DOTHAN: 07:47 AM Dothan 911 dispatched a motor vehicle accident with injuries, at Wimbledon and Fortner Street. A two vehicle accident with one vehicle down in the drainage ditch. Dothan Fire Engine Company 2 ( Lakewood ) responded along with Pilcher ambulance and Dothan Police Department. One arrival of Dothan Fire Engine 2 they cancelled the truck engine company dispatched because no entrappment. One vehicle was entirely in the concrete ditch. This accident was in the city limits of Dothan.
A responding Dothan Police unit crashed on Fortner respondng to the wreck with injuries. There were no injuries in that accident.
Six minutes later, 07:53 AM, Houston County 911 dispatched Houston County Sheriff Department, Rehobeth Fire – Rescue and Taylor Volunteer Fire to a wreck with injuries, 708 Bob Hall Road and Fortner Street. ALEA Trooper Spencer Adkinson responded. Dothan had not been informed of the wreck down the road when Houston County Sheriff Deputies came along with lights and siren. Dothan was going the wreck is here, then was told by deputies another wreck. After letting the deputies pass they were informed by Dothan 911 of the additional wreck.
The 911 centers are co-located in the same $ 5 million dollar building with a wall in between the two 911 centers, which shoud have NEVER been put up, if public safety is the real goal. And a lame brain excuse was used for justification and there was only 1 disenting vote against putting the wall up. Then years later some realized, we should have never put the wall up. DAHHHH!
A new independent economic impact study conducted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, or PARCA, reports that the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and its resident tenant companies generated $1.27 billion in total economic output between fiscal years 2023 and 2025, bringing the institute’s total economic impact on Alabama to $5.5 billion since opening in 2006.
A nonprofit focused on biomedical research, education outreach, and innovation and economic development, HudsonAlpha currently hosts over 50 resident companies at its 150-acre Huntsville campus. Through those resident companies, alongside its own research activities and commercialization efforts, HudsonAlpha has been a key player in Alabama’s biotechnology economy.
According to the PARCA study, over the past three years, HudsonAlpha and its resident companies generated $1.2 billion in operations and $77.7 million in capital expenditures and supported an average of 2,088 jobs statewide each year through direct and indirect employment.
Dillon Fritz, Ph.D., vice president for innovation and economic development at HudsonAlpha, told APR that he expects the organization’s economic impact to continue to grow as more major private and public partners flock to North Alabama.
“The most exciting part is what’s to come,” Fritz told APR in a recent phone interview. “What’s not part of this economic impact report is Eli Lilly landing in Huntsville, the momentum and the gravity being created by that, but also growth at DOW and Redstone Arsenal, Space Command coming to Huntsville, SBI, NASA—these are all areas that are leveraging HudsonAlpha as well, because there’s a lot of life science solutions that we’re providing to those challenges, both in government and industry. So there’s a huge kind of wave coming for not only HudsonAlpha, but also for North Alabama because of these big economic movers.”
Fritz also noted HudsonAlpha’s recent expansion to a second location at Dothan’s Wiregrass Innovation Center, where the organization is focused on building up the ag tech industry—a potential opportunity for generating even more economic activity in the state.
“In March of this year, we had the ribbon cutting for the new Wiregrass Innovation Center, which HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is an anchor tenant in this beautiful facility. And so it’s taking our three mission areas—research, education, and innovation and economic development—and then kind of ‘Wiregrassing’ it and putting it down in Dothan, Alabama,” Fritz said. “So it’s not the same cookie cutter focus that we have up here down in Dothan.”
“[Dothan] is the peanut capital of the world, so how do we align with those unique industries around the Wiregrass? We have a strong focus on ag tech, animal health and rural health with our initiatives down in the Wiregrass,” he continued. “[We are] being very intentional in the types of companies that we recruit down there to then align them with the peanut growers, with the poultry farms, with the cattle, with the soybean—really building this intentional ecosystem that’s going to provide additional impact and growth. And again, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass wasn’t included in this previous report, so we’re super excited about the next three years and what that’s going to bring.”
Fritz said the PARCA report is evidence that HudsonAlpha’s model is working, both as a driver of innovation and of economic development.
“I think the recipe is working,” Fritz said. “I think that that’s what HudsonAlpha was really built around: to bring in fantastic basic scientists, be a home for cutting-edge innovations and companies, and to have education also to create these ‘collisions of brilliance,’ as our founders like to say. I don’t think they had economic impact in the billions as part of their KPIs, but that’s kind of been the result of all this.”
On Monday September 21st, Defendant Garrett Whitfield appeared in the Enterprise Division of Coffee County for a trial on three charges- Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act, Rape 2nd Degree, and Sodomy 2nd Degree. The State was represented by Assistant District Attorney Kylie Crespo. The trial was presided over by Circuit Judge Henry “Sonny” Reagan.
Testimony and evidence presented showed that in early 2024, the Enterprise Police Department received a report regarding Defendant Whitfield and a female juvenile victim. The allegations reported were that the female juvenile victim was 15 years old in the summer of 2023, and she began communicating on a social media platform with a boy she believed to be 17 years old named Tyler Patterson. “Tyler Patterson” initiated the social media contact and sought out the female juvenile victim. The boy lived outside Coffee County, and the two made arrangements to meet in person. “Tyler Patterson” came to Enterprise on multiple occasions and bought the female juvenile victim lingerie and other gifts. The female juvenile victim and the boy she believed to be 17 years old had sexual intercourse and oral sex on multiple occasions.
Later, the female juvenile victim was out of the Enterprise area and “Tyler Patterson” ordered food through a food delivery app for the victim. The receipt on the food delivery named the purchaser as the Defendant Garrett Whitfield. The female juvenile victim did not know a Garrett Whitfield and began searching the name. The female juvenile victim was able to determine that “17-year-old Tyler Patterson” was in fact 28-year-old Garrett Whitfield of Andalusia.
After a day and a half long trial, a jury convicted Defendant Whitfield on all three charges and Judge Reagan remanded him to the custody of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office pending a sentencing hearing that is scheduled for November 19th.
Assistant District Attorney Kylie Crespo stated, “I am so grateful to our victim and her family. We were able to prosecute this case because she had the courage to face Mr. Whitfield in court and tell the truth about what he did to her. I am also thankful to Sgt. Amber Darbro of the Enterprise Police Department for the hard work she put in investigating this case. Because of our victim and Sgt. Darbro, this predator is facing a prison sentence and will no longer be able to victimize any young girls.”
District Attorney James Tarbox said, “Assistant DA Crespo did an outstanding job prosecuting this case. I am thankful that she was able to work with our victim and prosecute this predator. The allegations made in this case were absolutely disgusting and our office is glad that a jury of Defendant Whitfield’s peers agreed and convicted him on all three charges as presented. We are thankful that Defendant Whitfield will be going to prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.”
The District Attorney’s Office thanks the Enterprise Police Department and case agent Sgt. Amber Darbro for their work investigating this case. In addition the DA’s Office thanks the State Bureau of Investigation, Andalusia Police Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Opp Police Department, and the Opp Fire Department for their assistance in executing a search warrant related to this matter.
Connie Bren Walters was born on July 3, 1940, to William L. Ward and Lessie V. Ward in Slocumb, Alabama. She received her formal education at Baker High School in Columbus, Georgia, and earned numerous certifications through the Department of Defense.
Connie was a member of Church of the Highlands in Pelham, Alabama. She married Kenneth W. Walters on March 3, 1961, in Phenix City, Alabama. Their union was blessed with four children.
Connie was employed by the Department of the Army at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where she served as a training instructor for 31 years.
In her leisure time, Connie enjoyed traveling, riding her motorcycle, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William L. and Lessie V. Ward; her sisters, Ruth Chalk and Vera Redmon; and her brothers, George Ward and James Ward.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Kenneth W. Walters; her children, Stephen B. Walters, Russell W. Walters, Kimberly R. Riley, and Kenneth R. Walters; her grandchildren, Devin W. Walters, Stephanie Shae Thomas, Kenley A. Walters, Trevor J. Riley, Jacob B. Walters, and Kaylee B. Walters; her great-grandchild, Jimmie D. Thomas III; and her sisters, Marie Long and Lessie Mae Scott.
Visitation will be held at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124, US, on September 26, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124, US, on September 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.
Dr. Robert Wallace Moore, age 84, of Dothan, Alabama passed away on September 11, 2026. He was born November 5,1941 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, but moved to Pompano Beach at the age of 9 where he lived until graduating High School.
He was a man of great intellect, integrity and discipline. Those who knew him well understood that he was often in charge, usually right, brutally honest and always direct in his opinions. Everyone also knew how much he loved his wife, children and grandchildren. His goal in life was to always provide for them.
Dr. Moore was an intelligent student in both college and medical school. He completed his undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, before continuing on to Wake Forest Medical School. He went on to serve his residency internship at St. Joseph in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and later completed his Orthopedic residency at Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee. His education and training prepared him for a long and respected career in medicine, and he approached his work with the same seriousness and commitment that marked every other part of his life.
In 1973, Dr. Moore came to Dothan and began his career as an orthopedic surgeon, serving the community faithfully until his retirement from Southern Bone and Joint in 2005. Over the course of his career, he earned the respect of colleagues, patients, and friends through his skill, confidence, and unwavering dedication to his profession. He was proud of the work he did and the difference he made in the lives of so many people over the years.
He and his wife of 61 years, Judith Moore shared many fond memories of their travels together. After retirement Robert and Judith moved to Destin, FL and then Highlands, NC and on to Atlanta, Ga. In 2024 they moved back to Dothan, the city that had been such a meaningful part of their life. Golf was his favorite pastime. He loved to play and watch for the sheer enjoyment and relaxation. Later in life, he found joy in the simple things of life. Good food, working in his yard, taking his beloved dog, Sophie for rides and time spent talking with friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Moore; his sons, Eric Moore (Marilee), Jason Moore (Tonya), son-in-law Skip Davis; cousins and his grandchildren, Tucker Davis, Ethan Moore, Eli Moore, and Crawford Moore. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Moore Davis; his brother, Jim Moore; and his sister, Saundra Saylor. The family would also like to thank Dr. Juanita Heersink and staff, Dr. Thuy Le-Kumar and staff, CCU doctors and nurses at SEH, Gentiva Hospice and Wiregrass Home Care for the outstanding care they provided with the utmost compassion and professionalism.
Dr. Moore leaves behind a legacy of determination, hard work, and devotion to family. He lived life on his own terms with conviction and purpose and will be remembered for the many ways he shaped the lives of those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, and his memory will remain a lasting comfort to all who knew and loved him.
A reception in Dr. Moore’s honor will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Dothan Country Club.
Diane L. Watson, age 79, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on September 19, 2026. She was born on December 16, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Diane spent her early childhood in Atlanta until the age of 12, and the experiences of moving often as a child helped shape the independent and adaptable woman she became. Raised in a military household, she learned early the value of strength, discipline, and resilience. Those qualities remained with her throughout her life and were reflected in the way she carried herself, the way she served others, and the way she met each new responsibility with confidence and grace.
She graduated from Dothan High School in 1965 and later attended Troy State University. It was at Wallace that she met the love of her life, Tommy Watson, and the two were married in 1967. Their marriage endured for nearly six decades and stood as a beautiful example of loyalty, partnership, and shared purpose. Together they built a life centered on family, community, and the many relationships that Diane nurtured so faithfully.
Diane devoted more than 30 years of her life to teaching in Houston County, where she made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children. She also served as a First United Methodist Kindergarten teacher, where her warmth, patience, and genuine care for young students left a lasting impression. She loved children deeply and had a special gift for seeing potential in every child. She often gave students what they did not have at home, offering them encouragement, structure, and love in equal measure. Her impact as an educator reached far beyond the classroom, and many will remember her as someone who believed in them when they needed it most.
Her commitment to education extended well beyond teaching. Diane was President of PTA, band boosters, and color guard sponsor, and she served with distinction as President of the Houston County Education Association. She was also deeply committed to the rescue service, serving as Ashford Rescue President from 1995 until 2016. In addition, she worked at STEMI teaching camps, participated in Civil Air Patrol, and served as a training officer for the Ashford Rescue Squad. In every role she accepted, Diane led with energy, determination, and a willingness to do whatever was needed. She never said no when help was needed, and she was known for stepping naturally into leadership wherever she found herself.
Diane was a woman of strong convictions, a generous spirit, and a heart that was always open to others. She was independent, forgiving, and strong, with a big heart and a love for life that was evident to everyone who knew her. She loved to travel with Tommy and embraced life fully, never holding back from the experiences that came her way. She was a fabulous cook, especially known for her chicken dumplings and mac and cheese, and she took great pride in caring for others through the meals she prepared and the comfort she offered. She was also an avid Alabama fan, spending time with family, and being surrounded by the people she loved.
Her friends and family knew her as loving and selfless, and those words perfectly describe the way she lived. She was a treasured member of the “But Sisters,” and she brought humor, honesty, and loyalty to every relationship she formed. She cherished her EMS family and her educational co-workers, and she leaves behind a host of friends who will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude. She also leaves behind her special animals, Onyx, her dog, and KAT, her beloved Maine Coon, who brought her comfort and companionship.
Diane is survived by her husband, Tommy Watson; her daughters, Tina E. St. John and Toye Watson (Jarrod); her grandson, Drake St. John (Mary-Kathryn); her great-grandchild, Watson St. John; her siblings, Mike Lucas, Hulda Lucas, Jamie Brent, Patrick Lucas, Paula Raymond, and Ruthie Copeland, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, as well as other family members; her “But sisters,” Connie Tucker and Marie Bradley; and her special friends, Sandy Saunders, Sandra Everhart, Judy Williams, Charm Russler, Sandy Armstrong, and Charlotte Williams. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Wiley Lott; her mother, Helen Ruth Lucas (Willard Sr.); and her brother, Willard Lucas, Jr.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard Lucas and Rev. Delbert Bradley officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30am until 11am on Saturday.
The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Ashford Rescue Squad, PO Box 368, Ashford, AL 36312. The family hopes these contributions will serve as a meaningful way to honor Diane’s memory and support the dedicated work of those who serve and care for the Ashford community.
