MONTGOMERY: Governor Kay Ivey recently welcomed student veterans from Auburn University and the University of Alabama to the State Capitol to sign a proclamation naming November 26, 2025, as Operation Iron Ruck Day in Alabama.
“Our veterans have carried the weight of defending this nation, and Alabama will always stand by their side,” Ivey said. “By putting rivalry aside and marching for a greater cause, these student veterans show the very best of who we are.”
Operation Iron Ruck unites student veterans from both schools during Iron Bowl week as they march with 22-pound rucks filled with donated food and hygiene essentials. Those items will be delivered to veteran support groups including Bill Nichols State Veterans Home, Mission 22, Tuskegee Veterans Assisted Living Centers, and Three Hots and a Cot.
Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Jeff Newton said the effort highlights the strong character of the veterans involved and brings needed attention to suicide prevention.
More than 400,000 veterans live in Alabama. Although they make up about 10% of the population, veterans account for 18% of suicide deaths in the state. In 2023, Alabama recorded 139 veteran suicides.
Veterans experiencing emotional distress can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1 for immediate help.
DOTHAN: Traffic was slowed to a crawl Tuesday evening after a multi-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 231 North near Texas Roadhouse.
Around 6:01 p.m., first responders were dispatched to the scene, where at least one vehicle had overturned. Officials confirmed that all occupants were able to exit their vehicles. The extent of injuries, however, had not yet been released at the time of the incident.
Northbound traffic heading toward Ross Clark Circle was reduced to one lane while emergency crews worked to secure the scene and clear the roadway. Drivers in the area experienced delays and were urged to use caution.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. More information will be provided as updates become available from authorities.
HENRY COUNTY: Henry County officials are stepping into the legal fight surrounding how Alabama distributes online sales tax revenue, becoming the latest county to join a growing lawsuit over the state’s Simplified Seller’s Use Tax program.
The SSUT system — which applies the same 8% tax rate to purchases made from out-of-state or remote retailers and delivered within Alabama — shares a portion of that revenue with local governments. However, several larger cities, including Tuscaloosa, argue that the formula shortchanges major metro areas and are pushing for a revised structure.
County Commission Chairman Ray Marler said that any major change to the existing system could create significant financial strain on rural communities that rely heavily on those dollars.
“We’ve already allocated some of this funding toward capital projects that are underway or soon to come,” Marler said. “Counties like ours need to stand united because a single voice is much stronger statewide. Maintaining this revenue stream is essential.”
Henry County joins neighboring Dale and Houston counties in supporting the legal effort, signaling strong local government concern about the potential impact of any shift in the tax distribution model.
DOTHAN: As Thanksgiving approaches, Dothan officials are reminding residents about changes to the sanitation collection schedule — and assuring those who still haven’t had their bins emptied that help is on the way.
City crews are currently working to catch up on earlier delays. Anyone whose waste normally gets picked up on Monday or Tuesday but didn’t see their cart serviced is asked to keep it at the curb until sanitation workers make it to their street.
Revised pickup schedule for the holiday week:
Wednesday customers → Service moved to Tuesday, November 25
Thursday customers → Service moved to Wednesday, November 26
These adjustments apply only to garbage and trash service. Recycling pickup will not take place this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
DOTHAN: Dothan Leisure Services is once again transforming Westgate Park into a glowing holiday destination. The free drive-through Christmas at Westgate light show kicks off Friday, November 28, and continues nightly through December 31 from sunset until midnight.
This year introduces more sparkling elements, including brand-new light exhibits and Santa’s Mailbox, giving children a direct line to the North Pole.
Guests can extend the fun at Water World, where dancing Christmas lights sync with music played on 88.1 FM.
To access the route, drivers are encouraged to begin at the Westgate Tennis Center, located at 810 Recreation Road. For more information, call 334-615-3700 or visit dothanleisureservices.org.
Terry’s Boiled Peanuts is Having a Thanksgiving’s and Iron Bowl Special this weekend . Gallon Bags are Normally $30.00 but this weekend they will be $25.00 PREORDER Only. Go to cash app $T36301 to order then text me at 334-790-4563 . You can pick up on the corner of South State Hwy 109 and 605. I will be there on Wednesday At 10am until 4:30 pm then back on Friday and Saturday same hours . Please tell me what do you will be there to pick them up. This price is only good when you preorder and prepay. Once again cash app. $T36301 $25.00 per Gallon Bag Hope you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving . Also hope your Team Will Win Saturday.
Terry’s Boiled Peanuts is Having a Thanksgiving’s and Iron Bowl Special this weekend . Gallon Bags are Normally $30.00 but this weekend they will be $25.00 PREORDER Only. Go to cash app $T36301 to order then text me at 334-790-4563 . You can pick up on the corner of South State Hwy 109 and 605. I will be there on Wednesday At 10am until 4:30 pm then back on Friday and Saturday same hours . Please tell me what do you will be there to pick them up. This price is only good when you preorder and prepay. Once again cash app. $T36301 $25.00 per Gallon Bag Hope you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving . Also hope your Team Will Win Saturday.