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.
Students from Dothan Tech’s Graphic Design, Building Construction, and Pre-Engineering programs have turned classroom lessons into a real-world community feature with the installation of two interactive maze games at Gussie McMillian Park.
The projects—Bee-A-Mazed and FlutterFinder—were designed and built by students throughout the semester, combining creativity, engineering, and construction skills into hands-on learning experiences. The collaborative effort allowed students to see their ideas come to life while giving back to the community.
Visitors to the park are encouraged to stop by, explore the mazes, and check out the impressive work these students have accomplished right here in Dothan.
A Fort Walton Beach firefighter is mourning the devastating loss of his wife just days after the birth of their daughter.
Crysta Renee Leonard delivered a healthy baby girl, Marlow Blake, on Saturday evening, December 13. Shortly after delivery, Crysta experienced severe medical complications that required emergency surgery. Despite extensive medical efforts, she passed away Monday morning, December 15.
Her husband, David Leonard, serves as a firefighter with the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department.
In a heartfelt statement shared by family, David described the emotional whirlwind of the past few days.
“These past few days have been confusing, happy, sad, beautiful and miserable,” David wrote. “There was not a more undeserving person for this to happen to.”
In a message addressed to his late wife, David shared a promise to honor her memory through their daughter.
“Crysta don’t you worry, our baby girl will always know, love and celebrate you. We will let you guide us down this journey we are about to face. I love you always and forever.”
David’s sister, Ashley Cunningham, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help support the family as they navigate the unexpected loss.
“David and family will be learning to navigate this journey in a way they never expected,” Cunningham wrote. “Being out of work, caring for baby Marlow, and facing medical bills along with everyday expenses can be overwhelming, especially during such a profound loss.”
HOW TO HELP
Those wishing to support the Leonard family may contribute through the following:
“Any donation—no matter the amount—will make a meaningful difference,” Cunningham said. “If you are unable to give financially, please keep this precious family in your thoughts and prayers.
A homicide investigation is underway after a person was shot and killed Sunday evening in Marianna.
According to the Marianna Police Department, officers were called to the Gibbs Apartment Complex around 5:20 p.m. following reports of a person who had been shot multiple times.
Officers attempted lifesaving measures at the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead.
No additional details have been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Marianna Police Department at 850-526-3125, Chipola Crime Stoppers at 850-526-5000, or toll-free at 888-804-8494. Tips may also be submitted online through Chipola Crime Stoppers. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
The Dothan City Schools Board of Education is scheduled to vote Tuesday night on a district-wide plan presented by Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew.
According to Askew, the plan outlines initiatives aimed at improving student success and addressing key challenges within the school system.
Askew said the focus of the proposal is centered entirely on serving students in Dothan City Schools.
“There is nothing in this plan that doesn’t serve Dothan students,” Askew said.
The plan follows the release of Askew’s first 100-day report in November, which identified three primary areas of concern: literacy, classroom consistency, and staffing support.
As part of the process, Askew requested feedback from parents and community members to help shape the direction of the district.
“The community has eyes that you don’t have,” Askew said. “They see things, hear things, and know things that you may not necessarily be aware of. That feedback helps make the district better.”
The proposed plan includes initiatives focused on improving reading and math instruction, enhancing classroom resources, and addressing student behavior concerns.
If approved by the board, Askew said families could begin seeing changes implemented as early as summer 2027.
