by Maggie Edwards

Agricultural advocacy took center stage on Capitol Hill during the Washington Legislative Conference (WLC) March 7-10, as passion and patriotism sent 140 Alabama Farmers Federation members to Washington, D.C. 

It was Chambers County farmer Jason McKay’s first WLC. He’s a partner in RL&M Cattle and RL&M Ag Services in Cusseta. 

Staff Reports

ELBA, Alabama – Sunbelt Solomon Services (“Sunbelt Solomon” or “SSS”), a leading provider of customized and sustainable electrical power solutions and services, today announced plans to open a service center in Elba, Alabama, that will offer electrical transformer repair and recycling, field services and equipment rental operations. Sunbelt Solomon will invest over $5 million to launch the facility, which will generate new employment opportunities, providing an economic boost to the Southeast Alabama community.

By J.D. Devine

Montgomery-Governor Kay Ivey delivered her assessment of the current health, successes, and failures of Alabama as a whole. She also discussed her ideas on many areas and topics during her State of the State Address on Tuesday, March 7. She was officially invited to give the address by the Alabama House of Representatives, which is typically a formality. Her address was notable for her enthusiasm, sports metaphors, and the folksy, laidback way she speaks.  

Press Release – Southeast Gas recently awarded Community Betterment Funds in the amount of $11,000 to Ozark Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEC). Ozark Mayor and Southeast Gas Board member Mark Blankenship requested funds to enhance existing industry and recruit new businesses to the City of Ozark on behalf of ODEC. This year Southeast Gas will provide $164,000 to agencies like ODEC for commercial and industrial investments in Southeast Alabama.

By J.D. Devine

The Carroll High School (CHS) Lady Eagles’ varsity softball team played their hearts out at the Kirsten L. Dean (KLD) Memorial Softball Tournament held at Straughn, AL, March 3-4. They played Straughn and Highland Home in pool play, and in bracket play, they faced off against Straughn, Zion Chapel, and Highland Home.

CHS vs. Straughn Tigers

Enterprise, AL – The Enterprise Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Enterprise way at the World’s Smallest St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Half Pint 0.5K on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on E. College St. This annual event will celebrate its 30th Anniversary, honoring its only parade participant – the Grand Marshal!

By Christina Faulkner

Carroll High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Cadet Captain Paul Swanson was honored at the Ozark City Council meeting held on February 21 for his selection to the Alabama State Superintendent’s Advisory Board. Swanson was also invited to attend Governor Kay Ivey’s Proclamation signing declaring February as Career Technical Education (CTE) Month in Alabama and serves on the state’s JROTC Leadership Board as the Vice President.

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2022 Excellence in Business Awards on Thursday, February 23, at the Ozark Warehouse. The event highlighted eleven categories in which local businesses and individuals excel in the delivery of their products and services.

Bridge Academy held its grand opening on Thursday, February 23. The events started with a flag-raising ceremony conducted by members of the 131st National Guard Armory Alumni Association. Bridge Academy then held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the career tech campus.

Young ladies who have participated in local beauty pageants, including Miss Pinckard Laney Deloney and Junior Miss Ariton Addie Davis, and others, assisted in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

By J.D. Devine. 

By Christina Faulkner

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — James B. “Jim” Boone Jr., founder and chairman of the board of Boone Newsmedia, Inc. [BNI], died Monday, Feb. 13, at UAB Hospital-Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, after a brief illness. He was 87.

By Christina Faulkner

Over 100 volunteers came together to transform The Family Life Center (FLC) at First Ozark United Methodist Church (FUMC) into a magical prom setting for the Tim Tebow Night to Shine held Friday, February 10. Dressed to the nines, approximately 75 special needs guests attended the event, joining family, friends, and buddies for an unforgettable prom experience.

By J.D. Devine

The students of D.A. Smith Middle School recently participated in a science fair. The science fair gave the students the opportunity to experiment and explore various areas of science that interest them. The school’s science fair was sponsored by Amanda Melby and Tristan Wherly.

By J.D. Devine

The Carroll High School (CHS) Eagles boys varsity basketball team faced off against the Greenville Tigers in the 5A Area 4 sub-final game on Tuesday, February 7, at CHS. The Eagles had to win the game against Greenville for a spot in the Area Championship game against Charles Henderson.

By Christina Faulkner

Last month, Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the tragic murder of Melanie Amber Dorrill. Ivey’s proclamation stresses that “every effort should be made to apprehend and convict the person or persons responsible for this crime.”

The $5,000 reward is available to any public citizen who provides information to

By J.D. Devine

Carroll High School Career Center (CHSCC) is planning a busy month of activities in observance of Alabama Career and Technical Education Month. Officials, faculty, and students from Ozark City Schools (OCS) visited City Hall on Friday, February 3, as Ozark Mayor Mark Blankenship signed a proclamation declaring February Career and Technical Education Month.

By Christina Faulkner

The Dale County Commission appointed three deputy coroners at the Commission meeting held Tuesday, January 24. Dale County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Adam Bruhn was appointed Chief Deputy Coroner while Daleville Department of Public Safety Assistant Fire Chief David Grubbs was appointed Deputy Coroner for Daleville, Level Plains, and Clayhatchee. Ricky Stokes was appointed Deputy Coroner for Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital.

By J.D. Devine

By Christina Faulkner

Newly elected Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum was sworn into office by 33rd Judicial Circuit Judge William Filmore on Tuesday, January 17. Bynum ran unopposed after former Sheriff Wally Olson decided to retire and not seek re-election to a fifth term.

By Christina Faulkner

By J.D. Devine

It was a strong night overall for the Carroll Eagles as all three of the school’s teams, the Boys Junior Varsity, the Girls Varsity, and the Boys Varsity, each played a game against the G.W. Long Rebels. The Boys JV team kicked the evening off, playing the first game of the night. The team managed to defeat the G.W. Long Rebels, 38-28.

The strong showing for Carroll continued as the Lady Eagles varsity team took on the Rebels.