By Christina Faulkner

Dale County will return to the polls on April 16 for a run-off election between incumbent Dale County Commission Chair Steve McKinnon and Commissioner District 3 Adam Enfinger for Dale County Commission Chairman. Neither candidate brought in enough support to clearly win the race for this position. McKinnon carried 2,699 votes with Enfinger carrying 2,585 votes. The difference between two candidates was a mere 114 votes. Pinckard Mayor Bobby Borland, the third candidate for the ballot carried 17.71% of the total vote.

The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual Excellence in Business Awards Thursday, February 22. Chamber members and the community voted through an online survey to select the winners in each category. Pictured (l-r) above are the winners of this year’s awards. Pam Schisler was awarded the Women in Business award. John Cawley holds the Nonprofit Excellence Award bestowed on the Ozark Kiwanis Club. Tami Sapp, Office Manager at Ozark Pediatrics accepted the award for Ozark Pediatrics for Business of the Year.

By Christina Faulkner

The recent theft of substantial property from Storage Sense on Andrews Avenue has been successfully resolved by the Ozark Police Department, leading to the arrest of Ian Richman, a 36-year-old resident of Ozark. Richman now faces a litany of charges, including 23 counts of 3rd Degree Burglary, 24 counts of 3rd Degree Criminal Mischief, two counts each of Theft of Property 1st (exceeding $2500), Theft of Property 3rd, and Theft of Property 4th, as well as one count each of Theft of Property 2nd ($500 - $2500) and Trespass 3rd Degree.

By Caitlynn Cummings

By Christina Faulkner

A weekend deluge unleashed between 5-8 inches of rain in Dale County, resulting in minor flooding of low-lying areas. The aftermath extended into Sunday morning as the Choctawhatchee River swelled, prompting a flood warning that lingered until Monday morning.

Several areas in Dale County felt the impact, with the river reaching flood stage at 19 feet, particularly affecting farmland in low-lying regions near the riverbanks. The most significant flooding was observed around the Highway 92 bridge in Clayhatchee.

By Christina Faulkner

A devastating EF1 tornado, with peak winds reaching 105 mph, wreaked havoc in Dale County during the early morning hours of Saturday, March 9. Spanning a distance of 4.4 miles, the tornado touched down just west of the Mabson Community at 1:40 a.m., leaving behind just over a ½ mile wide trail of destruction.

Staff Reports

Secretary of State Wes Allen was the featured speaker at the Dale County GOP meeting Monday, March 18, 2024.

During Secretary Allen’s remarks to the group, he discussed the topic of election integrity, advocating for the passage of SB1 and providing insight into his testimony before the United States Senate.

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Civic Center buzzed with anticipation on Thursday, March 14, as approximately 700 fans gathered to witness the comedic genius of Jeff Foxworthy. But this wasn't just any comedy show - it was a night filled with laughter, generosity, and heartfelt support for a local cause.

By Christina Faulkner

The Dale County Commission took a significant step towards bolstering community support by approving the allocation of funds to Vivian B. Adams School (VBAS) at its latest meeting held on Tuesday, March 12. The decision, made in accordance with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will see up to $150,000 directed towards enhancing services offered by the school, particularly its Encore Program.

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Baptist Church Faith Factory in Ozark was as busy as a dairy farm during milking time Saturday, March 23 as 4Hers set up displays or calmed their nerves and practiced their speeches. With entrants from almost every school in the county, the Dale County 4H competition was an exciting event, determining those participants who would proceed to regionals.

By Christina Faulkner

Pinckard, Al - A routine traffic stop turned into a foot chase and arrest in Pinckard on Thursday, March 21, as Pinckard Police Chief Lowell Williams observed a gray Altima passing three cars in a no-passing zone on Highway 134 near Pinckard Town Hall.