County Health Departments Do Not Have Free Face Masks

By Christina Faulkner

The Alabama Department of Public Health released a statement today, February 2, advising the public that county health departments do not have free face masks to distribute to the public. 

However, pharmacies that are part of the federal COVID-19 vaccine program and community health centers nationwide will be sent free, non-surgical N95 masks for distribution to the public at no charge, according to the Federal Government. 

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No. 1 Auburn Wins 17th Straight With 86-68 Rout of Oklahoma

(Editor’s Note: Story reprinted from www.AuburnTigers.com)

AUBURN, Ala. – No. 1 Auburn unfurled a banner for its legendary former coach, agreed to a new contract with its legendary current coach and extended the nation's longest active win streak to 17, defeating Oklahoma 86-68 Saturday at Auburn Arena in the Big 12/SEC Challenge.

"Great atmosphere in Auburn Arena," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. "This Challenge matters. We got better tonight."

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Ozark Small Business Incubator Seeks New Startups

By Adam Kamerer

The Ozark Technology Center for Developing Industry is looking to fill some office spaces.

Founded in 1996, the Technology Center, also known as “the small business incubator” was the first of its kind in the region, says Holle Smith, President of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation. The incubator was a product conducted in cooperation with USDA Rural Development.

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Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested

By Christopher Mobley

The suspect in an Ozark shooting that left one man critically wounded has been arrested in southeast Barbour County, and is currently being held in the Dale County Jail. 

Isaiah McGuire is a suspect in a shooting that occurred on Chancey Drive in Ozark on December 17 that left one victim in critical condition. McGuire was apprehended in Barbour County after being stopped for a traffic infraction. 

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Man Charged in Dale County Murder Extradited to Dale County Jail

By Christopher Mobley

John Sutton, who was arrested and charged in June 2021 for the murder of a Dale County woman, has been extradited to the Dale County Jail from the Shelby County Jail. 

The victim, Jenita Rose Maldonado, was found near Woodham bridge in Newton, Alabama on June 3, 2021 at around 1:30 PM. Although officers originally ruled the death of the mother of six as suicide, the investigation revealed inconsistencies that eventually lead  to the arrest of Sutton and his accomplice. 

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Arizona Couple Finds A Piece of Wiregrass History

By Adam Kamerer

When Bill and Rita Eggers moved to Ozark from Mesa, Arizona, they purchased the contents of their new home along with the house itself, but they didn’t realize the treasure trove the previous owner had left behind. “We’ve still got buildings to go through,” says Bill Eggers. “We found all sorts of things. Old books, tools, maps, train sets. If there was one of something, we found more.”

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New Ozark Mural Highlights Wiregrass RC&D Mission

By Adam Kamerer

A little building along North Union Avenue in Ozark is getting a new paint job. The building, which houses the Wiregrass Resource Conservation and Development Council (WRC&D), is the latest mural project in Ozark.

“We are a state funded 501(c)(3) that was created to help local people meet local needs,” says Anna Cornelius, Program Manager for WRC&D. “Our organization serves as an equitable way for state funds to be invested back into the local community.”

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Doors Officially Open at Ozark Free After School Program

By Christopher Mobley

More after school activities and learning opportunities are here for the children of Ozark with the opening of a new free after school program in the city. 

The All of God’s Children after-school program was founded by Shanika Reeves, officially opening its doors to the public on January 5, 2022. Reeves has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in different programs, including being the Youth Director at Saint Paul AME church in Ozark. 

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Local Food Assistance Programs Need Donations, Volunteers

By Adam Kamerer

Ongoing supply chain shortages and rising grocery prices are putting a strain on local food assistance programs.

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Old Ozark Armory Makes Way for New Dale County Schools Career Center

By Adam Kamerer

The old National Guard Armory on U.S. Highway 231 in Ozark is being torn down and a new career center for Dale County Schools is being built in its place.

“We originally planned on using the old armory building,” says Dale County Schools Superintendent Ben Baker. That plan didn’t work out -- storm damage condemned the building a few years ago. It was more cost-effective to demolish the building and build a new structure than to try to repair the damage to the aging building, according to Baker.

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