Cantonment Man Arrested On Child Porn Charges
June 4, 2009
A Cantonment man was arrested Wednesday on charges of possessing and promoting child pornography, including images with children as young as two.
Michael James Whaley was taken into custody by law enforcement officers with the Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit and the U.S. Marshall Service’s Fugitive Task Force, according to Attorney General Bill McCollum.
A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber TipLine indicated Whaley, 34, had placed images of child pornography on a photo-sharing website. Investigators executed a search warrant at Whaley’s house in May and seized four computers as well as over 200 CDs and DVDs. Whaley admitted to possessing and uploading the images found on the photo-sharing site, some of which were of children no older than two years of age. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the execution of the search warrant.
Whaley is currently being charged with one count of promoting the sexual performance of a child, a second-degree felony, and two counts of possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony. He was booked in the Escambia County Jail and released on bond.
Old High School Utility Bills Cut From $200K to $75K; Church Making Payments
June 4, 2009
For the first four years New Life Baptist Church leased the old Century High School for $1 a year from the Escambia School District while taxpayers footed the bill for nearly $200,000 in utilities.
After NorthEscambia.com uncovered the story on August 7 of last year, the school district went to work to sort out about $73,000 in Gulf Power electric bills and $124,000 in gas, water and sewage bills paid to the Town of Century. In an exclusive interview with NorthEscambia.com shortly after the story broke, New Life Pastor Irvin Stallworth acknowledged that the church had never paid any utility bills since moving into the building.
The problem, according to Ronnie Arnold, spokesperson for the school district, was that the space leased by the church at the old Century High shared utility meters with the rest of the complex. The school district continue to own and use, or allow use of, areas like the gym and football stadium where the utilities were not to be the responsibility of the church.
The district’s staff worked to determine what portion of the bills New Life owned, Arnold said. In that process, the associate superintendent said there were leaks and billing problems found with some of the meters.
The school district settled on $75,072,19 as the amount New Life Baptist church owed taxpayers. The rest of the approximately $200,000 in utility bills were either owned by the school district, a meter problem, or a billing problem, Arnold said.
Now New Life is current on a 10-year payment plan to pay back the $75,072.19. The church is paying the school district 119 interest free payments of $625.60, with the final 120th payment due in 2019 for $625.79. So far, the church has made seven payments, dropping the balance due to $70,692.99.
New utility meters serving the church’s leased portion of the old high school have been installed so that New Life will pay for its own utilities in the future, Arnold said.
The five year, $1 per year lease that New Life has on the building expires on October 1. That lease was negotiated by former Superintendent Jim Paul.
Current Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has told the church he won’t renew the lease at the current $1 term. Instead, he wants the church to pay a fair market rate of $5 per square foot. The 30,327 square foot building would cost the church $12,636.25 per month, or $151,635 per year of a five year lease.
Thomas has also offered to allow the church to lease a smaller portion of the building, or purchase it outright at an appraised price.
Under the lease, the school district has provided maintenance on the building, and the BOE has maintained property insurance.
Multiple DUI’s: Warrant Issued In Case Of Man That Threatened Deputy
June 4, 2009
An arrest warrant has been issued for a McDavid man arrested last month for drunk driving and threatening a deputy after court officials learned that he had violated his probation on a previous DUI convinction.
Michael Aaaron Killam, 29, was arrested in late May for driving under the influence, driving while his license was suspended, resisting arrest without violence and for threatening a deputy and his family. He was also issued traffic citations for an open container of alcohol and failure to drive in a single lane.
Escambia County deputy James Gilman was on Pine Barren Road the morning of May 20 at brush fire when Killam made a u-turn in the roadway to avoid approaching Gilman’s patrol car and fire trucks. He sped away, prompting Gilman to follow. After observing Killam cross the yellow center and side white lines of the highway several times, Gilman initiated a traffic stop on Highway 164.
That’s when Gilman said Killam headed for the passenger seat, reaching into the floorboard. After Killam was removed from the vehicle, he refused a field sobriety test and stated that his license was already suspended for DUI.
Killam was released on $6,500 bond.
The charges late last month prompted an arrest warrant to be issued this week for Killam for violating terms of his probation from a 2006 DUI case. In that case, Killam was charged with his third DUI in 10 years, refusal to submit to a DUI test and driving with his license suspended for the second time.
In 2005, Killam was convicted of his second DUI, refusal to submit to a DUI test and driving with a suspended license. His first DUI conviction stemmed from a 2003 accident, according to court records.
Century Businessman Wants Money Refunded For Sewer Service He Does Not Have
June 4, 2009
A Century business owner is vowing that he will not pay sewage bills that the town says he owes because he is not using the town’s sewer system.
James Bethea operates Panhandle Tire on North Century Boulevard where he has water service from the Town of Century.
“I don’t have no sewer service up there. I’ve been advised to come to the council and ask for my money back,” Bethea told the town council, saying that he wanted all of the money had paid for sewer service to be refunded.
But a town ordinance says that every water customer in the town is required to pay for sewer service whether they use the service or not, Council President Ann Brooks said.
Bethea told Brooks, “I can’t.”
She replied that he could use the service; he would just need to pull the appropriate permits and hook up to the system.
“Yes, I can; but, I am not,” Bethea replied.
The exchange continued between Bethea and Brooks.
“We will see,” Bethea said. “I will get my sewage money back.”
The council took no action on Bethea’s request.
New Principals And Assistants For Ransom, Tate And Others
June 4, 2009
Escambia’s top school boss has announced new principals and assistant principals for several schools, including Ransom Middle and Tate High.
School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas will recommend that the Escambia School Board approve the transfer of Brent Brummet from assistant principal at Escambia High to the principal position at Ransom Middle School.
Tate High School will get a new assistant principal if the board approves Thomas’ recommendation to transfer Terry Colburn from assistant principal at Washington High to assistant principal at Tate.
Those appointments are among several that Thomas will recommend to the school board on June 16. Here is the complete list:
- Dr. Karen Owen from principal, NB Cook Elementary to director, staff development
- Cherie Arnette from social studies instructor/department chair, Tate High to social studies specialist
- Pam Lewis from principal, Suter Elementary to principal, Beulah Elementary
- Russell Queen from principal, West Pensacola Elementary to principal, Suter Elementary
- Steve Schubert from principal, Edgewater Elementary to principal, West Pensacola Elementary
- Sue Soderlind from assistant principal, Tate High to assistant principal, Washington High
- Brent Brummet from assistant principal, Escambia High to principal, Ransom Middle
- Terry Colburn from assistant principal, Washington High to assistant principal, Tate High
Want To Go To Jail? ESCO Seeks Detention Deputies
June 4, 2009
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is launching a campaign to recruit qualified detention deputies. Beginning the second week of June, the ECSO is starting its newest recruitment campaign seeking dedicated people to become detention deputies.
The detention deputy recruitment campaign will use radio and TV public service announcements that will be airing soon, online media resources and direct recruitment at events such as job fairs. This campaign focuses not only on the benefits this job has to offer the individual, but also what the individual can bring to the job. For example, excellent health care coverage, paid holidays and high job security are a few of the job benefits that are employee favorites, while a positive attitude, professional demeanor, and dependability are a few things that an employee can bring to the job.
Ultimately, this campaign is geared toward giving potential employees insight into the world of detention, by using current employee testimonials and highlighting the benefits and perks to being a detention deputy.
“We are looking for detention deputies at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.” Sheriff David Morgan said. “Come apply; find out if you too can become ‘one of the professionals’ at the ECSO. In today’s economy there are few positions that provide immediate career potential, this is one. Don’t come looking for just a job; we are recruiting qualified applicants looking for long term employment with benefits and retirement.”
Applicants for the detention deputy trainee need a high school diploma, or GED equivalent, and certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Interested individuals that do not meet the required qualifications, are welcome to contact the ECSO for information on how to become qualified.
To find out more information including an extensive list of benefits, or to apply for the open positions, visit the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office website, www.escambiaso.com and click on “Employment”.
Flush! An Ode To Toilets: Library Kicks Off Summer Series
June 4, 2009
The Century Library kicked off its summer reading programs Wednesday with “Flush! An ode to toilets” — complete with all the necessary sound effects from Charlie “The Sound Guy” Williams.
“How’d he do that,” one child repeated over and over as Williams made the sounds of flushing toilets, chainsaws, airplanes and more.
The Century Branch Library will continue its summer series as follows:
- June 9, Tuesday, 12:00: Funny Money
- June 16, Tuesday, 12:00: Kids Can Cook
- June 23, Tuesday, 12:00: Beau Broomall, magician. West Florida’s favorite local magician will delight and surprise with magic tricks galore.
- June 30, Tuesday: No Program
- July 7, Tuesday, 12:00: Tuffy the American Quarter Horse
- July 14, Tuesday, 12:00: Color-wheel creations. Get messy with finger paints then celebrate your art with ice cream.
Pictured above: Charlie “The Noise Guy” Williams reads “Flush: An ode to toilets” at the Century Branch Library Wednesday afternoon. Picture below: Williams’ created a lot of a laughter during his library program. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Students Receive Awards
June 4, 2009
Today, NorthEscambia.com continues a series of stories with award listings from area schools. Today’s listing contains the names of all Northview High School students in grades 9-11 that received awards in ceremonies at the end of the year.
(Editors note: If you are a teacher or administrator at an area school, please send any awards lists that you might have to news@northescambia.com for a future story.)
NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL 9-11 AWARDS
Agriculture
- Exemplary Freshman: Lydia Weaver
- Exemplary Sophomore: Allie Vidak
- Exemplary Junior: Micah Byars
- 9th Grade: Charla Stark
- 10th Grade: Ashley Digmon
- 11th Grade: Felicia Settle
- Ag Foundations: Jamichael Carson
- Exemplary: Ashley Bonner
- Horticulture: Austin Arrington
- Exemplary: Heath Burkett
Art
- Visual Arts: Parish Kelley
- Exemplary: Mallorie Okahashi
English
- English 1 Honors: Amber Francis
- Exemplary: Josie Doucette
- English 1: Camilah Goetter
- Exemplary: Austin Albritton, Savannah Singleton
- English 2 Honors : Sarah Killam
- Exemplary: Christina Sepulveda
- English 2: Colton Sims
- Exemplary: Alexis Roach
- English 3 Honors: Clint Davis
- Exemplary: Mark Shipps
- English 3 : Amber Mcmillan
- Exemplary: Ashley Bonner, Courtney Merritt, Kolbi Cobb
Family And Consumer Science
- Family And Consumer Science: Emily Vickerey
- Exemplary: Allie Vidak
Yearbook
- Yearbook Editors: Kaitlyn Caraway, Clint Davis, Dakota Stuckey
NTV
- Television Production: Cody Parker
Math
- Algebra 1A: Tanya Poston
- Exemplary: Destiny Showers
- Algebra 1B : Grant Bellizi
- Exemplary: Kelly Morgan
- Algebra 1: Jacob Gibson
- Algebra 1 Honors: Holly Dickson
- Geometry: Mallory Bell
- Exemplary: Brianna Roley
- Geometry Honors: Michael Lowery
- Exemplary: Colton Sims
- Algebra 2: Amber Mcmillan
- Exemplary: Amy Conner
- Algebra 2 Honors: Kaitlyn Caraway, Mark Shipps
Band Awards
- Outstanding Freshman: Melissa Moretz, Elizabeth Wright
- Exemplary: Devon Dries
- Outstanding Sophomore: Colton Sims
- Exemplary: Justin Purvis
Science
- Biology Honors: Jocelyn Gould
- Biology: Ladarion White
- Chemistry Honors: Mark Shipps
- Exemplary: Clint Davis, Kaitlyn Caraway
- Chemistry: Dakota Stuckey
- Exemplary: Jessica Bloodsworth
- Integrated Science Honors: Tyler Randolph
- Exemplary: Holly Dickson
- Environmental Science: Amber Mcmillan
- Exemplary: Micah Byers
- Integrated Science: Chelsea Parham
- Exemplary: Camilah Goetter
- Integrated Science II: Dylan Stafford
Social Studies
- American History: Amber Mcmillan
- Exemplary: Casey Hare
- American History Honors: Kaitlyn Caraway
- Exemplary: Clinton Davis
Spanish
- Spanish I, 9th Grade: Amber Francis
- Spanish I, 10th Grade: Jocelyn Gould
- Spanish I, 11th Grade: Mark Shipps
- Spanish II: Amber Mcmillan
Business
- Digital Design 1: Ladarion White
- Exemplary: Lynsey Perry
- Exemplary: Alex Mcdonald
- Computing For College & Careers: Chris Sheets
- Exemplary: Amber Francis
- Web Design 2: Dylan Stafford
- Exemplary: Laneicia Gomez
Reading
- Reading 180 1: Aneicia Mcgee
- Exemplary: Kelly Morgan
- Reading 180 2: Lucas White, Tiffany Chavers
- Exemplary: Cory King, Shelly Reich
- Freshman Reading III: Tori Barrows
- Exemplary: Lindsey Holderfield
- Freshman Advanced Reading: Amber Francis, Lydia Weaver
- Exemplary: Elizabeth Wright
- Sophomore Reading: Josh King, Ande Giddions
- Exemplary: Kara Hardin, Tabitha Steege
- Junior Reading Exemplary: Sam Cooler, Ashley Bonner
DCT
- Blueprints For Professional Success: Megan Weekley
- Exemplary: A. J. Lambert
- Dct Exemplary: Haley Smith
Vocational
- Construction Technology: Wes Chancery
- Exemplary: Richard Craig
- Drafting: Dustin Lewis
- Exemplary: Joel Wetzel
Government Consolidation Commission Holds First Meeting; Elects Officers
June 3, 2009
(Updated 1:15 p.m.) The Escambia Consolidation Commission — the group tasked with developing a plan for voter approval to combine Escambia County, Century and Pensacola — held its organization meeting last night in Pensacola.
Seven of the committee members are attorneys and several work in the financial services field.
At Tuesday night’s meeting in Pensacola, former Florida Supreme Court Justice Ken Bell was elected chairman of the commission. Rick Harper, a professor at UWF, was elected vice chairman; C.J. Lewis, a retired Marine, was elected treasurer; and Rich Stone, Deputy Escambia County Tax Collector, was named parliamentarian.
The commission was lectured by attorney Gregory Smith, who explained that the group is subject to Florida’ Sunshine Law that requires public access to meetings and consolidation records. The Sunshine Law would also prevent any member of the committee from speaking with any other committee member about consolidation issues.
The first challenge Bell will face will be funding and support staff. The legislation by Rep. Greg Evers that established the consolidation commission provides that the group can ask Escambia County, Pensacola and Century for legal and clerical support, but none of the entities are required to help.
The commission can, according to the Legislature’s bill, solicit private party contributions of up to $3,000 from businesses or individuals. The commission is also allowed to ask for other public contributions.
The consolidation commission must meet once per month through January 15, 2010. A status report must be submitted by November 30 to the board, Town of Century, City of Pensacola and the local legislative delegation. A final recommendation is due to the legislative delegation no later than January 15, 2010. The proposal would then be placed on the ballot in 2010 for consideration by voters in Pensacola, Century and the rest of Escambia County.
The following persons have been named to the committee:
- District 1 County Commissioner Wilson Robertson: John L. Peacock, Jr., a financial advisor for Edward Jones
- District 2 County Commissioner Gene Valentino: Edward P. Fleming, partner in law firm McDonald Fleming Moorhead
- District 3 County Commissioner Marie Young: Gerald McKenzie, attorney at McKenzie & Allen
- District 4 County Commissioner Grover C. Robinson IV: Rick Finch, with Actigraph, LLC
- District 5 County Commissioner Kevin White: Russell “Rusty” E. Tanner, of Molino, service director at Hill Kelly Dodge
- Pensacola City Council: Christopher J. Lewis, retired U.S. Marine
- Pensacola City Council: Clarry Ellis, financial advisor for UBS Financial Services
- Century Town Council/Mayor: Charles L. Scott, Sr. (father-in-law to Century Town Councilwoman Sharon Scott), college professor
- Escambia Taxpayers’ Association, Inc: Jeremy Brown, with Williams-Brown, Inc.
- League of Women Voters: Sharon L. Barnett, attorney
- Pensacola Young Professionals: John Gormley, with SunTrust Bank
- Escambia County Farm Bureau: Jimmy Cunningham with Farm Bureau
- Home Builders Association of West Florida: Stephen R. Moorhead, attorney with McDonald Fleming Moorhead
- University of West Florida: Rick Harper, director of the Haas Center for Business & Economic Development
- Sheriff David Morgan: Darlene F. Dickey, attorney for the Sheriff’s Office
- Tax Collector Janet Holley: Richard Stone, deputy tax collector
- Property Appraiser Chris Jones: Enoch Leatherwood, chief deputy property appraiser
- Clerk of the Circuit Court Ernie Lee Magaha: Cheryl Maher, Circuit Court clerk
- Supervisor of Elections David Stafford: Michael Hardin, Escambia Public Safety bureau chief who has announced his resignation and is about to go to work for the Supervisor of Elections Office.
- Chief Judge Kim Skievaski: Janet Lander, former county attorney
- Chief Judge Kim Skievaski: Kenneth B. Bell, attorney with Clark Partington Hart
- Escambia County School Board: Norm Ross, deputy superintendent of schools
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA): Tim Common, with ECUA
- Ministerial Alliance, LuTimothy May
- NAACP, Dr. John Veasley
Hurricane Suiter Slams Gulf Coast In Tuesday Exercise
June 3, 2009
Hurricane Suiter slammed into the Gulf Coast on Tuesday with winds in excess of 100 mph, leaving behind damage and mass power outages — at least in an exercise conducted at the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center.
Evacuations were ordered, flooding caused problems, over 50 roads were left impassable and 100 percent of the county lost power as the hurricane made landfall in the drill that filled the Escambia EOC with about 100 first responders and government officials. From the impending landfall to the start of the beginning of the cleanup, officials practiced the entire hurricane scenario.
Dr. William Gray from Colorado State University, part of the Tropical Meteorology Project, is now predicting 11 named storms, five of which will develop into hurricanes. They predict that there is 48 percent chance of a hurricane striking the U.S. coast this year, a 28 percent chance for peninsular Florida and a 28 percent chance for the panhandle.
The National Hurricane Center is predicting four to seven hurricanes this year.
Pictured above and below: Officials prep for Hurricane Suiter Tuesday during a drill at the Escambia Emergency Operations Center. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
