Don Fletcher

School tax extension vote next Tuesday
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Atmore’s registered voters will decide next Tuesday, November 12, whether a school tax that has been in effect for six decades will be extended for another 20 years. The tax is a 5-mil levy of which the proceeds are earmarked to help pay the salaries, payroll taxes and benefits for several administrative positions at schools within the city, as well as part of the…
ECHS on failing schools list again
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer For the third straight year, Escambia County High School has been placed on the state’s “failing schools” list. ECHS was one of 74 schools in 28 school districts to earn such a designation under The Alabama Accountability Act. The legislation, enacted in 2013, requires labeling the bottom 6 percent of the state’s public schools — measured by the proficiency of 10th-graders on a standardized…
Tuberville visits Atmore
Gehmans interview candidate at length By SHERRY DIGMON News Publisher Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senate (AL) candidate, former Auburn head coach, was in Atmore Thursday, October 31, for a lengthy interview with Jerry Gehman and David Gehman on WGYJ-LP radio. Tuberville was accompanied by Tripp Skipper, who is serving as the candidate’s general consultant.. Following are some comments in response to questions Tuberville was asked. * Asked how it’s different being…
Veterans Day programs planned
News Staff Report Several Veterans Day programs are planned this week and on Veterans Day, as well as the city’s program the day after Veterans Day. Perdido Elementary School The students, faculty and staff of Perdido Elementary / Middle School invite veterans and their immediate families to a Veterans Day celebration Wednesday. November 6, 8:30 a.m., in the school gym. This year’s program will feature a special guest speaker, the…
Daycare tragedy
3-year-old boy killed when sister backs car over him By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Rickey Lyons III might have grown up to be a famous doctor, singer or scientist. Now, no one will ever know. The 3-year-old, known affectionately as “Boobie” by family and friends, was struck by a car and killed last Thursday, October 31, as he and another child prepared to leave a local daycare center and…