DOTHAN: Dothan Fire Station 1, Central, is one of the high volume run stations.
Every 3rd day the Captain managing Station 1 is Captain Blake Johnson.
Today is Captain Blake Johnson’s birthday. His 36th birthday. He has been with Dothan Fire Department for 14 years.
Captain, from your family, friends and co-workers …
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DOTHAN: On Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Associate Commissioners Daniels, Kirksey, Bedwell, Stock, Pierce and Crutchfield, along with Dothan City Manager Randy Morris will most likely pass a resolution for a STUDY for $ 94,500.00.
This my friends, is a prelude to a rate hike on your utilities in Dothan Alabama.
The Mayor makes a salary of $ 42,000.00 per year, each commissioner $ 21,000.00 per year. The combined total is $ 147,000.00 per year. Add another $ 225,000.00 for the Dothan City Manager. The City Manager salary is probably higher now because of raises he has gotten. So we are now up to a combined cost of $ 372,000.00 a year. Then add the Finance Director, which guessing is around $ 140,000.00 a year, at least, and Utility Director which is probably $ 160,000.00 a year. So now we are at $ 672,000.00 a year.
These 9 people can ot decide if the Utilities Division of the City of Dothan is making a profit or not. So the City of Dothan will spend another $ 94,500.00 to say to the customers of the City of Dothan Utilities, HEY … we had a study and we need to take more money from your pocket. I can tell you now, the findings WILL BE, they need to increase your rates !!!!!
# 19 ON AGENDA Res. No._________Entering into a consulting services agreement with Jackson Thornton Co., P.C. for a utility revenue requirement analysis and cost study at a fee of $94,500.00 for the first year and a monthly fee of $1,825.00 after the initial term.
Jackson Dothan by Rickey Stokes
CONFIRMED MOTORCYCLE WRECK – STATE HIGHWAY 123 & COUNTY ROAD 143 Newton, AL
Emergency responders are on the scene of a confirmed motorcycle wreck at the intersection of State Highway 123 and County Road 143.
One patient is reported to be on the ground with a possible knee injury. The extent of injuries is not known at this time.
Motorists are urged to use caution in the area and expect possible delays as first responders work the scene.
🚨 Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
CHIPLEY:
The Chipley Police Department has released body camera footage showing a foot pursuit that occurred following the arrest of Laderious Pittman in connection with a reported theft at Shoe Depot.
The footage shows Pittman fleeing on foot before being pursued by officers. The chase ended a short time later when Pittman was apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.
According to the Chipley Police Department, Pittman was on probation at the time of his arrest, following a previous 10-year prison sentence for manslaughter by culpable negligence and attempted robbery with a deadly weapon.
Police officials said the incident highlights officer training and response in safely bringing situations to a resolution while protecting the community.
Body camera footage is included.
DOTHAN: (Rickey Stokes News) —
A Freeze Warning is in effect for Southeast Alabama, South Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle Monday night into early Tuesday morning as temperatures drop to near 23 degrees.
Clear skies and calm winds are expected to allow temperatures to fall quickly overnight, with the coldest conditions occurring between midnight and 8 a.m. CST Tuesday. Lows are forecast to dip into the mid to upper 20s, creating widespread frost and freeze conditions.
Residents are urged to take precautions to protect sensitive plants, outdoor faucets, and exposed plumbing. Garden plants should be covered, outdoor pipes insulated or allowed to drip, and potted plants brought indoors if possible.
The freeze is expected to be brief, with temperatures rising by mid-morning Tuesday.
Looking ahead, Tuesday will be sunny and pleasant with highs near 59 degrees. Wednesday brings mostly cloudy skies and highs in the low 60s, with a slight chance of showers late Wednesday night.
Another weather system moves in Thursday, bringing a 40% chance of showers during the day and a higher chance of rain — possibly including a thunderstorm — Thursday night. Highs are expected near 72 degrees.
Conditions improve heading into the weekend, with sunny skies Friday and highs near 65, followed by a pleasant weekend with temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s.
DALEVILLE:
Two former daycare employees who pleaded guilty to multiple child abuse charges appeared in court Monday as testimony continued ahead of their upcoming sentencing.
Kailey Gilley and Magan Koker, former workers at Happy Hearts Christian Academy Daycare in Daleville, entered guilty pleas in October following an investigation into allegations of abuse involving several children. The pleas were entered as blind pleas, meaning no sentencing agreement was guaranteed.
During the hearing before Judge William Fillmore, parents and an investigator testified about the impact of the abuse. One mother described watching surveillance footage that investigators say shows both defendants striking her child. The child was later found to have bruising and swelling when picked up from the daycare, prompting a hospital referral and a police investigation.
An investigator testified that multiple children were mistreated, with one child reportedly suffering the most severe abuse. Parents told the court their children continue to experience emotional trauma, including night terrors and difficulty adjusting to new childcare environments. Several witnesses noted many of the children were too young to speak at the time and could not report what was happening.
Court records show Gilley admitted to 10 counts of child abuse, while Koker pleaded guilty to 12 counts. Under Alabama law, sentencing will be determined by the judge after hearing from victims, mental health professionals, and other witnesses.
Public records from the Alabama Department of Human Resources do not list an active daycare in Daleville operating under the Happy Hearts name, and the phone number associated with the facility is no longer in service.
Judge Fillmore is scheduled to hear additional testimony in early January before issuing sentences in the case.