It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Deputy Robert (Rob) Johnson Jr., who bravely fought a courageous battle with cancer.
Deputy Johnson began his law enforcement career on January 18, 2005, and dedicated more than two decades of his life to serving and protecting the citizens of Houston County. Rob was the kind of deputy every agency hopes for—professional, dependable, and deeply committed to his duty. More importantly, he was a friend to everyone he met, always willing to help, listen, or lend a hand.
Rob truly loved serving his community and took great pride in wearing the badge. His impact reached far beyond the walls of our department and into the lives of the citizens he served each and every day.
Please keep Deputy Johnson’s family, friends, and our law enforcement family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rest easy, Rob. Your service and dedication will never be forgotten. We’ve got it from here brother.🖤💙 EOW 2/4/2026
A vehicle wreck has been confirmed at approximately 1000 Ross Clark Circle.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, where traffic may be impacted in the immediate area. At this time, no official word has been released regarding injuries or the number of vehicles involved.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the area and consider alternate routes while crews work the scene. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
An elderly Enterprise man accused of killing his wife last month has died, authorities confirmed.
Otto Wolf, 90, died on January 24 while hospitalized at Flowers Hospital. The cause of death has not been released.
Multiple Coffee County law enforcement officials confirmed Wolf’s death.
At the time of his death, Wolf was out on bond and facing a murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, 85-year-old Charlotte Wolf. Investigators said Charlotte Wolf was found shot to death inside a residence in the 100 block of County Road 724 on Monday, January 12.
According to reliable sources in Coffee County, the couple was preparing to enter hospice care on the day of the shooting. Investigators said Wolf told authorities at the scene that the shooting was a “mercy” killing.
A Houston County judge sentenced James Robert Suggs to life in prison Wednesday morning following his conviction for the rape of a 95-year-old woman.
Investigators said Suggs assaulted the elderly victim after taking her on a fishing trip, during which he removed her diaper before committing the assault.
Victim advocate Angela Underwood spoke on behalf of the woman’s family during sentencing, urging the court to impose the life sentence handed down by Circuit Judge Henry D. “Butch” Binford.
“This shows victims and their families that crimes like this will not be ignored or brushed aside,” Underwood told WTVY News4. “For a 95-year-old woman to endure something so horrific after living such a long life, and to still be here, sends a powerful message that justice will be served.”
Although Suggs, who is in his 50s, will be eligible for parole in several years, the Alabama Parole Board has historically taken a strict stance on cases involving sexual offenses.
Fire crews responded to a structure fire Thursday evening in the Onycha community that left a residence and two large storage buildings heavily damaged.
According to Opp Fire Department, units were dispatched at approximately 6:03 p.m. alongside Onycha Volunteer Fire Department to the intersection of County Road 32 and Cook Road.
On arrival, Onycha Engine 1, Onycha Truck 5, and Opp Car 1 found one residential structure and two large storage buildings fully involved in fire. Officials confirmed the occupants were out of the home and safely accounted for.
Onycha Tanker 1 and Opp Engine 7 assisted with fire suppression. Due to the extent of the fire and exposure concerns, additional mutual aid was requested, including Opp Engine 10, Kinston Engine 5, and Babbie Engine 4 and Attack 5. Crews were able to bring the fire under control, and no injuries were reported.
Additional agencies on scene included Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Haynes Ambulance, and Covington Electric Cooperative.
Officials are asking the community to keep the homeowner in their prayers as they recover from the loss.
My lifetime friend, Steve Clouse, turns 70 this week. He was born February 7, 1956. I hope his legislative colleagues and friends wish him a Happy Birthday. He truly is a good man.
Steve was born and raised in Ozark and has represented his home County of Dale as well as neighboring Houston County for 32 years – almost half of his life and well over 72% of his adult life. He was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1994 at age 38. He will be re-elected to his ninth, four-year term this year.
Steve Clouse is not only the Dean of the Wiregrass delegation in the House, he is the stalwart, respected leader and heart and soulof the Wiregrass delegation. Coincidentally, when Steve came to the House in 1994, he was the only Republican in the Wiregrass, House or Senate. Today, all Wiregrass Senators and House members are arch Republicans. The Wiregrass is one of the most Republican Regions of the State.
Steve is currently Chairman of the House Transportation Utilities and Infrastructure Committee. However, his most important leadership role was as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, where he wrote the General Fund Budget for over a decade.
Steve has always had a keen interest and knack for Alabama politics. He also has an astute marketing mind. When he first ran for the House, he coined the phrase, “Put Clouse in the House.” If he were to have an opponent, he could say, “Keep Clouse in the House.”He is truly a man of the House.
Steve is truly a man of Ozark, also. He is Ozark, through and through. His father, Jimmy Clouse, had deep roots in Dale County. Steve worked with his father in the oil distribution business until his Dad passed away a few years ago.
Steve has been a devout member of the First Methodist Church. He and his wife, Dianne, live right across the street from the Methodist Church. They don’t have far to go so it makes it hard for him to skip. He parks his white truck right out front of his antebellum style home, right on Main Street, which tells his constituents, “I’m at home, come see me with your problems.” Believe you me, small town legislators get more cries for help than you can imagine. Especially if you’re Steve Clouse, who knows most of his constituents personally. He has fixed many a Dale countian’s problems and potholes over the past four decades.
I often use the saying Alabama is a Big Front Porch. When it comes to me and Steve Clouse, that adage is definitely apropos.
I have never, not known Steve Clouse. We played together as little boys. Steve’s mama was Ruth Price. She grew up in Pike County. My mama, Gloria Grant Flowers and Ruth Price Clouse were like sisters all their lives. They were best friends as girls and teenagers and continued their friendship after Mrs. Ruth married Jimmy Clouse and moved to Ozark. Mama lived all her life in Troy. When Steve and I were little boys, our mamas would bring us to Troy and Ozark to play together. We became like brothers rather than friends. We are still more like brothers. I don’t think it is just a coincidence that we have the same first name. I also had a sister named Kay and he has a sister named Kay. We are pretty sure our mamas collaborated on that.
When it got time for Steve to go to college, he chose the University of Alabama where I was finishing up. He pledged the same fraternity that I and a good many Southeast Alabama boys were in, Sigma Nu.
Our legislative districts connected for the 16 years I was in the House. We had almost identical pro-business conservative voting records. People still, today, get us confused because we have similar names. He tells me that often in our almost weekly phone conversations. “Someone called me you the other day.” My response to him, “I’m sure you told them that you were a lot younger and better looking.”
Steve Clouse is one of the best men I’ve ever known. He epitomizes honesty and integrity. I cannot believe that my young friend and little brother is 70. Alabama is a Big Front Porch.
