DOTHAN: Early risers got a free show Tuesday as a SpaceX Falcon 9 climbed into the morning sky, leaving a bright, glowing trail that drew stares and phone cameras across the region.
The mission, SpaceX CRS-35, was scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 40 at 7:30 a.m. Eastern. It is a NASA resupply flight carrying supplies and cargo to the International Space Station.
Morning launches tend to look especially striking. When the sun is low, the rocket’s exhaust plume catches the light while the ground below is still in shadow, which makes a glowing streak against a dark-blue sky.
Spectators who missed it can usually find replays of SpaceX launches on the company’s website and social channels.
ALABAMA: When a storm knocks out power, line workers climb into the dark and the danger to restore it.
When a storm takes down a neighborhood’s power, the crews who restore it often work through the worst of the weather: high winds, floodwater, and heat. They work at height, near energized equipment, and usually after long hours with little sleep.
Federal data shows how risky that work is. A Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis found that line installers and repairers suffered 201 fatal occupational injuries from 2011 to 2015, about 40 per year. Electrical power-line workers accounted for 131 of those deaths, roughly double the 70 among telecommunications line workers. BLS included electrical power-line installers and repairers on its yearly list of the 10 civilian occupations with high fatal-injury rates for every year from 2011 through 2015. One analysis of BLS figures put the fatality rate for the occupation at 23.7 per 100,000 workers, well above the rate for most jobs.
Electricity is only one of the risks. Power-line workers install or repair high-voltage cables and related equipment, and a single mistake or equipment failure can be fatal. Overhead power line contact is also a leading cause of electrical deaths across all occupations. BLS recorded 1,940 workplace fatalities involving electricity between 2011 and 2023.
The job is physical and often done at height. Line workers climb poles and work from bucket trucks, handling heavy equipment while exposed to the elements. Even telecommunications crews, who don’t touch high-voltage cables, must reach and work with wiring and equipment attached to utility poles. That group’s nonfatal injury rate was higher than the rates for all occupations and for electrical power-line workers in the BLS analysis.
The risk concentrates where the grid is built and repaired. Three industries accounted for over 95 percent of fatal injuries among electrical power-line workers: electric power generation, transmission and distribution; power and communication line construction; and electrical contractors.
Emergencies raise the stakes. Storm restoration means working fast in poor conditions, often at night and often while fatigued, which is exactly when mistakes become more likely.
Modern life runs on electricity. Hospitals, water systems, refrigeration, heating and cooling, and communications all depend on a grid that people maintain by hand, often at personal risk. Most customers only notice line workers when the power is out, but the work of keeping it on is constant.
There are simple ways to show appreciation:
Give crews space. Slow down and move over for utility vehicles on the roadside.
Stay away from downed lines. Treat every fallen line as energized and call your utility or 911.
Be patient during outages. Restoration is slow because crews must make each repair safely.
Say thank you. A sign in the yard or a wave to a passing crew means more than most people realize.
ENTERPRISE: Downtown Enterprise will come alive with autumn color this Saturday, October 17, as the Enterprise Fall Festival returns from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering food, shopping, music and activities for the whole family.
Among the day’s featured entertainment, Center Stage Dance will perform at 1:00 p.m. on Easy Street, in front of Par & Pour. The performance is expected to draw a crowd of festivalgoers, and organizers are encouraging the community to turn out and show their support for the young dancers.
Visitors can also stop by the Center Stage Dance tent throughout the festival for face painting, a popular activity for children and families.
The Fall Festival brings together local businesses, vendors and neighbors in the heart of downtown. With seasonal décor, live music and a full lineup of activities, organizers say they can’t wait to see the community come out to celebrate.
Event Details
What: Enterprise Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 17, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Enterprise
Center Stage Dance performance: 1:00 p.m., Easy Street (in front of Par & Pour)
KINSEY: The City of Kinsey will temporarily switch to water supplied by the City of Dothan beginning late Tuesday night, Oct. 13, while maintenance is performed on the town’s water tower.
According to the City of Kinsey, the water tower will be painted on both the inside and outside. The temporary water supply change will remain in effect until further notice.
City officials are advising residents to watch for possible water discoloration during the transition.
If you notice any discoloration in your water, please contact Kinsey City Hall at (334) 793-5409.
Officials thanked residents for their cooperation, saying, “We appreciate your patience and understanding while this maintenance is completed!”
Residents are encouraged to share this notice with family, friends and neighbors.
DOTHAN: The Salvation Army Dothan Corps will hold in-person registration for its annual Angel Tree Christmas assistance program October 12-16, 2026, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Registration will take place at 1001 South Bell Street in Dothan. The program serves children ages 12 and younger and seniors ages 65 and older.
Families registering for assistance should bring the required documentation, including the child’s birth certificate, valid identification, household income and expense information, and any court documents showing custody, if applicable. Pregnant applicants must also bring a doctor’s statement verifying the due date if the child is due before January 1.
Returning parents or guardians should bring a budget certification, along with clothing and shoe sizes for the children and a list of three toy choices. Electronic devices, bicycles and video games are not accepted as toy choices.
The Salvation Army notes that applicants may register for its Angel Tree program only if they have not registered for Christmas assistance through another agency in the surrounding area.
Angel Tree gifts and wish lists are not guaranteed. Families are encouraged to bring all required documentation to help complete the registration process.
DOTHAN: Update-Zone 3 of the Westgate Walking Trail is now cleared so the entire trail is now open to the public.
HURRICANE ISAIAS UPDATE – PARK AND TRAIL STATUS
10/12/26 at 7:55 AM
The City of Dothan Leisure Services continues cleanup and recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias. Several areas have reopened to the public, while others remain closed due to storm-related damage.
Closed Until Further Notice:
• Walton Park
• Emerald Lake
• Forever Wild Trails
• Westgate Walking Trail, Zone 3
• Eastgate Boardwalk
• Portions of the Kiwanis Trail
• Solomon Park
Open to the Public:
• Eastgate Park, Lodge, Dog Park, and Restrooms
• Forever Wild Dog Park
• Westgate Bike Trail
• Westgate Walking Trail, Zones 1-2 and 4-8
• Westgate Park, Recreation Center, and Competition Pool
• Wiregrass Park and Recreation Center
• Westgate Tennis Center
• Dothan Pickleball Complex
Residents are urged to use caution, avoid storm debris and active cleanup areas, and observe all posted closures and safety barriers.
The City of Dothan Leisure Services will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available and additional areas reopen to the public. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as recovery efforts continue.
