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Happy weekend, Dothan! In today’s edition: Kiera Howell’s American Idol audition, Menopause The Musical 2, and a vintage finds antique show, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Rising star takes the stage: Geneva High School’s Kiera Howell gets a national spotlight today. Her American Idol audition airs in the show’s third episode, and the Wiregrass community is cheering her on. She’s shared her excitement about representing Geneva and the Wiregrass on the big stage. See when to watch.

Indulgent stops worth the trip: Planning sweet surprises for Valentine’s Day? A new list highlights 10 Alabama chocolate shops, including Dothan’s Belle Oak Chocolates, with creative treats and local favorites to check out this weekend — see the full list of shops.

Where the money goes: The Senate has passed a funding package with more than $111 million for Alabama, including money for Dothan’s courthouse, Boll Weevil Circle work, and an Enterprise surgical robot — see the full funding list.

Festive showcase of local enterprises: Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 34th annual Spotlight on Business on February 17 at the Civic Center with Mardi Gras flair. Admission $5 per person for members — get all the event details.

Keep them active and happy: Registration is open for Dothan Leisure Services Spring Break Camp for ages 6 to 12. Kids get a week of arts and crafts, recreational games, field trips, and swimming. Coordinator Alexis Cochran says it offers fun close to home so families can skip travel this spring break. Get all the details.

New voices in regional finance: Beau Benton of Dothan, president of LBA Hospitality, was appointed to the Federal Reserve’s Birmingham Branch board in January. He and L. Davis Ozier will serve terms through 2028 — see who was appointed.

Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. GoldCo has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to 10% free gold & silver – check it out here.

One emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ but pet insurance helps. I sure wished I’d had it after a $10k last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

• Not all financial advisors are created equal. Find the best for you
• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver
• Save $ on vet bills with Lemonade pet insurance
• This home warranty is 50% off right now
• Fellow ladies with thinning hair: Try Hers

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎨 February Art for Kids, Teens and Grown-ups @ Green House Art Studio | Monday (2/16) at 1:00 PM – Consider this your low-stress, high-fun art reset for kids, teens, and anyone who still colors outside the lines. Work through the greats, pick up skills, and dabble in seasonal crafts, supplies included. Grown-ups get their own projects, all levels welcome, and Sharon’s at 334-701-5449.

🎭 Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising ‘The Change’ @ Dothan Opera House | Monday (2/16) at 7:30 PM – Pack your sense of humor and a handheld fan, we’re setting sail with the Menopause Musical sequel. Four friends cruise through hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses, belting parodied hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Girls’ trip energy, zero Dramamine, maximum camaraderie.

🌱 Master Gardeners Lunch & Learn @ Dothan Houston County Library System | Wednesday (2/18) at 12:00 PM – Third-Wednesday tradition: the Wiregrass Master Gardeners talk seasonal fixes while you unwrap a sandwich. Bring a bag lunch, your brown-thumb confessions, and questions about why tomatoes mutiny in August. It’s practical, neighborly, and you leave smarter, not just mulched in jargon.

🎨 Opening Reception: “Altars to What Changed Us” @ The Bells Gallery | Thursday (2/19) at 5:30 PM – Opening night at Bells Gallery means sculptures built from the good stuff we swear we’ll toss someday, only smarter. Kerry Leasure riffs on Memory Jugs, turning found objects, wearables, and plain old nostalgia into altars to the lives we keep editing. Collectible, conversational, very you.

🧶 Beginner Crochet Class @ Dothan Houston County Library System | Thursday (2/19) at 5:30 PM – Whether you’re brand new or your granny taught you once in ’98, this beginner crochet class will have you wrangling yarn without tears. Friendly instructor, supplies included, and zero judgment as you tangle, untangle, and leave with the start of something cozy, and proudly handmade.

🏺 2nd Annual Jake’s Vintage Finds Antique Show @ National Peanut Festival | Friday (2/20) at 9:00 AM – Whether you’re a picker or just sentimental, the 2nd Annual Jake’s Vintage Finds takes over the Peanut Festival grounds with hundreds of vendors, a vintage car show, food trucks, and music. Come dig for glassware, signs, toys, military finds, furniture, and stories, not dust.

🍝 Annual Spaghetti Fundraiser @ Doug Tew Therapeutic Recreation Center | Friday (2/20) at 11:00 AM – This annual spaghetti fundraiser is your license to skip cooking and feel virtuous about it. Grab a plate piled with spaghetti and meat sauce, bread, and a brownie, then pat yourself on the back for supporting the cause. Order ahead at 334-615-3720.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Dothan report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 72°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 1%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

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Tomorrow – High: 71°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 99%

Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms before 3am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Most popular house this week

This 4-bed, 3.5-bath Highlands home overlooks the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and a serene pond, delivering sunsets from two back decks and multiple rooms. A main-level suite adds a Kohler soaking tub, quartz, and French doors. Updated kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and upstairs guest suite. Smart features include Nest, Ring, irrigation control, and Rainsoft, plus gardens and neighborhood amenities.

Take a peek inside →