1:43 PM 🚁 Medical Helicopter Crashes in Evergreen; Two Crew Members Injured

by Raven | Feb 24, 2026 | Breaking News

EVERGREEN | RICKEY STOKES NEWS

An investigation is underway after a medical helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon in Evergreen while en route to a local hospital.

According to Conecuh County Emergency Management Agency Director Larry Davis, the crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. as the pilot attempted to land near Evergreen Medical Center. For reasons still unknown, the helicopter went down next to a home at 303 South Main Street, just down from the hospital’s landing pad.

Three people were onboard at the time. Authorities confirmed there were no fatalities, but all three were transported by ambulance to an out-of-town hospital for evaluation.

Officials later confirmed that two medical crew members were injured — one listed in critical condition and the other stable at a hospital in Pensacola, Florida. There was no patient onboard during the crash.

Units with Evergreen Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. The nearby home was not damaged; however, one individual inside the residence was taken to a Montgomery hospital with reported cardiac concerns.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and will lead the investigation. Federal aviation authorities are expected to remain on scene as they work to determine what caused the crash.

Evergreen Police have blocked off the area from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to Evergreen Medical Center as the investigation continues. Officials reported minimal fuel spillage at the crash site.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

9:50 AM Headland Traffic Stop Results in Drug Charges Against Eufaula Man

by Raven | Feb 24, 2026 | Breaking News

EUFAULA | RICKEY STOKES NEWS

On February 13, 2026, Rondrez Johnson, 37, of Eufaula, was stopped by a Traffic Enforcement Officer for speeding.

During the traffic stop, further investigation allegedly revealed 36.4 grams of methamphetamine, 6.4 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and it was determined Johnson was operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.

Johnson was charged with the following offenses:

• Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, 2nd Degree (13A-12-214)

• Trafficking (13A-12-231)

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (13A-8-260)

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

DOTHAN LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT

by Rickey Stokes | Feb 24, 2026 | Breaking News

9:10 AM Man Charged With Murder After Father Shot in Coffee County

by Raven | Feb 24, 2026 | Breaking News

DOTHAN | RICKEY STOKES NEWS

A man is behind bars in Coffee County after investigators say he shot and killed his father following an argument early Monday morning.

Joseph Jackson, 32, was arrested Monday and charged with one count of murder and one count of tampering with physical evidence.

According to Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Jackson is accused of shooting 56-year-old Doyle Edward Jackson at a home on County Road 483. Trusted sources in Coffee County confirmed the victim was Jackson’s father.

Law enforcement sources say the shooting occurred after an argument. Jackson reportedly fled the scene but was captured a short time later around 9:00 a.m.

Public jail records show Jackson did not have a bond set as of Monday evening.

As a precaution, Kinston Schools announced that both Kinston High School and Kinston Elementary School were closed all day Monday due to the shooting and the ongoing investigation. County Road 483 is located approximately seven minutes from the school campus.

The investigation has been turned over to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

5:07 PM. Wiregrass Electric Supports Wiregrass Hospital

by Rickey Stokes | Feb 23, 2026 | Breaking News

🫱🏼‍🫲🏽🏥 WEC is honored to support the Wiregrass Medical Center in Geneva, Alabama. Through WEC’s participation in the Alabama Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program, we proudly presented a check to Wiregrass Medical Center to assist in continuing their vital mission of providing critical health care services to the citizens of our rural Wiregrass communities.

Rural hospitals like Wiregrass Medical Center serve as true economic anchors in our local communities and play a key role in enhancing the quality of life across rural Alabama. They provide essential emergency services, support important public health initiatives, and help reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to receive care.

The Rural Hospital Investment Tax Credit Program, established by the Alabama Legislature, was created to help eligible rural hospitals address the significant financial challenges many face today. This program allows organizations like WEC to utilize qualifying State of Alabama tax credits to directly support rural community hospitals and strengthen local health care infrastructure.

We are incredibly grateful to Senator Donnie Chesteen and Representative Jeff Sorrells for their leadership in championing and advocating for initiatives like the Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program. Their continued efforts, along with the strong support of our Wiregrass legislative delegation, help secure programs, funding sources, and infrastructure improvements that promote positive economic development and directly benefit organizations like Wiregrass Medical Center.

The WEC Board of Trustees and the leadership of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative are proud to support Wiregrass Medical Center through this important initiative and remain committed to strengthening the communities we serve.