Wiregrass Daily News

12/11/2025

Angel House Team Trains With Dale County Deputies During Cold-Weather Range Session

OZARK, Ala. (WDNews) — Dale County Sheriff’s Office opened its shooting range this week to members of Wiregrass Angel House, giving the team a chance to take part in hands-on fi****ms training alongside deputies.

Officials say the goal was to help participants gain confidence and learn safety fundamentals in a controlled setting. Despite the cold weather, the group showed strong participation and enthusiasm throughout the evening.

The Sheriff’s Office offered thanks to everyone who helped coach, oversee drills, and keep the session running safely. Deputies said they appreciated the opportunity to work with the Angel House team and hope to continue similar training opportunities in the future.

Photo Source: Dale County Sheriff's Office

12/11/2025

Santa Rolls Into WICKSBURG on a Firetruck This December

WICKSBURG, Ala. (WDNews) — There may be no better way to spot Santa this season than seeing him roll through town on a bright red firetruck. Wicksburg families will get that chance December 14–23, when Santa makes his annual neighborhood visits aboard a festive fire engine.

It’s been reported that Santa will travel street-to-street to greet children, wave from the truck, and spread a little Christmas joy along the way. Families can even schedule a personal stop.

Anyone hoping for a closer visit can text Christina at 334-695-7919 to get on Santa’s route.

It’s a simple, cheerful tradition — and one that brings the magic of Christmas right to the front yard.

12/11/2025

🎄✨Join the holiday fun in OZARK this weekend!

The Ozark-Dale County Library is hosting its Annual Kids’ Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1–3 p.m. Bring the little ones out for games, fun, food, and a special guest who’s stopping by just for the kids!

📍 296 N. Union Avenue, Ozark, Ala.
🍪 Refreshments provided
📞 334-774-5480

A perfect way to kick off the Christmas spirit—hope to see you there!

12/10/2025

Governor Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that Bad Boy Mowers will invest $10.5 million to establish a new tractor assembly plant in Monroeville, Alabama.

The Batesville, Arkansas-based company will create 50 new jobs at the site, which is located in the former Vanity Fair distribution center.
“Bad Boy Mowers setting up shop in Monroeville with this $10.5 million investment is a big win for Monroe County and for rural Alabama,” said Governor Ivey. “These 50 new, good jobs will benefit local families and continue momentum for this community. Bad Boy came to the right place – Alabama’s workforce is ready to get to work and get the job done.”
Mike Colquett, executive director of the Monroeville/Monroe County Economic Development Authority, said work to convert the facility into a modern production site has already begun.
“Monroeville is truly excited about Bad Boy’s decision to locate here and begin production in the very near future,” Colquett said. “Bad Boy is a perfect fit for Monroeville, and we believe our town is the perfect fit for them as well.”
The new plant will produce several models of tractors, with an estimated output of about 9,000 units annually.
Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, highlighted the significance of Bad Boy’s expansion in Alabama’s rural communities.
“This is a growth-minded company that sees a bright future in Monroeville, Monroe County, and the surrounding area,” McNair said. “Bad Boy builds innovative products, and Alabama’s workforce is the right choice to help the company achieve its goals.”
Founded in 2002, Bad Boy Mowers is known for introducing zero-turn mowers to rural landowners and homeowners at an affordable price. Since its inception, the company has expanded its product line to include tractors, handheld tools, and UTVs.
The company’s reputation for excellence was recently recognized when it was named Tractor Supply Co.’s top vendor for 2025. Tractor Supply praised Bad Boy for delivering value to customers and developing creative supply chain solutions that improved inventory management.
Brenda Tuck, rural development manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce, pointed to the new Monroeville plant as an example of the advantages of investing in rural Alabama communities.
“Rural Alabama offers a highly skilled workforce and strong community support, and we are excited to watch this new partnership unfold,” Tuck said.
The new facility is expected to boost economic growth in the area and provide a significant employment opportunity for local residents.

Photo by Les_Stockton is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

12/10/2025

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court this week as the state sought to reinstate the death sentence of a man convicted in a 1997 murder, arguing that federal judges improperly broadened the legal definition of intellectual disability in capital cases.

The justices heard arguments in Hamm v. Smith, which centers on the conviction of Joseph Clifton Smith for the killing of 50-year-old Durk Van Dam in Covington County. Prosecutors say Smith and an accomplice lured Van Dam to a remote wooded area two days after Smith was released on work release, then beat him to death with a hammer and saw. Van Dam suffered 35 blunt-force injuries, rib fractures, brain swelling, a collapsed lung and deep saw marks, according to the state. Smith confessed to the robbery and murder and was sentenced to death.

Smith later argued he could not be executed because he is intellectually disabled — a category protected from capital punishment under the Supreme Court’s 2002 Atkins v. Virginia ruling. Alabama uses a three-part test to determine intellectual disability: an IQ of 70 or below, significant adaptive functioning deficits and onset of the disability in childhood. The burden of proof lies with the offender.

Smith has undergone five IQ tests, with scores ranging from 72 to 78, above the state’s cutoff. But the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that one lower-end score, when adjusted for a margin of error, could be treated as equivalent to 70, granting Smith relief. Alabama appealed, saying the ruling improperly dismissed the cumulative evidence.

During Wednesday’s argument, Alabama Principal Deputy Solicitor General Robert Overing told the court the lower court’s analysis “ignores statistical reality” and that intellectual disability determinations must reflect “actual evidence,” including multiple test scores. He said Smith failed to meet the burden required under state law.

Marshall said Alabama made a “strong case” in defense of the sentence.

“Facts — not ideology — must continue to guide constitutional law,” Marshall said in a statement. “Five independent IQ tests placed him well above the legal threshold, and no amount of judicial creativity can change that.”

Marshall also praised Overing’s performance before the court, saying his arguments underscored Alabama’s position that its capital punishment system is constitutional and consistent with long-standing standards.

The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have implications beyond Smith’s case, potentially affecting how states nationwide assess intellectual disability claims in capital proceedings.

Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie on Unsplash

12/10/2025

Two Charged in Dothan Human Trafficking Case

Two men have been charged in connection with an alleged human trafficking operation in Dothan, authorities said.

Adam Scott Moore, 42 and Jimmie Lee Covington Jr., 38, each face two counts of second-degree human trafficking, along with additional charges stemming from a two-month investigation by the Dothan Police Department.

Investigators said the probe began in November after authorities looking into drug activity discovered that the men were allegedly arranging sexual encounters with adult women through a social media platform. The suspects were reportedly involved in scheduling, collecting payments, and providing protection for women engaging in sexual activity at local hotels.

Moore faces two counts of second-degree human trafficking and chemical endangerment of a child. Covington faces two counts of second-degree human trafficking. All three are being held without bond at the Houston County Jail. Authorities say additional arrests and charges are possible as the investigation continues.

Due to the sensitive nature of the case, officials declined to provide further details. Police emphasized that human trafficking exploits vulnerable individuals for criminal gain and vowed to aggressively pursue leads and prosecution.

Anyone with information about human trafficking is urged to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000, submit tips to Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP, or report anonymously at P3TIPS.com.

Photos courtesy of Dothan PD

12/10/2025

The Southeast Wiregrass Area Metropolitan Planning Organization has scheduled two transportation meetings on Dec. 16 to consider updates to long-range plans, safety targets and other items.

The Technical Advisory Committee, which provides technical guidance to the MPO’s policy board, will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the Board Room on the second floor of the Dothan Civic Center, 126 North St. Andrews St.

The MPO Policy Committee, made up of elected officials who set regional transportation policy and approve projects, will meet at 2 p.m. at the same location.

Items on the agenda include:

Approval of minutes from the Aug. 28, 2025, meeting

Possible amendments to the 2024–2027 Transportation Improvement Program

Possible amendments to the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan

Review of the FY 2024–2027 Financial Constraint Table

Action on amendments to the 2026 Highway Safety Improvement Program (PM1) targets

Approval of the final Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

Update on the development of the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan

Meeting documents are available on the City of Dothan website under the Planning Department’s Transportation Planning tab. Additional information can be obtained from the City of Dothan Planning and Development Office, Room 305 of the Civic Center, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or by contacting Todd McDonald at 334-615-4410 or Reginald Franklin at 334-615-4414.

Residents needing accommodations are asked to notify MPO staff at least 24 hours before the meeting. All meetings are open to the public.

Photo by Steven Vance is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

12/10/2025

🚨Troy police are asking for the public’s help in identifying three women accused of working together to steal merchandise from the Hibbett Sports store in Troy.

The retail theft occurred Dec. 3, according to information released by Central Alabama CrimeStoppers. Investigators say the women entered the store and acted in coordination while taking items before leaving the area. Photos of the suspects have been released as part of the investigation.

CrimeStoppers is offering a cash reward for information that leads to the identification and arrest of any of the women involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Troy police or CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP. Tips may also be submitted anonymously by texting 215stop to 738477, or through the P3 Tips mobile app.

12/10/2025

Update: Kymber has been located, Thank you!

🚨Dothan police are searching for an 11-year-old girl who was reported as a runaway early Wednesday morning.

Kymber Sheffield was last seen by family members around 7:45 a.m. near the 800 block of Dusy Street, according to the Dothan Police Department. Authorities said she was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans when she left the residence.

Police released a recent photo provided by Sheffield’s grandmother and said the child may still be in the Dothan area, possibly traveling on foot inside Ross Clark Circle near Dothan Preparatory Academy.

Sheffield is described as 5 feet tall, weighing about 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

The case remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215 or 334-615-3632.

12/10/2025

Goshen Teacher Honored With Prestigious $25,000 Milken Educator Award!

PIKE COUNTY, Ala. (WDNews) — A Pike County High School agriscience teacher was surprised with a national honor Tuesday, receiving a $25,000 Milken Educator Award during a schoolwide assembly. Christian Stanley, who teaches seventh through 12th grade agriscience and leads the Pike County Agriscienc...

12/10/2025

🎄 Rehobeth, mark your calendars!

The Rehobeth Senior Center is hosting a festive holiday gathering THIS THURSDAY, Dec. 11, starting at 10:00 a.m. and everyone is invited to come enjoy a warm, cheerful day together.

👉 10:00 a.m. – Social
👉 11:00 a.m. – FREE meal served
👉 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Performance by the Rehobeth Honor Choir

Menu: BBQ sandwich, slaw, pickles, chips, ice cream, tea, coffee & water — all at no cost.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 334-671-5829.

Come out, enjoy the holiday spirit, and support our talented Honor Choir!

12/10/2025

ProScape Dothan

Wednesday Forecast

Areas of patchy fog will start the morning, but skies turn mainly sunny by midday. High around 63°F with a breezy southwest wind at 10–20 mph.

Into the evening, expect a few passing clouds and a cooler low near 40°F. Winds shift northwest at 5–10 mph.

A calm, cool night ahead—enjoy it, Wiregrass!