The Wiregrass Hope Pregnancy Center is preparing to expand its services in 2026 following unprecedented growth throughout 2025.
Executive Director Susan Anderson said the organization has leased a new building and plans to move into the space in early spring. The expansion will allow the center to better meet the increasing needs of families across the Wiregrass.
As part of the growth, the pregnancy center will launch a separate counseling facility. This move will free up space at the organization’s original location, allowing it to expand pregnancy-related services and better accommodate clients.
Anderson said the center has also seen a significant increase in demand for fatherhood services. Plans are underway to add additional meeting space specifically for fathers.
“Our fatherhood numbers have been really up, so we’ll add an additional fatherhood client meeting space as well,” Anderson said.
In addition to serving more fathers, the organization has identified a growing need among housing-insecure pregnant women.
“We’re seeing more housing-insecure women that are coming to us,” Anderson said.
To address that need, the center plans to open a satellite location in partnership with Love in Action’s Good Samaritan Clinic. The new location will offer pregnancy testing and sexually transmitted infection testing as part of an effort to combat rising STI rates in Alabama.
Anderson said the organization is looking ahead with optimism as it prepares for the coming year.
“We’re anxious to see what 2026 is going to hold for the ministry,” she said.
The Wiregrass Hope Pregnancy Center is currently seeking volunteers and financial support to help further its mission of serving young families in the area.
Dothan Tech has been awarded a $94,467.62 CTE Innovation and Modernization Grant from the Alabama Department of Education.
This funding will provide new, state-of-the-art equipment for programs including Automotive, Aviation, Agriscience, Construction, HVAC, Engineering, Welding, and Culinary Arts, expanding hands-on, industry-level learning opportunities for students.
Thank you to the Alabama State Department of Education Office of CTE and Workforce Development for investing in career and technical education and helping prepare students for future workforce success.
HOUSTON COUNTY: This evening Rehobeth Mayor Kimberly Trotter was host to Mayor’ across Dothan – Houston County. Over the years the Mayor’s have worked to have monthly meeting’s held in different municipalities of Mayor’s, council members, fire and EMS, and law enforcement. The purpose of these meetings are to discuss different issues area might have, solutions, partnerships and learn from each other.
While tonight was in Rehobeth the next meeting will be in Kinsey.
Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe discussed the SSUT litigation and how this affects communities and funding. Shoupe also discussed the lodging tax and recreation improvements along with ARPA funding.
Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza discussed how law enforcement has changed over the 47 years he has served with Houston County Sheriff Department. That HCSO attempts to work with all municipal law enforcement agencies, supporting each other. Along with Sheriff Valenza Houston County Sheriff Captain Tony Turner – Commander of Patrol Division, discussed their passion and efforts for a Boys and Girls Ranch under the Alabama Sheriff Association.
The issue of litter patrol, fire and EMS, Southeast Regional Planning and Development was discussed. The City of Dothan – Houston County Communications District ( E-911 ) was also briefly discussed. Who is the county rep on the board and some needs across the county that needs to be met.
These meetings are good. It brings all communities together and how to combat issues that each community encounters.
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following convicted sex offenders. These individuals have active felony warrants for failure to register as a Sex Offender. In each of these cases, the public has every right to know where these individuals are living and what their convicted of through the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office has the public’s best interest and it’s a priority we locate these individuals and hold them accountable.
If you have information on the whereabouts of these individuals please call 334-677-4808.
A bill moving through the Alabama Legislature would change how teenagers accused of murder are handled in court, potentially affecting future cases in Houston County and across the Wiregrass.
The proposed legislation would eliminate the option of youthful offender status for defendants 16 years old and older who are charged with intentional murder or capital murder. Under current Alabama law, judges may grant youthful offender status to defendants under 19, which limits sentencing exposure and keeps court records sealed.
If passed, the bill would require qualifying defendants to be tried as adults, removing judicial discretion in those cases. Supporters of the legislation say the change is necessary to ensure accountability for the most serious violent crimes and to better reflect the severity of murder charges.
Lawmakers backing the bill argue that youthful offender protections were never intended for intentional killings. They also say the measure would streamline court proceedings by eliminating the need for youthful offender hearings in murder cases.
Opponents, however, have raised concerns that the bill removes flexibility from judges and could result in harsher outcomes for young defendants without consideration of individual circumstances or rehabilitation potential.
A similar proposal passed the Alabama House last year but failed to advance in the Senate. Supporters are hoping for a different outcome during the current legislative session.
If approved, the law would apply statewide, including in Houston County Circuit Court, and would take effect later this year.
CITY OF TAYLOR COMMISSION MEETING | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
The Town of Taylor Commission Meeting met Tuesday, January 6, to address a range of administrative, financial, and public safety matters, including budget approvals, park improvements, information technology services, and concerns related to the hiring of a new police chief.
Commissioners approved the previous meeting’s minutes with an amendment to reflect accurate cost-of-living adjustments. A motion was also approved to provide cash payments to town employees, with full-time employees receiving $500, and part-time employees receiving $200. Resolution 01-06 was unanimously approved to pay the town’s annual audit, with costs divided between the general fund and the operations and maintenance fund.
During discussion, commissioners voiced concerns about proceeding with the hiring of a new police chief without written assurance from the League of Municipalities. The commission agreed to request formal written confirmation, with Mayor Lamb expected to follow up upon his return.
Park-related matters were also discussed, including proposals to fully enclose fencing at the playground. Commissioners noted that enclosing the entire area would increase costs and requested updated quotes reflecting approximately 293 additional feet of fencing before placing the item on a future agenda. Landscaping and irrigation proposals for the park were also presented for consideration.
An information technology service proposal for ongoing maintenance and support of the town’s computer systems was reviewed. Commissioners expressed the need to obtain additional bids to ensure fair pricing and proper comparison before taking action at a future meeting.
The commission also reviewed a proposed drug and alcohol policy. While there was general support for the policy, commissioners agreed that additional details and documentation are needed before final approval. The matter will be revisited at a later meeting.
Privilege of the Floor
During the Privilege of the Floor, a resident raised concerns about the condition of ballpark lighting and potential liability issues associated with renting the field in its current state. Additional concerns were shared regarding the lack of barriers at the playground and possible safety risks to children. Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and stated they would be discussed further in future meetings.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned after all agenda items were addressed.
