By Willie Worsham, Dale County EMA Director, and Christina Faulkner

The Atlantic hurricane season begins today, June 1, and ends on November 30, with its peak around September 10. Based upon the current 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, there will be 11-15 named storms, 4-8 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes, with 2-4 making a direct impact on the U.S. As this time of year comes around, it is important for those along and near coastal areas to be prepared, as it only takes one storm to greatly affect a region.

 By Christina Faulkner

A partnership between South Dale Middle School and the City of Pinckard blossomed into being with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday, May 24, at the new running track behind the Dale County school. School and town officials gathered with pageant queens and soldiers from Fort Novosel’s Lyster Army Medical Clinic for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

By Christina Faulkner

The Dale County Extension office introduced the new County Extension Coordinator, Melissa Voynich at the Dale County Commission meeting held on Tuesday, May 23. Voynich was also introduced to the Ozark City Council on June 6.

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark Mayor, Mark Blankenship signed a proclamation Wednesday, May 31 declaring June 19 as Ozark Juneteenth Community Celebration Day. Blankenship read and presented the proclamation to Winnie Frazier, coordinator of the Ozark Juneteenth Celebration in front of City Hall where they were joined by members of the community and Miss Bronze pageant queens.

By J.D. Devine

Farmers in a number of Alabama counties whose crops were negatively impacted by the freezing temperatures experienced March 18-20 may be eligible for special disaster relief granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Commissioner Rick Pate of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) both announced that a request for a disaster declaration has been approved by USDA Sec. Vilsack. 

By. J.D. Devine

Montgomery–Alabama Governor Kay Ivey held a number of signing ceremonies last week as she signed a series of bills into law. The flurry of bills includes the general and education budget as well as legislation that expands education choice in the state and eliminates the state income tax on all overtime pay for hourly workers.

The bill-signing marathon comes as Alabama lawmakers head home after the end of the year’s legislative session.

By Christina Faulkner

The results of an employee survey were revealed at the Ozark City Council meeting held Tuesday, June 6. According to Mayor Mark Blankenship, 145 full-time employees responded to the voluntary survey in nine departments indicating an overall level of satisfaction and some areas where improvement can be made.

By. J.D. Devine

Mayor Mark Blankenship celebrated and honored women veterans with a special proclamation declaring June 12, 2023, Women Veterans Day in Ozark, Alabama. Though Women Veterans Day is not an official federal or Alabama holiday, Ozark, along with Daleville, is proud to be at the forefront in recognizing the importance of celebrating our women veterans.

By. J.D. Devine

Coley McCraney was formally sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole by Circuit Judge William Filmore on Thursday, June 15. Fillmore pronounced the formal sentence that the jury recommended following the April trial. 

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark’s inaugural Juneteenth Community Celebration was a successful celebration Monday, June 19, as community members came together to celebrate freedom, enjoy music and fellowship, and reflect on the history of the holiday just recently recognized by the federal government.

Boasting free admission, games, food, face painting, music, and prizes, the Juneteenth Community Celebration was a time for all of Ozark to come together and celebrate.

By J.D. Devine

The 2023 Farm Bill reauthorization is moving along as a divided Congress works to find compromises in order to pass the omnibus bill before its looming deadline of September 30. Since the U.S. House of Representatives is controlled by a Republican majority and the U.S. Senate has a Democratic majority, the negotiations thus far have proved tricky.

By Christina Faulkner

The Southern Star was recognized as the most improved paper in Alabama Division C this past weekend at the Alabama Press Association Annual Summer Convention held at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach on June 24. The Southern Star received a total of four awards for its outstanding work.