By Christina Faulkner

The U.S. Supreme Court made a significant ruling September 26, denying Alabama's appeal in a Congressional redistricting case. This decision follows a lower court's earlier verdict that found Alabama's new map violated the Voting Rights Act. The lower court had instructed a court-appointed special master to design three proposals, each aimed at creating a second majority- or near-majority-Black district in Alabama, where the Black population stands at 27%.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

Ozark, Al. – October 3, 2023 – Do you want to climb on a tractor? Hug a cow? Take a picture with a soil mascot?

The weather will be cool and bright for a beautiful Claybank Jamboree this Saturday, October 7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and our local farmers, Future Farmers of America groups, Farmers Federation, and Dale County Extension agents are busy bees, literally, preparing for the inaugural “Farmer for A Day” street at Claybank.

Staff Report                                              

As students head to college, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, announced that Nona Strand, of Daleville, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship as part of the organization’s NASE Dependent Scholarship program.

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ozark hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on the 2400 square foot covered farmers’ market Tuesday, October 3. Chamber of Commerce Director Rosmarie Williamson and city officials were joined by county and state officials and business leaders behind the official red ribbon as the 2023 Ozark pageant queens used the oversized scissors to cut the ribbon and officially open the facility.

By Christina Faulkner

Approximately 60,000 Future Farmers of America members will converge on Indianapolis, Indiana at the end of this month for the 96th National FFA Convention and among them will be four exceptionally talented members of the G.W. Long Future Farmers of American Forestry Team. Jess Barron, Riley Hunter, Emma Claire Olson, and Carley Pritchett will have the distinct privilege to represent the state of Alabama in the upcoming forestry competition following their victory at the state level competition this past June.

By Christina Faulkner

In characteristic fashion, Jerry Baker clinched the highly sought-after first place in this week's football contest with just six incorrect guesses, distinguishing himself from the rest of the competition.

By Travis Parker and Christina Faulkner

On a brisk October afternoon in the vicinity of Midland City, history came alive in a unique and poignant ceremony held at Mt. Enon Cemetery. Gathered by the gravesite of Jacob Beverett, one of only thirteen known Revolutionary soldiers from the original Dale County, members of the Wiregrass Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution who organized the tribute, traveled from as far as Huntsville and Tuscaloosa to pay their respects in a solemn Grave Marking ceremony.

By Travis Parker

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth received an air tour when he visited Ft. Novosel on Monday, October 16. General Michael McCurry gave him a special helicopter tour of the Wiregrass area surrounding the post as well as a close-up of some of the areas that are possible trouble spots because of the encroachment of residential subdivisions. 

By Christina Faulkner

Daleville, AL – The Daleville Police Department, under the leadership of Director of Public Safety and Police Chief John Crawford, is actively addressing a series of vehicle break-ins in the area. While the investigation has produced leads on potential suspects, Chief Crawford emphasizes that no concrete conclusions have been reached at this time.

By Christina Faulkner

The following proclamation was signed by the Dale County Commission declaring October 23-28 Alabama Extension Week in Dale County and read by Commission Chairman, Steve McKinnon during the Commission meeting held Tuesday, October 24.