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4:50 PM- Two Houston Academy Athletes Sign Academic Scholarships

DOTHAN, Ala. — Houston Academy proudly celebrated a milestone achievement this week as two of its standout student-athletes, Emily Adams and Emily Maddox, officially signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Adams will attend Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, while Maddox will join the University of South Alabama.

The event, attended by family members, faculty, coaches, and classmates, recognized not only their athletic excellence but also their dedication in the classroom. Both young women have balanced rigorous academic schedules with a demanding athletic workload—earning praise from teachers, coaches, and the HA community.

“It’s a special day for both families and for the HA family as well,” began one of the opening remarks. “We get to celebrate years of hard work and dedication to a sport that these young women love and at which they truly excel.”

Faculty and staff described Emily Adams as “a joy to work with in the classroom,” known for her positivity, humility, and quiet leadership. “Her work ethic and attitude set her apart,” one teacher noted. “She approaches every challenge with determination and grace, and she naturally guides others to reach a higher level.”

Adams has been a vital member of both the volleyball and softball programs, earning respect from her peers and coaches alike. “She’s focused yet humble,” said one staff member. “Louisiana Lafayette is getting not only a phenomenal athlete but a mature, responsible, and capable student who will enrich their campus.”

Emily Maddox, who will take her talents to South Alabama, has been equally celebrated for her commitment, leadership, and love for the game. Known for her fierce competitiveness on the field and her positive spirit off of it, Maddox has set a powerful example for her teammates. Coaches describe her as “driven, dependable, and the kind of athlete who gives 110% no matter the circumstance.” Her determination, teamwork, and composure have made her a cornerstone of Houston Academy athletics, and her next chapter at South Alabama promises even greater achievements.

The same spirit of excellence extends through both student-athletes, who have been leaders on and off the field—role models whose sportsmanship and academic commitment reflect the best of Houston Academy’s values.

HA Athletic Director Jerry Brown praised both students during the ceremony. “When two students sign Division I college scholarships, it’s a major milestone for them and for the school they represent,” he said. “Only about 1.6% of softball players ever get the opportunity to compete at the Division I level. Having two from the same team is truly remarkable.”

Brown reflected on first meeting the pair as ninth graders: “They were small, young, and already leading the team. From that moment, I knew they were special. Their time here has set a standard for what commitment and teamwork look like.”

As they prepare to close one chapter and begin another, both athletes are reminded that their journey is far from over. “Your mission isn’t complete yet,” Brown added with a smile. “We’re still looking for that 5A state championship—and we know you’ll make us proud.”

Houston Academy congratulates Emily Adams and Emily Maddox for their incredible accomplishments, both on the field and in the classroom. The entire Raider community wishes them continued success as they carry the Houston Academy legacy forward into their collegiate careers.

9:57 AM Structure Fire Garden Estates – Hodgesville Road

DOTHAN:    9:57 PM   Dothan 911 dispatched a structure fire at 1604 Hodgesville Road, Garden Estates Trailer Park.

Reports to Dothan 911 smoke and flames visible from air conditioner units.

Dothan Fire, Pilcher Ambulance and Dothan Police are responding.

UPDATED @ 10:03 PM   

Dothan Fire Engine Company 2 ( Lakewood ) and Rehab 2 ( Lakewood ) have arrived on the scene. Engine Company 2 reports nothing visible, all occupants are outside, Instructed all incoming units stand stand by on level 1 staging – which means stand by, prepared to enter but wait until Engine Company 2 confirms a structure fire.

Dothan Fire Engine 1 ( Central ) and Battalion Chief Ash have arrived.

10:05 PM   Engine 2 reports no fire, short in electrical system. All fire engine companies can return to service. Engine 2 will remain on scene for a few more minutes.

9:03 PM    Henry County Deputies Apprehend Person Breaking Into Henry County Deputies Home

9:03 PM Henry County Deputies Apprehend Person Breaking Into Henry County Deputies Home

HENRY COUNTY:     Henry County Central 911 dispatched Henry County Sheriff Deputies and Abbeville Police to a suspicious persons call this evening. The call was a male subject reported to be attempting to break into residences.

Henry County Sheriff Sgt. Fisher shift was on duty. The Deputies were searching for the suspicious persons. Based on the information the male subject was attempting to break into houses, Sgt. Fisher and Henry County Sheriff Eric Blankenship were debating about launching the Henry County Sheriff helicopter.

Before the air unit decision was made Henry County Sheriff Patrol Deputies located the suspect. And guess what he was doing? Attempting to break into a Henry County Sheriff Deputy residence.

The suspect was found to have outstanding arrest warrants out of Houston County. While Henry County Sheriff Criminal Investigators conduct an investigation the decision was made to turn the suspect over to Houston County on the current outstanding arrest warrants first.

Good Job.

1:35 PM    Dothan Mall Shooting

1:35 PM Dothan Mall Shooting

DOTHAN:     On Sunday, October 12, 2025 it is alleged that Korion Michael Salter, age 20, walked into Wiregrass Commons Mall. The allegations are Salter and/or another went into the barber shop and told a man getting a haircut he was going to kill him when he left the barber shop. The allegations are Salter walked into the middle of the mall and is alleged to have pulled a firearm from a bag.

The man getting the haircut, unknown to Salter, was armed himself. The allegations are the one getting the haircut fired rounds at Salter, striking him 13 times to include one in the head. Houston County Sheriff Deputy Lt. Bobby Hopkins was working off duty at Dillard’s. heard the gunfire and ran towards the gunfire. A major law enforcement response to Wiregrass Commons Mall by Dothan Police, Houston County Sheriff Department, ALEA – Troopers, Kinsey Police, Ashford Police and other law enforcement agencies across and near Dothan.

Dothan Fire Department, Engine 6 ( Napier Field Road ) was the primary fire engine company followed by other fire engine companies and Pilcher Ambulance responded. Salter was found in the middle area of the mall. Dothan Engine 6 paramedics went to Salter. Dothan Paramedics arrived at Salter, finding him breathing and moving his arms. Dothan Fire Paramedic Engine Company 6 and Pilcher Ambulance transported Salter, under police escort, to Southeast Health. Salter was found to have 13 bullet wounds.

With Dothan Police being the lead agency, the mall was searched. In the bathroom the shooter was alleged to have been found. The firearm was on the floor in the barber shop. Dothan Police detained the shooter. After a thorough investigation it was determined the shooter acted in self defense amd no criminal charges were filed. It was also quickly determined that Korion Michael Salter had arrest warrants from Pike County Sheriff Department for Murder. The allegations are that Salter killed a Dothan man in Pike County.

Since October 12, 2025 Dothan Police have had Korion Michael Salter under heavy police guard at a Dothan hospital. On Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM Salter was booked into the Dothan City Jail for Attempt To Commit Murder and Shooting Into Occupied Dwelling. After intial booking at Dothan City Jail Dothan Police will transfer Salter to the Houston County Jail. Salter has holds for Pike County Sheriff Department for the Murder warrants. All felonies are required to be booked into the county jails.

On October 12, 2025, Dothan 911, Houston County 911, ALEA – Trooper Communications, Houston County Sheriff Lt. Bobby Hopkins, who was in the mall, ran “towards” the gunfire. All Dothan Police, Houston County Sheriff Deputies, ALEA – Troopers, Kinsey and Ashford Police and all responding law enforcement, Dothan Fire Department and Pilcher Ambulance all did an outstanding job. An immediate massive response and they, along with Wiregrass Commons Secuirty, searched the entire mall for anymore suspects and customers who had ran for cover.

We are fortunate in Dothan – Houston County under the leadership of Dothan Police Chief Will Benny and Dothan Police Major Will Glover, Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza and Houston County Sheriff Chief Deputy Jeff Carlisle, ALEA Troopers Lt. Tracy McCord and Sgt. Jason McCallister, Dothan Fire under leadership of Dothan Fire Chief Larry Williams and Pilcher Ambulance Service under the leadership of Joey Pilcher. In addition all other agencies of law enforcement – fire and EMS in Dothan and Houston County. When emergency strikes, which is always without a scheduled appointment, they all rise to the occasion, united with the common goal to save lives and property. In addition, Dothan has two great medical facilities to treat the injured and sick along with Survival Flight for patients that need to be flown out for other emergency medical care.

Salter will be under a no bond or a bond impossible to make and will remain in the Houston County Jail until the legal proceedings begin.