After 39 Years On His First Job, Bratt Elementary Custodian Retires
January 5, 2016
Willie Fountain of Walnut Hill has retired as the head custodian at Bratt Elementary School, where had worked since he was just 15-years old.
In 1976, Fountain was placed in a summer custodial job at Bratt Elementary by Ruby Amerson Wells, then-supervisor of the Escambia County School District’s Summer Youth and Employment Training Program. Fountain returned each summer and accepted a full time job at Bratt when he graduated from Ernest Ward High School. He was promoted to head custodian in 1981.
His last official day on the job was back in December, with an official retirement date of December 31.
He considered leaving Bratt Elementary only once before when the Century prison opened and was being staffed.
“I decided this isn’t for me,” Fountain recounted Monday about studying for a prison job. “I decided I was just going to stay where I was at. I did put my son there; he’s a correctional officer.”
‘You are irreplaceable,” current Bratt Elementary Principal Jeanene Hall said Monday during a retirement reception Monday at the school.
Numerous current and former teachers and school staff members shared stories about Fountain’s 39 years at Bratt Elementary — from the serious like recovering from hurricanes to the lighthearted like removing a snake from a classroom. Almost every story of Fountain’s decades at Bratt included laughter, because, as numerous educators attested, laughter was just Fountain’s way.
“I don’t know what we are going to do without you Willie,” Hall said. “You made things really easy. I can’t ever thank you enough.”
For now, Fountain said he’s ready for retirement and time in the great outdoors. “Fishing and hunting,” he said. “I have a whole lot of fishing and hunting to do.”
Also ready to go fishing is Bratt office employee Karen Brown, who was also honored Monday because she retires in a couple of months following 10 years at Bratt, about 35 total in education. “You are also irreplaceable,” Hall told Brown.
The group also recognized Sharon Cardwell, who was unable to attend, upon her retirement after 40 years in education.
Pictured top: Ruby Amerson Well (standing, left) found Willie Fountain (right) his first-ever job at Bratt Elementary School. Pictured bottom inset: Bratt retiree Karen Brown. Pictured below: Bratt Elementary School Principal Karen Hall shares written stories about retirees during a luncheon Monday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2015 In Photos: October And November
January 4, 2016
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at October and November.
The Tate High School Showband of the South announced that they headed to Hawaii in December 2016 to take part in the 75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Mass Band. They will join bands from around the United States and Japan in a concert commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
First graders at Molino Park Elementary School completed pumpkin book report projects. The students read a great book, wrote a book report and decorated a pumpkin (with mom and dad’s help) as a book character..
Pine Forest defeated Tate 47-28 in the District 1-6A championship game.
The Northview Chiefs and the Baker Gators battled it out in Bratt for the District 1-1A championship, with Baker coming out on top 35-21.
Participants in the Escambia County Farm Tour visited several locations in October, including the pictured West Florida Gin.
The Tate High School Showband of the South earned straight superiors at the District 1 High School Marching MPA performances in October.
The Northview High School FFA chapter was awarded one of the highest national honors presented by the National FFA in Louisville, KY. Northview’s FFA received the Two Star Chapter award during the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church on West Bogia Road in McDavid celebrated 125 years during the church’s annual homecoming services.
Students at Molino Park Elementary School went back to the 50’s to celebrate the 50th day of the school year in late October.
The children at Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center recently held their seventh annual Trike-A-Thon in support of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
The community gathered in Molino to remember Marine Cpl. J.R. Spears who was killed by a single gunshot wound in Iraq 10 years ago.
CrossFaith Church in Molino held their annual “Ride to Remember” motorcycle ride to benefit local Alzheimer’s victims and their families.
Cantonment residents took part in a Homecoming Fall Festival at Carver Park.
A giant generator turbine passed through North Escambia in October.
The Northview High School Tribal Spirit yearbook staff was honored with a Gold Medal from the nationally recognized Columbia Scholastic Press Association, affiliated with Columbia University in New York City and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.
A benefit piano concert at Highland Baptist Church raised $1,300 for the the music program at Molino Park Elementary School.
The Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Men’s Pumpkin Patch was open once again at the corner of Highway 29 and Neal Road.
Over 1,375 volunteers from nearly 100 companies were hard at work across Escambia County as part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring on 84 projects at nonprofit agencies and schools, including volunteers at Bratt Elementary School.
The Northview Chiefs earned a 1A playoff berth with a 7-0 win over the Jay Royals.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue presented a fire safety program at Bratt Elementary School. The students also had a chance to sit in a fire truck and ask questions about equipment.
Hundreds of pumpkins arrived at St. Luke United Methodist Church on Nine Mile Road.
The Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles ended a perfect season with a win over Escambia County Middle School of Atmore.
Volleyball season continued for Tate and Northview.
Savannah Roux was named Northview High School homecoming queen.
The Northview High School Homecoming Parade rolled through Bratt in October.
The Jay Royals held their annual Homecoming Parade.
An official grand opening ceremony was held for the new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
Tate High School graduate Matthew Bailey appeared during ” on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. He didn’t bring home the million, but did win $20,000. Bailey is a 2013 honors graduate from Tate High School.
The Northview High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) sponsored a student led worship event “Fields of Faith” in the Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
Molino Park Elementary School held a “Community Helpers Day”.
Two Northview High School cheerleaders tumble across the field.
The Northview High School Dance Team performs.
October was time for the annual Jay Peanut Festival.
The iconic Fran’s Country Grill in Molino closed for good in October after a farewell and retirement party. The restaurantwas sold to nearby competitor Jimmy’s Grill and reopened under that name.
The Tate Aggies earned a district win over Washington.
The Health and Hope Clinic in Century closed due to a lack of funding, leaving the medically needy in the Century area with little, or perhaps no, access to health care.
Numerous pedestrian related improvements were underway over a 15-mile stretch of Highway 29 in North Escambia, most of them in Century.
A November sunset on Escambia Bay.
Pensacola’s iconic Graffiti Bridge was painted in support of the Tate High School Aggies early one November Saturday morning, following Tate’s 21-20 win over Niceville to claim the 6A Regional 1 championship.
About 160 volunteers spent their Thanksgiving working to feed the less fortunate at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Turkey, dressing, gravy — all the fixings and dessert were served to about 1,000 people in need.
Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center held a Thanksgiving feast for children and their parents.
The Miracle League of Pensacola held their annual turkey fry fundraiser.
About 200 students from schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties worked in fields near Jayto harvest collards and bag sweet potatoes that fed hundreds of needy families for Thanksgiving.
The Tate High School Aggies continued their march toward state with a 31-7 win over the Pine Forest Eagles in the Region 1-6A semifinals.
A driver was was taken into custody for driving with a suspended license, and he will be cited for improper passing following an accident at Ernest Ward Middle
These Ransom Middle School academic teams competed recently in Tallahassee, with one team walking away qualified to move on to the national level.
Fire ripped through the garage of a home in the Pine Forest Estates subdivision off Pine Forest Road in Cantonment.
One person was injured when their vehicle was struck by a train in Atmore.
An arts, crafts and car show was held at Highland Baptist Church in Molino.
Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill held a program to honor veterans.
Seventh grade students at Ransom Middle school had a real-world lesson on voting, using real-world voting equipment, and voting on their choice for the next president.
Escambia County Teacher of the Year, Anna Barry of Northview High School, flew with the Blue Angels.
Many students at Jim Allen Elementary School spent their Saturdays in a mentoring program with students from the Center for Information Dominance Unit (CIDU) Corry Station.
Heavy downpours did not stop a community-wide Fall Festival in Molino.
A fiery halftime performance at Northview High School.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Perdido River Flooding Subsides, Logs Left Behind
January 3, 2016
Flooding along the Perdido River at Barrineau Park has subsided, but a large log jam against the bridge was left behind. These photos were taken Saturday afternoon from the Barrineau Park Road Bridge on the Florida/Alabama state line. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pvt. Joslin M. Frye Graduates From Basic Training
January 3, 2016
Army National Guard Pvt. Joslin M. Frye has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
Frye is the daughter of Carl J. Staples and Jacqueline J. Frye, and granddaughter of Dorothy L. Dale, all of Atmore.
She is a 2010 graduate of Escambia County High School in Atmore. She earned an associate degree in 2014 from Fortis Institute in Pensacola.
2015 In Photos: August And September
January 3, 2016
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at August and September.
Put on a ring on it: Tate’s state champion softball team received their rings during an August Friday night football game.
The Tate Aggies opened their first season under new coach Jay Lindsey with a big 38-7 win over Biloxi.
The 6A Crestview Bulldogs defeated the 1A Northview Chiefs in Crestview.
Between 12,000 and 15,000 pounds of food were distributed in cooperation with Pensacola Caring Hearts and the Bay Area Food Bank at the Abundant Life Assembly of God Church in Century.
Ernest Ward Middle School beat Jay.
There were no injuries when a driver crashed into a house on Highway 29 near Cox Road in McDavid.
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A rainbow over International Paper in Cantonment during August.
The Escambia County School voted to name the gymnasium at Ransom Middle School as the “Joseph E. Murphy Gymnasium” in honor of Joseph E. Murphy.
The Cantonment Improvement Committee provided free school supplies at Carver Park.
A prayer walk was held before the start of school at Byrneville Elementary.
The annual back to school Prayer Walk was held at Molino Park Elementary School. Students and adults from Highland Baptist Church prayed for the Lord’s blessings on the upcoming school year.
Volunteers from the Ensley Lowes and the local community came together in August to spruce up the Atmore Area YMCA.
A double rainbow in Barrineau Park.
Free school supplies were available in August in Century for hundreds of children in need, thanks to a family honoring the memory of one of their own, in a program called “Deidra’s Gift”.
A driver slammed his pickup truck into a home on Tara Dawn Circle off East 10 Mile Road in September. There were no injuries.
Retired Veterans Affairs Service Officer Mike Hanks was honored with a retirement reception by VFW Post 7016 and the American Legion Post 90 at the American Legion Hall in Atmore.
A bat house moved to the 4-H property in Molino has enough space for 50,000 bats.
Molino Park Elementary School held a Fifth Grade Grandparents breakfast.
The Northview High School Tribal Beat Band during a Friday night performance.
Escambia Fire Rescue Walnut Hill District Chief Chris Brown was credited for saving a man’s life during a mobile home fire near Century.
The Northview Chiefs defeated Van Cleave, MS, in Bratt.
Teams meat for the coin toss at Northview High School as the sun sets in the west.
Ernest Ward Middle School defeated Jay.
September was time for high school volleyball.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to investigate this vehicle fire near Bratt.
A Barrineau Park Community Gathering was held at the community center on Barrineau Park School Road. Residents of Barrineau Park were joined by friends, family and neighbors for a day of family fun.
Hundreds of students gathered to pray at their schools in across the area during the annual See You at the Pole event.
The Century Town Council approve a property tax increase during September.
Award winning country music group The Band Perry made a surprise visit to Escambia County High School in Atmore.
Alli Bell was named the 2015 Homecoming Queen at Tate High School.
A Cantonment man was arrested peacefully after shooting at a deputy and an armed standoff .
District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry held a town hall meeting in Walnut Hill.
The University of West Florida held their first-ever football scrimmage in September.
With feats like crushing concrete and bending steel, the Strength Team brought their strong inspirational messages to Highland Baptist Church, Molino Park Elementary and Jim Allen Elementary.
The Tate High School Drama Department presented “110 Stories”, a powerful look back at the September 11 attacks through the eyes of those that were there.
World renowned organist Tom Helms performed at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino, his boyhood home.
The Tate Aggies beat West Florida High School 17-3 at Woodham Middle School.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2015 In Photos: June
January 2, 2016
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at June.
Brent Brummet, principal of Ransom Middle School, and John Spolksi, principal of Fort Walton Beach High School, stopped by the office of Rep. Jeff Miller in Washingto to discuss education policy.
A Little Free Library was made available in Carver Park in Cantonment.
The winners of the $25,000 Century Business Challenge were named at the Century Business Center. Judges decided to split the $25,000 prize — with $20,000 going to East Hill Academy to be used toward a special needs school in Century and $5,000 to the Abundant Life Children of Hope Center childcare center.
Gov. Rick Scott wrapped up a whirlwind seven-city “tax cut victory tour” with a stop in Pensacola, touting a tax-cut package that he signed into law last week.
A member of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit with a one-pot meth lab discovered during a traffic stop in Century.
A brush and grass fire consumed a few acres west of Century on a June afternoon.
A new Healthy Start location opened in Century.
Benjamin Michael Stott of Bratt was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank.
Magical Poodles performed at the Century and Molino libraries as part of their Summer Reading Clubs.
FWC freshwater fisheries researchers and herpetologists recently caught an alligator gar, alligator snapping turtle and an American alligator while conducting different studies at the same time on the Escambia River.
The Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center held a VPK graduation ceremony.
A June sunset in Walnut Hill.
The Tate High School Class of 2015 graduated in June at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County Schools and Escambia County Fire and EMS conducted a joint training exercise at Woodham Middle School.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2015 In Photos: July
January 2, 2016
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at July.
Afternoon temperatures approached 100 degrees in late July.
A deployment ceremony was held in Juy in Pensacola for the Florida Army National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 153rd Cavalry Regiment. Almost 100 members of the squadron are deploying to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Town of Century completed a $176,000 paving project on several streets.
A July North Escambia sunset.
Traffic on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill was transitioned to a temporary roadway and bridge, part of the replacement of a 75-year old bridge over Little Pine Barren Creek.
The Town of Century held budget workshops to prepare for their new fiscal year.
The Pensacola State College youth gymnastics team flipped, tumbled and entertained during a display at the Century Branch Library as part of their Summer Reading Series.
Fire destroyed this mobile home south of Century on North Canoe Road during July.
Darrin Smith of Byrneville caught this huge flathead catfish on the Escambia River near Bluff Springs using a rod and reel. The fish weighed in at 50.5 pounds — 4.5 pounds short of the state record.
The Blue Angels did not disappoint during their annual show on Pensacola Beach.
Fat Albert was also a hit during the annual airshow during July at Pensacola Beach.
Fireworks let up the sky during a show sponsored by Century and Flomaton at Hurricane Park.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2015 In Photos: May
January 1, 2016
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at May.
A new traffic signal was installed at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino. The signal was in flash-only mode for several weeks before becoming active.
Reimagine Century’s goal was to breathe new life into Century, where the faithful reached out to touch the hearts and lives of area residents in need.
Blountstown defeated the Northview Chiefs in the Class 1A state semifinal game at Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers.
The first eighth grade class to attend the newly rebuilt Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill ended their middle school careers in May with smiles, shouts and tears.
Just over 100 members of the Northview High School Class of 2015 graduated in May.
During the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, with letter carriers in Escambia County collecting tons and tons of food to benefit local groups like the Manna Food Pantries.
The Northview High School Theatre Department presented the Broadway musical “Hairspray”.
The Tate High School Lady Aggies beat Sarasota 8-1 in Vero Beach to claim the FHSAA Class 7A state championship.
The Chiefland Indians defeated the Jay Royals 3-2 in eight innings for the Class 1A softball state championship.
The first Molino Crawfish Festival was held.
Molino’s new red light, speeding, paving and parks were the hot topics during a District 5 town hall meeting hosted by Commissioner Steven Barry and county department heads.
A National Day of Prayer event was held in Molino.
Workers on top of a 12-foot tall water tower in Bratt.
A dedication ceremony and open house were held at the new Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment.
The 41st annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo was held Saturday in Walnut Hill.
Sawmill Day was held in Century during May.
An open house and ribbon cutting was held for the Abundant Life Children of Hope Center, a new daycare, in Century.
Northview and Jay met in a Spring football game.
Northview and Jay met in a Spring football game.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held a Clean Sweep operation in the Cottage Hill area.
Tate High School’s Tori Perkins was named the Class 7A softball player of the year, and Tate coach Melinda Wyatt was named the 7A coach of the year by the Florida Dairy Farmers.
Memorial Day services honored the fallen.
Ransom, Ernest Ward and Workman middle school met in a track meet.
Ernest Ward Middle School teacher Connie Chamberlin received a lunchtime surprise, as her soldier son popped into the school cafeteria as he was home on leave.
A ribbon cutting was held for improvements at Carver Park in Cantonment, including a renovated community resource center, enlarged parking lot, volleyball court and re-striped basketball court.
Heather Leonard’s Danceworks 20th annual recital was held at Northview High School.
The Greater First Baptist Church of Cantonment celebrated their 65th anniversary with special services.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2015 In Photos: March
December 30, 2015
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at March.
The Blue Angels soar over Pensacola Beach the last Sunday afternoon in March.
Vietnam veterans were recognized during a National Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Day ceremony in Atmore.
The Special Olympics were held at Tate High School.
The Special Olympics were held at Tate High School.
Demolition of the old Ernest Ward Middle School building neared completion.
Construction activities began in March to replace a 75-year old Highway 97 bridge over Little Pine Barren Creek in Walnut Hill.
Dozens were injured and two people were killed when a commercial plane crashed into Pensacola Bay — all part of a emergency drill scenario that involved a long list of emergency response agencies.
The 2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century.
Northview’s junior varsity hosted West Florida.
March saw Opening Day ceremonies at the Molino Ballpark.
Molino Park Elementary School held its annual Arts Day, with the students spending the day immersed in a variety of arts.
Northview beat Chipley.
The second annual Branden Penegar Memorial Car Show was held in March at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church.
Elementary students learned about agriculture during the annual Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program.
Tate High students created a lip dub video.
The Northview Chiefs held their season-opening track meet Tuesday in Bratt.
Turtles on Jernigan’s Lake lined logs to enjoy the warm sunshine. Jernigan’s Lake, sometimes called Wiggin’s Lake, is located just east of Century off the Escambia River.
A Century resident escaped injury when her own SUV came crashing into her house after been slammed by a sleepy driver.
Destiny Cleckler, 13, was named Miss Ernest Ward Middle School in a “Night in Holleywood” pageant at the school.
Northview defeated Holmes County.
The Town of Century opened a new grant funded playground at Showalter Park in Century.
Ten potential applicants attended an organizational meeting to learn about the $25,000 Century Business Challenge.
A March NorthEscambia sunset.
Century Mayor Freddie McCall presented a personal $50 check to the winner of the town’s recent slogan contest. Josie Leonard of Milton, a Northview High School graduate, submitted the winning “A Century that lasts forever” slogan.
Hundreds of people attended the 41st Annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Club Farm Equipment Auction in Walnut Hill.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2015 In Photos: February
December 29, 2015
Today, we continue our look back at the year 2015 in photos with a look at February.
Northview High School teacher Anna Barry was named the Escambia County Teacher of the Year.
The Town of Century adopted a new slogan — “A Century that lasts forever”.
These are the newest members of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Team — Deputy Doug Burgett and K-9 Zurki with the photobomb.
Students moved into the new Ernest Ward Middle School in February for the first day of classes in the new building.
The Tate High School Drama Department presented a three-night run of “The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy”.
A portable meth lab was found in a wooded area just off Dortch Road in Bratt.
Northview High School sophomores won a powder puff football tournament on a cold February evening. After defeating the freshmen team, the sophomores easily handled the senior team.
The Tate High School Lady Aggies shut out the West Florida Jaguars in a February game.
Traffic in Atmore was brought to a standstill due to work on railroad crossings.
The Northview Chiefs opened their 2015 season with wins over the Pensacola High School Tigers.
An organizational meeting was held to make plans for the second Reimagine Century event on May 16.
Work neared completion in February on a $2.6 million project to widen and resurface Jacks Branch Road from Muscogee Road to Barrineau Park.
FFA members at Northview High School celebrated with a variety of events, including a breakfast for teachers and staff.
The Chipley Tigers defeated the Northview Chiefs 70-55 in the District 3-1A championship game.
Barrineau Park Road was paved in Escambia County to the Baldwin County, AL, line.
TripAdvisor named Pensacola Beach as one of the top five beaches in the United States.
Children from Highland Baptist Church recently visited with residents of the Health Care Center of Pensacola. The children delivered handmade Valentine’s cards with a special message.
Students at Escambia Westgate School received new picnic tables to enjoy, thanks to inmate labor at the Century Correctional Institution.
A very special Mardi Gras parade was held for the special needs students of Escambia Westgate School.
A wildfire near Flomaton, AL, consumed over 500 acres.
The Northview Lady Chiefs dropped their first softball game of the season to the Pace Patriots.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.