Wreck Leads To Manhunt; Car Flips Onto Tombstone With Owner’s Name
June 6, 2010
An early Sunday morning rollover accident in Century led to a manhunt. And it created it eerie scene as flipped car landed next to a tombstone with the vehicle owner’s name.
The accident happened about 1 a.m. on Fannie Road at the Happy Valley Church Cemetery. The car left the roadway and flipped several times in the cemetery, destroying numerous tombstones. The vehicle came to rest on its side in the graveyard. Speed is believed to have contributed to the accident.
The driver had fled the scene by the time the first emergency workers arrived on scene. The Flomaton Police Department contacted the vehicle’s registered owner and transported the teen to the scene. She told officers that her keys and the vehicle were taken sometime prior to the accident. She told officers that she did not know who was driving the vehicle.
Officers on the scene believed that evidence indicated who was the driver. Acting on the information that the vehicle had been stolen, deputies called for a K-9 unit from the Century Correctional Institution. After searching the area for nearly an hour, K-9 officers were unable to locate the driver. Authorities on scene believed a passing vehicle may have picked him up shortly after the wreck. The search was called off about 2:50 a.m.
The wrecked vehicle in the cemetery presented a pictured that several emergency workers called “eerie”. The vehicle landed on it side next to a portion of a tombstone that said “Boutwell”. The teen owner of the vehicle has the last name Boutwell, according to authorities at the scene.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Century Correctional Institution’s K-9 unit, Escambia County EMS, Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the accident.
The accident is still under investigation by the FHP.
Pictured top: The driver of this vehicle fled the scene after rolling over into a graveyard early Sunday morning in Century. Pictured inset: The registered owner of the vehicle’s last name was Boutwell, and the car landed next to a portion of a tombstone with he name Boutwell. Pictured below: K-9 officers from the Century Correctional Institution being their search for the driver. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Crashes Through Power Pole, Shuts Down Highway 29
June 6, 2010
An early morning accident in Century left a power pole sheared off and shut down Highway 29 at East Highway 4.
The accident happened about 3:10 a.m Sunday when the driver of a Chevrolet pickup hit the pole, breaking off the bottom portion and leaving the top hanging from live 7,200 volt power lines. Power lines were also downed across North Century Boulevard, shutting the highway down to early morning traffic. The driver of the truck was not seriously injured.
The accident did not cause the power to go out except at a few closed businesses on the west side of North Century Boulevard. However, an unknown number of Gulf Power residential and business customers were expected to lose power as the pole was replaced.
The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash.
The accident is still under investigation by the FHP. Further details were not available.
Pictured top: An early Sunday morning accident in Century sheared off this power pole, leaving the top portion hanging on live high voltage lines. Pictured below: The driver of this truck was not seriously injured in the crash. Northescambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
NHS Class of 2010 Graduates (With Photo Gallery)
June 6, 2010
The 130 members of the Northview High School Class of 2010 graduated Saturday.
“Remember, you are the future of tomorrow,” Valedictorian Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway told her fellow classmates. “Make the most of yourselves and live life to the fullest.”
“Now is the time to make your past help you make your best futures. Use this long time coming to create the greatest longer time yet to come,” was the message from Salutatorian Clinton Eugene Davis.
Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas also offered words of encouragement to the NHS Class of 2010. “Enjoy your memories, but do not let those memories lay down your dreams. Don’t let your love of what has happened in the past stop you chasing the potential of your future because I believe you can be anything you dream you can be if you are willing to work hard enough to make the dream come true,” he said.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here. (Photos of each graduate are near the end of the gallery.)
Pictured top: Lauren Ashley Lowe (left) and Jennifer Megan Lowe celebrate after graduating Saturday from Northview High School. Pictured left inset: Christopher Antonio Moorer, also known as “Cornbread”, hold up his diploma while shaking the hand of Escambia County Superintendent of Schools Malcolm Thomas Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Graduating members of the Northview High School Class of 2010 were:
Clinton James Avery
Maranda Robin Baggett
+Tiffany Michelle Barrows
Aaron Darnell Bellamy
Grant Ian Bellizzi
Alexis Rae Black
*Jessica Nichole Bloodsworth
Ashely Noel Bonner
Patricia Sunshine Boughner
Dustin Alan Boutwell
Lindsey Ella Brewer
Johnathon Keith Buchanan
Heath Warren Burkett
Jonathan Craig Burkett
+Brittany Michele Burt
Shawn Dustin Burton
+Micah Perrygreen Byars
Zachory Derrick Byers
Samantha Lauren Byrd
*Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
+Lennie Nannett Caum
Aaron James Chancery
Stanley Terry Chestnut, II
Aimee Richa Clarke
*Kolbi Shae Cobb
Robert Charles Connerly, Jr.
Samuel Cooler, Jr.
Phillip Ray Coon
Charles Austin Cooper
Alesha Lasha Copeland
Keith Anthony Cota
Cody Ernest Cousin
Richard Kevin Craig
*Clinton Eugene Davis
Na’Keetric Devonte Davison
Kayla Marie Dempsey
Don Duran Dubose, Jr.
+Jacob Lee Garrison
Patrick Ray Garrison
Jasey Darren Gibson
Andrew Joseph Giveans, III
*Candice Louise Greenwell
Ka’Daris De’Onta Grice
Bradley Scott Griener
#Caitlin Allie Hall
Casey Aaron Hare
Kinsey Lee Hendrix
Carley Brianna Hetrick
Gavin Gray Hinote
Branden Loren Hoffmann
Shakel Quartez Holmes
Kenneth Troy Hopper
Tyler Marie Hunter
*Eric Matthew Ickeringill
Jeremy Ledarius Jackson
Thaddeus Michael Jones
Parish Alissa Kelley
Clayton Wayne Kirby
Haley Danelle Knapp
Brian Exavier Knight
Michael Rusty Knight
Angela Nicole Knoble-Roddriguez
Sara Marie Kyles
+Seth Madison Leonard
Kassandra Alexandra Lett
Courtney Janice Linton
Joshua Lee Lockart
Steven Micheal Long
+Jennifer Megan Lowe
+Lauren Ashley Lowe
#Austin Hunter Lowery
*Bradley James Lowery
Marguettia Marshall
Colton James Maughon
Megan Nicole McCann
John Wesley McCullough
Alex Laine McDonald
Monica Anne McLain
+Amber Nicole McMillan
Courtney Michelle Merritt
La’Ashia Monac Mixon
Christopher Antonio Moorer
Devin Marquis Moorer
Ariel Dorena Morris
Wesley Ben Morris
Ashley La’Shunda Muse
Caitlyn Dawn Nall
Cody Webb Nall
Kenneth Nettles
Olivia M’Lynn Nolen
Mallorie Gail Okahashi
Elizabeth Suanne Page
Cody Davon Parham
#Matthew Cody Parker
Nastassia Nicole Peacock
Valarie Justine Perry
Brittany Danielle Pete
William Anthony Pierce
Dayton Robert Porter
Magen Renee Poston
Austin Tyler Reid
Erica Dawn Rendell
Kayla Louise Rentz
+Victoria Ashton Rigby
Caitlin Noelle Roley
Charles Thomas Rolin
Sarah Victoria Roth
Miranda Ashton Scott
John Anthony Sellars
*Felicia Michelle Settle
+Christopher James Sheets
*Mark Allen Shipps, Jr.
Gary Wayne Shook, Jr.
James Peter Shook
Haley Nicole Smith
*Jackson Helton Smith
Allison Rebecca Spence
Dylan Joseph Stafford
+Dakota Wayne Stuckey
Nathan Patrick Taylor
Harmony Shardia Thomas
Dillon Baritot Vardeman
Timothy Edward Wages
+Heather Danielle Ward
Stephen Blake Ward
John Ethan Waters
Magen Leigh Weekley
Justin Leon Whiting
Damon Scott Williams
Lance Austin Yuhasz
*Summa Cum Laude – Garnet and Gold Cord
#Magna Cum Laude – Gold Cord
+Cum Laude – Garnet Cord
Unofficial Class Ranking, June 2010
Is Your Church Having VBS?
June 6, 2010
Is your church having VBS this summer? We want to tell our readers about it.
Email information about your VBS to news@northescambia.com for inclusion on our Events page. Don’t forget to tell us the name of your Vacation Bible School, the days and times, the name and location of your church and what age groups are welcome at your VBS.
There is no charge to list your VBS here on NorthEscambia.com
Crist Signs School Prayer Bill
June 6, 2010
Gov. Charlie Crist signed a once controversial school prayer bill that was watered down throughout the legislative session into law Friday.
The measure, HB 31, grew out of a Panhandle dispute where the Santa Rosa School District had teachers sign a consent decree not to participate in any religious activity at school. The new law prohibits districts from forcing any school personnel to not participate in religious activity. The measure also bars school officials from preaching or promoting prayers during school functions and organizing school-sponsored religious services.
“Our First Amendment rights, granted to us by the U.S. Constitution are absolute, and this law ensures that they remain that way,” said Rep. Greg Evers.
Evers said the law is designed to preempt future ACLU attacks on the First Amendment protections of freedom of speech, including religious speech, such as the recent attack in Santa Rosa County that led to then-Pace High School Student Body President Mary Allen being censored and barred from speaking at her own high school graduation, as well as Pace High School Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman being charged with criminal contempt of court for offering a blessing at an adults-only event.
“I applaud the governor for signing this good bill into law today,” said Evers. “Our First Amendment rights, granted to us by the U.S. Constitution are absolute, and this law ensures that they remain that way. With the signing of this bill, students, like Mary Allen who want to thank God in a commencement speech or students who want to bow their head in silent prayer before taking a test, may now do so without fear of being questioned or stopped. This law will also serve to protect school officials, like Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freeman, from special interests who would like to see the First Amendment rights of students, faculty and Floridians restricted, or worse, denied.”
First amendment advocates noted that the bill could have unintended consequences though. Frank LaMonte of the he Student Press Association in Washington, D.C. Told the News Service last month that the legislation may unshackle student newspapers from the usual oversight of school administrators, effectively putting Florida among seven states – none in the Southeast – which have passed laws endorsing free expression for students.
Northview Holds Baccalaureate
June 5, 2010
The Northview High School Class of 2010 held their Baccalaureate service Friday night at the First Assembly of God Church in Atmore.
“We begin today’s celebration by acknowledging our thanks to God for his hand in our lives during our student years. Each of us recognizes that God is the source of the grace we have received as well as the source of the truth we seek and live,” Senior Class President Candice Greenwell told her fellow graduates.
Rev. Willie H. Carter, pastor of Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church, offered the invocation. Rev. Nathan Brown of Ray’s Baptist Church brought the message and encouraged the seniors to follow and give God the glory in their lives, take care of themselves and not to forget to have fun in life. Rev. Don Davis from the Atmore First Assembly of God offered the benediction.
Music was provided by the Senior Ensemble, including Ashley Bonner, Aimee Clarke, Kolbi Cobb, Clint Davis, Candice Greenwell, Caitlin Hall, Carley Hetrick, Thaddeus Jones, Sara Kyles, Seth Leonard, Kassandra Lett, Amber McMillian, Wesley Morris, Jackson Smith and Heather Ward.
Pictured top: The Northview High School Class of 2010 Baccalaureate service Friday night. Pictured inset: Senior Class President Candice Greenwell as Vice President Erica Rendell looks on. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Seach Warrant Executed: Horses Seized From Highway 97 Stable
June 5, 2010
Three malnourished horses were seized Friday afternoon as a search warrant was executed at a Molino stable.
Deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and investigators and volunteers from Panhandle Equine Rescue worked to seize the horses from 2401 Highway 97. According to PER President Diane Lowery, the three horses were malnourished. They were located in a large pasture where additional hay and water was obviously provided.
“These three need more than they are getting here; they need grain,” she said as she looked out over the acres of pasture where numerous other horses appeared well nourished. “Sometimes they need a supplement, which they are not getting. We’ve tried to educate them (the caretakers) on how to take care of them.”
Once they were rounded up from the pasture, loading the animals in waiting trailers proved to be a bit of a challenge. One loaded with reasonable ease, lured by a bucket of food. But two proved a bit more difficult, with Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Wes Brown eventually grabbing a rope and lassoing one of them like an old west cowboy.
It was not immediately known who owned the three horses that were seized. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the case.
For more exclusive photos from the search warrant execution, click here.
Pictured top: Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Wes Brown throws a lasso at a horse during the execution of search warrant Friday afternoon on Highway 97 in Molino. Pictured inset: Volunteers from Panhandle Equine Rescue remove a horse from a field at a Molino stable. Pictured below: One of the seized malnourished horses. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Man Arrest For Assault With Deadly Weapon
June 5, 2010
A suspicious person complaint on Hudson Hill Road in Century led to the arrest of a Century man on an outstanding felony warrant Friday night. Leroy Smith, 53, of Highway 4A, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon about 9 p.m. Smith was being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond. Further details about the warrant were not immediately available.
Gulf Winds Commits $50,000 For Wildlife Sanctuary Oil Fund
June 5, 2010
Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union has committed $50,000 in a matching donation fund to assist the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida.
According to Chris Rutledge, Gulf Winds president and CEO, “We wanted to create an opportunity for the community to double the amount they give to the Wildlife Sanctuary. When they give through our website, we will match the gift dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of$50,000.”
“In short,” Rutledge said, “we want to turn our $50,000 into a $100,000 donation with help from the Gulf Coast residents.” Rutledge said that the Wildlife Sanctuary will be doing rehabilitation during and after the oil spill cleanup, and Gulf Winds wants to help them with the funds they need for the work ahead.
Rutledge and several Gulf Winds staff members took a tour of the Wildlife Sanctuary recently.
“We were very impressed with the facility and the work they are doing,” he said. “The Wildlife Sanctuary has been a part of this community for over 28 years and will be here long after the BP cleanup operation has left the area.”
Rutledge said that Gulf Winds has a strong history of supporting our community and they cannot sit idly by and wait for others to solve this crisis. “We know that the Wildlife Sanctuary will be assisting and doing all they can do to protect, restore and rehabilitate wildlife that will be affected by this disaster. Our wildlife cannot wait while lawsuits are settled. They will need our help now and long term.”
Although reports indicate that British Petroleum (BP) has committed to covering the costs associated with the oil spill incident, including the wildlife cleanup, the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida is preparing for a potentially overwhelming amount of work. Dorothy Kaufmann, Wildlife Sanctuary Director, said her staff and volunteers are working closely with many collaborating organizations in these recovery efforts.
Kaufmann said that the Wildlife Sanctuary is already involved and has received injured birds from Tri-State Rescue and Research (the organization contracted by BP to rehabilitate wildlife in this incident). “The birds and other animals can’t be released to the wild immediately,” said Kaufmann. “The oil is still out there. We will be ready to nurse the animals back to health and if needed, hold them until it is safe to release them.”
The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida is a non-profit organization that has been serving Northwest Florida since 1982. They do not charge for their services, so they rely on contributions to stay open. The money is used to build facilities, grounds upkeep, medical supplies and lots of food. During a normal year, they take in 3,000-4,000 injured or sick animals, and they expect to see a big increase this year.
If you would like to support the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, you can make a donation at www.GoGulfWinds.com. By using the Gulf Winds website, your donation will be doubled and 100 percent of the donation will go directly to the local Sanctuary.
Northview Honor Graduates Named
June 5, 2010
It is graduation day for the Northview High School Class of 2010. Valedictorian for the NHS Class of 2010 is Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway. Salutatorian is Clinton Eugene Davis. The following students will graduate with honors:
Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA and above)
1. Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
2. Clinton Eugene Davis
3. Mark Allen Shipps, Jr.
4. Jessica Nichole Bloodsworth
5. Bradley James Lowery
6. Felicia Michelle Settle
7. Jackson Helton Smith
8. Eric Matthew Ickeringill
9. Candice Louise Greenwell
10. Kolbi Shae Cobb
Magna Cum Laude (3.85 GPA and above)
11. Caitlin Allie Hall
12. Matthew Cody Parker
13. Austin Hunter Lowery
Cum Laude (3.50 GPA and above)
14. Micah Perrygreen Byars
15. Seth Madison Leonard
16. Heather Danielle Ward
17. Tiffany Michelle Barrows
18. Victoria Ashton Rigby
19. Dakota Wayne Stuckey
20. Jacob Lee Garrison
21. Lauren Ashely Lowe
22. Amber Nicole McMillan
23. Lennie Nannett Caum
24. Brittany Michele Burt
25. Christopher James Sheets
26. Jennifer Megan Lowe