Don Fletcher

A glance back at 2016 – New high-tech factory, possible return of rail service among year’s top stories
A flurry of economic development announcements, including the impending construction of a high-tech manufacturing plant that is expected to generate 100 new jobs and the return of passenger rail service, were among the biggest news stories of 2016 in Atmore and the surrounding communities. The year’s biggest news events of 2016 also included a bevy of high-profile crime stories, including one that drew national attention, as well as several destructive…
‘Collard Man’ blessed with ‘greens’ thumb
It was a little over 25 years ago that Edward Adams got a bit of advice that eventually led to the development of a hobby that quickly grew into a second career. And local vegetable lovers, especially the health-conscious ones, are as happy as he is that he heeded that advice. In 1990, three years before he retired from his career as a delivery driver for Monsanto Company, Adams expressed…
Public servants make Christmas merrier
Christmas will be brighter thanks to a number of city employees. Atmore Police Department dispatcher Betty Cox is the founder and director of Change of Mind. Inc., a non-profit organization that ministers to the needs of children. Every year, Betty has a toy drive for kids who might not otherwise have such a good Christmas. This year, she had some assistance from fellow co-workers with the city of Atmore. Members…
City shuts down business
Atmore Mayor Jim Staff said last week that he invoked his mayoral powers and ordered city codes inspectors to revoke the license of a downtown business where a man was recently shot several times. Staff said the city has closed the doors of Special Occasions, which operated at 129 South Main Street, in the former Western Auto building. According to city records, the business obtained a license to host banquets,…