Wishing You a Happy New Year

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