12:20 PM: Wreck at Headland Ave. and Ross Clark Circle
Dothan Fire was dispatched to a report of a wreck at Headland Avenue and Ross Clark Circle.
Details are currently limited — check back for updates.
ALEA searching for missing Luverne man
Gabriel Finch was reported missing from Luverne, AL. He’s 20 years old, 5’9″, and 162 lbs. He was last seen wearing navy blue sleep pants with an anchor pattern and unknown color shirt and shoes near Moodys Crossroads Road in Luverne.
Call authorities if you see him.
Jake’s Vintage Finds Antique, Bottle and Advertising Show: Feb. 21-22
See the event page on Facebook here.
8:38 PM. Mayors From Across Houston County Met In Regular Meeting – D2 Houston Co. Commissioner Tracy Adams Attended
REHOBETH: This evening the Town of Rehobeth Mayor Kimberly Trotter and members of Rehobeth Town Council were host to the Mayors across Houston County. The Mayors attempt to hold regular meetings in various places across the county to discuss important issues. The Mayors are focused on smaller towns, and the City of Dothan Mayor is not normally part of these meetings.
In addition to the Mayors, Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, the Executive Director of the Alabama Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch were on hand.
The one Houston County Commissioner who took his time to attend was D2 Houston County Commissioner Tracy Adams.
Rehobeth is represented by D3 Houston County Commissioner Ricky Herring. He did not ride in the Rehobeth Christmas Parade, and he never showed at the first annual Turkey Shoot in Rehobeth. He has been AWOL, or just not interested.
Election and Community Services Meeting
The meeting discussed the logistics of election services, including ballot printing and handling, and the financial responsibilities associated with it.
The conversation then shifted to the Alabama Sheriff Youth Ranches, highlighting the need for a new ranch in South Alabama to accommodate foster children. The proposed location is a 599-acre state park, which would require a controlled environment for the children’s safety. The project would create 10-12 jobs and cost $1.2 million per house. The discussion also touched on the upcoming legislative session, focusing on the impact of internet sales tax and the potential inclusion of a vape tax to support fire and rescue services.
Action items
• [] Explore the feasibility of using the state park property in Houston County for the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranch.
• [] Reach out to the state government to discuss the potential lease or transfer of the state park property.
• [] Coordinate with the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches organization to further discuss the project and identify any specific requirements or considerations.
• [] Investigate potential funding sources, including grants, donations, and contributions from local municipalities, to support the establishment and operation of the ranch.
• [] Stay informed on the progress of state legislative issues, such as the internet sales tax and vape tax, that could impact local government revenues.
Outline
Election Services and Ballot Printing
• the responsibility of printing ballots and the involvement of ES and S election services.
• issues with people voting in different municipalities.
• experiences as an election volunteer and the confusion on election day.
• the county’s responsibility for paying for ballots and the new law about picking up unused ballots.
• the cost of printing ballots has remained similar over the years.
Fire and Rescue Task Force Update
• Todd Phillips, the director of facilities and public safety, who is a member of the Houston County Fire and Rescue task force.
• an update on the task force’s progress, including data collection from departments.
• the potential impact of upcoming weather conditions and the lack of warming stations.
• the need for warming stations and the challenges faced by senior citizens.
Weather Report and Community Support
• the weather report was shared predicting ice and snow, emphasizing the need for warming stations.
• the availability of weather updates from the National Weather Service.
• a news brief about the potential ban on cigarettes and its impact on fire and rescue funding.
• thoughts on the fire and rescue situation.
Alabama Sheriff Youth Ranches Overview
• the Alabama Sheriff Youth Ranches, highlighting the need for more foster homes in South Alabama.
• the structure and operations of the ranches, including the separation of boys and girls.
• the history of the Alabama Sheriff Youth Ranches and the support from local sheriffs.
• the challenges faced by foster children, including trauma and the need for a faith-based environment.
Property and Funding Needs for New Ranch
• the need for property to build a new ranch and the potential support from the community.
• the state park was suggested as a potential location, highlighting its amenities and the need for a controlled environment.
• the security measures in place at the ranches and the importance of keeping children safe.
• the financial aspects of running the ranches, including the cost of raising a young person and the need for donations.
Community Support and Job Creation
• the potential job creation from the new ranch, including house parents, secretaries, and maintenance staff.
• success stories of children who have been through the ranch and the positive impact on their lives.
• there were offers to donate equipment and labor to help with the ranch’s construction.
• discusses the importance of community support and the potential for the ranch to serve as a model for other areas.
Challenges and Solutions for State Park Property
• the challenges of using the state park property, including the need for a controlled environment.
• the importance of having a buffer zone to keep the public away from the children.
• the potential for using the state park for other public activities, such as horseback riding and fishing.
• emphasizing the need for a controlled environment to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.
Legislative Session and Tax Issues
• discussing the upcoming legislative session and the potential impact on local municipalities.
• highlighting the importance of supporting the lottery and bingo legislation to benefit local communities.
• explaining the simplified sellers use tax (SSUT) and its potential impact on local revenue.
• discussing the potential changes to the cigarette tax and its impact on fire and rescue funding.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
• emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support for the new ranch.
• encouraging local officials to visit the ranches and see the positive impact on children’s lives.
• the need for continued collaboration and support from local governments and organizations.
• the regional impact of the new ranch and the potential for it to serve as a model for other areas.
CHATTAHOCHEE STATE PARK
While D2 Commissioner Tracy Adams stated during his campaign about getting the park ready for public use. Since 2018 the park has been closed due to tornado damage. The area Mayors expressed, as did the Executive Director of the Alabama Sheriff’s Boy’s Boys and Girls Ranch, that it is easier to turn youth around then to rehabilitate an adult. These youth are. Not troubled youth, but one their home life was terrible or simply their parents just did not want them anymore. The ranch hears horrible stories these youth have gone through. But stories were told how the youth were shown loved, lives turned around, and the success these youth have today.
Commissioner Adams is going to discuss with the members of the Houston County Commissioner that were not present (which was all of them but D2 Tracy Adams) about the possibility. While it was expressed to people during the campaign, a place for the youth is much better need for this property.
It was supported by Sheriff Donald Valenza and unanimous support from the Mayors.
If someone finds D3 Commissioner Ricky Herring, please give him directions to his district. THANK YOU D2 Adams for crossing district lines and attending the meeting.
Screenshot
Saturday: Strong to severe storms, winter blast to follow
From the National Weather Service in Tallahassee:
Strong to severe thunderstorms along with a flash flood threat are expected on Saturday. By Sunday, a strong arctic cold front will move through the region ushering in the coldest air of this winter season. There is a low chance (20-30%) of wintry precipitation across portions of the region on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thunderstorms will move into the region on Saturday morning and move to the east of the region by late Saturday afternoon. Some of these storms could be strong to severe with damaging winds being the main severe threat. These storms will also produce heavy rainfall, with localized heavier amounts up to 4 inches. A marginal risk (level 1 of 4) for flash flooding is in place across the region for Saturday.
By Sunday, a strong arctic cold front will pass through the region and the coldest air of this winter season will arrive. Multiple mornings from Monday morning through Wednesday morning will feature wind chills into the teens across Southeast Alabama, South Georgia and portions of the Florida Panhandle with lower twenties elsewhere.
A low pressure system is expected to move near or just south of the region on Tuesday into Wednesday. With the chilly air mass in place, there is currently a low chance (20-30%) that wintry precipitation in the form of sleet and/or freezing rain could occur across Southeast Alabama, Southwest Georgia, and portions of the Florida Panhandle.
It is too early to speculate.
1:28 PM: Report of fire at Patricia Lanes Bowling Alley
Dothan Fire responded to a report of a fire at Patricia Lanes Bowling Alley at 1:28 P.M.
The initial call indicated smoke and flames were visible from a heating unit.
It’s currently unclear what fire units determined at the scene.