By Christina Faulkner

The beloved tradition of the Vivian B. Adams Christmas Bazaar, spanning 48 years, came back to life this year after a three-year hiatus due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Christmas Bazaar, an integral fundraising event for the school, resurfaced with enthusiasm, offering a wide array of handmade items and goodies.

By Christina Faulkner

The Ozark City Council has given the green light for a $250,000 grant towards the construction of a 28-unit apartment complex for the Alabama Aviation Technical College (AATC). The decision, which was made on November 7, also includes a 99-year lease for the portion of city-owned property situated in front of the Friends of Army Aviation on Campus Drive. The project includes property located at 308 Campus Drive, formerly the home of Homer Andrews, as well as 189 Heritage Road.

By Christina Faulkner

In a display of community unity, local businesses in Ozark joined forces with the Ozark Military Affairs Committee to host the 1st Annual Veterans Golf Tournament, a memorable event dedicated to honoring our local heroes, including active and retired military personnel, as well as first responders. The tournament brought together businesses, military personnel, and first responders for a day of camaraderie on the golf course.

By Les Perault

Following is my take on what I call “A Season of No Quit"

The Carroll High School Eagles concluded their football season with a hard-fought first round playoff battle last night in Demopolis, ultimately falling short with a close loss of a 31-28 score. However, what defined this season was not the final score, but the determination and resilience displayed by the Eagles in the face of numerous adversities, including key injuries on both sides of the ball.

By Christina Faulkner

In a significant step towards improving regional transportation and disaster preparedness, the towns of Pinckard and Newton have joined forces to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study for the expansion of State Highway 123. This collaborative effort, supported by the Ozark Dale County Economic Development Corporation, the Dale County Commission, and the city of Dothan, aims to address traffic congestion issues and explore potential economic benefits.

By Travis Parker

After months of rumors, then months of anticipation after the rumors were confirmed, the Enterprise location of ALDI had their Grand Opening on Friday, November 3. Located in the Enterprise Shopping Center where the old Walmart/Big Lots used to be, the down-to-the-studs remodeled building was pristine for the people lined up almost to the far end of the shopping center. Some people arrived in line as early as 5:30 a.m. on the chilly morning to claim their place in the lengthy line and get chances on a variety of prizes. 

By Christina Faulkner

Daniel Barrentine, Principal of G.W. Long High School, commenced the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Agri-Science Building at Long High School in Skipperville on Monday, October 23. He emphasized the significance of this event as preparations to move equipment into the state-of-the-art Agri-Science Building, commonly known as the “Ag Shop,” were already underway.

Staff Reports

Enterprise, AL - Barry Moore released the following statement after filing to run for Congress to represent his hometown and the people of Alabama’s First District on Monday, October 30.

With a guaranteed seed into the high school 5A playoffs, Carroll hosted the Rams from Valley, Alabama Friday night October 27. The fans knew that without the Eagles starting quarterback, things were going to be tough! Keyshawn Cole is out for the rest of the season due to last week’s injury to his leg. So, at the helm for the offense, Peyton Plott had some big shoes to fill. Up to the challenge, Plott came out in the first quarter and did what he does best, ran with the ball. However, it was Lakeith Person who drew first blood on a 2-yard touchdown run.

By Christina Faulkner

The following proclamation was signed by the Dale County Commission declaring October 23-28 Alabama Extension Week in Dale County and read by Commission Chairman, Steve McKinnon during the Commission meeting held Tuesday, October 24.  

By Christina Faulkner

Daleville, AL – The Daleville Police Department, under the leadership of Director of Public Safety and Police Chief John Crawford, is actively addressing a series of vehicle break-ins in the area. While the investigation has produced leads on potential suspects, Chief Crawford emphasizes that no concrete conclusions have been reached at this time.

By Travis Parker

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth received an air tour when he visited Ft. Novosel on Monday, October 16. General Michael McCurry gave him a special helicopter tour of the Wiregrass area surrounding the post as well as a close-up of some of the areas that are possible trouble spots because of the encroachment of residential subdivisions. 

By Travis Parker and Christina Faulkner

On a brisk October afternoon in the vicinity of Midland City, history came alive in a unique and poignant ceremony held at Mt. Enon Cemetery. Gathered by the gravesite of Jacob Beverett, one of only thirteen known Revolutionary soldiers from the original Dale County, members of the Wiregrass Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution who organized the tribute, traveled from as far as Huntsville and Tuscaloosa to pay their respects in a solemn Grave Marking ceremony.

By Christina Faulkner

In characteristic fashion, Jerry Baker clinched the highly sought-after first place in this week's football contest with just six incorrect guesses, distinguishing himself from the rest of the competition.

By Christina Faulkner

Approximately 60,000 Future Farmers of America members will converge on Indianapolis, Indiana at the end of this month for the 96th National FFA Convention and among them will be four exceptionally talented members of the G.W. Long Future Farmers of American Forestry Team. Jess Barron, Riley Hunter, Emma Claire Olson, and Carley Pritchett will have the distinct privilege to represent the state of Alabama in the upcoming forestry competition following their victory at the state level competition this past June.

By Christina Faulkner

Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ozark hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on the 2400 square foot covered farmers’ market Tuesday, October 3. Chamber of Commerce Director Rosmarie Williamson and city officials were joined by county and state officials and business leaders behind the official red ribbon as the 2023 Ozark pageant queens used the oversized scissors to cut the ribbon and officially open the facility.

Staff Report                                              

As students head to college, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, announced that Nona Strand, of Daleville, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship as part of the organization’s NASE Dependent Scholarship program.

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich

Ozark, Al. – October 3, 2023 – Do you want to climb on a tractor? Hug a cow? Take a picture with a soil mascot?

The weather will be cool and bright for a beautiful Claybank Jamboree this Saturday, October 7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and our local farmers, Future Farmers of America groups, Farmers Federation, and Dale County Extension agents are busy bees, literally, preparing for the inaugural “Farmer for A Day” street at Claybank.

By Christina Faulkner

The U.S. Supreme Court made a significant ruling September 26, denying Alabama's appeal in a Congressional redistricting case. This decision follows a lower court's earlier verdict that found Alabama's new map violated the Voting Rights Act. The lower court had instructed a court-appointed special master to design three proposals, each aimed at creating a second majority- or near-majority-Black district in Alabama, where the Black population stands at 27%.

By Jemma Stephenson, Alabama Reflector

The Ozark Dale County Library Board of Trustees Wednesday approved new policies that will require more parental supervision of children in libraries but did not explicitly remove or ban any books. 

By Christina Faulkner

The Dale County Commission has taken a significant step toward enhancing efficiency and reducing costs by approving the installation of a new Road and Bridge Fuel System. The decision, made during a recent meeting on September 12, will revolutionize how the county manages its fuel resources.

By David Speck

Friday night our Carroll Eagles hosted the Raiders of Navarre, Florida.  It took the Raiders only three plays and 1 minute and 26 seconds to score the opening touchdown.  The point after touchdown (PAT) was good. On the ensuing kickoff, Carroll returned the favor by scoring their own touchdown in just five plays.  The PAT was good, tying the game at 7-7.  That is what ended up being the only great highlight of the game in the first half.