The Southern Star

01/03/2026

City of Ozark honors employees for service and dedication

By Christina Faulkner The City of Ozark recognized the dedication and service of its employees during the annual Christmas and Employee Incentive Luncheon held last month, honoring local heroes who serve the community across multiple departments. During the luncheon, employees of the year were recog...

01/03/2026

Dine, Dance & Donate to benefit Vivian B. Adams School

By Christina Faulkner With information provided by Susan Owens, Vivian B. Adams School Resource Coordinator The community is invited to attend Dine, Dance & Donate, a festive evening benefiting Vivian B. Adams School, on January 15, 2026, at the Ozark Civic Center. The event will be held from 5:30 t...

01/03/2026

Liberty Learning Super Citizens honor local heroes

By Ashley Storey, OCS Director of Communications and Public Relations Second- and third-grade students at Lisenby Primary School and Mixon Intermediate School recently celebrated the completion of the Liberty Learning Super Citizen Program with a special event honoring six school and community membe...

01/02/2026

Food Safety updates to start the New Year

Submitted by County Extension Director Melissa Voynich The Alabama Extension Food Safety and Quality team is excited to launch the new Alabama Cottage Food Law online course. This self-paced course is open to anyone who is interested or planning to produce food for sale to the public from their home...

01/02/2026

Wreath makers invited to participate in Festival of Wreaths silent auction

By Christina Faulkner, with information provided by Susan Owens, VBAS Resource Coordinator The community’s creative talents are being invited to take center stage as organizers announce an open call for entries for the Festival of Wreaths, a featured component of the upcoming Dine, Dance & Donate ...

01/02/2026

Crop Growing Contest shows benefits of moderation, marketing

By Mary Wilson Finding the right combination of crop management applications and marketing strategies that result in a profitable season is an annual quandary for Alabama farmers. For the past two years, it has been a question that researchers from Alabama Extension at Auburn University have tried t...

01/01/2026

The Southern Star is on newsstands and available online for digital subscribers.
This week’s edition opens the new year with stories that reflect the heart of our community — service, celebration, and connection.
Inside, we share highlights from the Vivian B. Adams School Gilland Christmas Party, a cherished tradition that continues to bring joy to students and families. You’ll also find coverage of the City of Ozark’s Christmas and Employee Incentive Luncheon, where dedication, service, and leadership were recognized across city departments.
Community events and opportunities fill this issue, including details on Dine, Dance & Donate benefiting Vivian B. Adams School, a call for local creatives to participate in the Festival of Wreaths, and upcoming January events at the Ozark Dale County Library.
Education news includes recognition of Katie Hardy for earning National Board Certification, while Extension Buzz, Community News, Heroes’ Corner, Ag & Forestry Focus, and more round out the week.
From local history and holiday reflections to civic pride and community impact, this issue captures what makes Ozark and Dale County special.
Pick up your copy today or read online at ozarkal.news and have a Happy New Year!

12/24/2025

The Southern Star is on newsstands and available online for digital subscribers, and this week’s issue is filled with stories that celebrate our community, our neighbors, and the spirit of the season.
Inside, we’re sharing how Ozark’s generosity once again powered Operation Santa Claus, bringing toys, joy, and hope to children and families throughout our city.
From blue to red and green, Ozark’s finest arrive with Christmas cheer as Officer Kaden Grogg and fellow officers dressed as elves to greet students at Lisenby and Mixon, spreading smiles, high fives, and hugs. Members of First United Methodist Church’s First Kids and Top Floor Youth Ministries hit the road to go caroling for first responders and residents, reminding us all what it means to share joy this time of year. Our Extension Buzz takes a festive turn with Dale County Extension’s “Twelve Days of Christmas,” a photo-filled look back at a year of service, learning, and community impact. Heroes’ Corner honors thousands of veterans across Coffee and Dale counties through Wiregrass Honor Wreaths and Wreaths Across America, as wreaths were laid in quiet tribute to those who served. And if you’re in the holiday baking mood, Felicia Farnsworth is serving up four days of Christmas treats, from no-bake cookies to classic Coca-Cola cake, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
You’ll also find our regular columns, letters, puzzles, obituaries, and more — all part of what makes your hometown paper a reflection of life in Ozark and Dale County.
Plus, don’t forget — the Christmas Greetings Section is inside this week’s issue, a special section you won’t want to miss! It’s our way of sharing holiday wishes, memories, and messages from across the community.
Pick up your copy today or log in as a digital subscriber and enjoy this special Christmas week with The Southern Star.!

12/20/2025

A little Christmas magic made a special stop at Lisenby Primary School as Officer Grogg of the Ozark Police Department visited to deliver not one, but two Elves on the Shelf! These elves have been on quite the adventure with the Ozark Police Department, and Officer Grogg shared photos of their journey with the girls after making the big delivery. One student was a bit shy at first but soon warmed up to the surprise, while the other, on crutches, lit up with a big, happy smile at the unexpected visit. Each child received a gift from their elf — though their little helper was a bit reluctant to give up the last one! 😂 The visits took place quietly in the hallway, making each moment feel even more personal and special. Thank you, Officer Grogg, for taking the time to spread Christmas cheer, and create memories these students won’t soon forget!

12/19/2025

The Southern Star is on newsstands and online for digital subscribers! Serving the Ozark and Dale County communities since 1867, don’t miss this week’s issue where you’ll discover how holiday harmonies filled the Ozark Civic Center during the annual Sounds of the Season concert, learn why buying age-appropriate toys can make a big difference for children’s safety, and read about a growing shift toward holistic diabetes care that looks beyond just numbers and prescriptions. Catch up on local government with coverage of the Daleville City Council’s busy meeting and the Clayhatchee Town Council’s push for tighter financial controls, and enjoy the sparkle and hometown pride as Newton celebrated Christmas with its annual parade and festivities. You’ll also find community news, columns, devotionals, and more inside — thank you for supporting local journalism and allowing us to keep telling your stories.

12/13/2025

Brisk winds, bright spirits mark Ozark Christmas Parade

By Caitlyn Cummings Despite brisk winds and freezing temperatures, the spirit of the season was on full display as the Ozark Kiwanis Club hosted the annual Ozark Christmas Parade on December 2. Residents lined the streets of downtown Ozark, bundled in coats, scarves, and blankets, determined not to....

12/13/2025

Ozark City Council opposes SSUT litigation, cites risk to city revenue

By Christina Faulkner Ozark City Council unanimously approved a resolution opposing ongoing litigation related to Alabama’s Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) during its meeting held on December 1 at the Ozark Municipal Building, citing concerns that changes to the current system could result in re...