Congratulations to Mike Schmitz on being inducted into the Fort Rucker Wiregrass Wings Hall of Honors in recognition of his outstanding service as a civilian making a lasting difference in the Wiregrass community.
During his tenure as CASA of Wiregrass, Mike was a driving force behind countless initiatives that strengthened our community and improved the lives of so many. Although he has retired from that role, he continues to serve Emeritus, remaining actively engaged and committed to the mission and the people of the Wiregrass.
This honor is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of leadership, vision, and selfless service.
Thank you, Mike, for your continued dedication and for leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Traffic signals to be removed around courthouse in Abbeville
ABBEVILLE, Ala. – As part of an ongoing Henry County project around the Henry County courthouse in Abbeville, some intersections with traffic signals will be modified to stop signs.
The following intersections will be modified:
1. Washington Street (SR-10) and Kirkland Street will be modified to an all-way stop.
2. Williams Street and Kirkland Street will be modified to an all-way stop.
3. Washington Street (SR-10) and Doswell Street will be modified to a side street stop where Doswell Street will have to stop but Washington Street (SR-10) will have the right-of-way.
The traffic signals will be put into a flashing mode and stop signs will be installed beginning Monday, July 6. On Monday, July 13, crews will begin removing the signals.
All work is weather dependent and could be delayed.
Drivers should expect delays, plan accordingly, and be mindful of people and equipment in the work zone.
HOUSTON COUNTY: 2:07 PM Multiple Houston County Sheriff Criminal Investigators swarmed into the Houston County Jail parking lot this afternoon.
UNCONFIRMED information is a male subject came into the Houston County Jail to register either as a convicted felon or register due to a sexual offender offense.
As the Corrections Staff began processing the person was found to be wanted in another jurisdiction for a major crime. UNCONFIRMED information the charge was murder in another jurisdiction. Again, the exact charges are unconfirmed.
The photograph of the multiple deputies and criminal investgators in the parking lot at the front foor of the Houston County Jail was taken at 2:07 PM.
Houston County Jail Inmate listing reflects a subject booked in at 1:55 PM as a “HOLD FOR ANOTHER AGEnCY”. Until RSN confirms the charges and person RSN will not identify this person.
But we are sheriff multiple Criminal Investigators, to include Sgt. Brandon Barnes who commands day to day management of crininal invest igation was at the Houston County Jail.
RSN will attempt to gain additional information on Wednesday or a press release from Houston County Sheriff Department.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On June 28, 2026, just before 2:00 pm, the Dothan Traffic Division responded to a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries at the intersection of South Lena Street and West Lafayette Street. According to reports, a vehicle ran the stop sign and collided with another vehicle going through the intersection. The vehicle that ran the stop sign was a 2016 Toyota Camry driven by a 12-year-old juvenile. A juvenile passenger was ejected from the vehicle after the crash.
As investigators were investigating the cause of the crash, surveillance videos in the area showed the Camry and a 2014 Hyundai Elantra driven by Jadyn Ruth Smith (20) of Daleville were racing through the residential streets prior to the crash. The video also showed the passenger who was ejected sitting on the windowsill of the rear door prior to the crash. The vehicle driven by Smith also had two juvenile passengers sitting on the rear windowsills of the door while engaging in reckless conduct. The video showed the vehicle driven by the 12-year-old run the stop sign and colliding with another vehicle proceeding through the intersection that did not have a stop sign.
The 14-year-old juvenile who was ejected was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later transferred to another hospital in North Alabama, where he remains in critical condition.
As a result of the investigation, investigators charged the 12-year-old juvenile with four counts of Assault 1st degree. The juvenile was placed in the Southeast Alabama Diversion Center. Jadyn Smith was also charged with four counts of Assault 1st degree. Smith was booked into the Houston County Jail with bonds totaling $120,000. The legal guardian of the 12-year-old, Brenda Bragg Raines (72) of Dothan, was charged with one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor for allowing the juvenile to take the vehicle with permission. Raines was booked into the Houston County Jail with a $6,000 bond.
The video shows the vehicles operating in an extremely reckless manner and in a manner that showed a complete disregard for the value of human life. Each driver is responsible for the safety of passengers and others on the road when they drive on the streets of the City of Dothan.
BY TERESA RICHARDSON
A great evening spent celebrating with great people! 🇺🇸
One of the best parts of the night was seeing so many leaders from across Houston County gathered in one place. Mayors, council members, county leadership, and community representatives all came together to support Rehobeth Red, White & BOOM celebration.
Community isn’t about city lines…it’s about supporting one another, celebrating together, and building relationships that make all of Houston County stronger. I was honored to represent the Town of Columbia, Alabama and spend the evening alongside so many dedicated public servants.
Congratulations to the Town of Rehobeth and Mayor Kimberly Trotter on a fantastic event!
BY REHOBETH MAYOR KIMBERLY TROTTER
RED WHITE AND BOOM
Rehobeth Red, White & BOOM was one for the books. I am grateful for ALL the people involved from start to finish who love Rehobeth and whose entire goal for this event is to showcase what our town is about and to share why we think it’s so special. It’s evident that each one of us who help with this are all rowing the same way and all have the same goals and sense of pride for our hometown and for that THANK YOU seems completely inadequate.
Each year our team gets stronger and the event gets better. I am thankful to be a small part of what has become a yearly event that people of all ages look forward too. We will start working on next year as soon as today, with shared notes on what works and what doesn’t, breakdown and putting away, follow ups with vendors, sponsors and attendees….but for now, here are just a few photos from the day 💙
Thank you Rehobeth for supporting us and our visions. Representing you is one of my greatest honors and biggest blessings.
ABBEVILLE: ABBEVILLE POLICE – Announces Arrest in Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation:
The Abbeville Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the fatal hit-andrun investigation that occurred in the 100 block of Ozark Road. Since the incident, investigators have worked continuously to identify the person responsible. The investigation included interviewing multiple people of interest, following up on tips from the public, reviewing hours of surveillance footage, collecting physical evidence, and coordinating with assisting law enforcement agencies.
As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old white male Levi Conner Smith of Headland, Alabama, was taken into custody in connection with this case. He is charged with (1) Count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident – causing injury or death.
Evidence collected during the investigation indicates that Smith was present at the scene where the victim died during the time this event occurred. This case remains active and ongoing. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses, review additional evidence, and collect physical evidence related to the case. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses and after the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences completes the autopsy and related forensic examination.
The Abbeville Police Department would like to thank the following agencies and personnel for their assistance in this investigation: • ALEA State Troopers • Dothan Police Department • Henry County Sheriff’s Office • Abbeville Police Department Headland E-911 Dispatch Henry County Coroner’s Office Abbeville EMS We also thank the public and witnesses who provided information that assisted with this investigation. All persons charged with a criminal offense are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
