Dothan, AL: Small City, Big Music Scene

Don't let its size fool you! Dothan, Alabama, punches way above its weight when it comes to live music. Locals will happily tell you about Garth Brooks' early days at the National Peanut Festival, or rattle off a list of legends like Jimmy Buffett, Bob Dylan, and even 3 Doors Down who've graced Dothan stages.

From twangy country to soulful blues and rocking modern tunes, music is woven into Dothan's DNA. The city's even got murals celebrating its musical legacy! So whether you're planning a quick escape or a longer visit, Dothan makes it easy to groove, grub, and soak up some Southern charm.

Where to Catch a Show

National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds

Every fall, the National Peanut Festival goes nuts (pun intended!) with carnival rides, killer food, and massive live music performances. We're talking legendary acts! Think Garth Brooks, Lainey Wilson, the Charlie Daniels Band, and Eric Church. With multiple stages rocking, it's an experience you won't forget.

The Plant

This ain't your average venue! The Plant, a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, is now a super cool spot hosting everyone from local rising stars to national touring acts. Its intimate, industrial vibe gets you up close and personal with the music. The Avett Brothers and Megan Moroney have even played here. Add food trucks and local brews, and you've got a must-visit.

Solomon Park Series

For a more laid-back vibe, check out the Solomon Park Series. These outdoor concerts are a local favorite, set in a tree-lined park. It's the perfect way to enjoy local talent and family fun, with food trucks, a playground, and plenty of green space.

Dothan Opera House

Step back in time at the recently renovated Dothan Opera House. Built in 1915, it oozes vintage charm while boasting modern acoustics. It's the ideal spot for live music, jazz, and classical performances.

Dothan Nurseries' Record Room

Need a break from the live music frenzy? Then spin some vinyl in the Record Room at Dothan Nurseries. With a massive vinyl selection, a complimentary beverage or popsicle, this is your place to nestle in amongst the plants, and relax.

Where to Fuel Up

KBC

Kick off your Dothan adventure at KBC, a Southern-chic eatery run by James Beard semifinalist Kelsey Barnard Clark. Don't skip the steak frites or the deviled eggs—they're famous for a reason!

Hunt's Seafood

Craving something casual? Hunt's Seafood serves up Gulf Coast classics in a no-frills setting. Dive into a plate of their famous fried crab claws or Cajun oysters.

Mural City Coffee

Need a caffeine jolt? Mural City Coffee is a local gem with seriously cozy vibes. Select Sundays are reserved for Sunday Sips, a community hang with a DJ where you can catch up with friends over coffee, wine or baked goods.

Where to Rest Your Head

You'll find familiar hotel brands throughout the city. For a more secluded escape, Magnolia Creek Lodge in nearby Cottonwood offers rustic luxury in a peaceful setting.

Dothan's got a rhythm all its own. From historic opera houses to outdoor park stages, this is a town that lets you hear its heartbeat. So come on down for a festival, a weekend getaway, or just a quick stop, and get ready to tap your feet.

Millbrook's First-Ever Hot Dog Showdown!

Labor Day in Millbrook wasn't just about burgers this year! The 17 Springs recreation complex hosted the inaugural Uncle Bob's All-American Hot Dog Eating Contest, and let me tell you, it was a sight to behold!

The Main Event

On Monday, September 1st, brave souls went head-to-head (or should we say, mouth-to-mouth?) in a quest to devour the most hot dogs in a mere 10 minutes. The competition was fierce!

And the Winner Is...

At the sound of the final buzzer, two titans were tied at 13 dogs apiece. A sudden-death, one-bite showdown ensued, and Prattville's own J.D. Miller emerged victorious, according to Elmore Autauga News.

Glory and Prizes!

Miller, a Canton, Ohio native, snagged a sweet $500 and a championship belt for his efforts. Talk about a good day! And get this – it was his first EVER food-eating contest! He told WAKA that the biggest challenge was "Just trying to keep going until the end." We feel you, J.D.!

A Tradition Reborn

Event mastermind Robert Harmon shared that his dad used to run a similar contest decades ago at a local spot called the Dog House. This event was all about bringing that fun tradition back to Millbrook.

More Hot Dog Glory to Come?

The word on the street is that the organizers plan to make this an annual thing at 17 Springs. With cash prizes, family fun, and a whole lotta local flavor, they're hoping to draw even bigger crowds from the River Region every Labor Day. We're already hungry for next year!

HUGE News for Monroe County! Georgia-Pacific Drops $800 Million!

Get ready, folks! Georgia-Pacific is doubling down on its commitment to Alabama with a massive $800 million investment in its Alabama River Cellulose mill in Monroe County. This isn't just pocket change; it's a game-changer!

What's the Buzz?

This massive upgrade will transform the facility into the largest softwood pulp mill in the U.S., bringing cutting-edge technology and a serious boost to production. Think state-of-the-art digesters, a brand-new pulp dryer, and a super-efficient power boiler. We're talking next-level stuff!

More Than Just Pulp

The mill churns out nearly 1 million tons of fluff and market pulp every year, which goes into everyday essentials like diapers, tissues, and even those trusty paper plates for your next BBQ. This investment means more of those products will be made right here in Alabama!

Governor Ivey is Pumped!

Governor Kay Ivey called it a "powerful vote of confidence" in Alabama's workforce and business climate. And we couldn't agree more! This project not only strengthens a major local employer, but it also solidifies Alabama's role in supplying essential goods around the globe.

Local Love

But it's not just about the big picture. This investment means jobs, jobs, JOBS! The Alabama River Cellulose mill already supports over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing a whopping $188 million in compensation and benefits to the local economy. This upgrade is a win-win for everyone!

Judge Says it Best

Monroe County Judge of Probate, Sonya Stinson, summed it up perfectly: "I will never be able to put into words how grateful I am to know that the Alabama River Cellulose mill will be in operation in Monroe County for decades to come." We're feeling the love too, Judge!

Unexpected Message in the Sky Over Orange Beach!

Orange Beach, Alabama regulars know the drill: planes towing рекламные баннеры заказать are practically part of the scenery. Usually, it's ads for local grub, shops, or some fun night out.

But this past Friday, things took a different turn. Something way more powerful than happy hour specials was floating above.

A Scripture and a Tribute, All in One Banner

With just 37 characters, this banner packed a punch, delivering both a biblical verse and a heartfelt tribute to Charlie Kirk.

What the Banner Said

Get this: "Psalm 116:15. C.KIRK, A SAINT IN GOD’S HANDS." Talk about a statement!

Why It Matters

Psalm 116:15 reads, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." The message is clear: a Christian who passes on is welcomed into God's care. And Charlie Kirk, a known believer, is now resting there.

Kirk's Own Words Echoed

Interestingly, Charlie Kirk himself had spoken about this very idea. His posts often touched on the transition of a Christian into God's hands, saying things like, "Jesus defeated death so you can live," and "Whether he lives or whether he passes, his soul is in the hands of Almighty GOD."

A Lasting Legacy

Even in death, Charlie Kirk's faith continues to resonate.

Auburn Roars to 3-0 Start!

The Auburn Tigers clawed their way to another victory Saturday afternoon, dispatching the South Alabama Jaguars 31-15! This impressive win marks only the second time since 2019 that the Tigers have started the season with a flawless 3-0 record!

A Blazing Start

Auburn came out firing, marching 92 yards in 12 plays to light up the scoreboard. Jackson Arnold connected with Cam Coleman on a spectacular 32-yard touchdown pass, marking the sophomore receiver's first TD of the season!

Arnold's On Fire!

The offense cooled slightly, but a Keyron Crawford interception gave the Tigers prime field position. Arnold seized the opportunity, powering his way into the end zone for a rushing touchdown!

The very next possession saw history repeat itself, as Arnold once again found paydirt with his legs, putting Auburn up 21-3 midway through the second quarter.

Trading Blows

South Alabama responded with a touchdown of their own, but Jeremiah Cobb answered right before halftime, extending Auburn's lead to 28-9 at the break.

The Jaguars weren't ready to surrender, scoring another touchdown early in the third quarter to narrow the gap.

Defense Seals the Deal!

Auburn managed a field goal, but the second half became a gritty battle for both offenses. South Alabama mounted a drive in the fourth quarter, threatening to make it a one-score game, but Xavier Atkins recovered a fumble, effectively slamming the door on any comeback hopes!

Stat Stars

Arnold finished the day with 142 passing yards and a touchdown, adding 50 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Cobb dominated the ground game with 119 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Eric Singleton Jr. hauled in six receptions for 65 yards.

Road Ahead

It's been a fantastic start to the season, but the schedule is about to get seriously real. Next week, Arnold returns to his former stomping grounds for a road showdown against Oklahoma. With conference play looming and Auburn sporting a clean record, fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead!

Tide Roll Over Badgers in Dominant Display

Alabama wrapped up their nonconference slate in style, crushing Wisconsin 38-14 in Tuscaloosa! The Crimson Tide are heading into their bye week with serious momentum before their huge road trip to Athens to face Georgia in two weeks.

Slow Start, Explosive Finish

The offense sputtered a bit early, but the Tide finally broke through late in the first quarter thanks to a gutsy 4th-down call. Germie Bernard took a handoff just outside the two-yard line and powered his way in!

Bernard and Simpson Connect for Touchdown

Bernard wasn't done! On the very next possession, Ty Simpson hit Bernard with a beautiful pass, and Bernard did the rest, scampering 43 yards to the end zone!

Simpson Heats Up

Simpson kept the heat coming, capping off a 98-yard drive with a laser throw to Isaiah Horton. Horton climbed the ladder, snagging the ball for a 13-yard touchdown!

Williams Returns with a Bang!

Picking up right where he left off (before last week's absence), Simpson finished the first half strong. But the highlight of the day might have been Ryan Williams's return! He torched the Badgers defense on a trick play, racing 75 yards for a touchdown!

More Williams Magic

Williams wasn't satisfied with just one highlight-reel play. He found the end zone again with an incredible catch-and-run, stopping on a dime and leaving defenders in the dust before cruising home!

Stats That Pop

Simpson finished with a potential career-best performance, completing 24 of 29 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns! Williams had a monster return, catching five passes for 165 yards and two scores.

Defensive Dominance

The defense wasn't slacking either! Bray Hubbard snagged two interceptions, and the team racked up four sacks.

Looking Ahead

Alabama gets a week off before the showdown against Georgia. It'll be the first true measuring stick to see how far they've come since the Florida State disappointment.

Ever Wonder Why You're Here?

We've all been there, right? That moment of existential dread, staring into the void and asking, "What's my purpose?" Philosophers have pondered this for ages, and even musicians have sung about it.

The Pressure Cooker of Purpose

But lately, this question feels different. More urgent, almost like a crisis. We're living longer, healthier lives – a scientific marvel! – but it's also put extra pressure on our souls. Back in the day, survival was purpose enough. Hunt, gather, build, raise kids. Meaning was baked right into daily life.

The Curse of Choice

Now, with wealth and technology, that's changed. We have too many options. Careers, travel, lifestyles... it's like a Cheesecake Factory menu of possibilities. And that abundance can create anxiety: Will any of these choices really be enough? It's a far cry from just trying to make it through the winter.

Spinach in Your Teeth

With endless options, our souls get thirsty for something more. We spend hours searching for that one true thing. The irony? We all have passions, those things that make us lose all track of time. It's often right in front of us, like spinach stuck in your teeth. Everyone else sees it, but we miss it!

Ditching the "Capital-P" Purpose

The problem lies in thinking there's a single, ultimate Purpose out there. A hidden treasure chest waiting to be found. But purpose is usually a series of seasons. One person might find it in raising kids, then later in teaching. Another might find it in teaching, then later in caring for family. Purpose isn't a one-time thing.

Small, Sacred Purposes

Thinking we have one big thing we're meant to do sets us up for disappointment. It blinds us to the small, important purposes we find every day. Purpose isn't always curing cancer. Sometimes it's just being there for someone. Sometimes it's living with integrity. Sometimes it's embracing the mystery of life. Not everything needs to be figured out.

Letting Go and Trusting

The anxiety around purpose is real, fueled by more time and more choices. But it doesn't have to control us. Ancient wisdom can help. Many traditions say purpose isn't something we create ourselves, but something we discover in connection – to something bigger than ourselves, to others, to the world. Loosen your grip on finding that perfect purpose, and live with attention and intention.

Bank Heist in Fort Payne!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! The PNC Bank downtown got hit this past Tuesday morning. Fort Payne Police reported the robbery happened around 9:20 a.m. at the Gault Avenue branch.

Details of the Daring Robbery

A white dude, decked out in jeans, a button-down, and a black cap, strolled in armed with a handgun. He passed the teller a note demanding money, making it crystal clear this was a robbery. Cops say he made off with about $3,000 on foot, heading north.

The Long Arm of the Law!

But here's the good news! By Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, a warrant was issued for 62-year-old Mark Loveless of Somerset, Kentucky. FBI Task Force Officers and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office swooped in and snagged him without a hitch. He's charged with first-degree robbery and cooling his heels in Pulaski County Jail, waiting to be shipped back to Fort Payne.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

Turns out, our local heroes, with a huge assist from the FBI, nailed the suspect. Police Chief David Davis gave a shout-out to everyone involved, including the businesses that handed over crucial security footage. The FBI chimed in too, praising the awesome cooperation between all the agencies.

Case Closed (Almost)!

And that, ChumCity, is how a bank robbery got solved lickety-split!

Alabama: Ready to Bolster U.S. Navy's Might!

The U.S. Navy's sounding the alarm – there's an "urgent" need to build and repair ships and submarines, vital for national security and projecting power worldwide. And guess what? Alabama's stepping up in a big way!

From coastal shipyards to suppliers and manufacturers scattered across the state, the Yellowhammer State is revving up its Maritime Industrial Base (MI. This isn't just about building boats; it's a full-fledged effort reaching into schools and universities to cultivate the next generation of skilled workers. We're talking about a whopping 10,000 jobs over the next decade!

Alabama's Prime Position

"Alabama is positioned in such an extraordinary way to assist our nation right now in standing up our maritime defense capabilities," says Lindsay Cline, a bigwig with the Navy's MIB.

Austal USA, a long-time player in Navy shipbuilding, is leading the charge, even expanding into submarine modules. But the MIB is more than just one company.

More Than Just Shipyards

"The maritime industrial base is a lot more than just what happens in the shipyard," Cline emphasizes. "A lot of it actually happens in the supplier base." That means activity reaching all the way to Northern Alabama, providing crucial support.

This includes everything from traditional shipbuilding techniques to cutting-edge tech like robotics, 3D printing, and innovative supply chain solutions.

Growth on the Horizon

The maritime industry already contributes 12,860 jobs and a massive $57.8 billion to Alabama's economy. But officials say there's plenty of room for growth, and they're ready to seize the opportunity!

A Strategic Fit

Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair notes that growing the MIB perfectly aligns with the state's strategic economic development plan, with the defense industry being a major focus.

"Alabama plays a vital and growing role in strengthening the nation’s Maritime Industrial Base, and we’re fully committed to expanding our impact,” McNair states. They're also working hard to ensure the workforce is ready to meet the future demand.

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

Finding skilled workers is a key challenge, admits Cline.

"We have about 10,000 jobs that we’re going to need people to fill over the next 10 years," she says.

To tackle this, they're partnering with community colleges and K-12 schools to develop training programs and equip students with the necessary skills. The University of Alabama's engineering school is also playing a crucial role.

A National Priority

Even Secretary of the Navy John Phelan stresses the urgency of expanding the MIB.

"We need to act with urgency to rebuild our capacity and expertise," Phelan says. "We need shipbuilders. We need that capability in this country, and the president has tasked me with making sure that we develop that and develop those jobs."

Alabama's Ready to Answer the Call

And Alabama's ready to deliver!

“Alabama has the talent, infrastructure and experience to lead – and we’re ready to answer the call,” McNair concludes. Let's get to work!

Prine Time in Talladega!

Get ready, ChumCity! The legendary John Prine's music is coming alive again on Friday, September 19th at the beautifully restored Ritz Theater in Talladega's courthouse square.

Alabama Honors a Legend

Though Prine may not be a household name everywhere, he holds a special place in the hearts of Alabamians. Expect a crowd of dedicated fans making their way to Talladega to celebrate his unforgettable songs. It's "Prine Time," y'all, starting at 7 p.m. at 115 Court Square North.

Introducing The Alabama Troubadours!

Remember the Traveling Wilburys? Well, Alabama's got its own supergroup! "The Alabama Troubadours" are bringing Prine's story to life through his incredible music. This all-star lineup includes:

• Rick Carter (Rollin in the Hay, Telluride)
• Stan Foster (Rollin the Hay, Phil and Foster)
• Donna Hall (Wet Willie)
• William “Moose Harrell” (Jason Ringenberg, Telluride)