Submitted Article

2020: A year of lessons
Ben Smith 2020 finally came to a close. Many welcome the turning of the calendar in hopes of better fortune in the year ahead. My family’s year didn’t go how we planned, but how many years do? While I do not make New Year’s resolutions, I do try and take the lessons learned and apply them in the future. The first lesson of 2020 is to never take things for…
Two paroles granted, another denied
Greer Johnson Marshall By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Two men who were convicted in Escambia County Circuit Court and sent to prison, were freed from their respective correctional facilities last week after the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles granted each a parole. Another man — convicted in 18 different Alabama counties, including Escambia, for fraudulent schemes he devised and implemented from behind bars since 1999 — was denied…
ECHCA ‘public hearing’ a mere formality
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer There was no public presence at the December 30 public hearing held by Escambia County Healthcare Authority (ECHCA) officials to discuss construction and financing for the new urgent care facility that will be built near Interstate 65. Billed as an opportunity for local residents to ask questions and express any concerns they might have over the location of the new facility, the meeting —…
Destructive blazes
In photo at top, smoke billows from a Beck Street home that caught fire early Saturday, January 2. City firefighters were dispatched at 7:31 a.m., arrived three minutes later, and spent nearly 90 minutes battling the blaze, which was blamed on an electrical short. The home was declared a total loss. In photo at below, AFD Chief Ron Peebles provides instruction as Firefighter Trent Peebles directs water onto a January…
Retiring WEU duo represents 80 years of service
Gloria Jones, Kenny Smith, Bobby Davis By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Although West Escambia Utilities still has plenty of veteran employees, the local utility lost eight decades of experience last week when Bobby Davis and Gloria Marshall Jones each clocked in — and out — for the final time. Bobby, who has been with WEU for 43 years, and Gloria, who has worked there “only” 37 years, were honored…