The Southern Star

07/03/2025

Ozark Juneteenth celebration triumphs over storm with spirit, purpose

By Christina Faulkner What began as a dreary, rain-soaked afternoon in Ozark turned into a shining example of perseverance, unity, and joy as residents gathered to celebrate Juneteenth on June 19. The sky darkened, winds howled, and heavy rain rolled through the downtown square just as the festiviti...

07/03/2025

Art and imagination shine in Ozark: Ann Rudd Center showcases “Folk and Recycled Masterpieces”

By Caitlyn Cummings A bright splash of color and creativity greeted visitors to downtown Ozark on Friday, June 28, as the historic Ann Rudd Art Center opened its annual “Folk Art & Recycle Exhibition.” The show features more than 80 pieces by over 40 artists, all celebrating two traditions that ...

07/02/2025

The Southern Star is out now—on newsstands and available online for digital subscribers! This week’s issue is full of hometown stories, including a look at the Folk Art and Recycle Exhibit at the Ann Rudd Art Museum in Ozark. In this week’s Extension Buzz, you’ll find helpful tips for safe summer grilling. Read about the concerns some residents have raised regarding the expansion of the entertainment district, and catch up on the latest actions taken by the Ozark City Council at their final meeting in June. Don’t forget to check out the puzzles on page 16—and so much more inside!

06/28/2025

One day at a time: Sheriff Wally Olson remembered for a life of service, sacrifice, and steadfast love

By Christina Faulkner Wally Olson took life one day at a time. And in each of those days, he left an indelible mark on Dale County and the people who loved him. The longtime sheriff, devoted family man, and beloved community servant passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the age of 53. A funeral s...

06/28/2025

Ozark man charged with murder following fatal stabbing on Aventura Court

By Christina Faulkner A fatal stabbing in the early morning hours of June 24 has led to a homicide investigation and the arrest of a 24-year-old Ozark man. Ozark Police and deputies with the Dale County Sheriff's Office responded around 1:30 a.m. to a residence in the 100 block of Aventura Court fol...

06/27/2025

The Army celebrates 250th birthday with honor, history, and local community

By Travis Parker On the morning of June 13, under the crisp air at Howze Field, Fort Novosel—the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence—gathered to mark a significant occasion: the Army's 250th birthday. The event brought together military personnel, families, retirees, and local leaders, all t...

06/27/2025

Civilians honored for heroic actions at Level Plains Council meeting

By Christina Faulkner Three local men were recognized at the June 17 Level Plains City Council meeting for their extraordinary bravery in saving a life from a burning vehicle. Josh McCall, Cameron Heffernan, and Chris Abernathy were each presented with a certificate and a Level Plains Police Departm...

06/27/2025

The latest issue of The Southern Star is on newsstands now and available online for our digital subscribers. This week, we honor the life and legacy of longtime Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson with a special tribute. Discover how the Claybank Master Gardeners connected with the latest Master Gardener Intern class while working in D.A. Smith’s garden, and join us in celebrating Juneteenth with highlights from the Ozark Dale County Library. We also spotlight the race for Ozark City Council Place 3, featuring incumbent Winston Jackson and challenger Dr. Danella Peterman. Don’t miss Threads of Faith on the Church Page, and turn to page 9 for the latest public hearing notices. All this and more in this week’s edition of The Southern Star—your trusted hometown source for news that matters.

06/27/2025

Bonding over flowers at D.A. Smith

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich When in doubt, reach out…to Extension! When Matthew Monson, principal at D.A. Smith Middle School, contacted us to see if some of our Master Gardeners could consult on a student project, we jumped at the chance. Susan Rigsby, president of t...

06/21/2025

Gone fishin’ with the Sheriff: Dale County Youth Fishing Rodeo brings the joy

By Caitlyn Cummings This past weekend, kids and families gathered by the peaceful lake near the Dale Medical Surgery Center for an event that’s become a local favorite: the Dale County Sheriff’s Youth Fishing Rodeo, a morning of fishing hosted by Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum and the Dale Coun...

06/21/2025

Ozark Juneteenth celebration took place Thursday at Ozark amphitheatre

By Christina Faulkner Ozark’s Court Square and amphitheatre will come alive with celebration Thursday afternoon as families gather for the annual Juneteenth Community Celebration. The free event, set for June 19 from 3 to 6 p.m., offered an afternoon of food, fun, and unity for all ages. Juneteent...

06/20/2025

Children’s Theater Workshop brings The Wizard of Oz Jr. to the stage in Ozark

By Christina Faulkner This weekend, the Wish Upon a Star Performing Arts Company invites audiences to travel over the rainbow as they present The Wizard of Oz Jr. at the Flowers Center for the Performing Arts in Ozark. Performances will take place Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, at 6:30 p.m. ea...