Northview Names 2011 Honors Graduates
June 4, 2011
The top students in Northview High School’s Class of 2011 have been named.
Sarah Malinda Killam (pictured left) was named valedictorian, and Emily Faith Vickrey (right) was named salutatorian. The complete list of honors graduates, along with the criteria for each rank, is as follows:
Summa Cum Laude
4.00 or higher weighted GPA
Three weighted course credits with a “C” or higher
No grade forgiveness for a grade of “D”
An “F” in any course makes the student ineligible
Completed at least three semesters (six quarters) at the local school by the end of the first semester (second quarter) of the senior year
- Sarah Malinda Killam (Valedictorian)
- Emily Faith Vickrey (Salutatorian)
- Jocelyn Marlese Gould
- Laneicia Dynette Gomez
- James Tyler Garrett
- Ashley Elizabeth Digmon
- Hayley Renee Simpson
- Christina Nicole Sepulveda
- Colton Darryl Sims
- Allyson Michelle Bullard
- Mallory Ann Bell
- Dustin Neal Lewis
- Joshua Clayton Scott
- Hilary Kate Byrd
- Dixie Lynn Picheo
- Allison Ayers Vidak
- Jessynia Christina McCall
- Caitlyn Brianne Brown
Magna Cum Laude
3.85 or higher weighted GPA
Does not meet summa criteria
- Jansen Mathew Bodiford
- Dustin Brooks Yuhasz
- Brianna Renae Roley
- Jamichael Dashawn Carson
- Derek Eugene Lewis
- Katie Marie Wieborg
- David Aaron Lambert, Jr.
- Allie Rebecca Bryan
- Dabney Harrison Langhorne
Cum Laude
3.5 or higher weighted GPA
Does not meet magna or summa criteria
- Trestine Ivie Dean
- Derrick Edward Portis, Jr.
- Megan Juliette Ryan
- Sara Lynn Conner
- Victoria Lynn Childers
- Austin Kyle Arrington
- Stephanie Leann Solari
- Haley May Coleman
Escambia Man Faces Life In Prison For Robbery Outside Mall
June 4, 2011
An Escambia County man is facing a mandatory sentence of life in prison for a robbing a man at Cordova Mall just four days after being released from prison.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said Anthony Rhaney II was convicted of carjacking with a firearm, robbery with a firearm and fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer by an Escambia County jury.
Rhaney was convicted for robbing a man outside of Cordova Mall on September 16, 2010. Rhaney and a second suspect approached Brian Crawford as he exited the mall and was attempting to get into his vehicle. The second suspect held Crawford at gunpoint while Rhaney robbed Crawford of his merchandise, watch, and cell phone. When Crawford did not have any cash to give the men, they decided to take his car.
The next day Pensacola Police Officer Bruce Harris saw the car driving south on 9th Avenue by the mall. He and another officer got behind the vehicle and attempted to pull it over. Rhaney, who was driving the stolen car, led officers on a ten minute pursuit through Pensacola. Eventually officers ended the pursuit by an excecuting a “PIT” maneuver on the car and were able to take Rhaney into custody. Rhaney was then identified as one of the robbers by Crawford.
Anthony Rhaney will be sentenced on July 13 before Judge Nickolas P. Geeker. He faces a mandatory life sentence based on his prior record.
Rhaney committed this crime just four days after being released from prison.
Scott Signs Bill To Crack Down On Pill Mills
June 4, 2011
Gov. Rick Scott signed a high-profile bill Friday to try to root out Florida’s illicit — and deadly — trade in prescription painkillers.
“I am proud to sign this bill which cracks down on the criminal abuse of prescription drugs,” Scott said in a prepared statement as he visited Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando for bill-signing ceremonies. “This legislation will save lives in our state, and it marks the beginning of the end of Florida’s infamous role as the nation’s pill mill capital.”
After weeks of sometimes-contentious debate, lawmakers passed the 98-page bill May 6, the final day of the spring legislative session. In part, it would ban most doctors from dispensing two categories of controlled substances in their offices or clinics.
Also, it takes steps such as increasing penalties against doctors involved in wrongdoing and requiring a new permitting process for pharmacies that dispense controlled substances. That permitting process is designed to prevent fly-by-night pharmacies from acting as suppliers.
The bill also keeps in place a plan to use a prescription-drug database to help track dispensing of controlled substances. That issue touched off a brouhaha early in the legislative session, as Scott and some House leaders called for scrapping the database because of privacy concerns.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who helped broker passage of the bill, issued a statement Friday that alluded to Florida’s national reputation as a magnet for prescription-drug abusers and traffickers. Pain clinics have popped up throughout the state in recent years, drawing drug purchasers from as far away as Kentucky and Ohio.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t hear a story of someone who has lost a family member or friend to prescription drug abuse,” Bondi said. “This legislation will make significant strides in ridding Florida of unscrupulous doctors and pill mills, making our state a safer place to live and raise our families.”
Lawmakers also passed wide-ranging bills in 2009 and 2010 to try to shut down shady clinics and reduce abuse of painkillers such as oxycontin. But problems have persisted in many parts of the state — as evidenced by two lawmakers standing up on the House floor this spring to discuss family members who have prescription-drug problems.
While state leaders praised the new bill Friday, Paul Sloan, president of the Florida Society of Pain Management Providers, expressed skepticism.
Sloan said the “most troubling fact” is that the best way to deal with the drug problems is by addressing addiction issues that drive demand. Instead, he said in an e-mail that such laws are an attempt to “arrest our way out of the predicament.”
By Jim Saunders
The News Service of Florida
Bluegrass Sounds: Barrineau Park Music Night
June 4, 2011
The Aubie Fillingim Auditorium at the Barrineau Park Community Center was filled with the bluegrass sounds of The Chestang Family and The Rowell Bluegrass Band Friday night. It was the June installment of the monthly Barrineau Park Music Night, a free event held the first Friday night of each month.
The family-friendly event will not be held in July, but will return at 6:30 p.m. on August 5.
Pictured above: The Chestang Family performs Friday night at the Barrineau Park Music Night. Pictured below: A crowd enjoys the traditional bluegrass music. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida Department Of Corrections Cuts 190 Jobs
June 4, 2011
The Department of Corrections notified 190 temporary trainee employees that they won’t be hired permanently as part of the agency’s effort to reduce costs.
The move will produce $8.8 million in savings, department spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said. The agency notified the trainees that because of legislatively mandated consolidation of some DOC facilities and extensive privatization also required by the new budget that will go into effect July 1.
The trainees’ employment was terminated Friday, the department said.
Over 1,500 Acres Burn In Massive Wildfires (With Photo Gallery)
June 3, 2011
Four raging wildfires burned about 1,500 acres in Escambia County, Alabama, Thursday as well over 100 firefighters from 20 fire departments battled the flames.
Friday morning, firefighters were back in the area, extinguishing remaining hotspots to keep smoke off area roadways.
Thursday, the fires were so massive at one point that firefighters were unable to fight back, resorting instead to defending individual homes, according to David Adams, Emergency Management Director for Escambia County (Ala.). All of the homes were saved.
For a gallery of reader submitted photos, click here.
A few firefighters exhibited signs of heat exhaustion during the afternoon, but all were treated and the scene and none were transported to the hospital. There were no other injuries reported.
“All of the firefighters did an outstanding job,” Adams said about 10:30 Thursday as a command center at Hall Creek Road and Sardine Road was shut down for the night. “I just can’t commend all of the responders enough.”
Official believe the fires started just after 1 p.m. as a truck with mechanical problems traveled south on Butler Street to Highway 113, throwing sparks that ignited at least four small fires that quickly exploded into four wildfires of up to about 400 acres each.
By late afternoon, flames shot 40 to 50 feet above the tree tops at times, as entire pine trees burned in just moments. Smoke from the fires could be seen from over 20 miles away.
The fires burned in an area bounded approximately by I-65 to the north, Highway 113 to the west, Wolf Log Road to the south and Upper Creek Road to the east — an area north of, and between Atmore and Flomaton. Many of the roadways, including Highway 113, were closed due to heavy smoke.
The 20 fire departments from Escambia, Baldwin and Monroe counties in Alabama, and Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida, worked into the night to contain the fires. By 6 p.m. the fire had jumped across roadways and several fire lines plowed by the Alabama Forestry Commission. As the sun set and the humidity begin to rise, firefighters were able to bring two of the four fires under control. At 9:10 p.m., the dozens of firefighters that responded from North Escambia were able to return to Florida.
By 10 p.m., the remaining two fires were “contained” — still burning by surrounded by already burned areas, preventing their spread. A small contingent of firefighters and forestry officials remained in the area throughout the night to monitor the situation. A smoke advisory was issued for the area as heavy smoke created problems for motorists.
From the North Escambia area, firefighters from the Century, McDavid, Molino, Walnut Hill and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to Flomaton. Fire crews and equipment from the Cantonment, Ensley and Ferry Pass stations were moved into North Escambia to provide coverage in the event of a fire.
Firefighters from Walnut Hill, Cantonment and Ensley did responded to small brush fire in the area of Crary and Thompson Roads about 8:15. There were no structures damaged in that blaze.
For a gallery of reader submitted photos, click here. (Photos submitted by Amy Lambeth, Alisa Hart, Katie Fowler, Brooke Mixon, Brandi Golden and others for NorthEscambia.com)
Pictured top: A massive wildfire rages Thursday afternoon in Escambia County, Ala. Pictured top inset: Over 100 firefighters responded to the fires. Pictured middle inset: Entire pine trees were consumed by the blaze in just moments. Pictured bottom inset: A huge plume of smoke from the fires as seen from miles away. Pictured bottom: Heavy smoke closed Highway 113 between Flomaton and I-65. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Oak Grove Landfill Permit Renewal Under Consideration
June 3, 2011
A public hearing will be held June 16 to consider the renewal of a construction and demolition debris disposal pit permit in Oak Grove.
The current permit for the facility, located at 745 North Highway 99, was issued in 1996 and is now expiring. The 20 acre disposal area is on a 26 acre piece of property.
The public hearing will be held at 5:32 p.m on June 16 in the Escambia County Commission Chambers in downtown Pensacola.
2,200 Lose Power Around Cantonment; Eight North Escambia Schools Lose Internet, Email
June 3, 2011
About 2,200 Gulf Power customers lost power for just over an hour Thursday afternoon, and the outage left eight North Escambia schools without internet access or email.
The power was out in the Cantonment area from about 2:18 until 3:28 p.m., according to Jeff Rogers, corporate communications supervisor with Gulf Power. The outage was centered around Tate Road after a feeder line tripped, he said.
The power outage at Tate High School cut internet and email for the schools in North Escambia. Tate High High School, according to the school district, houses the server that provides internet and email connectivity to all of the North Escambia schools.
Tate High, Bratt Elementary, Jim Allen Elementary, Ransom Middle, Ernest Ward Middle, Molino Park Elementary, Byrneville Elementary and Northview High all lost internet and email service. Service returned after power was restored.
Sweet Deal: ‘Project Sugar’ Could Mean 100 New Escambia Jobs
June 3, 2011
Escambia County is hoping for a sweet deal by pledging support for a project that could bring 100 new jobs.
The new business name has not been released yet, but officials say “Project Sugar” is a maker of confectionery products and is expected to bring over 100 full-time jobs to
the area. The average wage would be $43,000 plus benefits. The company would have a minimum capital investment of $6 million.
Escambia County is pledging an incentive up to a quarter million dollars. The company would receive $125,000 when they reach 50 jobs, $2.15 million in payroll and a capital investment of $6 million. Once the company reaches 50 jobs and $4.3 million in payroll, the county would contribute another $125,000 in incentive money.
The $250,000 will come from Escambia County’s Economic Development Fund.
Northview Honors The Class Of 2011 (With Photo Gallery, Awards List)
June 3, 2011
The Northview Class of 2011 held Senior Honors Night at the school Thursday night, with over $1.25 million in scholarships and academic aid presented to members of the senior class.
During the event, the school also named Sarah Killam as valedictorian and Emily Vickrey as salutatorian.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
(Editor’s note: Top academic honor students, Beta Club members and subject area awards will be in included in an upcoming story.)
The following scholarships and awards were presented Thursday nightL
Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Stars
Mallory Bell $750
Ashley Digmon $750
Laneicia Gomez $750
Sarah Killam $750
Sara Conner $500
Tyler Garrett $500
Jocelyn Gould $500
Jessynia McCall $500
Christina Sepulveda $500
Emily Vickrey $500
Dustin Yuhasz $500
Barrineau Park Historical Society
Dixie Picheo $500
FFA Alumni Scholarship
Allyson Bullard $500
Stephanie Solari $500
Allison Vidak $500
FFA National Scholarship Dodge/Ram
Allie Vidak $1000
First National Bank and Trust
Sarah Killam, Valedictorian $100 Saving Bond
Fortis Institute of Technology
Allison Freeman $500
Florida A&M University
Derrick Portis $2000
Jim and Jumi Ross Memorial Scholarship
Tyler Garrett $750
Nashville Auto-Diesel College
Adam Freeman $1000
NNOA Scholarship
Tyler Garrett $500
Pensacola Civitan Club Citizen of the Year
Ashley Digmon, Gift Card
Pensacola State College
Haley Simpson $1600 (renewable)
Jocelyn Gould $1600 (renewable)
Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Derek Lewis $3500 Fred L. McGhee Memorial
Dustin Lewis $4000 Indian Descent Scholarships
Shawna Montgomery $30,000 Tuition Assistance Program
Brooke Tullis $30,000 Tuition Assistance Program
Megan Flurnoy $30,000 Tuition Assistance Program
Spirit of the Chief Award
Sarah Killam $1000
Austin Arrington $1000
United Bank of Atmore Award
Emily Vickrey, Salutatorian $75 Saving Bond and 5 shares of stock
University of West Florida
Sarah Killam $17,000
Joshua Scott $1000
US Army Scholar Athlete
Sarah Killam, Medal
Colton Sims, Medal
USNA/NROTC
Tyler Garrett $180,000
Walnut Hill Ruritan Glenn Key Ruritan Award
Stephanie Solari $500
Walnut Hill Ruritan Service Award
Adam Freeman $100
NAACP
Laneicia Gomez
Jocelyn Gould
Auburn University
Tyler Garrett $1000 Board of Trustees Scholarship
Tyler Garrett $1000 Chick-Fil-A Scholarship
Better Business Bureau Student Ethic’s Scholarship
Sarah Killam $1000
Charles and Alice Mayson Scholarship
Sarah Killam $12,000
Faulkner State
Mallory Bell $5500
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Derrick Portis $2000
Florida Bright Futures Recognition
25 – Florida Medallion $200,000 (4 years, $8000 each)
Jansen Bodiford
Caitlyn Brown
Allyson Bullard
Haley Coleman
Trestine Dean
Ashley Digmon
Laneicia Gomez
Jocelyn Gould
David Lambert
Dabney Langhorne
Derek Lewis
Dustin Lewis
Dixie Picheo
Derrick Portis
Brianna Roley
Megan Ryan
Joshua Scott
Christinal Sepulveda
Hayley Simpson
Colton Sims
Stephanie Solari
Diamond Tullis
Ladarion White
Katie Wieborg
Dustin Yuhasz
Florida Bright Futures Recognition
1 – Florida Academic $12,120 (4 years)
Sarah Killam
Henry H. Reichhold Scholarship
David (A.J.) Lambert, Jr $16,000
International Papers Cantonment Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship
Derrick Portis $1000
LaDarion White $1000
Jay Hospital Employee Foundation Scholarships
Jocelyn Gould $1000
Sarah Killam $1000
John E. Frenkel Sr. Educational Grants
Stephanie Solari $1000
Allison Vidak $1000
Quint and Rishy Studer Citizenship Scholarship
Katie Wieborg $1000
Trevecca Nazarene University
Naomi Cooler $10,000
Tri-City Rotary Club Scholarship
Joshua Scott $250
University of Mobile
Emily Vickrey $28,000
University of South Alabama
Allyson Bullard $14000
Colton Sims $33,250