BIRMINGHAM: 05:30 AM. Just dropped grandson Brantley Bradley, his mom and dad at the front door of Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Brantley has his third surgery of the year this morning. He had to be at hospital by 6 AM.
The doctors are putting a stint in the back of his head where they placed the shunt a few years ago. He has required two shunt adjustment surgeries this year. On a recent scheduled follow up the doctors determined the stints are needed.
Brantley is very calm and at peace this morning as they walked in Children’s Hospital. The doctors said we should be here 2-3 days.
Please keep him in your prayers.
Hydrocephalus is a chronic neurological condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles. This condition develops when there is an imbalance between the production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential damage to brain tissue. Understanding hydrocephalus is essential for patients, families, and caregivers to recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate medical intervention.
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid—a clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord—accumulates abnormally within the ventricles of the brain. The ventricles are four connected cavities within the brain that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid serves multiple critical functions, including cushioning the brain against injury, removing metabolic waste products, and maintaining proper intracranial pressure.
When the balance between CSF production and absorption becomes disrupted, fluid builds up within the ventricles. This accumulation increases intracranial pressure, which can compress brain tissue and lead to various neurological symptoms. The severity and progression of hydrocephalus depend on how quickly fluid accumulates and the underlying cause of the condition.
Types of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is classified into two main types based on the location of the cerebrospinal fluid obstruction:
Communicating Hydrocephalus
Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid flow is blocked after it exits the ventricles. In this type, the fluid can circulate between the ventricles but cannot be properly absorbed in the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This typically results from impaired absorption of CSF rather than an anatomical blockage within the ventricular system.
Non-Communicating Hydrocephalus
Non-communicating hydrocephalus, also known as obstructive hydrocephalus, occurs when cerebrospinal fluid flow is blocked within or along the narrow passages connecting the brain’s ventricles. This blockage prevents fluid from freely circulating between different ventricular chambers, causing fluid accumulation upstream of the obstruction.
PANSEY-HOUSTON COUNTY: 02:59 AM. Houston County 911 dispatched a structure fire, 151 Bodiford Road in Pansey.
The person reporting stated they could hear fire alarm of neighbors and smell smoke.
Dispatched, Pansey Volunteer Fire, Ashford Volunteer Fire, Gordon Volunteer Fire, Lucy Volunteer Fire, Ashford Rescue and Houston County Sheriff Deputies.
At time of dispatch Houston Coubty 911 reported to responding units unknown if occupied.
Ashford Fire Chief Jimmy Posey, Ashford Tanker and Engine Company arrived on scene at 3:15 AM.
Houston County 911 reported, as units were rolling, neighbor spoke to a male subject that he thought smoke detector was malfunctioning but did smell smoke.
3:18 AM Ashford Fire Chief Jimmy Posey reported all units could return to service, no fire, broken fire alarm.
Gordon Fire Chief Justin McAllister had arrived on scene when Ashford Fire declared no fire.
A Eufaula man was arrested on Christmas Day following a pursuit and arrest that ended at a local gas station.
According to authorities, on December 25, 2025, Stanley Dean Jr., 31, of Eufaula, attempted to elude law enforcement during a traffic stop. After a brief chase, officers executed a P.I.T. maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop on North Eufaula Avenue at the Circle K gas station.
Authorities said Dean then resisted arrest and attempted to flee on foot. A Conducted Energy Device (Taser) was deployed, and Dean was taken into custody.
Dean was charged with:
Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, 1st Degree
Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony)
Reckless Endangerment
Multiple traffic citations
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Southeast Health has announced the appointment of Dr. Walter C. Young as interim Chief Medical Officer, bringing a longtime and respected leader back into an executive role with the health system.
Dr. Young is a well-known figure in the Dothan medical community, having practiced obstetrics and gynecology for nearly four decades before retiring from clinical practice in 2023. His career reflects decades of service to patients throughout the Wiregrass, as well as significant leadership within the region’s healthcare system.
During his career, Dr. Young held multiple leadership positions at Southeast Health, including serving as president of the Houston County Medical Society and president of the Southeast Health Medical Staff. He also served nearly 20 years on the Houston County Health Care Authority, from 2005 until 2024.
In his role as interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Young will oversee clinical quality initiatives, patient safety efforts, and medical staff engagement across the health system.
Dr. Young earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, and his obstetrics and gynecology residency at the National Naval Medical Center, also known as Bethesda Naval Hospital. In addition, he served 12 years in the United States Navy, including seven years at Naval Hospital Pensacola.
Southeast Health is a community-based academic health system serving southeast Alabama, southwest Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. The system includes the region’s largest not-for-profit hospital, along with its Medical Group, Foundation, Statera Network, and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Southeast Health Medical Center is a 420-bed regional referral facility and is designated as a Level II Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Chest Pain Center, and home to the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a dedicated pediatric unit.
A Mississippi man has been charged in connection with a pedestrian hit-and-run that claimed the life of a Troy woman, according to the Troy Police Department.
Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of U.S. 231 South on Sunday, December 21, where they located a woman in the roadway who had been struck by a vehicle. Authorities said the victim sustained injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle.
The woman was identified as Annie Laura Cooper, 59, of Troy. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation was turned over to the Troy Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit.
During the course of the investigation, officers traveled to Lucedale, Mississippi, on Saturday, December 27, where a search warrant was executed at a residence. Police said the vehicle believed to be involved in the crash was located, and the suspected driver was identified.
An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Malvin Geovany Villalbos-Bonilla, 45, of Lucedale, Mississippi. He is charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Authorities said Villalbos-Bonilla and the vehicle were transported back to Troy. He was processed at the Troy City Jail and later transferred to the Pike County Jail, where he remains held on a $250,000 bond.
Troy police stated that investigators determined Villalbos-Bonilla is from Honduras and is believed to be in the country illegally, having previously been deported. Officials said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been notified of the charge.
The Troy Police Department thanked the Lucedale Police Department and the Pike County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. The investigation remains ongoing.
DALE COUNTY: 11:42 AM Ozark-Dale County 911 and Dothan 911 dispatched multiple emergency units to a critical injury wreck on Highway 134 just north of Parramore Road. A semi trucl has overturned and the driver is trapped.
Dothan Fire Engine 6 ( Napier Field Road ), Dothan Fire Truck 3 ( Whatley Drive ), Dothan Fire Engine 2 ( Lakewood ), Battalion Chief 2 ( Whatley Drive ), Napier Field Volunteer Fire, ECHO Rescue, Pilcher Ambulance ( Joey Pilcher ), Napier Field Police, Midland City Police, Midland City Fire – Rescue, ALEA – Trooper, Dothan Airport Fire, Dothan Police and Dale County Sheriff Department.
12:12 PM Dothan FIre Heavy Rescue has arrived on the scene. Dothan Fire is using air bags from heavy rescue to lift the truck to gain access to the patient.
RSN is holding the scene pictures.
UPDATED @ 1:30 PM
The accident was a single vehicle, semi tractor and trailer. The driver was hauling concrete block. The semi tractor and trailer overturned and the cab was crushed.
The extrication was prolonged. The driver was pronounced deceased on the scene by Dale County Coroner John Cawley.
The deceased has been identified: NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE RETIRED WTVY ANCHOR – THIS IS NOT THE RETIRED WTVY ANCHOR.
The deceased is 35 year old Reginald Jones of Slocomb.
ALEA- Troopers are in charge of the accident investigation.
