New Escambia Fire Chief Named
January 27, 2011
Daniel R. Spillman was named the new Escambia Fire Rescue Chief Thursday morning by County Administrator Randy Oliver.
“The selection panel was most impressed with qualities they felt would make Spillman successful in leading our fire services, which is comprised of both volunteer and career fire fighters. These qualities are based on his past endeavors that successfully built consensus and trust between career and volunteer fire fighters,” Public Safety Bureau Chief Mike Weaver said about the appointment.
Spillman was selected after a review of 20 candidates that applied for and met the minimum qualifications. He will be on the job within the next six weeks with a starting salary of $81,000.
Spillman was chief of the Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue in Hollywood, Florida for the last year. From 1983 to 2005, he worked as the Deputy Chief of the Tallahassee Fire Department where he retired. During his tenure, the City of Tallahassee combined forces with the county fire departments which were primarily volunteer. With a bachelors degree from Florida International University in Fire Science and Safety, Spillman has 36 years experience in the fire service and emergency medical service fields.
Walnut Hill Man Facing Federal Weapons Charge
January 27, 2011
A Walnut Hill man is behind bars facing a federal weapons charge.
A federal grand jury indicted Floyd Scott Mooney, 39, for unlawful transport of firearms. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail Wednesday afternoon by U.S. Marshals where he was being held without bond pending a detention hearing Thursday.
According to the indictment issued January 19 by the federal grand jury, Mooney was in possession of a half dozen rifles and ammunition in violation of federal law due to his status as a convicted felon that was sentenced to more than one year in prison.
During a two minute arraignment hearing Wednesday, Mooney entered a plea of not guilty before U.S. Judge Miles Davis in Pensacola U.S. District Court.
In March 1999, Mooney was convicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, according to federal court records.
Mooney’s trial has been scheduled for early March.
Woman, 88, Victim Of Hit And Run Attack
January 27, 2011
Deputies are asking for the public’s help after an 88-year old woman was the victim of an apparently coordinated attack.
Annie Cumbie’s vehicle was hit by the driver of a Nissan Maxima in the 4000 block of Fairfield Drive Tuesday afternoon. When she got out of her vehicle, the driver of the of the gray Nissan fled the scene.
It was then that she was approached by an unknown male who offered her assistance.
Cumbie said that the male walked over from the nearby Mayfair Grocery and todl her that he could help. But instead, he pushed her into her car, grabbed her purse and fled on foot. He then handed the purse to the driver of the Nissan Maxima.
Cumbie was treated for minor injuries by an Escambia County EMS crew but was not transported to a hospital.
The suspects in this case face robbery and battery charges.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Shots Fired: Century Debates Community Center Security
January 27, 2011
The Town of Century is once again looking at its rental policies for the town’s community center after the mayor says shots were fired at an event.
“It was reported to me that there was a shooting that took place inside the building,” Mayor Freddie McCall said, adding that he could not find any bullet holes. “But there was evidence there that someone stuffed somebody’s head through one of our windows. The window was knocked out, and there was blood and hair.”
Century’s community center is often rented for community and family events like birthday parties, wedding receptions and baby showers. But sometimes even those events are not problem free, McCall said, citing an incident last summer in which the Ag Building on West Highway 4 was rented for a baby shower. After that event, McCall said he found two 55-gallon trash drums full of “whiskey bottles”.
“We are walking on thin ice,” he said. “We are to the point that we need to insist that we have some kind of security there (at events).”
The mayor said security needs to be in place at community center events to insure that the town’s drug-free and alcohol-free building policies are followed.
“We are going to be sued sooner or later.”
Off-duty Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies won’t work security at any type of party, but they will work other event types at $25 per hour per deputy,” McCall said.
The problem, according to the mayor, will be determining what type of functions will be required to have on-site security and what functions will be exempt. And, another problem, he said, will be trusting that events like family gatherings will be what the organizers claim.
“It’s not fair to everybody else that uses the building appropriately like they should with respect to the community and the neighbors,” Council Member Nadine McCaw said, “because it hurts everybody.”
The Century Town Council will consider a possible community center security policy at a future meeting, perhaps as early as their next regular meeting on February 7.
Pictured: A sign on the entrance of the Century Ag Building clearly states that no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the premises. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Honors Winning Football Team, Cheerleaders
January 27, 2011
The Northview Chiefs honored their football players and cheerleaders and their annual banquet.
The Chiefs finished their season with the Regional 1-A Championship. The 2010 Chiefs were the only team in the history of Northview High School to bring home a Regional title and the first to make a playoff game east of Tallahassee.
“I can’t put into words how proud I am of this group,” Northview Head Coach Sid Wheatley said of the Regional win.
Northview Head Cheerleading Coach Anna Barry and JV Coach Megan Carroll said they are also proud of their squads.
The following players and cheerleaders received awards:
FOOTBALL
- Academic Award: Dustin Yuhasz
- Rookie Award: La’ Derious Franklin, Blake McCall
- Iron Chief Award: Austin Arrington
- Chief Award: Alex Payne
- Special Teams Award: Montaio Mitchell, Taylor Martin, Lance Bushaw
- Big Hitter Award: Sim Brown
- Head Hunter Award: Taylor Martin
- Mr. Big Play Award: Dustin Yuhasz
- Most Improved Lineman: Nathan Therrell
- Most Improved Back: La’Mikal Kyles
- Outstanding Defensive Lineman: Lonnie Gardner, Sean Knight
- Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Tyler Brooks
- Most Valuable Defensive Player: Roderick Woods, Brandon Sheets
- Senior Awards: LaDarion White, Taylor Martin, Kaleb Purvis, Lance Bushaw, Levi Gideons, Lonnie Gardner, Austin Arrington, Tyler Brooks, Dustin Yuhasz, Jeremiah Cooler, Michael Moore, Jake Clayton
JV CHEERLEADING
- Most Improved: Chloe Leonard
- Spirit Award: Lauryn Walker
VARSITY CHEERLEADING
- Most Improved: Jessica Warner
- Spirit Award: Laneicia Gomez
- Best All Around: Charleigh McPherson
- Squad Strength: Lauren McCall
Pictured: Northview High School honors their football players and cheerleaders. Submitted photos by Vicki Baggett for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Teacher, Students Arrested On Drug Charges
January 27, 2011
A teacher at the Escambia (Ala.) Alternative School in Flomaton was arrested Wednesday on drug charges, as were two students in Atmore.
Jill A. Coulter, 54, of Cantonment, was charged with drug possession and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia after a K-9 search led to the discovery of marijuana in her vehicle in the school parking lot, according to the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office. Deputies also located rolling papers.
Also Wednesday, drug searches led to the arrest of two students at Escambia County High School in Atmore. An 18-year old student, Tikeria Wiggins, was charged with with unlawful possession of a controlled substance (hydrocodone) and unlawful possession of marijuana. A juvenile student was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Pictured: Jill A. Coulter.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (Part Three)
January 27, 2011
Today, it’s part four of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 25 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2011.
Today we introduce you to the third and final set of contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with behind the scenes practice photos. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Allie Rebecca Bryan
Allie is the 17-year old daughter of Keith and Becky Bryan. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years and a member of the Student Government Association for four years. Allie has been a member of the Tribal Beat marching band for four years, where she has participated in both the color guard and the drum line. She has been a member of the chorus for three years, has played guitar for the Northview Performing Arts program for three years, and has been a part of the theatre program for three years. She has been a member of the Beta Club for three years and a member of the Spanish Club for two years. In her community, Allie is an active member of Pace Assembly of God, where she participates with the IGNITE youth ministries. She has spent time volunteering with missions work in Brazil and plans on returning there soon. Allie was also selected to represent Escambia County on the 2010 National Youth Leadership Tour in Washington, D.C.
Her hobbies include singing, photography, watching Alabama football, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and earn her degree in social work.
Miss Lauren Elizabeth Cloud
Lauren is the 17-year old daughter of Ronnie Cloud and Angela McMahan. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and currently holds the title of co-captain. Last year, she was a member of the NHS competition team that placed eighth in the nation. She has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years, a member of the Five Flags Dance Academy for two years, and has played softball for the Molino Community Team for three years. She has also been a member of DCT for one year. In her community, Lauren has volunteered her time to work the “Kicking Cancer Bike Run” and has worked Relay for Life events. She also participated in the 2009 “Trotting for a Cure” 20-mile triathlon. Lauren works as a waitress for the Alabama Wing House in Atmore.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, photography, riding horses, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Troy University to obtain a degree in education. She wants to specialize in working with autistic children. While in attendance there, she hopes to become a Troy cheerleader.
Miss Ashley Nicole Mooney
Ashley is the 15-year old daughter of Scott and Sandy Mooney. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team, the junior varsity softball team, and a member of the NHS cheerleading competition team that placed eighth in the nation. She was also voted freshman class treasurer. This year, Ashley is a member of the varsity cheerleading team and was selected to represent her class on the homecoming court. In her community, she is an active member of Healing Waters Church. She was also awarded the “Take Stock in Children” scholarship.
Her hobbies include riding horses, hunting, playing tennis, scrapbooking, photography, and spending time with family.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida and become a photographer or a crime scene investigator.
Miss Mariah Laine Albritton
Mariah is the 14-year old daughter of Randy and Lisa Albritton. As an eighth grader, she won third place in the Miss EWMS pageant. She was also a member of the EWMS competition cheerleading team that won third in the nation in their division. At Northview, she is a junior varsity cheerleader. In her community, Mariah is an active member at the Pace Assembly of God Church and participates in the youth group. She also volunteers her time at Bratt Elementary.
Her hobbies include cheering, shopping, taking pictures, listening to music, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University to become an orthodontist.
Miss Rebekah Mary Sepulveda
Rebekah is the 14-year old daughter of Scott and Becky Sepulveda. As an eighth grader, she received an award for mathematics and the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. This year, Rebekah is a junior varsity cheerleader. In her community, she is an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and is involved with the S.M.Y.L.E. youth group. She also does volunteer work with her father at the Optimists Club, as well as volunteer work at Byrneville Elementary School.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, dancing, swimming, gymnastics, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree in dentistry.
Miss Abigail Christie-Anne Odom
Abby is the 16-year old daughter of Melissa Martin. She has been a member of the NHS Drama Department for one year and played “Susan” in their production of “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe”. She has been a member of the Art Club for two years and took first place at the Pensacola Art Show. This year, Abby is a junior varsity cheerleader and currently holds the title of captain. She was also selected to represent the junior class on the homecoming court. She has taken dance for 13 years at Studio 43 in Mobile and volunteers her time as an assistant coach of the Northwest Escambia Mites cheerleaders. In her community, Abby is an active member of Enon Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include listening to music, photography, reading, spending time with close friends, and dancing.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College and become an ultrasound technician.
Miss Courtney Alexandra Weaver
Courtney is the 15-year old daughter of Mike and Deana Weaver. In eighth grade, she was a member of the Ernest Ward Middle School Honor Society where she held the office of historian. She was also part of the EWMS competition cheerleading team that placed third in the nation in their division. She has played softball for the Northwest Escambia league for seven years and has received the “Top Gun” award for the past three years. At Northview, Courtney is a member of the Interact Club. In her community, she is an active member of the First Assembly of God church and the “Powerhouse” youth program.
Her hobbies include going to the beach, reading books by Nicholas Sparks, cooking, watching Alabama football, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree to become a pharmacist.
Miss Morgan Nicole Digmon
Morgan is the 14-year old daughter of Mark and Tina Digmon. At Northview, she is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has taken dance at Heather Leondard’s Danceworks for five years and helps teach ballet. In her community, Morgan is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, where she takes part in the youth group program.
Her hobbies include dancing, playing softball, shopping, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college at Auburn University. She hopes to one day become a dance teacher and own a dance studio.
Miss Lauryn Elizabeth Walker
Lauryn is the 14-year old daughter of Ronnie and Joy Walker. This year, she is on the junior varsity cheerleading team. In her community, Lauryn is an active member of Parkview Baptist Church. She has done volunteer work with Byrneville’s Relay for Life team, as well as Campfire U.S.A. daycare and Byrneville Elementary School.
Her hobbies include swimming, reading, dancing, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of South Alabama where she will study to become a nurse.
Man Gets 50 Years For Walmart Rape, Kidnapping
January 27, 2011
An Escambia County man was sentenced to 50 years in prison Monday for the rape of a young Pensacola woman abducted from a Walmart parking lot on Highway 29 in Pensacola.
Willard Ray Crowder, pleaded guilty in November to sexual battery with a deadly weapon or force and kidnapping.
About 10:30 p.m. on January 1, 2010, Crowder abducted an 18-year old female from the Walmart parking lot. The woman told deputies that she was having car trouble in the parking lot when the man put a knife to her throat and forced her into the back of a van. She was driven a short distance before her attacker raped her. She was driven back to Walmart and dropped off, told that she would be killed if she reported the attack to authorities.
Crowder’s DNA was obtained from the victim, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins.
Rise In Local Flu Cases Strains ER
January 27, 2011
The flu bug is biting, straining area emergency rooms and doctor’s offices with hundreds of patients per day.
Sacred Heart Hospital is seeing a large increase in the number of flu cases and other upper respiratory illnesses treated at its Emergency Department and at the Sacred Heart Urgent Care Center in Pensacola.
The Emergency Department has seen record numbers of patients in the past week – more than 300 people per day. At Sacred Heart Urgent Care, Medical Director Dr. Fred Mixon says the number of patients with flu-like symptoms has at least tripled from about five cases per day in December to 15-20 per day in the past week.
“Most people with flu-like symptoms do not need to go to the Emergency Department,” said Dr. Mixon. “I would encourage those who have flu symptoms – fever, chills, cough, sore throat and body aches – to contact their primary care physician if possible. Other health providers such as urgent care centers or community clinics will have shorter waiting times compared to an emergency department where patients may wait for several hours or longer to be treated.”
Hunter Injured In 30-Foot Fall From Tree Stand
January 26, 2011
A hunter was injured after falling about 30 feet from a tree stand this morning in Escambia County, Alabama.
John Davis, 33, of Atmore, was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola following the accident just after 7 a.m. in the Pineview community north of Flomaton.
According to Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton, Davis fell about 30 feet onto a log after experiencing a severe low blood sugar problem. Davis managed to call his father, who was hunting nearby, for help before falling, but the father was unable to get Davis out of the tree before his condition worsened.
Davis suffered a broken ankle as a result of the fall.
Davis’ tree stand was several hundred feet in the woods, with firefighters forced to carry him about 100 yards to a clearing that was accessible only with a pickup truck.