Top Stories

Case dismissed
Destiny pastor awaiting DA’s decision on indictment Bishop By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Charges against Destiny Worship Center Pastor Bernard Bishop — arrested December 5 and accused of trying to smuggle drugs, weapons and other contraband into Fountain Correctional Facility Annex — were dropped during a preliminary hearing held Monday (February 10) at the county courthouse.Bishop’s attorney, Jerome C. Carter of Mobile, said he and his client are “very happy”…
Council votes to double next administration’s pay
By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer Four Atmore City Council members gave unanimous approval during their Monday, February 10, meeting to a resolution that will double the monthly pay for the next mayoral administration.The city’s next mayor will be paid $6,000 per month ($72,000 per year), compared to the $35,000 salary Mayor Jim Staff currently receives. Council members, who are paid $400 per month, will be paid twice that when the…
DA, sheriff claim immunity from prosecution
McClain Atmore News Staff Lawyers for Escambia County District Attorney Stephen “Steve” Billy and Sheriff Heath Jackson each claimed in motions filed January 30 to dismiss a federal lawsuit against their clients, that neither could be held legally accountable for any actions involving the 2023 arrests of four local people on charges of revealing grand jury secrets, charges that were eventually dismissed.The DA’s attorney argued in his motion that his…
Perdido River Meats processing plant, retail store now open
Talking with television reporters, from left, Keith Martin, Jose Antillon, and Commissioner Rick Pate. By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer When Poarch Creek Indians (PCI) tribal officials first considered expanding their roster of commercial enterprises into the agricultural market, some worried such an expansion might not share the success other tribal business investments have enjoyed. Six years later, those worries have finally been laid to rest.A crowd of roughly 300 showed…
Felony arrests
Second arrest made in Jan. 9 beatdown of local man By DON FLETCHERNews Staff Writer The following felony arrests were reported by officers of the Atmore Police Department (APD) during the period February 3-5:Anthony Armstrong Armstrong Armstrong, 59, was taken into custody February 3 in connection with the January 9 beatdown of an Atmore man at a local apartment complex.The incident happened at Atmore Village Apartments, and police reports show…