DOTHAN, Ala. – At its Oct. 20, 2026 meeting, the Dothan City Commission thanked first responders, utility linemen, city workers, volunteers and everyone who worked together during the recent hurricane.
The mayor urged residents to be patient as storm debris removal continues. Crews estimate about four more weeks of work. The commission reminded the public to remove all trash from debris piles and keep it separate from storm debris. Residents are also asked to report any streetlight outages to the city.
Fire Chief David Hasty joined the commission for a proclamation designating Fire Prevention Week in Dothan, Oct. 4-10. This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety.” The commission also proclaimed Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, to raise awareness about substance abuse.
PINCKARD: The countdown is on for the town’s first Fall Festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pinckard Town Hall.
About 25 vendors will take part, with some set up indoors and others outside. Earnie’s Food Truck will be on hand for those looking to grab a bite.
Children can visit a trick-or-treat center, where each child will receive a candy bag and choose a Halloween favor.
Entertainment will include a performance by the Three C’s, a country gospel group, from noon to 1 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., the LA Line Dancers will take the stage in Halloween costumes. The group draws dancers from Andalusia, Opp and Enterprise.
At 3 p.m., organizers will raffle off three baskets. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20.
Organizers say they hope the first-year event will be a success, with something for everyone.
DOTHAN: From Dothan Leisure Services -What an exciting day we have coming up this Saturday, October 24th!
Zombie Chase 5K at 9AM at the Westgate Trail
This is a fun, chip-timed 5K that comines fitness. Halloween thrills, and charity support. Runners will wear flag football belts and navigate the Westgate trail while “zombies” in the wooded sections try to collect their flags. This event benefits Dothan Special Olympics and the Alabama Law Enforcement Alliance for peer support. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9:00 a.m.
Boo Fest from 10AM-2PM at Porter Park
Boo Fest is a free outdoor Fall Festival event in downtown Dothan from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 at Porter Park Events Plaza, 125 North Saint Andrews Street Dothan. The activities include a kids costume contest, featuring wonderful prizes for first second and third place as well as most creative, scariest and funniest costumes. There will be a pie eating contest, kids activity zone, live dance performances and live music, vendor booths, food trucks, a spooky craft station, and trick-or-treating from Booth to booth.
Monster Mash and Bash Pickleball Tournament at the Dothan Pickleball Complex. Play begins at 8:00 a.m. it will be held at the Dothan pickleball complex, 1701 stadium Street in Dothan.
DOTHAN: The city of Dothan is considering a resolution to apply for $15,142.40 in federal money toward the purchase of 52 sets of body armor for its law enforcement officers.
City agenda documents put the total cost of the armor at $30,284.80. The grant, available through the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2026 Bulletproof Vest Partnership, would pay for half of that amount. The program offers matching funds to help law enforcement agencies buy or replace protective vests.
Should the resolution pass, Mayor Mark Saliba would be authorized to submit the application and accept the award. The measure would also add the grant funds to the city’s fiscal year 2027 budget under police uniforms and supplies.
According to the application, the final award amount will be determined once the application period ends.
COLUMBIA: The Columbia Historical Society’s monthly meeting this evening was to help us remember that some of the most interesting inventions have roots right here in our own communities. The Historical Society is currently in the process of restoring an old church in Columbia, built in 1902. There are also plans for the old jail, here since the Civil War, to restore the building and artifacts inside.
This evening, the guest speaker was Dr. Martin T. Olliff, director of the Wiregrass Archives and retired history professor at Troy University in Dothan, shared the fascinating history of local inventors and their contributions from the 1880s through World War II.
A beautiful custom painting of the many Columbia landmarks was presented to the Society by local artist, Erin Bentley.
The town of Columbia was Established in 1820, and was once a major center of commerce and steamboat traffic along the Chattahoochee River. The town served as Henry County’s seat from 1826 to 1833 before becoming part of Houston County in 1903.
As railroads replaced river transportation, Columbia adapted through agriculture and industry, including a cotton textile mill established in 1891.
Today, the Columbia Historical Society of Alabama works to preserve the town’s history, historic buildings, artifacts and stories. Founded in 2001, the nonprofit operates a museum at 105 S. Main St. in Columbia, where visitors can learn about the community’s past. The public is always invited to attend meetings the third Monday evening at the Depot on Highway 52 East.
Learn more at, columbiahistoricalsocietyofalabama.org. You may also contact Jane Whitton at jane.whitton44@gmail.com.
WIREGRASS: During National School Bus Safety Week- Simple habits, practiced every day, help protect the children who ride the bus
Every school day, millions of children climb aboard a bus with a backpack, a lunch, and the trust of the families who waved them off. School buses are among the safest ways to get to school, and a few simple habits can make the trip safer still. Here is what safety advocates commonly recommend.
For Students
Arrive early. Get to the stop a few minutes ahead of time so there is no running toward the bus.
Wait safely. Stand well back from the curb, about three giant steps, and wait for the bus to come to a full stop and the door to open.
Cross with care. If you must cross the street, walk about ten feet in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Make eye contact and wait for the driver’s signal before stepping out.
Stay seated. Sit facing forward, keep aisles clear, and keep hands and heads inside the bus.
Never chase a dropped item. If something falls near the bus, tell the driver instead of bending down to pick it up. The driver may not be able to see you.
For Parents and Caregivers
Walk the route to the stop with younger children and talk through each step, including where to wait, how to cross, and what to do if something goes wrong. Choose backpacks without long dangling straps or drawstrings, which can catch on handrails and doors. Remind children that the driver is there to help and that they can always speak up if they are worried or something feels unsafe.
For Drivers Sharing the Road
Motorists play an important part, too. When a school bus flashes its red lights and extends its stop arm, traffic must stop. Passing a stopped school bus is illegal in every state. Slow down in school zones, watch for children near bus stops, and stay alert before and after school, when kids may be hurrying or distracted.
A Shared Responsibility
Safe rides depend on the whole community, including students, families, drivers, and neighbors. A few extra seconds of patience at a bus stop can mean a child comes home safe at the end of the day.
DOTHAN: The city of Dothan is considering a resolution to apply for $15,142.40 in federal money toward the purchase of 52 sets of body armor for its law enforcement officers.
