Byrneville Elementary Releases Third Nine Weeks Honor Roll
April 5, 2011
The following students were named to the third weeks honor roll at Byrneville Elementary School:
Mrs. Barberree-Kindergarten:
- Leah Anderson
- Drake Allen Driskell
- Audrey Goetter
- Chase Hampton
- Destiny Hanks
- Johnnie Howell
- Emily Levins
- Sarah Long
- Zane Rolin
- Bryan Romeros
- Aleigh Thornton
Mrs. Dawson-Kindergarten:
- C.J. Bell
- Josh Diamond
- Aloysia Dortch
- Marina Franklin
- Jamarkus Jefferson
- Kayla Johnson
- Emily Lambeth
- Jessica Loftis
- Kaden Odom
- Aubrey Stuckey
- Cheyanne Thomas
- Savannah Watters
Mrs. Rogers-First Grade:
All A’s:
- Kayli Rodgers
A’s and B’s:
- Hunter Borelli
- Nevaeh Brown
- Tessa Flowers
- Jace Gifford
- Dalton Hanks
Mrs. Thornton–First Grade:
All A’s:
- Shelby Cotita
A’s and B’s:
- Taylor Levins
- Lillie McCall
- Torka Mills
- Dillon Spears
- Harley Walker
Mrs. Lambeth–Second Grade:
All A’s:
- Sophia Cotita
- Maille Kilcrease
- Abigail Levins
- Ty Rolin
A’s and B’s:
- Danielle Barrow
- Logan Bryan
- Maggie Mae Cufr
- Heather Knowles
- Tyler Merchant
- Trevor Scott
- Cash Wilson
Mrs. Dunsford–Third Grade:
All A’s:
- Lea Nall
- Ian Gifford
A’s and B’s:
- Skyler Busbee
- Steven Cotita
- Alexis Lee
- Hannah Merchant
- Cloe Smith
Mrs. Weaver–Third Grade:
All A’s:
- Alex Glidewell
- Nicholas Trump
A’s and B’s:
- Madicyn Bell
- Jacob Coleman
- Jake Lambeth
- Valorie Padilla
- Olivia Watson
Mrs. Gilmore–Fourth Grade:
- Seth Killam
- Tanner Levins
- Olivia Porter
A’s and B’s:
- Austin Adams
- Kris Baxter
- Patton Goetter
- Destiny Payne
- Faith Watters
Ms. Levins–Fourth Grade:
All A’s:
- Courtney Payne
A’s and B’s:
- Jacob Borelli
- Matthew Caine
- Rebecca Diamond
- Colby Graham
- Paige Killam
- Sarah Nelson
- Peyton Newsome
Mrs. Johnston–Fifth Grade:
All A’s:
- Anna Belle Barberree
- Logan Calloway
- Kayla Galvan
- Abby Hammond
- Shellie Harrelson
- Beau Henderson
- Bailee Hinote
- Alaina Rolin
- Jayda Warner
A’s and B’s:
- Jenna Black
- LeeAnne Lassiter
- Patience Newsome
- Meagan Reid
- Destiny Watson
Teen Sexting Bill Passes Senate Committee
April 5, 2011
A bill easing the penalties for “sexting” unanimously passed the Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Monday, leaving it with just one stop to go.
The bill (SB 888) aims to create softer penalties for minors caught sexting — sending sexually explicit messages or photographs electronically.
Under current law, a minor caught transmitting sexual photos of another minor faces a felony conviction and registration as a sex offender. Under the bill, minors would face small fines and would not have to register as a sex offender, though the penalties escalate with repeat offenders.
The penalties would increase slightly faster under an amendment approved by the committee, but minors would still be guilty of no more than a third-degree felony. The bill now heads to the Senate Budget Committee before heading to the floor.
No Injuries In Walnut Hill School Bus Accident
April 4, 2011
There were no injuries in a minor school bus accident Monday afternoon in Walnut Hill.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, school bus driver Clois Ladue, 63, was southbound on South Highway 99 near Tungoil Road about 1:05 p.m. when bus’ side mirror made contact with the side mirror of a northbound Freightliner driven by Kevin Merchant, 34, of Atmore. Both vehicles suffered only minor damage.
There was one student on the bus of the crash. There were no injuries to anyone involved.
No charges were filed against either driver.
McDavid Postmaster Pleads Not Guilty
April 4, 2011
The McDavid postmaster arrested last month on attempted sexual battery and false imprisonment charges has pleaded not guilty.
James Bruce Lee, 51, entered the plea through his attorney in Escambia County Circuit court. His case has been set for a jury trial in early June as he remains free from jail on $6,000 bond.
The charges stemmed from a January 15 incident that allegedly took place inside the McDavid Post Office. A female mail carrier alleged that Lee attempted to sexually assault her inside the Main Street building.
Lee provided a sworn written statement and interview to postal investigators, however his statements were not released by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Lee, who has served as McDavid postmaster since January, 2005, remains on administrative leave as he awaits trial.
Miller: Obama, Congress Must Work Together Before Committing To War
April 4, 2011
The situation in Libya has been evolving constantly since unrest emerged there in February, following similar uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, and other Arab states. Muammar Gaddafi—the man President Ronald Reagan called the “Mad Dog of the Middle East” for his sponsorship of terrorist activity against the United States and her allies—responded violently to opposition protests and threatened to treat protesters like “dogs” and to “show no mercy.”
When the opposition took up arms to challenge Gaddafi and his oppressive regime, President Obama was silent. When the opposition had the initiative, marching toward Tripoli, President Obama was silent. And when Gaddafi regained the initiative, beat back the opposition military forces, and threatened to slaughter his own citizens, President Obama was silent. For three weeks the President remained silent while the world waited for some sign of American leadership, some indication of America’s intentions. The President offered no such leadership and no such intentions.
Nor during those three weeks, did the President approach the Congress—as the Constitution requires—to seek approval to take our nation to war. Instead, who did the President consult? The Arab League and the United Nations.
Two weeks have now passed since President Obama initiated his war in Libya without seeking the approval of the Congress, yet serious questions about the United States’ involvement in that war remain unanswered. Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to question Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen during their testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. Unfortunately, their responses did little to assuage my concerns or those of my colleagues.
When one Member asked Secretary Gates to define “success” in Libya, he responded that the removal of Gaddafi from power is an important part of success. This perplexing response comes after repeated assertions from the administration that regime change is not an objective of the military operations in Libya. How can it be that Gaddafi’s removal from power is one part of the administration’s definition of success, when that element has been ruled out as an objective of the war? This is but one of the many contradictory policies and statements advanced by the Obama administration in defending its decision to go to war.
When asked about the composition of the Libyan opposition, Secretary Gates repeatedly stated that he has no idea of its composition, its key players, or its political objectives. He even admitted that the term “opposition” is a misnomer because there doesn’t seem to be any true structure to the disparate groups opposing Gaddafi. I don’t believe there should be any discussion of arming the opposition until our leaders can speak with confidence about the sympathies, intentions, and affiliations of those groups. As history has shown us, we must remember that the enemy of our enemy is not always our friend.
I was especially bothered by Admiral Mullen’s inability to project the length of our commitment to the NATO operations in Libya. This is perplexing, given the fact that the President and his administration have declared that our military objectives have been achieved. Perhaps it is the President’s failure to clearly articulate his near-, mid-, and long-term goals for Libya that has contributed to the confusion of his Military leaders. Until those goals are articulated, the American people will continue to bear the ever-increasing costs of this operation. As of this week, more than $550 million have been spent on this foray into Libya, and the Defense Department estimates that it will cost an additional $40 million per month to sustain our support to the NATO mission. I remain unconvinced that this is an expense we should shoulder at a time when our Nation bears the burden of a $14 trillion debt.
Finally, despite the policy failings of the administration, our men and women in uniform deserve our highest thanks for their loyalty, patriotism, and professionalism. They have executed these operations with the skill and focus we demand; however, we must remember that we already demand much from these brave warriors and their families. At a time when our service members deploy at historically high rates, the President and the Congress must work together—within the bounds of the Constitution—to ensure that our Nation commits to war only when we must.
Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month
April 4, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their Students of the Month for March. They are (L-R) Yhsyionia McConico,Dakota Dempsey and Ashley Davis. Submitted photo for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cat Country 98.7 Wins ACM Radio Station Of The Year
April 4, 2011
Cat Country 98.7 received their Academy of Country Music Radio Station of the Year trophies Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. Accepting the trophies from Sony recording star Sara Evans were Mary and Dave Hoxeng, owners of Cat Country 98.7. The ACM Station of the Year honor was the third for the station. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pain At The Pump: Gas Prices Continue To Rise
April 3, 2011
Gas prices across the North Escambia area have jumped 20 cents per gallon over the last month — an increase of 80 cents per gallon over this time last year.
The average price of a gallon of standard-grade gasoline in Escambia County was $3.64 on Saturday, up 19 cents per gallon in the past week. That is also increase of 20 cents a gallon from the month-ago price of $3.44, according to the daily price survey published by AAA. The same gallon of gas was $2.84 a year ago.
Analysts, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s Information Administration expect prices will continue to rise through the summer. Crude oil is at about $105 per barrel compared to the last year when it sold at $82 per barrel.
The highest-ever average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Escambia County was $4.05 in July of 2008.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office on Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy offers several fuel-savings tips, some of which include:
- Avoid aggressive driving. Speeding, rapid acceleration and excessive braking can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and by 5 percent around town.
- Remove excess weight. Avoid carrying unnecessary and heavy items in your trunk. An extra 100 pounds can reduce your mpg by up to 2 percent.
- Don’t idle. Idling wastes gas and pollutes the environment. Consider staggering your work hours to avoid rush-hour traffic times or telecommute if possible.
- Use cruise control and overdrive gears. While on the highway, maintaining a constant speed, in most cases, will save gas. Plus, using overdrive gears allows your vehicle’s engine speed to go down, which saves gas and reduces engine wear.
- Get a tune-up. A properly tuned vehicle can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
- Keep tires properly inflated: By keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure, you can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 3 percent for every one-pound drop in pressure of all four tires.
- Use the proper oil grade. You can improve gas mileage by 1-to-2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.
Pictured. At $3.66 per gallon of regular unleaded, this Tom Thumb in Cantonment was one of the cheapest stations in the North Escambia area on Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Sex Offender Arrested After Being On The Run For 7 Years
April 3, 2011
On Friday, the U.S. Marshals Pensacola Task Force arrested an area man who has been a fugitive from Escambia County for seven years.
In February of 2004, a warrant was issued for Kyriss Chamun Brown after he absconded from probation on an original charge of lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under the age of 12. In late October of 2007, an additional warrant was obtained for the 25-year old Brown after it was discovered that he had not registered as a sex offender.
Initial investigations by the Task Force determined that Brown may have moved to the 6200 Block of Ridge Gate Circle in Pensacola. The Task Force conducted surveillance on several occasions since early March and it finally paid off Friday when they saw a man they thought was Brown leaving the home as he got into a vehicle. After briefly following the car, Brown was identified as the driver and members of the FRFTF performed a felony traffic stop.
Brown was taken into custody without incident near Langley and Underwood roads. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
JV Chiefs Win Flomaton Tournament Championship
April 3, 2011
The Northview Junior Varsity baseball team captured the Flomaton JV Baseball Tournament Championship on Saturday. The Chiefs defeated W.S. Neal 5-4. They then beat Jay 9-2, and beat Flomaton 3-1 to claim the championship.
Northview 5 W.S. Neal 4
The Chiefs were led at the plate by Kevin Vaughan who doubled and homered. Destin Pizzolato singled and scored two runs. Justin Halteman added a single. Tristan Montgomery had a single and scored a run. Kevin Vaughan picked up the win on the mound.
Northview 9 Jay 2
Leading hitters for the Chiefs were Harold Harrison who had a double, and scored two runs. Destin Pizzolato had a triple, and scored two runs. Tristan Montgomery had a single. Daulton Tullis had a single and scored a run. Jerry Barlow had a double, and scored a run. Chad Smith scored two runs, and Justin Halteman added a run. Tristan Montgomery picked up the win on the mound for Northview.
Northview 3 Flomaton 1
Leading hitters for the Chiefs were Hunter Rigby who had a triple and scored a run. Kevin Vaughan had a single and scored a run. Destin Pizzolato had a double and scored a run. Jordan Coon had a single for the Chiefs. Dalton Tullis, in relief of Harold Harrison, picked up the win on the mound.
Northview improved their season record to 13-3 with the weekend wins.
Submitted photo by Chandra Rigby for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.