SENATOR DONNIE CHESTEEN LAUNCHES RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN
Senator Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) qualified today to seek the Republican nomination to continue to represent District 29 in the Alabama State Senate. The district covers portions of Houston, Dale and all of Geneva County.
“I am proud of the work we have done to help the people of Alabama. We have cut taxes by more than $1.5 billion, slashed the state grocery tax in half and have worked to become the most veteran-friendly state in the country,” Chesteen said. “But there is still more to be done and I am asking the people of District 29 to send me back to Montgomery to continue to do the work that makes this a great place to live, work and raise our children and grandchildren.”
Since taking office, Chesteen has worked hard to improve the district’s economy. In just the last three years, his efforts have led to investments of more than $300 million and 900 new jobs in the region with $44 million of state funds returned to wiregrass. The addition of the Dothan campus of UAB Dental School, the Wiregrass Innovation Center and a Mental Health Crisis Center have all occurred during Chesteen’s tenure in the Senate.
“Our corner of the state is thriving,” Chesteen said. “I am committed to ensuring the positive growth and endless opportunity continues.”
Known throughout the legislature as a leader on education issues, he serves as the Chairman of the Senate’s Education Policy Committee. Under his leadership, the state has seen incredible improvements in math and reading scores. The latest assessments show that 88% of Alabama third-graders are reading on grade level. Math scores show that Alabama students made the biggest gains in the nation last year with Alabama now ranking 32nd nationally in math and 34th in reading.
“The gains we have made in education are nothing short of remarkable. We still have more to accomplish but we are very clearly moving in the right direction,” Chesteen said. “With continued improvements in math and reading, along with the partnership with the two-year college system that led to the establishment of the GTECH Career Center, I am optimistic about the future of education for Alabama’s young people.”
Chesteen also points to advancements that have been made in technology and infrastructure while in office. As the Chairman of the Digital Expansion Authority, he was an integral force in investing the resources needed to expand broadband service into homes and businesses in underserved areas. He also points to physical infrastructure improvements including the 4-laning of State Hwy 52 from Hartford to Dothan and the Ross Clark Circle project which is scheduled for completion in 2026.
The Republican primary election will be held on May 19, 2026.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene of a vehicle wreck at the intersection of Westgate Parkway and Burbank Street in Dothan.
Injuries have been reported. Police and Emergency responders arrived on scene and evaluated the individual for injuries. Traffic in the area was impacted while responders worked the scene.
The extent of injuries and the cause of the crash have not yet been officially released. Additional details are expected as they become available.
Stay with RSN for updates as more information is release
Emergency crews are currently on scene of a serious two-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 431 and County Road 32 in Abbeville.
Henry County Sherriff’s Deputies, along with Abbeville Fire – EMS dispatched to the scene and are providing medical care to those involved. The crash was described as a T-bone collision with airbag deployment. Ambulances have also responded to assist with patient care.
Henry County Sheriff’s Deputies, ALEA troopers, and fire-rescue personnel are working at the scene as traffic is slowed or stopped in the area. Injuries have been confirmed, though the severity and number of that hurt have not yet been released.
Motorists are urged to avoid the intersection while responders continue their work. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
UPDATED @ 3:57 PM
This accident involved two vehicles. No one was transported from the scene. The accident was on the northbound side of Highway 431.
Henry County Sheriff Deputies and ALEA – Troopers responded.
IN AN EARLIER CALL Henry County 911 dispatched Abbeville Fire – Rescue and Abbeville Police to Columbia Road to a structure fire. RSN did not respond but as we understand the fire was contained to the back porch.
Fire crews are actively working a fully involved structure fire on Cleveland Street in Headland.
Headland Fire Rescue has been dispatched to the scene, along with assistance from the Kinsey and Newville Volunteer Fire Department. Multiple units are responding as firefighters work to contain and extinguish the blaze.
At this time, the structure is reported to be fully involved. The cause of the fire has not been determined, and it is unknown whether anyone was inside the residence when the fire started. No injuries have been reported as of this update.
Firefighters remain on scene, and additional information is expected to be released as the situation develops.
UPDATED @ 3:44 PM
When Henry County 911 dispatched Headland Fire – Rescue and Headland Police they reported smoke visible from a distance away. Henry County Emergency Management Director Matt Hatcher was at the Henry County Road and Bridge Department and could see the smoke in the air.
Haleburg Volunteer Fire Department, Newville Volunteer Fire Department, and a couple of Wicksburg Volunteer Fireman were in Headland and responded on their personal vehicle and assisted with fighting the fire. Headland Director of Department of Public Safety – Police Chief Mark Jones and Henry County Emergency Management Director Matt Hatcher are on the scene. EMA Director Matt Hatcher is pumping water onthe fire engine company for fireman.
Kinsey Police Chief Jim Mock responded and was in fire attire and assisted with fighting structure fire. Chief Mock was helping fight the fire.
All occupants escaped the fire. Initial reports the cause of the fire is possibly a candle in the house.
This fire was buring strong before fireman ever arrived on the scene. Cleveland Street is closed at Alice Street intersection.
UPDATE: Suspect Captured Following Jackson County Manhunt
JACKSON COUNTY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Kirk Lamar Oliver, 40, has been taken into custody following an extensive manhunt.
JACKSON COUNTY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a man wanted in connection with a reported battery and aggravated assault involving a firearm Thursday morning.
According to deputies, a heavy law enforcement presence remains in the area of Friendship Church Road as authorities search for Kirk Lamar Oliver, 40.
Officials have not released additional details surrounding the incident at this time. Residents in the area are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with information regarding Oliver’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 850-482-9624 or Chipola Crime Stoppers at 850-526-5000. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
This is a developing situation. RSN will provide updates as more information becomes available.
DALE COUNTY: While Sheriff Mason Bynum announced earlier today in his bid for re-election, he was modest in what he released. Let me tell you, Mason Bynum is always working. Sometime, he will even leave watching an Auburn ballgame to respond!!!
Sheriff Mason Bynum will leave his house at all times of the night, weekends and holidays to roll to calls. He has found people who have threatened suicide and placed them in his truck, riding them around, talking them and their issues that has them depressed. Tehn work to seek to get them help.
Sheriff Mason Bynum is always interested to help people.
Sheriff Mason Bynum will stop, never call someone to come help him, bail out of his Sheriff truck, to help someone change a flat tire.
And he will put that front bumper up your exhaust pipe if you run to end the chase to protect the public from someone trying to run. A kind man who can be firm when needed.
Sheriff Mason Bynum’s energy seem always at peak level ready to serve the citizens of Dale County. Always working with other agencies and ALWAYS willing to listen to people from all walks of life. Always a smile and kind word to all he meets. Always taking time to listen and be friends, no matter how young or old the person is.
The people of Dale County have one of a kind in Mason Bynum. A true servants heart with a passion of service.
DALE COUNTY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
Mason Bynum has officially announced his candidacy for reelection as Dale County Sheriff, citing a continued commitment to public safety, strong law enforcement, and protecting the county’s most vulnerable residents.
In his announcement, Bynum reflected on his time leading the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, calling the role the greatest honor of his career. He emphasized that from the beginning of his tenure, his top priority has been protecting children and holding those who prey on them accountable.
“We have pursued those who prey on children relentlessly and unapologetically,” Bynum said. “We have stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and we have done so without hesitation.”
Bynum highlighted efforts made under his leadership to strengthen enforcement operations, expand the use of technology, invest in advanced training, and build partnerships aimed at reducing crime and prioritizing victims. He said those initiatives have helped ensure the Sheriff’s Office remains prepared, professional, and ready to respond when threats arise.
“When evil threatens our communities, the men and women of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office answer the call,” Bynum stated. “When criminals test our resolve, they find a Sheriff’s Office that is ready to act.”
The sheriff also expressed pride in the deputies and staff who serve alongside him, praising their dedication and bravery in carrying out the mission of the office.
While pointing to progress made during his current term, Bynum acknowledged that more work remains.
“The job is not finished,” he said. “There is more work to do.”
Bynum concluded his announcement by asking for continued prayers, trust, and support from the community as he seeks another term as Dale County Sheriff.
The upcoming election will determine who will lead the Dale County Sheriff’s Office in continuing efforts to combat crime and protect residents across the county.
