Residents urge Chilton County to act after injuries, threats linked to H Town venue
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Summary
Multiple residents told the Chilton County Commission that events at a private venue called H Town have led to serious injuries, repeated threats and community safety concerns; they asked the county to consider closing the venue while noting pending lawsuits and police reports.
Several residents told the Chilton County Commission during public comment that events at a private venue known as H Town have posed ongoing safety risks and that the venue’s owner, identified in comments as Daniel (German) Hidalgo, had threatened attendees and critics.
At the Jan. work session a translator, Jose Luis, spoke on behalf of a mother whose son was injured at an H Town event on July 5, 2025. According to Jose Luis, the son, who was 17 at the time, suffered severe facial and hand injuries after fireworks set off by other attendees struck him. "He underwent several surgeries on his face and left hand," Jose Luis said; he said the family waited for emergency response and that there was no trained staff or immediate first aid at the event.
Griselda Hernandez, who identified herself as a Chilton County resident, described a history of incidents she attributed to the venue and to Daniel Hidalgo, including threats and alleged violent behavior. Hernandez said she has filed police reports across multiple jurisdictions and obtained a restraining order; she told commissioners she had lost count of reports but estimated about 13 filings over five years. "For the safety of our children and all of us who live nearby and in the surrounding counties, we ask that you stop this dangerous individual named Daniel German Hidalgo," Hernandez said.
Commissioners and others on the dais noted that litigation is underway. A staff member said a court case involving a neighbor is scheduled for Feb. 4 and that the county’s related case is expected to follow. Commissioners expressed sympathy and repeatedly stated they could not comment in detail because of pending legal actions.
No formal enforcement action or vote by the commission to close H Town was recorded at the work session. The sheriff’s office accepted copies of the complainants’ police reports and staff said they would coordinate follow-up with the sheriff when the meeting concluded.
Next steps: speakers asked the county to review police reports and investigate safety and nuisance concerns; commissioners said they would work with the sheriff and county attorney but emphasized the limits on public comment while cases are pending.