By Christina Faulkner

A Daleville man charged with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy is being held in the Dale County Jail after being arrested in Macon County on Sunday, May 2. Colt Bryan Lecuyer, 33, eluded law enforcement for two days after Ozark-Dale County E-911 operators received a disturbing call from a Level Plains resident reporting a witnessed sexual assault involving a young child under the age of 10 on Friday, May 31.

By Caitlyn Cummings

During a meeting of the Ozark City Council held on May 21, a public hearing took place to determine if the business license for the Days Inn, located on Highway 231, should be revoked. The business has a long history of fire code violations and safety issues. The City of Ozark, represented by city attorney Joe W. Adams, and the owner of the Days Inn, Drew Shah, presented their cases to the City Council.

By Caitlyn Cummings

The Ozark City Council met on June 4 to discuss important topics affecting the city. Led by Ozark Dale County Library Board of Trustees Treasurer Christina Faulkner's detailed presentation on the library budget, the council talked about how to spend money on various city needs. They also made decisions about city projects, grants, and appointing new people to city committees. This meeting also covered leasing a hangar, getting grants for city projects, and deciding where to put a historical tank.

By Christina Faulkner

A call for service to 9-1-1 operators at the Daleville Communication Center on Thursday afternoon, June 6, ended with one man behind bars. David Eugene Hosmun, 31, of Daleville, was arrested June 6 on charges of Making Terroristic Threats 1st Degree and Disorderly Conduct.

By Christina Faulkner

At the recent City Council meeting in May, Mary Leslie from Carr, Riggs, and Ingram presented the audit report for the City of Ozark, revealing a positive financial outlook and sound management practices. The audit, covering the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, detailed both a comprehensive financial audit and a single audit, which is mandated for cities spending more than $750,000 in federal funds.

Submitted by Melissa Voynich, County Extension Coordinator 

We hope you are enjoying the festivities of summer, including strolling through the Ozark Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and joining in on the many great summer educational opportunities.

By Caitlyn Cummings

In a short, but productive meeting of the Dale County Commission, the Commission took action to upgrade equipment for Wiregrass Aviation, LLC. on Tuesday, June 11. In addition to upgrading equipment, the Commission approved the continuance of an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation and named an Assistant Safety Coordinator. 

By Caitlyn Cummings

The heart of downtown Ozark came alive with the vibrant energy of hundreds of local citizens, both young and old, who gathered for an exciting line dancing event organized by Ozark Parks and Recreation on Friday, June 14. Participants basked in the beautiful weather, enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of the June afternoon. The lively dances were expertly guided by Kalvin Allen of KLPA Line Dancing from Troy whose infectious enthusiasm and skillful choreography brought joy and rhythm to everyone in attendance.

By Christina Faulkner

Dothan – The Community Advancement Foundation (CAF) kicked off its annual fundraising campaign with the “Weekend Lunch and Launch” at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center in Dothan, marking World Sickle Cell Day. The event is the first in a series aimed at raising awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and supporting affected individuals and families in Southeast Alabama.

By Christina Faulkner

In a breakthrough development, the Ozark Police Department's Investigations Unit has successfully arrested a suspect in a cold case murder investigation that has haunted the community for over six years. Jarrette Isaiah Rodgers, 34, was apprehended on the evening of June 5 in connection with the 2018 murder of Cornelius Crittendon.