MADRID-HOUSTON COUNTY: 04:33 AM Houston County 011 dis[atched Madrid Volunteer Fire Department, Cottonwood Volunteer Fire and Cottonwood Rescue to a structure fire at 615 Oats Street in Madrid. Reports to Houston County 911, a mobile home structure, unoccupied, flames visible.
Right after dispatch Madrid Volunteer Fire Chief requested Hodgesville Volunteer Fire and Rehobeth Fire – Rescue be dispatched.
Cottonwood Rescue was leaving Southeast Health responding to the scene.
Houston COunty 911 reported to all units to use caution. Possiible drug history and possible meth lab explosion. UNCONFIMRED, but use caution.
04:44 AM Cottonwood Rescue arrived on the scene. They reported a single wife mobile home structure, fully involved, and a next door residential structure in danger.
04:45 AM Rehobeth Fire-Rescue arrived on the scene.
04:46 AM Houston County 911 reported that Alabama Power has been dispatched at 04:42 AM.
04:49 AM Hodgesville Volunteer Fire Engine 802 on the scene.
04:49 AM Madrid Volunteer Fire Tanker 1 arrives on the scene.
04:51 AM Rehobeth Fire-Rescue Chief Nick Floyd on the scene and assuming command of the scene. Reports single wide mobile home structurem fulled involved, a offensive fire attack. There is a fire hydrant in Madrid.
04:49 AM Cottonwood Volunteer Fire on the scene.
04:57 AM Houston County Sheriff Deputies arrive on the scene.
These volunteer men and women, on their own personal time and monies, many responding on their own personal vehicles, at 57 degrees, while raining, all sprang from their beds and rolled, mostly FREEEEE, to save lives and property.
UPDATED @ 6:32 AM
THIS WAS NOT IN ANY WAY related to a meth lab or drugs in anyway shape, form or fashion. The drug information came from either a 911 caller who reported the fire or past history at or near the residence. HOWEVER, this was not accurate information. The fire apparently started from a space ehater near a blanket. The occupants were able to escape the fire.
The 911 Center is under obligation to report any information relayed by a caller or in the history of the computer in regards to a specific or adjoing residents to make sure emergency responders use caution.
AFTER ARRIVAL AND INVESTIGATION, THERE WERE NO DRUGS OR METH LAB. A SMALL HEATER APPARENTLY CAUGHT A BLANKET ON FIRE. THE RESIDENTS WERE HOME AND PRAISE GOD, THEY WOKE UP AND ESCAPED.
PANSEY-HOUSTON COUNTY: 8:07 PM Houston County 911 dispatched Pansey Volunteer Fire, Gordon Volunteer Fire, Lucy Volunteer Fire and Ashford Volunteer Fire to a structure fire, along with Ashford Recue.
The fire is located at 1415 Beck Road.
Report are smoke and flames visible. The house is reported to be empty.
Emergency units are arriving on the scene.
Ashford Fire Chief Jimmy Posey said can not get fire truck in driveway.
UPDATED @ 8:39 PM
No fire hydrants in the area. The Houston County Commission likes to throw daggers at the fireman, often times. Commissioners want volunteer fireman to provide all sorts of documentation, and critical of some departments. This sitting commission stopped Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management Director from responding to scenes in the county and assisting in the county. The commissioners, apparently, ordered EMA not to respond. The EMA Director, apparently never leaves inside the Ross Clark Circle except to get free gas from the County Yard!
But it is not the volunteer fireman, but the Houston County Commissioners, which are responsible for water lines.
This Houston County Commission funded a million dollars, plus or minus, to run water lines down Highway 231 South to State Line. Just by accident, across the road from where the water lines were laid, D3 Houston County Commissioner/Houston County Sheriff Sgt. Ricky Herring’s business is directly across the rad from the one million dollar water lines. The commissioners said the one million dollar water lines were to the industrial park and installed to attract business.
But on Highway 231, D3 Commissioner Ricky Herring/Houston County Sheriff Sgt. purchased land on the west side of Highway 231 South at State Line Road. Until D3 Herring became commissioner he had never owned real estate. He now owns a business on that land.
Cottonwood Volunteer Fire has been dispatched.
Houston County 911 could not advise the fireman the location of the nearest fire hydrant. Again, that is normal. It is very hard to extinguish a fire without water.
It is “suppose” to be City of Dothan-Houston County Communications District Board, where data is kept for all Houston County. However, the 911 Director, Pam Lowe, appears, in my opinion an dothers, to HATE the county. You ought to hear how Pam Lowe talkes to most county people. This sitting Houston County Commission appoints the representative for the county to serve on the 911 Board. Their appointed representative, according the the people in the county, has never spoke to law enforcement, fire or EMS in the county about any of their needs.
The majority of the City of Dothan – Houston County Communications District Board members are picked by the City of Dothan. When Dothan City Manager Randy Morris came off the board, because he got the $ 225,000.00 a year City Manager job, Morris recomended a fellow Dothan Department Head who knows nothing about 911,. That hand picked Randy Morris appointee draws probably more than $ 150,000.00 a year salary from the City of Dothan to look after all of the construction. However , Dothan City Manager Randy Morris was more intrested in keeping power on the board for the City of Dothan and their cash cow for what Dothan wants, and the hell with Houston County as a whole.
Sorry to this homeowner. No fire hydrants and your Houston County Commissioners are responsble for no water lines. The City of Dothan-Houston County Communications District Board is responsible for not having the proper data in 911 system, and that falls on the Director, Pam Lowe.
Lovetown Volunteer Department has responded.
And to the homeowner, SINCERELY, sorry for your loss. It might have been saved if not for (1) information not being accurant in the 911 data system, (2) the Houston County Commission giving Dothan 1 million dollar for green space rather than water lines, except for those across from ttheir personal business, (3) and…
REHOBETH: 10:03 PM. Houston County 911 dispatched Rehobeth Fire-Rescue, and other volunteer fire departments to Rehobeth Baptist Church. Persons reporting to Houston County 911 heavy smoke in the area and no flames visible.
Agencies responding to the scene, Taylor Volunteer Fire, Madrid Volunteer Department, Southern Junction Volunteer Department, Madrid Volunteer Fire Department, along with Houston County Sheriff Deputies.
10:10 PM. Rehobeth Fire-Rescue Operations Commander Todd Phillips arrived on the scene in seconds. Phillips reported smoke in the area and no smoke or flames from the church. Phillips downgraded all responding units and reported a key holder was enroute to the church to allow entry to do a walk through to be sure.
UPDATED 2 10:31 PM
Reports from reliable sources claim they found a diesel truck in front of the elementary school. That was the source of the fire.
A traffic stop in Covington County escalated into an on-foot chase and deputy assault near a local high school, according to the Covington County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Blake Turman said deputies attempted to stop Ezekiel Reed Jr. on the bypass near Southeast Gas in Andalusia. After pulling over, Reed exited his vehicle and fled on foot toward Andalusia High School, officials said.
It remains unclear whether the school was placed on lockdown during the pursuit.
During the incident, deputies located marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside Reed’s vehicle. Authorities said Reed later assaulted a deputy after being apprehended.
Reed was charged with parole violation, attempting to elude, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of government operations, and assault in the third degree.
He was transported to the Covington County Jail.
Officials said Reed has bonds totaling $12,000 on all charges except the parole violation, which is not bondable.
The City of Geneva is continuing to rebuild “brick by brick” after a powerful January tornado tore through the community, leaving widespread destruction in its path.
On Friday, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Kenneth Boswell toured the storm damage and announced a $300,000 commitment to assist with recovery efforts.
“I’m here and ready to commit $300,000 toward the damages as we’ve seen today, to help Mayor Hayes get the city back in order how he needs it to be,” Boswell said. “Obviously no one ever plans for a storm or any type of activities of this nature. And we want to make sure we do everything we can do to alleviate that pain.”
The storm, confirmed as an EF-2 tornado with peak winds of 115 miles per hour, left visible scars across Geneva. Bricks remain scattered along downtown streets, trees crashed into homes, and rooftops were ripped away.
State and local leaders walked through the damaged areas Friday morning, including the collapsed remains of a former historic hotel and residential neighborhoods where debris still rests on damaged structures.
Mayor David B. Hayes said support from state officials was immediate.
“The night the tornado hit, Senator Chastain was on the phone with me the whole night,” Hayes said.
Donnie Chesteen praised the way Geneva residents responded in the aftermath.
“I think that’s what small-town America’s all about,” Chesteen said.
The ADECA funds will go toward storm cleanup, debris removal and structural repairs, helping accelerate the city’s recovery process.
“We’re so blessed to have a team like this behind me, here today to go over what happened in this town and be supportive of what’s going on. It’s a good day for us,” Hayes said.
But city leaders say the true strength of Geneva lies in its people.
“Many times you don’t even know who they are. But they know you need some help and they’re there to help,” Chesteen said.
Hayes added that Geneva’s history of hurricanes and floods has only strengthened the town’s unity.
“In a small town like this, any time that you have something devastating, people do come together and respond. And we’re thankful that we have that unity here,” Hayes said.
With state support, help from Alabama Power, and the determination of its residents, Geneva continues rebuilding — one brick at a time.
If you’re ready to let the good times roll on the “Happiest Day in Dothan,” be prepared for a few changes to the 2026 Mardi Gras parade.
Now in its 11th year, the Krewe of Kolosse Mardi Gras Parade has become one of the most anticipated annual events in the Wiregrass.
Hosted by the Krewe of Kolosse in Dothan, the three-mile parade begins in the Garden District and makes its way into downtown, drawing massive crowds each year.
🎉 A Year in the Making
While spectators enjoy a single day of celebration, organizers say the work never really stops.
“Saturday is the culmination of not a few days, weeks, or months of work,” said Harry Hall, Captain of the Krewe of Kolosse. “The plan for this started the day after the last parade… You’ve got 1,900 people that ride in this parade and all of them have been working all year for Saturday.”
The parade has earned the nickname “The Happiest Day of the Year in Dothan” thanks to its high-energy atmosphere, creative floats and entertainment factor.
“Seeing the crowd and entertaining them… we try to entertain, not just throw, but we’re there to entertain as well,” said Krewe member Chris Lee. “The look on people’s faces of ‘what? What is that? How did you do that?’ Turning off of Choctaw and seeing that crowd is awesome.”
🔄 What’s Changing in 2026?
With the parade’s continued growth, adjustments were necessary this year.
📍 New Ending Route
Instead of turning down Foster Street for the final stretch, the parade will now turn onto South St. Andrews Street to finish the route.
Organizers say the change was needed to accommodate the parade’s size and ensure a smoother flow as nearly 1,900 riders make their way through the city.
👑 What to Expect
A three-mile parade route
Nearly 2,000 riders
Creative, high-energy floats
Beads, throws and surprises
One of the largest crowds of the year in downtown Dothan
For many in the Wiregrass, Mardi Gras in Dothan isn’t just another event — it’s a tradition. And with continued growth and new route changes, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest celebrations yet.
So grab your chairs, bring your beads bags, and get ready to celebrate the “Happiest Day in Dothan.” 💜💛
