Brandon and Megan Deal, along with daughters Sarah, Kenzie, and Daisy, shared how their content journey began unexpectedly after viewers noticed Mackenzie’s cochlear implant in one of their early videos.

Since then, the family has built a large following across TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by creating relatable and wholesome content centered around everyday family moments.

During the interview, the family discussed balancing normal life with their growing online presence while continuing to live and raise their children in the Wiregrass.

They also spoke about how Kenzie’s story has helped encourage other children with hearing loss to feel more confident wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants.

The Deals said they strive to create content that families of all ages can enjoy while staying true to themselves and their Southern roots.

The family can be found on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook under “Deal Family,” with Brandon noting viewers should look for the verified account with the blue check mark to avoid fake pages online.

Andrea, executive director of the 60-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, explained that Chipola Health and Rehab provides rehabilitation services for patients recovering from surgeries, strokes and other medical conditions before they transition back home.

The facility also offers long-term care depending on patient needs.

During the interview, Sonya shared details about the Summer Bash, which will take place from noon until 4 p.m. The free community event will include carnival games, inflatables, a sweet treat walk and shaved ice from Southern Shaved Ice.

Donations collected during the event will go back toward supporting residents and staff at the facility.

Organizers said the event was created to give families and children a fun way to celebrate the beginning of summer while also bringing the community together with residents and staff.

More information about the Summer Bash can be found on the facility’s Facebook page.

The event is designed to honor veterans, service members, and their families while bringing the community together for a full day of entertainment and fireworks.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. with a quiet hour for children and adults sensitive to loud noises before live music and activities start at noon. Guests can enjoy a Touch a Truck experience featuring more than 35 vehicles, helicopters, food trucks, vendors, and entertainment on two stages throughout the day.

Country artist Coffey Anderson is expected to headline the event.

Charles said the evening will end with what he believes will be the largest fireworks show the Wiregrass has ever seen.

The show will also feature appearances from the Fireball Dudes, known for their large-scale controlled fireball effects.

Admission is free, but organizers are encouraging a $20 parking donation, with proceeds benefiting veterans organizations and military families.

In addition to concerts, the Civic Center will host several graduations and community events, keeping the venue active through mid-May. Outdoor programming continues to expand as well, with free, family-friendly events at the park including movie nights, live music, and the return of a big band concert series.

Dempsey highlighted the importance of balancing national touring acts with opportunities for local performers, emphasizing the department’s goal of growing the arts scene while supporting emerging talent.

As May continues, residents can also expect comedy shows and additional live entertainment, making downtown Dothan a hub of activity throughout the month. For a full list of events and ticket information, visit dothanciviccenter.org, dothanoperahouse.com, or thepark.dothan.com.

With that foundation in place, the focus is now shifting toward education, particularly for youth across the Wiregrass. The new summer camp, launching the week of June 1 and running through June 26, will offer a mix of fun and learning. Children will gain hands-on experience with animal care, safety, and understanding animal behavior, while also participating in STEM activities and creative experiences.

The week-long camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with early drop-off available. Activities include time with animals, themed learning sessions, and special events like water slides and interactive demonstrations.

Parents can sign up through the Wiregrass Pets website, Facebook page, or by phone as the program prepares for its first summer.

Strickland explained that a gemologist is essentially the scientist of the jewelry industry, trained to evaluate and assign value to stones using facts and research. He shared that becoming a gemologist requires about two years of study through the Gemological Institute of America, where students learn everything from diamonds to colored stones.

A fifth-generation jeweler, Strickland highlighted the rich history of his family business, which dates back to 1888 and continues to serve the Wiregrass community in both Dothan and Enterprise.

With wedding season underway, Strickland noted that couples are increasingly shopping together and leaning toward custom designs. Popular trends include elongated diamond cuts and delicate bands that can be stacked for a layered look.

Strickland Jewelers is also hosting an estate sale from May 1 through May 9, featuring both vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces.

What’s Happening Wiregrass with Katelyn is brought to you by Dothan United Soccer Club.

ABO, now celebrating ten years, focuses on more than just baseball. It provides athletes ages 15 and up with opportunities to build teamwork, confidence, and life skills in a supportive environment. Practices are already underway in Enterprise, and the team recently competed in Panama City, bringing together players of all experience levels.

Local program leader Josh Eldreth is helping grow the Wiregrass Warriors, with more games and community involvement planned. Athletes who participate consistently may even have the chance to travel for special national events later this year.

Those interested in joining or supporting the program can visit alternativebaseball.org or find the Wiregrass Warriors ABO on Facebook for more information.

As a junior board member, Brooks explained the group’s focus on supporting fundraising efforts that allow Angel House to continue serving victims of violent crimes and their families across Houston County and seven surrounding counties. The organization provides immediate response services, including crime scene cleanup, counseling, support groups, and court advocacy to help families navigate both emotional and legal challenges.

Brooks also highlighted the upcoming “Night at the Derby” event, set for Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at The Forum. The evening will feature food, music, raffles, simulated horse races, and a festive derby atmosphere complete with hats and bow ties. Tickets are $75 and available through the Wiregrass Angel House Facebook page or by contacting their office. Proceeds directly support the organization’s mission.

During the conversation, the guests emphasized that fair housing is not limited to one month, but is practiced year-round by real estate professionals. They highlighted the seven protected classes under the law: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. Understanding these protections helps both agents and the public avoid discrimination and ensure fairness in every transaction.

The discussion also touched on how unintentional violations can occur without proper education, reinforcing the need for ongoing training and awareness. While local issues are rare, the association encourages anyone with questions or concerns to reach out for guidance or resources.

For more information, community members can contact a local realtor or the Southeast Alabama Association of Realtors for educational materials and support.

Friday night kicks off with opening ceremonies, a parade at 4 p.m., a cornhole tournament, live music, and vendors. Saturday begins at 8 a.m. with events like worm fiddling, a coin scramble, tug-of-war, and a car show hosted by the River Junction Cruisers. Attendees can also enjoy live performances, a barbecue competition, and a variety of food and craft vendors throughout the day. A free KidZone featuring rides, activities, and a first-ever die-cast car race will be open for families.

Sunday includes a worship service, more live music, and a Lego car derby for kids. For full event details, schedules, and entry information, visitors can check out the festival’s official Facebook page.

Holladay explained that she’s been creating live wedding paintings for about five years, capturing meaningful moments like first dances or walks down the aisle. She begins each piece onsite and later completes fine details in her studio before delivering the finished artwork. In addition to weddings, she also offers guest portraits, painting quick, minimalist-style portraits for attendees to take home.

Her services aren’t limited to weddings either. Holladay has painted at engagement parties, corporate events, and even Mardi Gras balls, where vibrant fashion and energy inspire her work. She said the goal is always to reflect the feeling of the event through color and movement.

Those interested can find her work on social media at @rholladayart.eventartist or visit rholladayart.com for more information.