Atmore News

Prison escapee recaptured on grounds
News Staff Report An inmate who tried to escape Wednesday night, December 19, from Fountain Correctional Facility near Atmore enjoyed only about three hours outside his cell before he was located on the prison grounds and taken back into custody. According to escape and recapture alerts issued by Alabama Department of Corrections officials, 34-year-old Ernest Allen Mitchell Jr. was able to get out of his dormitory without being detected and…
Fountain CO arrested for phone-smuggling attempt
News Staff Report A correctional officer at the Fountain Correctional Facility was arrested December 20 by Alabama Department of Corrections agents and charged with attempting to smuggle contraband into the prison. ALDOC officials announced that 34-year-old Tony Williams of Frisco City, a veteran of 10-plus years as a state corrections officer, was arrested for “prohibited activities” and use of office for personal gain. Authorities said a DOC K9 unit alerted…
GECA is ‘Wrapping Up Christmas’
News Staff Report Tired of Hallmark movies? Not into football bowl games? Want to do something relaxing? Friday evening, December 28, at 7 p.m., the Greater Escambia Council for the Arts presents “Wrapping Up Christmas,” with musical selections by local community theater actors. Admission is $5 at the door for all seats. No tickets required. It’s a great way to wrap up the Christmas season and get ready for the…
New ECHS head coach hired
By SHERRY DIGMON News Staff Writer The Escambia County Board of Education accepted Rico Jackson’s resignation at the December 20 meeting. At the same meeting, they approved the hiring of his replacement. Jackson, who was head coach at Escambia County High School for a year and a half, announced in early December he was leaving to take a head coaching job at Murphy High School in Mobile. Thursday, the board…
ACH public hearing held
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer The December 18 public hearing on a proposed new hospital for Atmore went just about as expected. City and county healthcare officials reinforced their point that the new facility should be built near Interstate 65, and there was little dissent among the members of the general public who attended. More than 50 people, the majority of them Atmore Community Hospital officials or employees, were…