Staff Reports

Ozark was named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Ozark achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

By Christina Faulkner

A former Dale County tennis coach was convicted by a federal jury of unlawfully transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity last week.

47-year-old Boyd Phillips met a tragic end during a confrontation with law enforcement officers at his residence on Hub Street earlier today.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) was notified of a subject threatening individuals with a knife at the All In Credit Union on Andrews Avenue in Ozark at approximately 10:30 Monday morning. An ALEA Trooper assigned to the Highway Patrol Division attempted to stop the subject, later identified as Boyd Douglas Phillips, of Ozark.

Staff Reports

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce played host to the Ozark Pageant at the Ozark Civic Center, Saturday, January 27. The event showcased the beauty and talent of its contestants, leaving a lasting impression on both participants and attendees alike.

The Dollar General located on East Avenue in Ozark will remain closed until further notice after a pick up truck crashed into the front windows earlier today. 

According the Ozark Department of Public Safety Director and Police Chief Charles Ward, the driver of the pick up was parking in front of the store when his foot slipped off the break, causing the vehicle to propel forward through the stone facade column and into the front windows. However, the vehicle did not proceed into the store. 

Staff Reports

One local Ozark agency will be among the 63 organization and 97 programs to receive a portion of the almost $6.5 million being presented by the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention to local organizations in Alabama’s 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Congressional Districts today. Joined by state leaders at the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Mary Hill Family Service Center of Ozark was among the local organizations that joined state leaders for the presentation of $6,439,500 in grants, receiving a total of $71,000.

By Christina Faulkner

Have you ever heard the story of Arthur “Art” Dodge, III, the Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of the Board of Ecore? Yes, Ecore, the company that came to Ozark just over a year ago to recycle tires. But there’s more to the story than just recycling tires. Dodge was in Ozark visiting the plant recently. This will be Dodge’s fourth visit to Ozark, but his first since the plant has been fully operational.

By Christina Faulkner

During the Ozark City Council Meeting held on Tuesday, February 6, two resolutions introduced by Councilwoman Leah Harlow sparked extensive discussions, ultimately leading to both resolutions being tabled.

By Christina Faulkner

A recent legal matter concluded in the Ozark Municipal Court, revealing the intricacies of a harassment case between Mayor Mark Blankenship and Bryant Fontenot. The case, which reached its resolution on February 7, revolved around an incident that transpired after a routine city council meeting on January 2. Fontenot faced charges brought forth by Mayor Blankenship, alleging harassment. The legal proceedings provided insights into the complexities of the case, ultimately resulting in Fontenot's acquittal by Judge Barbara Wade.

By Christina Faulkner

The Alabama House of Representatives approved a sweeping gambling proposal with an aim to put lottery and casino legislation before voters in November. The measure passed on a 70-32 vote exceeding the required 63 affirmative votes in the House for a proposed change to the Alabama Constitution.

By Christina Faulkner

Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) received notification of a suspicious package near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street in Montgomery. The agents determined the suspicious package was an explosive device that was detonated in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 24.

There were no injuries or damages to nearby buildings that have been reported to SBI or Montgomery police.

By Christina Faulkner

The City of Daleville and the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC) have come together to increase the marketability of the 253-acre Hanchey Field Road industrial site. With ODEDC applying for funding through the Alabama Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act, the City of Daleville agreed to fund the match requirement for the grant.

Over the years, the Hanchey Field Road site has received little attention. ODEDC President Holle Smith believes it’s time for that to change.