A few weeks ago, I was dealing with big problems from different parts of my life all at once. We weren’t where we wanted to be on the County’s budget, and we were wrestling with several big decisions at TriState Graphics. Every one of them was going to take far more work than I had planned — weeks in some cases, months in others. And to be honest, I was feeling spent and overwhelmed.

When stress piles up like that, it feels like my entire nervous system is on fire. It’s a terrible feeling, and not one I like to keep around for long.

Over the past few years, I’ve become a big believer in meditation. It clears my mind and reduces my stress. But I’ve found another benefit too. Clearing my mind makes room for novel solutions — not the kind that come from dwelling on a problem, but the kind that suddenly come into focus out of nowhere.

That’s where my “Win the Day” mantra came from.

Instead of dwelling on problems and gameplanning all the work that has to happen weeks or months from now, just focus on winning today. This isn’t a novel idea, apparently, as there is a book by Mark Batterson on the subject.

Now, when I wake up, I ask myself: what do I need to do to win today? What does that look like? Then I go execute.

I don’t worry about next week. I don’t worry about next month. I just focus on today. Taking this approach brings a lot less stress. And I’ve been pleasently surprised with how many days actually go in the ‘W’ column.

If I can win three or more days in a work week, I can win the week. Stringing a few weeks together wins me the month. And so on. But it starts–and ends–with today.

Win the day.

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Sometimes you have to look behind you to see just how far you have come.

As I reflect on 2025, it has not always felt fast. Some days, it felt like walking through quicksand. But looking back now, I see quiet but meaningful progress all across Houston County.

Our visits to Washington, D.C. finally paid off with funding secured for a new radio communications tower for the Sheriff’s Department. This will be a major improvement for law enforcement communication in the southeastern part of the county.

Infrastructure investments we made in the past are now bearing fruit:
• A new sewage treatment plant in Kinsey
• Commercial development in Rehobeth
• A new park in Downtown Dothan

We also worked to build stronger relationships:
• Held town halls across the county
• Brought together municipal elected officials for our first County Municipal Summit

The lodging tax approved by voters in 2024 is already creating results you can see and feel:
• A new pickleball complex in Dothan
• Expanded ballparks in Ashford, Cottonwood, Rehobeth, and Wicksburg
• New recreational projects in towns like Webb and Taylor

And we expect even more to come online in 2026.

I often look at Houston County’s logo—a bright sun shining over hills, a river, a road, and farmland. But is the sun rising or setting?

You could argue either way but in the end, I believe it depends on your attitude and your outlook.

As I look back at 2025 and ahead to 2026, I believe the sun is rising. And I believe the best days are still ahead for our little corner of Alabama.

Happy New Year, and best wishes for a hopeful and productive 2026.
—Chairman Brandon Shoupe

After years of spotty coverage for deputies and first responders, a new radio tower project is now fully funded—thanks to federal support included in the most recent continuing resolution passed by Congress.

Here’s how we got it done:

Two Trips. Three Budgets. One Win.

In 2024, I traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for this project during the 2024 federal budget cycle. The project was included in the appropriations bill… but the bill never passed.

So I went back again; this time for the 2025 budget. That failed too.

But persistence paid off. The fall 2024 continuing resolution (which kept the government funded during the shutdown stalemate) included targeted public safety funds. That’s where we secured the win.

Thanks Where It’s Due

I want to thank Senator Katie Britt and her staff for their continued support and communication throughout this process. Their help was critical.

What’s Next

The project is shovel-ready. Construction is expected to begin by mid-2026—and once complete, it will deliver reliable, modern communication to the area that needs it most.

The Bottom Line
Better communication means faster response times and safer communities. This tower is a long-overdue step forward for public safety in Houston County.

As always, reply to this email if you have questions or ideas. I’d love to hear them.

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Their concern is real. As more people shop online, local sales tax revenue is flattening. And without that revenue, cities can’t reinvest in infrastructure and other vital services. So what are their options?

Most would say they have two choices:

1. Tighten the financial belt

2. Raise revenue through other forms of taxation more in line with the modern world

But Walt Maddox is pushing a third option—one that solves his city’s problem at the expense of almost everyone else. He’s steering Alabama’s largest cities toward a plan to raid the tax revenue of small towns and counties.

How? By spreading misinformation and quietly building support for a change that would dramatically reshape the way Alabama’s online use tax is shared.

If his plan succeeds:

• Most Alabama shoppers would pay more for online purchases

• All Alabama shoppers could see their online purchases shared with the state

• Small towns and rural counties could lose nearly all of their local online use tax revenue—overnight

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It’s a complicated issue. But it matters more than most people realize.

📺 Watch the video to understand what’s really going on—and please share it with your friends, family, and community.

But that’s changed.

Sure, Alabama still has some problems, especially in areas like healthcare, but over the years the state has made bold decisions that are paying off.

1. Alabama has quietly become a manufacturing powerhouse

Did you know Alabama is now the #1 state for automobile exports? We passed South Carolina in 2023.

That’s not by accident. Alabama’s long-term commitment to economic incentives, workforce development, and job training has paid off in sectors like auto manufacturing and shipbuilding.

In fact, Alabama’s maritime industry employs over 12,000 people and generates nearly $58 billion in economic output. With the federal government needing more ships and submarines because of global instability, those numbers are likely to grow even more.

2. Alabama has low property taxes

In some parts of the country, property taxes are so high, people feel like they’re renting their homes from the government. Alabama is different.

Thanks to our state constitution, Alabama has the lowest property taxes in the country. That makes us one of the most affordable places to live and retire.

Here’s a quick fact: no elected official in Alabama—not even the state legislature—can raise your property taxes on their own. The constitution requires a public referendum, and those are rare. Public referendum’s approved by taxpayers are even rarer.

3. Alabama is Veteran Friendly

If you’re a veteran, Alabama is one of the best places in the country to call home.

The state offers tuition assistance, property tax exemptions, income tax exemptions, hiring preferences for state jobs, and even free pistol permits for many veterans.

Overall, Alabama ranks as the second most veteran-friendly state in the nation—just behind Florida.

Dothan, AL – Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe announced Tuesday a major investment in the County’s Distribution Park, with more than $3.25 million allocated for critical infrastructure improvements near State Line Road between Madrid and Cottonwood.

The funding comes through Alabama’s Growing Alabama Tax Credit program and will be used primarily to install a new sewer line connecting the park to the Cypress Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The park’s existing on-site treatment facility has just 6,000 gallons per day of remaining capacity—an amount insufficient to support future industrial growth.

An additional $190,000 of the investment will be used to complete a water line extension, thanks to a partnership between the Houston County Water Authority and Dothan Utilities.

“This project wouldn’t be possible without the strong intergovernmental collaboration we enjoy here in Southeast Alabama, especially with our local State delegation that supported this legislation,” said Chairman Shoupe. “I also want to commend Matt Parker and Colton Cureton at the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce—their forward-thinking leadership played a pivotal role in making today’s announcement a reality. Finally, I also need to thank Dothan City Commission for their partnership with the Houston County Commission to make this a reality."”

The Growing Alabama Tax Credit program enables companies to offset their state tax liability by contributing to local economic development infrastructure. Houston County gratefully acknowledges the following donors whose contributions made this project possible:

· River Bank & Trust – $1,000,000

· Regions Bank – $500,000

· Great Southern Wood – $500,000

· Wiregrass Electric Cooperative – $300,000

· South Alabama Electric Cooperative – $300,000

· Troy Bank & Trust – $250,000

· MidSouth Bank – $207,500

· Synovus Bank – $100,000

· Friend Bank – $100,000

This investment marks a major step forward in Houston County’s efforts to attract new industry, expand infrastructure, and fuel regional economic development.

After much prayer and thoughtful consultation with my family and friends, I’ve decided to seek reelection as Chairman in 2026. Serving in this role has been a unique blend of challenge, humility, and reward. I believe the progress we’re making today will leave future generations better off — and that, in my view, is the only reason anyone should ever seek to serve in public office.

In just over two and a half years, under my leadership, the Houston County Commission has:

• Increased our road resurfacing budget and are currently tackling long overdue road projects

• Implemented a program to reinvest $3.6M into recreation projects all across the county

• Maintained the County’s pristine AA2 Bond Rating

• Prioritized a future jail expansion to keep criminals off the street

• Saved and are now redeveloping the historic Houston County Farm Center

• Modernized Houston County’s government with a new accounting and timekeeping system

• Stopped corruption in entities receiving taxpayer support

• Assisted in and around the Town of Cottonwood with storm cleanup

• Developed a forward-looking, strategic approach to budgeting

• Spearheaded the acquisition of land for a future Downtown Dothan ⇔ Town of Cowarts Bike & Pedestrian Trail

• Fought against bills that would endanger public safety, threaten the condition of our roads, and foist unfunded mandates on the citizens of Houston County.

We still have more progress to make. And I look forward to sharing my future goals as we approach 2026.

Finally, I want to thank my campaign committee. Together, we share a deep enthusiasm for seeing Southeast Alabama continue to grow as a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Committee to Reelect Brandon Shoupe

• Bryan Applefield

• Robert Cannon

• Shaun Carpenter

• Bence Carter

• Alan Clark

• Warren Cobb

• David Cornelius

• Terry Duffie

• Mark Fellows

• Matt Fellows

• Gina Grant

• Van Granger

• Marnix Heersink

• Payne Henderson

• Cliff Mendheim

• David & Gayle Parsons

• Forrest Register

• Mike & Amy Riddle Riddle

• Mike Schmitz

• John Watson

• Jeff Williams

Onward and upward,

Today was one of those deeply satisfying days—the kind that reminds you why you do what you do.

When I ran for Chairman, one of my biggest goals was to expand recreational opportunities across Houston County—from Wicksburg to Gordon, Madrid to Kinsey. I wanted families in every corner of our county to have access to better fields, parks, and places to play.

This morning, I signed the documents that will make that dream a reality. These funds—made possible by the lodging tax approved by voters in November—will help us build and improve facilities that will benefit kids and adults for generations to come.

As I put pen to paper, I couldn’t help but picture the games, the laughter, the memories still to come. Long after we’re all gone, Houston County’s families will still be reaping the rewards of what we set in motion today.

I’m honored to serve, and I’m proud of the direction we’re heading. Let’s keep pushing forward—together.

Ft. Novosel, home to the U.S. Army’s aviation training, is facing a critical need for remote training (RT) sites to support helicopter pilot training. These sites are essential for preparing military aviators and ensuring they receive the best possible training to defend our nation.

In the past, Ft. Novosel had access to nearly 300 training sites, but today, that number has dropped to fewer than 70. To maintain the highest level of training for our pilots, more sites are urgently needed.

What is a Remote Training Site?

Remote Training Sites are privately owned parcels of land leased by the U.S. government for non-exclusive use. That means landowners can continue using their property for most purposes, as long as the activity doesn’t interfere with flight training.

What Kind of Land is Needed?

• At least 3 acres of flat, cleared pastureland.

• Located within Ft. Novosel’s Terrain Flight Area (see map).

• In a rural area away from residential structures.

• Available for use day and night, seven days a week (typically Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM).

• Free of hazards, burial grounds, or protected species.

• Easily accessible by ground vehicles.

What’s in it for Landowners?

• Lease agreements last 5 years (1-year lease + 4 renewal years). Renewals are easy.

• Competitive lease rates, typically around $85 per acre, plus additional compensation for mowing.

• Minimal impact on land use – owners can still farm, graze livestock, or bale hay with proper coordination.

• The Army installs and maintains markers to designate landing areas.

How to Get Involved

If you own land that meets these criteria and are interested in leasing it to support military aviation training, contact Paul Meissner at Ft. Novosel:

📞 334-255-9764
📧 paul.e.meissner2.civ@army.mil

This is a unique opportunity to support national defense while earning passive income from your land. If you or someone you know has property that could serve as a training site, reach out today!

😕 What’s More Concerning?

Among the litter, we found an alarming number of empty beer and liquor bottles—a clear sign that drinking and driving is still a major issue, despite decades of laws against it.

🚔 The Inmate Labor Dilemma

When I ran for Chairman, I planned to bring back county inmates for litter patrol—but after taking office, I hit two major roadblocks.

➡️ Insurance & Liability

If an inmate were injured or worse, Houston County would be 100% liable for medical costs for life. That’s a financial and legal risk too big to ignore.

➡️ They Don’t Make Inmates Like They Used To

Some suggest using non-violent offenders—but the reality is, in 2025, most are in and out of jail within days or even hours. The ones who stay? They’re not the people we should have walking the streets picking up litter.

📉 The Bottom Line

Houston County needs better solutions for litter control. We’ll keep pushing for answers—but for now, the best thing we can do is step up as a community and take care of our own backyard.

Got ideas? Reply to this email—I’d love to hear them.

If you’re waiting for Alabama to roll the dice on a lottery, don’t hold your breath. While most Alabamians support it, a peculiar alliance of influences—those morally opposed to gambling, the Poarch Creek Indians, and illegal gambling operators—has kept the odds stacked against it. Let’s break it down:

Poarch Creek Power Play

The Poarch Creek Band of Indians is one of Montgomery’s most powerful lobbies, and they’re not interested in a clean lottery bill. Their goal? Legal permission for full Vegas-style casino gaming in Alabama. Ideally, they’d like a monopoly in Alabama, but will likely settle for a monopoly in Jefferson County.

Until they secure this, the politicians in their pocket will hold firm against any straightforward lottery proposal.

Illegal Gambling’s Stake

For illegal gambling operators, a legal lottery is the ultimate threat. Running underground slot machines in gas stations or grocery stores is low-risk and high-reward (only a misdemeanor if caught).

With so much money on the line, whispers of bribery and influence persist. Some local and state officials—especially in Alabama’s Black Belt—may say they back a lottery publicly but vote otherwise when it counts.

Moral Roadblock

Alabama isn’t just religious—it’s one of the most religious states in the country. Many in the Republican party have steadfastly opposed gambling, believing it morally unacceptable.

Without Republican support, lottery advocates are left relying on Democrats from the Black Belt and Jefferson County, some of whom are speculated to have financial ties to illegal gaming operators. The result? A gridlocked system with little room for progress.

The Bottom Line

Between the moral opposition, lobbying power plays by the Poarch Creeks, and the grip of underground gambling, Alabama’s lottery dreams remain a long shot.

Have thoughts on this? Reply to this email—I’d love to hear from you.

In Case You Missed It…

Citizens outside of Dothan pay a very small amount for fire protection relative to Houston County’s largest city. But do you know much less? [Answer here]

#1: Public Safety

We need to get a handle on public safety in 2025. And doing so tops my agenda for the year. Our jail is above capacity, our volunteer fire fighters are on the financial struggle bus, we almost lost a volunteer rescue squad in 2024–and may lose one in 2025.

Jailhouse Jam

For two years, our jail population has exceeded capacity, and relief isn’t coming. A potential expansion, with a price tag exceeding $40 million, might not happen until the end of the decade. In the meantime, we’ll continue exploring alternatives to manage this pressing issue. But make no doubt, the Commission must expand it’s jail. It will do so willingly or by court order. And ultimately, if we want to get criminals off the streets, we have to have a place for them to go.

Fired Up, But Burned Out

Houston County has 17 volunteer fire stations throughout the county.

These departments operate with shoestring budget of $793,000 annually:

• $400,000 (roughly) per year from the $30 fire fee assessed to most structures outside the City of Dothan

• $393,000 (again, approximate) allocated by the County Commission each year from the county tobacco tax

This breaks down to just $21.31 per person, a fraction of Dothan’s $348.11 per resident funding for its fire department.

The system is financially strained, and dwindling volunteers make it unsustainable. We created a task force last year that’s working hard to create a better path forward. I maintain regular contain with it’s Chairman, Mark Powell, and am optimistic they’ll draw up solutions soon.

Volunteer Rescue Mission

Volunteer rescue squads are faring better financially than fire stations but face their own hurdles. In 2024, one squad nearly dissolved due to alleged financial impropriety. Another could face closure this year due to funding shortages and lack of volunteers.

To bolster EMS services, we’re backing the All Health program, which will improve reimbursements through insurance and stabilize funding for Alabama’s hospitals.

#2: Resurfacing 50+ Miles of County Roads

This year, we’ll resurface more roads than we have in years, tackling some of the county’s older, neglected stretches. It’s just a start, but it’s progress.

#3 Back to the Farm Center

The Farm Center is finally getting its long-overdue makeover! By late 2025 or early 2026, Houston County will have a Farm Center we can all be proud of again.

Have feedback? Let me know your thoughts about these topics or others. And thanks again for the opportunity to serve you.

Recently, I’ve been asked about how to apply for jobs at Amazon’s new Dothan facility. If you or someone you know is interesting in working for one of the largest companies in America, check out the information below that provided by the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce.

Amazon offers a variety of flexible shifts and driver routes through this new facility. Prospective employees interested in employment details are encouraged to visit http://www.amazon.com/apply.

More information is also available about:

• Delivery Station Jobs

• Delivery Service Partner Drivers

• Flex Driver Positions

• The Hub Delivery Program

Thank you for the opportunity to serve!

Since I joined the Houston County Commission in 2014, we have resurfaced only one road from the general fund that wasn't part of a federal subsidy, grant, or bond issue. However, this fiscal year, we’re adding D. Hodge, Crawford, Cedar Springs, Smithville, Iris, and Ben Ivey Roads to that list.

Combined with other available funding, this will allow us to resurface over 50 miles of roads at a total cost of just over $8.3 million.

Progress!