Author: Don Fletcher

Shops, stores reopen doors By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer As the COVID-19 pandemic curve continued this week to flatten and even head downward, a semblance of normalcy has begun to return as Atmore’s economic community struggles to reassert itself. Emily Wilson, executive director for Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, said the city’s shops and stores, especially those in the downtown area, have begun to show signs of life again,…

McCaster By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer An Atmore man was arrested May 4, just over 10 days after he allegedly yanked a pistol from the hands of a local motorist and took off with it. Police Chief Chuck Brooks confirmed that 27-year-old Demetrius McCaster was taken into custody and charged with one count each of third-degree robbery and second-degree theft of property. Brooks said the investigation into the robbery…

America By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks confirmed last week that an Atmore man was arrested here March 5 and has been charged with drug trafficking and felony marijuana possession. Brooks said Timothy Lane America, 41, was taken into custody after he drove his vehicle past a law enforcement officer who recognized America as the subject of an ongoing drug investigation. “He was driving his…

Mayor: City can’t afford school system; supporters still hopeful By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Note: This week’s article is the third of a three-part series on the city school system feasibility study, its positives and negatives, and the questions that still remain regarding formation of a municipal school system. Although supporters of a municipal school system remain hopeful, Atmore Mayor Jim Staff said this week that, based on anticipated…