Brandon Korinchak Named Northview High Teacher Of The Year
January 2, 2026
Brandon Korinchak was named the Northview High School Teacher of the Year. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kenneth Oresta Bryan
January 2, 2026
Kenneth Oresta Bryan passed away on December 30, 2025, after an extended struggle with poor health. Mr. Bryan was blessed with 92 years of life on Earth. He was born, at home, on October 23, 1933, to the late Clarence Oresta Bryan and Mamie Creamer Bryan.
Most of the early years of Kenneth’s life were spent in Poplar Dell, Florida. He attended Byrneville Elementary School and graduated from Century High School in 1951. Throughout his life, Kenneth was always an industrious worker and worked in many different capacities from an appliance repair technician to an instrumentation consultant. During the later years of his career, he was fortunate to be able to travel the world as a consultant.
On April 20, 1952, Kenneth married Marie Avritt. They were married an amazing 73 years and had four children. As a father, Kenneth taught his children a wide variety of things from how to wire a light to how to bait a fishing hook. He was always looked upon as a man who worked hard to provide for his family and as a loyal friend.
Since youth, he was a Christian who never wavered in his faith. Even on his last day of life, he remained faithful and never questioned God’s plan. Mr. Bryan was a long-time member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Marie Bryan, son Kenneth Bryan Jr (Susan), daughters Deborah Boyett (Lynn) and Tina Pynes (Terry), and son Richard Bryan (Rhonda), and sister Juanita Hubacker. His surviving grandchildren are Todd Bryan, Amy Wilson, Kaki Quarles, Aubrey Wright, Logan Boyett, and Madison Boyett. He had six great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Kenneth also had a very special friend and helper, Jerry Paulsen.
Mr. Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mamie Bryan, brothers W.A. Bryan and Preston Bryan, sisters Eloise Howell and Jeanette Hurst, a granddaughter Lisa Lee, and a grandson Kyle Bryan.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to two special caregivers and friends, Cynthia Edler and Jamie Woods. Their help and devotion during the last few months have been invaluable.
Services will be held on Tuesday, January 6, at Petty Funeral Home in Atmore, Alabama. The family will receive visitors at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service at 11 a.m.
Burial will follow in Enon Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Todd Bryan, Aubrey Wright, Logan Boyett, Connor Aligood, Chris Wilson, and Dennis Harris. Honorary pallbearer will be Jerry Paulsen.
New Florida Animal Cruelty Offender Database Is Now Online
January 2, 2026
A new statewide animal cruelty offender database is now online in Florida.
It’s the latest phase of Dexter’s Law, which was named after a 4-year-old black and white bulldog mix that was adopted in Pinellas County and found brutally killed a few days later in a park.
The first part of the law went into effect back in July 2025, allowing judges to increase penalties in animal cruelty cases. The next part of the law went into effect January 1, 2026, requiring the state to create and maintain a database of animal abusers.
To access the database, click here.
“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” said Governor Ron DeSantis when he signed Dexter’s Law.
People who have either been found guilty, pleaded guilty**,** or no contest to animal cruelty charges will be listed in the database. The database is hosted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is designed to help shelters, pet rescues, and citizens who screen individuals before the adoption process is complete.
If a name is placed in the state database, it will remain for 10 years. The database is updated on the first day of each month.
James Edward McKinley
January 2, 2026
James Edward “Eddie” McKinley, age 70, of Atmore, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. Eddie was born on May 4,1955, to Rosa Belle Brooks McKinley and Ira James McKinley, Jr. Eddie was employed for 41 years at Kimberly-Clark in Mobile, AL, until his retirement in July, 2022. He was a long-time member of Atmore First Assembly, where he held the office of Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He enjoyed “meeting and greeting” members of the congregation and especially loved to “fist bump and high 5” with his tiniest of little friends. He loved to ride motorcycles with his friends and served as the president of the Atmore First Assembly branch of the Wheels of Faith Motorcycle Ministry. His heart belonged to missions and he had completed 19 church mission trips to such places as El Salvador, Costa Rica, Belgium, Honduras, Guatemala, Czech Republic and Panama.
Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Ira James McKinley, Jr, Rosa Belle McKinley Whitehead, and William Whitehead.
He is survived by his wife, Ronnel McKinley; his children, Jamie (Brandy) McKinley of Ardmore, AL; Jeremy (Rebecca) McKinley of Albany, GA; Hunter Spence, Fisher Spence and Savannah Spence of Atmore, AL; his grandchildren James Thomas McKinley, William McKinley, Parker McKinley, Ally McKinley, Annabel Olander, and Warren Olander; his brothers David (Donna) McKinley of Gardendale, AL; Danny (Kathy) McKinley of Andalusia, AL; Brooks (Lana) Whitehead of Satsuma, AL; Mike (Meredith) Whitehead of Blakely, GA; and Billy Whitehead of Montgomery, AL; and one sister Debra McIntyre of Prattville, AL, along with several nieces and nephews, his church family and many friends.
Funeral services for Eddie will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Atmore First Assembly of God with Bro. Don Davis officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Fisher Spence, Hunter Spence, Marlin Iutzi, Terrill Iutzi, Darrin Thompson, and Steve Grant.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Atmore First Assembly Missions team.
Visitation for Eddie will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:30 a.m. at Atmore First Assembly of God.
James Douglas Weaver
January 2, 2026
James Douglas Weaver, of Booneville, AL, passed away on December 28, 2025. Doug was born on October 2, 1939, to Aubrey Weaver and Doris Lindsey Weaver.
Doug graduated from Escambia County High School in 1957. He served in the U.S Army, worked in Law Enforcement, and retired from Scott Paper Company after 34 years. He was a member of Booneville Baptist Church.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved working with his hands and enjoyed Bluegrass music.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Linda Blake; his brothers, Aubrey Weaver, Winsten Weaver, Ronald Weaver, and Larry Weaver.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Odom Weaver; his children, Stephanie (Kenny) Powell, Mary Ann (Robert) Hubbard, Jeff (Heather) Weaver, and Joel (Hailey) Weaver. Brothers, Donald (Ernestine) Weaver, Dick (Vonda) Weaver, and Pat (Catharine) Weaver; 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and two more on the way.
Funeral Services were held Friday, January 2, 2026, at Booneville Baptist Church in Booneville, AL, with Rev. David Atchison officiating.
Interment was at Lindsey Cemetery in Booneville, AL
Active Pallbearers will be the grandchildren.
Wanda Sellers Staff
January 2, 2026
Mrs. Wanda Sellers Staff, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the age of 69 in Mobile, Alabama. She was a lifelong resident of Atmore, Alabama, where she was cherished by her community. Wanda was also a devoted member of St. Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church, where she contributed her warmth and kindness. Her memory will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
She loved being with her family, especially as a Nona to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed going shopping and taking Sunday strolls with her husband, Chipper, always bringing joy to those around her. Everyone cherished her kind heart and patience, as she always put others before herself. Christmas was a special time for her, filled with love and the joy of watching holiday movies. She also had a passion for sewing, creating beautiful things with her hands. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Mrs. Staff is preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Cleo Rowell Sellers; brother-in-law Mark Brown; nephew, Cody Brown.
She is survived by her husband of fifty-two years Chipper Staff of Atmore, Alabama; two daughters, Angela Leachman (Jarrod) of Atmore, Alabama and Michelle (Paul) Uriegas of Atmore, Alabama; two sisters, Vickie Carrier of Atmore, Alabama and Sandra Brown of Atmore, Alabama; grandchildren, Peyton Thompson (Nick), Sadie Smith, Mychael (Thead) Smith, Cade Leachman, Kit (Jordan) Leachman, Jake Leachman, Haley Leachman, Hunter Uriegas and Hannah Uriegas; great-grandchildren, Miller and Parker, along with Lainey which is on the way.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, a t11 a.m. at Saint Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church with Father Joji Chacko officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Saint Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church in Boland Hall.
Pallbearers will be Cade Leachman, Nick Thompson, Demarcus Stanley, Kit Leachman, Jake Leachman, and Mychael Smith.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements
Maria Moultrie Named George Stone Technical College Teacher Of The Year
January 2, 2026
Maria Moultrie was named the George Stone Technical College Teacher of the Year. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Happy New Year! Sunny Start To 2026 Before Friday Night And Saturday Showers
January 1, 2026
Happy New Year!
A cold but clear New Year’s Eve will give way to a mild and sunny start to 2026, though residents should keep their umbrellas handy for the weekend. After a beautiful Thursday and a breezy Friday, Friday night and Saturday morning, bring a high probability of rain and a few potential thunderstorms. Conditions will clear up just in time for a bright and sunny Sunday.Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
New Year’s Day: Sunny, with a high near 64. West wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 45. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Light southwest wind becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers between noon and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. High near 72. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 63. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 66.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
EREC Announces New Jay And Walnut Hill Office Hours For 2026
January 1, 2026
Escambia River Electric Cooperative will have new office hours in the new year.
EREC offices in Jay and Walnut Hill will now be open Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., giving members an extra half hour in the mornings and afternoons for added convenience. In order to accommodate the longer hours, both of the utility’s offices will be closed every other Friday. Office hours on open Fridays will be 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The EREC Operations department will be operating five days a week and we will continue to provide 24/7 outage monitoring and response, with crews always prepared to restore power quickly and safely whenever disruptions occur.
Listed below are the Fridays when EREC offices will be closed in 2026. These dates are also listed in the EREC wall calendar available for pickup at either EREC location.
- January 9 & 23
- February 6 & 20
- March 6 & 20
- April 3 (holiday) & 17
- May 1, 15, & 29
- June 12 & 26
- July 3 (observing holiday), 10, & 24
- August 7 & 21
- September 4 & 18
- October 2, 16, & 30
- November 13 & 27 (holiday)
- December 11 & 25 (holiday)
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools Honor Teachers Of The Year
January 1, 2026
Escambia County Public Schools is honoring the Teacher of the Year.
Editor’s note: We are in the midst of featuring the Teachers of the Year from each of the North Escambia area schools and will continue through the weekend.
In the coming weeks, one of them will named the Escambia County overall Teacher of the Year from a list of five finalists. Those finalists are highlighted in bold below.
- Jim Allen Elementary – Michelle (Shelly) Helton
- Bellview Elementary – Teswanna Johnson
- Beulah Elementary – Shelly Mitchell
- Blue Angels Elementary – Trinity Barnett
- Bratt Elementary – Angela Stuart
- Brentwood Elementary – Sarah Long
- Hellen Caro Elementary – Lori Walsh
- N. B. Cook Elementary – Megan Habayeb
- Cordova Park Elementary – Brittany Foster
- Ensley Elementary – Susannah Wright
- Ferry Pass Elementary – Nikki Cole
- Global Learning Academy – Whitney Osborne
- Holm Elementary – Etter Wright
- Kingsfield Elementary School – Melissa Venable
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Ashley Phillips
- Lipscomb Elementary – Courtney Geiger
- Longleaf Elementary – Gena Keszthelyi
- McArthur Elementary – Laura Sellers
- Molino Park Elementary – Chad Hetherington
- Montclair Elementary – Felicia Hudson
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Brigit McAroy
- Navy Point Elementary – Jana Arnett
- Oakcrest Elementary – John Herber
- Pine Meadow Elementary – Tara Garic
- Pleasant Grove Elementary – Carol Larsen
- Scenic Heights Elementary – Amanda Pinckard
- O.J. Semmes Elementary – Jessica Zent
- Sherwood Elementary – Bridget Wakeman
- A. K. Suter Elementary – Juliana Barrett
- Warrington Elementary – Christina Myers
- C. A. Weis Elementary – Julia Hodo
- West Pensacola Elementary – Debra Jewell
- Bailey Middle School – Cameron Peters
- Bellview Middle – Clareta Broadnax
- Beulah Middle – Kenneth Atkinson
- Brown Barge Middle – John Blackwelder
- Ernest Ward Middle – Megan Bryan
- Ferry Pass Middle – Velvet Kalber
- Ransom Middle – Holly Kendrick
- Workman Middle – Quintarries Upshaw
- Escambia High School – Kristy Davis
- Northview High School – Brandon Korinchak
- Pensacola High School – Lora Fairhurst
- Pine Forest High School – David Dawson
- Tate High School – Richard Coleman
- Washington High School – Kathryn Cody
- West Florida High School – Tyler Mertz
- Alternative Education – Adam Stumpf
- Beulah Academy of Science – Molly Villanueva
- Achieve Academy – Brenda Baldwin
- Success Academy – Gregory Steen
- Escambia Virtual Academy – Tristan Harris
- Escambia Westgate – Kimberly Ripley
- ESE – Joyce “Kelton” Boykin
- Hope Horizon – Tara Hagan
- George Stone Technical College – Maria Moultrie
- Pensacola Beach Charter – Kimberley Talbert