By Christina Faulkner

Over the weekend, millions of people worldwide had the extraordinary opportunity to witness a breathtaking display of the Northern Lights, including individuals here in Alabama. The night sky was illuminated with vibrant hues of green, pink, purple, and red, as the Northern Lights danced across the horizon in a mesmerizing spectacle.

By Christina Faulkner

Through the dedication of Ozark Police Department investigators stolen equipment from the Ozark Parks and Recreation Department equipment shed on Ed Lisenby Lake was recovered and the suspects apprehended.

Thomas Ray Hearn, 41, of Louisville and Ar’Sean Ross, 20, of Phenix City, were arrested and each charged with Theft of Property 1st (over $2,500) and Burglary – Non-Residence – No Force.  

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Dale County Library recently hosted its second Homeless Connect event on Saturday, April 27, offering vital support to individuals facing homelessness in the community. With the generous contributions of both individuals and organizations, Homeless Connect provided essential services to approximately 55 homeless individuals, including a hot meal, clothing, personal hygiene items, and a sack lunch. Nearly 30 community members volunteered their time and effort to ensure the event's success.

By Caitlyn Cummings

“Sunday at the Crossroads” continued on May 5 at the Rudd Art Center with “Echoes of Dale County: A Celebration of Rural Culture.” Featured presenters included Ozark-Dale County Library reference and genealogy librarian Joni Wood, Salem Baptist Church pastor Rev. Harold Peters, and local author and artist Helen Taylor Andrews. This series of programs, running alongside the traveling Smithsonian exhibit “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” delves into life in Dale County.

By Christina Faulkner

The City of Ozark finds itself at the center of controversy as Bryant Fontenot, a resident of the city, initiated legal action against the municipality, seeking damages totaling $3 million. Fontenot alleges a litany of grievances, including false imprisonment, negligence, false arrest, malicious prosecution, humiliation, and violations of his civil rights.

Ozark Mayor Mark Blankenship declined to comment when asked about the legal action.

By Caitlyn Cummings 

By Caitlyn Cummings

Alabama House Bill 385, also known as the “Supplying Minors” bill, has passed in the House of Representatives. 

By Christina Faulkner

In a significant development for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, a House Bill introduced by Representative Steve Clouse has passed the Senate, granting EMS workers enrolled in the State’s Tier I retirement system eligibility for hazardous duty time. This amendment to Section 36-27-59 of the Code of Alabama 1975, commonly known as the Stretch Bill, marks a milestone in recognizing the critical role played by EMS personnel in public safety.

By Christina Faulkner

Daleville - Authorities in Daleville are investigating a fatal shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of April 23.

At approximately 12:49 a.m., Daleville Communication Dispatch received a call for service from the 100 Block of Woodland Drive. Upon arrival, Daleville Police Department officers found a 17-year-old white male with a fatal single gunshot wound to the neck.

Alabama award winners honored during Farm-City Awards

By Tanner Hood

Agritourism was on display during the annual Farm-City Awards Program April 11 in Auburn. 

Detailed activity reports, bright posters, well-worded essays and vibrant videos showcased hours of hard work and dedication by students and Farm-City committees across the state. 

Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms said student contestants and county committees captured the idea of Farm-City in 2023. 

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

It started out with an Ozark Rotary Club meeting. Vivian B. Adams (VBA) School Resource Coordinator Susan Owens connected with Extension Agent Abigail Shehee, and they jumped into action with a plan to help VBA students and staff learn more about Extension offerings.

Now, the offices are working together to plan learning events within the school, in addition to an interactive and free activity at the “Hounds Hunting with Heart” 2024 fundraiser at the Dale County AgPlex on Saturday.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

Wiregrass Home Team REALTOR® Bridgett Hooks is a member of Wiregrass RC&D’s LEAD Wiregrass Class of 2024, along with County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich. On a recent leadership and networking retreat, Hooks and Voynich began talking about 4H programs in Dale County schools.

As an area that has great diversity in rural and urban populations, Voynich expressed that some students wish to participate in more of the 4H contests but might struggle to obtain supplies.

By Caitlyn Cummings

Fun, music, and crawdads filled the streets of downtown Ozark last Saturday as the Ozark Parks and Recreation Department hosted the 18th Annual Ozark Crawdad and Music Festival on Saturday, April 6. Mild temperatures and sunny skies made for a pleasant festival day.

Staff Reports

The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street (MoMS), in collaboration with the Alabama Humanities Alliance, is set to unveil its insightful exhibition, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” at the Ann Rudd Art Center in Ozark. The exhibition will be open to the public from April 27 to June 15.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

If you heard loud yelling last Friday about “SYRUPPPP OIL SPILLS!”, that was Dale County fourth graders collectively enjoying Extension’s Groundwater Festival 2024.

Each year, we invite schools to bring more than 200 fourth graders to Wallace College’s Science building to enjoy a day of learning about filtration, aquifers, and the water cycle.

There is singing, dancing, and yes, chocolate syrup oil spills.

By Travis Parker

A unique startup is making waves by transforming human hair and chicken feathers – of which there are plenty in the Wiregrass – into eco-friendly products. SetaTech, the brainchild of CEO Blair Blacker, was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 28, at the Ozark Technology Center Business Incubator.

By Christina Faulkner

Level Plains - Level Plains Police apprehended three suspects on Saturday, March 30, following a break-in at an unoccupied residence in the community.

Chief Johnny Summers reported that this particular home has been targeted multiple times in the past. "Those that break into the home often squat there because the homeowners are not here," said Summers.

Acting on a tip received early Saturday afternoon, Summers along with two officers entered the home and arrested all three suspects without any incidents.

By Christina Faulkner

On Tuesday, March 27, Mayor Mark Blankenship of the City of Ozark signed a proclamation to honor the Month of the Military Child, standing alongside leaders from Fort Novosel.

The proclamation shines a spotlight on the unique challenges faced by military children. With military families relocating approximately every two to three years, these children often grapple with adjusting to new schools and building new support networks.

By Christina Faulkner

Pinckard, Al - A routine traffic stop turned into a foot chase and arrest in Pinckard on Thursday, March 21, as Pinckard Police Chief Lowell Williams observed a gray Altima passing three cars in a no-passing zone on Highway 134 near Pinckard Town Hall.

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark Baptist Church Faith Factory in Ozark was as busy as a dairy farm during milking time Saturday, March 23 as 4Hers set up displays or calmed their nerves and practiced their speeches. With entrants from almost every school in the county, the Dale County 4H competition was an exciting event, determining those participants who would proceed to regionals.

By Christina Faulkner

The Dale County Commission took a significant step towards bolstering community support by approving the allocation of funds to Vivian B. Adams School (VBAS) at its latest meeting held on Tuesday, March 12. The decision, made in accordance with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will see up to $150,000 directed towards enhancing services offered by the school, particularly its Encore Program.