The Southern Star

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...

12/13/2025

Dale County Celebrates Ag Supporters, FFA, and FarmHER

Submitted by County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich The Dale County Farm-City Committee was pleased to present the following awards at our Banquet on Tuesday, November 18. We will be running the award write-ups each week through the holiday season. The Agriculture Supporter Award is presented....

12/12/2025

Ozark native launches youth tech camp blending gaming and learning

By Christina Faulkner VR2 Technology is bringing an immersive, youth-focused gaming experience to Ozark later this month, blending technology, creativity, and hands-on learning in what its founder describes as a first-of-its-kind camp for the area. Founded by Ozark native and creative technologist V...

12/12/2025

Keeping holiday cacti merry and bright

By Justin Miller Auburn University — In many households, no holiday décor would be complete without the bright-blooming colors of a Christmas cactus. The same goes for the other holiday cacti seen blooming at Thanksgiving and Easter. As one of the easiest indoor plants to care for, it is no wonde...

12/12/2025

The Southern Star is on newsstands and available online for digital subscribers. In this week’s issue, learn how the Kiwanis’ Annual Ozark Christmas Parade brought warmth and joy to a freezing night while honoring a lifetime of service from one community doctor. Discover how Ozark native Victor Roberts is launching a first-of-its-kind youth gaming and creativity camp at Venue 1880. Read more about SSUT and Ozark City Council’s decision to oppose the proposed litigation. Explore how veterans and volunteers are preparing to place more than 3,000 wreaths at local cemeteries during the 10th Annual Wiregrass Honor Wreaths ceremonies. Learn how one child’s compassionate and thoughtful idea grew into a tradition spreading far beyond Ozark and bringing comfort and light to those who struggle during the holiday season. Learn more about keeping your holiday cacti healthy and blooming through the season in this week’s Extension Buzz. Read more about the people and efforts that make the Wiregrass stronger in our Community News section. Pick up your copy today or visit ozarkal.news to read more. As always, thank you for supporting local journalism and allowing us to keep telling your stories.

12/06/2025

Thanksgiving food giveaways feed Wiregrass communities

By Travis Parker Three separate Thanksgiving meal efforts in Ozark, Daleville, and Enterprise turned the Wiregrass into one large community table this year, combining free food, fellowship, and hundreds of volunteers to make sure no one went hungry or ate alone on the holiday. Thanksgiving at Westvi...

12/06/2025

Dale County celebrates producers and farmers – Part II
https://ow.ly/uLcL50XCS0T

12/05/2025

City of Ozark welcomes new police chief and director of public safety

By Christina Faulkner The City of Ozark recently entered a new chapter in public safety leadership as it appointed its next police chief and Director of Public Safety, filling roles once held by now Mayor Charles Ward during his years as Director of Public Safety. Former Deputy Chief Michael Bryan w...

12/05/2025

Mellown steps down

Press release Ozark City Schools announced on Wednesday, December 3, Coach Matt Mellown resigned from his role as the head football coach at Carroll High School, effective immediately. The decision follows his two seasons leading the Eagles football program. Look for the detailed article in this com...

12/05/2025

County supports airport work, sports complex study, opposes SSUT lawsuit

By Caitlyn Cummings and Christina Faulkner, Associate Editor The Dale County Commission met for its regular session on November 25, taking up several matters involving economic development, budgeting, public safety, and intergovernmental partnerships. Commissioners approved $22,500 from the county l...

12/05/2025

Youth can shine at upcoming youth livestock programs in Alabama

By Kacey Watson Auburn University — Reid McGuire, the new Alabama Extension youth livestock education program manager at Auburn University, has big plans for 2026. The next year will provide a wealth of livestock opportunities for youth to learn, compete, and connect statewide. As a third-generati...