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.

 By Christina Faulkner

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we commemorate the citizens who contributed to Ozark's growth and prosperity through religion, education, business, skilled trades, agriculture, and other vocations. This is only a partial history of the Black community in Ozark.

Much of what is printed here was originally written by Lucy P. Loman and published in the 1976 issue of The Southern Star. It has been edited for clarity and to reflect contemporary language and terminology.

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Parks and Recreation Department has been named the 2024 Alabama Parks and Recreation Agency of the Year for communities with a population of 15,000 and greater, an honor presented by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA).

Ozark Parks and Recreation Director Ozzie Maianeto said the recognition speaks to the department’s ongoing efforts to enhance the community’s quality of life through recreation, wellness initiatives, and public spaces.

By Christina Faulkner

By Christina Faulkner

The historic Flowers Center for the Performing Arts has long been a cornerstone of the Ozark community, bringing the magic of theater to generations of students and residents. Now, the beloved theater faces a critical challenge: it needs $80,000 to repair its foundation, and its longtime director, Margie Benson, believes the community can once again rally to save it.

By Christina Faulkner

Dale County Judge Stanley Garner has denied bond for Dustin Rigsbee, a former Marine accused of murdering Harleigh Michelle Dills on Tuesday, January 28. The judge ruled that Rigsbee poses a danger to himself and others. This decision followed arguments from Dale County Assistant District Attorney Emmett Massey, who emphasized that evidence did not support claims that the shooting was accidental, as Rigsbee and his attorney, David Harrison, asserted.

By Christina Faulkner

As we enter Black History Month, we commemorate the citizens who contributed to Ozark's growth and prosperity through religion, education, business, skilled trades, agriculture, and other vocations. This is only a partial history of the Black community in Ozark.

Much of what is printed here was originally written by Lucy P. Loman and published in the 1976 issue of The Southern Star. It has been edited for clarity and to reflect contemporary language and terminology.

By Christina Faulkner

As freezing temperatures swept through the Wiregrass region, the Ozark Dale County Library extended a lifeline to those without shelter, offering warmth and support through its Homeless Connect program. Beginning Sunday, January 19, the library’s Bay Meeting Room became a refuge for individuals in need, staying open for six days due to the extreme cold.

By Christina Faulkner

Tragedy struck the small town of Pinckard early Tuesday morning, January 23, when 37-year-old Caleb Green lost his life in a house fire. According to preliminary reports, Green may have fallen asleep while cooking on his stove, leaving it on and inadvertently causing the blaze. Other speculation suggested Green may have been using the stove to heat the home, as temperatures dropped to 28 degrees Tuesday morning.

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / POOL /AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty Images, licensed to CA Inc.)

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Police Department celebrated the achievements of four exemplary officers who demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication throughout 2024. Recognizing their commitment to community engagement, mentorship, and leadership, the department presented four prestigious awards that reflect the values of effective policing and public service.

Heart of the Community Award