Don Fletcher

Johnson takes helm at WBZR
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer A chance meeting between one of the owners of an Atmore radio station and a college instructor who had no classes to teach during the summer has apparently provided the missing component of a plan to restore and enhance the station’s hometown flavor. Larry White, one of three principals in Tri-County Broadcasting, recounted this week how the eventual hiring of Phil Johnson, a well-known…
Upgraded splash pad reopens
Mayor says more improvements on the way By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer With little fanfare but much anticipation, Atmore’s splash pad reopened Monday, June 18, with something of a new look. The playground’s picnic pavilion now has a concrete floor; there is a sidewalk from the parking lot next to the Boy Scouts hut to the picnic pavilion, and another sidewalk that will eventually lead to an adjacent playground.…
Was ‘beat-down’ staged?
Authorities still trying to determine exactly what happened By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer The mother of an Escambia County High School student is seeking criminal action against several other students who allegedly launched a brutal attack against her son on May 25, the last day of the 2017-18 school term, but authorities believe the incident might have been a staged prank that backfired. Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said…
Light turnout for 2018’s first Market in the Park
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Although Saturday (June 9) gave little indication, those who grow vegetables, fruits and nuts — or those who whip up home-made jams, jellies and such — are sure word will spread quickly that the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Market in the Park promotion is under way. Less than a dozen veggie vendors, honey hawkers and baked-goods barkers were on hand to market…
Churches feed multitude of first responders, families
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer There weren’t 5,000 people there, and there was lots more food than five barley loaves and two fishes. But a collaborative effort between a wide range of diverse churches to honor current and former first responders had some similarities to the miracle performed by Christ and reported in all four Gospels. The event, titled “First Responders, Our Amazing Heroes,” took place Saturday, June 9,…