The Baldwin County Coroner’s Office has identified the two men who were killed in a plane crash Saturday, March 7, in Bon Secour Bay.
Authorities say Dana Ruehle, 64, and Jon George, 68, both of Gulf Shores, died in the crash.
According to officials, the aircraft involved was a Beech A36.
Search crews recovered debris from the bay following the crash. The Baldwin County Coroner’s Office said it is working alongside the Gulf Shores Police Department, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as the investigation continues.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
DOTHAN: 03:43 AM Dothan 911 dispatched multiple Dothan Fire Engine Companies, Pilcher Ambulance and Dothan Police to a structure fire in the 1900 block of North Cherokee Avenue. When the 911 call hit the person reporting stated it was a residence behind the person reporting residence. So at this time not positive it faces North Cherokee, but North Cherokee is where dispatched.
On arrival Dothan Fire announced this was a working structure fire, smoke and flames visible. Dothan Fire Engine Companies began executing an aggressive offfensive attack on the fire. Dothan Fireman made an interrior fire attack. Flames were through the roof.
Dothan Utilities has been dispatched to the scene.
04:13 AM There are four Dothan Fire Engine Companies on the scene along with Dothan Fire Rehab. They are making progress on the fire.
04:14 AM Heavy flames are still coming out from the center of the roof.
Dothan Fire Engine Company 10 ( West Main Street ), Dothan Fire Engine 5 ( Eastside ), Dothan Fire Engine Company 6 ( Napier Field Road ), Dothan Fire Engne Company 9 ( Technology Drive ), Truck 1 ( Central ) are some of the Dothan Fire Engine Companies on the scene.
04:16 AM Dothan Fire Deputy Fire Chief Pete Webb has arrived on the scene. Dothan Fire Chief David Hasty is on the scene via radio at this time.
04:16 AM On fire scenes there is a designated crew for SAFETY. The SAFETY crew reported it was still safe for fire crews to be interrior.
ANYONE WITH SCENE PICTURES TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729.
04:20 AM The roof is laregly intac except where flames have broke through the roof.
04:20 AM Scene Command has instructed all fireman to EXIT THE RESIDENCE. Flames are visible from all sides of the residence. ALL fireman are commanded to exit the residence.
04:21 AM All fireman are reported to have exited the residence. Scene Command is doing a roll call of all on the scene to make sure everyone is accounted for. Dothan Fire Battalon Chief Johnson is scene command.
04:23 AM Dothan Fire is putting the deck gun fire engine on the roof to begin spraying water on top of the structure. Dothan Fire Engine 5 ( Eastside ) is deploying the deck gun fire attack at this time.
04:25 AM Dothan Fire Command reported they are moving to defensive strategy at this time. The Dothan Fire Engine companies continue to work to get fire under control.
04:30 AM Dothan Utilities has power cut to the structure.
04:33 AM Dothan Fire is cutting deck gun and beginning to combat fire with hand lines from the right side of the residence, front and right side, hand line combat of the fire.
04:57 AM Fire declared under control.
UPDATED @ 09:07 AM
The actual address of the early morning structure fire is 1806 Northside Drive. Some, not all, Dothan Fire Engine Companies are just now being released from the scene.
Governor Kay Ivey is reminding college students across Alabama that the deadline to apply for the Governor’s Office Summer Internship Program is quickly approaching.
Applications for the nine-week program must be submitted by Friday, March 13, 2026, by the close of business.
The internship offers college students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in state government while working alongside professionals in Alabama’s executive branch.
“As a former teacher, I know the value of hands-on learning, and this internship program gives Alabama students a front-row seat to how state government works,” Ivey said. “I encourage any student interested in public service to apply before Friday’s deadline.”
Former intern Samantha Simmons, now a junior at the University of Alabama and recently elected the 115th president of the UA Student Government Association, said the program provided valuable real-world experience while working in the Governor’s communications department.
Eligible applicants must be current college students with an interest in public service and government.
The internship program will run June 2 through July 31, 2026.
Students can find more information or apply online at governor.alabama.gov/administration/internship-program.
Local real estate professional Richard Talley has announced his candidacy for Houston County Revenue Commissioner, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and accurate property assessments for county taxpayers.
Talley said the Revenue Commissioner’s office plays a vital role in the daily lives of Houston County residents, even though many people may not fully realize its impact.
“I understand that property taxes can be a burden, and I believe every taxpayer deserves fair treatment and clear communication,” Talley said.
Under Alabama law, the Revenue Commissioner is responsible for ensuring all property in the county is assessed fairly, maintaining accurate records, and properly applying property taxes. These responsibilities affect homeowners, farmers, and business owners across Houston County.
Talley said fair and accurate property assessments help protect families while also supporting the public services communities depend on.
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Talley holds a degree in Commerce and Business Administration with a major in Real Estate. He became a licensed real estate agent in 1986 and a licensed real estate appraiser in 2003.
For more than two decades, Talley has appraised residential, agricultural, and commercial properties throughout the area. He says the work requires detailed research, accurate documentation, and reliance on real market data — skills he believes align closely with the duties of the Revenue Commissioner’s office.
As a business owner, Talley said he also brings experience in managing operations, maintaining records, and meeting state regulatory requirements.
Talley is seeking the Republican nomination for Houston County Revenue Commissioner and is asking voters for their support in the May 19 Republican Primary.
“Together, we can ensure that the Revenue Commissioner’s office serves Houston County with fairness, accuracy, and trust,” Talley said.
Medical cannabis could become available to Alabama patients within the next two to three months as dispensaries prepare to open across the state.
Huntsville family physician Dr. Clinton Scott Williams, who has practiced for more than 25 years, is one of the first five doctors certified to recommend medical cannabis in Alabama.
Williams said he will only recommend cannabis to established patients who may benefit and after more traditional treatments have been tried.
Interest has already been high, with people from across Alabama contacting his office seeking access. However, Williams emphasized he will not approve recommendations for patients he does not know.
Under Alabama law, doctors cannot write traditional prescriptions for medical cannabis. Instead, they can only recommend it through the state’s program, and it will not be covered by insurance.
Currently, 17 medical cannabis dispensaries have been licensed statewide.
Williams believes the treatment could offer a safer alternative for some patients suffering from pain or anxiety.
“If it can get them off habit-forming drugs like Xanax or Klonopin, or pain medications like fentanyl or oxycodone, I think it’s the lesser of two evils,” Williams said.
Contact: Tony Black, Eastgate Park Center Manager, 334-615-3730
Re: Eastgate Park Announces Temporary Dog Park Closure for Maintenance DOTHAN, Ala. – The Eastgate Park dog park will be closed for maintenance beginning Monday, March 16, 2026. The park will reopen on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The temporary closure will allow staff to complete necessary maintenance to maintain a safe and clean environment for visitors and their pets. Eastgate Park appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation during this time. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and check for updates prior to their visit. For more information about Dothan Leisure Services programs and facilities, please contact us at 334-615-3700, visit us on the web at www.dothanleisureservices.org, or like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
