🌱 Mobile Health Officer Retiring + 'Stealth' Omicron In AL

Happy Friday, Mobile! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

---

First, today's weather:

Cooler; a shower in the a.m.. High: 64 Low: 51.

---

Here are the top three stories today in Mobile:

1. Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Bernard Eichold will soon retire after more than 30 years of service. Dr. Eichold has held the role since 1990 and is the longest-serving health officer in Alabama's history. Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels has been chosen to be the next officer. (FOX10 News)
2. The University of Mobile is set to offer an Associate Degree in Nursing program beginning in August. The two-year program is focused on getting students into the workforce faster. "There's such a critical shortage of nurses, this is our plan to get nurses in the field very quickly," Univ. of Mobile President Lonnie Burnett said. (utv44.com)
3. Mobile and Baldwin County doctors are on high alert as the first case of "stealth Omicron" has been seen in Alabama. While COVID cases and hospitalizations are decreasing, the new mutation is giving health officials pause, especially as the state is gearing up for Spring Break visitors. "While it looks like we're doing a lot better, let's peel back the layers slowly. Please get vaccinated, and follow mitigation," said Dr. Karen Landers, Assistant State Health Officer. (NBC 15 WPMI)

---

From our sponsor:

Tackling a big to-do list around the house to start the new year? Our partners at Thumbtack, the home services app, have made hiring trusted local pros for pretty much any job extremely easy and intuitive. In minutes, you can find a painter, plumber, roofer or someone to help with small jobs such as trash hauling or appliance repair. And Thumbtack's rating system can give you confidence that you're hiring a quality pro you can count on. Click here to get started.

---

Today in Mobile:

• Crewe Of Columbus Parade - Downtown Mobile (6:30 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• The Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail is preserving African-American history in Mobile. The trail was founded in 2006 by Dora Franklin-Finley with a theme she firmly believed in: "You can't know where you're going until you know where you've been." Learn more about the history of the trail here. (FOX10 News)
• Patch and ScoreStream have partnered to give you upcoming schedules for your favorite local teams as high school athletics heat up. Check out the upcoming local games at the link! (Mobile Patch)
• This weekend will bring fog and showers to Mobile. Check out the full weekend weather forecast here. (Mobile Patch)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• The Better Skin Co. — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Add your event

---

Loving the Mobile Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

---

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.