Don Fletcher

RPES students ‘raise the roof’ in honor of veterans
First-graders lifted their voices and their hands during ‘The Eleven-Eleven March.’ By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Most of the more than 500 Rachel Patterson Elementary School (RPES) students who crowded into the RPES cafeteria for the school’s Veterans Day tribute last Friday, November 15, obeyed Principal Jennifer Lee’s admonishment to use “zero-voice level.” Until it was their turn to sing.The youngsters remained mostly quiet during the portions of the program…
Buildings sinking
Bubba Tedder (at left) and Richey Tedder examine the area where the breach is most evident. By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer City of Atmore officials have committed to buying three properties, one on Trammell Street and two at the northern end of Carney Street, where foundations have been compromised by drainage from a ditch that was apparently initially built to irrigate farmland.City council members approved without discussion during their October…
Benjamin defeated
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Danny Benjamin, who has for the past 36 years represented District 2 on the Escambia County Board of Education, will vacate his seat after he was defeated by political newcomer Greg Dawkins in the November 5 General Election. Benjamin said during the November 4 school board meeting that he hoped the district’s electorate would keep him on the board for another six-year term. “I’ve…
APD investigating Brooks Lane shooting
By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Atmore Police Department detectives, already working to identify the individuals responsible for firing more than four dozen shots into several 4th Avenue homes on November 1, are now investigating two shootings.The latest occurred on Saturday, November 9, on Brooks Lane, an area that had been spared gunplay since a rash of shootings — including a fatal one — took place there last year.“We’re still investigating,…
ECHS boys, girls win season openers
By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Juniors Kaniguel Taylor and Cleo Bolar combined for 35 points, and seniors Cali McCants and Carmelo Thomas added 25, as Escambia County’s Blue Devils won their season basketball opener, 64-54 over Monroe County last Friday, November 8.Taylor scored 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Bolar hit for 15 points, McCants put 14 on the board, and Thomas scored 11 as ECHS claimed the…