Landmark Park has announced exciting news for its upcoming Astronomy Night, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20.
The park will welcome Dr. Matthew Simon as the special guest speaker for the evening. Simon works with the Space Mission Analysis Branch at NASA Langley Research Center and brings professional experience in space science and mission planning.
Astronomy Night will feature telescope viewing, hands-on learning opportunities, and space-themed activities designed for all ages. Guests will also be able to enjoy snacks while learning more about astronomy and space exploration.
Park officials say the event is part of Landmark Park’s continued commitment to offering engaging, educational programming for the Wiregrass community. Additional details about Astronomy Night are expected to be released closer to the event date.
Seniors at Dothan High School received hands-on assistance Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, as representatives from Wallace Community College visited campus to help students prepare for life after graduation.
During the visit, Wallace staff worked one-on-one with students on college enrollment and scholarship applications, allowing seniors to ask questions and complete key steps with real-time guidance.
Career coaches said the on-campus support helped reduce stress for students navigating post-graduation decisions while providing clarity during a critical point in the school year.
School officials noted that the continued partnership with Wallace Community College plays a meaningful role in helping Dothan High School seniors move confidently toward their future plans.
Henry County Sheriff Eric Blankenship is working to bring federal drug enforcement resources to the county as part of an expanded effort to combat illegal drugs and related crimes.
Blankenship is in the process of securing a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) task force officer for Henry County. If approved, the partnership would allow local deputies to work federal drug cases and gain access to additional federal resources.
The DEA officer would join the sheriff’s SPADE unit, the county’s proactive drug enforcement team launched in 2024.
According to Blankenship, drug trends are shifting nationwide. While fentanyl cases are declining, methamphetamine cases are increasing. He also cited illegal vape products as a growing concern, noting that many people are inhaling substances with unknown contents.
Blankenship said reducing the flow of drugs into the county would also help cut down on related crimes, including theft and violent offenses.
The sheriff believes combining local enforcement efforts with federal partnerships will make Henry County’s fight against drugs more effective, calling the work an ongoing battle to keep dangerous substances off local streets.
Circuit Houston and Henry County Court Watch February 10, 2026
DOTHAN: These court cases are scheduled in the 20th Judicial Circuit in Houston and Henry County Alabama:
Compiled by Linda Boster
HOUSTON COUNTY:
HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTY DISTRICT-CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE BENJAMIN LEWIS: Each morning has initial appearances. These are people who have not made bond. They are required to be seen by a Judge or Magistrate within 48 to 72 hours “of their arrest”. Judge Lewis follows the law even when on holiday he or another Judge comes to the Houston County Jail for the initial appearances.
These Persons are seen via a TV screen from the jail to the courtroom.
HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTYDISTRICT– CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE BENJAMIN LEWIS: Has Traffic with 228 cases ranging from DUI, Speeding, Fail Display Insurance, No Drive’s License, Failure to Wear Safe Belt, Improper Lights and Expired Tag. He also has District-Criminal with 1 case for Dom Viol 3rd-Menacing.
HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTY CIRCUIT-CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE R TODD DERRICK: Has District-Criminal with 2 cases for Pistol Certain Persons Forbidden, Possess/Receipt Control Subs. He also has Circuit-Criminal with 18 cases ranging from Use/Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Possess/Receipt Control Subs, Possess Marijuana 2nd, Mischief 1st and Break/Enter Vehicle.
HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTY DISTRICT- CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE BART MATTHEW BOOTHE: Has Child Support with 7 cases for CS Forn JUDMT, Child Support Case, Paternity, Contempt/Rule NISI X 3 and Petition Modify.
HENRY COUNTY:
HONORABLE HENRY COUNTY CIRCUIT-CIVIL COURT JUDGE M JOHN STEENSLAND III: Has Domestic Relations with 4 cases for Contested Divorce X 3, Petition to Modify. He also has Circuit-Civil with 3 cases for Equity Non-Damage, Other CV Case, Negligence General.
HCSO Highlights Investigations Division and Emergency Response Training
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing the hard work and professionalism of its Investigations Division and deputies who respond to a wide range of calls each day.
Not all calls for service handled by the Sheriff’s Office are criminal in nature. Deputies frequently respond to motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies such as strokes, and critical situations in remote wooded areas, including one incident reported last month.
In emergency situations like these, time is critical. Deputies partnered with medical personnel from Survival Flight to participate in specialized training focused on locating and establishing safe helicopter landing zones.
Officials say Henry County’s rural landscape makes air medical transport an essential resource. Having a Survival Flight base located within the county allows patients to be quickly transported by air to the nearest medical facility when minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office says it takes great pride in the work its deputies and staff perform and wants the public to know they remain committed to providing the highest level of service possible to the citizens they serve each and every day.
Kay Ivey announced Friday that the State Industrial Development Authority has approved 21 grants totaling $15.7 million through the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program.
The SEEDS program supports large-scale industrial projects and job creation across Alabama. Over three years, SEEDS and required local matches have invested $138 million across 77 industrial sites statewide.
“This program has proven to be a game-changer for Alabama’s economic development,” Ivey said, noting that communities are better positioned to compete for major projects.
In this third round, SIDA approved 12 site assessment grants totaling more than $3 million for environmental and geotechnical studies, and nine site development grants valued at $12.7 million for site preparation activities. The grants will benefit industrial sites in multiple counties across the state.
