(DOTHAN, Ala.) On June 5, 2026, around 8:30 am, the Dothan Police Department received a call about shots fired at a business in the 1500 block of Montgomery Highway. When officers arrived, the suspect, identified as Melva Lee Guilford, was actively firing her gun in the air and into a nearby vehicle. Officers made contact with Guilford, and she complied with demands to drop the weapon. Guilford was taken into custody without further incident.
According to investigators, Guilford was upset at relationship problems with the victim and arrived at the victim’s place of employment armed with a firearm. The vehicle that was shot was the victim’s vehicle. Guilford was arrested and charged with one count of Shooting into an Unoccupied Vehicle and Domestic Violence 3rd.
HOUSTON COUNTY: Houston County Sheriff 911 dispatched a motor vehicle accident on Cottonwood Road near the One Stop Foods.
A vehicle verses a motorcycle accident.
Responding, Houston County Sheriff Deputies, Hunter, Vanlandingham and another Deputy, Lovetown Volunteer Fire Department – 80 year old Sandra Dixon – affectionally known as “MeMaw”, Pilcher Ambulance, Hodgesville Volunteer Fire Chief Beau Deathridge and Hodgesville Volunteer Fire David Fondren – a paramedic, and ALEA – Trooper Aaron Sanders.
The motorcycle riders foot appeared broken.
It appeared the car was turning into One Stop Foods when struck on the right rear by the motorcycle.
The patient was transported, trauma alert, to Southeast Health.
The investigation is investigated by ALEA – Trooper Aaron Sanders.
NOTE: Mrs. Sandra Dixon has been with Lovetown Volunteer Fire Department as one of the charter members. She knows how to drive the fire trucks, pump the fire trucks, and fight fires. And at 80 years old we would put her up against 20 year olds and her knowledge of what to do exceeds a lot involved in the fire service. And as you see, at age 80 she still responds.
Looking for great deals and hidden treasures? Stop by the Vaughn Towers Yard Sale this Saturday!
📅 Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ Time: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: 342 S. Saint Andrews St.
Shoppers can browse a variety of items including household goods, clothing, décor, collectibles, and more. Whether you’re searching for bargains or unique finds, there’s something for everyone.
Come early for the best selection and support your local community. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome!
Vaughn Towers Yard Sale
Saturday • 7 AM – 1 PM
342 S. Saint Andrews St.
Don’t miss out on a day of savings and great finds!
TAYLOR: Since November 3, 2025 when Robert Lamb was sworn in as Mayor the Taylor City Council has been a non performing entity. People are even inviting friends over the grill and watching the Taylor City Council show, starring Robert Lamb.
Tonight former Taylor Mayor Billy Snell, who did not seek re-election, told Mayor Lamb and the majority of the City Council they are a joke. Councilman John Milner has tried. Councilwoman Peterman told Mayor Lamb at one meeting what he was saying is not the truth.
There is a petition calling for a recall of the Mayor but the City Clerk has taken no action.
Former Mayor Snell warned the citizens there is a water fee probably coming. Snell left the City of Taylor with $ 4.8 million in an account. And it was for the sewer system payment. Former Mayor Snell also said no financial statements since February and this council has violated Alabama laws.
Since Lamb’s swearing in as Mayor, within 45 minutes of taking the oath fired Police Chief James Brazier. The Mayor and City Council has never followed Alabama Law in the termination of the police chief. The City of Taylor has operated with a part time Chief of Police who only works two days a week. And it is my understanding that a part time Chief of Police can only be part time for six months. That was May. And Mayor Lamb had no legitimate reason for terminating Chief James Brazier.
DOTHAN: Before Chris Etheredge could legally drive he has been fighting fires and serving in emergency services. His father, Wes Etheredge served as Director of the Daleville Department of Public Safety and this is where Chris developed his passion for emergency services.
Today, May 31, 2026 and 12 midnight marks the end of a 32 year career service with the City of Dothan. After 3 years in the Communications Division with the City of Dothan, Chris then moved to the Dothan Fire Department for a total of 32 years with the City of Dothan.
Chris quickly moved up through the ranks to the first Deputy Fire Chief with the Dothan Fire Department. Under then Dothan Fire Chief Dennis Rubin, Chris Etheredge took on many administrative functions within the Dothan Fire Department. When someone needed something, they yelled CHRIS!!!
Chris was loyal under all Fire Chiefs, to include Sam Crawford and Larry Williams. Chris acted as spokesman for Dothan Fire Department and Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management.
When storms were coming, when COVID struck, other emergency events, Chris Etheredge handled the press briefings. He was calm and could field any questions thrown at him. He handled major and minor tasks.
Chris Etheredge served as Interiem Director of the City of Dothan-Houston County Communications District Board during periods there were no one in the Director’s seat while performing his duties within the fire department.
Chris Etheredge will be missed in the Dothan Fire Department. His knowledge and expertise of knownig “who” to call for help, not only within the Fire Department but in other parts of the Alabama and the United States can never be replaced.
Thank you Chris Etheredge for your dedication to the people of Dothan and Houston County. Your were the calm before, during and after the storm.
Monday marks the end of a life tied to pagers, phones and Southern Linc’s!!! A end to family meals and time with family being interrupted because of emergencies. A time he can sleep without one ear open for the phone to ring, having to get up and go. A complete change of his life for the past 32 years.
REHOBETH: Mr. Bobby Clemmons was host to a fish fry held at Rehobeth Town Hall for the Rehobeth Senior Citizens and other friends. The fish fry was held this past Thursday.
The Rehobeth Town Hall and Senior Citizens Center was packed with people from all waks of life.
Bobby Clemmons, a native of Rehobeth, serves as councilman for the Town of Rehobeth. Bobby is known for his love to fish and has hosted many fish fries in Rehobeth and Columbia. Bobby Clemmons has also served as a bus driver for Houston County Schools for many years until a stroke forced him to retire.
Bobby has always been known for being able to pull people together. And he has some dedicated friends who help him with the cooking and serving of the fish.
Bobby also served Houston County as Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management Agency. That was when Emergency Management actually served the community, was known in the community, and worked throughout the community. Bobby was also instrumental in helping with the beginning of the 911 system in Houston County. Bobby worked well with law enforcement, fire and EMS during his tenure with Dothan – Houston County Emergency Management Agency.
Bobby Clemmons, Rehobeth Mayor Kimberly Trotter and members of the Rehobeth Town Council also researched, assisted in laying out a plan with Todd Phillips and started a full time, employed, Rehobeth Fire – Rescue to serve the citizens of Rehobeth and Southwest Houston County. The first of it’s kind in Houston County.
While Bobby’s swift movement is limited due to the stroke, he still knows that is going on. He is always willing to help as much as possible.
Everyone enjoyed the day of fellowship, laughter and some great fish.
In addition, Alabama State Representative Paul Lee and Alabama State Senator Donnie Chesteen donated $ 1,000 to the Rehobeth Senior Citizens Center.
