Deputy, Prisoner Suffer Minor Injuries In Collision With Cow; Second Cow Accident Hours Later
December 24, 2008
An Escambia County Deputy and a prisoner suffered minor injuries in a collision with a cow about 8:30 Tuesday night in Molino. About 12:30 Wednesday morning, another accident with a cow injured a woman a few feet away.
Deputy Steve Kay was southbound on Highway 29 when he struck the black cow in front of Aldersgate Methodist Church, just south of the Highway 97 intersection. Kay was transporting Brenton Kelley, 45, of Bogia to the Escambia County Jail at the time of the accident.
About 12:30 Wednesday morning, a woman who was identified as being about 60 years old suffered a head injury when she struck a cow near Highway 29 and Bet Raines Road. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance. LifeFlight was originally called to the scene, but the helicopter was canceled.
In the first crash, Deputy Kay suffered minor cuts as a result of his airbag deploying. He was not transported to the hospital.
Kelley, who was in the backseat caged area of the cruiser, complained of minor injuries and was transported to a Baptist Hospital in Pensacola by Escambia County EMS. Kelley (pictured left in his booking photo) was treated and released before being booked into the county jail. The cow did not survive the collision with the marked cruiser.
Kelley was arrested earlier in the evening at a home in the 500 block of Bogia Road after he allegedly threatened to kill his wife with a loaded shotgun. He was taken into custody without incident.
Sgt. Steve Smith said Kelley was charged with domestic violence related battery and three counts of aggravated assault in the connection with the altercation on Bogia Road. Smith said Kay was transporting Kelley to the jail to book him on the charges at the time of the accident.
A crime scene unit from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department was called to the scene to photograph the car and cow, a common practice when a county owned vehicle is damaged.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue also responded to the call.
For photos of the cow, click here. Some readers may find these photographs disturbing.
Pictured above and below: An Escambia County Deputy struck a cow in his cruiser while traveling on Highway 29 just south of Highway 97 Monday night. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Exclusive Interview: Santa Talks About Tonight’s Visit To North Escambia
December 24, 2008
Tonight’s the big night for the jolly old elf, with Santa Claus expected to visit all the good little boys and girls in North Escambia tonight.
NorthEscambia.com spoke to Santa Claus himself by phone from the North Pole, and we learned that he has a long list of girls and boys to visit tonight in area.
“There have been a lot of good boys and girls in North Escambia this year,” Santa Claus told us. “I’m going to be making a lot of deliveries. Let’s see…Molino, Century, Walnut Hill, Bratt, McDavid, Bogia, Christian Home, Davisville, Barinneau Park, Dogwood Park, Gandyville…they are all on my list tonight.”
“The boys and girls at Bratt Elementary, Molino Park Elementary, Byrneville Elementary, Carver/Century K-8 and Ernest Ward have been so good in school this year. Even most of the big kids at Northview have been good this year,” Santa said with a chuckle.
What kind of toys will Santa have in his sleigh this year? Most everything he said.
“Wii, Wii, Wii. Ho, Ho, Ho,” Santa said with a grin. “There will be a few of those on the sleigh. “Star Wars toys, Webkinz, Barbie, mp3 players, toy trucks and tractors, makeup and even a few clothes will be on the sleigh tonight. But, best of all, there will be a lot of surprises!”
Santa’s funniest request from North Escambia this year came from a lady in Dogwood Park. She asked for a rich husband.
“I won’t have any rich husbands on the sleigh tonight,” Santa Claus said. “I emailed her request over to Cupid. I think he might fix her up for Valentine’s Day.”
Santa said he won’t be able to bring everything that every boy and girl asked for this year, but he’ll do his best.
“Sometimes kids ask for things I just can’t bring to them,” Santa Claus said. “But I always try to surprise them with something I know they will enjoy. I know the boys and girls will enjoy Christmas morning.”
Santa spent a lot of time in North Escambia this year. From riding fire trucks around neighborhoods, to the ballpark in Molino, to the library in Century, to the parades all around, Santa said he enjoyed meeting all the boys and girls in person.
In our exclusive interview, Santa let NorthEscambia.com into a little secret. That red light you see blinking in the sky around here might not be a big radio tower. It might be Santa’s most famous reindeer of them all.
“I really enjoy visiting down there in the summer,” Santa Claus said. “I like to take the reindeer down there to enjoy the warm weather. I have a buddy in Walnut Hill. We fly down, and the reindeer get to run around the woods there in Walnut Hill. Then we head over to Bluff Springs and do a little fishing. I like to visit the diner in Molino for lunch, in a disguise of course, and then head up to Century and get some ice cream.”
The most important thing for all the children in North Escambia to remember tonight is to get to bed early. Santa said he expects to be in North Escambia pretty early this year.
NORAD will track Santa around the world again this year. The kid-friendly site will follow Santa as he makes his deliveries at: www.noradsanta.org/en/home.html
If you have Google Maps on your cell phone, you can track Santa by searching for “norad santa”.
Polar Express, Starring Local Girl, Was Named Winterfest’s Best
December 24, 2008
For the second year running, The Polar Express performance was named as the best on the Pensacola Winterfest tour, thanks in part to an Ernest Ward Middle School student.
Angel Mitchell, 12, portrayed the “hero girl” from the book “The Polar Express” in this year’s elaborate production. The Polar Express scene included a large scale fiberglass train engine, accented by fog, steam and sound effects.
During the Winterfest performance tours, “hero girl” Angel Mitchell, the “hero boy” and the conductor boarded the tour buses and trolleys for a sing along with the conductor, and, in a scene straight from that wonderful holiday movie, the boy hands out Santa’s bells to everyone.
The 14-stop Winterfest tours are over for this year, but there is still time to enjoy the holiday lights on a 30 minute tour with Santa Claus tonight. The tours continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with Frosty the Snowman.
Pictured above: Ernest Ward Middle School student Angel Mitchell had a starring role in the best performance of Pensacola’s Winterfest. She played “hero girl” from The Polar Express. Pictured below: Angel, the “hero boy” and conductor from The Polar Express. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Area Resident Killed In Old Atmore Road Accident Near Flomaton Monday Night
December 23, 2008
A local man was killed in a single vehicle accident Monday night about two miles west of Flomaton.
The victim was identified as Miles Brewster Cunningham, 25, of Highway 31 Atmore. He was ejected from his 2007 GMC pickup truck in the rollover accident about 7:45 Monday night on Old Atmore Road. Authorities say Cunningham was westbound on Old Atmore Road when he left the roadway and flipped his truck between Tom Shivers Road and Christian Road. The truck landed upright in a driveway just off the road.
Cunningham was ejected from the vehicle; authorities say he was not wearing his seat belt. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
There were no passengers in the truck.
The Flomaton Fire Department, Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Department, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Alabama State Troopers were dispatched to the call.
The accident is still under investigation by the Alabama State Troopers.
Old Atmore Road is about one half mile north of the Alabama-Florida border.
For more photos from the accident scene , click here.
Pictured above and below: Miles Brewster Cunningham, 25, was killed in the one vehicle accident Monday night on Old Flomaton Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
(Some photos in the gallery are courtesy Christine Stanton.)
Young Farmers And Ranchers Hold North Escambia Dove Hunt
December 23, 2008
The EscaRosa Young Farmers and Ranchers recently hosted a dove hunt in Walnut Hill to raise funds for upcoming youth educational events in the two county area.
Fourteen hunters participated in the afternoon event that also included a meal prepared by YF&R supporter, and father, Burlin Finley.
EscaRosa YF&R, Heath Ward, shared the use of his barn and fields with the hunters, and Eli Miller discussed safety and stewardship with the attendees.
Organizers say EscaRosa YF&R’ers are already discussing the 2009 hunts and skeet shoot to benefit their organization.
Pictured above: Levi Finley, Eli Miller, Tab Jernigan, Libbie Johnson, Abbie Rolph, Sarah Miller, Jeremy Lisenby, Stacey Ward and Heath Ward at the EscaRosa Young Farmers and Rachers dove hunt. Pictured below: Heath Ward, Jeremy Lisenby, Tab Jernigan and several hunters. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Big Winnings: Two Lottery Ticket Winners Named
December 23, 2008
We now know the names of the two people that won a combined total of over a quarter million dollars in the past week from the State Line Gift Shop in Davisville.
Victor Guy won $123,754 on Wednesday. Guy stopped in the Highway 97 store while traveling to Jacksonville, N.C.
Then on Saturday night, Marvin Smith of Bay Minette picked up $135,284 in Florida Lottery winnings.
Both men won their prizes in the Fantasy 5 drawings. Both men received half the top prize in their respective drawings since they were each one of two winners on the evening they won.
The State Line Gift Shop, one of the top lottery retailers in Florida, received $500 for each of the two winning tickets as a bonus from the Florida Lottery.
Exclusive Photos From LifeFlight Over Flomaton And Century
December 23, 2008
NorthEscambia.com recently took an aerial tour of Century and Flomaton in Baptist Hospital’s LifeFlight helicopter, and today we have the exclusive photos.
We took off from Flomaton Elementary School after LifeFlight dropped Santa Claus off to visit with the children.
We “hot loaded” the EC 135 helicopter; that means we boarded while the rotors were turning overhead. After buckling up, pilot Don Scheibe took us up about 30 feet and turned a 360 degree circle. Then it was up and away, south over Century to the are of East Highway 4, then back north at about 150 mph over Century and Flomaton. We headed up to Highway 113 and back to Flomaton Elementary.
For a complete photo gallery of the flight, click here.
Baptist Hospital became the third hospital in the country to operate medical helicopter ambulance service back in 1977. LifeFlight 2 was added in Mobile in 2004 and LifeFlight 3 was added in Evergreen in 2006.
Operating 24 hours a day, Baptist LifeFlight can be airborne within minutes of a call, traveling at speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour. This significantly reduces the transport time of critically ill patients, either from a transferring hospital or from the scene of an emergency.
The Baptist LifeFlight crew is highly trained and experienced in critical care. Registered nurses must have a paramedic certification, a minimum of three years in nursing with one year each of critical care and emergency department experience, and be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Paramedics are required to have a minimum of three years experience in a busy EMS service and must also have ACLS and PALS certifications. New crew members also receive extensive additional training from LifeFlight’s medical directors.
The helicopter operates on two Pratt & Whitney turbine engines. It has an empty weight of 3,208 pounds, and a maximum flight weight of 6,415 pounds. It has a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet, a cruise speed of 158 mph and climbs 25 feet per second.
Pictured above: Looking south over Flomaton toward Century from Baptist Hospital’s LifeFlight helicopter. Pictured above middle: Looking down at the Panhandle Restaurant in Century. Pictured below: Looking north over Century toward Flomaton from over the East Highway 4 and North Century Boulevard intersection. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Century Man Pleads No Contest In Connection With DUI Death Of His Brother; Sentencing In February
December 23, 2008
Monday, a Century man accused in a drunk driving accident that killed his brother in early 2007 entered a plea of “no contest” to a DUI manslaughter charge in Escambia County Circuit Court.
John William Lance, 28, was charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with the death of his brother, Jack Lance, 33 of Holt.
John Lance entered the plea on Monday. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond; he will be sentenced February 17, 2009. He faces up to 15 years in prison.
Jack Lance was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on Highway 29 near Whirlpool Road south of Bluff Springs on February 28, 2007.
Circuit Judge Paul Rasmussen found Lance incompetent to stand trial in September of 2007 after the results of a psychological exam. That ruling was later overturned, finding Lance competent to stand trial.
Lance refused a breath test at the Escambia County jail after the accident. He was taken to West Florida Hospital where a blood test was performed. The evidence from that test is expected to be presented at this week’s trial.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Lance was driving north on Highway 29 near Whirlpool Road when he lost control, overcorrected and hit an 18-wheel log truck. Jacky Lance was ejected from the 1992 Pontiac driven by his brother. Dylan Lance, John Lance’s four year old son, was transported from the scene by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital. His injures were minor. Another passenger, Michael Livingston, 19, was transported by ambulance to West Florida Hospital. Livingston was treated and released.
Ronnie Watson, the driver of the 18-wheeler, suffered minor injuries but was not transported to the hospital.
Pictured above: John William Lance’s booking photo taken Monday after he entered a no contest plea in connection with the DUI death of his brother.
Gov. Gives State Employees A Gift – Two Extra Paid Days Off
December 23, 2008
State employees got a little present from Gov. Charlies Crist — two extra paid days off — as a token of his appreciation.
The employees will get the day after Christmas and the day after New Year’s off with pay. Many employees typically use personal leave or vacation time to take those days off anyway.
The days off are in appreciation of a job well done by state employees in the past year, Crist said.
“I thank Florida’s state employees for their dedication and the many sacrifices they make on behalf of our great state and Floridians. During this joyous season of hope, I look forward to working with each and every one to prosper Florida’s future,” Crist said. “There is no higher call than service to our fellow man, and state employees each day selflessly serve the people of Florida.”
State employees that must work the two days, such as state troopers and prison guards, will be able to take two extra days off before the budget years ends on June 30.
The Department of Management Services estimates that the two day closure of state offices will save about a half million in utility costs. The two day payroll for the employees will amount to about a $30 million expense.
Some of Crist’s advisors have been considering a two week unpaid furlough for state employees over the next year to help avoid a projected $2.3 billion budget shortfall.
Second Lottery Winner In Less Than A Week At Local Store
December 22, 2008
For the second time in less than a week, somebody purchased a winning ticket worth over $100,000 in the Florida Lottery at a Highway 97 store.
In the Saturday night Fantasy 5 drawing, a ticket purchased at the State Line Gift Shop in Davisville was one of two winners, splitting a $270,569.24 top prize. The Davisville winner and one from Clewiston will receive $135,284.62 each for the numbers 10-28-29-30-32.
Somebody who purchased Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket at the store on the Alabama-Florida border is $123,754.79 richer thanks to the numbers 06-10-16-25-27 from Wednesday night.
The $247,509.58 Wednesday top prize will split between the State Line Gift Shop winner and the holder of a ticket sold in Miami Beach.
A store clerk says a man called the store wanting to know how to redeem the Wednesday winning ticket. He was told to contact the lottery office in Pensacola. The clerk identified the man as Guy Victor, a store regular. She did not know where Victor lives, but she did say he often buys a lot of lottery tickets about once a week.
The State Line Gift Shop will receive $500 each for the two tickets that they sold as a bonus from the Florida Lottery.