OZARK-DALE COUNTY: 06:08 AM Ozark-Dale County 911 dispatched Ozark Fire Department and Marley Mill Volunteer Fire Department to a haz mat incident, 4126 North Highway 231, Ozark. The Haz Mat is in front of Farmer’s Daughter Country Store.
At the time of dispatch it was reported that Haz Mat material from an 18 wheeler. The material is reported to be flammable and explosive and unknown what it is.
06:13 AM Dothan Fire Haz Mat team has been dispatched. – Dothan Fire Department shift change is 07:00 AM, but at 6:13 AM Dothan Fire Haz Mat and Battalion Chief are responding to the Haz Mat call. And after working a 24 hour shift, these men and women are responding without hesitation.
Dothan Fire Department is a regional Haz Mat response unit and has a semi truck and trailer equipped to handle Haz Mat incidents.
Dothan is responding.
UPDATED @ 6:54 AM
This is a motor vehicle accident. The truck went off the road.
UPDATED @ 10:06 AM
The crash involves extensive extrication, and the incident is being treated as a traffic fatality. Officials on scene say the chemicals being transported in the truck are not flammable and do not pose an explosive risk.
Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum on scene, along with Dale County Coroner John Cawley. Ferguson Wrecker Service is assisting with recovery operations.
The Dothan Police Department hosted the inaugural class of Dothan 101 for city employees today, offering an inside look at the department’s operations and specialized units.
During the visit, employees learned about the civilian-focused classes offered by the department and experienced hands-on presentations and training demonstrations from the K9 Unit, Special Response Team (SRT), and the Bomb Squad. The interactive sessions gave participants a better understanding of the tools, tactics, and teamwork involved in keeping the community safe.
Programs like Dothan 101 are designed to strengthen collaboration and understanding across city departments while highlighting the coordinated effort required to keep Dothan running smoothly each day.
City officials described the event as a strong second stop in the program and a valuable opportunity to see firsthand the work being done right here in Dothan. 🚓💙
Landmark Park has announced exciting news for its upcoming Astronomy Night, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20.
The park will welcome Dr. Matthew Simon as the special guest speaker for the evening. Simon works with the Space Mission Analysis Branch at NASA Langley Research Center and brings professional experience in space science and mission planning.
Astronomy Night will feature telescope viewing, hands-on learning opportunities, and space-themed activities designed for all ages. Guests will also be able to enjoy snacks while learning more about astronomy and space exploration.
Park officials say the event is part of Landmark Park’s continued commitment to offering engaging, educational programming for the Wiregrass community. Additional details about Astronomy Night are expected to be released closer to the event date.
Seniors at Dothan High School received hands-on assistance Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, as representatives from Wallace Community College visited campus to help students prepare for life after graduation.
During the visit, Wallace staff worked one-on-one with students on college enrollment and scholarship applications, allowing seniors to ask questions and complete key steps with real-time guidance.
Career coaches said the on-campus support helped reduce stress for students navigating post-graduation decisions while providing clarity during a critical point in the school year.
School officials noted that the continued partnership with Wallace Community College plays a meaningful role in helping Dothan High School seniors move confidently toward their future plans.
Henry County Sheriff Eric Blankenship is working to bring federal drug enforcement resources to the county as part of an expanded effort to combat illegal drugs and related crimes.
Blankenship is in the process of securing a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) task force officer for Henry County. If approved, the partnership would allow local deputies to work federal drug cases and gain access to additional federal resources.
The DEA officer would join the sheriff’s SPADE unit, the county’s proactive drug enforcement team launched in 2024.
According to Blankenship, drug trends are shifting nationwide. While fentanyl cases are declining, methamphetamine cases are increasing. He also cited illegal vape products as a growing concern, noting that many people are inhaling substances with unknown contents.
Blankenship said reducing the flow of drugs into the county would also help cut down on related crimes, including theft and violent offenses.
The sheriff believes combining local enforcement efforts with federal partnerships will make Henry County’s fight against drugs more effective, calling the work an ongoing battle to keep dangerous substances off local streets.
Circuit Houston and Henry County Court Watch February 10, 2026
DOTHAN: These court cases are scheduled in the 20th Judicial Circuit in Houston and Henry County Alabama:
Compiled by Linda Boster
HOUSTON COUNTY:
HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTY DISTRICT-CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE BENJAMIN LEWIS: Each morning has initial appearances. These are people who have not made bond. They are required to be seen by a Judge or Magistrate within 48 to 72 hours “of their arrest”. Judge Lewis follows the law even when on holiday he or another Judge comes to the Houston County Jail for the initial appearances.
These Persons are seen via a TV screen from the jail to the courtroom.
HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTYDISTRICT– CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE BENJAMIN LEWIS: Has Traffic with 228 cases ranging from DUI, Speeding, Fail Display Insurance, No Drive’s License, Failure to Wear Safe Belt, Improper Lights and Expired Tag. He also has District-Criminal with 1 case for Dom Viol 3rd-Menacing.
HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTY CIRCUIT-CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE R TODD DERRICK: Has District-Criminal with 2 cases for Pistol Certain Persons Forbidden, Possess/Receipt Control Subs. He also has Circuit-Criminal with 18 cases ranging from Use/Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Possess/Receipt Control Subs, Possess Marijuana 2nd, Mischief 1st and Break/Enter Vehicle.
HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTY DISTRICT- CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE BART MATTHEW BOOTHE: Has Child Support with 7 cases for CS Forn JUDMT, Child Support Case, Paternity, Contempt/Rule NISI X 3 and Petition Modify.
HENRY COUNTY:
HONORABLE HENRY COUNTY CIRCUIT-CIVIL COURT JUDGE M JOHN STEENSLAND III: Has Domestic Relations with 4 cases for Contested Divorce X 3, Petition to Modify. He also has Circuit-Civil with 3 cases for Equity Non-Damage, Other CV Case, Negligence General.
