The Southern Star

06/15/2026

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA
Signed by 2 dozen Alabama legislators
As you go to the polls to vote on June 16 in the Republican Party’s runoff elections, we know that you are being bombarded with campaign ads. It is just that time of year again. As elected members of the Alabama legislature, we feel it is our responsibility to make sure that voters know the truth about the legislative process.
Recently, a candidate for Lt. Governor, John Wahl, has aired multiple campaign ads promising that, if elected Lt. Governor, he will eliminate, reduce, or freeze your taxes. Please be aware:
· The Lt. Governor cannot keep taxation promises.
· The Office of the Lt. Governor cannot have any impact on your taxes.
· The Lt. Governor cannot freeze your taxes.
· The Lt. Governor cannot decrease your taxes.
· The Lt. Governor cannot raise your taxes.
It is important to know the truth when you cast your ballot and to be aware when a candidate makes promises to you that are impossible to keep, as there is no authority to do so in the position for which he is running.
Sincerely,
Rep. Ron Bolton, R-Tuscaloosa
Rep. Bryan Brinyark, R-Samantha
Rep. Chip Brown, R-Mobile
Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva
Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Dale
Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville
Rep. Norman Crow, R-Tuscaloosa
Rep. Susan Dubose, R-Hoover
Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield
Rep. Matthew Hammett, R-Dozier
Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville
Rep. Bill Lamb, R-Tuscaloosa
Rep. James Lomax, R-Huntsville
Rep. Cindy Myrex, R-Cullman
Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville
Rep. Marcus Paramore, R-Troy
Rep. Chad Robertson, R-Heflin
Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville
Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg
Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne
Rep. Jeff Sorrells, R-Hartford
Rep. Shane Stringer, R-Citronelle
Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris
Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia

06/13/2026

Two arrested after separate shootings leave one dead, teen critically injured

By Christina Faulkner Two men have been arrested following separate shootings that occurred Monday night in Ozark, leaving one man dead and a juvenile critically injured. According to the Ozark Police Department, officers responded to two unrelated firearm assaults on June 8. The first was reported....

06/13/2026

New band director looks to build tradition at G.W. Long

By Christina Faulkner After spending more than three decades building young musicians and band programs, Debra Hughes is returning closer to home to begin a new chapter—one she hopes will leave a lasting legacy at G.W. Long High School. Hughes, the newly appointed director of the G.W. Long Rebel B...

06/13/2026

Ozark City Schools welcomes new board member, approves key leadership appointments

By Christina Faulkner The Ozark City Schools Board of Education welcomed a new member and approved several key leadership appointments during a special-called meeting held on Wednesday, June 3. Before conducting official business, attorney Barbara Wade administered the oath of office to newly appoin...

06/12/2026

Many Voices, One Nation exhibit opens June 13 at Dowling Museum

By Christina Faulkner The Dowling Museum | Ann Rudd Art Center will host the Dale County Council on the Arts and Humanities' second Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Many Voices, One Nation, beginning June 13. An opening reception is planned from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. The exhibit will re...

06/12/2026

New World Screwworm update

Submitted by County Extension Director Melissa Voynich On June 4, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries released a statement related to the detection of New World screwworm in a calf near La Pryor, Texas, about 50 miles from the US border with Mexico. You can read the full press relea...

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

The Southern Star is on newsstands and available online for digital subscribers. We bring you all your hometown news.

This week, meet Boris, our Pet of the Week from the Ozark Animal Shelter, a lovable Pit Bull/Lab mix searching for his forever home in our newest featurette.

Learn what livestock owners need to know about the recent detection of New World screwworm in Texas, read a Health & Wellness report on state warnings involving unregulated peptide products, and take a look at Governor Kay Ivey's legacy as she prepares to leave office after nearly a decade leading Alabama.

Find out which local agencies benefited from Community Trust Grants and who is the latest to join the ranks of Ozark's Unsung Heroes.

Read how Dale County Sheriff's Office deputies helped round up a murder suspect wanted out of Lowndes County.

Don't forget to check out the Piggly Wiggly ad on page 10!

If you want factual, accurate, local news you can trust, pick up a copy of The Southern Star or subscribe online today at www.ozarkal.news. We remain committed to providing reliable reporting on the people, issues, and events that matter most to Ozark and Dale County.

06/06/2026

Dale County students attending Boys State and Girls State at UA

By Christina Faulkner Several rising seniors from across Dale County are spending this week at the University of Alabama participating in Alabama Boys State and Alabama Girls State, prestigious leadership and citizenship programs that provide students with a hands-on look at government, public servi...

06/06/2026

Level Plains couple charged with 31 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals

By Christina Faulkner A Level Plains man and woman are facing multiple felony charges after authorities discovered dozens of neglected animals living in what police described as deplorable conditions. According to Level Plains Police Chief Johnny Summers, Glenn Edward Egan, 25, of Level Plains, and....