ENTERPRISE: Enterprise police are asking for the public’s help identifying two masked, armed suspects who broke into a home and shot a resident early Tuesday.
Officers responded around 4:30 a.m. Oct. 27 to a report of a burglary and shooting at a residence in the 2100 block of Geneva Highway.
Preliminary findings show the two suspects forced their way into the home. A physical struggle followed, and the victim was shot in the leg. The suspects fled the scene after the shooting. The victim was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.
The Enterprise Police Department is actively investigating. Anyone who saw suspicious activity, people or vehicles in the area around the time of the shooting is asked to call (334) 347-2222 or submit a tip at www.enterprisepd.com.
HOUSTON COUNTY: A former special needs teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School is accused of abusing a student in her classroom, a troubling allegation involving a child who relied on her for care.
Heather Varner Hunter, 46, was arrested Monday afternoon, Oct. 26, and charged with child abuse, according to reports.
Authorities allege the incident occurred in September, when Hunter poured hot sauce on a student’s tongue as punishment after the child stuck it out. An investigation into the allegation followed and led to her arrest.
The accusation raises serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable students and the trust families place in the educators who care for them. Hunter is charged but has not been convicted, and the case will proceed through the court system.
DOTHAN: The Dothan Police Department is seeking the help of our local and surrounding communities in the identity of the person(s) in the pictures below. Police are asking anyone who recognizes the subject(s) to call the Dothan Police Department 334-615-3632 or 334-793-0215.
The Dothan Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help in an anonymous capacity.
ALABAMA: Don’t believe the rumors. Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, Nov. 1, and Alabamians will be setting their clocks back an hour. No matter what you may have heard about the time staying put, it WILL change this weekend.
The confusion centers on the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent. The U.S. House passed the bill in July, and plenty of people took that to mean the debate was settled. It isn’t. The Senate has not voted on it, which means it is not law.
For a bill to get there, it must pass through both the House and the Senate. Then it heads to the president’s desk, where it becomes law if the president signs it, if the president lets 10 days pass without acting while Congress is in session, or if Congress overrides a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Right now, it hasn’t made it past step one.
So for now, “fall back” happens at 2 a.m. Sunday, and everyone gets an extra hour of sleep.
But the bigger question is still wide open: Is the time change worth keeping at all? Supporters of permanent daylight saving time say they’d gladly trade the twice-a-year clock shuffle for more sunlight in the evening. Others warn that it would mean darker winter mornings, with kids waiting for the school bus and commuters heading out before sunrise.
Which side are you on? Would you rather have brighter winter mornings or longer summer evenings? Either way, there are trade-offs, and for now, the decision is out of our hands.
DOTHAN: From Buds and Blossoms Nursery, Dothan-A Message to Our Valued Customers and Clients
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Bobby Boone.
Bobby dedicated his life to Buds N’ Blossoms Nursery, building not only a business but also lasting relationships with customers, clients, employees, and friends throughout our community.
As our family and the Buds N’ Blossoms team navigate this difficult time, we humbly ask for your grace, patience, and understanding in the days ahead.
We are deeply grateful for your prayers, love, and continued support. Thank you for being part of the Buds N’ Blossoms family and for helping us honor Bobby’s remarkable legacy.
ENTERPRISE: Get those costumes ready, practice your best monster mash and save room for some Halloween treats! Spooky in the Park is returning to Enterprise, bringing an evening of family fun, games, candy and just the right amount of spooky silliness.
Enterprise Parks and Recreation will host its annual Spooky in the Park on Friday, October 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Johnny Henderson Family Park, 1901 Neil Metcalf Road. Best of all, admission and activities are free!
Families can enjoy inflatables, face painting, games, prizes, trunk-or-treat and plenty of Halloween fun. Food trucks and vendors will also be on-site for those who need a little fuel between collecting candy and chasing little goblins around the park. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Who Will Wear the Crown?
One of the evening’s biggest highlights will be the costume contest at 6:45 p.m. Whether you’re bringing a tiny pumpkin, a pint-sized superhero, a spooky creature or a whole family dressed to impress, there’s a category for everyone.
The five categories are ages 0–3, ages 4–7, ages 8–13, ages 14 and older, and groups and families. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded in each category.
Want to compete? Online registration is available through Tuesday, October 27, using the Enterprise Parks and Recreation RecDesk portal at https://eprd.recdesk.com/Community/Program. You can also register in person from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on event day. Just don’t wait until the witching hour — no late entries will be accepted!
Candy, Fire Trucks and a Halloween Weevil?
Local departments are joining the fun, too.
The Enterprise Police Department will have a tent with candy and fun prizes, while the Enterprise Fire Department will offer a Touch-a-Truck experience along with more Halloween treats.
Visit Enterprise, the city’s Tourism and Community Relations Department, will welcome families to its tent, where visitors can take photos with the Halloween Weevil from Weevil Way and pick up festive bags while supplies last.
With candy, games and plenty of photo opportunities, parents might want to make sure their phone batteries are fully charged. Those costume pictures aren’t going to take themselves!
A Brand-New Playground to Explore
This year’s event comes with an extra treat: families can enjoy the park’s new playground, which is scheduled to open following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 29.
The approximately 9,520-square-foot playground features separate play areas for younger and older children, slides, climbing structures, swings, tunnels, musical play elements and shaded areas. Inclusive play features and accessible design elements help make the playground welcoming for children of different ages and abilities.
Enterprise Parks and Recreation says events like Spooky in the Park give families a chance to spend time together while enjoying the city’s parks and recreation facilities. Organizers also thanked the sponsors and community members whose support helps keep the event free.
Plan Your Visit
Johnny Henderson Family Park has two entrances: the main entrance at 1901 Neil Metcalf Road (Highway 167 North) and an alternate entrance accessible from Highway 84 via Rocky Head Road. Drivers may use either entrance to enter or exit the park. Parks and Recreation staff will assist with parking, so follow their directions when arriving.
For more information, call Enterprise Parks and Recreation at 334-348-2682.
So grab the costumes, bring the family and get ready for a frightfully fun evening. After all, Halloween only comes once a year — and free candy, games and a new playground make for a treat that’s hard to beat!
