Dive into clean waters with Dale County's free One-Day Water Testing Event on July 12

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

Dale County is bringing a new and free program together for the first time in the state of Alabama on July 12, and we welcome you to learn with us.

If you have any outdoor or well water, you are someone who works in an ag-related industry, or you are interested in environmental factors affecting our water (see? There are a lot of reasons!) it is always good to be aware of water management resources that are low or no cost to you.

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Homeless confront nature's fury without shelter

By Christina Faulkner

As summer unfolds, Southeast Alabama, particularly Dale County, faces the dual threats of extreme heat and severe weather, including hurricanes. For the county's homeless population, these threats are not just uncomfortable but potentially life-threatening. With no dedicated shelters and limited resources, addressing these dangers has become a pressing issue for the community.

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School board appointment sparks debate in City Council

By Caitlyn Cummings

The Ozark City Council appointed Tameaca Vincent to the Ozark City Schools Board of Education at the last city council meeting held June 18. Vincent will replace Herman Jackson, who did not seek reappointment when his term ended at the end of May. 

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The Southern Star awarded five prestigious honors at 2024 APA Awards

By Christina Faulkner

The Southern Star made a notable impact at this year’s Alabama Press Association (APA) Media Awards Contest, earning five commendable awards across various categories, highlighting the dedication and talent of its team.

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Ozark mayor gives State of the City address

By Caitlyn Cummings

Ozark mayor Mark Blankenship gave an enlightening State of the City address on Thursday, June 27 at the Holman House, highlighting the many civic and economic projects that have worked to grow Ozark over the past year.

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Greater Sardis Missionary Baptist Church celebrates 137th Anniversary and Homecoming

By Christina Faulkner

Greater Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, located at 702 West Reynolds St., has announced its much-awaited church anniversary and homecoming celebration. The congregation is inviting all to attend this special event on Sunday, July 21, at 2:00 p.m.

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Coffee with a Cop on Post

By Travis Parker

The Ft. Novosel Criminal Investigative Division (CID) Unit joined with the national CID to hold a Community Outreach Program called Coffee With a Cop which gave them a chance to “break bread” with the local community. The event was held in the Lyster Clinic on Post at the Starbucks section. Free vouchers were given to people who stopped by and wanted to drink a cup of coffee while they chatted and got a glimpse into the world of the Army’s Criminal Division.

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Dancing for dreams: Miss Bronze Adult Prom to sparkle for scholarships

By Christina Faulkner

The Miss Bronze Pageant Association is thrilled to announce its annual scholarship fundraiser, the Adult Prom, set to take place on Saturday, July 20. This year’s theme, “It’s a Purple, Gold, and Green Mardi Gras Evening,” promises a vibrant and festive atmosphere at the Perry Rec Center.

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Alabama's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday offers big savings

By Christina Faulkner

Parents across Alabama are gearing up to take advantage of the savings offered by the state's 19th annual back-to-school sales tax holiday. This year, the holiday will take place from Friday, July 19, to Sunday, July 21, marking the eighth time it has occurred during the third weekend of July.

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Freedom Fest lights up Novosel

By Travis Parker

Ft. Novosel had another extremely successful Freedom Fest on a beautiful late July 3 afternoon with a slight overcast that kept some of the late summer, south Alabama heat down. Plenty of food choices, vendor booths with an almost endless variety of items to buy, a fantastic lineup of musical talent, and an extraordinary fireworks display to top it off, made the event unforgettable.

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Obituary Mr. Richard Frank Kohler

Mr. Richard Frank Kohler, a resident of Ozark, died Monday, July 15, 2024, in Southeast Health Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama. He was 67 years old.

A memorial service for Mr. Kohler will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, July 18, 2024, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Pastor Derek McCarty officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. 

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The Newman family’s influence on Old Mt. Zion Cemetery and the Klondyke Community

By Caitlyn Cummings

On Highway 231, as one drives toward Dothan, Whispering Pines Manufactured Homes Community sits on the left just before crossing County Road 18. Within that community lies a small cemetery with a storied background.

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Commission authorizes changes to DCSO remodel; conducts other business at recent meeting

By Caitlyn Cummings

The July 9 meeting of the Dale County Commission was busy and many items were brought before the commission for approval.

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New opportunities await Ozark middle schoolers with Career Exploration Center

By Christina Faulkner

Middle schoolers in Ozark have something new to look forward to this coming school year. Along with a new principal, students at D.A. Smith Middle School will have the opportunity to explore career opportunities relevant to Ozark, thanks to the opening of the new Career Exploration Center (CEC). The renovations of the old school building, costing approximately $990,000, have transformed it into a state-of-the-art learning environment.

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Donald K. Hallford re-appointed to state board

Staff Reports

Donald K. Hallford of Ozark was recently re-appointed as the Resident Director for Dale County on the Board of Directors of the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority (CPYRWMA) for a four-year term. The Oath of Office was administered to Mr. Hallford on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at a ceremony held in the Dale County Courthouse. He has served on the Board since September 2007 when he was initially appointed by the Dale County Soil & Water Conservation District.

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President Trump survives assassination attempt at Pennsylvania rally

By Christina Faulkner

Former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt Saturday, July 13, while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The rally took place two days before Trump accepted the Republican nomination for the third time and named his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio.

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Waiting for grandpa to come back home

The story of one Israeli hostage and his 3-year-old granddaughter

By Anav Silverman Peretz, Special to The Southern Star

Updated July 22, 2024 at 11:13 a.m.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting with my family at McDonalds, on the way back home to our home in the Negev desert after a visit with our in-laws in Raanana. Our kids were munching on French fries, while my husband went to get our order. I watched Israelis, young and old, sitting together in the American fast food chain, quite popular in Israel. 

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The road to Ozark: The county seats of Dale County

By Caitlyn Cummings

In its 200-year existence, Dale County has had four county seats—Richmond, Daleville, Newton, and Ozark. 

Dale County was formed from Henry County by an act of the Alabama Legislature on December 22, 1824. At the time, Henry County encompassed what is now the counties of Coffee, Dale, Barbour, Covington, Crenshaw, Geneva, Houston, and Pike. The first county seat of Henry County was the town of Richmond. 

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Ozark approves $36 million budget

By Caitlyn Cummings

The Ozark City Council voted unanimously to approve a budget of just over $36 million for the City of Ozark for Fiscal Year 24-25. The vote came after the council attended a special budget meeting hosted by City Clerk and Chief Financial Officer Chris Peters who gave an informative presentation.

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Averitt Express moves into Midland City

Press Release

Midland City - Averitt Express, the City of Midland City, and the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC) recently announced the relocation of the Wiregrass Averitt Express facility to Midland City. The new location will enhance the capabilities of the facility and will add 20 new jobs to the existing 37 employees. This expansion and relocation come with a $16.2 million investment into the community.

The project, represented by Ryan LLC, was granted a tax abatement by the City of Midland City. 

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Daleville Police arrest suspect in McDonald’s murder

By Christina Faulkner

Daleville – The Daleville Police Department has arrested Ricky McCray for the murder of his estranged wife, Stephanie McCray, in a shocking incident that occurred at McDonald's on July 13.

At approximately 10:54 p.m., Daleville Police Officers responded to a call at McDonald's regarding a female who had been shot. Upon arrival, officers found Stephanie McCray inside her vehicle, unresponsive. Officers initiated CPR until EMS arrived, then secured the scene and began interviewing McDonald's employees.

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President Biden withdraws from presidential race, endorses VP Kamala Harris

By Christina Faulkner

Washington, D.C. — In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday, July 21, that he is ending his bid for re-election, citing health concerns and political strategy. This decision follows a disastrous debate last month with former President Donald Trump and a recent bout of COVID-19.

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