By Christina Faulkner

Dale County Judge Stanley Garner has denied bond for Dustin Rigsbee, a former Marine accused of murdering Harleigh Michelle Dills on Tuesday, January 28. The judge ruled that Rigsbee poses a danger to himself and others. This decision followed arguments from Dale County Assistant District Attorney Emmett Massey, who emphasized that evidence did not support claims that the shooting was accidental, as Rigsbee and his attorney, David Harrison, asserted.

By Christina Faulkner

The historic Flowers Center for the Performing Arts has long been a cornerstone of the Ozark community, bringing the magic of theater to generations of students and residents. Now, the beloved theater faces a critical challenge: it needs $80,000 to repair its foundation, and its longtime director, Margie Benson, believes the community can once again rally to save it.

By Christina Faulkner

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Parks and Recreation Department has been named the 2024 Alabama Parks and Recreation Agency of the Year for communities with a population of 15,000 and greater, an honor presented by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA).

Ozark Parks and Recreation Director Ozzie Maianeto said the recognition speaks to the department’s ongoing efforts to enhance the community’s quality of life through recreation, wellness initiatives, and public spaces.

 By Christina Faulkner

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we commemorate the citizens who contributed to Ozark's growth and prosperity through religion, education, business, skilled trades, agriculture, and other vocations. This is only a partial history of the Black community in Ozark.

Much of what is printed here was originally written by Lucy P. Loman and published in the 1976 issue of The Southern Star. It has been edited for clarity and to reflect contemporary language and terminology.

By Christina Faulkner

Montgomery – House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter has appointed Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) as Chairman of the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee. Clouse steps into this leadership role following the departure of Rep. Randall Shedd (R-Fairview), who is leaving the House to serve alongside newly elected Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger.

By Christina Faulkner

Montgomery – Governor Kay Ivey joined other Alabama law enforcement officials, state legislators, and several invited mayors for a Safe Alabama Event in the Alabama State Capitol’s Old House Chamber on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Montgomery, Ala. Among the attendees were Director of Ozark Public Safety and Chief of Police Charles Ward and Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum. During the event, Governor Ivey unveiled the much-anticipated public safety package, initially introduced during her State of the State address on February 4.

By Christina Faulkner

Rep. Ed Oliver and State Sen. Andrew Jones have successfully advanced legislation to establish the Alabama Veterans Resources Center (AVRC), with the bill passing both the House and the Senate. The legislation is now expected to be signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey.

By Christina Faulkner

Newspapers remain a pillar of democracy and transparency, particularly in small, rural communities where they serve as the primary source of local news. A proposed bill in the Alabama Legislature threatens to dismantle one of their vital roles by eliminating the requirement for public works bids exceeding $100,000 to be published in newspapers of general circulation. Instead, these notices would be relegated to a government-run website, a move that raises concerns over transparency, accountability, and the very survival of local newspapers.