First Responders Appreciation: Saturday, June 7
Enterprise honors man for helping rescue neighbor from fire
From the City of Enterprise Facebook page:
Marvin A. Pinckney was honored Tuesday night with the prestigious Carnegie Medal for his extraordinary act of heroism, during a presentation at the Enterprise City Council meeting.
Mayor William E. Cooper was proud to join Denine Richey from U.S. Representative Barry Moore‘s office to help recognize this outstanding member of the community.
In September 2022, Mr. Pinckney, a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major, was in his garage when he saw flames coming from a neighbor’s home on Bellwood Road. Without hesitation, he called 911 and rushed into the burning house, where he helped rescue Mary Griffin and her caregiver. He lifted a bed to make room for Ms. Griffin’s wheelchair and, with the help of another neighbor, assisted both women in escaping through a window.
“Mr. Pinckney, your courage and quick thinking made a tremendous difference that day,” said Mayor Cooper. “Your selfless actions are truly inspiring.”
Previously honored with a Key to the City, Mr. Pinckney has now received national recognition with the prestigious Carnegie Medal—one of the highest honors for civilian heroism in the United States and Canada.
Upon accepting the award, Mr. Pinckney humbly remarked:
“I am not a hero. I am an everyday American who saw someone who needed help. I would do it again.”
Established in 1904 by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission recognizes civilians who voluntarily risk their lives to save others. More than 10,000 medals have been awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional bravery, often at great personal risk.
The City of Enterprise is proud to celebrate Mr. Pinckney and this well-deserved recognition of his heroism. His actions are a powerful reminder of the courage, compassion, and character that define our community.
EMS honored at Wiregrass Public Safety Center: “How could we do it without them?”
Emergency Management Services members and local leaders gathered at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center to honor first responders and give awards to distinguished people and crews during EMS Week.
Leaders handed out awards to those with exceptional service and hosted a free lunch for those who respond in times of crisis.
“How could we do it without them?” said county commissioner Tracy Adams. “We have a peace of mind because somebody’s going to take care of us and our loved ones in case something tragic happens.”
Dothan Fire Chief Larry Williams was insistent on honoring the hard work EMS units do.
“We couldn’t do the job we do for our citizens without y’all’s hard work and dedication,” he said.
Dothan Fire Battalion Chief Richard Byrd said the event highlighted the dedication and importance of first responders.
“It’s an opportunity for us to give back to these people, that no matter what time of day, what the call, they respond,” he said. “They don’t call us first responders for nothing.”
He encouraged people to thank the first responders in their community this week.
“Not only do we care for the citizens, but we have to care for each other,” he said.
Several city and county commissioners and members of city leadership attended the event, and they spoke high praises toward the work EMS crews do for the community.
“I want these people to know how important I think they are and how important the county thinks they are,” said Houston County Commissioner Brandon Shoupe.
Rickey Stokes’ son-in-law receiving the Life Save award, presented by the very person he helped save, Mr. Ricky Riley.
10:53 PM Geneva County’s Dawson Spivey is set to take the next step in his racing career on May 31st
Geneva County’s Dawson Spivey to Make Cordele Motorsports Park Debut in Pro Late Model Race with Jett Noland Motorsports
Geneva County’s Dawson Spivey is set to take the next step in his racing career on May 31st, when he straps into the #50 Pro Late Model at Cordele Motorsports Park for the Kiwanis Club Fishing Rodeo 100. This marks Dawson’s first appearance in a Pro Late Model event and his debut at the legendary Watermelon Capital Speedway.
Spivey will be behind the wheel with Jett Noland Motorsports, a proven race team with a strong track record of wins in both Pro and Super Late Model competition. Earlier this year, the team picked up a victory at Cordele Motorsports Park and earned an impressive third-place finish in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s CARS Tour race on April 12th. The Florida-based operation is widely respected for developing elite talent and competing at the highest levels of short track racing. This partnership marks a major opportunity for Dawson as he continues his steady rise through the ranks of grassroots motorsports.
Last season, Spivey made 12 starts in the Modified Series and several more in the Outlaw Lites Series, where he picked up multiple wins and valuable experience behind the wheel.
The event is expected to draw fans from across the region, and Dawson is encouraging all local supporters of short track racing to come out and be a part of this exciting night at the track.
“Getting to work with a team like Jett Noland Motorsports and drive at Cordele is a huge opportunity,” Spivey said. “I’m thankful for the chance to work with Jimmy Glover, Jett Noland, and the entire crew behind this operation.”
He also expressed deep gratitude to the Noland family—Greg and Lori, and their son Jett—for their support and belief in him as he prepares for one of the biggest weekends of his career.
Dawson also shared his excitement about having Travis Braden as his spotter for the event. Braden brings extensive experience from the ARCA Menards Series and is a former winner of both the Winchester 400 and the Snowball Derby—two of the most prestigious events in short track racing. Braden is currently working with Hendrick Motorsports on the #48 team, one of NASCAR’s premier organizations, further adding to the strength of the team heading into race weekend.
The Kiwanis Club Fishing Rodeo 100 will take place on Saturday, May 31st, with a full day of racing and family-friendly entertainment. Gates open early with practice and qualifying throughout the day, followed by the feature race under the lights.
Three city commissioners announce bids for reelection
Dothan City Commissioners Bradley Bedwell (D3), Gantt Pierce (D5) and David Crutchfield (D6) all announced bids for reelection at Tuesday’s commission meeting, all with a similar goal: keeping the city moving on a positive track.
“We look forward to continuing what we’re doing,” Pierce said. “We’re investing a lot of money in our city, we’re trying to revitalize downtown, we’re trying to bring economic development.”
Pierce said economic development was a huge focus for him — as he’s focused on bringing more jobs.
“We’re looking forward to doing whatever’s necessary to make that happen here in Dothan,” he said.
Bedwell said he loved what he does working for the City of Dothan and wants to keep serving the people.
“This is the greatest job in the world,” he said. “Whenever you’re up here and you’re with great people that have a lot of passion, it just kind of grows inside of you.”
He said he welcomes good candidates who want to run for the commission.
“Everybody should run for a campaign once,” he said. “You’re the most thoughtful during that time.
“I just want the best for my district. That’s from the the heart.”
Crutchfield said he’s looking forward to keeping Dothan on its current path — one of progress.
While downtown revitalization and prioritizing activities are important, he said he was dedicated to keeping utilities on a steady path and making sure roads continue to be repaved.
“We’ve done a great job at providing the shiny stuff, but there’s a lot of stuff that does on behind the scenes,” he said.
But he also said he wants to make sure people are coming to Dothan and staying.
“One of my big goals is to make Dothan your first stop,” he said.
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Dothan City serves on new pickleball courts for Rip Hewes
The Dothan City Commission scored a game point at bringing new pickleball complex to Rip Hewes Stadium by authorizing the funds needed to build the development.
Over $6 million will go to 25 courts, with one of those being a championship court — all will be covered.
“Pickleball is a growing sport throughout the country,” City manager Randy Morris said. “We want to provide something for our citizens to be able to use on a daily basis, as well as being able to have the sports tourism to bring in those large tournaments that can help with lodging and sales taxes.”
Morris thanked the help from Houston County and Visit Dothan.
Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe said he and the commission were happy to provide $200,000 in funding from the county lodging tax.
“Most of the hotels are inside the City of Dothan, so it’s only fair the city receives some investment from some of those dollars,” he said. “Pickleball could be a game changer when it comes to sports tourism.”
Construction is set to begin in June, and it’s estimated to be completed by the beginning of spring next year.
