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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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 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. 

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 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.

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 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 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 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 Travis Parker

Ft. Novosel got a head start on the Memorial Day weekend by honoring those who lost their lives in the defense of freedom with their version of the Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday, May 23. This annual event, deeply rooted in history and tradition, was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless servicemen and women.

By Christina Faulkner

It’s a rare and extraordinary feat when cousins from different schools achieve the coveted title of valedictorian in the same year. Jesse D. Dyson from Northside Methodist Academy and Andrew Fletcher Dyson, Jr. from Long High School have accomplished just that, making waves in their respective communities with their outstanding academic achievements.

By Christina Faulkner

LaShundra Latrese Straw made history at Daleville High School by graduating with her college degree before even walking the stage to receive her high school diploma. Straw graduated from Enterprise State Community College on May 9 and received her high school diploma on May 17. Her remarkable achievements are a testament to her dedication and hard work, culminating in her being named valedictorian of her senior class.

By Christina Faulkner

The G.W. Long FFA held its annual banquet earlier this month, celebrating a year of remarkable achievements and recognizing the contributions of its members. With a history of success at both the district and state levels, the chapter continued its tradition of excellence, earning several top awards this year.

By Christina Faulkner

Montgomery - Alabama's legislative session ended on May 10 with a surprising twist as heavily debated gaming bills failed to make it through the state Senate.

The drama unfolded after the House voted in favor of the Conference Committee Report on the ongoing gaming bills on April 30. House Bill 151 and House Bill 152 garnered significant support, passing with votes of 72-29 and 70-29 respectively. Representatives Steve Clouse and Marcus Paramore were among those who supported the bills.