Wiregrass Daily News

Percy Jackson Hits the Stage in Dothan This June

Wiregrass Daily News sat down with program manager and director, Billy Hutto and cast member Reid Williams, who will be playing Percy Jackson in the upcoming musical Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. The two offered a behind-the-scenes look at the production, which will run June 5–7 at SEACT. Evening performances will begin at 7:00 p.m., with a special Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. The cast, made up of around 30 passionate performers, has been in rehearsal for nearly 10 weeks and is eagerly anticipating opening night. Their enthusiasm for the material is sure to create an electric performance for audiences of all ages. This production of The Lightning Thief is doing more than bringing a popular story to the stage—it’s also serving as a fundraiser for SEACT’s upcoming educational initiatives. Proceeds from the show will help support the organization’s summer programs, which begin just one week after the final curtain falls. Among those offerings are Disney character workshops, where students will develop their performance skills and present a short show for friends and family at the end of the session. For tickets to The Lightning Thief: The Musical and details about SEACT’s summer programming, visit www.seact.com.

Wiregrass Daily News 05-19-25

Dothan Gears Up for Dragons Explosive Home Opener

Wiregrass Daily News met with Dothan Dragons Head Coach Carl Reynolds and Aaron McCreight, Vice President of Corporate Sales and Strategy, to discuss their highly anticipated home opener this Friday, May 17, at Rip Hewes Stadium, as they welcome Montgomery for what’s quickly becoming one of the region’s most heated rivalries.
After a tough season-opening loss to Montgomery, coaches and fans alike are expecting a strong response from the Dragons. Saturday’s match promises to be a statement game as the team looks to bounce back with energy, intensity, and a home crowd ready to make some noise.
Organizers have emphasized that this season’s home experience will be elevated in every way. Concession offerings have been expanded through partnerships with more local restaurants. Misting stations will be placed throughout the stadium to keep fans cool, and thunder sticks will be distributed to boost stadium energy.
A fireworks show will close out the evening’s festivities.
To accommodate an expected large crowd, the visitor side will be open for seating.
Whether fans are returning from last season or attending for the first time, they’re being encouraged to arrive early and stay late — this is more than a match; it’s an event.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and the fireworks display will begin around 9:40 p.m.
All signs point to an exciting night of community spirit, entertainment, and hometown pride as the Dothan Dragons return to Rip Hewes — ready to make a statement.
 

Mayor Randy Roland Shares Vision for Cowarts as He Seeks Re-Election

Wiregrass Daily News met with Randy Roland, Mayor of Cowarts, who is seeking another term during the next election. In an in-depth conversation, Mayor Roland shared his personal connection to the town, reflecting on how he became part of the Cowarts community and his 18 years of service in office. His long-standing commitment to the city, he said, continues to fuel his passion for public service. Roland discussed his vision for Cowarts over the next five to ten years, with a clear focus on responsible growth and economic development. He emphasized the importance of supporting existing businesses while also attracting new ones to the area. A key point of pride for Roland is maintaining a lower sales tax than surrounding municipalities, which he believes helps keep Cowarts an attractive and affordable place to live. Among his goals for the future, Roland expressed a desire to bring back the town's severe storm sirens as part of his push to improve community safety and emergency preparedness. As the election approaches, Mayor Roland hopes the citizens of Cowarts will continue to support his leadership and vision for the city's future by re-electing him for another term.

Wiregrass Daily News 05-16-25

Circle City Inferno Ignites the Crowd for Dothan Dragons

Wiregrass Daily News caught up with the founders of the Circle City Inferno — Sky, Lucha, and Juan — the passionate trio behind the roaring supporters group that’s become the heartbeat of Dothan Dragons home matches. Known for their high-energy presence, massive flags, bullhorns, and a booming bass drum, the Inferno is impossible to miss at Rip Hughes Stadium. Positioned strategically near the Dragons’ locker room, they aim to be the first sight and sound the players encounter when they take the pitch — and the last as they head off, win or lose. Before each home match, the group attends spirited tailgates and leads a pre-kickoff parade into the stands, rallying fans and building momentum before the Dragons come out. The group’s goal is to set the tone for every match and show the players they have a strong support system from start to finish. Their coordinated chants and tireless energy have made them a staple of the Dothan sports scene — and they’re always looking for more voices to join the chorus. To learn how to become a part of the Inferno, visit group.chant.fan/circlecityinferno or check out their Facebook page, Circle City Inferno.