FORT RUCKER, Ala. — Fort Rucker is taking on a new role in the U.S. Army’s plans to expand the use of drones, robotics and other advanced military technology.
The Army announced Tuesday that Fort Rucker will become the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Autonomy Center of Excellence under the newly redesignated Futures and Autonomous Systems Command, formerly known as the Futures and Concepts Command.
The move puts the Wiregrass military installation at the center of the Army’s efforts to develop and test technology that could change how soldiers operate on the battlefield.
The new command will bring together several Army research, modernization and innovation organizations. Its mission includes testing autonomous systems, improving military capabilities and finding new ways to combine robotics and technology with traditional military operations.
One area of focus will be the use of unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drones, alongside helicopters and other crewed aircraft. The Army has been developing ways for pilots to work with unmanned aircraft, giving them a better view of their surroundings and more information to help make decisions.
Fort Rucker’s existing aviation expertise and work on these systems helped make it a natural choice for the new designation.
Acting Army Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve said Fort Rucker offers a unique opportunity to bring together military experts and modern commercial technology to test new capabilities.
The announcement is another proud moment for the Wiregrass community. Fort Rucker has long been a source of pride for Southeast Alabama, and this new designation reinforces the installation’s importance to the Army, our national security and the region we call home.
The Army has not yet announced whether the designation will bring additional jobs, new facilities, increased funding or a specific timeline for fully establishing the center.
As the Army continues investing in new technology, Fort Rucker is positioned to play a growing role in shaping the future of military aviation and autonomous systems.
DOTHAN, Ala. — The Dothan Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Lyriq Caldwell, who was reported missing after last being seen on October 12, 2026.
According to the department’s missing-person alert, Caldwell was last seen near the 100 block of Oakland Drive in Dothan. She may also be in the area of Alabama Avenue.
Caldwell is described as a Black female, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Her clothing at the time she was last seen is unknown.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen Caldwell or has information that could help bring her home safely to contact the Dothan Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to call 334-793-0215 or 334-615-3632.
Community members are encouraged to share the department’s alert and help spread the word so Lyriq can be located and reunited safely with her loved ones.
ALERT: More Than 112,000 Bottles of Extra Strength Acetaminophen Recalled After Reports of Discolored Pills
If you recently ordered pain reliever on Amazon, you may want to check your medicine cabinet.
More than 112,000 bottles of Extra Strength Acetaminophen sold through Amazon are being recalled following consumer complaints that some of the pills appeared discolored.
The 500-milligram caplets are manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma and sold under Amazon’s private-label brand.
Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Many people recognize it as the active ingredient in Tylenol. It is also known as paracetamol in many countries outside the United States.
So far, it has not been determined whether the discolored pills have an actual product defect or pose a health risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not assigned a risk classification to the recall.
Anyone who purchased the affected medication through Amazon should contact Amazon customer service for information about the recall and available remedies.
If you have a bottle in your medicine cabinet, take a moment to check it and contact Amazon before using any product you believe may be affected.
When it comes to medication, it is always better to take a few minutes to check than to take a chance.
ENTERPRISE: In Enterprise, a simple act of kindness happens on the third Tuesday of every month. Christian Mission Centers opens its doors, and its drive-thru line, to anyone who could use a little help putting food on the table.
Every 3rd Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., volunteers hand out food boxes free of charge at 231 Geneva Highway. The next distribution is Tuesday, October 20.
“We strive to be a blessing to our community,” the organization says, and that spirit shows in every box handed through a car window. No paperwork is mentioned on the flyer, just a friendly face and a meal for the week ahead.
Know before you go: To keep traffic moving safely, cars should line up on Watson Street, enter through the church parking lot, and exit onto Geneva Highway.
For more information, call Christian Mission Centers at (334) 393-2607 or visit christmissions.org.
ASHFORD: The city’s online payment portal is undergoing software upgrades and will remain unavailable until further notice.
City officials understand the inconvenience this may cause for customers who rely on online payments. In the meantime, payments can be made in person at City Hall.
City Hall office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while drive-thru services are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both are closed for lunch from noon until 1 p.m.
For those who need to make payments after regular business hours, a payment drop box is also available.
Customers are encouraged to plan accordingly while the city works through the software upgrades. An update will be needed once the online payment portal is available again.
As cleanup continues across the City of Enterprise, Ala. following Hurricane Isaias, we want to explain how residents can help our crews collect debris safely and efficiently.
WHY ARE THERE SIZE LIMITS?
Our collection trucks use specialized equipment with a boom or claw arm to lift and load debris. This equipment can handle only a certain amount of weight. Oversized or excessively heavy limbs can damage the equipment, slowing down collection for everyone.
For that reason, tree limbs must be no longer than 6 feet and no more than 6 inches in diameter. Please cut larger limbs to meet these guidelines before placing them at the curb.
SEPARATE YOUR DEBRIS
Crews need residents to separate debris into distinct piles. Mixed piles will not be collected.
Our primary focus right now is collecting tree limbs and other eligible vegetative debris. At this time, crews are not collecting storm-damaged household items or other large debris, including couches, chairs, mangled swing sets and trampolines.
Please help crews by following these guidelines:
Keep limbs within the size limits. Cut them to 6 feet or less in length and 6 inches or less in diameter.
Separate debris by type. Do not mix household trash bags with piles of tree limbs.
Keep metal and other materials separate. Do not place swing set bars or other metal items on top of limb piles.
Give crews room to work. Leave a clear perimeter around your debris pile. Do not place debris against mailboxes, and keep it clear of other obstacles so collection equipment can operate safely.
OUR CREWS ARE WORKING
Street Department, Sanitation Department and Sewer Department employees are all focused on storm cleanup and debris collection. Our crews are working to address the widespread impacts of the storm, and we appreciate your patience as this process continues.
Following these guidelines helps protect our equipment, keeps our employees safe and allows us to serve as many areas as possible.
Thank you, Enterprise, for your patience and cooperation as we work to clean up our community.
