Staff Reports

Montgomery—Dale County Commission Chairman Steve McKinnon has been elected to serve as a member of the 2024-2025 Legislative Committee of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA), the statewide association representing Alabama’s 67 county governments.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

The 29th Annual South Alabama Pro Rodeo Classic filled the Dale County AgPlex in Ozark last Friday and Saturday, August 30 and 31, showcasing amazing music, comedy, and cowboys.

The Rodeo Committee, chaired by Shelby Easterling, brought a magnificent event to town, improving on last year’s Rodeo experience with several innovative ideas and promotions.

By Larry Wells

The literary tradition of the South is a heritage and an enigma. Why has the South been so hospitable to writers and writing? Where and how did this nurturing take place?

From my own experience, I see now that the responsibility and the credit belong primarily to the women.

By Caitlyn Cummings

Seawell McKee, of McKee and Associates in Montgomery, was the guest speaker at a joint meeting of the Ozark Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs on September 3 at the Hoppergrass Restaurant. McKee’s firm are the designers of the new field and stadium at Carroll High School.

By Christina Faulkner

In Ozark, some residents believe the city's Abandoned Vehicle ordinance (Article III, Sec. 9-33) is in need of a revision. Barbara Davis Jackson, a long-time resident, recently experienced what she considers an unfair application of the ordinance, prompting her to advocate for changes. Jackson argues that the current rules are particularly burdensome for low-income families and single-parent households in the city, who may not have the resources to comply with the strict timeframes for addressing vehicle issues.

By Larry Wells

Dale County will celebrate its 200th anniversary on Sept. 26, paying tribute to the accomplishments, adventures and day-to-day struggles of the pioneers who founded the county named for Indian fighter Sam Dale in 1824.

By Christina Faulkner

The Farm City Committee gathered this past week for their annual breakfast at Hoppergrass Restaurant in Ozark on Wednesday, September 11, marking the start of preparations for this year's Farm City Celebration. Committee Chair Monica Carroll had several exciting announcements, signaling that this year promises to be memorable.

By Christina Faulkner

In a shocking turn of events, two daycare workers from Daleville were arrested on Thursday, September 12, following a report of child abuse that has sent ripples through the community. The Daleville Police Department apprehended 20-year-old Kailey Gilley of Daleville and 30-year-old Magan Koker of Enterprise after receiving a distress call from Medical Center Enterprise (MCE) regarding allegations of abuse. Both women now face serious charges of Aggravated Child Abuse.

By Christian Peterman

The City of Ozark joined Ozark City Schools in their quest to encourage school attendance and eliminate chronic absenteeism with the signing of a proclamation declaring Attendance Awareness Month in the City of Ozark on Tuesday, September 17. Key school officials were in attendance to hear the proclamation read and witness its signing by Ozark Mayor Mark Blankenship.

By Christina Faulkner

As part of Dale County’s bicentennial celebration, the Flowers Center for the Performing Arts will present a special play, Fixins to Tell: Reflection and Recollections of Dale County. Directed by Margie Benson, the production will be held on Thursday, October 3, at 7:00 p.m. at the Flowers Center. The play, which explores significant moments from Dale County's 200-year history, will feature Ian Hudspeth portraying Joseph H. Adams, a pivotal figure in local history.