Atmore News

12/08/2023

ACH Auxiliary's Linens & More sale Monday, Tuesday

The Atmore Community Hospital Auxiliary’s Linens & More Fundraiser Sale set for Dec. 12 and 13 has been changed to Monday, Dec. 11, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

12/08/2023

Blue Devils 4-1 after 50-27 romp past Neal

Stephen Williams and Lorenzo Arnold combined for more points than Escambia County High’s opponent as the Blue Devils raced to a 50-27 win over W.S. Neal in Thursday (Dec. 7) high school basketball action.

Williams scored 21 points, pulled down 11 rebounds and blocked 2 shots as ECHS improved to 4-1 on the young season. Arnold put 11 points on the board, dished out 3 assists and came up with 3 steals.

Cali McCants chipped in with 6 points, including a 4-4 night at the foul line, while Bryce Stevens scored 5 points and blocked a shot.

Exavion Bradley (2 points) contributed 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals to the winning effort. James Whatley also blocked a shot.

The Blue Devils are scheduled to host T.R. Miller tonight (Friday, Dec. 8) and Flomaton on Saturday, Dec. 9.

12/07/2023

RP Star Students

The Rachel Patterson Elementary School Star Students for November are, from left, first row,Austin Bayne, Ja’Maria Black, Rico Stallworth, Laylenn Staples, Aaliyan McCullam, Trinity Jones, Markiston Curry, Deshawn Richardson, Crimson Blackmon, Jael Biggs; middle, Christina Rangel, Brayden Riley, S...

12/07/2023

Christmas downtown

The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce hosted Christmas in Downtown Atmore Thursday evening, November 30. The evening featured shopping, music, activities for kids, and the lighting of the First National Bank & Trust Christmas tree. Of course, Santa was on hand to listen to children’s wishes. Well, n...

12/07/2023

Statewide burn ban lifted; permits required for most fires

News Staff Report Alabama Forestry Commission (ACF) officials announced Monday, December 4, that effective immediately, all burn restrictions have been lifted across the state of Alabama.Burn permits will be issued as normal by the AFC. This includes 11 counties in northeast Alabama that had been un...

12/07/2023

Stinson joins UB board

United Bank announces the addition of Lori Madison Stinson to the board of directors. Prior to joining the board, Stinson served on United Bank’s Escambia County Advisory Board.“We are pleased to have Lori join our board,” UB President and CEO Mike Vincent said. “We believe that her expertis...

12/07/2023

Stanley joins UB board

Special to Atmore News United Bank announces the addition of Richard K. Stanley to the board of directors.Stanley is the president and CEO of T. R. Miller Mill Company, Inc., his employer of 41 years. The Brewton native oversees one of the largest sawmills in the United States. The mill manufactures...

12/07/2023

Woman jailed after newborn positive for pot in ’22

By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer An Atmore woman who gave birth more than a year ago to a baby who tested positive for ma*****na, is finally behind bars.Atmore Police Department Sgt. Darrell McMann reported that Christina Yanacheak, 41, was arrested November 30 on a charge of chemical endangerment o...

12/07/2023

Atmore man paroled after serving nearly 7 years

By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer While an Atmore man who served more than one-third of a 20-year sentence was granted parole, a Brewton man who has served slightly more than two years of a 15-year sentence wasn’t as lucky during recent hearings by the Alabama Board of Pardons & Paroles.Demetrius M...

12/07/2023

No-shave November
Officers donate to Shop With a Cop by paying to wear facial hair

Officers donate to Shop With a Cop by paying to wear facial hair By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks, who started the Shop With a Cop program four years ago, has added a little spice to the event this year.Instead of just helping es**rt young shoppers around the local W...

12/07/2023

White, Jackson chosen for BOE’s top spots

By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer During a lengthy but relatively uneventful meeting held last Tuesday in Atmore, members of the Escambia County Board of Education selected new officers and authorized spending of more than $1 million for various educational materials, communications equipment and fa...

12/07/2023

Hearing canceled
Attorney: McClung subpoena led to indictments

Attorney: McClung subpoena led to indictments News Staff Report The preliminary hearing for Atmore News publisher Sherry Digmon and reporter Don Fletcher, scheduled for Monday, December 4, was called off when District Attorney Steve Billy obtained an indictment against each local journalist.Brewton....

12/07/2023

Atmore FD, Santa will tour city on fire truck next week

Atmore Fire Department and the City of Atmore will present next week, for the third straight year, Santa on a Firetruck.AFD personnel, with siren blaring, will chauffer the Jolly Old Elf as he makes a tour of each of the city’s four quadrants from 5-8 p.m. on four different nights.Santa will ride ...

12/07/2023

Jackson jailed
BOE’s D-4 rep latest charged with revealing grand jury secrets

BOE’s D-4 rep latest charged with revealing grand jury secrets By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Escambia County Board of Education member Cindy Jackson has become the fourth person — the second county school board member — in just over five weeks to be arrested under orders from District Attor...

12/07/2023

Peggy’s book signing postponed

Peggy Weaver’s book signing, set for this Friday afternoon, December 8, has been postponed. The new date will be announced as soon as possible.

Ironically, Peggy’s first planned book signing, which was set for October 13, was postponed due to a death in the family. This week’s book signing is postponed due to the death of a close family friend whose funeral service is Friday.

12/06/2023

ECHS boys fall to Hillcrest, suffer first setback of season

Four Escambia County High boys combined for 47 points, but the remainder of the team could only manage 7, and the Blue Devils suffered their first loss of the season Tuesday night (Dec. 5), a 59-54 setback at the hands of Hillcrest-Evergreen.

ECHS trailed by 7 (30-23) at halftime and could trim only 2 points from the deficit in the second half.

Stephen Williams hit for 18 points and was again the team’s leading scorer, while Michael French scored 12 points and handed out 4 assists, Lorenzo Arnold put 11 points on the board and led the team with 6 assists, and Cali McCants scored 6 points and was credited with 4 assists.

Williams again turned in a stellar defensive effort, grabbing 11 rebounds off the defensive glass (15 total) and blocking 10 shots. Arnold had 2 steals and blocked 2 shots, and Exavion Bradley (2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists) contributed 2 steals and a blocked shot.

The Blue Devils, now 3-1, are scheduled to host W.S. Neal High on Thursday, December 7.

12/05/2023

Williams leads way as Blue Devils down B.C. Rain

Stephen Williams wasn’t the whole show, but the senior standout was a big part of it, as Escambia County High’s boys reeled off their third straight season-opening win Monday night (Dec. 4), a 60-57 decision over B.C. Rain.

Williams was one of four Blue Devils to hit double figures, and the foursome accounted for all of ECHS’s scoring. He put 19 points on the board, grabbed 22 rebounds, blocked 10 shots and had a pair of steals.

He was complemented nicely by Lorenzo Arnold, who scored 16 points (including a 6-of-8 night from the free throw line), handed out 8 assists and blocked a shot; Michael French (14 points, 5 assists), Exavion Bradley (11 points, 6 rebounds), Bryce Stevens (6 rebounds) and Cali McCants (2 blocked shots).

ECHS (3-0) was scheduled to host Hillcrest-Evergreen tonight (Tuesday, Dec. 5) at Cornell Torrence Gymnasium.

12/05/2023

Atmore's Twilight Christmas Parade moved to Sunday

Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce officials announced that this year’s Twilight Christmas Parade, initially set for this Saturday, December 9, has been rescheduled for this Sunday, December 10.

The holiday event is still scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and to follow the same route as previously announced.

Chamber officials said forecasts of inclement weather on Saturday led to the rescheduling.

12/04/2023

American Pickers will return to Alabama in Feb.

12/04/2023

Santa will tour city on firetruck next week

Atmore Fire Department and the City of Atmore will present next week, for the third straight year, Santa on a Firetruck.

AFD personnel, with siren blaring, will chauffer the Jolly Old Elf as he makes a tour of each of the city’s four quadrants from 5-8 p.m. on four different nights.

Santa will ride through the city’s northeastern sector on Monday, December 11, then through the northwestern sector the next night, Tuesday, December 12.

He will remain idle on Wednesday, December 13, so as not to disrupt church services throughout the city but will return the next two nights.

Residents of the southeastern quadrant will be visited on Thursday, December 14, and his final local ride will take place in the southwestern sector on Friday, December 15.

12/04/2023

Another BOE member arrested
District 4’s Jackson latest charged with revealing grand jury secrets

Escambia County Board of Education member Cindy Jackson has became the fourth person — the second school board member — in just over five weeks to be arrested under orders from District Attorney Steve Billy in the wake of the board’s 4-3 rejection of a new contract for Superintendent of Education Michele McClung.

Jackson, 72 and in the early stages of her third six-year term on the board, was surrendered to sheriff's office personnel earlier today (Monday, Dec. 4). She is charged with revealing grand jury secrets.

That same charge was lodged October 27 against District 6 BOE representative Sherry Digmon, who is also publisher and co-owner of Atmore News. A reporter for the local newspaper and a school system bookkeeper were also arrested on that date, on the same charges.

Jackson's attorney, Earnest White of Brewton, had no comment on his client's arrest except to say it was "part of the continuing mess the DA has going in Escambia County."

Both Jackson and Digmon voted against a new contract for McClung, as did District 1’s Kevin Hoomes and District 5’s Loumeek White. To date there has been no legal action taken against either.

Jackson and her husband, retired United States Marine Corps Col. Charles Jackson, live in the McCall community. She reportedly surrendered this morning (Monday, December 4) to sheriff’s deputies at White's offices.

12/04/2023

We are sad at the passing of Ann Amerson. “Aunt Ann” will be missed.

12/04/2023

Blue Devils 2-0 after 73-47 win over Flomaton

Stephen Williams hit for 30 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as Escambia County High’s basketball team improved to 2-0 with a 73-47 win over Flomaton High last Saturday, December 2.

Williams was not only the team’s high scorer against FHS but also contributed to the team’s second solid defensive effort. The senior’s rebound total included 9 off the defensive end of the court, and he blocked 5 shots.

Michael French scored 12 points and dished out 6 assists, while Cali McCants (8 points, 5 assists) and Cleo Bolar Jr. (7 points, 3 assists, 1 block) made solid contributions.
Exavion Bradley added 6 boards, 5 off the defensive glass, and contributed 3 assists and 2 steals to the winning effort; Lorenzo Arnold Jr. had 5 rebounds and 3 assists, and Bryce Stevens, who also blocked a shot, came up with 5 rebounds.

The Blue Devils are scheduled to play tonight (Monday, Dec. 4) at B.C. Rain.

12/01/2023

Digmon, Fletcher indicted; Monday's hearing canceled

Brewton attorney Earnest White reported today (Friday, Dec. 1) that Monday's scheduled preliminary hearing for Atmore News Publisher Sherry Digmon and reporter Don Fletcher has been canceled.

The reason for the cancellation is that District Attorney Steve Billy has obtained indictments from the grand jury against both journalists, effectively blocking their right to a preliminary hearing.

"Mr. Billy moved forward and indicted you both on the 'revealing evidence of the grand jury" (charge)," White said in emails to both defendants. "That was to be expected and nothing out of the ordinary. So there will be no court on Monday because once you're indicted, you're not entitled to a preliminary hearing."

The two were charged after an October 25 story about the
DA's investigation into possible mishandling of COVID relief funds appeared in the local newspaper.

12/01/2023

UPDATE ON MONROE CO. WRECK

Evergreen man killed in early morning crash on U.S. 84

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officials announced that a two-vehicle crash involving a commercial vehicle that occurred at approximately 4:55 a.m. today (Friday, Dec. 1), claimed the life of an Evergreen man.

Alabama State Troopers reported that Jonathon L. Wilson, 34, was fatally injured when the 2016 Nissan Altima he was driving collided head-on with a 2016 Mack tractor-trailer driven by Scottie Smith, 51, of Frisco City.

Wilson was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash, which occurred on U.S. 84, near the 80-mile marker, approximately one mile east of Repton, in Monroe County.

No further information is available as troopers continue their investigation into the fatal crash.

12/01/2023

ECHS boys knock off Monroe Co. in delayed season opener

Although seniors Stephen Williams and Lorenzo Arnold Jr. combined for 24 points, it was sophomore Cleo Bolar Jr. who most lit up the scoreboard as Escambia County High’s boys claimed a 53-49 win over Monroe County in last night’s (Thursday, Nov. 30) delayed season opener.

The team’s scheduled season-opener was canceled last week after a gun fell from the pants of a spectator and discharged inside the ECHS gym, causing slight wounds to two people. The incident happened near the end of the girls game, and the boys game was called off.

Bolar scored 23 points and dished out 4 assists; Williams hit for 14, and Arnold put 10 on the board and handed out 5 assists to lead ECHS’s offense, but it was a strong teamwide defensive effort that made the difference in the contest.

Each of the three leading scorers also played a large part in that effort.

Williams led the team with 11 rebounds, 7 of them off the defensive glass, and blocked 3 shots. Arnold contributed 5 steals; Bolar blocked a shot and grabbed three defensive rebounds.

Michael French had a solid game with 5 rebounds and 5 steals, and Exavion Bradley grabbed 5 boards.

The Blue Devils are scheduled to play at Flomaton tonight (Fri., 12/1).

12/01/2023

UPDATE: SCENE CLEARED, ROADWAY OPEN (10:05 a.m.)

Monroe Co. crash closes portion of U.S. 84

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officials announced that a multi-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 5:02 this morning (Friday, Dec. 1) has caused the closure of all lanes of U.S. 84 near the 83-mile marker in Monroe County.

ALEA said the federal roadway will be closed for an undetermined amount of time.

State troopers were still on the scene at 8 a.m. and will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates accordingly, an ALEA spokesperson said.

11/30/2023

Commission donates to RPES

Judge Karean Reynolds recently donated $5,000 to Rachel Patterson Elementary School on behalf of the Escambia County Commission. The funds will be used to fund various academic initiatives and incentives for student achievement and growth in reading and math. Shown at the presentation are, from left...

11/30/2023

Traffic altered on West Nashville into Atmore

Motorists traveling into and out of Atmore on U.S. 31 South (West Nashville Avenue) should note that the usual lanes of travel have been altered as Alabama Power Co. employees replace a utility pole.

The work is being done just a few yards east of Suds-n-Duds Coin Laundry, near the railroad overpass. Eastbound traffic shifts into the center turn lane at West Nashville's junction with Highland Avenue. It continues that way for about a half-block.

The work site is well marked with traffic cones, as well as the flashing yellow lights of Alabama Power vehicles and the blue lights of an Atmore Police Department unit.

Jim Hochstetler, owner of the laundromat, pointed out that the old pole has continued over the past year to gradually lean toward his business. He said he was told by APCO personnel that the pole replacement was expected to take "at least until 10 a.m., no later than noon."

Photo: Atmore News, Don Fletcher -- Alabama Power crews
worked to replace a utility pole around 8:15 a.m. today (Thurs., Nov. 30).

11/30/2023

Gordon’s Giving serves in many ways

By SHERRY DIGMONNews Publisher A number of people spent Thanksgiving serving others in Atmore. They were part of Gordon’s Giving, an initiative by the late Gordon Nichols’ family – dad and mom Randy and Melissa and sister Walton. They honor Gordon’s memory by providing meals to first respond...

11/30/2023

Lions all in for the Christmas parade

By NANCY KARRICKSpecial to Atmore News The Atmore Lions Club held its last meeting in November on November 15, in the Mayson Auditorium of Atmore Community Hospital. President Lion Renee Hardy opened the meeting, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and gave the prayer and blessing. Following l...

11/30/2023

Condemned killer will be test case for new ex*****on method

By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer The State of Alabama will try for the second time to carry out the ex*****on of an inmate who was one of two people convicted in 1996 of the 1988 murder-for-hire slaying of a Colbert County woman, at the same time becoming the first state to test a new method […]

11/30/2023

Felony arrests
Poarch PD arrests local man for terroristic threat

By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer James Kevin Andrews, 48, of Atmore was arrested November 26 by Poarch Creek Indians police on several charges.No details were available, but the Escambia County Detention Center (ECDC) website shows that Andrews is charged with one count each of making a terroristic....

11/30/2023

SkyWarrior to take over management of local airport

By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Four members of the Atmore City Council approved during Monday’s (November 27) meeting a contract under which a Pensacola flight school will take over management of day-to-day operations at the local airport.The performance agreement between the city and SkyWarrior...

11/30/2023

Fireman’s Funeral

In photo at top, Dan Currie’s last ride enters Oak Hill Cemetery Sunday, November 26 after a funeral mass at St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Below Currie’s widow, Rhecy Currie, accepts a folded US flag from a member of a US Army honor guard.