Category: Headlines

State reveals results of tests on ‘Chinese Seeds’ One of the mysterious packages. By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Rick Pate, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI), revealed Monday (August 3) the results of tests conducted by a state lab on more than 250 packages of unsolicited seeds, apparently from China, where the COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have started. And, while Pate said nothing sinister has been discovered…

Retiring Judge Dave Jordan, left, swore in his successor Friday, July 31. Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Todd Stearns, center, to replace Jordan as Circuit Judge, Place 2. Shown with Stearns is his wife, Sharon, holding the Bible.

By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer The number of COVID-19 cases continued to climb this week, locally and statewide, but not at the accelerated pace experienced over recent weeks. More than 6,400 new cases were confirmed across the state over the past four days, according to the twice-weekly report filed jointly by Escambia County Healthcare Authority and Alabama Department of Public Health. The state’s death toll from the virus is…

Bryan, Mothershed, Fayard win Bryan Mothershed Fayard By SHERRY DIGMON News Publisher Two incumbents and a newcomer won seats on the Poarch Creek Tribal Council election held Saturday, August 1. Stephanie Bryan won an overwhelming vote of the people in her bid for reelection as Poarch Creek Indian chairman. She had 1,030 votes; her challenger, Dewitt Carter, received 267 votes. Incumbent Arthur Mothershed was one of nine candidates for two…

By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer The Escambia County Commission will soon have its third chairman in slightly more than eight months. Karean Reynolds, who replaced Raymond Wiggins as the panel’s presiding officer on December 9, 2019, announced July 31 that “a future opportunity which will allow me to better serve our community” has prompted him to step down as commission chair. Reynolds, who was elected to the District 5…