GENEVA COUNTY: Geneva County raised and lived all of his life in Geneva County, David Hall has announced his intentions to seek the Office of Sheriff in the May 2026 elections.
Incumbent Geneva County Sheriff Tony Helms announced Friday his intentions to retire at the end of the current Sheriff term and not seek re-election.
David Hall currently serves as a Captain with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – State Bureau of Investigation. David Hall is the commander of this area of the state of the agents in SBI who conduct major investigations and assist agencies with major investigations. Hall began his tenure in law enforcement with Supernumary Geneva County Sheriff Greg Ward working in the Geneva County Sheriff Department. From there David Hall was hired by the State and during his tenure rose to the rank of Captain with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in the State Bureau of Investigation.
David Hall made his FACEBOOK announcement in front of the only place he has ever lived. For 53 years he has lived in the same place in Geneva County. He is a dedicated and professional law enforcement officer with the heart of service. He has many years experience in serving others and has always been approachable to the public. In his announcement, Hall thanked former Sheriff Red Sizemore who gave his life as he was killed in the line of duty. Then Hall thanked Sheriff Sizemore widow who stepped up to the plate and was the only female Sheriff to serve in Geneva County. Hall thanked Doug Whittle who served as Geneva County for many years, and Greg Ward who served as Geneva County Sheriff and is Supernumary Sheriff of Geneva County. And Hall thanked the current Sheriff, Tony Helms for his years of service as a law enforcement officer, Deputy in Geneva County Sheriff Department and his 12 years of service as Geneva County Sheriff.
David Hall, who is expected to retire from ALEA in the future, ask each and everyone for thier vote and support for Geneva County Sheriff.
Qualifying for Sheriff begins in January 2026 with the Primary elections being in May 2026 and Generl Election in November 2026.
HOUSTON COUNTY: On November 26, 2021 co-workers of Hardy Lynn Gray, age 56, went to his house located on Billy Cherry Road in Pansey to check on him. Gray had failed to show for work and co-workers had been unable to contact him. On their arrival they found the 56 year old Hardy Lynn Gray laying facedown on the kitchen floor deceased.
Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza and members of Houston County Sheriff Department responded to the scene. Investigation indicated that Gray was shot 5 – 6 times in his house. His body was found near the back door.
Houston County Sheriff Criminal Investigators began a detailed investigation. On November 30, 2021 Houston County Sheriff Criminal Investigators began making arrests. When they were completed a total of five people were arrested for Captal Murder and other offenses. Some were minors, but Ciera Lushawn Goodson, Mykeila Rowser and Elijah Hazell were three of the four adults arrested.
Today, before 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Butch Binford the trial for Ciera Lushawn Goodson kicked off. Court appointed to represent Goodson are Attorney’s Derek Yarbrough and Shaun McGhee. If convicted, Goodson could face the death penalty or life without the possibility of parole. According to information Goodson calimed to confess to being the shooter but evidence indicates otherwise. Goodson is reported to have an extremely low IQ.
Under former 20th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Pat Jones Mykeila Rowser entered a plea agreement deal to plead guilty in exchange for a 15 year sentence. On November 20, 2023 Rowser was sentenced to 15 years and given a jail credit of 1 year and 245 days pf which she had spent in the Houston County Jail before entering guilty plea. UNCONFIRMED the only offers under this 20th Judicial Circuit District Attorney, Russ Goodman, has been life or 40 years.
The trial is expected to take most of the week. Houston County Sheriff Department investigated the case and made the arrest(s).
HOUSTON COUNTY: On Sunday afternoon at 5 PM Houston County native and graduate of the school in Houston County, Whitney Ingram Strength announced her bid for Houston County Commission, District 2.
Whitney Ingram Strength comes from a long line of family members that donated their time, energy and money to working volunteer in Houston County. The daughter of Dianne Davis and Eddie Ingram, the granddaughter of the late Frankie and Shirley Ingram, and Dianne’s parents,the late David Caddell and grandmother is Janis Caddell, Whitney Ingram Strength grew up beside a family who have back to their community.
Whitney is a graduate of Auburn University where he returned to her home roots in Cowarts – Ashford area. Whitney Ingram Strength degree was in double major in Political Science and Sociology and a double minor in Crime and Deviance and public administration. She taught at Ashford Avademy, thrid grade, until the untimely closing of Ashford Academy. She then went into her own business becoming successfully self employed for the past 7 plus years.
Whitney Ingram Strength has the passion to work with people from all walks of life to make Houston County a better place to live, work and worship. Whitney pledges her support to fire, EMS and law enforcement across Houston County to make it a better and safer place to live and work. And to work with fire – EMS and Law Enforcement to have the equipment needed to save lives and property.
Many friend and family came out to the Ashford Depot on Sunday between the festive events ongoing Sunday afternoon to support Whitney;s announcement. Some of those included former District 2 Houston County Commissioner Doug Sinquefield and Cottonwood Volunteer Fire Chief Randy and Mrs. Hall.
Whitney Ingram Strength asks for your vote and support in the May 2026 election for District 2, Houston County Commissioner.
DOTHAN: 10:26 AM Dothan 911 dispatched a motor vehicle accident with injuries, Ross Clark Circle and Hedstrom Drive. At the time of dispatch there were reports of possible entrappment.
Dothan Fire Engine 4 ( Southside ) was at Southeast Health and responded from that location. Dothan Fire Engine 2 ( Lakewood ) and Battalion Chief Ash responded along with Pilcher Ambulance.
All persons were removed from the vehicle on arrival of emergency units.
At 10:42 AM Pilcher Ambulance and Dothan Fire left the scene transporting, trauma alert, to Southeast Health.
Dothan Police is in charge of the accident investigation.
1:30 am -Houston County Dispatch Madrid Fire, Cottonwood Fire & Rescue, Hodgesville Fire, and Rehobeth Fire to a Structure Fire on Pine Street in Madrid. Fully involved unknown if occupied or evacuated.
1:38 am –command advised water on fire.
1:43 am- Reported occupants have been removed from the structure. Deputies advised need backup for large gathering of disorderly people
