DOTHAN: Southeast Health officially broke ground today on its $81 million Emergency Department (ED) and Patient Tower expansion representing the Medical Center’s largest single construction investment since the hospital was established in 1957.
Southeast CEO Rick Sutton talked about the ever increasing amount of patients who come to the Emergency Department each year. The leadership team of Southeast Health and the Healthcare Authority are always evaluating the evolving the needs of the community to guide a dynamic strategic plan for our health system. Sutton thanked the Healthcare Authority for their leadership, vision and trust in the Southeast Health Team.
Over the last nine years Southeast Health has invested over $ 260 million dollars in equipment, facilities, services and technology.
With great excitement, CEO Rick Sutton, the Management leadership team, and Healtcare Authority broke ground on the two story, state of art, with in house services to care for people who come into Southeast Health with a demand for emergency services.
The new emergency service and patient tower, and $ 81 million dollar investiment will not only allow better medical care. With this construction project, this will also have a positive impact on building material suppliers, contractors and other vendors as this project is built.
Opening in 1957, Southeast Health is the largest employer in Houston County. They are always striving to better serve the patients needs.
Southeast Health Foundation will be working to raise $ 10 million dollars in local financial support for this $ 81 million dollar investment. With his always enthusiastic attitude, Mike Schmitz was selected to the Chairman of the Fund Raising of the $ 10 million dollars to help with this project. Former Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz described his major heart attack, surgery, and recovery at Southeast Health. He is alive and well today based on the great care at Southeast Health and care from the Heavenly Father.
With Houston County population of over 100,000 people, that is only $ 100 per person. Mike Schmitz has the cheer he gives, GO! GO! GO! in getting it done.
HOUSTON COUNTY – LUCY: 5:55 PM Houston County 911 dispatched a structure fire at 6122 East County Road 8 in Lucy.
Houston County 911 first reported flames in meter box and the residents were instructed to evacuate.
Minutes later Houston County 911 reported the resident was refusing to exit the residence and was attempting to extinguish the fire with a hose. Houston County 911 advised the resident to exit but refused. They could hear the resident coughing.
Responding to the scene, Lucy Volunteer Fire, Gordon Volunteer Fire, Pansey Volunteer Fire, Lovetown Volunteer Fire, Ashford Volunteer Fire, Houston County Sheriff Deputies and Ashford Police. So many responding due to resident refusing to evacuate. Ashford Rescue is also responding.
Houston County 911 reported to responding units shortly after dispatch residence was fully involved.
All emergency units are responding and no one on the scene at this time.
6:04 PM Lovetown Volunteer Fire Chief Jimmy Dixon has arrived on the scene.
6:06 PM Ashford Police units are on the scene. Lovetown Volunteer Fire Chief instructs first incoming fire angines to come into the back of the house.
DOTHAN: 4:30 PM Dothan Police Patrol went to make a traffic stop on North Range Street. The vehicle was refusing to stop but driving at low speeds. The vehicle was reported to be occupied by black males weraing ski masks.
The vehicle continued at low speeds, 15 – 20 miles per hour. After several turns the vehicle came to a stop on Britt Lane. The subjects in the vehicle bailed on foot. In a short period of time a Dothan Police Patrol Officer had one or more the suspects in custody. The officers were backtracking where they went in the foot chase.
4:50 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 1 ( Central ) and Pilcher Ambulance were dispatched to Britt Lane. Dothan Police Patrol on the scene with a 19 year old male who had appeared to have swallowed some drugs.
REHOBETH: 3:58 PM Houston County 911 has dispatched a structure fire on Helms Road which runs off Highway 203 at Rehobeth.
At the time of dispatch Houston County 911 was informed a shed is on fire and it is spreading.
Responding to the scene, Rehobeth Fire – Rescue, Taylor Volunteer Fire, Southern Junction Volunteer Fire, Hodgesville Volunteer Fire and Houston County Sheriff Deputies.
Taylor Volunteer Fire Command truck reported heavu smoke visible in the air as responding from Taylor. At 4:05 PM all are responding.
UPDATED @ 4:38 PM
The fire destroyed a shed at the residence. The home owners were able to keep the ground wet while fireman were responding which kept the fire from spreading.
On this cold Tuesday, 52 degrees, and number of volunteer and paid fireman from several departments were on the scene.
MONTGOMERY: On Monday, November 10, 2025 there was a hearing in Montgomery County Circuit Court concerning the Alabama Sales Tax for online purchases. The originator of the suit was the City of Tuscaloosa. The hearing was on Motions To Dismiss filed by the Alabama Department of Revenue amd motions to intervene.
This case is actually pitting municipalities verses county government across the state.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, has appointed Rep. Rick Rehm, R-Dothan, to serve on the Military Stability Commission.
The Alabama Military Stability Commission is tasked with protecting and expanding the footprint of federal military bases and other Department of Defense infrastructure across the state. In addition to several elected officials and cabinet members, the commission also includes regional appointees from areas across the state with a heavy defense concentration.
“In Alabama, we understand that the men and women of our Armed Forces represent the very best of society, and the state’s commitment to supporting those who currently serve, veterans, and their families runs deep,” said Speaker Ledbetter. “The Military Stability Commission has played a key role in making Alabama one of the most military-friendly states in America, and I fully believe Rep. Rehm’s three decades of service to our country will be a great asset to the commission for years to come.”
Rehm, who represents House District 85, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1990 and served with the 101st Airborne Division and 128th Aviation Brigade. After his honorable discharge in 1994, he served as a Department of the Army civilian employee at Fort Rucker’s Cairns Army Radar Approach Control, ARAC, overseeing radar upgrades, facility modernization and integration with the National Airspace System. He retired after 24 years as a GS-15, which is the highest rank in civil service.
“Whether it be Redstone Arsenal’s missile and space defense apparatus or Fort Rucker’s proud status as the home of Army Aviation, Alabama plays a vital role in protecting our country,” said Rep. Rehm. “I look forward to working with members of this commission to strengthen Alabama’s role in supporting our nation’s defense and am deeply grateful to Speaker Ledbetter for the opportunity to serve in this important capacity.”
