Former Atmore Mayor Howard Shell was once again honored for his years of service to the city, this time at the first Industrial Development Board meeting held since his retirement.

Board Chairman Richard Maxwell presented Shell with a plaque in appreciation of his time on the board. Maxwell said the former mayor, who was the driving force behind the Rivercane development property, deserves special recognition for taking the risks associated with the project and for having the vision to see past them.

“There were a number of people that agreed that Rivercane and some economic development were good ideas,” Maxwell said. “But nobody had their neck out on the line more than Mayor Shell, so he had to defend it. And now he’s proud to defend it.”

For the complete story on Thursday’s Industrial Development Board meeting, see the Saturday, Dec. 1 edition of The Atmore Advance.