By Christina Faulkner

Level Plains - Level Plains Police apprehended three suspects on Saturday, March 30, following a break-in at an unoccupied residence in the community.

Chief Johnny Summers reported that this particular home has been targeted multiple times in the past. "Those that break into the home often squat there because the homeowners are not here," said Summers.

Acting on a tip received early Saturday afternoon, Summers along with two officers entered the home and arrested all three suspects without any incidents.

By Travis Parker

A unique startup is making waves by transforming human hair and chicken feathers – of which there are plenty in the Wiregrass – into eco-friendly products. SetaTech, the brainchild of CEO Blair Blacker, was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 28, at the Ozark Technology Center Business Incubator.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

If you heard loud yelling last Friday about “SYRUPPPP OIL SPILLS!”, that was Dale County fourth graders collectively enjoying Extension’s Groundwater Festival 2024.

Each year, we invite schools to bring more than 200 fourth graders to Wallace College’s Science building to enjoy a day of learning about filtration, aquifers, and the water cycle.

There is singing, dancing, and yes, chocolate syrup oil spills.

Staff Reports

The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street (MoMS), in collaboration with the Alabama Humanities Alliance, is set to unveil its insightful exhibition, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” at the Ann Rudd Art Center in Ozark. The exhibition will be open to the public from April 27 to June 15.

By Caitlyn Cummings

Fun, music, and crawdads filled the streets of downtown Ozark last Saturday as the Ozark Parks and Recreation Department hosted the 18th Annual Ozark Crawdad and Music Festival on Saturday, April 6. Mild temperatures and sunny skies made for a pleasant festival day.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

Wiregrass Home Team REALTOR® Bridgett Hooks is a member of Wiregrass RC&D’s LEAD Wiregrass Class of 2024, along with County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich. On a recent leadership and networking retreat, Hooks and Voynich began talking about 4H programs in Dale County schools.

As an area that has great diversity in rural and urban populations, Voynich expressed that some students wish to participate in more of the 4H contests but might struggle to obtain supplies.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

It started out with an Ozark Rotary Club meeting. Vivian B. Adams (VBA) School Resource Coordinator Susan Owens connected with Extension Agent Abigail Shehee, and they jumped into action with a plan to help VBA students and staff learn more about Extension offerings.

Now, the offices are working together to plan learning events within the school, in addition to an interactive and free activity at the “Hounds Hunting with Heart” 2024 fundraiser at the Dale County AgPlex on Saturday.

Alabama award winners honored during Farm-City Awards

By Tanner Hood

Agritourism was on display during the annual Farm-City Awards Program April 11 in Auburn. 

Detailed activity reports, bright posters, well-worded essays and vibrant videos showcased hours of hard work and dedication by students and Farm-City committees across the state. 

Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms said student contestants and county committees captured the idea of Farm-City in 2023. 

By Christina Faulkner

Daleville - Authorities in Daleville are investigating a fatal shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of April 23.

At approximately 12:49 a.m., Daleville Communication Dispatch received a call for service from the 100 Block of Woodland Drive. Upon arrival, Daleville Police Department officers found a 17-year-old white male with a fatal single gunshot wound to the neck.

By Christina Faulkner

In a significant development for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, a House Bill introduced by Representative Steve Clouse has passed the Senate, granting EMS workers enrolled in the State’s Tier I retirement system eligibility for hazardous duty time. This amendment to Section 36-27-59 of the Code of Alabama 1975, commonly known as the Stretch Bill, marks a milestone in recognizing the critical role played by EMS personnel in public safety.