By Caitlyn Cummings

Vivian B. Adams School is a one-of-a-kind school that provides specialized care and services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The school serves people of all ages from birth to adult to provide them with opportunities to thrive.

By Travis Parker

After two years of command, Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry II turned over the leadership position of the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) and Fort Novosel to Major General Clair A. Gill in front of a packed audience on the parade field of the post.

By Caitlyn Cummings

Various civic leaders and citizens gathered at the Ozark Municipal Building on Thursday, July 25 for the one-year review of the City of Ozark’s Strategic Plan. This review highlighted improvements made in the city over the past year in areas such as housing, infrastructure, healthcare, community appearance, education, and business development.

By Christina Faulkner

The Racetrack Community in Ozark, Alabama, stands as a testament to a forgotten legacy marred by broken promises and displacement. This neighborhood, rooted in history, began as Ozark's first park in 1893, with the establishment of the Ozark Racetrack. Over time, it became home to a close-knit community of black landowners whose vibrant lives were abruptly disrupted by the city's actions in the late 20th century.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

By Caitlyn Cummings

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

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.