Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is rallying residents to put a spotlight on the state’s standout small businesses as the U.S. Small Business Administration begins accepting nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards.
This announcement follows her recent proclamation recognizing Saturday, Nov. 29, as “Small Business Saturday” across the state — an effort to boost awareness and celebrate local entrepreneurs.
Governor Ivey says Alabama’s business owners have what it takes to be recognized on a national level.
“Alabama is full of innovators and hardworking folks who take risks every day to grow their dreams,” Ivey said. “We want the nation to know what our businesses are achieving here at home. I encourage everyone to nominate the entrepreneurs who are making a real impact.”
Award categories include:
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Women-Owned Small Business Person of the Year
Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
Rural-Owned Business of the Year
Nominations must be submitted online no later than 1 p.m. CT on December 22, 2025.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized that National Small Business Week is a chance to recognize the backbone of the nation’s economy — the 36 million businesses operating in communities big and small.
“These companies are the engine that keeps America moving forward,” Loeffler noted. “They provide jobs, invest in neighborhoods and strengthen our economic foundation.”
National Small Business Week is scheduled for May 3–9, 2026.
To help with the nomination process, the SBA Alabama District Office will host virtual informational workshops on December 3 and December 17 from 11 a.m. to noon CT.
Additional details, nomination forms and eligibility guidelines can be found at sba.gov/nsbw.
Winners from Alabama and other states will advance to compete for the national title of Small Business Person of the Year, with further opportunities to be honored in categories such as exporting, disaster response, procurement and Alabama-specific recognitions.
Local law enforcement is helping make Christmas brighter for children across Henry County through this year’s Toys for Tots donation drive.
Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for both boys and girls. Items such as play guns, play knives, grenades, or any type of toy weapon are not accepted, ensuring gifts remain safe and age-appropriate for all children receiving them.
Donations can be dropped off now through December 5th at either of the following locations:
📍 Headland Police Department 📍 Henry County Dispatch 212 S. Main St. or 9 Park Street — Headland, Alabama 36345
Every donation brings joy and hope to a child in need this holiday season. The Headland Police Department and Henry County Dispatch thank the community in advance for their generosity and support. Let’s make this Christmas a little brighter for families!
DOTHAN, The Wiregrass has a young rider making big strides on the global stage.
Twelve-year-old Emalyn Quiller recently returned from Oklahoma City, where she competed at the prestigious Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show — an event considered the height of competition for Morgan riders around the globe. She rode in the Walk-Trot Western Pleasure and Equitation division for riders ages 10–11.
Her passion for horses began at just 5 years old, thanks to her grandmother, who introduced her to the show ring. This year marked a major milestone — her first-ever world championship appearance.
“It was definitely nerve-racking at first, but it was so much fun,” Quiller said with a smile. “Getting to carry the flag in the arena was the best part — such an honor!”
Success at this level demands dedication: long hours of riding practice, caring for horses, and preparing for competition. Quiller trains at Clearmeadow Morgans and Riding Academy, where hands-on involvement is the heart of the program.
Owner and trainer Karen Gardner said she revamped the program two years ago to make it a true team effort. “We decided there would be no grooms, no shortcuts,” Gardner explained. “Everyone pitches in — parents and kids — and watching them take pride in their horses is incredibly rewarding.”
Clearmeadow is known for housing pure-bred American Morgans, whose lineage can be traced back to a single founding stallion from 1789. Quiller’s equine partner, Avanti, is one of those special horses — and her best friend in the ring.
“He’s the sweetest,” she said. “When I first met him, I just knew he was the one. He looks right at you and nods his head like he’s saying, ‘Come on!’”
With her first world championship now under her belt, this rising star from Dothan is already looking ahead to what’s next — and cheering crowds in the Wiregrass will certainly be watching.
DOTHAN, Nearing his first 100 days leading Dothan City Schools, Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew has released a progress report outlining what he has observed, what has improved, and where the district must focus its energy next.
Since stepping into the role, Dr. Askew has spent much of his time inside classrooms and meeting with the people most connected to the district — students, teachers, parents, support staff, and community partners. His report highlights insights gathered from more than 100 school visits, community forums, and reviews conducted by specialists in literacy, mathematics, and special education.
Dr. Askew said the findings reinforce both optimism and urgency.
“We have incredible educators doing meaningful work every single day,” he said. “At the same time, our data clearly identifies areas where students need more support, and this plan is about bringing consistency and direction to our efforts.”
Advancing literacy achievement is identified as the top priority in the report.
“Reading is the foundation of everything that follows; graduation, employment, independence,” Dr. Askew said. “We must sharpen our literacy instruction so that every student leaves our schools with this essential skill.”
Along with literacy, the report points to several critical improvement targets:
Raising math proficiency
More consistency in instructional practices across campuses
Enhanced behavior intervention systems
Strengthening technology and district operations
Recruiting and retaining high-quality staff
The superintendent said these initiatives will help better align personnel, programs, and funding with student needs.
A national expert team is currently reviewing DCS special education services. Dr. Askew said the district is already taking action based on early feedback and will continue to develop changes after the panel’s full recommendations are delivered.
“We want to ensure every student receives the appropriate support to succeed,” he said.
Although the report outlines challenges — including achievement gaps and staffing shortages — Askew stressed that the district has a strong base to build on, thanks to positive school environments and dedicated employees.
The release of the report, he said, marks a turning point.
“This work is about strengthening outcomes for students and, ultimately, strengthening the future of Dothan,” Askew said. “Stronger skills lead to stronger students — and that creates a stronger community.”
