By Christina Faulkner

World War II veteran and Ozark resident Arthur C. “Ott” Cullifer will lead the Ozark Christmas Parade, Tuesday, December 6, as it makes its way along the downtown route. Cullifer, who will be 100 years old on December 18, is the Grand Marshall. Cullifer is one of the few remaining survivors of WWII.

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark Mayor Mark Blankenship was honored at the close of the Municipal Leadership Institute held at Perdido Beach in Orange Beach, AL, November 8-10. Blankenship was recognized as Outstanding Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) Mayor.

By Christina Faulkner

The Ann Rudd Art Center hosted a reception for Leslie Blackmon and her art show entitled “House Party” Saturday, December 3. Aptly named, the show displays artwork in various mediums depicting homes Blackmon has seen while walking through Ozark when home visiting family.

Editor’s note: Reprinted from TroyTrojans.com

TROY, Ala. – Troy dominated Coastal Carolina Saturday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Stadium and claimed a record seventh Sun Belt Conference championship with a 45-26 victory in the Hercules Tire Sun Belt Championship Game. 

Ozark City Schools has announced Matt Barton will be the new principal of Lisenby Primary School. Barton will replace Dawn (Tice) Zinn, who recently accepted a position with the Alabama State Department of Education as Mathematics Improvement Regional Coordinator.

Barton comes to Ozark from the Coffee County School District, where he served as Student Services Supervisor. He holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Troy University and has over fourteen years of educational experience.

By Christina Faulkner

Former Ozark Mayor, Billy Blackmon reached a milestone Sunday, December 4, celebrating his 90th birthday at the Holman House in Ozark. The milestone celebration was coordinated and hosted by his three children, Leslie, Jennifer, and Bill, Jr., as a tribute to the successful life of their father and a man held dear by many of those in the Ozark community.

By Christina Faulkner

Students from across the Wiregrass participated in the Power of Youth Leadership Forum held at the Ozark Civic Center on Wednesday, December 7. Students from Covington, Coffee, Henry, Houston, and Geneva Counties joined students with the Dale County Youth Leadership program at the annual forum sponsored by Alabama Power Company. Co-sponsors for the forum included the Dothan Chamber of Commerce, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, Pea River Electric Cooperative, and the Wiregrass RC&D.

Editor’s note: Reprinted from TroyTrojans.com

ORLANDO – When Troy needed its defense the most, one of the best units in the country stepped up as it had done all season and stuffed UTSA four times from the 5-yard line as No. 23 Troy defeated No. 22 UTSA, 18-12, in the Duluth Trading Cure Bowl on Saturday at Experia Stadium. 

By Christina Faulkner

A Law Enforcement Peer Support program was one of the focuses of the 14th Wiregrass Law Enforcement Conference held at the Ozark Civic Center Friday, December 9. Over 140 law enforcement officers from 44 agencies across the Wiregrass attended the conference.

By Jeff D. Devine

By J.D. Devine

The Ozark Lions Club held its fundraising raffle inside Ozark City Council Chambers. Lions Club President, Edna Bean, asked Ozark Mayor Mark Blankenship to draw the winning tickets Wednesday, December 21.

The lucky winners, along with their prizes, are as follows: Jennifer Gatlin, $300.00 Visa gift card; David Hollis, 50” Smart TV; and Teresa Baker, a $50.00 Visa gift card. The raffle was an important part of the fundraising efforts of the Lions Club.

Submitted by Travis Parker