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.

Community Grand Opening celebration with giveaways scheduled for Saturday, March 29

Press Release

Dollar General is excited to announce its store at 3039 Jernigan Rd in Ozark is now open to provide the community with convenient and affordable access to household essentials! To celebrate, the Company plans to host a grand opening event on Saturday, March 29, at 8 a.m., which will include $10 complimentary gift cards to the first 50 adult customers and DG tote bags to the first 100 customers.

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark Police Chief Charles Ward was honored at the annual Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in Montgomery last month for completing 240 hours of training in the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program.

By Christina Faulkner

More than 200 people sheltered inside the Troy Recreation Center late Saturday night when an EF2 tornado tore through the southern part of the city, peeling away sections of the roof and allowing water to pour inside. Fortunately, no one was injured, but Troy Parks officials say the center will remain closed until repairs are completed.

By Travis Parker 

The US Veterans Motorcycle Club’s second annual Wiregrass Spring Opener Poker Run took place this past weekend, drawing a crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts and supporters eager to ride for a cause. With 74 motorcycles and approximately 110 participants—including passengers and those traveling in cars or trucks—the event proved to be a success both in turnout and fundraising.

A Ride with a Purpose

By Christina Faulkner

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark has been named one of the nation's top micropolitan areas in Site Selection magazine’s 2024 rankings, a recognition that underscores the city's economic growth and potential for future development. This designation places Ozark among the most attractive small cities in the United States for corporate facility investment, highlighting its role as an emerging hub for business and industry.

By Christina Faulkner

The curtain closed on a legendary career at the Flowers Center for the Performing Arts as Margorie “Margie” Benson directed her final high school production, Funny Girl. After 42 years of dedication to high school theater, Benson is retiring, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped countless students and a community that deeply appreciates her contributions.

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Police Department has taken a significant step in enhancing transparency and officer safety by equipping all road patrol officers with body-worn cameras and installing dash cameras in every patrol vehicle. This initiative, made possible through an agreement with Axon at the beginning of the year, ensures that every officer and patrol car is equipped with recording capabilities that provide critical documentation of law enforcement activities.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

If you have walked into the Extension office lately, you have seen our biosecurity footbath to help stop the spread of avian flu. It is worth the small extra step (literally) to help everyone’s birds.

As you have noticed, eggs are worth more than before, and so we wanted to share information from our Food Safety team on eggs.

Sharing or Selling Your Eggs

By Christina Faulkner

Newspapers remain a pillar of democracy and transparency, particularly in small, rural communities where they serve as the primary source of local news. A proposed bill in the Alabama Legislature threatens to dismantle one of their vital roles by eliminating the requirement for public works bids exceeding $100,000 to be published in newspapers of general circulation. Instead, these notices would be relegated to a government-run website, a move that raises concerns over transparency, accountability, and the very survival of local newspapers.

By Christina Faulkner

Rep. Ed Oliver and State Sen. Andrew Jones have successfully advanced legislation to establish the Alabama Veterans Resources Center (AVRC), with the bill passing both the House and the Senate. The legislation is now expected to be signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey.

By Christina Faulkner

Montgomery – Governor Kay Ivey joined other Alabama law enforcement officials, state legislators, and several invited mayors for a Safe Alabama Event in the Alabama State Capitol’s Old House Chamber on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Montgomery, Ala. Among the attendees were Director of Ozark Public Safety and Chief of Police Charles Ward and Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum. During the event, Governor Ivey unveiled the much-anticipated public safety package, initially introduced during her State of the State address on February 4.

By Christina Faulkner

Montgomery – House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter has appointed Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) as Chairman of the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee. Clouse steps into this leadership role following the departure of Rep. Randall Shedd (R-Fairview), who is leaving the House to serve alongside newly elected Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger.