DOTHAN: From the Dothan Police Department–On October 29, 2026, Dothan Police Narcotics Investigators executed two search warrants at separate residences in the 600 block of Alabama Avenue related to an ongoing investigation. The investigation revealed Cedric Ladon Dawkins (56) of Dothan was involved in the unlawful possession of firearms as well as the unlawful possession and distribution of narcotics in the Dothan area.
During the search at the two residences, investigators seized 19 firearms that included handguns and long guns, 25 grams of cocaine, 8 grams of marijuana, and over $7,000 cash. Two of those firearms had been reported stolen. Dawkins was charged with Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute, Receiving Stolen Property 2nd degree, Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Dawkins was booked into the Houston County Jail. More charges and arrests are possible. This is an ongoing investigation.
LEVEL PLAINS: The City of Level Plains invites residents to shop, sell and spend a morning with neighbors at its City-Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Community Park at the Level Plains Community Center.
Vendor setup runs from 7 to 8 a.m., and the sale will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. There is no cost to set up, and parking is free. Vendors should bring their own tents and tables.
Whether you’re looking to clear out unused items, hunt for bargains or simply enjoy time with the community, everyone is welcome to take part.
The city says it is committed to creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment where everyone feels respected and valued. Participants are asked to be courteous to fellow vendors and shoppers, stay within their own sales space, keep walkways clear and safe, and conduct sales in a friendly manner. Harassment, intimidation, disruptive behavior and disrespectful conduct will not be tolerated.
Vendors are also responsible for cleaning up after themselves. That means removing all unsold merchandise, taking down tables, tents, chairs and signs, and disposing of trash, boxes and packaging so the area is left in the same or better condition than it was found. Participants are asked not to leave unwanted items behind for the city to remove.
“Good stuff brings people together,” the city said in its announcement. Come out for a morning of bargains, community spirit and fun.
US: We announce the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart (aged 86) yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. He was surrounded by the warm embrace of family and friends, live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all. RIP Patrick Stewart.
DOTHAN: Southeast Health is proud to announce it has earned a spot on Newsweek’s prestigious 2027 America’s Best-In-State Hospitals list.
The list released on October 29, is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The complete state-by-state listing can be viewed in Newsweek’s “America’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2027.”
“This recognition reflects a commitment to quality that extends across our organization, from the Houston County Health Care Authority to our physicians, clinicians and team members,” said Rick Sutton, Southeast Health CEO. “We are proud to be recognized nationally, but what matters most is the trust our patients and families place in us to provide high-quality care close to home.”
Proximity and access are important considerations when choosing between hospitals. The America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2027 ranking was created to identify the top hospitals at the state level. Hospitals from every state were eligible for the ranking and included in the nationwide survey.
Four data sources were used for the evaluation: Hospital Quality Metrics, Hospital Reputation, Patient Experience, and a Statista Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Implementation Survey. As a result, the 800 hospitals that scored the highest across these criteria have been included on the list.
MONTGOMERY: Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plans to invest nearly $450 million to expand production at its Montgomery plant, Gov. Kay Ivey’s office announced Wednesday. The effects could be felt as far south as Dothan and the rest of the Wiregrass.
Ivey joined company officials for the announcement. The investment will expand engine production for hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles and prepare the plant to build the refreshed Santa Fe and the all-new Tucson.
Hyundai’s reach extends well beyond Montgomery. According to Grow Southeast Alabama, Hyundai suppliers operate in Coffee, Covington and Barbour counties, tying the Wiregrass region to the automaker’s production network. For Dothan, the area’s largest city and commercial hub, a stronger Hyundai could mean more business for the region’s workers, suppliers and surrounding communities.
Hyundai Chief Operating Officer Mark Rader said the project’s benefits would reach beyond Montgomery and create opportunities across Alabama. “Confidence in our supplier network. And confidence in Alabama,” Rader said.
According to the governor’s office, the Montgomery plant employs about 4,200 people. The plant and its suppliers generate more than $5 billion in annual economic activity.
WIREGRASS: Get ready, Halloween lovers! This year’s spooky celebration falls on Saturday, October 31, giving families, partygoers and trick-or-treaters a perfect excuse to make the most of Halloween night.
And here’s the catch: We won’t have another Saturday Halloween until 2037!
So, consider this your official permission to make it a little extra spooky!
Let the kids stay up a little later, order the pizza, stock up on candy and enjoy those costumes, haunted houses and neighborhood festivities. For the grown-ups, it might be the perfect night for a Halloween party and a spooky drink or two.
There’s another bonus this year, too. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 1, meaning clocks fall back an hour. That gives late-night Halloween revelers an extra hour before the morning comes around!
Halloween on a Saturday is a rare treat, so enjoy the costumes, candy, laughter and memories.
