DOTHAN: 12:26 PM Dothan 911 dispatched Dothan Fire Engine Company 9, Pilcher Ambulance and Dothan Police to a motor vehicle accident with injuries, 3823 Ross Clark Circle. The accident was in the median in front of Jim Skinner Honda.
The vehicles, a Chevrolet or GMC pickup and a Ford F-150 with heavy damage.
12:53 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 9 ( Technology Drive ) reported one patient was being transported by Pilcher Ambulance, non emergency, to a Dothan hospital.
Dothan Police in charge of accident investigation.
A multi-million-dollar legal dispute is unfolding in Alabama over how revenue from online sales taxes is divided between cities and counties.
At the center of the conflict is the Simplified Seller’s Use Tax (SSUT), an 8% tax applied to online purchases. Under the current state formula, that tax revenue is split between cities and counties — but several city leaders argue the distribution is unfair and no longer reflects modern shopping habits.
Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba says cities are losing out.
“That’s the money that we really have to have,” Saliba said.
Under traditional in-store sales, cities like Dothan receive a 4% local sales tax when purchases are made within city limits. However, for online purchases under the SSUT, cities receive only 2%, with the remaining portion going to counties.
Saliba says the difference has a real impact on city services.
“It’s hurting people who are in our school systems. They’re losing out on revenue. It’s hurting the cities,” Saliba said. “We’re living differently. We’re shopping differently. Everybody buys things online, and that’s not going to change.”
The dispute has escalated into a legal battle, with cities and counties taking opposing sides over how the tax should be divided moving forward. Saliba believes the issue could be resolved without prolonged litigation if compromise is reached.
“If you know me, I’m always looking for that middle ground and that compromise and collaborating with anybody,” Saliba said. “And so I am open to continue to do that.”
Despite that openness, Saliba maintains that Dothan is not receiving what he considers its fair share of online sales tax revenue — money the city depends on to continue operations and services.
The State of Alabama has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit. A ruling on the case is expected in January.
Christmas came early for law enforcement Wednesday morning after the Grinch himself was apprehended at Geneva County Elementary School, according to the Hartford Police Department.
Officers responded to the school around 8 a.m. following multiple reports of suspicious green behavior, unexplained grumpiness, and a dangerous drop in Christmas spirit levels.
Upon arrival, officers say they observed the suspect actively attempting to interfere with holiday cheer, disrupt morning routines, and commit what investigators are calling crimes against Christmas.
Police say the Grinch was charged with:
Attempted Theft of Christmas
Interference with Yuletide Operations
Possession of a Heart Three Sizes Too Small
Disorderly Conduct
Conspiracy to Ruin Holiday Cheer
Authorities report the suspect was taken into custody without incident, though several officers noted intense side-eye, loud grumbling, and a general hatred of jingling bells.
After further investigation — and a sudden, unexplained growth of the suspect’s heart — the Grinch was released back to Whoville. Officials say he agreed to cooperate fully, return all stolen cheer, and participate in spreading holiday joy.
The Hartford Police Department reminds residents to remain vigilant this holiday season and encourages anyone who notices suspicious activity, missing presents, or unexplained grinch-like behavior to contact local authorities immediately.
DOTHAN: In an effort to get along, sitting Dothan School member Brenda Guilford filed a lawsuit against then candidate for Dothan School Board Chair Julie Mullins-Turner in Houston County Circuit Court. The Honorable Kevin Moulton, 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge, was the lucky Judge to get assigened the case.
The registered voters of Brenda Guilford’s district re-elected Guilford to the Dothan School Board. The registered voters of the entire City of Dothan elected Julie Mullins-Turner to Chairman of the Dothan School Board.
Since election, things have seemed to be going good. But there has to be some underlying tension with the civil action between the Chairman and member of the Dothan City School Board. The only one who can dismiss the action is Brenda Guilford because she brough the action. Defendant, Julie Mullins Turner, filed a motion to dismiss which was heard before Judge Moulton this week. There is no order in the court file at this time as the results of that hearing.
The following is the court documents:
COMPLAINT FILED BBY BRENDA GUILFORD AGAINST JULIE MULLINS-TURNER
MOTION TO DISMISS BRENDA GUILFORD’S COMPLAINT FILED BY JULIE MULLINS-TURNER
Enterprise Police have arrested five individuals on drug distribution charges following a targeted enforcement effort known as Operation Naughty List, authorities confirmed.
The operation was conducted by the Enterprise Police Department’s Narcotics Unit, with assistance from the Special Response Team. Police said all five suspects were taken into custody without incident and transported to jail.
Investigators say the operation focused on illegal drug distribution within the Enterprise area. Authorities also indicated that additional arrests may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Those arrested were identified as:
Jeffrey Fluellen, 47, of Enterprise — charged with distribution of a controlled substance
Stimy Engram, 53, of Enterprise — charged with distribution of a controlled substance
Joyce Sanders, 39, of Enterprise — charged with distribution of a controlled substance
Katherine Jones, 28, of Enterprise — charged with distribution of a controlled substance
Shawn Gibson, 35, of Enterprise — charged with two counts of distribution of a controlled substance
Police emphasized that all charges are allegations, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Mugshots were provided by the Coffee County Jail. Shawn Gibson is not pictured.
Emergency crews responded to two separate vehicle-related incidents early this morning.
At 7:19 a.m., Engine 8 and Engine 7 were dispatched to a passenger vehicle fire on Highway 52. Engine 8 arrived on scene and reported a working fire. The driver was treated on scene but refused transport.
Later, at 7:33 a.m., Engine 10 responded to a reported vehicle fire on Highway 84 East. Upon arrival, crews determined there was no fire, only an overheating engine. No injuries were reported.
Opp Police Department and Haynes Ambulance also responded to the incidents.
