No. 4 Alabama falls to No. 1 Michigan in overtime, 27-20, in CFP Semifinal

Pasadena, CA. - The No. 1 Michigan Wolverines defeated No. 4 Alabama in overtime, 27-20, in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.

The contest was evenly matched in most every category, with the Crimson Tide racking up 288 total yards of offense and possessing the ball for 32:19 while the Wolverines finished with 351 total yards and 27:41 possession.

Read More

Dedicated banker Ann Dora Garner retires after 44 years with Commercial Bank of Ozark

By Christina Faulkner

In a poignant moment of transition, Ann Dora Garner, an esteemed figure at Commercial Bank of Ozark, steps into a well-deserved retirement, leaving behind a legacy that spans 44 years. Garner's association with the bank began in 1967 when she assumed the role of a bookkeeper under the ownership of the bank's founder, Douglas Brown. Over the years, her journey evolved, and her impact became synonymous with the bank's enduring success.

Read More

Ozark Military Affairs Committee plans for 2024

By Travis Parker

The Military Affairs Committee of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce convened for its fourth meeting on December 15, reflecting on accomplished initiatives and setting sights on upcoming projects. Led by Committee Head Will Haddon, the committee's overarching mission is to determine effective ways to honor active duty and retired military members, veterans, and their families.

Read More

Ozark Department of Public Safety reflects on 2023 achievements and looks ahead to 2024

By Christina Faulkner

As 2023 drew to a close, Charles Ward, Director of the Ozark Department of Public Safety and Chief of Police, took a moment to review the accomplishments of the department and share insights into the plans for the coming year.

Read More

Local martial arts school celebrates fifth anniversary

By Caitlyn Cummings

Refuge Martial Arts in Ozark celebrated its fifth anniversary this week. Run by Chad Hamm, a 4th-degree Black Belt in taekwondo, and his wife, PJ Hamm, the martial arts studio offers a diverse range of classes, including Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and self-defense for people of all ages in abilities in a positive, encouraging environment.

Read More

Dale County Extension Eggs-cels in 2024: Flocking Together for Success

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

With well wishes for the start of the new year, the Dale County Extension team returned to the office post-holiday with exciting plans for a successful 2024.

Their motivation for this year is to be, “one resource with many solutions for life’s everyday challenges.”

As they strive to tackle challenges, the team finds ample success in the region that deserves acknowledgment.

Read More

City of Ozark pledges vigilance and collaboration against exploitation in declaring Human Trafficking Awareness Month

By Christina Faulkner

The City of Ozark has taken a proactive stance in the fight against human trafficking, officially designating January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. This critical declaration underscores the municipality's dedication to combating human trafficking and fostering a community that is well-informed and secure.

Read More

Wiregrass United Way celebrates exceeding fundraising goals

By Christina Faulkner

On Thursday, January 4, an atmosphere of excitement filled the WUW offices in Dothan as Wiregrass United Way Chief Executive Officer Walter Hill, Trae Avant, and Dean Mitchell gathered to make a significant announcement.

Read More

Ozark City Schools 2023 report card: A comprehensive overview and vision for the future

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark City Schools district received a B for the third consecutive year, with a score of 83 aligned with the state average. Superintendent Reeivice Girtman, while pleased with the overall performance, expressed a continual commitment to growth and improvement.

Read More

Nick Saban Announces Retirement after 17 Seasons at Alabama

Editor’s Note: Reprinted from Rolltide.com.

TUSCALOOSA – Alabama's Nick Saban, who has won more college football national championships than any coach in the modern era, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

Read More

Standoff ends without incident

By Christina Faulkner

Read More

Ozark City School Board Members Honored During Annual Recognition Month

By Christina Faulkner

January marks the 31st Annual School Board Member Recognition Month in Alabama, a time when public education supporters statewide come together to applaud the commendable service of over 800 school board members dedicated to enhancing education in their communities. Recently, both Ozark City Schools and Dale County Board of Education took a moment to honor their respective school board members.

Read More

Fort Novosel MWR Director retires after fulfilling 45-year career

By Brittany Trumbull, Fort Novosel Public Affairs

Fort Novosel – A stalwart of Fort Novosel, Program Director for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation, Evy Bludsworth of Ozark hangs up her many hats after serving families over 45 years.

The year was 1978, nearly all active-duty soldiers on Fort Novosel were yet to be born, and Bludsworth applied for her first position on what was then Fort Rucker.

Read More

Inspirational community celebration commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday in Ozark

By Christina Faulkner

The City of Ozark recently came together at Matthews-Scippio Academy to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monday, January 15. The event, organized by the Ozark-Dale County Ministerial Alliance, saw prominent community leaders, City Council members, and school board representatives gathering to celebrate Dr. King's profound message of hope and equality.

Read More

Dale County and Ozark City Schools collaborate to bring "Singin' in the Rain" to the stage

By Christina Faulkner

Dale County and Ozark City Schools have united to present the classic musical, "Singin' in the Rain," at the Flowers Center for the Performing Arts. Spearheaded by the talented Margie Benson of Wish Upon a Star, this collaboration ensures a captivating experience for the communities involved.

Read More

Attempted murder suspect apprehended: Daleville Police investigate shooting incident

Staff Reports

An investigation into an incident that occurred Thursday in Daleville is underway by the Daleville Department of Public Safety. The event left a male subject recovering from multiple gunshot wounds and led to the arrest of another on attempted murder charges, says Daleville DPS Director and Chief of Police John Crawford.

Read More

Ozark celebrates Black History Month with events throughout February

By Christina Faulkner

During the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 16, Mayor Mark Blankenship officially declared February as Black History Month in the City of Ozark. Joined by community members, the proclamation marked the beginning of a month-long celebration honoring the contributions of African Americans locally, in the Wiregrass region, and across the nation. Mayor Blankenship encouraged citizens to actively participate in various activities recognizing African Americans, both past and present.

Read More

Ozark City Council votes to support local businesses with revised accounting policy

By Christina Faulkner

During the administrative meeting of the Ozark City Council on Tuesday, January 16, Mayor Mark Blankenship urged City Council members to reconsider an accounting policy introduced at the January 2 meeting, which did not progress due to a lack of motion.

Read More

Honoring excellence: Ozark City Schools announces Teachers and Support Staff of the Year awards

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark City Schools recently celebrated the dedication and outstanding contributions of its educators and support staff at the Board of Education meeting held on Thursday, January 11. The awards ceremony recognized individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating a commitment to their students and the school community.

Read More