Don Fletcher

City hires former councilman, bank VP as economic planner
Walker By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Mayor Jim Staff formally announced Monday (April 11) the hiring of former bank executive and three-term city councilman Chris Walker to a newly created administrative role.At the end of Monday’s council meeting, Staff introduced the former banking professional, who began his new job on April 3, to the public.“I want to introduce our new economic advisor, Mr. Chris Walker,” the mayor said, noting that…
Family Assistance Fund giving storm victims new lease on life
By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer When monetary donations began steadily pouring in after the March 18 wind event that cost at least six Big Oak Trailer Park families their homes and all or most of their belongings, Huxford Elementary School Principal Leah Fuqua stepped in to establish a central fund into which the incoming money could be kept.Fuqua said last week the First National Bank & Trust account has already…
Flomaton man paroled
Few By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer One of two Escambia County men arrested last year by Flomaton police on drug possession charges is free after serving just under six months of a 60-month sentence.During its April 5 hearings, the Alabama Board of Pardons & Paroles granted early release to Tommy Ray Few, 51, who had been serving time at Elba Correctional Work Center.Few, who was a passenger in a vehicle…
Officer tries to smuggle pot, meth into Fountain CF
Rivers By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer A state corrections officer remained in the county jail under a $1.5 million bond this week after he was caught trying to smuggle more than a pound of marijuana and more than a half-pound of methamphetamine into Fountain Correctional Facility.According to arrest reports, 32-year-old Robert Obrien Rivers of Monroeville was taken into custody March 27 by Alabama Department of Corrections investigators when he reported…
Food scores released
The following Escambia County food / lodging establishment ratings were released by the Alabama Department of Public Health for March. Ratings are ranked by score, low to high. FSE = Food Service Establishment Creek Travel Plaza – 24/7 Diner, Atmore, 84, FSE Burger King #12520, Atmore, 89, FSE Subway #27718, Jack Springs Road, Atmore, 91, FSE Atmore Dragway, Inc., Atmore, 91, FSE Taco Bell #30463, Atmore, 92, FSE Arby’s of…