By Travis Parker

Summer Fest ’23, the first of what they intend to be an annual event by Southeast Alabama AMVETS Post 7, was held on Saturday, July 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Trying to beat the day's heat, the event kicked off earlier than most, yet the heat index was still over 100 degrees when it ended. 

By Travis Parker

Despite the heat index being in the low 100’s on Friday, June 30, a huge crowd attended the latest Freedom Fest and the first one held under the new name of Ft. Novosel. Chris Mendez with MWR was extremely pleased with the event and was all over the place during the afternoon and evening making sure that it was running smoothly. Organizers expected the attendance to easily top the 12,000 number from last year as they continuously strive to make the event the top Independence Day place-to-be in the Wiregrass.

By. J.D. Devine

When the students return to school in August, there will be new faces in administration at every school within the Ozark City Schools (OCS) system. Carroll High School (CHS) has welcomed Mrs. Lori Lucien to serve as an assistant principal and the Freshman Academy director following the departure of Dr. Alexcia Moore. 

By Christina Faulkner

The Dale County Commission and Dale County Road and Bridge broke ground on a new addition to the current Road and Bridge Maintenance facility located on County Road 30 on Thursday, July 6. The 2400-square-foot addition will house the department’s office personnel, engineers, and managers saving the county time and money.

By Christina Faulkner

A group vital to preserving Dale County’s history is looking for new members and a way to avoid disbanding the historical group. The Dale County Genealogical and Historical Society made a $15,210.28 donation to the Ozark Dale County Library Peyton Van Dorn Deese Genealogy Room on Wednesday, July 12, in consideration of disbanding as membership and attendance at the monthly meetings dwindles.

By Christina Faulkner

Dale County Road and Bridge started their Fiscal Year 23 Rebuild project Tuesday, July 11, with paving on County Road 50. Dale County Engineer Matthew Murphy made the announcement during the regularly scheduled July 11 meeting.

According to Murphy, the paving of CR-50 begins at State Route 123 and ends at CR-15, a total of 4.43 miles.

The county will pave a total of 11.05 miles with this year’s paving project, says Murphy.

Those miles include the following roads.

By Christina Faulkner

Two of Ozark’s Emergency Medical Service Personnel were recognized for their efforts to save a life at the Ozark City Council meeting held Tuesday, July 11. Mayor Mark Blankenship presented the City of Ozark’s Certificate of Excellence Award to Savana Haywood and Daniel Murphy for providing compassionate and professional care for the citizens of Dale County for their exemplary performance in saving a life on May 6.

By Christina Faulkner

Chief Deputy Kyle Anderson emphasized the excellent relationships that have led to the successes behind the exciting updates he shared with the Ozark Rotary Club earlier this month. 

“This year has been pretty big with a new sheriff in town,” Anderson said. “Sheriff [Mason] Bynum is a great guy. We’re excited about what the future holds for the sheriff’s office.”

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark City Schools will host open houses for the upcoming school year this week and next. Additionally, the dress code for this school year has been released. Friday, August 4, is the first day of school.

Lisenby Primary School will have an open house today, July 27, for Pre-K at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Next week Kindergarten 1st and 2nd grade will have an open house on Wednesday, August 2. Kindergarten will start at 3 p.m., 1st grade at 4 p.m. and 2nd grade at 4:30 p.m.