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.
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.
