NewsDon Fletcher

City schools, Pt. 3
Mayor: City can’t afford school system; supporters still hopeful By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Note: This week’s article is the third of a three-part series on the city school system feasibility study, its positives and negatives, and the questions that still remain regarding formation of a municipal school system. Although supporters of a municipal school system remain hopeful, Atmore Mayor Jim Staff said this week that, based on anticipated…
City council clarifies Alto tax abatement
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer Atmore City Council members voted unanimously during the panel’s Monday, May 11, teleconference meeting to clarify the terms of a 10-year tax abatement the council granted last year to Alto Products. The original abatement, approved in September 2019, waived taxes on the local manufacturer’s purchase of “at least $2 million worth” of equipment that will reportedly create nearly two dozen new jobs. City Clerk…
Officials: Dry air, winds could lead to burn ban
By DON FLETCHER News Staff Writer As a wildfire continued to ravage the Florida Panhandle this week, and despite the absence of any state-issued burn bans, local fire officials warned that conditions are approaching the stage where any type of outdoor fire could lead to disaster. “It’s dry, but we’re not technically in a drought,” said Atmore Fire Department Capt. Daniel Love. “There hasn’t been any drought advisory or burn…
Graduation of a different kind
Students turned in their work packets Tuesday, May 5. Shown accepting the packets at the front of the school are, from left, assistant principals Kevin Everett and Randall Jackson, and special education aide Jonathan Barnes who volunteered to help. By SHERRY DIGMON News Publisher This is the plan – Thursday, May 21, 92 graduates will walk across the stage at Escambia County High School and they will receive their diplomas.…
Mayfest set for July 31, Aug. 1
News Staff Report Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce officials announced Friday, May 8, that Mayfest, which has served as the unofficial kick-off to summer in Atmore for years, has been rescheduled for Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, at Tom Byrne Park. The Chamber was forced to postpone the two-day event due to the COVID-19 virus. “The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce … is looking forward to putting on…