The Southern Star

09/27/2025

First responders honored at Fuqua Bankston’s 7th annual appreciation day

By Christina Faulkner Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home once again opened its doors to honor local heroes, hosting the 7th Annual 9/11 First Responders Appreciation Day on Thursday, September 11, in recognition of Patriot’s Day. What began as a small gathering has grown into a cherished countywide tradi...

09/27/2025

Council declines to enact local va**ng tax, motion dies without a vote
https://ow.ly/MvEq50X2OkR

09/26/2025

Rural hospitals facing growing challenges amid closures and financial strain

By Caitlyn Cummings Rural hospitals are the lifeblood of American healthcare, yet they are closing at an alarming rate. On September 16, Bryan Hall of the Carr, Riggs, and Ingram CPA firm spoke at the Ozark Rotary Club, addressing the financial state of rural hospitals in 2025. More than half of Ala...

09/26/2025

Arrest made in Dixie Drive altercation

By Christina Faulkner An arrest has been made in connection with the September 14 altercation on Dixie Drive that left two men injured. According to Ozark Police Bureau Chief Michael Bryan, 29-year-old Jaron Taylor was taken into custody on Thursday, September 18, at about 4 p.m. on a charge of atte...

09/26/2025

Intro to Chaos Gardening

Adapted by County Extension Director Melissa Voynich The term “chaos gardening” has been popping up a lot on social media. Instead of following detailed plans or layouts, gardeners simply mix their favorite wildflower seeds and scatter them over a prepared patch of soil. The result can be a vibr...

09/25/2025

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of The Southern Star, on newsstands now, and available online for digital subscribers! Inside farmers will find helpful tips to help prevent farm equipment theft. Parents and guardians can find out more about the Boys and Girls Club Teen Club and don’t forget to stay up to date on what’s happening at the Dale County Commission and with the Ozark City Council. Know what decisions your local government is making that might impact your travel, pocketbook and life! Check out Estate Planning Questions Answered on the editorial page and hear legal advice from Harry Margolis, practicing elder law and estate planning attorney. Don’t forget the sports page where we carry the latest scores and upcoming games for all Dale County’s five high schools! All this and so much more in this week’s issue of The Southern Star!

09/24/2025

Work on Andrews Ave. at College St. has Andrews Ave. down to one lane while pipes are repaired/replaced. Approach with caution and be mindful of workers.

09/20/2025

Two injured in Dixie Drive altercation; investigation continues

By Christina Faulkner Ozark Police officers and Dale County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call of a stabbing on Dixie Drive Sunday afternoon, September 14, at about 4:45 p.m. According to Bureau Chief Michael Bryan, when officers arrived, they determined that the man who had been stabbed f...

09/20/2025

Ozark City Schools outlines $30.1 million budget for FY 2026

By Christina Faulkner The Ozark City School Board held its first budget hearing on Wednesday, September 10, where Chief Financial Officer Morgan Sims presented the proposed $30.1 million spending plan for fiscal year 2026 alongside Superintendent Reeivice Girtman, with Assistant Superintendent Dr. A...

09/19/2025

Farm-City committee launches preparations for November celebrations

By Christina Faulkner The Dale County Farm-City Committee gathered for its first breakfast meeting of the season, officially beginning preparations for a busy lineup of activities leading to Farm-City Week in November. Committee co-chair Monica Carroll credited the success of the program to the broa...

09/19/2025

Daleville school board approves FY 2026 budget, outlines facility work and staff support

By Christina Faulkner Daleville City Schools formally adopted its FY 2026 budget after a second public hearing, with Chief School Financial Officer Jessica Pettway and Superintendent Josh Robertson walking the board through enrollment trends, funding shifts, and near-term projects. The budget sets t...

09/19/2025

Dale County Youth Learn Ag Innovation

Submitted by County Extension Director Melissa Voynich Dale County’s Youth Leadership Program recently celebrated Ag Day by touring and learning from several of our producers and vendors. Organized by the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development office, this select group of high school juniors repre...