Author: Don Fletcher

Armed theft suspect eludes lawmen Mendez By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Atmore Police Department (APD) detectives are currently looking for a man — believed to reside in or near Walnut Hill, Fla. — who is clearly shown on closed circuit television footage as he stole several items from local residences last week.Police are looking for Mario Mendez, age and address not provided, as the primary suspect in the burglaries, each…

ECDC official: Online report of murder suspect’s release inaccurate Pettaway By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Despite an online report to the contrary, officials of the Escambia County Detention Center (ECDC) said last week the Mobile teen who shot and killed an Atmore man in late July is still securely behind bars.Jail officers said published reports, that 19-year-old Antonio LeMarcus Pettaway II had been released on bond, are incorrect.Pettaway is being…

CSFO Rochelle Richardson, left, and Assistant Superintendent Michele Collier, right, prepare data for the afternoon budget hearing. By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer The Escambia County Board of Education, sitting one member short, took care of a lot of business in a little time last Thursday, September 14, during the panel’s regular meeting. The biggest item during the one-hour session was approval of an operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024,…