DOTHAN: On December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Westgate Park a candlelight vigil for parents and families who have lost loved ones. The Angel of Hope is located at Westgate Park directly inside the park on the Choctaw Drive entrance.
A Grieving Parent’s Greatest Fear Is That Their Child Will Be Forgotten
The Angel of Hope Statue is for every parent who has lost a child of any age starting at conception.
It is a place to provide comfort, healing and also a way of remembering each child so they are never forgotten.
Engraved on the right wing is HOPE and her arms are reaching out to welcome all who comes to her.
On December 6th at 7:00pm, a candlelight memorial service will be held at the Angel of Hope statue in Westgate Park .
All are welcome to attend in memory of their beloved child/children.
A candle and a white flower will be provided to those who attend.
In addition to representing hope to all parents who have endured the death of a child, The Angel Of Hope Statue serves as a gravesite for parents that don’t have one.
It is a symbol of hope, a place to reflect, a place of healing and a special place for people to grieve.
The Angel is a symbol that will represent and honor our children.
Our children will live in our hearts and lives forever.
Remember that our children live through us; and their lives can touch many others through us.
Parents need to feel hope that they will survive and move on, and that their children will never be forgotten
If you know of a family who has lost a child please tell them about the Angel Of Hope Statue and invite them to attend the candlelight vigil on December 6th at 7pm.
A domestic dispute allegedly escalated into an assault Monday afternoon on Chantilly Place off North Shady Lane, near Hughston Clinic, leaving three people injured.
The incident was reported around 3:45 PM, when dispatch received a call from a man claiming a woman was attempting to stab him. Dothan Police responded quickly and located a woman in a nearby Woodline shortly after arrival.
According to initial reports:
One man suffered a laceration to his hand Two women sustained facial injuries The circumstances leading up to the altercation remain unclear at this time. Officers continue to investigate, and residents in the area may notice an increased police presence as the case develops.
Arrests have not yet been confirmed.
Stay with us for updates as more information becomes available.
DOTHAN: Students across Dothan City Schools wrapped up their fall break by giving back in a big way — donating more than 6,000 canned goods and nonperishable items to support families in need throughout the Wiregrass.
The district organized coordinated food drives at multiple campuses, with contributions delivered to the Salvation Army, Wiregrass Area Food Bank, Mama T’s, and the Southeast Alabama Youth Services Girls Home. School leaders say the donations will help keep local shelves stocked as the holiday season approaches — a time when the need for assistance often increases.
Here’s a look at what students collected:
Dothan High School — 1,200+ cans for the Wiregrass Area Food Bank
Selma Street Elementary — 651 cans for the Salvation Army
Heard Elementary — 3,131 cans for the Salvation Army
Highlands Elementary — 423 cans for the Salvation Army
Morris Slingluff Elementary — 300 cans for the Salvation Army
Hidden Lake Primary — 278 cans for the Salvation Army
Dothan City Virtual School — 150 nonperishable items for Mama T’s & the Girls Home
District officials say the effort showcases DCS’s commitment to service, leadership, and community partnership — values they work to promote in every school across the system.
It’s that time of year again, and the friendly rivalry is back! The Ozark Fire Department and the Ozark Police Department are going head-to-head to see who can collect the *most toys* for Operation Santa Claus.
Saturday, December 6
Walmart in Ozark
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help make Christmas brighter for local children. This annual event is presented by the City of Ozark in partnership with Dale County DHR.
If you can’t make it to Walmart, toys can also be dropped off at these locations:
• Dowling Station – 506 North Union Avenue
• Station #3 – 1061 Deese Road
• Chancey Station – 202 Will Logan Road
Let’s come together and make a difference for families right here in our community!
DOTHAN: A Dothan man died behind the wheel of his vehicle after a fentanyl overdose in late September, and police say they have arrested the person responsible for supplying the deadly drug.
Shortly before 3:00 a.m. on September 20, officers responded to the intersection of West Powell Street and North Herring Street after a vehicle had been sitting through the light for more than 30 minutes. Inside, they found 41-year-old Joel Nicholson unresponsive in the driver’s seat, his foot still on the brake.
First responders administered Narcan in an attempt to revive him, but Nicholson was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed he died from a fentanyl overdose.
During the investigation, Dothan Police identified the individual believed to have sold Nicholson the fentanyl. On October 1, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of Pine Hills Drive. There, 39-year-old Vikthor Roman was taken into custody.
Police say Roman admitted during an interview to supplying Nicholson with the fentanyl. He is charged with manslaughter-fentanyl and is being held in the Houston County Jail without bond.
“Fentanyl is a dangerous substance that affects the lives of many in our community,” Police Chief William E. Benny said in a statement. “Those who are possessing and/or distributing this dangerous substance in our community will be found, will be arrested, and will be prosecuted to the fullest allowed by law. We take our responsibility seriously to get these dangerous drugs off the street to protect our community.”
