Good morning, Dothan.

Local groups host multiple events as Lively Stone Ministries holds a 'Rainbow Tea' fundraiser for outreach while Par and Pour organizes a girls' night event for breast cancer support.

Para-Comi-Con runs this weekend in Enterprise and Wiregrass United Way launches its meal packing drive to help families.

News4's Beyla Walker will present her upcoming Caregiver Special that highlights the struggles of local caretakers.

The broadcast will share firsthand accounts and offer resources to support the community.

On Sunday night, local firefighters removed a fallen tree blocking Cottonwood Highway with help from community volunteers, allowing traffic to resume safely.

The Fire Department thanked the volunteers and shared a group photo after the work.

Jason and Dawn Hatcher run the fifth-generation Springhill Harvest farm in Graceville, selling fresh field peas, peanuts and watermelons at seven Piggly Wiggly locations, two stores in Dothan and an open-air farm stand.

They also mentor young farmers (sharing tips on affordable practices to start their own operations).

Ali Maquet of Par and Pour has launched a Girls Night Out fundraiser to support breast cancer aid for Coffee county families (the event aims to unite local women in raising critical funds).

Girls Inc. of Dothan has only limited openings for its 2026–2027 afterschool program where girls can get homework help and build confidence at local schools like Hidden Lake and Beverlye Intermediate.

Families are urged to call soon to secure a spot.

Dothan City Schools Transportation Director Erica Hall said the district is countering the bus driver shortage by offering ride-alongs and covering training costs while a new state law encourages retirees to return, whereas Houston County Schools trains drivers in-house and uses teachers as backups to keep routes covered.

Meteorologist Ryan Dugger reports that dry months have left Dothan with below-normal rain totals and vivid sunrises and sunsets (smoke and dust add to the display), and five-year data shows intense heat as a growing risk.

Dale County officials adopted a policy to help with burial arrangements for unclaimed and indigent deaths — support for final arrangements is now available.

John D. Odom Road will have the east northbound lane closed today from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. as Dothan Utilities crews install a water service tap and set a meter — traffic control measures in place guide motorists.

Local transportation directors reported a shortage of 21,000 drivers since the pandemic and announced new hiring strategies to boost services.

The plans will roll out next week (further details are pending).

Organizers announced that the 2026 Health and Wellness Workshop will have the space-inspired 'Launch Into Wellness' theme and will feature vendor booths with outer space decorations.

The event is set for Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dothan Civic Center.

Local health officials advise families to protect against Cyclospora by washing produce & using safe water, urging residents to follow food safety guidelines and consult a doctor if symptoms occur.

Coach B.J. Chitty said the Houston County Lions plan a physical, run-heavy offense during their two-a-days as they prepare for Friday Night Football.