Rehobeth High School senior Gabriel Mendez is taking the next step in his academic and athletic journey after signing to play college football at Maryville College in Tennessee.
During a signing celebration Thursday night attended by an overflow crowd of supporters, Gabriel was recognized not only for his accomplishments on the field, but also for the character and values that helped guide him along the way.
His father, Chris Mendez, told those gathered that several years ago Gabriel came to him with a desire to play football. Chris said he and his wife made a promise to support that dream as long as Gabriel continued handling life’s responsibilities first.
Since then, Chris said Gabriel has kept his priorities in order — placing faith, family, future, and football, with football being the least important of the four.
Gabriel signed with Maryville College, a historic school in the Smoky Mountains that was established in 1918. He was also awarded the Covenant Stone Scholarship, an honor named after the campus Covenant Stone, which represents the school’s commitment to scholarship, respect, integrity, and service.
“I want to thank all my friends for their support,” Gabriel said during the ceremony, while also giving special recognition to his coaches at Rehobeth High School.
According to a media statement, Mendez had an impressive senior season for the Rebels. He recorded six sacks, 60 tackles — including 26 solo tackles and 34 assists — along with one touchdown reception, two blocked field goals, and one blocked punt.
DOTHAN: 11:18 PM Dothan 911 dispatched a Edged Weapon Assault at 109 Geranium Circle. This street runs off Oleander Drive.
The person reporting to Dothan 911 reported a male subject has a stab wound to the chest.
Dothan Police, Dothan Fire Engine Company 6 ( Napier Field Road ) and Pilcher Ambulance responded.
On arrival of Dothan Police they quickly determined the suspect, a white female, had gone to 111 Geranium Circle and then exited the window. Dothan Police had declared the scene safe and Dothan Fire Engine Company 6 was on the scne by 11:25 PM.
Dothan Police Patrol quickly established a perimeter and as of 11;32 PM were actively searching for the female suspect. Units on the scene were placing a chest seal on the stab wound.
Dothan Criminal Investigator was requested to respond to the scene.
Multiple Dothan Police units on the scene and in the area searching for suspect and some on the scene protecting the scene.
11:33 PM Pilcher Ambulance has arrived on the scene.
11:38 PM Dothan Fire Paramedics of Engine 6 and Pilcher Ambulance transporting emergency to Southeast Heath, trauma alert.
DOTHAN: 7:54 PM Dothan 911 dispatched multiple Dothan Fire Engine Companies, Pilcher Ambulance and Dothan Police to a multi vehicle accident on South Oates and Alabaster Drive.
Alabaster Drive is between Inex Road and Saunders Road intersection on Highway 231 South.
The accident involves at least three vehicles. There are three Dothan Fire Engines, two Pilcher ambulance and multiple Dothan Police units on the scene.
One vehicle, which was pulling a utility trailer, is over turned. There are at least three vehicles involved in the accident. All south bound lanes of traffic are closed and traffic being turned back north on Highway 231.
8:16 PM Dothan Fire Paramedics from Engine 4 ( Southside ) and Pilcher Ambulance have just lef the scene with two patients, transporting, non emergency, to Southeast Health.
The injuries are not reported life threatening.
Dothan Police is in charge of the accident investigation.
8:27 PM Dothan Fire Battalion Chief Lee and all Dothan Fire Engines are returning to service. All patients transported.
At the time this call was dispatched Dothan Fire Engine Companies were on the scene of a structure fire, 2883 Ross Clark Circle, Daybreak Inn and Suites. Was not an actual firebut a smoke odor and audible alarm. But Dothan Fire has to respond as an actual structure fire until emergency units are on the scene and determine otherwise. That call was dispatched at 7:46 PM and was a multi unit response, and this accident call came in at 7:54 PM, which were 8 minutes apart. Dothan Fire, Pilcher Ambulance and Dothan Police and Dothan 911 never experienced one single hiccup at all. All went smoothly.
The Wiregrass Public Safety Center recently held another successful Citizen Firearms Safety Class, giving community members an opportunity to learn about proper firearm handling and responsible ownership.
Organizers thanked everyone who attended and participated in the training, which focuses on safety, education, and responsible gun ownership.
Officials say the next Citizen Firearms Safety Class is scheduled for June 16.
Residents interested in attending the upcoming class are encouraged to watch for registration information as the date approaches.
HOUSTON COUNTY-WICKSBURG: 08:10 AM Houston County 911 and ALEA – Trooper Communications dispatched a motor vehicle accident, Highway 84 West at Twilight Drive In, involving a school bus.
REPORTS ARE ALL CHILDREN ARE OKAY
Multiple law enforcement and Wicksburg Fire-EMS have responded. To include Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, Patrol Captain Tony Turner, Communications Captain James Ivey, ALEA Trooper Post Commander Sgt. Jason McAllister.
Reports are 41 children were on the bus. Reports are the bus was stopped to pick up a child when the accident took place.
08:31 AM The children have been transferred to another bus and transported to the school.
The first report was a school bus was involved and it was a wreck with injuries. A full emergency detail response was implemented and rolled emergency. As units arrived it was determined no injuries.
08:32 AM Both west bound lanes of traffic on Highway 84 are closed at this time.
