VBS Continues At Area Churches
June 11, 2009
Vacation Bible Schools are underway at a number of churches across the North Escambia area this week.
For a list of VBS events in the area, click the “Events” tab at the top of the page. If you would like to submit photos from your VBS, email them to news@northescambia.com
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church sent us these photos, and the following info:
Bible School is underway at Ray’s Chapel. A big thanks to EREC for bringing the train for fun rides. Among other things the kids, big and small have enjoyed animals from the zoo, a water slide turned powder slide and great bible lessons. You still have time to join the fun 5:30-8:00 PM through this Friday!
PS DONT TELL THE PREACHER’S WIFE HE WAS KISSING ANOTHER !!!!!!!
Pictured above: Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church Pastor Nathan Brown at the church’s VBS this week. Pictured below: More scenes from the Ray’s Chapel VBS, including the EREC “train”. Submitted photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Several North Escambia Teachers, Staff Members Retire
June 11, 2009
More names have been added to the list of North Escambia teachers and staff members that have resigned or retired since we ran our story yesterday.
We wanted to recognized each, so we are running the story again today.
The Escambia County School Board has announced the following list of North Escambia area teachers and staff members that have resigned or retired:
- Deborah Emmanuel, counselor, Ransom, retired
- Sarah Dawson, teacher assistant, Tate, retired
- Janna Dickey, teacher, Ernest Ward, retired
- Barbara Dunsford, data specialist, Bratt, retired
- Eleece Gibson, teacher assistant, Ernest Ward, retired
- Idella Gideon, teacher, Jim Allen, retired
- William Hoff, teacher, Tate, retired
- Susan Hood, teacher, Tate, retired
- Daniel Jones, teacher, Ransom, retired
- Susan Jones, teacher, Carver/Century, retired
- Carol Killam, teacher, Bratt, retired
- Grace Lorenz, teacher, Molino Park, retired
- Carolyn Phillips, custodial, Tate, retired
- George Pomeroy, principal, Ransom, retired
- Ravoe Nelson, teacher, Molino Park
- John Reese, teacher, Tate, retired
- Annie Richardson, custodial, Northview
- Donna Roddenbery, teacher, Ransom, retired
- Amy Welch, teacher, Bratt
- Lynn Welch, teacher, Northview
- Tami Westbrook, food services, Jim Allen
- John Willey, teacher, Tate
- Annette Williams, custodial worker, Bratt, retired
The school board will officially accept the retirements and resignations next week.
Jay Man Arrested For March Murder Of Cheryl Cain Of Cantonment
June 10, 2009
A Jay man has been arrested for the murder of a Cantonment woman in March.
Scott Joseph Thompson, 29, of Jay, has been charged with murder for the strangulation death of Cheryl Renee Cain, 29, of Cantonment. Cain’s body was found in a dumpster behind a Highway 29 gas station in Pensacola on March 25.
DNA evidence from the dumpster and in Cain’s car were used to charge Thompson with murder, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. Thompson’s DNA was reportedly found in Cain’s vehicle, which was located after the murder at a Pensacola motel.
Cain’s wallet was found under Thompson’s bed in Jay, authorities said. Thompson was the roommate of Cain’s ex-boyfriend, according to authorities.
Thompson is being held at the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Cain’s family last heard from her about 8 pm. on March 23 when she called to say that she would be home soon A maintenance worker located her body in the dumpster the afternoon of March 25 behind a closed Shell gas station. The sheriff’s department had the entire dumpster, body inside, moved to their department to continue their investigation. Cain was identified using fingerprint records.
The location is near a McDonald’s restaurant and the Greyhound bus station. Deputies have reviewed surveillance video from the bus stations, where they removed some evidence.
North Escambia Connection: Men Busted For Misusing Charter School Funds
June 10, 2009
Two Escambia County men that were arrested and charged Tuesday with misappropriating nearly a half million dollars intended for the use by a charter school. Their not-for-profit group owns property in North Escambia, and one of the men was apparently connected with the electric car plant that was planned for Century.
Florida CFO Alex Sink and 1st Judicial Circuit State Attorney William Eddins today announced the arrest of the two men in connection with the misappropriation of almost $480,000 in state funds intended for use by Life Skills Center, a charter school for high school students at risk of dropping out.
John H. Wyche, 51, president and director of the not-for-profit Escambia County Community Land Trust, Inc. (ECCLT), and Orenthal J. Rembert, 39, treasurer and director of ECCLT, are charged with two first degree felonies, aggravated white collar crime and conducting unlawful financial transactions. If convicted, they could be sentenced to 60 years in prison, fined $20,000, and ordered to pay restitution of more than $480,000 to the state and other victims.
According to records in the office of Escambia County Property Appraiser Christ Jones, the Escambia County Community Land Trust owns a small lot off Juniper Street in Walnut Hill.
And, according to Wyche’s web site, he was a consultant on the Project Green Leaf electric car plant that was planned for Century but never materialized. Wyche also listed himself as “self-employed/electric car manufacturer” in connection with contributions made to President Barack Obama’s campaign, according to records on file with the Federal Election Commission.
“It is appalling that state funds intended for educating students in need were being diverted to these people’s commercial interests and even their own pockets,” said CFO Sink. “I applaud the diligent work of our Office of Fiscal Integrity, State Attorney William Eddins and the Escambia County School District, who were able to crack down on this theft and make sure state money was being used for the students of Florida.”
Documents filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court show that Rembert, at the direction of Wyche, wrongfully transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars of education funds from Life Skills Center charter school account to ECCLT commercial and business accounts. Documents also show that Rembert and Wyche used the funds to pay expenses of the Land Trust, including salaries to Wyche and others and to operate ECCLT-owned Maison DeVille apartments.
The arrests resulted from a joint investigation by CFO Sink’s Office of Fiscal Integrity and the 1st Judicial Circuit’s State Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the School District of Escambia County’s Office of Internal Auditing. The investigation by the Office of Fiscal Integrity and the State Attorney’s Office is ongoing.
Pictured above: Escambia County Jail booking photos of John H. Wyche (left) and Orenthal J. Rembert.
Photos: Juan Sebastián de Elcano Departs Pensacola
June 10, 2009
After an estimated 13,000 people toured the Spanish tall ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, she headed out of the Port of Pensacola late Tuesday afternoon. Many NorthEscambia area residents were among those that toured the ship during its week stay in Pensacola.
The Elcano and its crew of 300 sailors were in Pensacola for the 450th anniversary celebration of the city as well as the 60th anniversary of the Fiesta of Five Flags.
Pictured above and below: The Spanish tall ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano departs Pensacola Tuesday afternoon. Submitted photos by Brenda Kahalley of Molino for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Child Porn Busts; State Says Child Porn Distribution In North Escambia
June 10, 2009
Child pornography is a widespread problem in Florida, with state officials saying child porn is being distributed here in North Escambia.
Tuesday, Governor Charlie Crist was joined by Attorney General Bill McCollum, America’s Most Wanted host John Walsh, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey to announce the results of a statewide “Operation Orange Tree” to crack down on some of the state’s most egregious worst pornographers.
Authorities also released a map (pictured above) depicting the “locations from which child pornography is being distributed”, with orange squares depicting the locations of those that state officials say are trading child porn. There are at least six locations pinpointed on the map from Cantonment north to the Alabama state line, and there are many more in the southern half of Escambia county and in Santa Rosa County.
“Nothing is more important than keeping Florida’s children safe from cybercrime predators, and I applaud all of the law enforcement officers involved in Operation Orange Tree,” Governor Crist said. “As a state, we must remain diligent in continuing the battle to stop sex offenders before they can prey on our children.”
During the investigation, law enforcement executed 90 search warrants and seized thousands of child pornography photos and videos. Five children who were subjects of child pornography or otherwise sexually victimized were rescued.
In many cases, investigators targeted individuals possessing large quantities of child pornography on their computer. Seventeen of the individuals arrested possessed a highly explicit video tutorial that law enforcement recently discovered circulating online. The video instructs users on methods to molest children ranging in age from infant to adolescent, and tips for avoiding detection.
“Operation Orange Tree is a national model that I plan to take around the country to share with other states and other Governors,” said John Walsh. “Today I am proud to be a Floridian. The cooperation that led to the arrest of these predators and Florida’s use of state-of-the art technology has pushed our state ahead in the battle to capture these individuals.”
“Cooperation is the best way for law enforcement to fight child pornography,” said Attorney General McCollum. “I would love to see more state partnerships develop to maximize our resources.”
Individuals arrested ranged from ages 17 to 83 and included two registered sex offenders. The operation ran primarily from mid-March through May, with arrests occurring as recently as yesterday morning. A total of 23 agencies participated in the joint effort, with Polk County Sheriff’s Office making 45 of the arrests. In addition to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of the Attorney General, many local law enforcement agencies participated in the arrests.
There were no arrests made in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties in connection with Operation Orange Tree. The closest arrest to North Escambia was near Panama City.
“Florida is enhancing and fine-tuning the way we go about investigating these cyber predators,” Commissioner Bailey said. “This should send a loud and clear message that our tactics and technologies will be aggressive and will always catch up with those who trade images of children being sexually violated.”
According to the Federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Florida ranks fourth in the nation in volume of child pornography. On October 1, 2007, Governor Crist signed the CyberCrimes Against Children Act making Florida one of the leading states in the nation with laws against cybercrimes that target children. The new law increased penalties for cybercrimes, including the possession or distribution of child pornography online.
As Attorney General, Charlie Crist established the Child Predator/CyberCrime Unit in August 2005 in response to several tragic murders of children in Florida. The unit investigates and prosecutes computer-assisted crimes against children. The CyberCrime Unit now has 30 members and five offices statewide.
Pictured above: The orange squares represent the locations where state officials said child pornography was being distributed. Pictured below is the entire state. Submitted graphics for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kids Learn About Funny Money At Century Library
June 10, 2009
The secrets of money were unlocked Tuesday as the summer reading program continued at the Century Branch Library.
In the “Funny Money Reading Fun” program, Dorothy Lee with the Escambia County Extension Service shared her know-how and secrets such as how to read a dollar bill and why there is a pyramid. Children of all ages had fun playing games and learning all about money.
Next week, the summer reading series will continue at the Century Branch Library with “Kids Can Cook”. The free program will be at noon next Tuesday, June 16. For more information, contact the library at (850) 256-6217.
Pictured: Children learn about money Tuesday afternoon during the summer reading series at the Century Branch Library. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High Announces Honor Rolls
June 10, 2009
Northview High School has released high honor and honor rolls for the fourth nine-week grading period.
Students on the High Honor Roll, with a 4.0, are:
9th Grade:
Holly Nicole Dickson
Amber Dianne Francis
Elizabeth Ashley Wright
10th Grade
Hillary Kate Byrd
Ashley Elizabeth Digmon
James Tyler Garrett
Jocelyn Marlese Gould
Sarah Malinda Killam
Michael Todd Lowery
Stephanie Katlynn Miller
Christina Nicole Sepulveda
Hayley Renee Simpson
Colton Darryl Sims
Stephanie Leann Solari
11th Grade
Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
Clinton Eugene Davis
Mark Allen Shipps Jr.
12th Grade
Gretchen Denea Boughner
John Louis Handrop
Jody Wade Levins
Frederick Lamario Smith
Ashley Arlene Snow
Students on the Honor Roll, with 3.5-3.99 average, are:
9th Grade
Arthur Jacob Baldwin
Jacob Nathaniel Gibson
Camilah Joy Goetter
Chelsea Grace Parham
Alexander Dewayne Payne
Tyler Lindsay Randolph
Joel Nathaniel Wetzel
10th grade
Mallory Ann Bell
Brandi Shabril Boggan
Allie Rebecca Bryan
Allyson Michelle Bullard
Sara Lynn Conner
Laneicia Dinette Gomez
Kara Renae Hardin
Shaniqua Shanell Jones
David Aaron Lambert Jr.
Dabney Harrison Langhorne
Dustin Neal Lewis
Brittany Cheyenne Peebles
Dixie Lynn Picheo
Derrick Edward Portis Jr
Alexis Haylee Roach
Brianna Renae Roley
Megan Juliette Ryan
Joshua Clayton Scott
Dimond Brooke Tullis
Emily Faith Vickrey
Allison Ayers Vidak
Ladarion Bernard White
Katie Marie Wieborg
11th grade
Jessica Nicole Bloodsworth
Kolbi Shae Cobb
Candice Louise Greenwell
Bradley James Lowery
Amber Nicole McMillan
Felicia Michelle Settle
Dakota Wayne Stuckey
12th grade
Richard Kyle Braun
Kayla Sue Brewer
Clarence Alfred Brown III
Coty James Chance
Amy Nicole Conner
Lanie Jeannine Eubanks
Whitney Michelle Flurnoy
Michael Lee Frye
Jamison Blayne Garrett
Melissa Nicole Garrett
Briana Renea Halteman
Stormy Brooke Hayes
Amber Renae Holland
Luke Fletcher Killam
Samantha Parry Merritt
Timeka Janay Marshall
Samantha Parry Merritt
Jessica Maria Mothershed
Summer Denise Sanders
Amanda Morgan Sellars
Aaron Richard Sharpless
James Anthony Sharpless
Chelsea Ellen Sims
Amie Jolynn Sutton
Garbell Sharda Wesley
Kayla Dlaine Wheeler
Still No Arrest In Saturday Shooting Atmore Atmore Apartment Complex
June 9, 2009
(Updated) The Atmore Police Department is still searching for the suspects involved in a shooting that occurred Saturday morning at an apartment complex.
“Two black males forced their way into the apartment shared by the victim and his family, Atmore Police Investigator Robbie Williams said witnesses told his department. “The victim was forced to lie on the floor at gunpoint while the rest of the family was told to go into another room. The victim was bound and shot twice in the legs. He also suffered a blunt force injury to the head. The offenders were seen leaving in a silver colored car with tinted windows.”
The shooting was reported about 11:30 Saturday morning at McRae Apartments. The victim was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital.
Atmore Police were searching for a silver four-door vehicle that fled the scene. The vehicle was possibly a Lincoln Town Car occupied by at least two black males according to witnesses that saw the vehicle fleeing the area.
A vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description with a Monroe County (Ala.) tag was spotted at Atmore Community Hospital where family of the shooting victim had gathered. The vehicle fled the area of the hospital before police arrived. Units from the Atmore Police Department located the vehicle behind the Wind Creek Casino on Highway 21. At least one person in that vehicle was taken into custody for questioning about 2:15 Saturday afternoon, but no arrest was made.
This is an update to a story NorthEscambia.com first reported early Saturday afternoon.
Carver/Century Teachers Transferred To Bratt, EWMS, Molino Park, Northview
June 9, 2009
The Escambia County School board has announced reassignments for most Carver/Century K-8 teachers.
Ten of the teachers will be transferred to Bratt Elementary School, and three will be transferred to Ernest Ward Middle School. Others will transfer to Ransom, Sid Nelson, Northview, Molino Park, Ferry Pass Middle and Scenic Heights.
The following is the list released of teachers and staff being transferred from Carver/Century:
- Baggett, Victoria to Northview
- Bateman, Lucinda to Ransom
- Blanton, Janna to Sid Nelson
- Cassady, Sarah to Bratt
- Foster, Shannon to Bratt
- Fountain, Venetia to Molino Park
- Gafford, Wanda to Northview
- Gill, Brandalyn to Bratt
- Harrell, Brenda to Bratt
- Harris, Detria to Ernest Ward
- Hendrix, Deanna to Ernest Ward
- Jernigan, Paula to Ernest Ward
- Jokela, Carol to Bratt
- Jones, Lorenzo to Northview
- Kyser, Diane to Bratt
- Lowry, Janet to Bratt
- McMonigle, Michael to Ferry Pass Middle
- Norton, Amy to Bratt
- O’Neill, James to Woodham Middle
- Robertson, Lillian to Scenic Heights
- Stephens, Tegan to Bratt
- Stuckey, Leah to Bratt
The Escambia County School Board voted to close Carver/Century K-8 School at the end of the 2008-2009 school year. Tenured teachers were guaranteed positions elsewhere in the district according to their contracts. The transfers will become final once approved by the school board on June 16,
Pictured above: Carver/Century Principal Jeff Garthwaite pours a glass of sparkling grape juice for Teacher of the Year Susan Jones at a staff lunch at the school. Jones retired after 35 years in the classroom. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.