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R.W. Brooks was one of the most prolific writers of local history. He was also a primary source of local history in that his writings reflect his personal observations from an earlier age. One can therefore cite with certainty his newspapers writings as to historical accuracy since he lived much of the history he reported. In October 10, 1929's edition of The Atmore Advance Brooks gives a curious account of ancient times in the Canoe and Atmore area of the 1870s. Brooks noted that he was 17...
I was digging around in a box of stuff the other day and came across my old high school class ring. My mind flashed to the people, cars, and places that I knew in those days and I thought it funny how something of little physical value can hold so much worth in memories. This is the thing that our society is built on also, simple items that hold worthwhile memories. In case you have not been to the museums lately, let me offer a short description. But, first l will state this. This year the society celebrates thirty-one years of sharing...
My earliest memory of Easter had to be around the time I was about two/three years old. I have a vivid memory of watching my older siblings look for eggs around the grass clumps, little trees and washes in the red clay of a dirt pit near Cowpen Creek outside Canoe Alabama. Our family lived on third avenue in Atmore so this was a trip out of town for us, the distance of about ten miles. I know this was the place because Mama and Daddy told me they brought us here to swim and play in the water at Cowpen Creek. They said, as a baby, I loved to...
Preschoolers at Flomaton's First Baptist Day Care got to explore right in their back yard, Thursday, April, 11, on a field trip to Turtle Point Science Center which is also located within Flomaton's town limits. Turtle Point's director, Jackie Word, opened the minds of the kids to new wonders in science when she explained the life cycle of butterflies, guided the kids on a nature walk through the center and introduced some local wildlife with a hands-on experience. The preschoolers began their...
It’s been ten years since TEA Parties swept the nation. With the credit bubble burst and the sub-prime mortgage industry collapsing, the federal government was already panicking in 2008. Big government Republicans and Democrats came together to craft a monstrous bailout package. As if on cue, President Obama was elected promising to “fundamentally transform America!” And Obama’s vision for America was socialism, so implementing an almost $1 Trillion stimulus package in his first days was a perfect storm and dream come true for America...
For those of us who are Christians, this week is the most important and holiest of the year. We begin the week remembering Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, walk with Him through his last teachings in the Temple, watch the last supper with His disciples, sadly witness His arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, view with tears his torture and crucifixion, and sorrow over his death and burial - only to wake up on Easter Sunday to the miracle of His Resurrection. There is so much meaning in this week that it is hard to pull o...
As I observe the legislature, it occurs to me that I am getting older. A lot of the legislators and lobbyists I have known over the years have moved on. Montgomery is no longer an “Old Boys Club.” A cursory look at a typical day at the Alabama Statehouse would surprise you. An increasing number of professional women are a major part of the lawmaking process. There are a host of brilliant women under 40 who are at the forefront and yield a great deal of influence over the process of policy making in Alabama. First on most lists is of course Kat...
“Here comes Peter Cottontail Hoppin' down the bunny trail Hippity hoppin', Easter's on its way”. That little “song” is running through my mind now, as I remember that most “children” young and old, are looking forward to the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. You remember how that goes don’t you? You dye all those eggs, and then hide them outside in the grass, bushes, behind trees and who knows where else. After the hunt is over you then eat the eggs you found, right? NO! WRONG! No Way! NADA! Zilch! Please Don’t Eat those eggs!!! Eggs like most other...
Giles D. Chapman, 91, of Atmore, died Friday, April 12, 2019 in Atmore. Mr. Chapman was born Dec. 23, 1927 to Giles D., Sr. and Lida Alston Chapman in Demopolis, Ala. A retired drug salesman for McKesson and Robbins Drug Company, he was a member of First United Methodist Church of Atmore. A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, April 14 at Grove Hill Cemetery in Grove Hill, Ala. with Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home directing and a Celebration of Life service was held at 2 p.m. the same day at First United Methodist Church of Atmore...
Kirby B. Evans died Saturday, April 6, 2019. Mr. Evans was born in 1921 in Damascus, Ala., the seventh of 11 children. At the age of 14, he enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corp, where he and others were integral in the building of Little River State Park. After he wed, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served on a Landing Craft Medium during the D-Day invasion when he and his crew landed more than 12 times on Normandy Beach during the initial assault. After the war, he returned to Mobile to work at the Mobile Press Register for...
Esther V. Ephriam James, 73, of Mobile and formerly of Atmore, died Friday, March 29, 2019 at her daughter's home. Mrs. James was a native of Beatrice, Ala. who graduated from the Escambia County Training School in 1964. Retired with Jefferson Smurfitt-Stone, now Georgia Pacific in Brewton, she enjoyed traveling and modeling. The funeral was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 13, at Empowerment Tabernacle Christian Center with Bishop Darryl North officiating. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery with Turner Funeral Chapel directing. Mrs. James is...
Glen Devory Lewis, 87, died Saturday, April 6, 2019 in a local nursing facility after a brief illness. Mr. Lewis was a native of Berrydale, Fla. and lifelong resident of Brewton who was a graduate of Jay High School. Of the Baptist faith, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired from Escambia Insurance Company as an insurance sales agent. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Mr. Lewis is survived by his wife, Dorothy Lewis;...
Claudia Williams Lowell, 80, of East Brewton, died Friday, March 15, 2019 after a brief illness. Mrs. Lowell was a native of Kiln, Miss., former resident of Mobile and longtime resident of the Brewton and East Brewton area. A member of the Gospel Light Temple, she was a retired LPN with 31 years of service, having worked at Jay Hospital when she retired. The funeral was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at Cooper Cemetery with Rev. Doug Greer officiating and Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Lowell is survived by two...
Johnny Lucas, 56, died Sunday, April 7, 2019 in Jay, Fla. Mr. Lucas was a native and former resident of Atmore who had resided in East Brewton for the past 18 years. Of the Baptist faith, He was a member of the local Millwright Union #2471 and the Republican party. The funeral was held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 11, at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Roley officiating. Burial followed at Dry Springs Cemetery with Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home directing. Mr. Lucas is survived by his wife, Chastity Peavy of East...
Robert “Bobby” McClellend, 71, of East Brewton, died Saturday, April 6, 2019, in a local hospital after a lengthy illness. Mr. McClelland served in Vietnam as a Sergeant ES in the G Battery 65th Artillery in the U.S. Army. He served as a gunner on convoys, exposed to Agent Orange, which led to his developing Agent Orange Lung Cancer. He spent much time with his fellow veterans, maintaining contact following the war. A private family service will be held at a later date. Mr. McClelland is survived by his wife of more than 51 years, Rebecca “Be...
Sonya Marie Robinson Mims, 52, died Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in Mobile. Mrs. Mims was a native and lifelong resident of Atmore, graduating from Escambia County High School in 1985, as a Drum Major who choreographed her own routines. A member of the Huxford Baptist Church and advocate of the National Kidney Foundation, she had several hobbies, including horses and music. The funeral was held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 12, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. James Boyd officiating. Burial followed at Huxford Baptist Cemetery...
Volley “June Bug” Reynolds, Jr., 48, died Tuesday, April 2, 2019. Mr. Reynolds was born March 2, 1971, to Volley and Nazzie Brooks Reynolds in Atmore. A 1990 Escambia County High School graduate, he was a member of Mt. Triumph Missionary Baptist Church. Employed with National Carrier Trucking Company, he enjoyed traveling the United States. The funeral was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13, at Greater Mt. Triumph Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Willie Hawthorne officiating. Burial followed at Stallworth Cemetery with Christian Mem...
John Eddie Ryan, 74, of Brewton, died Friday, March 15, 2019 in a local nursing facility after a brief illness. Mr. Ryan was a native and lifelong resident of Miami, Fla. before relocating to Brewton. Of the Christian faith, he was a member of the Florida Carpenter's Union and a retired general contractor. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Mr. Ryan is survived by three sons, John Eddie (Janie) Ryan, Jr. of Odom, Ga., Rodney (Rhonda) Ryan of White, Ga. and Kyle (Amy) Ryan of Woodstock, Ga.; three daughters, Tammera Smith...
Shirley Elaine Salter, 67, of East Brewton, died Friday, April 5, 2019 after a brief illness. Mrs. Salter was a native of Daphne, Ala. and lifelong resident of Brewton who attended W.S. Neal High School. Of the Baptist faith, she retired from the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. The funeral was held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, at Damascus Cemetery. Burial followed with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Mrs. Salter is survived by one son, Mark (Michelle) Salter; one daughter, Diana (Chris) Brown; two brothers,...
At the Century council meeting Monday night, Natural Gas Superintendent Wally Kellett reported that about 268 accounts of at least 530 did not receive bills or were incorrectly read each month, which explains much of the town's lost revenue. Kellett reported that the gate meter, which measures how much gas comes into the town, is up and running and is parallel with what Gulf South says it is transporting monthly. “Our training last week went great,” said Kellett. “It was very informative and i...
Officials with the Geological Survey of Alabama say they are still gathering data to determine the causes and reasons for 13 earthquakes that have occurred since March 7 in the Flomaton, Pollard, Century and Jay areas which include five quakes that occurred between last Thursday and Sunday. According to data collected by the GSA the following earthquakes in the area have occurred since March 7: March 7, 2.7 magnitude; March 11, 3.1; March 12, 2.3; March 13, 2.2; March 24, 2.7; March 27, 2.1; Mar...
Three jury trials in Escambia County (Ala.) Circuit Court ended with three convictions last week with juries returning guilty verdicts from sodomy to promoting prison contraband. Geovanni Xavier Ginett, 24, 7305 North Century Boulevard, Century, was found guilty of sodomy I and sexual abuse II. He was charged with rape I, sodomy I and assault III. On the rape charge, the jury found him guilty of the lesser offense of sexual abuse II, which is a misdemeanor. The jury also found him not guilty of...
Monday night, the Jay council discussed how to address the almost $6,000 past due water, gas and sewer accounts, although no changes were or decisions were made on how to handle them. With the recent installation of new meters and the rate increases, customers have received higher bills. Several residents and business owners have complained at recent council meetings that the increase creates hardships for them or their organizations. Several non-profit businesses and churches have requested an...
W.S. Neal Elementary School student Cameron Coleman not only left the Escambia County 4-H Swine Show and Sale with ribbons pinned to his chest, he also walked away with a $553.50 check when his Best of Show pig was sold at auction. Home-schooled student Ben Landis took the reserve champion ribbon. Back on Dec. 4, 29 students paid $75 each to pick up their pigs that weighed in the neighborhood of 40 to 50 pounds. Last Friday, 23 students took their pigs to the show and sale at the Double AA...
An Arizona man now sits in the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton on $1 million bond after being arrested for sexually molesting an underaged relative six or seven years ago while in Escambia County. John Whitfield Mangrum, 54, 6645 North La Canada Drive, Tuscon, Ariz., has been charged with rape I, sexual abuse I, incest and two counts of sodomy I. According to reports, the alleged assault occurred between 2012 and 2013 on a creek bank in the Sardis Creek area. The female victim was 12...
