7:11 PM. SATURDAY. Easter Egg Hunt
8:54 PM Houston County Sheriff Lt. Bobby Hopkins Received Medal of Honor
HOUSTON COUNTY – MONTGOMERY: The Houston County Sheriff and Command Staff were in Montgomery today to honor Lieutenant Hopkins as he received the House of Representatives Medal of Honor.
This well-deserved recognition highlights his dedication, leadership, and service to our community. We are proud to have him represent Houston County. The Medal of Honor presented in the Alabama House of Representatives. The local Legislative Delegation from the House. Rick Rehm, Paul Lee, Steve Clouse and Jeff Sorrells.
While the presentation was from the Alabama House of Representatives, Alabama Senator Donnie Chesteen also congratulates Lt. Hopkins for his act of bravery.
Lt. Hopkins was working off duty at Wiregrass Commons Mall on Sunday. Lt. Hopkins heard gunfire in the mall. Hopkins ran “towards” the gunfire. One man was down in the center of the mall. Multiple law enforcement officers from multiple agencies were rolling when Lt. Hopkins called for assistance. However Lt. Hopkins ran to the gunfire while all of the officers were rolling. Hopkins located a victim with multiple gunshots, while keeping guard and lookout for any suspects.
As the scene unfolded, the mall was surrounded by ALEA – Troopers, Houston County Sheriff Deputies, Dothan Police, Kinsey Police, Ashford Police, multiple Dothan Fire Engine Companies, Pilcher Ambulance and others. A person of interest was located inside the barber shop, hidden.
Dothan Fire Engine 6 ( Napier Field Road ) was the primary Fire Engine Company. Skilled paramedics went to the gunshot victim, who later was found to have been shot 13 times, once in the head. Dothan Paramedics treated and transported the gunshot victim, emergency, under trauma alert and law eforcement escort.
As investigation unfolded, the person shot 13 times was the original shooter. He shot a person getting a haircut. What the original shooter did not know, the person getting his haircut, that was being shot at, was also armed. He returned fire striking the original shooter 13 times. The person who was getting his haircut who had hidden for cover, was not charged or arrested. The person shot 13 times was wanted in Pike County for murder.
After a stay in the hospital, the shooter who was shot 13 times, remains in Houston County Jail with holds for Pike County Sheriff Department, where he will face murder charges.
Lt. Bobby Hopkins was honored with the Medal of Honor for running into the face of danger during the shooting. Hopkins serves as Commander of the Houston County Sheriff School Resource Officers protecting the children in the Houston County Schools.
CONGRATULATIONS to Lt. Hopkins.
5:56 PM. Poll Workers Needed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Houston County Probate Office
Media Inquiries/Contact
Patrick H. Davenport, Probate Judge
334-677-4792 or via email judgedavenport@houstoncounty.org
Houston County’s Probate Judge, Patrick H. Davenport, would like to encourage the citizens of Houston County to serve as poll workers for the May 19th Primary Election. Poll workers are paid election officials who staff the polling places to carry out assigned Election Day procedures.
Poll workers are a vital component of the elections process, helping to administer safe, secure, and fair elections in Houston County. They are appointed by the Houston County Appointing Board, which is comprised of the Probate Judge, Sheriff, and Circuit Clerk. Each person appointed by the Board is notified by mail and a list of the those appointed is published in the local newspaper.
Poll workers must attend training before the election. They receive compensation for training and for working on Election Day. The pay ranges from $125 up to $200 depending on the position.
To be eligible to work as a poll worker in Houston County you must:
• be 18 years of age or older and a registered voter of Houston County
• be available to attend training and work on Election Day
• be capable of performing assigned tasks at the polling place
• be able to perform all tasks in a non-partisan manner
• be able to treat all voters with respect
• be detailed oriented and able to work well with others
• NOT be a member of a candidate’s immediate family or by second degree of kinship
• NOT be a candidate or member of a candidate’s political committee for any office on the ballot
• NOT be actively working on a campaign
If you are able and willing to serve, you are encouraged to sign up to help America vote by working the polls on Election Day.
Citizens may apply online at www.houstoncountyal.gov, or by calling 334-579-3326. You can also apply in person
08:06 AM SCOTT LONG – Incumbent and Candidate For Re-Election – District 2 – Houston County School Board
HOUSTON COUNTY: Scott Long, born, raised and attended school in Houston County – graduating from Cottonwood High School. Scott Long is the Incumbent District 2 Houston County School Board Member.
Scott Long is eeking re-election as Houston County School Board Member – District 2.
RSN met with Scott Long to allow him to to introduce himself to his future employers, the registered voters of Houston County.
Unlike Houston County Commissioner, the Houston County School Board members are elected by the residents outside the City Limits of Dothan. The registered voters living in the county, and any municipality in District 2, vote on this office.
06:33 AM. Mark Pickett – Houston County Jail Chaplin
At the heart of the Houston County Jail’s ministry and outreach efforts is Chaplain Mark Pickett—a dedicated servant leader with a strong background in pastoral ministry and a passion for helping others find purpose and direction.
Before serving as our Jail Chaplain, Mark spent five years as a Chaplain with the Florida Department of Corrections, where he developed a deep commitment to supporting the rehabilitation and personal transformation of incarcerated individuals. Also, he serves in pastoral leadership, guiding congregations, counseling families, and building faith-based programs centered on growth, accountability, and restoration. His experience in ministry has been instrumental in shaping the positive impact he now brings to our facility each day.
Today, Chaplain Pickett oversees a powerful network of 81 committed volunteers who help deliver 15 different programs inside the Houston County Jail. These programs focus on faith, personal development, reentry preparation, and life skills—offering inmates opportunities for real change.
With an average population of over 500 inmates, Chaplain Pickett’s role is no small task. Through his leadership, encouragement, and unwavering presence, he helps bring hope and structure to those navigating difficult circumstances.
We are proud to have Chaplain Pickett as part of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office team. His work continues to make a lasting difference—not only within the jail, but throughout our entire community.
04:42 AM A Busy Night
DOTHAN – HOUSTON COUNTY – SLOCOMB – HEADLAND – DALE COUNTY: A busy night for several law enforcement and FIre – EMS units.
Rehobeth Fire – Rescue and Hodgesville Volunteer Fire had a fire on Donna Mae Drive. It turned out to be an electrical socket. Multiple medical emergencies throught the wiregrass that fire and EMS responded to. One person in early evening had a BB gun and was reported shooting at other party.
Medical calls such a high blood presure, dizzy. Possible stroke. Outdoor fire. Person fell with an uncontrolled bleed. Panic attack. And other medical emergencies.
Good night.
