North Escambia Residents Bring Bookstore To Flomaton, Aim To Lift Local Economy
October 2, 2026
A new bookstore, The Guilty Librarian, opens on Saturday morning in downtown Flomaton, Alabama.
The business is operated by two North Escambia residents, Chandra Rigby and her daughter Tori Walker, who are fulfilling a dream and looking to help the town grow along the way.
“I’ve always loved books and I approached my husband last year about getting the cart to do on the weekends,” Rigby said. “It’s my love of books runs deep. My mom’s always been a reader, I’ve been a reader and my girls are readers, and my granddaughters are readers.”
“We wanted that wanted that Hallmark town feel to the store, and we wanted it in a community that we thought would really support us. This community has gone above and beyond here; they have wholeheartedly supported us even before we are open,” she said.
Rigby and Walker said they immediately fell in love with the building on the corner of Palafox and Ringold streets in the heart of downtown Flomaton. It was built sometime in the 1880s, and had been empty since Coleman’s Drugs and its soda fountain closed about 30 years ago. Along the way, it housed the town’s telephone switchboard, a hospital, and the second story even served as a safe haven when downtown Flomaton flooded. Other periods in the building’s history remain a mystery.
During the renovation, original tile floors and a solid wood ceiling were discovered.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
Walker has taken to social media to build a following of thousands before The Guilty Librarian’s opening, often taking the time to promote other Flomaton businesses.
“I know if I bring people in for me, I’m going to bring them in for other businesses down here,” Walker said. “And I want all of us to survive and succeed. And I want to be able to stay here for a while.”
On November 28, which is Small Business Saturday across the country, The Guilty Librarian has partnered with the Town of Flomaton to host “Miracle on Palafox.” All of the vendor fees from the holiday market will be donated to the town.
“They came to downtown with the attitude that they want to help and have bent over backwards to become involved,” Flomaton Mayor Arthur Odom said. “What they are doing will benefit all of Flomaton, not just the bookstore.”
Both women said they believe a bookstore can thrive in a small town like Flomaton as it draws people in from the surrounding areas.
“A lot of people don’t understand the book community. I’ve been a part of the book community for 15-plus years,” Rigby said. The book community is unlike any community out there and independent bookstores are on the rise. People are putting down a Kindle, and they’re wanting to read a book. They are wanting to hold a book; they are wanting the experience.”
“And when you come in here, it’s not just about buying a book. It’s about the whole experience,” she added. “It’s about the whole experience you get when you are here; it’s about the vibe, and it is about feeling.”
“We want people to walk in here, and everything out here is quiet,” Walker said. “They’ve escaped their own reality and just hung out with us for a little while. It’s like the whole thing, and also I don’t know of any other bookstores around here that are like this.”
The Guilty Librarian is located at 331 Palafox Street in downtown Flomaton. Saturday’s grand opening is at 10 a.m. and will feature book signings by several authors, swag bags for the first 50 people, and more. After Saturday’s grand opening, the store will be open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., while remaining closed on Sunday and Monday.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
The bookstore offers a wide selection of genres, including romance, classics, self-help and religious, best sellers, new releases, and children’s book for all ages.
To learn more about Miracle on Palafox in Flomaton or for a vendor application, email theguiltylibrarian@gmail.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Olivia Criswell Named Tate High School Teacher of the Year
October 2, 2026
Olivia Criswell has been named the Tate High School Teacher of the Year.
“Mrs. Criswell is an outstanding biology teacher who represents the very best of Tate High School. Her dedication to her students, commitment to academic excellence, and passion for teaching make a lasting impact in her classroom and across our school community,” Tate Assistant Principal Austin Courson said on Thursday. “We are proud to have (her) represent Tate High School and the incredible educators who make a difference for our Aggies each day.”
Criswell was chosen from a field of five finalists. The other finalists were:
- Lauralee Best – Visual Art Educator
- Melissa Gibbs – Agricultural Educator
- Elizabeth Mealy – Performing Arts Educator
- Amanda Williams – English Language Arts Educator
Pictured top: (L-R) Tate assistant principals Greg Blackmon and Somer Bridges, Teacher of the Year Olivia Criswell, Principal Emily King, and Assistant Principal Austin Courson. Pictured below: Criswell in her biology classroom. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month
September 28, 2026
Ernest Ward Middle School has named its August Students of the Month. They are Kinsley Worley eighth grade; Charlie Trawick, seventh grade; and Emerson Salter, sixth grade. They are pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Photo for NorthEscambia.com; click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Names Students of The Month
September 25, 2026
Ransom Middle School named Carter Jarman and Calleigh Anderson as Students of the Month for August. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Inducts New National Honor Society Members
September 23, 2026
Three dozen new members were inducted this week into the National Honor Society at Tate High School.
Membership is based on the organization’s four pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
- Laura Ave
- Emma Bellinger
- Avery Davis
- Brayden Luciano
- Trent Madden
- Ridge Minnick
- Landyn Prescott
- Peyton Sapp
- Ella Sherbrook
- Katy Stefanko
- Bryson Taylor
- Brooke Ward
- Emma White
- Camilla Carstens
- Olivia Cruise
- Sophia Della Ratta
- Brooke Durham
- Ella Frank
- Walker Freeman
- Emalyn Maxwell
- Aubrey Moodie
- Christopher Pennewell
- Emma Rathbun
- Presley Spikes
- Alena White
- Brittney Abney
- Noah Anderson
- Grace Best
- Zaria Cannon
- Olivia Collette
- Hannah Doodeman
- Akaela Marshall
- Kiley Menser
- Raelyn Phelps
- Addyson Smallwood
- Ali Wynne
Officers are:
- President: Brayley Cayton
- Vice President: Estella Perea
- Secretary: Torrie Garrett
- Treasurer: London DeLancey
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lipscomb Elementary Honors Special Area Champions
September 22, 2026
Lipscomb Elementary School recently recognized its August Special Area Champions. The champions were honored in areas that included art, music, P.E., and reading for their outstanding efforts. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Inducts New Honor Society Members
September 21, 2026
New members were recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society during a ceremony at Ransom Middle School.
The NJHS is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle school students. More than just an honor roll, the NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.
8th Grade Members
- Anatolie Badila
- Brentley Batchelor
- Nathan Brown
- Felicity Brown
- Camden Clarke
- Madison Degan-Dorangricchia
- Micah Doyle
- Colton Eden
- Charlee Edwards
- Ty Hagan
- Aiden Harris
- Natalie Harris
- Jackson Henson
- Melody Kershaw
- Aubry Licastro
- Samantha Meadows
- Zachary Moshell
- Gabrielle Orr
- Chloe Quebedeaux
- Cole Reynolds
- William Rogers
- Brayden Scales
- Mckenzie Teel-Galletti
- Weston Wagner
- McKenzy Walker
- Emily Wears
- Camden Williams
- Jazmin Yahya
7th Grade Members
- Lily Dunn
- Ryann Gibbs
- Lucy Hamilton
- Drew Haney
- Alyson Le
- Zachary Medeiros
- Presley Murdock
- Rylie Payne
- Eli Quebedeaux
- Joud Schweil
- McKenzie Simpler
- Karli Smith
- Nevaeh Smith
- Khlow Sowers
- Carson Spikes
- Natalie Thorsen
- Liam Wallace
Officers and Adviser
- President: Marcella Smith
- Vice President: Collin Cowart
- Secretary: Jett Smith
- Treasurer: Kensley Middleton
- Historian: Landon Thompson
- Faculty Adviser: Veronica Linkous
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Native Defends America From Under The Sea
September 20, 2026
Seaman Tyanthony Dailey, a native of Atmore is one of the sailors serving aboard Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky, continuing the U.S. Navy’s 126-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Dailey graduated from Escambia County High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atmore.
“Growing up in Atmore, it’s a small town; everyone knew each other,” Dailey said. “It helped me get started. I talked to a lot of people who supported me with real examples of military life. Coach G (Gonzalez), my wrestling coach, helped build my toughness. I was in wrestling and football, and he helped me get to state championships. Also, my mom helped me a lot. She brought us up by herself and took care of us. She taught me the importance of independence, and that has helped me in my career so far.”
Dailey joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Dailey serves as a yeoman (submarine).
“I joined to do something different,” Dailey said. “Everyone around me was going to college. That wasn’t really my thing. I always saw submarines in the movies and thought, I can do that! I wanted to be an information systems technician, but there was an opportunity to start my Navy journey quickly by taking the yeoman rate, so I signed up.”
As a submariner, Dailey is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who volunteer to serve under the sea.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world to deter aggression and defend the U.S. homeland. A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines, ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; support special operations missions; conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet combatant commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S., replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each guided-missile submarine is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Dailey is part of a rich 126-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
The Pacific Submarine Force provides strategic deterrence, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, early warning and special warfare capabilities around the globe.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Dailey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far is becoming senior in rate and earning my dolphins (submariner qualification),” Dailey said. “That’s a big one because it’s so challenging. Learning each system on the boat and being a competent sailor is important. A lot of people depend on me to do my job. Driving a nuclear submarine is another big accomplishment and a huge responsibility.”
Dailey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I’m doing something that most people wouldn’t do,” Dailey said. “It’s different than everyone else. I could be doing anything from shooting missiles, evading torpedoes or a number of other things. It’s a great job. If someone had the chance to serve four years, they should at least try. If asked what I did for my country, I can be proud to talk about what I’ve done in the Navy.”
Dailey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my mom,” Dailey said. “She has helped me every step of the way with everything from cars to owning a home. She helped me grow up. My brother joined the Navy, too. We talk all the time and help each other. My wife has been amazing. She has loved and supported me the entire time and always has my back.”
Dailey said he’s thankful for the education opportunities that service in the Navy provides.
“I plan to go to college using Tuition Assistance, which will help me in my career and post-Navy life,” Dailey said.
written by Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Tucker
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High AJROTC Honors The Lives Lost On 9/11
September 18, 2026
On September 11, 2026, the J.M Tate High School AJROTC Aggie Battalion came together for their annual solemn march to commemorate September 11, 2001. The Cadets marched with purpose and respect, remembering the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, as well as the firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, military members, and citizens who displayed extraordinary courage and sacrifice in the face of tragedy.
For the Aggie Battalion, the march provided an opportunity for today’s cadets to pause, reflect, and honor those who never made it home exactly 25 years ago. Through their discipline, unity, and commitment to service, the J.M. Tate Cadets helped ensure that the sacrifices of September 11 are not forgotten.
Written by and photos by C/1LT Kiley Adams, Aggie Battalion, Public Relations Officer (S-5) for NorthEscambia.com. Click photos to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Honor Northview Grad Brianna Smith For A Decade As ‘Twirly Girl’
September 15, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos recently honored their “Twirly Girl,” Northview High School graduate Brianna Smith, for 10 years with the team.
Before graduating in 2017, Smith twirled at Northview, where as a majorette she was known for performing with fiery batons.
Smith is now in her fourth year of teaching at Byrneville Elementary School.
Pictured: Blue Wahoos Twirly Girl Brianna Smith honored and performing at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Photos for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured bottom: Smith twirling for the Northview Chiefs. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
