Southeast Health is proud to announce they earned an “A” grade for the spring of 2025 by a leading organization measuring patient safety.
Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades are updated in the fall and spring each year. This national distinction recognizes Southeast Health Medical Center’s best efforts in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital.
“This distinction is the outcome of our continued commitment to ensure our patients receive the safest care possible.” said Rick Sutton, chief executive officer of Southeast Health. “I’m proud of our team for earning this elite designation recognizing the high standards we place on patient safety. Achieving this level of quality and safety is a direct result of our employees’ dedication to making Southeast Southbest.”
“Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade reflects enormous dedication to patient safety,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I extend my congratulations to Southeast Health Medical Center, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for creating a culture where patients come first.”
Water World Water Park — “Dothan’s Most Exciting Beach” — is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its 46th season on Saturday, May 3. With high-energy attractions, refreshing water features, and family-friendly fun, Water World continues to be the go-to destination for summer excitement in the Wiregrass.
Water World will be open weekends only through May 23, and then kick off full-time summer operations beginning May 24. A complete operating schedule is available online at www.WaterWorldDothan.com.
For additional information, please call the Water World office at (334) 615-3755 or email waterworlddothan@dothan.org.
Houston County Sheriffs busted a diesel fuel theft ring in which suspects stole gas from multiple Wiregrass locations to smuggle back to Georgia.
The suspects are accused of diesel thefts in Dothan, Headland and Eufaula, totaling over 3,000 gallons stolen valuing over $13,000.
Sheriff Donald Valenza said the scheme was more sophisticated than in times past: he said suspects used devices which allowed them to pump gas into large-capacity fuel tanks without paying. Two vehicles and a U-Haul trailer were used to move the fuel.
“They basically pumped out what they wanted (and) what they could hold,” he said.
He said investigators discovered the fuel was being taken to a location outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
The thefts were discovered when fuel audits for the affected fuel stations came out, revealing the amount of money collected didn’t match up with the amount of diesel pumped. Discrepancies were found at three Wiregrass gas stations, leading to an investigation.
The suspects returned to Dothan this past weekend intending to steal more; but Houston County Sheriffs were waiting for them.
One of the vehicles fled, but the suspects were later apprehended.
It’s unclear how long the scheme has been happening, but Valenza said more victims are likely to be discovered.
It’s possible the suspects will be extradited after Georgia law enforcement investigates — but Valenza said they’ll be staying in Houston County until that happens.
The suspects include:
Tamari Gooden, 26, Dacula, GA: Theft of property – no bond
Shawauna Gooden, 26, Dacula, GA: Theft of property – no bond
Jerek Davis, 27, Rex, GA:Theft of property, receiving stolen property – no bond
Marlin Rucker, 26, Atlanta, GA: Theft of property – no bond
Roderick Pearson, 22, Stonecrest, GA: Possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana – $13,500 bond
Florrane James, 30, Baltimore, MD: Fugitive from justice – no bond
Charged with a brutal murder and a violent sexual assault in Washington County, David Earl Gipson was denied bond at his first appearance before a judge Wednesday.
A passerby Monday found a woman severely beaten on the side of the road in Washington County, who later told authorities Gipson had gone to her home and attacked her and her mother-in-law.
The victim said he bound and gagged her and brought her to his home, where he beat her, sexually assaulted her, and then put her in a container in his yard. The victim managed to escape.
Investigators later found the victim’s 74-year-old mother-in-law dead, beaten to death.
A multi-agency manhunt later brought Gipson into custody in a wooded area.
Gipson faces charges of murder, sexual battery, aggravated battery with a weapon and false imprisonment.
He had a long criminal history before these charges; among his 33 felonies include charges like arson and burglary.
