Contact: Tony Black, Eastgate Park Center Manager, 334-615-3730
Re: Eastgate Park Announces Temporary Dog Park Closure for Maintenance DOTHAN, Ala. – The Eastgate Park dog park will be closed for maintenance beginning Monday, March 16, 2026. The park will reopen on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The temporary closure will allow staff to complete necessary maintenance to maintain a safe and clean environment for visitors and their pets. Eastgate Park appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation during this time. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and check for updates prior to their visit. For more information about Dothan Leisure Services programs and facilities, please contact us at 334-615-3700, visit us on the web at www.dothanleisureservices.org, or like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that an Evergreen dentist has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to setting fire to his own dental practice in an attempt to collect insurance money.
Douglas Patrick O’Connor was sentenced by Conecuh County Circuit Judge Jack B. Weaver to 15 years in prison, with three years to serve, after pleading guilty to second-degree arson and first-degree insurance fraud on February 3, 2026.
According to investigators, surveillance video from neighboring businesses captured O’Connor arriving at his closed dental office late on the night of March 28, 2025. The footage shows him entering and exiting the building several times before standing in the back doorway around 9:48 p.m., striking a match, and throwing it inside, triggering an explosion seconds later.
The blast destroyed the dental practice and caused more than $63,000 in damage to the neighboring Alabama State Trooper Post.
Forensic testing later confirmed the presence of gasoline on O’Connor’s clothing and on the floor of the burned office.
Investigators determined O’Connor had accumulated significant debt and had exhausted his ability to obtain additional loans before setting the fire. Prosecutors said he planned to collect insurance money from the destruction of the building to pay off creditors.
“Alabamians put their trust in doctors to do no harm. Dr. O’Connor shattered that trust in the most deliberate way possible,” Attorney General Marshall said. “He set fire to his own practice, endangered lives next door, and attempted to defraud his insurance company to cover years of reckless spending.”
The case was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Criminal Trials Division. Assistant Attorneys General Clark Morris, Brad Felton, and Sara Rogan represented the state.
Marshall also thanked the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office, Alabama Department of Insurance, Evergreen Police Department, and investigators Special Agent Robert Stuart and Special Agent Richard Windham for their work on the case.
The Wiregrass community is celebrating a big achievement as John Ingram continues both his academic and athletic journey at Huntingdon College.
Ingram has officially committed to further his education while continuing his football career with the Hawks. His dedication, discipline, and countless hours of hard work on and off the field have led to this exciting opportunity.
Family, friends, coaches, and the entire RHS community are proud to see his commitment pay off as he takes the next step toward a bright future.
We wish John continued success in the classroom and on the football field as he begins this new chapter. Congratulations, John — RHS is proud of you!
A 26-year-old motorcyclist was killed Thursday afternoon following a crash in Leeds.
The accident happened around 4:25 p.m. in the 7200 block of Elliot Lane.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Toye Kyle Jackson, 26, of Odenville.
Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said Jackson was the lone rider of a motorcycle involved in a collision with another vehicle. Additional details about the crash have not been released.
Jackson was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:22 p.m.
This past Friday, Sheriff Eric Blankenship and Deputy Blankenship teamed up to help close out Read Across America Week at Abbeville Elementary School.
The two visited with students, read to the children, and spent time encouraging the importance of reading.
“It was an honor to read to the kids at Abbeville Elementary School and pass out some badges while we were there!” Sheriff Blankenship said.
Students enjoyed the special visit as the sheriff’s office helped celebrate the nationwide effort that promotes reading and literacy among young students.
NEWTON-DALE COUNTY: Ozark-Dale County 911 dispatched Newton Police, Newton Volunteer Fire and either Ozark EMS or ECHO EMS to a single motor vehicle accident.
A single vehicle accident, vehicle verses tree. The accident happened Friday afternoon on Dale County Road 14 in Newton City Limits.
EMS transported the patient to Flowers Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Dale County Coroner John Cawley has identifed the victim as 45 year old James Harrison of Ozark. The victim was driving a 2006 Mazda 3. The victim ran off the road striking a tree.
Newton Police, Dale County Sheriff Department and Dale County Coroner John Cawley are in charge of the accident investigation.
