By Caitlyn Cummings

This year, the Ozark-Dale County Library celebrates an incredible milestone—80 years of service to the people of Ozark and Dale County. For eight decades, the library has stood as more than just a place to check out books. It has been a sanctuary of learning, a spark for imagination, and a heartbeat of the community.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

After the graduation weeks and final days of school have passed, what are you doing to continue your learning in fun ways? We have LOTS of answers for you!

Our Camplify! summer experience for ages 9-18 is open for registration for two weeks only at NO cost.

We must thank our Premier Sponsor, ALFA- Farmers Federation of Dale County, for supporting our dreams and making them a reality this week.

By Christina Faulkner

On Thursday, May 1, Carroll High School hosted the Ozark City Schools Showcase, offering parents, students, and community members an opportunity to explore the diverse educational and extracurricular opportunities available throughout the district. Students from Mixon Elementary School, D.A. Smith Middle School, Carroll High School, the Career Technical Education Center, and Eagle Academy brought their projects, exhibits, and achievements, providing a dynamic experience for all attendees.

By Bridgette Brannon,

Regional Extension Agent, Food Safety Team

Outdoor cooking is one of the crowning moments of summer. Grilling is perfect for entertaining at home, the lake, birthday parties, or just because. Plus, it is a fantastic way to be outside to thaw from the cold winter and/or spring months.

By Travis Parker 

A celebration of history on wheels took center stage at D.A. Smith Middle School this past Friday as students, car owners, and community members gathered for the first-ever “Driving Through the Decades” event in the Wiregrass. With 54 cars on display—from 1912 to 2025—and sixth-grade students presenting research projects on assigned vehicles in period attire, the event brought education and nostalgia together in a unique and exciting way.

By Caitlyn Cummings

In an exciting new chapter of Dale Medical Center’s history, Chief Executive Officer Vernon Johnson, alongside a team of dedicated staff members, officially cut the ribbon on Claybank Family Medicine during a ceremony held on April 29. The new clinic, located in the former StatMed building on Andrews Avenue, marks a significant milestone in the medical center’s ongoing mission to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to the Ozark community. The facility officially opened its doors to patients on May 1.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

The Dale County Extension office hosted the Regional 4-H Showcase at Wallace College’s campus in Midland City on April 26.

If you have not heard of our flagship youth program before, Alabama 4-H is a youth development organization that provides leadership and citizenship opportunities to empower students. Interactive activities in and out of the classroom develop that mission.

By Caitlyn Cummings

The Ozark Boys and Girls Club hosted its highly anticipated annual Wine, Dine, and Auction Night fundraiser on April 24 at the Ozark Civic Center. This cherished event brought together community members, local businesses, and supporters for an evening of food, music, and generosity, all in support of the youth in Ozark.

By Christina Faulkner

The Daleville Department of Public Safety has announced the arrest of Antwan "Country Wayne" Young, 36, of Daleville, in connection with a residential armed robbery that occurred on April 14.

Officers responded to a home on Templeton Drive at approximately 9:21 p.m. after receiving a report of an armed robbery. According to the victim, a male suspect entered the residence, brandished a handgun, and demanded cash. The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of money before officers arrived.

By Pierre Little

By Christina Faulkner with Susan Owens

This year’s Hounds Hunting with Heart event, raising over $56,000, was a huge success—bringing together car enthusiasts, hunters, and families from near and far for a day full of fun, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories.

One of the big moments of the day was the $500 raffle, and we’re excited to announce that Jeff Johnson took home the prize!

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

Alabama Extension reaches into every county, and we are pleased to have a phenomenal team in the Southeast who work together to help our local students.

When Wiregrass RC&D presented a chance to host a regional agriculture fair, our team jumped at the chance to help our FFA and other ag-related groups learn through experience.

Last week, the Ag Career Expo started in the early morning at Landmark Park as about 700 students arrived from all across the region, pouring in on yellow buses.

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark City Schools Board of Education and D.A. Smith Middle School held a special ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, April 8, to celebrate the transformation of the Career Exploration Center—a facility dedicated to preparing students for real-world success by giving them early access to career-based learning.

By Travis Parker

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

It’s time for the sunshine to be pretty steady, and with that comes so many ways to get planting in and around your green space.

Whether you have lots of pots, a small plot, or giant grassy hills, we have advice on what to plant, when, and how to keep it going.

Two of our favorite events to help with this process are right around the corner, and we are looking forward to seeing you at them.

First, the Claybank Master Gardner Plant Sale is on April 26 from 9 a.m. until Noon.

By Christina Faulkner

A local man’s late-night trip to the store ended in tragedy when his body was discovered early Monday morning alongside Highway 231, just outside Midland City. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Dale County Coroner John Cawley identified the deceased as 53-year-old Troy L. Williams of Midland City. According to Cawley, Williams left his home Sunday night around 8:30 p.m., telling family members he was headed to a nearby convenience store on his bicycle. He never returned.

By Christina Faulkner

The City of Ozark recently recognized two local heroes whose quick thinking and compassion helped save the life of a fellow citizen. Ozark City Schools bus driver Rufus Hardison and fifth grader Deron Oliver were honored during a city council meeting for their actions on February 26, which led to emergency responders reaching a woman in distress just in time.

By Travis Parker 

By Christina Faulkner

The City of Ozark has legalized the use of certain low-speed vehicles, primarily golf carts, on city streets—specifically those with speed limits of 25 miles per hour or lower. But operating one legally requires more than just hopping in and taking a drive.

“These vehicles, when sharing roads with full-sized cars, SUVs, and trucks, come with specific responsibilities and regulations that residents must follow,” said Charles Ward, Director of Public Safety and Chief of Ozark Police.

By Caitlyn Cummings

By Christina Faulkner

Carroll High School graduate Randall S. Morris (Class of 1988) has been named Dothan’s next City Manager following an extensive nationwide search.