At 144 PM EDT/1244 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 9 miles southwest of Pelham to 10 miles north of West Bainbridge to 6 miles east of Donalsonville to 12 miles northeast of Marianna. Movement was north at 25 mph. At 135 PM EDT. the Decatur County Airport gusted to 38 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 40 mph. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include… Colquitt, Cottonwood, Bainbridge, Donalsonville, Blakely, Columbia, West Bainbridge, Douglasville, Centerville, Malone, Greenwood, Gordon, Iron City, Damascus, Brinson, Jakin, Bascom, Iveys Mill, Crosby, and Grangeburg.
KINSEY: A month ago, in an emotional Kinsey City Councl Meeting, several life saving awards were presented. Kinsey Police Chief Jim Mock presented awards to his officers, Mayor Jason Reneau presented awards to Chief Mock, Mayor Reneau changed hats to Kinsey Fire Chief and presented life saving awards to a Volunteer Fireman, who also is father of the two children saved, and the Town Council presented awards to Fire Chief Jason Reneau.
The fire was a arson where two children and their mother were inside the home. Kinsey Fire Chief Jason Reneau and Volunteer Fireman Betsill were just returning from assisting Taylor Volunteer Fire and Rehobeth Fire – Rescue on a structure fire of a church in Taylor. AS they arrived back at Kinsey Voluteer Fire Station the call hit of structure fire. The volunteer fireman realized quickly that was where his children and ex-wife lived.
They rolled swiftly to the scene, as did Kinsey Police Chief Mock and Sgt. Morgan rolled. They all entered the residence, without hesitation, all removed the fire victims, a young girl, young boy and their mother from the fire. Life saving measures were initiated, Headland Fire – Rescue ad Pilcher Ambulance rolled rapidly to the scene and transported to Southeast Health. The two children and their mother were transported later to UAB and Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.
The two children, after a stay in Children’s Hospital, were later relased and at the Kinsey City Council Meeting when the awards were presented. At the time of the presentation their mother remained in UAB in Birmingham. The week following the life saving awards were presented Ms. Kelley Gore, the children’s mother, passed away from her injuries in the fire.
Houston County Sheriff Department took lead in the criminal investigation and the husband of Kelley Gore, whom she was in the process of divorce, was arrested for the arson which is now murder.
RSN has held this story because of Mrs. Gore’s death the week after. The fire Chief, volunteer Fireman/Daddy of two children and ex-husband of Kelley, police chief and officers, never hesitated on entering residence. Their actions saved the two children and attempted with all human energy to save Mrs. Gore’s life.
HOUSTON COUNTY: On Friday afternoon, late, a male subject stole a Mercedes Benz from Mercedes of Dothan. Reports are the subject went to Academy Sports and stole a firearm and ammunition.
The suspect vehicle was later spotted by law enforcement and when they activated the blue lights and siren, well the chase was on. The chase lead Houston COunty Sheriff Deputies, Dothan Police and Kinsey Police on multiple roads on the east side and southside of Dothan and Houston County. The chase took Hodgesville Road, south. When you pass Roy Martin Road on Hodgesville Road you hit a straight stretch. And the driver of the stolen Mercedes stretched it out. Reports are speeds were about 110 miles per hour.
What the driver did not realize, at the end of that strretch, Hodgesville Road dead ends into Houston County Road 33. The driver attempted to take the turn, slamming on brakes from about 110 miles per hour. That was not successful and the driver wrecks the stolen Mercedes. He attempted to run on foot but quickly realized multiple law enforcement officers, with reports of a sstolen firearm and ammunition, running was not a good idea.
ALEA – Troopers were on the scene along with Houston County Sheriff Deputies, Dothan Police and Kinsey Police.
DOTHAN – HOUSTON COUNTY: There are no doubts in the minds of Stacey ( Kim ) Trotter, Jeremy ( Kayla ) Trotter, and Lucas ( Kimberly ) Trotter that they were loved by George and Katherine “Jane” Trotter.
Something a lot of grandchildren do not have the opportunity to have, but, Abree ( Matthew ) Buie, Colton Trotter, Emerson Trotter, Lofton Trotter, Ashlyn Trotter, Paxton Trotter, Clayton Trotter, and Easton Trotter, did have the opportunity to have. And that was growing up to know and love their grandparents, and to grown up knowing their granddaddy and grandmother loved each of them, unconditionally. Grandparents thay supported each of them independently and unconditionally. He has expressed to me how proud he was of his family and grandchildren.
George Trotter believed in doing his part, approaching leadership with fairness, integrity, and a sincere desire to make a difference.. And anyone who knew him, knew without a doubt, that George Trotter would fight a tiger for fairness, integrity, and a sincere desire to make a difference. George Trotter was known for his strong work ethic, knowledge, and leadership. He also loved America and held strong political convictions, which he expressed with the same honesty and conviction that shaped the rest of his life. While his children did not always understand his passion for politics, they knew it came from his deep desire to protect them, preserve their freedoms, and safeguard the rights and opportunities he hoped they would always enjoy. Some in office hated to see George come in, but he fought the fight for others even when not popular. If George Trotter was for you he worked all day and night for those be beleived that would serve with honor and dignity.
George received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University, an achievement that reflected his determination and commitment to learning. He carried that same dedication into his professional life, where he was known for his strong work ethic, knowledge, and leadership. He retired from BASF, where he served as an agronomist and regional sales manager for the Southeast, and he was respected for the integrity and care he brought to his work. He also served as a high school biology teacher at Oberlin High School.
His service extended beyond his career, as he was active in his community and valued the responsibility of civic involvement. He served as President of the Grant Parish School Board, demonstrating his commitment to education and to the well-being of the children and families in the community. He believed in doing his part, approaching leadership with fairness, integrity, and a sincere desire to make a difference. After relocating to Alabama, he remained civically engaged and was an active member of the Houston County Republican Party.
George loved his family deeply, and that love guided much of his life. He treasured time spent with those closest to him and found joy in the simple, meaningful moments family life provided. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors, finding peace and satisfaction in the land and the natural world around him. These interests were more than hobbies—they reflected the life he cherished and the values he embraced.
George Trotter was a fighter. He fought the fight to live, Was heartbroken when his wife of 57 years passed.
Melvin “Mel” Thomas Dixon, Jr. of Slocomb passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. He was 68 years old.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama with David Glover officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service time.
Mr. Dixon was born November 3, 1957 to the late Melvin Thomas, Sr and Anne Sutcliffe Hummel Dixon in Virginia.
Melvin “Mel” Dixon proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 20 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4). As an Army Aviator, he served honorably during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His distinguished military career earned him numerous decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and several campaign and service medals recognizing his courageous and faithful service.
While he was deeply honored to serve his country, those who knew him best knew that his greatest calling was loving his family. Mel was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Army veteran, and faithful friend. He was known for his gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. To those who knew him, he was a man of integrity whose life reflected humility, faithfulness, and selfless love. His greatest joy was caring for those he loved, and his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched through his compassion, wisdom, and steadfast character.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He leaves behind a loving family including his wife of 16 years, Rhonda Carlson Dixon; children: Julie Dixon, David Dixon, Krista Humble (Kyle), Luke Barber (Kendall), Kayla Phelps (Bradley), Kimberly Barber, Laura Phelps (Steven), Amy Barber, Laike Barber (Jamie); Grandchildren: Tyler, Keira, Emily, Aubrey, Jackson, Juliana, Paisley, Hudson, Lilah, Princeton, Macie, Bonnie, Lillian, Isaac; sisters: Beth Dixon (Andy), Suzanne Grady (Aaron) and numerous other extended family and friends.
