Emergency crews responded to a reported structure fire Thursday at 2799 U.S. Highway 431 in Abbeville.
First responders were dispatched to the scene after reports of a structure fire at the location. Details regarding the extent of the damage, possible injuries, or the cause of the fire have not yet been released.
At this time, it is unclear whether the structure was occupied when the fire started. Authorities have not confirmed if surrounding properties were affected.
This is a developing situation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from fire officials.
Two women were killed and several children were injured early Friday morning after a minivan was struck by a train in southwest Birmingham.
According to the Birmingham Police Department, the crash occurred around 1:46 a.m. in the 1000 block of 24th Street SW. Investigators said the minivan was hit by a train after the driver attempted to drive around a railroad crossing guard.
Authorities identified the victims as Carolyn Elaine Berry, 47, and Aldereka Laqulla Ikes, 36. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 2:44 a.m.
Lt. Williams with Birmingham Fire and Rescue confirmed that four children were inside the vehicle at the time of the collision. Three of the children suffered injuries and were transported to Children’s Hospital of Alabama for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been released.
The incident remains under investigation, and no additional details have been provided at this time.
An election integrity presentation titled “The Handcount Roadshow” is scheduled to take place next month in Enterprise.
The event will feature an election integrity presentation by Mark Cook, focusing on the concept of hand-counted ballots and their role in election transparency, trust, and voter confidence.
The presentation is set for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Wiregrass Outdoors, located at 818 North Oquid Street. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.
According to event organizers, the program is designed to be informative and engaging, offering attendees an opportunity to learn more about election integrity and discuss the importance of transparency in the electoral process. The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and invite others to attend.
The presentation is sponsored by S.A. Liberty.
Organizers emphasize that the event is intended to promote civic awareness and public discussion, stating that “an informed electorate is the foundation of a free republic.”
On December 16, at approximately 9:38 a.m., Abbeville Police officers responded to a call for service at a residence located at 214 Columbia Road.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with a male suspect who attempted to flee the residence while wearing a ski mask. The suspect was unable to elude law enforcement and ran back inside the home. Additional assistance was requested, prompting members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Investigative Divisions, along with the Henry County SWAT Team, to respond to the scene.
A search warrant was obtained for the residence, and law enforcement narrowed the suspect’s location to the attic. After repeated commands for the individual to surrender were ignored, a police K-9 was deployed into the attic. The suspect was then taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities identified the suspect as George Miller Jr., 42, of Abbeville. Investigators confirmed Miller had multiple outstanding warrants in Henry County. His charges include:
Three counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument, Third Degree (total bond: $18,000)
Five counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit/Debit Card (total bond: $30,000)
In addition, Miller has holds with Community Corrections, pending violations related to SORNA laws, and additional charges from Abbeville Police for Attempting to Elude and Felony Providing a False Name to Law Enforcement.
Miller is currently being held in the Henry County Jail without bond.
Eric Blankenship, Henry County Sheriff, praised the coordinated response from all agencies involved.
“I would like to commend all the law enforcement officers on scene for working together to make a successful arrest without anyone getting hurt,” Blankenship said. “This incident was a true example of how effective we can be when we work as a team.”
The sheriff also addressed concerns from parents after Abbeville Elementary School was placed on lockdown due to the incident’s close proximity to the campus.
“I know finding out the school is on lockdown can be stressful, but the safety of our children and school faculty will always be our priority,” Blankenship said.
Additionally, Sheriff Blankenship stated he has requested the District Attorney’s Office file a motion to revoke Miller’s bond.
“There is no reason repeat offenders should continue to victimize our citizens,” he said. “When individuals repeatedly commit crimes, it’s time they go to prison.”
DOTHAN-HOUSTON COUNTY: 4:53 PM Houston County Sheriff Deputies went to make a traffic stop of a motorcycle.. The driver of the motorcycle had other ideas.
As the rider reached Southport at Cherry there was a sharp turn to the right. The driver only had back brakes and did not make the turn and wrecked.
Dothan Fire Engine 1 ( Central ) responded. The driver was not injured and taken into custody. He has existing arrest warrants in multiple jurisdictions. But first he will be a resident of 901 East Main Street – Houston County Jail.
HOUSTON – HENRY COUNTY: On this fire scene and a lot of scenes you will find Henry County Emergency Management Director Matt Hatcher. He is a paramedic and trained fireman. And he responds to working structure fires and wrecks with injuries, especially major wrecks.
THANK YOU to Ray Marler, Chairman of Henry County Commission and to the Henry County Commission for the support you give in your Emergency Management responding.
In Houston County, the Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management at one time responded. Under former Emergency Management Dirtectors Bobby Clemmons, Shelby Womack, Clark Matthews and Chris Judah, the Dothan – Houston County Emergency Management responded to calls, most especially in the county. The City of Dothan has enough resources. In the county, the volunteer agencies were glad to see EMA on the scene to yield it’s support.
The current Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management Director, Mark Powell, a former Dothan Fireman, does not respond or get outside Ross Clark Circle. Not many of the volunteers know the current EMA Director and he never responds to anything. RSN feels that is at the direction of the Houston County Commissioners ( Brandon Shoupe – Chairman, D1 Curtis Harvey, D2 Tracy Adams, D3 Ricky Herring, and D4 James Ivey ) They bought him a new truck but he does not even have a radio.
People like Ricky Herring and James Ivey do not think EMA needs to respond. If that is correct, James Ivey, Captain over Communications with Sheriff Department, should be looking after communications. However he runs to a lot of calls and makes traffic stop almost every morning traveling to and from the Sheriff Department. Ivey is more active in the field then the Captain over Patrol Services.
For some unkown reason, someone named it EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
Now I like Mark Powell, but he does not respond to anything, does not ever attend the Houston County Fire Chief Association, Houston County EMS Meetings or Houston County Rescue Meetings. Powell DOES NOTHING as to emergency response or assist the volunteers in needs. Dothan – Houston County Emergency Management is in reality a non existance agency of four full time people which cost Houston County over $ 130,000.00 a year rent to be in the emergency operations center.
Never believe the Houston County Commission when they say they are wise stewards of your taxpayer dollars.
