Dothan High School honored two of its top football athletes Wednesday morning as they officially signed full Division I scholarships during a ceremony on campus.
Senior AJ Alexander committed to the University of North Alabama, while fellow senior Aden Jackson signed with Troy University. Coaches and school officials praised both athletes for their outstanding talent, work ethic, and leadership—qualities that helped them stand out to college programs across the region.
The signing ceremony was held at 10 a.m. inside the Mike Schmitz Team Room in the boys’ athletic complex, where teammates, classmates, coaches, and proud family members gathered to celebrate the milestone.
Both Alexander and Jackson have made significant impacts on Dothan High’s football program, and their signings mark an exciting new chapter in their athletic careers.
HOUSTON COUNTY: The Houston County Commission will hold the Administrative Meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2025, 10:00 AM, third floor of the Houston County Administrative Building. The Houston County Commission will only meet December 4 and the regular meeting where they can vote on issues which will be Monday, December 8, 10:00 AM. Unless an emergency exists this will be the only meetings that Houston County Commissioners will have/
The items to be discussed on December 4 and voted December 8 are as follows:
HOUSTON COUNTY COMMISSION
Administrative Meeting
December 4, 2025
REGULAR AGENDA
1. Discussion – Update on Houston County Jail
2. Request to approve FY 2024-2025 departmental over/under spending summary report –
Peter Covert, CAO
3. Request to publish the Houston County Year-End Unaudited Financial Report to include
County, Fiduciary, other Special Trust Funds along with the outstanding amounts and
retirement schedule of its debts – Peter B. Covert, CAO
4. Request to approve budget amendment in the amount of $93,835.36 in revenue for
insurance proceeds for damage to roof at Sheriff’s Dept – Tommy Dixon, Building Maintenance
5. Request to approve budget amendment in the amount of $300,000 in revenue for
stormwater projects from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management – Road &
Bridge
6. Request from the Town of Rehobeth to assist with site grading and preparation for an area
within the Rehobeth Town Center Project – Road & Bridge
Wallace Community College–Dothan’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program has been selected as a top-two finalist for the Alabama Community College Association’s (ACCA) Exemplary Program Award in Teaching and Learning.
The annual award recognizes standout programs across Alabama’s community college system that demonstrate innovation, effectiveness, and excellence in education. This year, ACCA received 16 submissions across three categories: Support Services, Workforce Development and Innovation, and Teaching and Learning.
WCCD’s nursing program earned its finalist distinction for integrating the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) into its clinical curriculum—an immersive training experience designed to deepen students’ understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty. Developed by the Missouri Community Action Network, the simulation places participants in real-world scenarios where they must secure housing, obtain food, manage employment, and access medical care with limited resources.
Students complete guided reflections and assessments following the simulation to evaluate shifts in empathy and better understand how socioeconomic barriers influence health outcomes.
Division Director Dr. Rayanne Daniels said the recognition validates the program’s mission to prepare compassionate, well-rounded nurses.
“Empathy cannot be taught solely from a textbook,” Daniels said. “The poverty simulation gives our students a powerful, authentic experience that helps them understand the realities many of their future patients face.”
WCCD President Dr. Kathy Murphy praised the program’s impact on student development.
“This recognition reflects the incredible work of Dr. Daniels and our ADN faculty,” Murphy said. “At Wallace, we are committed to educating healthcare professionals who not only excel in clinical practice but also understand the human stories behind every patient.”
College leaders say being named a finalist underscores WCCD’s dedication to advancing teaching practices that enrich student learning and strengthen the broader community.
Last night, downtown Dothan felt like pure Christmas magic as families awaited the annual tree lighting ceremony. Kids ran around in excitement, parents bundled up with hot cocoa and cameras ready, and the whole community seemed to pause and take in the spirit of the season together.
The decorative canopies glowed with color, candy-striped bows lined the walkway, and the giant Christmas tree stood tall in the center like something straight out of a holiday movie. Laughter, music, and the sound of children calling out for Santa filled the air.
As the elves danced and Santa made his way onto the stage, you could feel every child in the crowd light up. Dozens of families gathered shoulder-to-shoulder, counting down the final seconds to the big moment.
The tree burst alive in thousands of sparkling lights — red bows shining, fog rolling across the stage, and a brilliant star beaming across downtown. For a moment, everyone stopped and just took it in, and the entire community felt connected.
From the decorations to the lighting ceremony itself, last night showed the heart he has for this community — and families across the Wiregrass appreciate it more than words can say.
Thank you, Mayor Mark Saliba, for helping make nights like this possible and for giving our children and families a tradition to look forward to every Christmas season.
As families lingered past the lighting to take photos under the glow of the tree, one thing was clear: Dothan didn’t just light a tree last night — we lit up the spirit of the whole city.
DOTHAN: On December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Westgate Park a candlelight vigil for parents and families who have lost loved ones. The Angel of Hope is located at Westgate Park directly inside the park on the Choctaw Drive entrance.
A Grieving Parent’s Greatest Fear Is That Their Child Will Be Forgotten
The Angel of Hope Statue is for every parent who has lost a child of any age starting at conception.
It is a place to provide comfort, healing and also a way of remembering each child so they are never forgotten.
Engraved on the right wing is HOPE and her arms are reaching out to welcome all who comes to her.
On December 6th at 7:00pm, a candlelight memorial service will be held at the Angel of Hope statue in Westgate Park .
All are welcome to attend in memory of their beloved child/children.
A candle and a white flower will be provided to those who attend.
In addition to representing hope to all parents who have endured the death of a child, The Angel Of Hope Statue serves as a gravesite for parents that don’t have one.
It is a symbol of hope, a place to reflect, a place of healing and a special place for people to grieve.
The Angel is a symbol that will represent and honor our children.
Our children will live in our hearts and lives forever.
Remember that our children live through us; and their lives can touch many others through us.
Parents need to feel hope that they will survive and move on, and that their children will never be forgotten
If you know of a family who has lost a child please tell them about the Angel Of Hope Statue and invite them to attend the candlelight vigil on December 6th at 7pm.
A domestic dispute allegedly escalated into an assault Monday afternoon on Chantilly Place off North Shady Lane, near Hughston Clinic, leaving three people injured.
The incident was reported around 3:45 PM, when dispatch received a call from a man claiming a woman was attempting to stab him. Dothan Police responded quickly and located a woman in a nearby Woodline shortly after arrival.
According to initial reports:
One man suffered a laceration to his hand Two women sustained facial injuries The circumstances leading up to the altercation remain unclear at this time. Officers continue to investigate, and residents in the area may notice an increased police presence as the case develops.
Arrests have not yet been confirmed.
Stay with us for updates as more information becomes available.
