The Southern Star

10/24/2025

Empower Her Gala inspires hope, raises funds for foster girls aging out of care

By Christina Faulkner The Ozark Civic Center was filled with laughter, music, and inspiration on Saturday, October 18, as the Her Haven Empower Her Gala brought together community members and leaders to support a cause close to many hearts — helping foster girls transition into adulthood with stab...

10/24/2025

Cemetery tours raising funds for preservation efforts

By Christina Faulkner As the Ozark Historic Preservation Commission prepares for its next Cemetery Tour on October 23, community interest remains high. Only two spots were available as of press time, according to City Administrative Assistant Heather Cohen. Those interested in attending are encourag...

10/24/2025

Farm-City Forestry Education Tour Free for Public

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich Our Dale County Farm-City Committee extends an invitation for any interested Dale Countians to visit with us in one of our Treasure Forests on November 14 in a celebration of education. Farm-City Committees work throughout the year to plan ev...

10/23/2025

We carry all your hometown news, serving Ozark and Dale County since 1867. The Southern Star is now available on news racks and online for digital subscribers. Learn how you can take part in this year’s free Farm-City Tour in this week’s Extension Buzz. Find out where and when the City of Ozark will swear in its new mayor and council members so you can attend this special ceremony. We’re also working to expand our coverage of councils throughout Dale County—see if your city council meeting was featured in this week’s issue.

Do you love art? Caitlyn Cummings explores Inspired by Creation at the Ann Rudd Art Center in this week’s Art, Lit, and Showbiz feature. Ag & Forestry Focus offers valuable information about soil testing and RFSI grants that could benefit you. In Education, see which local college is celebrating impressive test scores. And of course, Sports brings you the latest high school action from across Dale County.

All this and so much more inside this week’s issue of The Southern Star!

10/18/2025

Seven arrested in Dale County sexual predator sting

By Christina Faulkner, Associate Editor The Dale County Sheriff’s Office announced that it conducted a two-day undercover sting operation targeting individuals who traveled with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with minors. Seven suspects were arrested, charged, and booked into the Dale C...

10/18/2025

Local educators honored as District 2 principal and assistant principal of the year

Staff Reports Ozark – Two outstanding Dale County educators have been recognized for their exceptional leadership and dedication to students. Marci Williams, principal of Carroll High School in Ozark City Schools, has been named the AASSP District 2 High School Principal of the Year, while Mindi B...

10/17/2025

Wiregrass Honor Flight Mission 2 brings veterans to Washington in grand style

By Travis Parker On October 7 and 8, the Wiregrass Honor Flight completed its second mission to Washington, D.C., carrying 17 veterans — ranging from their early 70s to an impressive 99 years old — on an unforgettable journey to visit the nation’s war memorials. The trip was hailed by organize...

10/17/2025

Shooting at Wiregrass Commons Mall leaves one injured, two suspects identified

By Christina Faulkner, Associate Editor Dothan — A Sunday afternoon shooting inside Wiregrass Commons Mall left one man critically injured and the Wiregrass community shaken, as Dothan Police identified two suspects involved in the gunfire. According to the Dothan Police Department, the incident o...

10/17/2025

Become a Dale County Master Gardener

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich We receive many calls about home gardens, and we are lucky to have expertise right here in Ozark for most of these questions. Our Master Garden group goes by the “Claybank Master Gardeners,” and you will see them out at many service proje...

10/16/2025

The latest edition of The Southern Star is here—available now online for digital subscribers and at your local news rack and in stores. Inside, you’ll find all your hometown news along with stories from surrounding areas that matter to you. In this week’s issue, learn how you can become a Dale County Master Gardener in The Extension Buzz, and read how Amateur Radio Operators are preparing for the Statewide Emergency Test later this month.
In our Education section, learn more about Alabama’s statewide enrollment numbers and why public school enrollment is declining, and see who’s making strides in their educational pursuits—both in college and on local school boards. On the Editorial page, columnist Rich Lowry weighs in on whether Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is right about the importance of physical fitness in the military.
Also in this week’s issue, find out why Enterprise’s Boll Weevil Monument is drawing national attention as we explore whether it’s ugly or iconic. Out & About in the Wiregrass also continues to feature stories from our neighbors in surrounding counties that may affect or interest you. And be sure to check out our Sports section, where local bands are featured along with coverage of high school football.
Don’t miss out on your hometown news—pick up this week’s Southern Star today or read it online.

10/11/2025

Ozark shines bright at the 55th Annual Claybank Jamboree

By Caitlyn Cummings Downtown Ozark was alive with laughter, music, and the smell of funnel cakes on Saturday, October 4, as the community gathered for the 55th Annual Claybank Jamboree. Hosted by the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce, the festival has long been a cherished tradition, and this year’s ...

10/11/2025

Two Dale County farms rank among Alabama’s top Angus breeders for 2025

By Christina Faulkner Two Dale County cattle operations have been recognized by the American Angus Association® for their outstanding contributions to the state’s Angus industry during the 2025 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30. C & C Ranch of Midland City (Newton) ranked sixth statewide in the n...