DOTHAN: The Houston County Sheriff’s Office will launch a national education and rehabilitation initiative at the Houston County Jail on October 20, making it the seventh participating site in Alabama and the 48th nationwide.
The program, known as I.G.N.I.T.E. (Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education), provides structured educational opportunities designed to promote accountability, develop practical skills and prepare inmates for successful reintegration into the community.
Participants may earn additional privileges through consistent involvement in educational programs, supported by community partnerships focused on learning and workforce development.
Established by Genesee County, Michigan, Sheriff Christopher Swanson, I.G.N.I.T.E. is led nationally by the National Sheriffs’ Association. Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza said the initiative is intended to support positive change, reduce repeat offenses and contribute to safer communities.
Community members, local leaders and potential partners are invited to attend the October 20 launch. The Sheriff’s Office is also seeking volunteers, sponsors and community organizations to help expand educational and workforce training opportunities.
Those interested in supporting the initiative can contact Chaplain Mark Pickett at mpickett@houstoncosoal.gov.
DOTHAN, Ala. — The Houston County Sheriff’s Office will launch a national education and rehabilitation initiative at the Houston County Jail on October 20, making it the seventh participating site in Alabama and the 48th nationwide.
The program, known as I.G.N.I.T.E. (Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education), provides structured educational opportunities designed to promote accountability, develop practical skills and prepare inmates for successful reintegration into the community.
Participants may earn additional privileges through consistent involvement in educational programs, supported by community partnerships focused on learning and workforce development.
Established by Genesee County, Michigan, Sheriff Christopher Swanson, I.G.N.I.T.E. is led nationally by the National Sheriffs’ Association. Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza said the initiative is intended to support positive change, reduce repeat offenses and contribute to safer communities.
Community members, local leaders and potential partners are invited to attend the October 20 launch. The Sheriff’s Office is also seeking volunteers, sponsors and community organizations to help expand educational and workforce training opportunities.
Those interested in supporting the initiative can contact Chaplain Mark Pickett at mpickett@houstoncosoal.gov.
Call to Order, Declare a Quorum Present, and Welcome – Chairman Brandon Shoupe
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance – Commissioner Tracy Adams
Approval of the Minutes of the last meeting
Announcements and Comments from the Chairman and Commissioners
Regular Agenda
Request from the ACCA to approve the revised joint county bid for herbicides.
Request to reject all bids related to the Cottonwood ballpark concession stand project due to funding restrictions.
Request to approve final plat for Martin Farms Subdivision – Road & Bridge.
Request to add Houston County Rescue Squad appropriation in the amount of $20,000 and approve accompanying budget amendment.
Request to approve $1,750 payment of Genesee & Wyoming application fee to Northstar Engineering
All items on the agenda were passed.
In attendance were Chairman Brandon Shoupe and Commissioners Tracy Adams, Ricky Herring, and James Ivey.
The commission discussed storm debris pickup around Houston County and assured residents it will happen soon. Residents are reminded to place limbs and branches in the right of way and not to mix them with other refuse. The county hopes to receive help from FEMA with collection, but the assessment will take time. If approved, FEMA could cover 75 to 80 percent of the cost of debris collection.
Commissioner Ivey praised the Houston County Road and Bridge Department for its fast response. He also thanked first responders, volunteers, electric companies, and other agencies for their help.
EMA Director Mark Powell spoke about preparations for the hurricane and noted that wind gusts of 58 mph were reported at the Dothan airport. He was pleased that all agencies worked cohesively together and stressed the importance of the support received. Houston County received 600 calls between 5:00 and 11:00 p.m. on Friday for trees down in roads, on homes, and on power lines; these figures did not include medical and emergency calls. Director Powell said fewer than 200 residents in Houston County were still without power as of this morning.
He praised the Shelters from the Storm program, calling it very successful, and said four shelters housed 59 people. He also said anyone with an unmet need should call the Houston County Emergency Management Agency at 334-794-9720.
HOUSTON COUNTY: Attention Houston County Sanitation customers!!!
Please start getting your trees and debris out to the right of way for pick up. Please keep trees and limbs separate from structure debris. Houston County Sanitation will NOT pick up any trees or debris placed on the right of way by a contractor. Contractors are responsible for hauling off all trees and debris that they cut up. We will begin picking up in the coming weeks.
DOTHAN: The Pumpkin Patch Is Back — And It’s FREE!
Get ready for a fun-filled fall day with the whole family! The Wiregrass Museum of Art’s Free Family Art Festival is bringing back its pumpkin patch on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The festival will be held at the Wiregrass Museum of Art, located at 126 Museum Avenue in Dothan. Best of all, admission is FREE, and no tickets are needed. Just bring the family and come ready to have some fun!
Kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy hands-on art activities, while free candy, popcorn and lemonade add a little extra sweetness to the day.
Want to see something really cool? Don’t miss the live hot glass artist demonstrations, where you can watch artists work with glass to create amazing pieces right before your eyes!
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a little creative inspiration or simply a reason to get out and enjoy the fall weather, this festival promises something for all ages.
So, mark your calendar, gather your crew and head to the museum for a day of creativity, treats and fall fun!
For more information, visit WiregrassMuseum.org or call 334-794-3871.
ALABAMA: Have you ever wondered where all that rain goes after it hits your roof? With more people becoming interested in collecting rainwater these days, homeowners are finding ways to put those rainy days to good use!
Believe it or not, a 1,000-square-foot roof can shed approximately 623 gallons of water from just one inch of rainfall! That’s a whole lot of water flowing through your gutters and straight into the yard when it could be collected and used instead.
Your garden may thank you! Rainwater is naturally low in dissolved salts and doesn’t contain the chlorine typically found in treated tap water. Its slightly acidic nature may also help certain plants access nutrients, depending on the soil and the type of plant.
With more homeowners looking for practical ways to conserve water and make the most of natural resources, rain barrels and storage tanks are becoming an appealing option. Even a small collection system can capture hundreds of gallons over time for watering flowers, vegetable gardens and landscaping.
Think about it the next time it rains in the Wiregrass. All that water rolling off your roof could be helping your garden grow instead of simply running down the driveway!
A little planning can turn a rainy day into a resource worth saving.
SAFETY TIP: Collected rainwater is great for many outdoor uses, but don’t drink it unless it has been properly treated. Keep rain barrels and storage containers covered to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Sometimes, the best things in life really do fall right out of the sky!
WIREGRASS: Please be advised that all WEC offices will remain closed to the public tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13, as we continue dedicating our resources to Hurricane Isaias power restoration efforts.
While our doors may be closed, ALL WEC employees will be working for YOU! Our entire team remains hard at work, both in the field and behind the scenes, supporting this massive restoration effort and working to get the lights back on as quickly and safely as possible.
Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support as we remain focused on restoring power to our members!
