Retired Walnut Hill Chief Video Tribute
November 17, 2008
Retired Walnut Hill Fire Chief Robert Stewart was honored at a reception Saturday night with a video tribute.
The video featured scenes from the fire department’s recent calls, along with scenes featuring the chief at work and at play. He was shown answering fire calls, with his new grandson, with his family, at department functions and even playing Santa Claus on his way to Enon Country Manor.
The video also featured a special “thank you” from Valerie (Baker) Brock, who thanked Chief Stewart for saving her life.
The video was produced by NorthEscambia.com using our photos and video footage, along with pictures submitted by fire department members and Robert’s family.
Watch the video by clicking play below. (If you do not see the video, it is because it is being blocked by your employer or school.)
To read about Saturday night’s reception, click here.
To read about Valerie (Baker) Brock’s accident, click here.
Northview Freshman To Undergo Brain Surgery
November 14, 2008
Nathan Therrell is important part of the Northview High School football team, but you’ve probably never read his name in news story, seen him in a team photo or heard his name on the public address system at the stadium. As the team’s waterboy, Nathan quietly spends Northview’s games doing what waterboys do…serving and helping. Now that football season is coming to a close, Nathan needs your help.
Wednesday, Nathan will undergo brain surgery at the Miami Children’s Hospital to remove something the size of a grain of rice that has caused years of problems for him. It’s called a hypothalamic hamartoma, also called an “HH”. The HH is not a tumor, nor is it a cancer; it is a tissue growth.
The HH causes seizures, a problem Nathan has had for four years. They were originally controlled by medication, but the medicines have failed to work, his mother Tina Therrell said. They’ve tried radiation and laser treatments. None have workeed. That led the family to decide to have the surgery to remove the HH from the middle of the Northview freshman’s brain.
“It’s been very expensive for us,” mom Tina said. “We have insurance, but we’ve made five trips this year to Miami. The expenses from that really add up.”
A barbecue lunch sale was held Friday at the Century Fire Department and a car wash was held Saturday to raise funds for Nathan’s medical expenses.
Pictured above: Nathan Therrill waits on the Northview sidelines, his water ready to go. Pictured below and bottom: Nathan watches last Friday night’s Northview game. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Honors Veterans
November 14, 2008
Molino Park Elementary School honored veterans Thursday night with a musical program entitled “United We Stand”.
The fourth grade classes of Mrs. Garrett, Mrs. Kent, Mrs. Madrill, Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Nelson presented the program that included patriotic songs like “You’re a Grand Old Flag”, “My Country ’tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful”. The program included a salute to veterans and a moving song “American Tears”.
The evening also wrapped up a 10 day canned food drive for the Manna Food Bank that netted over 1,600 cans of food. The first place award for the most food collected went to Ms. Doyle’s class, second to Ms. Greene’s class and third to Ms. Hatch’s class.
For a complete photo gallery from Molino Park’s “United We Stand” program, click here.
Pictured above and below: Scenes from Molino Park Elementary School’s Veterans Program “United We Stand” Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Restoration Works Begins On Old 100 Steam Engine
November 12, 2008
A shiny coat of paint and more is in store for Century’s Old 100.
After over a year with no obvious changes, the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society contracted Mr. Denvard Moss of Birmingham to begin work on the restoration of the steam engine Old 100. Deep South Cranes of Pensacola made a trip to the historical park in Century to move some components of the engine so work might begin in earnest.
It turns out that the men operating the crane were a couple of North Escambia and Santa Rosa County fellows, Curtis Fillingim of Walnut Hill and Bryan Watson of Jay. Both men have some pretty solid connections with this part of the counties, having lots of relatives living in the area.
Because of the estimated weight of the boiler and tight place the crane had to operate, Deep South had to send their largest piece of equipment to make the moves. In preparation for the shifting around of the boiler, estimated to weigh in at over ten tons, and the tender’s water tank, a mere 2 tons, Moss had to manhandle several railroad crossties in position to rest the parts.
For more photos from Old 100, click here.
Moss, who has restored many steam engines across the southeast, is presently dividing his time between the historical former T.R. Miller locomotive now at the historical village just off Tarragona Street in Pensacola, and another engine in Cummings, GA. He comes highly recommended to the ASHS by Louis Zadnichek, a former scrap metal broker residing in Fairhope, and a former owner of Old 100.
In 1976, Zadnichek, the late engineer J.R. Phillips, and Max Grice, a scrap metal dealer of Mobile, three Railway & Locomotive Historical Society members, purchased the wood-burning “cabbage stack” engine for junk in late 1974 from the Jim Walter Door Corporation of Century, and trucked it 95 miles to Mobile where they restored the No. 100 to operation as part of the Alabama Bicentennial. The engine, a 48-ton Baldwin 2-6-2 with slopeback tender, underwent a 13-month overhaul costing nearly $40,000.
No. 100 was built in September 1919 for the Britton Saw Mill Co., Florala, Ala. Four years later, it was sold to The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company in Century for use on its subsidiary common carrier, the Escambia Railway, abandoned in 1947. The Escambia Railway once operated a total of nearly 200 miles of logging railroad in Florida and Alabama with an all-time roster of at least 29 locomotives. No. 100 was used as a general-purpose logging engine until 1935 when it was rebuilt for use as the sawmill’s switch engine.
As the sawmill switch engine, No. 100 would occasionally operate over Louisville & Nashville tracks from Century to Flomaton, Ala. This practice continued up until its retirement in 1954, making it the last wood burning steam engine to run on “Old Reliable” tracks. From 1954 to 1957, the 2-6-2 was used as an auxiliary sawmill boiler and then placed on display on Front Street in Century.
By late 1974, the No. 100 was in such poor condition from vandalism and weather deterioration that Jim Walter Doors, new owners of the sawmill, decided to sell the eyesore for junk. Fortunately, the locomotive found a good home and was saved from the torch.
No. 100 was used as a standby switch engine on a private industrial railroad in Mobile. The engine was designed with a low center of gravity for rough track, tight clearances and sharp curves, as well as to deliver high tractive effort for relatively little fuel and water consumed, so the 2-6-2 was right at home in its new role. The engine was normally fired up once every two weeks.
After the Bicentennial celebration in 1976, Old 100 was sold to the Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville, Indiana, a not-for-profit Railroad Museum, where until the early 1990s it faithfully hauled tourists on a daily roundtrip run. The late J.R. Phillips, who did the restoration work on #100, had a lifetime driving privilege of this historic and locally beloved engine.
When the engine developed boiler problems, it was removed from service until a new boiler might be fabricated. However, there were problems with the new boiler upon delivery and because of financial concerns and tightening of Federal regulations, the engine was not placed back in service at all, but rather sat in a sad condition for over 14 years.
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society inquired as to its availability for sale and upon discovering the WVRR was receptive, set out to raise funds to bring the engine back “home.” With the assistance of grants from the State of Florida and a tremendous outpouring of support and donations from local people, the engine made its way from Indiana to Century in May of 2007.
Placed on a specially laid track, supplied through the good graces of CSX workers and their spare time, the engine seemed doomed to languish again in its own back yard because of disagreements as to its future. However, the move to restore it to a static display condition is once again under way, as a result of more private funding and the expertise of Denverd Moss.
Moss is optimistic that real progress in the restoration may be seen early 2009 and shortly thereafter an icon of Century’s past will once more be the town’s centerpiece.
For more photos from Old 100, click here.
Article and photos submitted by Jerry Simmons
Pictured top: Old 100 was dismantled to allow for restoration work to begin on the 89 year old steam engine. Pictured below: The boiler is lowered to the ground. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Honors Veterans With Parade
November 12, 2008
Atmore honored area veterans with a parade Tuesday afternoon.
Several floats, a band and more were in the annual Atmore Veterans Day parade.
There were several motorcycle riders in the parade, including members of the forming chapter of of the Escambia County Christian Motorcyclists Association, Doug and Tyler Chandler of Atmore and James Price of Bay Minette. They were joined by members of the Baldwin County and Mobile C.M.A. chapters.
“We were humbled to participate in the Veteran’s Day parade to honor the men and women who gave us the right to ride the roads and spread the message of Jesus Christ. We don’t take for granted our freedom to travel share our faith with others. Only because of the blood of others who died in battle can we share the saving grace of the blood of Jesus Christ,” Doug Chandler said.
For a complete photo gallery from the Atmore Veterans Day Parade, click here.
The Escambia County C.M.A. chapters is currently recruiting members from both Escambia County, Alabama, and north Escambia County, Florida. For more information about the local chapter of C.M.A., email BigDCMA@mchsi.com or call (251) 294-0386.
EWMS Holds Honor Society Induction
November 12, 2008
Ernest Ward Middle School recently inducted several new members into the National Junior Honor Society in an induction ceremony at the school.
New seventh grade members are: Mariah Albritton, Madison Arrington, Timothy Born, Kasie Braun, Katelynne Calloway, Kira Cartwright, Lana Clayton, Madalyn Coon, Morgan Digmon, Anna Donald, Anna Fischer, Marina Gray, Tamara Green, Paeton Hadley, Casey Jackson, Wade Jernigan, Courtney Jones, Chloe Leonard, Courtney Lewis, Jessica Lowery, Lakota Maloney, Ali Martin, Audra Martin, Rachel Presley, Tiffani Pritchett, Mikaela Santos, Danielle Scott, Colton Singleton, Courtney Solari, Jennifer Spears, Jeremy Stacey, Danielle Steadham, Lily Townson, Courtney Weaver, Raven Weaver, Mallory Wiggins and Victoria Wright.
New eighth grade members are : Alison Bardin, Harley Caraway, Beni Joe Deron, Georgia Goetter, Michael Glick, Zachary Johnson, Angel Mitchell, Dylan Nowlin and Hannah Ziglar.
Current officers for the EWMS National Junior Honor Society are: La’Derious Franklin, president; Trey Johnson , vice president; Justice Agerton , secretary ; Ashley Mooney, treasurer; Ashton Gibbs, historian; Jessica Warner, reporter; and Justin Halteman, parliamentarian.
Other members of the National Junior Honor Society at Ernest Ward are: Reid Bell, Cody Chapman, Mitchell Colvin, Ashley Cunningham, Hannah Fiellin, Jazzlyn Franklin, Kaitlyn Gunn, Josh Inghram, Alanna Johnson, Jonathan Moretz, Dustin Parker, Jarrett Parker, Blake Presley, Stephanie Roach, Johnny Robbins, Tyler Roley, Natasha Suggs and Dezarae Turner.
Submitted photos.
Don’t Say No To The USO
November 11, 2008
Northview High School honored area veterans with a one act play “Don’t Say No To The USO” Monday morning at the school during the school’s annual Veterans Day program.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from “Don’t Say No To The USA”, click here.
Pictured above: A scene from “Don’t Say No To The USO” at Northview High School. Pictured below: Veterans from all branches of service were honored Monday during the annual Veterans Day program at Northview. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
A Boy’s Army Hero: Remembering His Father
November 11, 2008
Sgt. Joe Louis Thames died July 2, 2007, from complications from chemical exposure during the Vietnam war. He died a hero in America’s eyes, and he died a hero in the eyes of his son.
Ladarius Thames held a triangle folded flag close to his heart during a Veterans Day ceremony at Bratt Elementary School. It was the flag that covered his father’s casket. The flag was given to his family after the military honors funeral for his father.
“I am the son of Sgt. Joe Louis Thames,” Ladarius told the crowd at Bratt’s Veterans Day program. “He fought in the Vietnam War, and he was a very brave soldier.”
Sgt. Thames joined the United State Army in 1968. He served two years in Vietnam, and was awarded the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and a Purple Heart.
“His citation for the Bronze star stated ‘Specialist 5 Joe L Thames gave outstanding service against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. He used good judgement and extensive knowledge. He showed loyalty, diligence and devotion to the United States Army’,” Ladarius read.
“I am going to join the Army and follow in my father’s footsteps,” Ladarius said. “I want to serve our country. I want to make the world safe for my wife and kids. I want to be like my father. He was a hero.”
Ladarius held the flag close to his heart as the Bratt students sang The Star Spangled Banner, a song that was undoubtedly close to his father’s heart.
“At his funeral, my family received this American flag,” Ladarius said. “It was a very special tribute to a very special man.”
Pictured above and below: Bratt fifth grader Ladarius Thames holds the American flag that covered the casket of his father, Army Sgt. Joe Louis Thames. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Poplar Dell Baptist Holds Fall Festival
November 9, 2008
The annual Fall Festival was held recently at Poplar Dell Baptist Church.
The event included a variety of fun and games, volleyball and plenty of food.
For a complete photo gallery from the Poplar Dell Baptist Church Fall Festival, click here.
Pictured above and below: Scenes from the annual Fall Festival at Poplar Dell Baptist Church. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tearful Service Honors Veterans; EWMS To Sponsor Honor Flight
November 8, 2008
A tearful principal stood before her students Friday at Ernest Ward Middle School and announced that the school is about to undertake a project to honor veterans like never before.
“These tears are tears of joy. They are tears of sadness,” Principal Nancy Gindl-Perry told the students and guests at the school’s annual Veterans Day program. “I am proud to say Ernest Ward will be sponsoring an Honor Flight for one veteran from our community.”
The Emerald Coast Honor Flight program takes a plane load of veterans to Washington on a one day tip to visit the Vietnam Memorial, the World War II Memorial and other significant locations. In order to make the honor flight possible, the school must raise $1,000.
About 100 local veterans were honored during Friday’s veterans program. From all branches of service, the men and women received accolades from the students, including several standing ovations.
Tim Spears from Molino stood solemnly among the veterans as Perry recognized him. Many were visibly moved as Perry explained that he was there in memory of his son, Jonathon Ross “J.R.” Spears, 21, who was killed October 23, 2005 in Ramadi, Iraq.
“We thank you so much for everything you have done,” Perry told the veterans.
Students from Ernest Ward’s newly formed drama club presented a powerful play written by teacher Katie Ward called Iwo Jima. Students stood posed to recreate the famous photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima. One by one, the soldiers in the photo came to life to tell their personal story.
Colonel Val Obregon, retired from the United States Air Force, told the students that “this land is you land; this land is my land”, a line borrowed from the folk song. He said that people should never forget to honor those that serve in the military.
“The day we start to not honor those folks is the day we start to decline as a nation,” he said. “Veterans have stood in the gap, but our future depends on you.”
“Freedom is not free; it is not cheap,” Obregon said. “It takes Americans everywhere willing to pay the price.”
The veterans program, sponsored by the National Junior Honor Society, featured students relating the history of Veterans Day, music from the EWMS chorus and band, and more.
If you would like to assist Ernest Ward in funding a veteran on an Honor Flight, call the school at 327-4283.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the program, click here.
Pictured above: Ernest Ward students Dezarae Turner, Chelsea Ward, Ashlynn Webster, Shalmali Bhadkamkar, Anna Donald and Lily Townson recreate the photography Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima during a Veterans Day program at the school. Pictured below: Mike Hanks was one of about 100 veterans honored during the program. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
