Amber Holland Crowned Miss Northview High
January 25, 2009
Miss Amber Holland, a senior, was named Miss Northview High School Saturday night. First Runner Up was Sarah Killam, a sophomore. Second Runner Up was Katie Mann, also a sophomore.
With 32 contestants, the pageant came down to a top eight rather than the traditional top five. Top eight members were: Amber Holland, Sarah Killam, Katie Mann, Felicia Settle, Kayla Hall, Samantha Macks, Amanda Sellars, and Magen Weekly.
Other awards included: Miss Congeniality Courtney Merritt, Miss Hospitality Charleigh McPherson, Miss Physical Fitness Amber Holland, and Miss Poise and Appearance Sarah Killam.
The pageant was sponsored by teachers Anna Barry and Megan Carroll.
Miss Amber Holland was crowned Miss Northview High School tonight. First Runner Up was Sarah Killam, and Second Runner Up was Katie Mann. Pictured below: The girls of the Top 8 and other award winners. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Resident Honored As She Turns 102 Years Old
January 25, 2009
North Escambia resident Elmira Gandy Crapps turned 102 Sunday. Sunday was official designated as Elmira Gandy Crapps Day in the Town of Century.
She was born in Butler County, Alabama, near Georgiana in 1907. Theodore Roosevelt was president. A loaf of bread cost four cents. A gallon of milk was 29 cents. A new Ford? That would set you back 600 bucks.
She moved to a farm with her family in the Gandyville community in 1925, and still lives just down the road from that home.
As of last year, she was still driving, mostly to three places: the Piggly Wiggly for groceries, her church and her hairdresser. She’s still an active member of Poplar Dell Baptist Church, and very quick to give the Lord all the credit for her age and her health.
When asked her secret for a long life, she quickly replied that there was no secret. “It’s good living and a love of God. I’ve been blessed by the Lord and walk with Him,” she said. “The Lord always takes care of me.”
When asked about the biggest change in her lifetime, she said “the way people wear, or don’t wear clothes”.
She never had children, but has “a ton” of nieces and nephews. Her father, John Oxford Gandy lived to the age of 108. In 1973, the Florida Legislature named Gandyville after him. He, by the way, had a first cousin that also lived to be 108.
Saturday afternoon, friends and relatives gathered at Popular Dell Baptist to honor Mrs. Crapps. Century Mayor Freddy McCall presented her with an official proclamation in honor of her birthday, and the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society presented her with a certificate and a copies of a few documents in their collection related to her family.
The only person at Saturday’s celebration that did not seem to think that birthday number 102 was such a big deal was Mrs. Crapps herself.
“Everybody has birthdays,” she said.
Pictured above: 102-year old Elmira Gandy Crapps receives a proclamation in her honor from Century Mayor Freddie McCall Saturday afternoon at Poplar Dell Baptist Church. Pictured inset: North Escambia resident Elmira Gandy Crapps turned 102 Sunday. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
University Of Alabama Chimes Play In Honor Of Area Woman’s Birthday
January 25, 2009
The famous Denny Chimes at the University of Alabama were played Friday in honor of an Atmore woman on her birthday. Her father was among the men that crafted the chimes in 1929.
The Tuscaloosa News reports that Irma Helton, 94, of Atmore paid a visit to the University of Alabama on Friday and was surprised by the honorary playing of the chimes. Her son-in-law, Steve Shirley, had told her only that they were going to Tuscaloosa to meet a niece and nephew for the first time.
For the complete story and a photo, click here.
Deputies Investigating Shooting
January 24, 2009
Escambia County deputies are investing a shooting north of Byrneville Friday afternoon.
The incident occurred at a mobile home near the 8200 block of Grimes Road and Rockin J Farm Road. Deputies were first called to meet a relative of the victim in the parking lot of B&J Meats on Morgan Road about 3:40 Friday afternoon. The female relative then led deputies to the trailer on Grimes Road. The victim was reportedly suffering from a gunshot wound in his upper leg.
Further details were not immediately available.
Legislative Delegation Approves Consolidated Government Bill
January 24, 2009
The local legislative delegation has given their approval to a bill that would create a 25-member commission to draft a consolidated government proposal. The consolidation would roll Escambia County, Century and Pensacola governments into one.
Friday night, the delegation consisting of Rep. Greg Evers, Rep. Dave Murzin, Sen. Durell Peaden, Sen. Don Gaetz and Rep. Clay Ford gave their approval for the bill supported by the pro-consolidation group Escambia All for One. The bill will now head to the state legislature for a spring vote.
If approved at the state level, the commission would be formed to draft the proposal which would then be sent to Century, Pensacola and Escambia County for approval. The plan would be due back to the legislative delegation by January 15, 2010. Ultimately, the plan would up for a county-wide vote, most likely in November 2010.
Escambia County, the City of Pensacola and the Town of Century all passed resolutions in favor of the consolidation back in December. But the Town of Century later backed out and rescinded their support, with town officials saying that they were misled by All For One.
Background
There would be up to 25 members appointed to the commission by July 1. They would be appointed as follows:
- One by each Escambia County Commissioner from their district (5 total)
- One Century resident appointed by the Town of Century
- Two Pensacola residents appointed by the City of Pensacola
- One from the Escambia County NAACP
- One from the Escambia Taxpayer’s Association
- One from the League of Women Voters
- One from the Pensacola Young Professionals
- One from the Pensacola Ministerial Alliance
- One from the Escambia County Farm Bureau
- One from the Home Builders Association of West Florida
- One with “expertise on local government” from the faculty of UWF
- One each appointed by the sheriff, tax collector, property appraiser, clerk of court, and supervisor of elections
- Two Florida Bar members appointed by the Chief Judge of the First Judicial Circuit
- One appointed by the Escambia County School Board
- One from the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority
In addition, a Special Advisory Committee on Public Safety will be formed to provide advise and counsel to the commission. That committee would include the sheriff, Pensacola police chief, the Escambia County Community Corrections Bureau, the Escambia County Public Safety Bureau chief, the Pensacola fire chief, the Escambia County fire chief, the Escambia County medical director, and the chairman of the Escambia County Fire Services Advisory Board. Additional members will be appointed by the City of Pensacola Police Benevolent Association, the Escambia County Police Benevolent Association, the City of Pensacola Chapter of the International Association of Firefighters.
A Special Advisory Committee on Economic Development will advise the commission as well. Those members would include appointees from: Pensacola Junior College, Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Improvement Board, the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce, the local chapter of the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce, Florida’s Great Northwest, and the Century Chamber of Commerce.
Baptist Health Care, Sacred Heart Health System, West Florida Hospital, the Escambia County Health Department and the Escambia Medical Society will appoint a Committee on Health Care to advise the main committee.
The committee would meet once per month from July of this year to January 2010. A status report would be due by November 30, and the full consolidation plan would be due by January 15, 2010, to the local legislative delegation.
The commission will accept private contributions up to $3,000, but no state or local government entity will be required to provide funding. However, the Town of Century, City of Pensacola and Escambia County will be required to provide “reasonable technical, legal and clerical assistance”.
The consolidation plan would be voted on in a general election, presumably in November 2010. At that time, any property owned by the commission would become the property of Escambia County.
Highway 97 Driver Tries To Avoid Deer; Hits The Woods Instead
January 24, 2009
Two people escaped injury in a single vehicle accident near Walnut Hill early Saturday morning.
The driver of a passing truck discovered a car in the woods along Highway 97 just north of Highway 164 about 4:45 Saturday morning. Both the driver and passenger were out of the vehicle and uninjured when firemen arrived on the scene.
The driver of the car says he ran off the road trying to avoid a deer.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Atmore Ambulance responded to the call.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pictured above: The driver of this car says he was trying to avoid a deer when he ran off the road early Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
the road to the crown Part Five: Tonight’s The Night
January 24, 2009
Today, it’s part five of our five part series “the road to the crown” brought to you by Tammie’s Cuttin’ Loose and Kay Brown Photography. We are following 32 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2009.
Today we introduce you to the last 16 contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge. And yes, moms and dads, relatives and friends…the photos are large enough to print if you click them to enlarge.
The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
To see our first set of photos and bios from the other 16 contestants, click here.
Heather Danielle Ward
Heather is the 16-year-old daughter of Charles and Wendy Ward. She has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years, the yearbook staff for three years, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years. She has been a member of FCCLA for one year and the Beta Club for one year. As a freshman, Heather was a junior varsity cheerleader and was on the varsity cheerleading team as a sophomore. She has been on the weight lifting team for two years and has played softball for one year. Last year, Heather earned her training to become a lifeguard and volunteered in a tutoring program on the weekends. She has also participated in Relay For Life for the past two years. Heather is an active member of Cornerstone Christian Center.
Her hobbies include singing, dancing, fishing, hunting, taking pictures, mentoring to small children, and devoting time to her son and family.
Her future plans are to attend the University of West Florida and major in nursing. She hopes to become a neonatal nurse.
Hannah Deniece Jordan
Deniece is the 18-year-old daughter of Dennis Jordan and Anniece Jordan. She has been a member of the NJROTC for four years and is currently a Lieutenant Junior Grade in her unit. Deniece has also been a junior varsity cheerleader for two years.
Her hobbies include writing poetry, going to the beach, talking on the phone, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and major in criminal justice. She hopes to one day become a criminal investigator.
Katelyn Nichole Mann
Katie is the 15-year-old daughter of Kristopher Mann and Heidi Pittman. As a freshman, Katie was on the junior varsity cheerleading team and served as co-captain. This year, she is on the varsity cheerleading team. She has been a member of the NJROTC for two years and serves as the PT Commander. Katie has been a member of the cross country team for two years. She participated in and completed the Basic Leadership Training Camp for NJROTC in the summer of 2008. She was also one of the top five contestants in the 2008 Miss NHS pageant. Katie took first place in the 15-to-19-year-old age group in the Major Jim Ross Memorial 4 Mile Run. She also took first place in her age group at the Fiesta of Five Flags 5K run.
Her hobbies include going to the beach, attending festivals in downtown Pensacola, running 5K races, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on a NJROTC scholarship. Upon graduation, she hopes to become an ensign in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps.
Amber Nicole McMillan
Amber is the 16-year-old daughter of Mac and Donna McMillan. She has been a member of the varsity volleyball team for two years and a member of the junior varsity basketball team for two years. Amber has been on the junior varsity softball team for one year, the varsity softball team for one year, and the golf team for one year. As a sophomore, Amber was a varsity cheerleader. She has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years and a member of the Spirit Club for one year. In 2007, Amber was selected to represent the sophomore class on homecoming court.
Her hobbies include running, summer league softball, attending church, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a career in medicine.
Ashley Nicole McGhee
Ashley is the 18-year-old daughter of Howard and Michelle Holley. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity softball team. Her sophomore year, Ashley was selected by her classmates to represent them on the homecoming court. She has been on the volleyball team for one year and has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years. Ashley has been a member of the Student Government Association for two years and a member of the Interact Club for two years. This year, Ashley was selected by her peers to serve as senior class parliamentarian. In the 2008 Miss NHS pageant, Ashley received the Poise and Appearance Award.
Her hobbies include riding four wheelers, swimming, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and pursue a career in nursing. She hopes to one day marry and start a family of her own.
Magen Leigh Weekley
Magen is the 17- year-old daughter of Eddy and Lisa Weekley. She has been a member of the Interact Club for three years and a member of Chorus for two years. She has also been a member of the Spanish Club for one year and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for one year. Magen was selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court and was chosen as Junior Class Maid. In her community, Magen attends Highland Baptist Church and is active in the youth program there. She has volunteered at vacation Bible for the past two summers and has also volunteered her time at the spring carnival at Molino Park Elementary School.
Her hobbies include listening to music, taking pictures, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and obtain her degree in psychology. She hopes to one day become a social worker.
Haley Danielle Knapp
Haley is the 17-year-old daughter of Albert and Candace Knapp. As a freshman, she was a junior varsity cheerleader. Last year, Haley was on the varsity cheerleading team. She has been in the Future Farmers of America for two years and in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years. She was on Drill Team for three years and a member of 4H for five years. Haley has also done horse judging for one year.
Her hobbies include riding horses, running, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of South Alabama and obtain her degree in criminal justice. She hopes to one day become a forensic scientist.
Mallory Ann Bell
Mallory is the 16-year-old daughter of Alan and Gail Bell. She has been a member of the FCCLA for two years, where she currently serves as president. She has been on the cross country team for one year, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years, and the weight lifting team for two years. Mallory is also an active member of the Performing Arts Department here at Northview, and has participated in many of the school plays and dramas. She was also selected as an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Bratt and is an active part of the youth group.
Her hobbies include playing guitar, singing, playing the piano, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and major in psychology.
Caitlin Noelle Roley
Caitlin is the 17-year-old daughter Jimmie and Mitzy Aden. At Northview, she is a member of DCT and a member of the prom committee. In her community, Caitlin attends Bratt First Baptist Church and is an active member of the youth group and a member of the volleyball team.
Her hobbies include scrap-booking and photography.
Her future plans are to attend the University of West Florida and major in elementary education.
Amanda Ann Morgan Sellars
Amanda is the 18-year-old daughter of Anthony and Paula Sellars. She has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for three years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, and a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years. She has also been a member of Rho Kappa for two years, the Beta Club for two years, and a member of the swim team for two years where as a sophomore, she served as captain. Amanda has been on the track team for three years and on the cross-country team for one year. She has been a member of the NJROTC for four years and is currently serving as the commanding officer. In her community, Amanda has been a member of 4-H for 12 years and has held various offices that range from president to secretary. She has also been a delegate on club, county, and district levels. Amanda is an active member at McCullough Christian Center.
Her hobbies include going to the beach, attending church, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University on an NROTC scholarship and major in marine biology. After graduating from Auburn, she hopes to be commissioned as a United States Navy Ensign, where she plans to serve her country for 20 years.
Lauren Ashley Wilson
Lauren is the 17-year-old daughter of Derrek and Ashley Wilson. At Northview, she is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and a member of the Future Farmers of America. In her community, Lauren attends First Assembly of God Church and is an active member of the youth group.
Her hobbies include playing volleyball, going to the beach, shopping, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and pursue a degree in physical therapy.
Tabitha Renea Steege
Tabitha is the 16-year-old daughter of Gerald and Sudie Steege. As a freshman, Tabitha was a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band. This year, she is on the Northview Television Production Staff. In her community, she is a member of Unity Baptist Church where she actively participates in the youth group. Tabitha also volunteers her time to help with the children’s ministry there.
Her hobbies include playing the piano, talking on the phone, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and become a mortician. Upon graduating, she wants to build her career and have a family.
Sarah Malinda Killam
Sarah is the 15-year-old daughter of Gary and Melanie Killam. She has been a member of the junior varsity volleyball team for one year and a member of the cross country team for one year. She has also been a member of the softball team for two years and a member of the weight lifting team for two years. Sarah has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years and currently serves as secretary. She has been elected by her peers for the past two years to serve as class president. She was also selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court, both her freshman and sophomore years, and was chosen Freshman Class Maid. Last year, Sarah was an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. She has taken ballet for 10 years and is a member of Flomaton First Baptist Church. She is active in both the youth group and the choir there.
Her hobbies include playing the guitar, playing the piano, singing, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University.
Kristina Renea Nellums
Kristina is the 17-year-old daughter of Jerry and Anita Nellums. At Northview, Kristina has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year and a member of the Performing Arts program for two years, where she participates in guitar. She has also been a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year.
Her hobbies include reading, tutoring, playing guitar, and racing.
Her future plans are to attend the University of South Alabama, where she will pursue a major in math. Kristina hopes to one day become a math teacher. Along with her career, she also hopes to marry and start a family.
Allie Rebecca Bryan
Allie is the 15-year-old daughter of Keith Bryan. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years and a member of the Student Government Association for one year. Allie has been a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band for two years, where she has participated in both the color guard and the drum line. She has been a member chorus for two years, has played guitar for the Northview Performing Arts program for two years, and has been a part of the theatre program for one year. In her community, Allie is an active member of McCullough Christian Center where she participates on the drama and dance team. She is also an active member of the Cause an Effect Youth Ministries. She has spent time volunteering with missions work in Brazil and plans on returning there in June of this year.
Her hobbies include singing, talking on the phone, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and earn her degree in business.
Courtney Michelle Merritt
Courtney is the 16-year old daughter of Kevin Merritt and Candace Knapp. As a sophomore, Courtney was on the junior varsity cheerleading team and was the recipient of the 2007-2008 Most Improved Award. This year, she is on the varsity cheerleading team and was the recipient of the prestigious 2008-2009 Spirit Award. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for one year, a member of the Interact Club for one year, and a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years. She has been a member of the Spanish Club for one year and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. Courtney has also volunteered her time to help at the Major Jim Ross Memorial Run.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, riding horses, spending time with her family and friends, and making people laugh.
Her future plans are to attend college and become a therapist.
Items Needed For Benefit Yard Sale Next Weekend
January 24, 2009
Your donations are needed for a yard sale to benefit Drew’s Field.
The yard sale will be held next Saturday, January 31 to benefit Drew’s Field at the Northwest Escambia Little League’s Drew’s Field at Bradberry. The field will allow NWE to offer Wee Ball for three and four year olds for the first time ever. It is named in memory of Drew Marlow who was killed along with his father Danny Marlow in early 2008.
The yard sale will be next Saturday at the former daycare on Highway 97 at the Alabama-Florida line. Your donations of items that could be sold in the yard sale are needed now. Email drewsfield@yahoo.com for information on how to donate your items.
Production Halted At Jay Oil Field; Employees Laid Off
January 23, 2009
Production has been suspended at the Jay Oil Field, and almost 30 employees have been laid off.
Quantum Resources of Denver, Colorado, laid off 29 employees and stopped production due to a large drop in oil prices and the recession. A company spokesperson says the company hopes to once again begin pumping oil if and when there is an improvement in the oil market.
At peak production about a year ago, there were 72 Quantum employees in Jay. In the meantime, Quantum officials say the company plans to work to decrease expenses like taxes and electricity and royalty payments in order to return the oil field to production.
The oil field was purchased from Exxon and ConocoPhillips in 2007 for about $200 million. When oil prices soared earlier this year, company officials were quoted as being pleased with their return on the investment, even though they sold 75 percent of their rights in a bet against falling prices. The Jay Oil Field’s first crude flowed back in 1970 and was estimated to contain 100 million barrels, making it one of the largest discoveries in the history of U.S.
Special Election Set To Fill Seat Of Senator Who Died On Hunting Trip
January 23, 2009
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has announced a special election will be held in Escambia and other southwest Alabama counties to fill a state senate seat left empty by the death of state senator on a weekend hunting trip.
Riley announced Thursday that the special election dates are set for Senate District 22, which became vacant with the death of Senator Pat Lindsey earlier this month. The special election will be held to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the senate term, which ends in November 2010.
The deadline for candidate qualification with the two major political parties is February 17 at 5:00 p.m. Party primaries will be held on Tuesday, April 14. Primary runoffs, if necessary, will take place on Tuesday, June 2. If no runoffs are necessary the general election will be held on Tuesday, June 2. In the event of a runoff, the general election will be held on Tuesday, July 21.
Riley has communicated the schedule to the two major political parties and the probate judges of all counties in Senate District 22. Due to U.S. Department of Justice requirements, the special election could not be held in time to allow the winner to assume office during the 2009 regular session of the Alabama Legislature, according to Riley. Those requirements include allowing enough time between elections so all votes, particularly absentee ballots from overseas military personnel, can be cast and counted.
Lindsey, 72, was discovered dead in his bed on a hunting trip while staying with friends in Boligee in west Alabama.
Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr., and State Senator Roger Bedford were also on the trip and among those in the group that discovered Lindsey. He was discovered as the group was getting ready to leave the home friends where they had been hunting.
Lindsey’s senate district included Escambia County in Alabama. Other counties in the district are Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties.