The Wiregrass Public Safety Center recently held another successful Citizen Firearms Safety Class, giving community members an opportunity to learn about proper firearm handling and responsible ownership.
Organizers thanked everyone who attended and participated in the training, which focuses on safety, education, and responsible gun ownership.
Officials say the next Citizen Firearms Safety Class is scheduled for June 16.
Residents interested in attending the upcoming class are encouraged to watch for registration information as the date approaches.
HOUSTON COUNTY-WICKSBURG: 08:10 AM Houston County 911 and ALEA – Trooper Communications dispatched a motor vehicle accident, Highway 84 West at Twilight Drive In, involving a school bus.
REPORTS ARE ALL CHILDREN ARE OKAY
Multiple law enforcement and Wicksburg Fire-EMS have responded. To include Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza, Patrol Captain Tony Turner, Communications Captain James Ivey, ALEA Trooper Post Commander Sgt. Jason McAllister.
Reports are 41 children were on the bus. Reports are the bus was stopped to pick up a child when the accident took place.
08:31 AM The children have been transferred to another bus and transported to the school.
The first report was a school bus was involved and it was a wreck with injuries. A full emergency detail response was implemented and rolled emergency. As units arrived it was determined no injuries.
08:32 AM Both west bound lanes of traffic on Highway 84 are closed at this time.
Members of the Coffee County Community Emergency Response Team were recently recognized for their service during a Coffee County Commission meeting Monday.
The Coffee County Emergency Management Agency presented the volunteer group with a certificate of gratitude for assisting with recent missing person searches in the area.
CERT teams are typically known for helping communities prepare for emergencies, but they also assist during disasters and critical incidents when additional manpower is needed.
Recently, CC-CERT volunteers played a key role in two large-scale searches for missing persons in the community.
EMA Director Grant Lyons praised the team’s dedication, noting that the trained volunteers can be called upon at any time.
“We’re very fortunate to have this group of trained volunteers that are willing to respond at a moment’s notice to help the community,” Lyons said.
Lyons added that CERT members are able to mobilize quickly and are often ready to assist within an hour when needed.
Residents interested in joining the Community Emergency Response Team can sign up for the next training class scheduled for May.
Organizers are inviting owners of cars, trucks and motorcycles from across the Wiregrass to participate in the 2nd Annual Driving Through the Decades Educational Event, scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, at DA Smith Middle School in Ozark.
The event is hosted in partnership with BGCA Ozark Southeast Alabama and the Vivian B. Adams School and is designed to highlight the history and evolution of the automotive industry.
Vehicle owners who register will be paired with a local sixth-grade student who will research the vehicle and present information about its history, including details about the decade it was produced and notable events from that time period.
Organizers say the event is meant to be both educational and fun while giving students a hands-on opportunity to learn about automotive history.
Last year’s event drew strong community participation, and organizers hope to make this year’s program even bigger.
Participation is free, and owners of classic or unique vehicles are encouraged to sign up.
Local residents who need help obtaining or renewing identification will have an opportunity later this month during a Community Identification Day in Dothan.
The event will take place March 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Dothan Housing Authority, 1001 Montana Street.
Organizers say the event is designed to assist qualifying low-income residents with renewing driver’s licenses and obtaining Alabama state identification cards. The goal is to help individuals who may face barriers when trying to secure official identification.
Participants are asked to bring several documents to help complete the process, including:
A current ID (if available)
A birth certificate
Proof of residency
Officials say having proper identification can help residents gain access to employment opportunities, housing services, and other essential resources.
For more information, residents can call 334-589-0825 or 334-796-1778, or email seach@dothanhousing.org.
