The Southern Star

14/09/2025

With the capture of the alleged assassin in Utah, today our hearts are not quite so stone-like, not quite so encased in the armor of indifference, for we have been confronted with the tragic spectacle of Charlie Kirk’s death, displayed before the world’s unblinking gaze. What horror, and yet—what revelation.

In the clash of ideas, particularly among the young, he strove to hold aloft a brighter path—truth joined to hope, rooted not in the froth of passing fashions but in the stern, sustaining virtues of Scripture and the founding convictions of America. In this, he bore witness—an unlikely martyr in a time when martyrdom is more often ridiculed than revered.

For love of Jesus Christ he spent his energies; and for that love, his memory will not be forgotten. Such deaths remind us, painfully but mercifully, that faith is not an abstraction, but a living fire. Charlie Kirk, we shall not forget you.

13/09/2025

Council sets public hearing on va**ng tax; vote planned Sept. 16

By Christina Faulkner During the Ozark City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 2, the council set a public hearing for comment on a possible local va**ng tax. The hearing will begin at 5 p.m., and the council is expected to take up a vote immediately afterward. State law establishes a $0.10-per-m...

13/09/2025

Midland City confirms Grimsley as mayor; three runoffs ahead

By Christina Faulkner Midland City officials canvassed the results of the August 26 municipal election during a special-called city council meeting on September 2, confirming both decisive victories and races headed for a runoff later this month. A total of 370 votes were cast in the election, inclu...

12/09/2025

Girtman announces resignation as superintendent of Ozark City Schools

By Christina Faulkner Reeivice L. Girtman, who has served as superintendent of Ozark City Schools since July 2021, has announced he will resign at the end of the current school year. “Serving as Superintendent of Ozark City Schools over the past four years has been one of the greatest honors of my...

12/09/2025

Have you ever thought about joining the U.S. Marines? Come to the Library and ask any questions you have. Do you have what it takes?

12/09/2025

Dothan man charged in Ozark child s*x case

By Christina Faulkner The Ozark Police Department announced the arrest of a 26-year-old Dothan resident, Christopher Martin, on September 4, following an ongoing investigation into allegations of s*xual acts involving a minor. The investigation began after police received a report from a community m...

12/09/2025

Thank you for your example in the debate of ideas with our young people. For hoping in a better way forward based on truth and aspiring to teach American foundational values based within biblical virtues. You are a true witness and martyr for the Christian Faith for love for Jesus Christ. We will never forget you Charlie Kirk. (Video from Turning Point USA)

12/09/2025

Fall Food Programs and More

Submitted by County Extension Director Melissa Voynich As our producers begin harvesting, canning, and preserving. Food preservation has long helped people extend their harvests, maintain food supplies during shortages, and control what goes into their food. Thankfully, we have a better understandin...

11/09/2025

Don’t forget to pick up this week’s Southern Star at newsstands—or read it online if you subscribe! Inside, see Steve McKinnon’s selection to the ACCA Legislative Committee and why it matters for Dale County; a 139-flag tribute at Alabama Aviation College honoring veterans lost to su***de; a reminder for the single-night showing of “Homerun: A Fixins to Tell Story,” on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Flowers Center in Ozark; the WCCD Summer 2025 President’s and Dean’s Lists; K-9 Delta’s donation to OPD; this week’s high school football games and the Football Contest recap; and a feature on the Dale County Baptist Association Thrift Store. All this and so much more. Grab your copy today!

06/09/2025

Ward makes history in decisive win for Ozark mayor; new faces join council

By Christina Faulkner Ozark voters ushered in a new era of leadership last Tuesday night, August 26, electing Charles Ward as mayor and selecting two new city council members. The Ozark City Council certified the election on Tuesday, September 2, in a special-called meeting. With 25 provisional ball...

06/09/2025

Runoffs set in Midland City and Newton as voters choose mayors, councilmembers across Dale County

By Christina Faulkner While Ozark voters ushered in a new mayor and councilmembers on Tuesday, August 26, much of the focus across Dale County now shifts to the upcoming runoff elections scheduled for September 23, 2025. Runoffs are required in Midland City’s District 1, District 2, and District 5...

06/09/2025

Dale County Pregnancy Center celebrates 25 years of service with Legacy Banquet

By Christina Faulkner The Dale County Pregnancy Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a Legacy Celebration and Fundraising Bash on Tuesday, October 21, at the Ozark Warehouse in downtown Ozark. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and a program beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be catered...