By Travis Parker 

The year 2024 brought significant national and statewide elections. As we move into 2025, local elections are on the horizon. Stay tuned to the Southern Star for updates on these elections and the key issues that could impact you, your family, and your livelihood. 

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark Parks and Recreation celebrated the grand re-opening of the Eastgate basketball gym, a long-awaited renovation that promises to serve as a central hub for sports and community engagement on Monday, January 6. The grand re-opening was attended by community members and officials, all coming together to mark the transformation of the gym into a modern facility that will benefit Ozark for years to come.

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark’s veteran lawmaker Rep. Steve Clouse has officially announced his decision to seek another term in the Alabama House of Representatives in 2026. With a political career dating back to 1994, Clouse brings over three decades of experience to the table, which he believes will continue to benefit the citizens of Dale and Houston counties if voters grant him another term.

By Christina Faulkner

Economic development in Ozark and Dale County is gaining momentum, and the future looks bright as the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC), led by President Holle Smith, charts an ambitious course for 2025. From attracting new industries to supporting local businesses, ODEDC is working to make the area a hub of opportunity and growth.

"Ozark and Dale County have a lot to be optimistic about as we move into 2025," Smith stated.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

We are excited to begin 2025 with some suggestions for health and wellness.

Choose Your Favorite Citrus - Citrus season is here in Alabama! Enjoy fresh, juicy fruits oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and clementines packed with vitamins and flavor. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also loaded with Vitamin C to boost your immune system and fiber to keep you feeling full.

Compiled by Christina Faulkner

By Christina Faulkner

Two emaciated pit bulls are causing chaos in an Ozark neighborhood, leaving a trail of destruction and dead cats in their wake. These nocturnal predators have been seen on security cameras prowling after midnight, chasing and killing cats—both feral and pets. But their victims are not consumed; instead, the dogs kill for sport, leaving the lifeless bodies, bruised and marked with teeth marks, behind and moving on.

By Christina Faulkner

A critical spending bill aimed at providing economic relief to struggling farmers was recently signed into law, offering a much-needed lifeline to the agricultural community. The legislation, driven by bipartisan support and intense advocacy, allocates $10 billion in direct aid to farmers grappling with financial challenges stemming from soaring input costs, high interest rates, and declining commodity prices.

By Caitlyn Cummings and Christina Faulkner

A dream turned into reality for Jessica Moore, Executive Director of the Ozark Boys & Girls Club (BGC), as the club officially cut the ribbon on its highly anticipated Teen Center on December 17. Located on Andrews Avenue in the building that once housed the Ozark Board of Education offices, the Teen Center represents a significant step in the club’s commitment to the community’s youth, expanding its offerings to include teens aged 14 to 18.

By Christina Faulkner

A high-speed chase Tuesday night, Dec. 17, ended in a crash involving two Dale County Sheriff’s deputies near Walmart in Ozark, leaving one deputy with minor injuries and a suspect in custody.

The incident began when Marion Williams failed to yield to a traffic stop on Highway 231 North while traveling southbound toward Ozark. Observing him traveling at a high rate of speed, a deputy attempted a traffic stop, but Williams accelerated, prompting a pursuit.

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark City Schools received an 83%, an overall B, on their State Report Card. This score is nearly identical to the one they earned in 2023.

Staff Reports

Washington – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Claudia Wigglesworth of Daleville as the December “Veteran of the Month.”

“We often think of the holiday season as a time for giving. For Lieutenant Colonel Claudia Wigglesworth of Daleville, she exhibits this spirit of generosity all year long,” said Tuberville.

By Caitlyn Cummings

Christmas fun was had by all as the town of Clayhatchee hosted its first Christmas in the Park celebration on December 14.

Over the past year, the Clayhatchee Volunteer Fire Department has partnered with KDL Towing to host events in the park aimed at drawing people to the small community. Christmas in the Park was one of those events.

Submitted by Melissa Voynich, County Extension Coordinator

As we wrap up our announcements of winners at the Farm-City Banquet 2024, we want to thank our community partners who helped make all of this wonderful recognition happen. We are lucky to have you all here to support the partnership between agriculture and business here in Dale County.

County Awards moving to State Level from Local Schools

Submitted by Melissa Voynich, Dale County Extension Coordinator

Information provided by the Alabama Extension Food Safety Team

It is safe to say that on more than one occasion, we might have a holiday kitchen blunder.  Do not fret! Just follow these tips to save the day.  Love, the Alabama Extension Food Safety Team

Too Much Salt?

Soups and Stews - Add cut raw potatoes and discard them once they have cooked.

OR Add a teaspoon of cider vinegar.

Too Sweet or Salty?

By Travis Parker

This Thanksgiving season, Choppers Ol’ School BBQ in Daleville has once again demonstrated its commitment to community and generosity. Known for its mouthwatering smoked meats and classic southern sides, the locally cherished barbecue restaurant once again held a Thanksgiving food giveaway, ensuring that no family in the area went without a hearty meal during the holiday.

Submitted by Melissa Voynich, County Extension Coordinator 

It is the season of Farm-City celebration, and the Southern Star is featuring our award winners across several weeks of publication. The following write-ups were delivered during the Farm City Banquet. Welcome to December!

Rhonda Hayes, ALFA agent, received the Ag Supporter Award presented by the Kiwanis Club.

By Caitlyn Cummings

If you ask many Ozarkians today about Judge Frank O. Deese, they can usually tell you one fact about him. He was the judge who performed that marriage ceremony for Paul “Bear” Bryant and his wife, Mary Harmon Black. Some Ozarkians can even tell you a lesser-known fact about him. He compiled and published the first complete map of Dale County in 1907. 

By Caitlyn Cummings

Charlotte Smith, retired Lisenby principal and current director of the new ONEeagle Foundation, was the featured speaker at the Ozark Rotary Club meeting on November 19.

Ozark needs everyone. As the old saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and everyone is a stakeholder in the future generations of Ozark. The ONEeagle Foundation seeks to uphold the vision and priorities of Ozark City Schools through partnerships, service to the community, and enrichment of the educational experience of students and staff. 

Submitted by Melissa Voynich, County Extension Coordinator

It is the season of Farm-City celebration, and the Southern Star is featuring our award winners across several weeks of publication. Part One was printed last week.

The following write-ups were delivered during the Farm City Banquet. Happy Thanksgiving!

Jacob and Aisling Walding were honored as the Young and Beginning Farmers of the Year, an award presented by ALFA in recognition of their dedication to agriculture.

Press Release

Ozark - Dunham’s Sports® is excited to announce the official Grand Opening of its Ozark store on Friday, November 22.  Dunham’s would like to invite residents of Ozark and the surrounding communities to our Grand Opening weekend.  The new store, located at 1177 Andrews Avenue near the Tractor Supply store will bring up to 40 new full-time and part-time jobs to the community.   Store hours are Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

By Travis Parker

Ozark, Alabama, a city with deep ties to the military and a proud history of honoring its veterans, has welcomed back a significant piece of its past—the M60 Patton tank. This symbol of American military strength returns to the city thanks to a dedicated effort to celebrate Ozark’s military heritage and recognize its connection to the 131st Armored Tank Battalion.