The Southern Star

09/12/2026

Midland City police officers recognized for achievements, promotions

By Christina Faulkner Three Midland City police officers were recognized for professional achievements, promotions, and lifesaving service during the September 1 Midland City Council meeting. Police Chief Keith Gray first recognized Officer David Minniefield for completing 560 hours of basic law enf...

09/12/2026

09/12/2026

Beau’s Law sets new standards for dogs kept outdoors

By Christina Faulkner A new law taking effect October 1 will establish minimum standards for Alabama dog owners who tether or confine their dogs outdoors. Known as “Beau’s Law,” the measure establishes requirements for tethering systems, outdoor enclosures, food, water, and shelter. Gov. Kay I...

09/11/2026

Fort Rucker Stair Climb honors heroes of Sept. 11

By Travis Parker Firefighters, Soldiers and community members climbed 110 stories inside Fort Rucker’s Soldier Service Center on Friday morning, September 4, in remembrance of the first responders and others who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The Fort Rucker Fire Department’s a...

09/11/2026

The Southern Star is on newsstands and available online for digital subscribers. We bring you all your hometown news. This week, find out what is planned for Dale County 4-H, read about the Wiregrass Honor Flight mission named in honor of Bobby Enfinger, and meet Midland City author David Turner, who was recognized during a recent council meeting. Read Star Ramblings: On Second Thought and other editorials, and learn why experts are questioning the U.S. Highway 84 drainage project in the Shiloh community. Don’t forget to check out the sports pages for the latest high school football action.

09/11/2026

Remembering 9/11: Twenty-five years later

By Christina Faulkner Ask anyone old enough to remember where they were on September 11, 2001, and most can tell you—not only where they were, but what they were doing when they heard the news. For me, it began as an ordinary morning. I was cleaning house in rural Mississippi. My four-year-old was...

09/11/2026

Dale County 4-H School Preview

Submitted by County Extension Director Melissa Voynich Grab your green folders and gavels! It is time for 4-H in-school clubs to kick back into gear for the year, and we have such a cool lineup of activities for you all to join in, complete at home, and show off to your friends.

09/04/2026

Florida man arrested in multistate funeral home theft investigation

By Christina Faulkner A Florida man has been arrested in connection with the July thefts of more than $12,000 in specialized mortuary equipment from Holman Funeral Home and Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark. Christopher Michael Johnson, 58, of Largo, Florida, was arrested by the Pinellas County S...

09/04/2026

Dale County formalizes indigent burial policy

By Christina Faulkner As funeral and cremation costs continue to rise, Dale County has adopted a formal policy establishing how it will assist with the final disposition of those who die without the financial resources necessary for burial or cremation. The responsibility itself is not new. Under Al...