BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. Deputies with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a structure fire in the Perdido area of the county along with several area volunteer fire departments.
The brand-new home was destroyed, and deputies conducted an investigation and determined the fire to be an arson.
Forensic evidence and surveillance camera video helped investigators identify 53-year-old Ronald Rex Johnson as the person who set the home ablaze.
The home stood on McKinley Road. The owners said the home was being built from scratch and was almost done and was completely furnished.
At this time the sheriff’s office has not released a motive for this arson.
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MOBILE, AL. A Mobile woman has been found guilty of Intentional Murder in the shooting of her boyfriend in 2024.
Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood announced today that Desiree Holiday has been convicted in the killing of Ja’Curtis Robinson and faces a range of 20 years to life in prison.
On August 11, 2026, a Mobile County jury returned a guilty verdict against Holiday following a trial before the Circuit Court of Mobile County.
The evidence presented at trial established that on March 3, 2024, Holiday shot Robinson in the back, causing his immediate death.
“Ja’Curtis Robinson’s life was taken in an instant by someone he trusted,” said District Attorney Keith Blackwood. “This verdict holds Desiree Holiday accountable for that choice and brings a measure of justice to Ja’Curtis Robinson’s family.”
Blackwood thanked the prosecutors, investigators, law enforcement officers, and witnesses whose work helped secure the conviction. This is the first week and the first conviction of the 2026-2027 Trial Season.
Holiday is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
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SELMA, Ala. They say that it’s the little things that you do for others that count and recently students from Enterprise High School exemplified the meaning of that statement.
On Tuesday the students made a trip to the Selma Fire Department to drop off water and hydration items to the Selma Fire Department as part of a statewide Hydration Tour.
A small gesture which meant so much to the firefighters at Fire Station 3.
The teens dropped off 1,000 water bottles and other items said Fire Chief Walter Dailey.
The All the Same Alabama nonprofit partnered with the cities of Enterprise, Dothan, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Homewood to donate over 10,000 hydration items to firefighters across Alabama.
The international nonprofit organization Project Pulmonary also participated. Project Pulmonary is a youth-led organization dedicated to raising awareness about the carcinogenic environments that firefighters go through every day to serve the people of their community.
Jaiden Bloodworth, senior at Enterprise High and president of All the Same Alabama along with Chief of Governmental Affairs for Project Pulmonary, said the teens aim to continue engaging with elected officials across the state to raise awareness about the hazardous environments firefighters encounter daily while expressing their gratitude for their dedicated service.
Bloodworth said Selma was the last stop on this summer’s Hydration Tour.
Us adults could probably learn a thing or two from the kindness show through this group of teens.
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MOBILE, AL. A man in the act of burglarizing a business was arrested without incident within minutes of police receiving a 911 call.
The 911 call on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at approximately 8:58 a.m., sent officers responding to 5396 Highway 90 W. (Barron’s Catering) in reference to the burglary.
Police said that when their officers arrived, they discovered a male subject still at the location.
Upon further investigation, officers discovered the subject unlawfully entered the business through an unlocked door and took an iPhone from one of the offices.
Jerome Moiren, 44, was arrested and transported to Metro Jail.
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HANCEVILLE, Ala. An on-duty drug overdose of a police dispatcher led county investigators to discover corruption and ethics violations in this small town’s police department.
The police chief and at least one police officer was arrested a number of charges.
Now, the former Hanceville Police Chief Jason Marlin and former Hanceville Police Officer Jason Wilbanks are set to enter plea agreements in the corruption case that may have gone unnoticed had it not been for the employee’s drug overdose county sheriff investigators said.
Marlin faces 2 counts of failure to report ethics crime and tampering with evidence.
Marlin, according to records, is accused of removing and/or mishandling evidence from the Hanceville Police Department’s evidence room. Those records also claim Marlin failed to report officers Cody Kelso and Wilbanks for violating ethics laws after being notified by the SBI.
Wilbanks is charged with two counts of computer tampering, two counts of using office for personal gain, tampering with evidence and two counts of solicitation to commit a controlled substance crime.
The investigation into several incidents of wrongdoing by members of the small police force and according to court records, Wilbanks, is accused of using a department issued cell phone to get controlled substances from Eric and Donna Kelso. Those records also accuse Wilbanks of traveling to a local hospital while on duty to receive anabolic steroid shots from Donna Kelso.
Those records also claim Wilbanks used police department computers to access information about two different people, a John Doe and a Jane Doe, to provide to a co-conspirator.
Wilbanks, too, is accused of removing or mishandling evidence in the Hanceville Police Department’s evidence room. He’s also accused in court documents of soliciting anabolic steroids and hydrocodone from Eric and Donna Kelso.
Marlin and Wilbanks, according to court records, will enter their pleas in court on Wednesday, August 19.
It’s unknown at this time if anyone else will be charged in any of these crimes.
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MOBILE, AL. On Thursday, August 13, 2026, shortly after 9:00 a.m., officers responded to the area of Harding Boulevard and Avenue C in reference to a shooting.
The Mobile Fire-Rescue and an ambulance were also dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim deceased with a fatal gunshot injury.
A second male victim was discovered with a gunshot injury and transported to a local hospital for treatment. His condition is unknown at this time.
Mobile police said that this is an active investigation.
No other information is being released at this time.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, Ala. An area man who served his country for more than 21 years in the United States Coast Guard is heading to federal prison after being found guilty of possession of child pornography.
Bradford Simmons pleaded guilty in April to possession of child pornography and has now been sentenced to five years.
An investigation in 2023 and 2024 by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office after receiving a tip led to serving a search warrant on Simmons.
The 51-year-old Mobile man admitted that he had 20 illicit images and videos on his cell phone and another 33 cached images on his laptop computer. He also admitted to using a computer program to try to erase evidence.
According to the defendant’s written plea agreement, Simmons stored child sexual abuse material on an external hard drive that investigators seized during a search of his home. That hard drive contained thousands of items that possibly contained child sexual abuse content.
The FBI investigation revealed that Simmons had a program on his laptop computer known as “File Shredder” that erases files.
As noted in the plea document, the File Shredder program advertises itself as shredding (destroying) unwanted files beyond recovery. With File Shredder you can remove files from your hard drive without fear they could be recovered.
Simmons admitted that he used the program to conceal or destroy the illicit images.
According to court documents, Simmons will get credit for the time has spent in jail after his arrest in June. In addition to the prison term, Chief U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Beaverstock ordered Simmons to pay $17,500 in restitution and ordered him to be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years following his release. The judge recommended that the defendant be allowed to participate in a comprehensive substance abuse, mental health, and/or sex offender treatment program.
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BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. A multi-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 11:06 a.m. Monday, August. 3, 2026, has claimed the of an Atmore man.
Local emergency services including firefighters and EMS, along with law enforcement responded to the wreck.
The crash occurred on U.S. 31 near the 23-mile marker, approximately one mile north of the Bay Minette city limits, in Baldwin County.
James H. Archie, 66, was critically injured when the 2013 Hyundai Sonata he was driving struck the 2005 Honda CRV driven by Logan B. Holcomb, 26, of Milton, Fla. After the initial impact, the Sonata then struck the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Katrina M. Brown, 53, of Fairhope.
Archie was transported to University (USA) Hospital in Mobile, where he later succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased. Brown was also injured and was transported to North Baldwin Hospital in Bay Minette for medical treatment.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Ala. A two-vehicle crash involving a tractor occurred at approximately 1:50 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, and has claimed the life of a Flomaton man.
James R. Ward, 72, was fatally injured when the 1977 John Deere 4430 tractor he was operating, which was towing a hay bailer, was struck in the rear by the 2014 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Daniel L. Wilson, 43, of Quincy, Fla.
Ward was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Wilson was also injured and was transported to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton for medical treatment.
The crash occurred on Alabama 113 near the 11-mile marker, approximately 11 miles north of the Flomaton city limits, in Escambia County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
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DAPHNE, Ala. The monthly statistical data from the Daphne Police Department has been released for the month of July showing a slight increase in arrests and five different categories.
The Daphne Police said that their officers made 137 arrests, which was 21 more arrests than in June of this year.
Yn the department’s statement, they say that there were increases in five of the six major categories in July compared to June.
They also reported that there were 40 fewer responses to vehicle accidents in July.
Daphne police listed their total statistics for DPD in July which included:
137 arrests
89 responses to vehicle accidents
229 citations issued
245 incidents reported
545 traffic stops
2,683 calls for service
Daphne police statistics didn’t report any statistical information for violent crimes such as shootings, robberies, burglaries or sexual assaults.
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GULF SHORES, Ala. A news release from the City of Gulf Shores is announcing the new program that will help residents better understand the operations of the city.
The City of Gulf Shores is proud to announce the launch of Gulf Shores 101, a new interactive citizens academy designed to give residents and local business owners a first-hand look at how the City of Gulf Shores operates. Through a seven-week course, participants will meet city leaders, explore key departments, tour important facilities, take part in hands-on activities, and gain a deeper understanding of the essential services that keep our community thriving.
Beginning September 15 and continuing through October 27, participants will meet every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Each week will offer an in-depth look at city operations, department roles and the many ways residents can get involved. The program is designed to help participants become informed, engaged partners who play an active role in their community.
“We are excited to offer Gulf Shores 101 as a way to bring our residents even closer to the work we do every day,” said City Administrator Jon Walker. “This program is designed to empower our community by providing transparency, strengthening connections, and helping citizens understand how they can play an active role in keeping Gulf Shores a vibrant and welcoming place to live.”
Applications for Gulf Shores 101 open Tuesday, August 11, and close Monday, August 31. Space is limited, and interested participants must submit an application for consideration. Selected participants will be asked to pay a $25 program fee.
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1931/Gulf-Shores-101.
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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. An Alabama state trooper attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle Saturday night on Interstate 565 in Huntsville struck a vehicle trying to elude the officer.
ALEA reported that a 21-year-old Prospect, Tennessee woman died Saturday night in the two-vehicle crash.
Hailie D. Hune was fatally injured just after 10 p.m. when the 2017 Dodge Charger she was driving left the roadway and overturned and then struck a concrete barrier, ALEA said. Her vehicle was then struck by a 2020 Dodge Charger driven by an on-duty trooper with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division.
Hune was pronounced dead at the scene. The trooper, who was driving a marked patrol vehicle, was injured and taken to an area hospital for treatment.
ALEA said Hune was attempting to elude the trooper prior to the crash, which briefly shut down travel on westbound I-565 near the 14-mile marker, by Research Park Blvd., in the Huntsville city limits.
No further information was immediately available as troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue investigating.
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FAIRHOPE, Ala. Even as Fairhope is talking about severing ties with the Baldwin County School District, a new project is kicking off at the Fairhope High School that is certainly going to improve student experience.
On Sunday, August 9th, 2026, we stopped in to see the work already underway and although the project will not be completed in the next few weeks, it will all definitely be worth the wait.
The Baldwin County Board of Education approved a $9.3 million contract with C. Roberbs Construction for the project last May which will significantly upgrade and modernize the cafeteria which is being built on the north side of the complex.
Additionally, a new media center and library are being added that’ll help students with researching projects and security vestibules will be added as well.
The school entrance will also change with an additional 76 parking spaces as will the student pick up line and the front of the school configuration.
With the beginning of school on Wednesday, August 13th, 2026, both the construction and the classes will have to coordinate so that there is the least amount of inconvenience and delays for both. At this time, the deadline for the completion of the construction has not been announced.
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DAPHNE, Ala. The Daphne Police Department is speaking out about animal abuse after officers and animal control investigated a recent animal cruelty case.
Officers responded to a call and found two extremely malnourished dogs living under deplorable conditions, with one locked in a kennel in a closed bedroom. Both dogs are undergoing treatment for multiple, serious conditions.
Police arrested 35-year-old Brandi Heathco on august 4th, 2026, at a local apartment and charged her with animal cruelty under Alabama Code 13A-11-14.
On August 9th, 2026, police located 22-year-old Sadie Crapps for two counts of cruelty to animals after neglected dogs were found in her home in need of treatment for severe mange, mites, and urine scald. Crapps was also charged for possession of methamphetamine (felony).
Animal cruelty is a crime. We encourage anyone unable or unwilling to properly care for an animal to seek help from family, friends, a rescue organization, Animal Control, or another appropriate service. There are moral options available, but allowing an animal to suffer is not one of them.
In coordination with city Animal Control, these dogs were seized and immediately provided with expert veterinary care.
Daphne police also recognized the caring professionals at Daphne Animal Control for going above and beyond in the performance of their duties. Their compassion, professionalism, and commitment to the welfare of these pets have been invaluable.
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SPANISH FORT, Ala. A three-vehicle wreck on I-10 in the Spanish Fort area Monday, August 10th, 2026, slowed traffic and injured at least one person.
The wreck, between exit 30 and 31 westbound, caused traffic to come to a crawl at around 4:40 p.m. as the Spanish Fort Police and Fire Departments and a trooper with ALEA responded to the crash in the middle of the Interstate. Medstar also arrived and treated one of the drivers. Traffic was eventually allowed to use the breakdown lane to continue westbound.
The crash was cleared within forty-five minutes, and the debris was cleaned up.
ALEA is still investigating the cause of the crash.
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LINCOLN, Ala. For many of us in Alabama, “Rural King” might sound like a slogan or the name of a local hardware store, but for others, they know that the name, means they’ll feel right at home when they walk through the doors of this fast-growing farm supply store that has quickly garnered a large customer base.
On Friday, they opened their nineth Alabama store in Lincoln, Alabama.
The family-owned retailer dedicated to rural living opened the new store at 1800 McCaig Road near Interstate 20 on Friday, August 7, 2026, to a large crowd.
“Lincoln is a natural fit for Rural King, and we’re excited to deepen our presence in Alabama with our ninth store in the state. We look forward to building lasting relationships with local families, farmers, homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts while providing the dependable products, fair prices and welcoming service our customers have come to expect” Rural King Chief Operating Officer Michael Ladd said.
Rural King is one of those places that take you back to a time when the store owner and its customers were neighbors and time moved a little slower. It’s the kind of place where you can get fencing, feed or buy a rifle.
Rural King Supply is a farm supply store based in Mattoon, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1960, as of 2024, the chain has 135 stores in the U.S. states of Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Alabama. The company also operates an online store, as well as offering an online gun store.
Kermit Speer and Keith Beaird started the store in a small building in the farmlands of Illinois and now its becoming the go-to-place for folks who still live the country life, or at least, still want to reminisce a bit about the good ‘ole days.
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Mobile, Ala. — The City of Mobile Department of Public Safety has officially launched a new aerial situational awareness program that began in May 2026. In pursuit of Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis’ mission to bolster public safety, Executive Director of Public Safety Curtis Graves tasked the Gulf Coast Technology Center with conducting research, testing and evaluation of drone technology that could offer livestream safety overwatch of city parks and special events.
“Drones have proven to be useful tools for agencies around the country, especially where big crowds are present,” Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said. “With a number of events throughout our city that draw large crowds, it is imperative that we protect citizens and visitors any way we can. This is a cost-effective way to enhance what we’re already doing to help keep the public safe.
By deploying this tethered Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), the Department of Public Safety aims to improve emergency responder times, increase incident command visibility, and enhance overall safety for both first responders and the community.
“This new technology isn’t meant to invade anyone’s privacy. Instead, it gives our first responders an additional tool to assess large events in real-time and the ability to monitor parks and other areas while aggressively pursuing our public safety efforts,” said Director Graves.
The Fotokite system operates by connecting the drone to a ground station via a durable, lightweight tether. As the Department of Public Safety continues to update the citywide surveillance camera program at city parks, the tethered UAS system will only enhance overall coverage going forward.
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BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. At least three major traffic collisions involving serious injuries occurred over the weekend in Baldwin County.
A very serious, three vehicle collision occurred Friday evening, August 7th, 2026, in a rural part of the county along State Highway 225.
The crash was reported to Baldwin County 911 Communications at approximately 7:30 p.m. indicated that at least three vehicles were involved including several people ejected from their vehicle.
Multiple fire departments, several ambulances, a medical helicopter and law enforcement were dispatched to the area of American Patriots Way and Hooks Road, and the highway was immediately closed to all traffic. One person was airlifted to the USA trauma center while several others were rushed to area hospitals by ground transport. Earlier this year, the City of Spanish Fort passed a resolution naming the portion of State Route 225 within its city limits “American Patriots Way,” In coordination with the City, the Baldwin County Commission also approved the naming of all portions of Alabama State Route 225 located in the unincorporated areas of Baldwin County from its intersection with U.S. Highway 31 to its intersection with Interstate 65 as “American Patriots Way”.
An early morning traffic collision in the same area on Friday morning at around 7:30 a.m. also injured several people and closed part of the roadway.
A head-on collision also occurred on Friday night on US 98 near Grantham Road in the Foley/ Magnolia Springs area. Emergency personnel including the Foley and Magnolia Springs Fire Departments, EMS and law enforcement responded to the scene shortly after 9 p.m. At least one person was reportedly injured in the wreck.
ALEA troopers are investigating all three of these traffic collisions.
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MOBILE, AL. A bank conspiracy involving an attempt to defraud an Alabama bank out of more than $25 million dollars was prevented and two people have been arrested and now found guilty of their crimes in federal court.
Surprisingly, one of the suspects, identified as 45-year-old Kartarius Dewan Johnson, was already incarcerated at the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton when he committed the crime.
At the time of the incident, Johnson was serving a 19-year and four-month sentence for previous fraud schemes, aggravated identity theft and providing false statements to a federal agent.
Federal authorities said that 39-year-old Danisha Anita Foster was her partner in the conspiracy.
During the trial, the jury reviewed phone messages and documents that detailed ways to defund several banks, the Court, and a car dealership out of two Rolls-Royces. There was also an elaborate scheme to get Johnson released from prison.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service continue to investigate the case.
Both Johnson and Foster will be sentenced in November. They could each be given a maximum of 30 years, supervised release up to five years and potential fines.
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