Year: 2024

Elusive local auto thefts suspect in custody Ward By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Atmore police now know why a man who stole two vehicles and tried to steal three other modes of transportation last weekend was so desperate to flee from authorities. Sgt. Darrell McMann, an Atmore Police Department investigator, reported early Tuesday, February 20, that 26-year-old Justin Daniel Ward, the man believed to be responsible for a series…

Ruling expected on motions to dismiss charges during Monday hearing Atmore News Staff A retired Autauga County Circuit Judge is expected to hear arguments during a Monday, February 26, “status hearing” on whether the case against Atmore News co-owner and publisher Sherry Digmon and reporter Don Fletcher — for revealing grand jury secrets — should be dismissed on Constitutional grounds.Brewton attorneys Earnest White and Cierra White, who are defending Digmon…

Juanita Smith By SHERRY DIGMONNews Publisher Long-time educator Juanita Smith passed away Sunday, February 18, in Atmore.When Atmore News posted word of her passing on Facebook Sunday afternoon, posts in response to the news poured in from students and fellow teachers as they remembered her with fondness and offered prayers for the family.Mrs. Smith moved to Atmore in 1951. Her teaching career in the Atmore area spanned 31 years, including…

Frye By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Atmore police officers and agents of the U.S. Marshals Service took 30-year-old Cleo Frye III of Atmore into custody around 4 p.m. last Thursday, February 15, making him the second person charged in the January 13 shooting death of Atmore resident Okeema McCants.Based on the number of shell casings found at the scene, the 39-year-old Atmore man was shot more than a dozen times…

News Staff Report Alabama will hold its 18th annual severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday this weekend, beginning Friday, February 23, at 12:01 a.m. and ending Sunday, February 25, at midnight.The annual event, held on the last weekend of February each year, gives shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain severe weather preparedness items free of state sales tax.Local sales taxes could still apply, as a list of participating municipalities and…