Convicted Felon Admits To Hidden Sawed Off Shotgun Behind TV
August 5, 2010
A convicted felon is behind bars after admitting to deputies responding to a disturbance at his Cottage Hill home that he had a sawed off shotgun hidden behind a bedroom TV.
Brian Gray Faulkenberry, 39, is being held in the Escambia County Jail on $60,000 bond on three felony counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one felony count of possession of a short barreled shotgun.
Deputies were called to a disturbance between Faulkenberry and a 40-year old female in the 1400 block of Williams Ditch Road early Wednesday morning. When they arrived, Faulkenberry was moving his belongings out of the house and into the driveway.
While moving items of the house, Faulkenberry told deputies that he needed to go back to the master bedroom to retrieve the last of his items. He was escorted to the bedroom by a deputy. Behind the bedroom TV, deputies found a sawed off .20 gauge shotgun, bird shot, a Smith and Wesson .38 special and 17 live rounds of ammunition.
According to Faulkenberry’s arrest report, he has at least five felony convictions on his record, including one for cocaine trafficking.
Area Schools To Hold Orientations; Schedule Pickups
August 5, 2010
New and incoming student orientations, and high school schedule pickups have been scheduled at North Escambia schools.
Orientations will be held as follows:
- Bratt Elementary: Thursday, August 19 from 9-10 a.m. for Pre-K; Friday, August 20 from 8-10 a.m. for K-5
- Jim Allen Elementary: Friday, August 20, 9-10:30 a.m. for all grades
- Molino Park Elementary: Thursday, August 19 from 9:30-10:30 Pre-K; Friday, August 20, 9-9:30 a.m. for K-2 and Firday, August 20, 9:30-10 a.m. for 3-5
- Ernest Ward Middle School: August 19, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for new and incoming students
- Ransom Middle School: August 19, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for new and incoming students
- Northview High School: Upperclassman may pick up their schedules on August 17 as follows: seniors, 8:30 a.m., juniors, 10:00 a.m. and sophomores, 1:30 p.m..
Orientation for ninth grade and new students will be Thursday, August 19 at 8:30 a.m. - Tate High School: Orientation for ninth grade and new students will be Thursday, August 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Audit Shows FCAT Results Accurate
August 5, 2010
Independent testing experts back-checking results of the state’s standardized FCAT test say the results this year appear to be accurate and that fluctuations in learning gains reported by some districts “are within historical ranges,” the state’s education commissioner said Wednesday.
Commissioner Eric J. Smith said state education officials were still reviewing the auditors’ reports, but that with the “highly regarded national reputation of these independent testing experts, I can state with utmost confidence that the results are valid and our assessment system is sound.”
The superintendents of the Hillsborough, Duval, Broward, Leon, and Miami-Dade school districts had said the results in their districts showed “anomalies,” decreases in learning that didn’t seem to mesh with previous years’ scores. Concerns were raised specifically about an apparent lack of improvement on the tests taken by the lowest 25 percent of students throughout the state, and in certain lower grades. Local officials noted, for example, that more than 300 fewer elementary schools earned A’s this year compared to last year.
The audits were performed by HumRRo – Human Resources Research Organization – and the Center for Assessment.
“While there may well be some adjustments that could be made in the equating process to reduce normal random variation even further, the simple fact is that very small changes, particularly in gain scores, lead to noticeable changes in school grade scores, especially when aggregated across large numbers of students and schools,” the Center for Assessment report said. “There may be an opportunity to improve on these practices as the next generation of assessments and accountability is phased in in Florida, but for now, what Florida has been doing is based on the current state-of-the-art.”
Schools officials were anxious about the scores in part because results of the FCAT are determining factors in assigning the schools a statewide grade, but also because of a series of questions about the test involving the contractor that administers it.
Results this year were delayed by what the contractor, Pearson Education, said were glitches in its program, that it has since vowed to fix. The state Department of Education is seeking penalties of nearly $12 million for grading delays from Pearson, on top of $3 million the company has already paid in penalties.
Confident in the integrity of the results, Smith said the apparent drop off in learning in some districts must be real – and needs to be addressed.
“With accuracy confirmed we must take a critical look at this year’s results and identify the reasons why our progress has slowed in our elementary grades and why our lowest performing quartile of students experienced difficulty making learning gains,” Smith said in a statement following the audit’s release. “We must also look at the near decade worth of assessment data we have to determine if there are any enhancements needed to our accountability system that would help increase student achievement across all grades.”
Smith also said the audit paves the way for final release of school grades and that they would be out “as soon as possible.” Smith told superintendents on a conference call that he would let them know Thursday morning when they will see the final grades.
By David Royse, The News Service Florida
Escambia County Schools To Adopt A Comprehensive Drug Policy
August 5, 2010
Drug abuse is a significant problem in our community and in our schools, and the devastating effects drugs can inflict upon young people are well documented. I believe that a newly proposed District Drug Eradication policy will have a dramatic, immediate impact in Escambia County Florida– and will help thousands of district children if we enact and deploy it properly.
The Escambia County School Board (ECSB) is now developing such a comprehensive drug policy. In budget meetings held over the last several months, the funding for this undertaking was identified. In an ECSB retreat held this past July, where broad policy and overall district direction was the topic, more on the proposed drug policy was discussed. Staff will be researching all of the issues and working closely with local law enforcement and multiple attorneys to craft a policy that will be both legal and effective.
ECSB will be studying what other districts from around the state and the nation have been able to put in place with respect to drug eradication policy. We won’t be attempting to re-invent the wheel; we will be developing a policy that is tried and tested, built upon best practices, then tailored to fit our needs locally.
Although the draft policy will be brought to the board sometime in August or September for review, the broad areas of focus can be identified at this time:
- Student Safety–the onus of this policy will be on student safety and we will not be undertaking this comprehensive strategy for punitive purposes.
- Drug dogs will be deployed in a more frequent, managed, and measured fashion than in previous years. A defined pattern and schedule will be formulated and Drug Detecting Canines will be in our middle and high schools with enhanced frequency.
- Students will actively participate in formulating the district’s anti-drug slogan and advertising program.
- A more robust “campus crime stoppers” program will be rolled out and cash rewards will be given to those who report on peers involved in illegal activity.
- The inclusion of random drug screening/testing is being contemplated. ECSB cannot legally drug test all students (Like Pensacola Catholic High School does); however, we can and should randomly test those who wish to participate in extracurricular activities and/or drive their personal vehicles on our school campuses. Again, overall student safety is the paramount concern.
- Voluntary testing, self reporting, counseling and progressive discipline for those identified in screening/testing will all be factors and components in our final comprehensive strategy.
I’m very happy to see the district moving in this direction. I have been steadfast in my advocacy of this type of a policy in our schools for the last four years. I know that we cannot control societal factors which are changing rapidly around us–but we can and should do everything we can to control the environment in and around our schools. The goal should be to make our schools drug-free sanctuaries for our students. Having a comprehensive strategy will empower students to more easily “Say No” to drugs–on and off campus.
My plea for a more effective drug policy culminated with a call for action at the May 14th, 2010, School Board Workshop. I know we can’t move mountains overnight, but I also know the status quo was/is not working on this issue. Having my finger to the pulse with my own kids represented at the elementary, middle, and high school levels- I know a more comprehensive drug policy is what our schools need today, and we as a district are on the verge of fulfilling this need.
Century Making Plans To Dedicate Anthony Pleasant Sports Complex
August 5, 2010
The Town of Century is working on plans to dedicate the Anthony Pleasant Sports Complex this fall.
Mayor Freddie McCall said he is currently trying to obtain the lighting for the park from the Kayo Stanton Stadium at the former Century High School. Otherwise, the park is mostly complete. Dedication organizers will work toward having Pleasant at the dedication.
The 22 acre park was named after Century native Anthony Pleasant (pictured), a former pro football player selected in the third round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. During his 14 year NFL career, Pleasant played for the Browns, the Baltimore Ravens, the Atlanta Falcons, the New York Jets, the San Francisco 49ers and the New England Patriots. He played a total of 202 NFL games and racked up 58 sacks and two interceptions and a defensive end.
Pleasant is currently the defensive line coach for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.
Pictured top: Action between the Century Blackcats and the Flomaton Hurricanes last fall at the Anthony Pleasant Sports Complex. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
In Depth: Century Council Candidates Disclose Financial Interests
August 5, 2010
Five candidates are qualified for three council seats in the Town of Century. Paperwork filed with the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections shows the financial interests of each candidate. An explanation of terms used in the report is at the bottom of this story.
Seat 3
Henry Hawkins
137 Hilltop Road
Income
- Pensacola Junior College, instructor
- U.S. Military, retirement pay
- Town of Century, council member
Secondary Income
- none
Real Property
- none
Intangible Property
- none
Liabilities/Major Debts
- none
Interests In A Business
- none
Jacke Johnston
711 Mayo Lane
Income
Escambia County School District, teacher
Secondary Income
- none
Real Property
- 711 Mayo Lane, Century
Intangible Property
- none
Liabilities/Major Debts
- Bank of America, Dallas
- Pensacola L & N Credit Union, Pensacola
Interests In A Business
- none
Robert Lasher
61 Bradley Street
Income
Edward Jones, financial advisor
Secondary Income
- none
Real Property
- none
Intangible Property
- none
Liabilities/Major Debts
- none
Interests In A Business
- none
Seat 4
Gary Riley
7100 Roberts Road
Income
Gulf Power, retired
Social Security
Secondary Income
- none
Real Property
- none
Intangible Property
- none
Liabilities/Major Debts
- none
Interests In A Business
- none
Seat 5
Sandra McMurray Jackson
124 Maple Street
Income
- Century Correctional Institution
Secondary Income
- Jackson-McMurray Funeral Services
Real Property
- 124 Maple Street, Century
- 120 West Hecker Road, Century
Intangible Property
- none
Liabilities/Major Debts
- Pen Air Federal Credit Union
Interests In A Business
- Jackson-McMurray Funeral Services
Annie Carter Savage
170 Henry Street
Income
- Social Security
- Unitrin, St. Louis
Secondary Income
- none
Real Property
- 170 Henry Street
- 8101 Alger Road
Intangible Property
- 1996 Hyundai
Liabilities/Major Debts
- American Services Co., Des Moines, IA
- Dick Moye Auto Sales, Pensacola
Interests In A Business
- none
Editor’s note: A typographical error in the listing for Annie Savage’s “Interest In A Business” information has been corrected to state “none”.
Definitions of terms:
Income: primary sources of income
Secondary Income: major customers, clients and other sources of income to businesses owned
Real Property: land and buildings owned
Intangible Personal Property: stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, etc.
Interest in a Business: ownership or positions in certain types of businesses
Sample Ballots Are In The Mail
August 5, 2010
Sample ballots for the August 24, 2010 Primary Election are being mailed this week to Escambia County voters, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford said Wednesday.
The sample ballot includes an image of the ballot, the voter’s polling location, instructions on marking their ballot, and information on early voting, absentee voting, and voting at the polls on Election Day. A sample ballot is also available at EscambiaVotes.com.
Escambia County voters have three different ways to cast their ballot:
- By Mail: Voters may vote by mail via an absentee ballot by contacting the Elections Office by mail, phone (850-595-3900), e-mail (absentee@escambiavotes.com), fax (850-595-3914), or using the online form at EscambiaVotes.com. Absentee requests must include the voter’s date of birth and address, and must be received no later than Wednesday, August 18th. Voted ballots must be received in the Elections Office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee voters may now track their ballot status by clicking the Track My Ballot link on EscambiaVotes.com.
- Early voting: Beginning Monday, August 9th voters may cast their ballot early at any one of four area locations:
- Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor; Elections Office
- Cantonment Annex, 292 Muscogee Road
- Genealogy Branch (formerly Tryon Branch) Library, 5740 North 9th Avenue
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
- Early voting dates and times are as follows: Monday, August 9 through Friday, August 13: 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday, August 14: 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Sunday, August 15: 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday, August 16 through Saturday, August 21: 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
- At your precinct: The third option for voters is to cast their ballot at their precinct from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Century’s Showalter Wins Debut With The Orioles
August 4, 2010
Century’s Buck Showalter won his managerial debut with the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday night, 6-3 over the Los Angeles Angels.
The Orioles were fresh off a 1-6 road trip, with Showalter welcomed with hearty applause during the pregame introductions in front of 16,723 at Camden Yards. The Orioles made few mistakes and executed well for the win. With the win, Showalter is 3-1 in managerial debuts. He has two Manager of the Year titles.
“Buck Showalter’s proven track record makes him the right choice for manager of the Orioles and we are thrilled to add a two-time Manager of the Year to our organization,” president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. “We believe Buck’s extensive experience and expertise will be a major benefit to us as we look towards a more successful future.”
Showalter’s contract with the O’s is through 2013. Overall, he is 882-833 during an 11 season career.
The Orioles fired Dave Trebley as their manager after he went 15-39 .
Showalter, who now lives in Dallas, previously had three different managerial stints in the majors with the New York Yankees, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Texas Rangers. Showalter first managed the Yankees from 1992-1995 for 581 games posting a 313-268 record finishing 45 games over .500 with a .539 win/loss percentage. He was voted 1994 AL Manager of the Year after the Yankees finished first in the AL East going 70-43. There was no post-season in 1994 due to the strike. He made it to his first post-season appearance in 1995, losing the divisional series 3-2 to the Seattle Mariners.
He moved on to the Arizona Diamondbacks where he managed 486 games from 1998-2000 with a 250-236 record. His best season with the Diamondbacks came in 1999 when they finished first in the NL West going 100-62 and eventually losing in the divisional series 3-1 to the NY Mets. Showalter took over as Texas Rangers skipper in 2003-2006 posting a 319-329 record in 648 games. He was selected 2004 AL Manager of the Year with the Texas Rangers going 89-73 with a .549 win/loss percentage.
Showalter’s father was a high school coach and principal, moving to Century in the late 1950’s. He played Little League ball in Century in a thriving program. Century’s modern day Showalter Park is named after his family.
Images courtesy MLB.com
Mom, 71, Charged With Assaulting, Threatening To Shoot Daughter, 53
August 4, 2010
A 71-year old Walnut Hill woman was arrested after allegedly throwing food, assaulting and then threatening to shoot her daughter.
Margaret Phillips McCullough, of Pine Forest Road, was charged with battery and felony assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill.
The victim said she and McCullough got into an argument, and McCullough began throwing food. The victim said her mother hit her in the back of the arm, kicked her in the lower back and slammed the refrigerator door on her arm. Then, according to the daughter, McCullough retrieved a black pistol, threatened to shoot her and tried to hit her with the butt of the gun.
The daughter called an adult male that had been outside cutting grass for help, according to the arrest report. The witness said he observed McCullough pointing the black and brown gun at her daughter.
McCullough told deputies that she did get into an argument with her daughter, and she asked her to leave. She said she did throw food out of the house, and told deputies that the daughter was taking items that did not belong to her. She denied pointing a gun, and said her only weapon was a purple and white .380 caliber pistol which she showed to deputies. Deputies were unable to locate the black and brown pistol allegedly pointed during the incident, according to the arrest report.
Deputies took McCullough into custody based upon the witness statements and the victim’s injuries.
She was released from the Escambia County Jail on a pre-trial release agreement.
School Bells Soon: Print School Calendars
August 4, 2010
It’s the first week of August, and that means the start of school is just around the corner for thousands of area students.
School begins next Monday, August 9, for students in Escambia County, Alabama. Students in Escambia County, Florida, and Santa Rosa County will head back to class on August 23.
Click the name of your child’s school district below for a printable calendar.