ATHENS, GEORGIA: RSN has received word that Retired Houston County District Court Judge William D. ( Bill ) McFatter has passed away.
Judge McFatter served several terms, at least 18 years, as District Court Judge. While he was criticized at his sternness with people, Judge McFatter would order people to take their GED and was big on co-operation with the Court Referral Officer. The Judge felt he could make someone’s court appearance unpleasant so the person would end their trouble cycle. Judge McFatter wanted to force the people, especially young people, to turn their life around.
Judge McFatter was known to hold court into the night. He was going to clear his court docket for the day. He worked hard each and every day. Judge McFatter handled traffic, small claims, was over juvenile cases and a lot of other cases.
Judge McFatter did not worry about the defendants liking him. The Judge was worried about stopping the troubled path. And if the person agreed to go into the military Judge McFatter would do all possible to get their cases disposed of where that was possible. The Judge was always about getting a person pointed into a positive direction in life. BUT, if you were stubborn and did not want to turn your life around and improve yourself in order to have a better life, then you had better HOLD ON !!!! You were in for a rocky ride!!!
Judge McFatter’s wife, Mikie McFatter passed away earlier this year. They were both in an assisted living facility in Athens Georgia at the time of both of their deaths.
No funeral details are known at this time.
10:32 AM Miki McFatter – Wife of Retired Houston Co. District Judge Bill McFatter Passes Away
PANAMA CITY BEACH FL: RSN has learned that Miki Thrasher McFatter, wife of Retired Houston County District Court Judge William ( Bill ) McFatter has passed away.
Miki Thrasher McFatter studied at the University of Alabama. She and Bill McFatter married on July 6, 1968. She was a great inspiration to everyone she met. She was always smiling, laughing and is a person who enjoyed life.
Mike McFatter was the solid rock to Bill McFatter. She was with him along the path of life. She was in real estate for many years here in Dothan. Bill McFatter served years as Houston County District Court Judge. A very firm Judge. He was often criticized of his handling defendants in court as someone strict. Ordering young people to Court Referral and to obtain their GED. But his goal was if he could help someone get a handle on their drug or alcohol problem or get their GED to help them in life to obtain a good job and career, then he had taken his role as Judge and turned lives around. And if he could put fear in them about the court system, that would help deter them from repeat offending. His goal was to change lives to be what each person could be.
On Judge McFatter’s retirement, they sold their home in Dothan and moved to their place on the beach. The Judge, an avid fisherman, enjoyed he and Miki living at the beach. A life of relaxton, fishing and no stress. Miki shielded the Judge and was very protective of him in his retirement.
It is my understanding Miki and Judge were living in an assisted living facility in North Georgia near family at the time of her death. At this time it is my understanding there will be no memorial service, but one may be announced later.
A post on Miki’s Facebook said “to my beloved McMom, Miki Thrasher McFatter: God speed on your journey to be with our Lord. I am glad that you have found peace, escaped this world and can be the best you again in heaven. I miss you so much but treasure every moment that you were in my life, your impact on me was immeasurable. Thank you for all the guidance, direction and love that you showed me. You were the best McMom I could have ever hoped for. I love this picture. It is how I always remember you, full of energy, sharing that energy and love with all of those around you”.
DOTHAN: 6:03 PM An Alert ALEA Trooper, Cpl. Carlton, makes a traffic stop on Highway 231 South and Saunders Road. The vehicle had an active BOLO for the vehicle in a possible burglary.
ALEA – Trooper Cpl. Carlton is investigating.
Based on the short time he was out with the vehicle the vehicle must be cleared.
WICKSBURG: 5:24 PM Houston County 911 dispatched a motor vehicle accident with injuries, Highway 84 West and Lee Boy Road. The information to Houston County 911,moederate injuries.
Wicksburg Fire – Rescue dispatched, Houston County Sheriff Deputies and ALEA – Troopers dispatched. Wicksburg Fire – Rescue was just clearing an outdoor fire.
Anyone with scene pictures TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729
5:27 PM Wicksburg Fire – Rescue Member on the scene, personal vehicle.
5:29 PM Wicksburg Fire – Rescue, on fire equipment, on the scene.
5:37 PM Injuries not bad. Houston County Sheriff Deputy back in service. Wicksburg Fire – Rescue has returned to the outdoor fire on N. Highway 123 and Pine Acres Drive.
5:44 PM Total of 4 patients, all minor, all refusing rescue.
5:46 PM Fireman have finally made access to active fire.
DOTHAN: 5:01 Working structure fire at 8:15 Dusy Street. Dothan Police on the scene reports smoke and flames are visible.
Multiple Dothan Fire Engine Companies are responding and Pilcher Ambulance.
Anyone with scene pictures TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729
5:05 PM Truck 1 on scene. Single story residential structure, flames visible from rear of residence. Searching for to see if anyone inside.
5:06 PM Battalion 1 on scene. Dothan Fire Engine Company 1 on the scene, fire attack.
5:06 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 4 arrives.
5:07 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 10 arrives on the scene. Fire hydrant directly across from residence.
5:09 PM Heavy fire in the middle of the residence. Offensive attack. Requesting a ladder.
5:10 PM Primary all clear of no one inside. Search crew now assisting fire attack.
5:11 PM Yellow tape being placed to keep persons out of fire zone.
5:14 PM There is gas on the residence.
5:15 PM Putting water on the fire in overhead.
5:18 PM Secondary search of residence, all clear. There are two roof lines and taking a chainsaw to cut through roof lines.
5:19 PM Access made to get to the fire. Battalion Chief reported no change in smoke. Dothan Utilities and Southeast Gas have been dispatched.
5:21 PM No change in smoke from the roof. A second gable in the middle of the roof. Attempting to make access.
5:23 PM Battalion Chief request 911 enter to make contact with Red Cross for residents. Three residents, adults ,one male and two females.
5:27 PM All fireman on scene accounted for. Still have active fire. Dothan Fire Marshall Investigator on the scene.
5:37 PM Water on fire in the second roof area.
5:40 PM Dothan 911 reports Red Cross has been notified.
5:41 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company Truck 1 is on the roof. Still on offensive mode. Truck 1 wants someone to enter inside, living room, and apply water in the overhead.
5:58 PM Remaining in offensive mode. Need ventilation started.
DOTHAN: Turkey’ s From Heaven – a total community based giving project needs your help.
You can help: (1) VENMO – send donation @turkeysfromheaven (2) PAYPAL – send donation @turkeysfromheaven (3)PIGGLY WIGGLY – On West Selma Street or Montgomery Highway purchase a turkey for $ 27.00.
You can help: (1) At 7:00 AM, Tuesday, December 23 show up at National Peanut Festival at the open air arena, and help to fry turkeys and put the dinners together, or (2) show up at 11:00 AM, you will be given the food in a paper bag with a card with a name and address to deliver someone a Christmas meal.
This is people from all walks of life, not a special club or special friends of anyone. It is open to anyone wanting to help provide someone who needs it a meal and help for Christmas.
