Dothan city leaders recently traveled to Reno and Lake Tahoe, Nevada, to study arena designs as the city explores replacing its aging civic center with a new 5,000-seat multi-purpose facility.
The current civic center, which opened in 1975 and seats about 3,000 people, has hosted concerts and major events for nearly 50 years. Officials say the building has outlived its usefulness and are now considering options for a modern replacement.
District 5 Commissioner Gantt Pierce said the trip helped leaders see firsthand what a future arena in Dothan could look like.
Mayor Mark Saliba said visiting venues in person allowed officials to ask questions and learn what works best for facilities of that size.
The proposed arena would be designed to host concerts, sporting events, and conventions, bringing more entertainment and opportunities to the Wiregrass region.
City leaders say financing the project remains the biggest challenge, and no official timeline has been set.
The Houston County Commission recently toured the Wiregrass Innovation Center in downtown Dothan to learn more about the opportunities the facility will bring to the community.
During the visit, commissioners received an overview of the center’s mission and the role it will play in advancing research, technology, and innovation in the Wiregrass region.
The Wiregrass Innovation Center is expected to serve as a hub for collaboration, providing space and resources for entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology-driven businesses. Leaders say the facility will help foster economic growth while supporting new ideas and partnerships within the region.
Officials say the center represents an important step forward for Dothan as it continues working to attract innovation-focused industries and expand opportunities for education, workforce development, and business growth in the Circle City.
The Dothan-based nonprofit Chrysalis will host an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, March 5, to celebrate the opening of its new home for girls in the foster care system.
The home, located at 545 Judge Lounge Road in Newton, will provide housing and therapy services for girls in foster care.
According to the organization, the new facility represents an important step forward as Chrysalis continues to grow and rebrand its services.
The open house will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the ribbon cutting scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the home, meet staff members and learn more about the programs and services offered at the facility.
CONTACT: Vincent P. Vincent, Community Relations Officer, 334-615-3117 Dothan Prepares for America 250
The City of Dothan began preparations for America’s semi quincentennial celebration in the fall of 2025. Dothan has been recognized as an Alabama 250 City and is part of the greater, statewide, committee to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary.
To honor America, the City of Dothan is installing patriotic banners along Main Street as well as Foster Street and Saint Andrews Street (see photos included).
The city will host several events regarding the semi quincentennial throughout this year, culminating with a grand event on July 4th in downtown Dothan. The event on July 4th will end with a large drone show over downtown Dothan. Please look for upcoming information regarding this and other events relating to the birth of our nation.
Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum is speaking out following the introduction of Alabama’s proposed Child Predator Death Penalty Act, a bill that would allow the death penalty for certain crimes involving sexual abuse of children.
Sheriff Bynum said protecting children is one of the most important responsibilities for law enforcement and emphasized that predators who harm children must face serious consequences.
“Anytime you’re dealing with crimes against children, those are some of the most disturbing cases our investigators handle,” Bynum said. “Our job is to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, and children fall at the top of that list.”
The proposed legislation would strengthen penalties for individuals convicted of severe child sexual abuse crimes and could allow prosecutors to pursue capital punishment in certain cases.
Bynum said while lawmakers ultimately decide how the law is written, his office will continue focusing on investigating cases thoroughly and ensuring offenders are held accountable.
“Our investigators work tirelessly on these cases,” Bynum said. “Anything that helps protect children and hold offenders accountable is something we take seriously.”
The bill is currently under consideration in the Alabama Legislature.
The Dale County Sheriff’s Office is inviting the community out for two nights of rodeo action this weekend.
The Dale County Sheriff’s Rodeo will take place March 6–7 at the Dale County Ag Plex Arena, located at 202 AL-123 in Ozark. Gates will open each evening at 5:00 p.m.
The event will feature several traditional rodeo competitions including steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, break-away roping, team roping, bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and bareback riding.
The rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Cowboy Association (PCA) and promises two nights of high-energy entertainment for the whole family.
Organizers encourage residents across the Wiregrass to come out and support the event while enjoying an evening of rodeo competition and community fun.
