Katyal said health insurance — and decisions not to buy insurance — affect interstate commerce. He said uninsured people seek care at hospital emergency rooms, shifting billions of dollars a year in costs to other people who pay them through increased insurance premiums.
“Congress is entitled to wide deference in the way it deals with the problem,” Katyal said.
The case is perhaps the most widely watched legal challenge to the landmark federal law, which President Obama and Congress approved in March 2010. The appeal stems from a January decision by Pensacola federal judge Roger Vinson that the law is unconstitutional.
Dubina and Judges Frank M. Hull and Stanley Marcus repeatedly interrupted the attorneys with questions, trying to poke and prod at the intricacies of the issues.
At one point, for example, Marcus asked Katyal whether Congress also would have the power to require people to buy long-term care insurance. He said few people have the insurance but nursing-home and other long-term care costs often get passed on taxpayers.
Hull, meanwhile, probed whether people are making economic decisions when they choose not to buy insurance and said everybody is just an “instant away” from needing health care.
Dubina also questioned whether health care should be considered unique compared to other types of products or services. But Michael Carvin, an attorney for the National Federation of Independent Business, another plaintiff in the case, called the uniqueness issue “smoke and mirrors.”
“What difference does it make if it is unique?” Carvin asked.
It was impossible to determine from the hearing how the judges will rule — they hammered both sides with questions. The court could take months to come to a decision, and Dubina acknowledged at the end of the hearing that the case likely will be later decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I doubt this is the last time we’ll hear arguments in this case,” Dubina said.
Bondi gathered with other attorneys general outside the courthouse afterward to express confidence that the court will strike down the law. Meanwhile, McCollum — who filed the case immediately after Obama signed the law — said it raises constitutional questions about congressional powers that go far beyond health care.
“This is a real, real big reach,” he said.
The health law has fueled a massive political fight, with much of the debate centering on the requirement that people buy insurance. People who don’t comply with the mandate will face financial penalties.
The debate also has led to political scrutiny of the judges involved. Dubina was appointed by former Republican President George H.W. Bush, while Hull and Marcus were both appointed by former Democratic President Bill Clinton.
The mandate is only part of 2,700-page bill, which also includes provisions such as expanding Medicaid and preventing insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions.
In his January ruling, Vinson tossed out the entire law because, he said, the mandate was critically intertwined with other parts of the law.
The appeals judges Wednesday asked several questions about whether other parts of the law could be allowed to continue if the mandate is ruled unconstitutional — a legal concept known as “severability.”
Katyal said much of the law could go forward, except for the part that bans insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Without the mandate, insurers could get hit with a large number of people with costly pre-existing conditions but would not be assured of also getting a large number of healthier customers to help offset the expenses.
Clement called the mandate the “driving force” behind all of the health changes.
“We take the position the whole thing fails (if the mandate is unconstitutional),” he said.
The judges also focused on part of the law that will change income-eligibility requirements for Medicaid in 2014 and allow millions of additional people to enroll in the program. The move is designed to help carry out the mandate’s broader goal of people being insured.
Florida and other states argue that Congress is “coercing” them into expanding Medicaid. If states don’t go along with the expansion, they could lose billions of dollars in federal Medicaid funds.
Dubina described the state’s Medicaid coercion argument as “pretty powerful.” But he questioned Clement about whether states could simply pull out of Medicaid if they don’t like the new requirements.
Clement, however, said that is not realistic for states, which need federal Medicaid money to pay for health services for low-income people.
“This is the case that crosses the line,” he said.
But Katyal said Congress has always had the power to “change the rules” in the Medicaid program and has taken steps in the past that have expanded eligibility. He also said the federal government will pick up the tab for newly eligible people until 2017 and later will pay 90 percent of the cost.
“They (states) knew the terms of the deal going in,” Katyal said.
By Jim Saunders
The News Service of Florida
Maher, Hadley Chosen For AISA All-Star Team
June 9, 2011
Keaton Maher of Century, Escambia Academy graduate, and Jarrett Hadley, a junior at Escambia Academy, were chosen for this year’s AISA All-Star Baseball Team at Troy University. The two played with and against the top players in the Alabama Independent School Association.
Maher was pitcher and first baseman for the senior team while Hadley, who is from Bay Minette, was shortstop and center for the junior team.
Pictured: Keaton Maher and Jarrett Hadley, were chosen for this year’s AISA All-Star Baseball Team. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Issues 14,400 Tickets, Makes 163 Arrest During Holiday Weekend
June 9, 2011
During the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Florida Highway Patrol issued more than 14,400 traffic citations and made 163 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The FHP also cited more than 5,500 drivers for speeding and more than 2,700 for failure to buckle up, according to Col. David Brierton, FHP director.
During the four-day heightened enforcement period, FHP increased the number of troopers patrolling Florida’s roadways and used auxiliary troopers to augment FHP’s regular force.
“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to safeguarding everyone on our highways,” Brierton said. “Through aggressive enforcement, we aim to prevent crashes and save lives, leading the way to a safer Florida.”
Detour For County Road 97
June 9, 2011
The southern end of County Road 97 is expected to remain closed through June 27 for construction.
County Road 97 will be closed from the intersection of Highway 297-A westward to Devine Farms Road as a large pipe is installed under the roadway for International Paper’s water quality improvement project. Escambia County suggests that motorists use Kingsfield Road to detour around the work area.
List, Photos: Ernest Ward Middle Academic Awards
June 9, 2011
The following students received academic awards from Ernest Ward Middle School.
For a photo gallery from the seventh grade awards program, click here.
“A” Honor Roll, 6th grade: Alyssa Borelli, Ian Schneider, Mitchell Singleton, Jada Tucker
“A/B” Honor Roll, 6th grade: Autumn Albritton, Ethan Bomba, Amy Branch, Kaylee Brown, Tabitha Chavers, Dillon Clary, Khari Codrington, Hunter Cofield, Austin Collier, Peighton Dortch, Denise Floyd, Mallory Gibson, Beverly Hughes, Kristen Johhnson, Adrian King, Ean Lundy, Morgan Pope, Devin Stabler, Jessica Stacey, Alston Wiggins, Hadley Woodfin, Elizabeth Wright
Top Gun Award, 6th grade: Autumn Allbritton, Dustin Bethea, Ethan Bomba, Alyssa Borelli, Amy Branch, Kaylee Brown, Tabitha Chavers, Hanna Clarke; Dillon Clary, Kathryn Cmehil, Khari Codrington, Dustin Crumbley, Colby Dees, Peighton Dortch, Hunter Edwards, Denise Floyd, Mallory Gibson, Beverly Hughes, Adrian King, Kristen Johnson, Flenequa Mitchell, Mallarie Rigby, Ian Schneider, Brianna Smith, Cody Smith, Mary Sullivan, Jada Tucker, Chelsea Waters, Jacob Weaver, Alston Wiggins
Students of the Month, 6th grade: Hunter Cofield, Kaleigh Linam, Elizabeth Wright, Denise Floyd, Jacob Weaver, Abigail Gudell, Ashley Davis, James White, Alyssa Borelli
Most Outstanding Overall, 6th grade: Alyssa Borelli
Most Improved Overall, 6th grade: James White
Highest GPA Award, 6th grade: Kristofer Schneider
Principal’s Award, 6th grade: James White
“A” Honor Roll, 7th grade: Tristan Barrett, Haley Brown, Nathan Donald, Jacob Dunsford, Abbie Johnson, Bethany Reynolds, Savanna Roux, Bradley Van Pelt, Haylee Weaver
“A/B” Honor Roll, 7th grade: Kaitlyn Abbott, Jadlyn Agerton, Katelyn Born, William Christopher Brown, Hunter Connell, Leah Fischer, Hanna Ging, Christopher Gavin Grant, Lorri Harrell, Trevor Levins, Thomas Moore, Jason Ogle, Liberty Peebles, Jamilia Smiley-Knight, Jordan Taylor, David Thorpe, Harmoni Till, Brittney Ward, Courtney Weekley, Allison Woodfin
Top Gun Award, 7th grade: Jadlyn Agerton, Tristan Barrett, Jalyn Bodiford, Haley Brown, Katelyn Born, Breanna Campbell, Hunter Connell, Nathan Donald, Jacob Dunsford, Leah Fischer, Amber Freeman, Ramsey Gafford, Nathan Galvan, Hanna Ging, Natalie Goetter, Bricen Iannone, Lorri Harrell, Jordan Helmken, Abbie Johnson, Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Kendral Langford, Jason Ogle, Meagan Ogle, Trevor Levins, Liberty Peebles, Benjamin Preston, John Tristan Reaves, Bethany Reynolds, Savanna Roux, Jamilia Smiley-Knight, Warren Suggs, Jordan Taylor, Joshua Thomas, Harmoni Till, Bradley Van Pelt, Brittney Ward, Carly Ward, Jensen Warner, Haley Weaver, Courtney Weekley, Morgan Wiggins, Allison Woodfin
Students of the Month, 7th grade: Trevor Levins; Liberty Peebles; Ben Preston; Haylee Weaver; Gavin Grant; Thomas Moore; Yatze McConnico; Courtney Weekley; Joshua Thomas
Take Stock in Children, 7th grade: Amber Freeman, Carly Ward
Duke University Talent Identification Program, 7th grade: Tristan Barrett, William Christopher Brown, Nathan Donald, Jacob Dunsford, Abbie Johnson, Jason Ogle, Meagan Ogle, Bradley Van Pelt, Jensen Warner
Highest GPA Award, 7th grade: Haley Brown
“A” Honor Roll, 8th grade: Amy Murph
“A/B” Honor Roll, 8th grade: Autumn Ates, Penny Banda, Annie Bobo, Kamryn Brck, Tristan Brown, Megan Bryan, Kristen Byrd, Kendal Cobb, Austin Cunningham, Elizabeth Fillingim, Christian Gould, Kyndall Hall, Julie Hester, Adriann Lee, Benjamin Linam, Jessica McCall, Jessica McCullough, Aaron McDonald, Morgan Packer, Jaylen Parker, Tristan Portwood, Mallory Ryan, Tamara Wise, Samantha Sharpless, Rickey Smith, Danielle Suggs
Top Gun Award, 8th grade: Amy Murph, Austin Cunningham, Tamara Wise, Kyndall Hall, Benjamin Linam, Mallory Ryan, Samantha Sharpless, Annie Bobo, Jessica McCullough, Tristan Portwood, Kendal Cobb, Kristen Byrd, Tristan Brown, Elizabeth Fillingim, Aaron McDonald, Danielle Suggs, Christian Gould, Autumn Ates; Kamryn Brock, Julie Hester, Logan Lee, Joshua Borelli, Megan Bryan, Rachel Sepulveda, Madison McGhee, Aaliyah Creamer, Jessica McCall, Tiffani Cruce, Jon Michael Hart, Kelton Wooten, Victoria Inghram, Adriann Lee, Morgan Packer, Davy Hanks, Ashley Johnson, Robert Andreoli, Morgan Ward, John Johnston, Daniel Norrell
President’s Award, 8th grade: Amy Murph, Austin Cunningham, Tamara Wise, Penny Banda, Kyndall Hall, Benjamin Linam, Mallory Ryan, Samantha Sharpless, Annie Bobo, Jessica McCullough, Tristan Portwood, Kendal Cobb, Jaylen Parker, Tristan Brown, Elizabeth Fillingim, Aaron McDonald, Danielle Suggs, Christian Gould, Julie Hester, Logan Lee, Megan Bryan, Hannah Gibson, Rickey Smith
Students of the Month, 8th grade: Ben Linam, Penny Banda, Ashlynn McCall, Tristan Brown, Cara Thompson, Annie Bobo, Dakota Dempsey, Jon Michael Hart; Amy Murph
Most Outstanding Overall, 8th grade: Amy Murph
Most Improved Overall, 8th grade: Dakota Dempsey
Highest GPA Award, 8th grade: Amy Murph Highest Overall GPA
Principal’s Award, 8th grade: Austin Snyder
Ruritan Award, 8th grade: Tristan Brown
Citizen of the Year, 8th grade: Ben Linam
Highest Overall GPA Award, 8th grade: Amy Murph
Classroom Awards
Raja Atallah
Charles Schacle, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Language Arts, 1st period
Abigail Gudell, Most Improved, 6th grade Language Arts, 1st period
Audriene Odom, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Language Arts, 2nd period
James White, Most Improved, 6th grade Language Arts, 2nd period
Kristen Johnson, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Language Arts, 3rd period
Gaten Scott, Most Improved, 6th grade Language Arts, 3rd period
Alston Wiggins, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Language Arts, 4th period
Courtney Grim, Most Improved, 6th grade Language Arts, 4th period
Alyssa Borelli, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Advanced Language Arts, 6th period
Jada Tucker, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Advanced Language Arts, 6th period
Mitchell Singleton, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Advanced Language Arts, 7th period
Kayleigh Linam, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Advanced Language Arts, 7th period
Glenda Bell
Kendal Cobb, Most Outstanding, 8th grade Reading, 1st period
Dyllan Berry, Most Improved, 8th grade Reading, 1st period
Rachel Sepulveda, Most Outstanding, 8th grade Reading, 3rd period
Antwonete Jefferson, Most Improved, 8th grade Reading, 3rd period
Madison McGhee, Most Outstanding, 8th grade Reading, 5th period
Michael Richards, Most Improved, 8th grade Reading, 5th period
Dakota Dempsey, Most Outstanding, 8th grade Reading, 6th period
Cody Mathis, Most Improved, 8th grade Reading, 6th period
Somer Bridges
Matthew Lee, Most Improved, 8th grade Language Arts, 1st period
Courtney Peebles, Most Outstanding, 8th grade Language Arts, 2nd period
Austin Mosely, Most Improved, 8th grade Language Arts, 2nd period
Austin Cunningham, Most Outstanding, 8th grade Advanced Language Arts
Hunter Johnston, Most Improved, 8th grade Language Arts, 5th period
Cara Thompson, Most Outstanding, 8th grade Language Arts, 7th period
Robert Cassevah
Amy Murph, Most Outstanding, 8th grade US History, 2nd period
Holly Cofield, Most Outstanding, 8th grade US History, 3rd period
Cara Thompson, Most Outstanding, 8th grade US History, 4th period
Dakota Dempsey, Most Outstanding, 8th grade US History, 5th period
Kendal Cobb, Most Outstanding, 8th grade US History, 6th period
Rachel Sepulveda, Most Outstanding, 8th grade US History, 7th period
Laura Chavers
Alyssa Borelli, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Geography, 1st period
Natalie Barrow, Most Improved, 6th grade Geography, 1st period
Abbie Johnson, Most Outstanding, 7th grade Geography, 2nd period
Darion Riley, Most Improved, 7th grade Geography, 2nd period
Amber Freeman, Most Outstanding, 7th grade Geography, 3rd period
Lillie Allen, Most Improved, 7th grade Geography, 3rd period
Tamara Wise, Most Outstanding, 8th grade Advanced American History, 4th period
Alliyiah Henderson, Most Improved, 8th grade Advanced American History, 4th period
Bethany Reynolds, Most Outstanding, 7th grade Geography, 5th period
Nathan Singleton, Most Improved, 7th grade Geography, 5th period
Denise Floyd, Most Outstanding, 6th grade Geography, 7th period
Zachery Payne, Most Improved, 6th grade Geography, 7th period
Kathleen Ellis
Peighton Dortch, Most Outstanding, 6th grade
Jada Tucker, Most Outstanding, 6th grade
Chris Boutwell, Most Outstanding, 6th grade
Mitchell Singleton, Most Outstanding, 6th grade
Alyssa Borelli, Most Outstanding, 6th grade
Zippy Harris, Most Improved, 6th grade
Carly Ward, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Personal Development
Bricen Iannone, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Personal Development
Jason Perritt, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Personal Development
Bethany Reynolds, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Personal Development
Haley Brown, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Personal Development
Brittney Ward, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Personal Development
Trevor Knight, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Family and Consumer Science
Ashlynn McCall, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Family and Consumer Science
Tamara Wise, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Family and Consumer Science
Kendal Cobb, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Family and Consumer Science
Cara Thompson, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Family and Consumer Science
Deanna Hendrix
Flenequa Mitchell, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Reading, 1st period
Destiny Mathias, Most Improved, 6th grade, Reading, 1st period
Ashley Davis, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Reading, 3rd period
Charlie Schacle, Most Improved, 6th grade, Reading, 3rd period
Ian Schneider, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Reading, 6th period
Denise Floyd, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Reading, 6th period
Cody Smith, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Reading, 7th period
Brittanie McLemore, Most Improved, 6th grade, Reading, 7th period
Jay Jefcoat
Nathan Galvan, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Physical Education, 3rd period
Thomas Moore, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Physical Education, 4th period
Logan Purvis, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Physical Education, 5th period
Tyler Wilson, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Physical Education, 6th period
Justin Kite, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Physical Education, 7th period
Paula Jernigan
Morgan Pope, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 1st period
James White, Most Improved, 6th grade, Science, 1st period
Dustin Bethea, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 2nd period
Sara McCreary, Most Improved, 6th grade, Science, 2nd period
Kaylee Brown, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 3rd period
McKayla Macks, Most Improved, 6th grade, Science, 3rd period
Ian Schneider, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 4th period
Jacob Weaver, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 4th period
Charles Schachle, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 6th period
Blake Cook, Most Improved, 6th grade, Science, 6th period
Khari Codrington, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 7th period
Alyssa Borelli, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 7th period
Art Johnson
Cheyenne Gray, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Electrical Academy, 2nd period
Angel Johnson, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Electrical Academy, 2nd period
Liberty Peebles, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Electrical Academy, 3rd period
Abbie Johnson, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Electrical Academy, 3rd period
Jordan Helmken, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Science, 4th period
Danielle Robinson, Most Improved, 7th grade, Science, 4th period
Hanna Ging, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Science, 5th period
Cheyenne Gray, Most Improved, 7th grade, Science, 5th period
Julie Lowery
Mary Katherine Sullivan, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Reading, 1st period
Autumn Albritton, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Reading, 1st period
Alyssa Borelli, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Advanced Reading, 2nd period
Jada Tucker, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Advanced Reading, 2nd period
Mitchell Singleton, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Advanced Reading, 3rd period
Adrian King, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Advanced Reading, 3rd period
Dillon Clary, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Reading, 4th period
Rachael Irby, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Reading, 4th period
Austin Faircloth, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Intensive Reading, 5th period
Alston Wiggins, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Intensive Reading, 5th period
Jennifer Luker
Jessica Brewton, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Math, 1st period
Daniel Wilcoxon, Most Improved, 8th grade, Math, 1st period
Catherine Bellamy, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Language Arts, 2nd period
Anissa Smiley, Most Improved, 8th grade, Language Arts, 2nd period
Denise Floyd, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 3rd period
Tanner Guidry, Most Improved, 6th grade, Science, 3rd period
Tamara Barrows, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math, 5th period
Jamie Garrett, Most Improved, 7th grade, Math, 5th period
Hunter Connell, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Language Arts, 6th period
Sykeema McConnico, Most Improved, 7th grade, Language Arts, 6th period
Hannah Clarke, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Learning Strategies, 7th period
Courtney Grim, Most Improved, 6th grade, Learning Strategies, 7th period
Martha Martin
Brianna Morgan Smith, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 1st period
Kristen Evelyn Johnson, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 1st period
Mitchell James Singleton, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 2nd period
Austin Shane Collier, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 2nd period
Khari Adama Codrington, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 3rd period
Kristofer Ian Schneider, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 3rd period
Flenequa Ann Mitchell, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 5th period
Tanner Lee Guidry, Most Improved, 6th grade, Social Studies, 5th period
Morgan Cass Pope, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 5th period
Mary Katherine Sullivan, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 5th period
Alston Sylvester Wiggins, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Social Studies, 7th period
Kyle Douglas Reaves, Most Improved, 6th grade, Social Studies, 7th period
Robin McCall
Ian Schneider, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Advanced Math, 1st period
Mitchell Singleton, Most Improved, 6th grade, Advanced Math, 1st period
Desmone Knight, Most Improved, 6th grade, Math, 2nd period
Blake Cook, Most Improved, 6th grade, Math, 2nd period
Alyssa Borelli, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Advanced Math, 3rd period
Autumn Albritton, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Advanced Math, 3rd period
Kaylee Brown, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Math, 4th period
Cody Smith, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Math, 4th period
Denise Floyd, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Math, 5th period
McKayla Macks, Most Improved, 6th grade, Math, 5th period
Beverly Hughes, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Math, 6th period
Logan Purvis, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Math, 6th period
Brenda Rutherford
Denise Floyd, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Language Arts, 1st period
John Krochta, Most Improved, 6th grade, Language Arts, 1st period
Kendal Cobb, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Career Orientation 1st Semester, 2nd period
Tristan Brown, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Career Orientation 2nd Semester, 2nd period
Morgan Packer, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Keyboarding 1st Semester, 4th period
Kortney Reid, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Computer Applications 2nd Semester, 4th period
Kaylee Brown, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Language Arts, 5th period
Brianne Hicks, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Exploratory Wheel 1st Semester, 6th period
Christian Gould, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Keyboarding 2nd Semester, 6th period
Samantha Sharpless, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Career Orientation 1st Semester, 7th period
Bethany Reynolds, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Keyboarding 2nd Semester, 7th period
Amy Murph, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Computer Applications, 2nd Semester, 7th period
Ashley Salter
Lakelynn Parker, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Physical Education, 2nd period
Alston Wiggins, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Physical Education, 2nd period
Audriene Odom, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Science, 3rd period
John Krochta, Most Improved, 6th grade, Science, 3rd period
Tiffani Cruce, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Physical Education, 4th period
Hailey McQuaid, Most Improved, 8th grade, Physical Education, 4th period
Elizabeth Sanders, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Physical Education, 5th period
James White, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Physical Education, 5th period
Devin Stabler, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Physical Education, 6th period
Bricen Iannone, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Physical Education, 6th period
Kamryn Brock, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Physical Education, 7th period
Catherine Bellamy, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Physical Education, 7th period
Kinzie Shamblin
Sharnice Spears, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
O’Neisha Spencer, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Kristopher Reber, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Jared Townley, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Danielle Robinson, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Blake Green, Most Improved, 7th grade, Math
Nathan Donald, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Haylee Weaver, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Courtney Reid, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Colten Sunday, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Jason Ogle, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Haley Brown, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math
Mary Ann Spence
Autumn Ates, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Science, 1st period
Ashley Johnson, Most Improved, 8th grade, Science, 1st period
Aaliyah Creamer, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Science, 2nd period
Cara Thompson, Most Improved, 8th grade, Science, 2nd period
Kendal Cobb, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Science, 3rd period
Alliyiah Henderson, Most Improved, 8th grade, Science, 3rd period
Allen Held, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Science, 4th period
Dakota Dempsey, Most Improved, 8th grade, Science, 4th period
Desiree Elliard, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Science, 5th period
Charmayne Fountain, Most Improved, 8th grade, Science 5th period
Ashlynn McCall, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Science, 6th period
Erica Wiggins, Most Improved, 8th grade, Science, 6th period
Sherri Stallworth
Mac Walker, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Geography, 1st period
Josh Poston, Most Improved, 7th grade, Geography, 1st period
Meagan Ogle, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Language Arts, 2nd period
Breana Weaden, Most Improved, 7th grade, Language Arts, 2nd period
Kade Parham, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Language Arts, 3rd period
Justin Kite, Most Improved, 8th grade, Language Arts, 3rd period
Courtney Weekley, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Geography, 4th period
Ladarrius Thames, Most Improved, 7th grade, Geography, 4th period
Uriel Codrington, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Geography, 6th period
Reggie Lewis, Most Improved, 7th grade, Geography, 6th period
Haley Weaver, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Geography, 7th period
Eugene Hassebrock, Most Improved, 7th grade, Geography, 7th period
Michelle Thomas
Cheyenne Gray, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Geography, 1st period
Ramsey Gafford, Most Improved, 7th grade, Geography, 1st period
Morgan Wiggins, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Science, 2nd period
Cody Nellums, Most Improved, 7th grade, Science, 2nd period
Catrina, Rau, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, History, 5th period
Daniel Wilcoxin, Most Improved, 8th grade, History, 5th period
Kaitlyn Kline, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Science, 6th period
Trenton Howard, Most Improved, 8th grade, Science, 6th period
Jamie Garrett, Most Outstanding, 7th/8th grade, Learning Strategies, 7th period
Olan Barlow, Most Improved, 7th/8th grade, Learning Strategies, 7th period
Chad Truett
Savannah Roux, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Science, 1st period
Jason Perritt, Most Improved, 7th grade, Science, 1st period
Amber Freeman, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Science, 2nd period
Sharnice Spears, Most Improved, 7th grade, Science, 2nd period
Bethany Reynolds, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Science, 3rd period
Miranda Vidak, Most Improved, 7th grade, Science, 3rd period
Jensyn Warner, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Science, 6th period
Emily Walston, Most Improved, 7th grade, Science, 6th period
Olivia Bellamy, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Science, 7th period
Brianna Taylor, Most Improved, 7th grade, Science, 7th period
Charles Tucker
Adrian King, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Band
Kayleigh Linam, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Band
Alyssa Borelli, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Chorus
Hadley Woodfin, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Chorus
Warren Suggs, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Band
Emily Walston, Most Improved, 7th grade, Band
Sarah Dutton, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Chorus
Elizabeth Sanders, Most Improved, 7th grade, Chorus
Breanna Payne, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Band
Cara Thompson, Most Improved, 8th grade, Band
Desiree Elliard, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Chorus
Penny Banda, Most Improved, 8th grade, Chorus
Katie Ward
Olivia Bellamy, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Reading, 1st period
Kelly Payne, Most Improved, 7th grade, Reading, 1st period
Ureil Codrington, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Reading, 2nd period
Yhsyionia McConico, Most Improved, 7th grade, Reading, 2nd period
Ramsey Gafford, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Reading, 3rd period
Hunter Connell, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Reading, 3rd period
Magen Hardy, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Reading, 4th period
Judson Conatser, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Reading, 4th period
Haylee Weaver, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Reading, 6th period
Kendral Langford, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Reading, 6th period
Trevor Levins, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Drama, 7th period
Jacob Dunsford, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Drama, 7th period
Ron Wark
Natassja Scott, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Math, 1st period
Ariel Waters, Most Improved, 8th grade, Math, 1st period
Josh Borelli, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Advanced Math, 3rd period
Aaliyah Creamer, Most Improved, 8th grade, Advanced Math, 3rd period
Kaylynn Welford, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Math, 4th period
Hunter Johnson, Most Improved, 8th grade, Math, 4th period
Kendal Cobb, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Math, 5th period
Kamryn Brock, Most Improved, 8th grade, Math, 5th period
Holly Cofield, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Math, 6th period
Kristen Byrd, Most Improved, 8th grade, Math, 6th period
Addy Lee, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Math, 7th period
Savannah Vanderpool, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Math, 7th period
Brandy White
Alston Wiggins, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Math, 1st period
Dustin Crumbley, Most Improved, 6th grade, Math, 1st period
Dillon Clary, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Math, 2nd period
Adrianne Reaves, Most Improved, 6th grade, Math, 2nd period
Amy Murph, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Algebra, 3rd period
Mckayla Macks, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Geography, 4th period
Elijah Gaines, Most Improved, 6th grade, Geography, 4th period
Leah Fischer, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Math, 6th period
Nathan Hunter Kite, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Math, 7th period
Most Improved, James White, 6th grade, Math, 7th period
Sara Wiggins
Austin Cunningham, 8th grade, Reading
Amy Murph, 8th grade, Reading
Jon Michael Hart, 8th grade, Reading
Hunter Johnson, 8th grade, Reading
Trever Lassitter, 7th grade, Reading
Allison Woodfin, 7th grade, Reading
Jadlyn Agertson, 7th grade, Reading
Bethany Reynolds, 7th grade, Reading
Trever Levins, 7th grade, Reading
Leah Fischer, 7th grade, Reading
Renee Wilkins
Tristan Barrett, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Language Arts, 1st period
Jason Ogle, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Language Arts, 1st period
Cheyanne Merchant, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Language Arts, 3rd period
Yhsyionia McConico, Most Improved, 7th grade, Language Arts, 3rd period
Cheyenne Gray, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Language Arts, 4th period
Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Most Improved, 7th grade, Language Arts, 4th period
Nathan Donald, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Language Arts, 5th period
Bradley Van Pelt, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Language Arts, 5th period
Jadlyn Agerton, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Language Arts, 6th period
Blake Green, Most Improved, 7th grade, Language Arts, 6th period
Elizabeth Sanders, Most Improved, 7th grade, Language Arts, 7th period
LaDarrius Thames, Most Improved, 7th grade, Language Arts, 7th period
Cynthia Wilson
Tabitha Chavers, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Agriculture 1st Semester
Miranda Vidak, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Agriculture 1st Semester
Tiffani Cruce, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Agriculture 1st Semester
Brianna Smith, Most Outstanding, 6th grade, Agriculture 2nd Semester
Haylee Weaver, Most Outstanding, 7th grade, Agriculture 2nd Semester
Ashlynn McCall, Most Outstanding, 8th grade, Agriculture 2nd Semester
Submitted photos by Terri Brown for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.
Storm Dumps Hail, Sparks Brush Fire
June 8, 2011
Thunderstorms moving through the North Escambia area dropped marble size hail and sparked a six-acre brush fire, but few other problems were reported Wednesday afternoon.
The hail was reported in the Dogwood Park area, with reader photographs showing it beginning to cover the ground.
Have weather photos? Email them to news@northescambia.com.
A lightning strike about 1:15 p.m. in a wooded area east of Highway 97 near Greenland Road started a six-acre brush fire. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue was able to bring the fire under control in about 30 minutes. The Florida Division of Forestry also responded to create a fire break around the blaze using heavy machinery.
A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for a brief period Wednesday afternoon with National Weather Service radar indicating a severe thunderstorm capable of producing quarter size hail and winds in excess of 60 mph. The storm was near Molino about 1:16 p.m. and moving toward Oak Grove, according to the NWS. That warning has since expired.
Pictured above and below: Marble size hail fell at the Godwin residence in Dogwood Park Wednesday afternoon. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Proposed Escambia Budget Balances With No Tax Increases
June 8, 2011
Escambia County Administrator Randy Oliver is proposing a balanced budget for the next fiscal year without a tax increase despite a projected 3.5 percent decrease in property taxes.
Ad valorem tax revenues are also down, $35.9 million since 2006. Other taxes, including sales, gas and tourist development, are down 11 percent.
The FY 2011/2012 budget includes a net decrease of 14 full time positions, with 17 jobs eliminated and three additions (webmaster, a technical VOIP person and Equestrian Center manager) for a total net savings of $560,000.
County employees will receive a 3.1 percent across the board raise, but that will be offset by the new contributions they will be required to make to their retirement plans.There will be a 5.5 percent increase in employee health insurance premiums, shared between the county ($550,000) and employees ($1.60 monthly for single on a base plan to $22 monthly for full family coverage on the complete plan). County employees will lose a paid holiday with the elimination of one of two days off at New Year’s.
Sheriff David Morgan’s budget will be decreased to $1,394,742 under Oliver’s plan.
Several outside agencies will see cuts that will amount to 15 percent for most. The West Florida Library system will see a 3.5 percent ($120,354) cut, inline with the 3.5 percent property value reductions. The county will still provide $3,318,342 to the library system.
ECAT public transportation will not be cut, rather there will be a slight increase to account for increased fuel costs. But, Oliver said some route changes will be required because of the loss of state and federal subsidy dollars.
Oliver will soon propose a 3.5 percent increase in tipping fees at the landfill to pay higher fuel costs.
Oliver’s budget proposal will be presented to the Escambia County Commission Thursday during a budget workshop.