Don Fletcher

Wiggins, BOE’s Benjamin, Edwards to face challenges
By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Two members of the Escambia County Board of Education, including its presiding officer, will face challenges for their respective seats in the March 5, 2024 Super Tuesday primary, as will the chairman of the Escambia County Commission.Chief Probate Clerk Natalie Rodgers reported that five of nine local incumbents had qualified for re-election as the qualifying period entered its second week.Of those, BOE President Danny Benjamin,…
Felony arrests
Local woman busted at police station Simmons Sharpless Ethridge By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Atmore police didn’t have to look far for a local woman who was jailed October 17 on several charges. The woman was arrested after she came to police headquarters to file a complaint against another person.According to Atmore Police Department reports, 42-year-old Connie Denise Ethridge came to the police department to file a harassment complaint.While taking…
Blue Devils beaten by Admirals, will close season at home Friday
By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Escambia County High’s football team was overwhelmed for the third straight game last Friday (October 20), dropping a 38-14 Class 4A, Region 1 decision to Bayside Academy that ended ECHS’s shot at its first playoff berth in years.The Blue Devils, 5-4 overall and 2-4 in region play, still have a shot at their best season record since 2018 — when the team went 6-4 in…
BOE rejects extension of superintendent contract by 4-3 vote
DA Steve Billy speaks during the meeting By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Words of support from two elected officials, a preacher and a former elected official, along with a show of support from three other current and former elected officials, were not enough to sway the convictions — and votes — of four Escambia County Board of Education members during the October 12 BOE meeting. The four — District…
School absences could lead to numerous problems, including jail for parents
By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer About 50 people — including two elected officials who spoke, two county education officials, several parents of county school students and others — gathered in Escambia County High School’s auditorium Monday, October 16, for a symposium on truancy, the problem of students staying away from school without a valid reason.The gathering was organized and headed up by Dr. Eric Andrews, who serves as Attendance and…