1. Ella Smith named Dale County’s 2025 Distinguished Young Woman

    By Caitlyn Cummings

    Glamor, talent, poise, and excitement filled the Flowers Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, July 24 as four young women competed for the title of Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) of Dale County. Competing for the title were Jamya Thornton, Rayna Hicks, Ella Smith, and Sarah Cruz. 

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  2. Crews Barbershop leaves a mark with free back-to-school haircuts

    By Christian Peterman

    For Crews Barbershop, giving back is about  making a significant difference in the lives of students within the Ozark community. As the new school year begins, their dedication to giving back shines through as they provide free haircuts to young men during their Free Back-to-School Haircut event.

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  3. Vivian B. Adams School: an exceptional place for our most special people

    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.

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  4. Before ONEeagle: Emma P. Flowers and D.A. Smith lay educational foundations in Ozark

    By Caitlyn Cummings

    South African President Nelson Mandela is often quoted as saying, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Throughoutj the years, the students of Ozark have been fortunate to have had many educators who have dedicated their careers to furthering the pursuit of education for all students in Ozark. Emma P. Flowers and D.A. Smith were two educators who played a large role in laying the foundation for today’s Ozark City Schools. 

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  5. There’s a new general in town

    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.

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  6. Commission increases Ozark-Dale County Library funding; conducts other business at meeting

    By Caitlyn Cummings

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  7. Ozark reviews progress of Strategic Plan at one-year mark

    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.

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  8. Exciting changes await at D.A. Smith Middle School

    By Christina Faulkner

    Principal Matthew Monson has highlighted several exciting changes for D. A. Smith Middle School as students and teachers prepare to return next week. Monson and his faculty and staff have been busy upgrading the school to give it a fresh new feel. With the new Career Exploration Center opening this year, Monson wanted to ensure the rest of the school wasn't left behind.

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  9. Bicentennial - Broken Promises and Displacement: The Forgotten Legacy of Ozark's Racetrack Community

    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.

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  10. President Biden withdraws from presidential race, endorses VP Kamala Harris

    By Christina Faulkner

    Washington, D.C. — In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday, July 21, that he is ending his bid for re-election, citing health concerns and political strategy. This decision follows a disastrous debate last month with former President Donald Trump and a recent bout of COVID-19.

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  11. Daleville Police arrest suspect in McDonald’s murder

    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.

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  12. Averitt Express moves into Midland City

    Press Release

    Midland City - Averitt Express, the City of Midland City, and the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC) recently announced the relocation of the Wiregrass Averitt Express facility to Midland City. The new location will enhance the capabilities of the facility and will add 20 new jobs to the existing 37 employees. This expansion and relocation come with a $16.2 million investment into the community.

    The project, represented by Ryan LLC, was granted a tax abatement by the City of Midland City. 

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  13. Ozark approves $36 million budget

    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.

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  14. The road to Ozark: The county seats of Dale County

    By Caitlyn Cummings

    In its 200-year existence, Dale County has had four county seats—Richmond, Daleville, Newton, and Ozark. 

    Dale County was formed from Henry County by an act of the Alabama Legislature on December 22, 1824. At the time, Henry County encompassed what is now the counties of Coffee, Dale, Barbour, Covington, Crenshaw, Geneva, Houston, and Pike. The first county seat of Henry County was the town of Richmond. 

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  15. Waiting for grandpa to come back home

    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. 

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  16. President Trump survives assassination attempt at Pennsylvania rally

    By Christina Faulkner

    Former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt Saturday, July 13, while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The rally took place two days before Trump accepted the Republican nomination for the third time and named his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio.

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  17. Donald K. Hallford re-appointed to state board

    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.

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  18. New opportunities await Ozark middle schoolers with Career Exploration Center

    By Christina Faulkner

    Middle schoolers in Ozark have something new to look forward to this coming school year. Along with a new principal, students at D.A. Smith Middle School will have the opportunity to explore career opportunities relevant to Ozark, thanks to the opening of the new Career Exploration Center (CEC). The renovations of the old school building, costing approximately $990,000, have transformed it into a state-of-the-art learning environment.

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  19. Commission authorizes changes to DCSO remodel; conducts other business at recent meeting

    By Caitlyn Cummings

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

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  20. The Newman family’s influence on Old Mt. Zion Cemetery and the Klondyke Community

    By Caitlyn Cummings

    On Highway 231, as one drives toward Dothan, Whispering Pines Manufactured Homes Community sits on the left just before crossing County Road 18. Within that community lies a small cemetery with a storied background.

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  21. Obituary Mr. Richard Frank Kohler

    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. 

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  22. Freedom Fest lights up Novosel

    By Travis Parker

    Ft. Novosel had another extremely successful Freedom Fest on a beautiful late July 3 afternoon with a slight overcast that kept some of the late summer, south Alabama heat down. Plenty of food choices, vendor booths with an almost endless variety of items to buy, a fantastic lineup of musical talent, and an extraordinary fireworks display to top it off, made the event unforgettable.

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  23. Alabama's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday offers big savings

    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.

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  24. Dancing for dreams: Miss Bronze Adult Prom to sparkle for scholarships

    By Christina Faulkner

    The Miss Bronze Pageant Association is thrilled to announce its annual scholarship fundraiser, the Adult Prom, set to take place on Saturday, July 20. This year’s theme, “It’s a Purple, Gold, and Green Mardi Gras Evening,” promises a vibrant and festive atmosphere at the Perry Rec Center.

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  25. Coffee with a Cop on Post

    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.

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  26. Greater Sardis Missionary Baptist Church celebrates 137th Anniversary and Homecoming

    By Christina Faulkner

    Greater Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, located at 702 West Reynolds St., has announced its much-awaited church anniversary and homecoming celebration. The congregation is inviting all to attend this special event on Sunday, July 21, at 2:00 p.m.

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  27. Ozark mayor gives State of the City address

    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.

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  28. The Southern Star awarded five prestigious honors at 2024 APA Awards

    By Christina Faulkner

    The Southern Star made a notable impact at this year’s Alabama Press Association (APA) Media Awards Contest, earning five commendable awards across various categories, highlighting the dedication and talent of its team.

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  29. School board appointment sparks debate in City Council

    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. 

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  30. Homeless confront nature's fury without shelter

    By Christina Faulkner

    As summer unfolds, Southeast Alabama, particularly Dale County, faces the dual threats of extreme heat and severe weather, including hurricanes. For the county's homeless population, these threats are not just uncomfortable but potentially life-threatening. With no dedicated shelters and limited resources, addressing these dangers has become a pressing issue for the community.

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  31. Dive into clean waters with Dale County's free One-Day Water Testing Event on July 12

    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.

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  32. Ozark celebrates installation of Safe Haven Baby Box

    By Christina Faulkner

    The City of Ozark marked a significant milestone on Monday, June 24, with the blessing and installation of Alabama’s sixth Safe Haven Baby Box at Ozark Fire Station #3. This latest addition not only serves as a beacon of hope but also underscores a critical resource for mothers in crisis across Alabama.

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  33. Cold case cracked: Ozark Police arrest suspect in 2018 murder

    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.

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  34. Juneteenth 2024 celebrates culture, unity and hope

    By Christina Faulkner

    The second annual Juneteenth celebration in downtown Ozark unfolded with vibrant energy and community spirit, drawing an enthusiastic crowd. Organized by Ozark Juneteenth event coordinator Winnie Frazier, the event served as a poignant tribute to African American heritage and resilience. The celebration commemorated Juneteenth's historical significance.

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  35. CAF launches campaign for sickle cell awareness

    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.

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  36. City Council authorizes agreements for non-emergency transport van use; issues Juneteenth proclamation at meeting

    By Caitlyn Cummings

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  37. Ozark comes alive with line dancing extravaganza

    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.

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  38. Arrest made in Ozark shooting incident

    By Christina Faulkner

    The Ozark Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on May 5 at a local business in Ozark. The incident, which unfolded during a party attended by over thirty individuals, resulted in one person being shot in the leg and others fearing for their safety.

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  39. Wiregrass Aviation's ARPA expenditure greenlit

    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. 

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  40. Miriam Shehane, Founder of VOCAL and Clio Native, Dies at 91

    By Christina Faulkner

    Miriam Shehane, a resident of Clio and the founder of Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL), passed away on Monday, June 17 at the age of 91. Following a recent illness, she leaves behind a legacy of tireless advocacy for crime victims and a profound impact on her community and beyond.

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  41. Summer Sizzles as Dale County Extension sparks community fun

    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.

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  42. Obituary - Mr. Christopher Todd “Chris” Woodham

    Mr. Christopher Todd “Chris” Woodham, a resident of Ozark, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, in Flowers Hospital.  He was 54 years old.

    A memorial service for Mr. Woodham will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 22, 2024, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing.

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  43. City of Ozark shows strong financial health in latest audit report

    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.

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  44. Barry Moore thanks the Wiregrass

    By Travis Parker

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  45. Daleville man jailed for shots fired, threats

    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.

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