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.
DOTHAN: The family of Abimael Feliciano has taken legal action following his tragic death inside a Ford C-Max Hybrid, claiming the vehicle exposed him to deadly fumes during what was supposed to be a normal drive.
Feliciano was found unresponsive at a traffic light in Dothan on August 8, 2023. A press statement released by the family’s legal team says toxic hydrogen sulfide gas built up inside the vehicle, leading to his death.
An investigation later determined the source of the fumes was a battery vent tube that had become detached. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences confirmed Feliciano died from hydrogen sulfide poisoning.
Beasley Allen Law Firm and Jinks Crow, P.C. have filed their lawsuit in Arizona, naming Ford Motor Company and multiple dealerships as defendants. The suit alleges defective design, unsafe repair practices, and insufficient warning systems that could have prevented the incident.
Attorneys for the family argue that Ford failed to implement basic safety protections in its vehicles to prevent exposure to toxic gases.
The family is pursuing financial damages and pushing for greater awareness surrounding hybrid-battery safety, hoping no other family has to face a similar tragedy.
🎁Vaughn-Blumberg Services Spreads Holiday Cheer with Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser
DOTHAN, Vaughn-Blumberg Services is making the holidays a bit easier for local families this season by offering affordable gift-wrapping services, with all proceeds benefiting programs that support individuals with intellectual disabilities in Houston County.
Shoppers can stop by the nonprofit to have their gifts wrapped at budget-friendly rates based on package size. Prices start at just $3 for small items like video games, watches, or DVDs, and go up to $10 for extra-large gifts such as dollhouses or oversized boxes.
For those with a long list to tackle, Vaughn-Blumberg is also offering three Signature Packages:
Small boxes are complimentary, and other box sizes are just $1 each. Customers who bring their own wrapping paper can enjoy a $10 discount.
Organizers ask community members to allow adequate time for wrapping — especially as Christmas approaches. To schedule services or ask questions, call 334-793-3102.
Vaughn-Blumberg Services is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and helping them actively participate in the community. Every bow and ribbon wrapped this season helps support that mission.