A seat at the table: A Thanksgiving Dinner for anyone in need,
Good News Ministries is once again opening its doors and hearts to the community through its Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless and individuals in need. The event will be held on November 23, 2025, at 12:00 AM, located at 208 W. Newton Street.
This special gathering provides not only a warm, traditional Thanksgiving meal, but also fellowship, hope, and encouragement during a season focused on gratitude and giving. Good News Ministries invites anyone facing hardship, hunger, or loneliness to join them for a comforting meal and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
Community members who wish to help make this event a success are encouraged to donate needed items or contribute financially. Every contribution—large or small—helps ensure that plates are full and hearts are touched.
For item drop-offs, pick-up details, or monetary donations, please contact Good News Ministries at(334) 405-9844. Cash app donations can be sent to $gnmnda—please label all donations with “Thanksgiving Dinner” in the notes.
As Good News Ministries continues its mission to serve with compassion and faith, they extend thanks to all who support their outreach efforts. Together, the community can help ensure that every person has a place to feel welcome this Thanksgiving season.
Terry’s Boiled Peanuts are ready on the corner of South State Hwy 109 and Hwy 605. Right across from ANB Hardware and Sporting Goods. I will be here until we sell out
The Flowery Branch Police Department has appointed John R. Powell as its new deputy chief, adding another milestone to his lengthy and eventful law enforcement career.
Powell has spent more than four decades in policing, including a notable four-year period leading the Dothan Police Department in Alabama. His professional path, however, has not been without turbulence — including arrests, legal battles, and a high-profile dismissal from a South Georgia agency.
While working in Glynn County, Powell became the subject of a criminal investigation when a grand jury indicted him on perjury charges. Prosecutors accused him of providing false statements to conceal a relationship between a narcotics officer and a confidential informant. The case ultimately unraveled when the Georgia Supreme Court overturned the charges.
Powell’s time in Dothan was marked by friction within the department. Internal disputes led to strong criticism from some officers, who claimed he mishandled operations and pushed for his removal. Tensions affected relationships with his command staff and contributed to a strained rapport with the local press.
Supporters, however, argued that Powell was met with resistance from an entrenched “good-old-boy” network that opposed a chief brought in from outside the community — especially after the department had faced a series of public scandals.
Despite the controversy, Powell initiated several significant actions during his tenure:
• He reopened the long-dormant case involving the 1978 killing of Dothan Officer Robert Jackson, later granting the fallen officer a posthumous promotion. • He oversaw a major incident at a medical clinic in which an armed suspect ultimately surrendered peacefully, avoiding serious injury to civilians or officers.
Before arriving in Dothan, Powell had run unsuccessfully for sheriff in Florida’s Escambia County. He sought the office again after leaving Alabama, but that campaign was disrupted when investigators accused him of breaching campaign finance reporting rules. Powell maintained the allegations were politically driven.
Powell recently stepped into his duties as deputy chief in Flowery Branch, marking a new chapter in a career defined by both leadership opportunities and significant controversy.
DOTHAN: The Thanksgiving tradition continues at SMOKEY JOE’S BAR-B-QUE and CATERING.
You need to place your order by Monday. Cut off date for placing orders is November 24 by 5:00 PM. All orders must be picked by November 26 by 7:00 PM.
Located at 2031 South Brannon Stand Road, between Fortner Street and Flowers Chapel Road on Alabama 605. Phone number 334-678-8116. Web site is smokeyjoesdothan.com
Smoked Turkey – whole turkey, brought-in-turkey, Sliced Turkey Breast, Sliced Hickory Smoked Ham, Dressing – Amanda’s homemade recipe, made completely from scratch, Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Chicken & Dumplings, Squash Casserole, Corn Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Mac and Cheese, Cabbage, Green Beans, butterbeans, Peach Cobbler, Banana pudding, Strawberry Shortcake, Peanut Butter Cake, Gallon of Tea.
OZARK, Ala. (WDHN) — A fatal fentanyl overdose in Ozark has led to multiple arrests and a manslaughter charge as law enforcement intensifies efforts to combat the opioid crisis locally.
Investigators say a suspected overdose death earlier in the day on July 23 prompted the Ozark Police Department and Dale County Sheriff’s Office to launch a rapid investigation. Around 10 p.m., officers executed simultaneous narcotics search warrants at two neighboring homes in the 2100 block of Will Logan Road.
During the searches, evidence was recovered linking 58-year-old David Todd Tyler to the distribution of fentanyl believed to be connected to the overdose victim. Tyler was arrested at the scene and initially charged with:
• Possession of drug paraphernalia • Possession of marijuana second degree • Possession of a controlled substance
He was transported to the Dale County Jail, where he remains held without bond.
Three other individuals were also taken into custody after officers located illegal drugs and paraphernalia in the residences:
• Charles Taylor Burks, 42 — possession of drug paraphernalia • Debbie Gail Thomley, 50 — possession of a controlled substance • Jennifer Drexler, 45 — possession of a controlled substance and second-degree possession of marijuana] Following an autopsy that confirmed the victim’s cause of death was fentanyl toxicity, Ozark investigators obtained a warrant on August 4 formally charging Tyler with manslaughter.
Fentanyl’s Deadly Impact
Authorities say the case underscores the seriousness of fentanyl distribution. The synthetic opioid — estimated to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine — continues to drive overdose deaths nationwide. Even tiny amounts, especially when hidden in counterfeit pills or other illegal substances, can be fatal.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that holding distributors accountable is a crucial part of preventing more deaths in the Wiregrass.
Narcan Saves Lives
In the fight against opioid-related fatalities, access to Narcan (naloxone) has proven critical. The fast-acting medication can quickly reverse an opioid overdose — including those caused by fentanyl — and has saved thousands of lives across the country. Health experts encourage anyone who may encounter individuals struggling with addiction to consider carrying Narcan and learning how to use it.
The Jefferson County Health Department offers free naloxone by mail after a short online training video. Medical professionals say the medication does not harm someone who is unresponsive for reasons unrelated to opioid use, making it a safe and essential tool in an emergency. Individuals should always contact medical professionals and 911 if an overdose is suspected.
From 10 new officers beginning their training earlier this week to four newly certified officers now advancing in their law enforcement careers — progress is well underway at the Wiregrass Law Enforcement Academy.
Congratulations to Officer Henderson, Officer Hinson, Officer Dumbaugh, and Officer Blankenship on successfully graduating from the academy.
These officers have demonstrated commitment, discipline, and a strong desire to serve the community.
They will now move into the Field Training Program, where they’ll continue to gain valuable experience and skills as they work toward becoming solo officers on the streets of Dothan.
Terry’s Boiled Peanuts are ready on the corner of South State Hwy 109 and Hwy 605. Right across from ANB Hardware and Sporting Goods. I will be here until we sell out
