DOTHAN, The Wiregrass has a young rider making big strides on the global stage.
Twelve-year-old Emalyn Quiller recently returned from Oklahoma City, where she competed at the prestigious Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show — an event considered the height of competition for Morgan riders around the globe. She rode in the Walk-Trot Western Pleasure and Equitation division for riders ages 10–11.
Her passion for horses began at just 5 years old, thanks to her grandmother, who introduced her to the show ring. This year marked a major milestone — her first-ever world championship appearance.
“It was definitely nerve-racking at first, but it was so much fun,” Quiller said with a smile. “Getting to carry the flag in the arena was the best part — such an honor!”
Success at this level demands dedication: long hours of riding practice, caring for horses, and preparing for competition. Quiller trains at Clearmeadow Morgans and Riding Academy, where hands-on involvement is the heart of the program.
Owner and trainer Karen Gardner said she revamped the program two years ago to make it a true team effort. “We decided there would be no grooms, no shortcuts,” Gardner explained. “Everyone pitches in — parents and kids — and watching them take pride in their horses is incredibly rewarding.”
Clearmeadow is known for housing pure-bred American Morgans, whose lineage can be traced back to a single founding stallion from 1789. Quiller’s equine partner, Avanti, is one of those special horses — and her best friend in the ring.
“He’s the sweetest,” she said. “When I first met him, I just knew he was the one. He looks right at you and nods his head like he’s saying, ‘Come on!’”
With her first world championship now under her belt, this rising star from Dothan is already looking ahead to what’s next — and cheering crowds in the Wiregrass will certainly be watching.
DOTHAN, Nearing his first 100 days leading Dothan City Schools, Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew has released a progress report outlining what he has observed, what has improved, and where the district must focus its energy next.
Since stepping into the role, Dr. Askew has spent much of his time inside classrooms and meeting with the people most connected to the district — students, teachers, parents, support staff, and community partners. His report highlights insights gathered from more than 100 school visits, community forums, and reviews conducted by specialists in literacy, mathematics, and special education.
Dr. Askew said the findings reinforce both optimism and urgency.
“We have incredible educators doing meaningful work every single day,” he said. “At the same time, our data clearly identifies areas where students need more support, and this plan is about bringing consistency and direction to our efforts.”
Advancing literacy achievement is identified as the top priority in the report.
“Reading is the foundation of everything that follows; graduation, employment, independence,” Dr. Askew said. “We must sharpen our literacy instruction so that every student leaves our schools with this essential skill.”
Along with literacy, the report points to several critical improvement targets:
Raising math proficiency
More consistency in instructional practices across campuses
Enhanced behavior intervention systems
Strengthening technology and district operations
Recruiting and retaining high-quality staff
The superintendent said these initiatives will help better align personnel, programs, and funding with student needs.
A national expert team is currently reviewing DCS special education services. Dr. Askew said the district is already taking action based on early feedback and will continue to develop changes after the panel’s full recommendations are delivered.
“We want to ensure every student receives the appropriate support to succeed,” he said.
Although the report outlines challenges — including achievement gaps and staffing shortages — Askew stressed that the district has a strong base to build on, thanks to positive school environments and dedicated employees.
The release of the report, he said, marks a turning point.
“This work is about strengthening outcomes for students and, ultimately, strengthening the future of Dothan,” Askew said. “Stronger skills lead to stronger students — and that creates a stronger community.”
The Early County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Traquez Wells, who is currently wanted on two active warrants for Battery and Interference with a 911 Call.
Because Early County sits just across the state line from Houston County and the Dothan area, authorities say it’s common for residents to travel regularly between the communities. As a result, law enforcement agencies in the Wiregrass region frequently work together when searching for wanted individuals. Officials say public awareness on both sides of the Alabama–Georgia border is vital in efforts to locate Wells.
Anyone who has information regarding Wells’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Early County Sheriff’s Office at 229-723-3577. All information shared with investigators is appreciated, and callers may remain anonymous.
CAMPBELLTON – JACKSON COUNTY FL: This weekend, Friday night, a Dothan man was walking on Highway 231 just across into Jackson County Fl. from Houston County Alabama. It was near the Florida Welcome Center.
The pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Florida Highway Patrol is in charge of the accident investigation.
Support is pouring in for Houston County Deputy Robert Johnson as he fights a rare form of cancer that has significantly impacted his health in recent months. His colleagues describe him as lively and hardworking, and they are now stepping up to assist him in his time of need.
“It has been extremely emotional for his family, friends, and all of us who know Rob,” said Monica Lee, a close friend and coworker. “He’s such a genuine person. Seeing him go through this is heartbreaking, but any support we can give lifts his spirits and reminds him to keep fighting.”
Johnson was diagnosed in August with malignant sarcoma in his leg — a rare cancer that affects the soft tissue and is currently impacting a nerve sheath, making treatment more complex.
He began chemotherapy at UAB Hospital in Birmingham in September, spending a week undergoing treatment before returning home. Shortly after, Johnson experienced severe side effects that led to multiple hospitalizations at Southeast Health and Encompass Health. His most recent admission was just this week.
Doctors have expressed serious concerns about his health. “They said his organs were failing,” Lee explained. “Right now, he’s taking 17 different medications.”
In addition to the medical battle, traveling back and forth for treatment has created a heavy financial strain. Johnson is now seeking a local oncologist to help him continue care closer to home, which would ease both the physical and financial burden.
To help reduce that stress, Lee has launched a GoFundMe page to support Johnson — a single father — as well as his parents and daughter, who have been by his side throughout this journey.
“As a cancer survivor myself, I know firsthand how tough it is,” Lee said. “Having the support of others and knowing people are standing with you makes all the difference.”
Community members are also stepping up. The Kinsey Police Department is holding a fundraiser this weekend, selling food plates to help cover Johnson’s medical expenses. Their hope is to see him healthy and back serving at the Houston County Courthouse.
“The support of the community will mean so much to him,” Lee said.
Henry County Sheriff’s Office is proud to welcome their two newest deputies to the team — Deputy Quintan Quintana and Deputy Declin Greene.
Both gentlemen began their careers in law enforcement as correctional officers before advancing to their new roles as deputy sheriffs.
Sheriff Eric Blankenship had the distinguished honor of serving as the Keynote Speaker for the Wiregrass Law Enforcement Academy Class 008 graduation ceremony, where these outstanding officers were recognized for their accomplishments.
We applaud Deputies Quintana and Greene for their dedication, professionalism, and continued commitment to serving the citizens of Henry County. Congratulations to both on this well-earned achievement!
