Embedded Files
NEXT MEETING: 08/10/26, 7 PM, OZARK-DALE LIBRARY
Dale Co. Courthouse
Dale Co. Courthouse
Fort Rucker
Fort Rucker
Focus on Ozark & Dale County (Post 2024 Election):
Alabama Aviation College hosts an annual camp for students - 7/06
https://www.wtvy.com/2026/07/06/alabama-aviation-college-hosts-an-annual-camp-students/
Comment: "Camp gives rising 5th–8th graders exposure to aviation careers, STEM and flight"
Comment: Registration for next summer's camp occurs in early April of next year.
Wallace Community College launches free workforce training program - 6/25
https://www.wtvy.com/2026/06/25/wallace-community-college-launches-free-workforce-training-program/
Comment: "Wallace Community College is launching a new workforce training program this summer that combines online learning with hands-on instruction in skilled trades at no cost to students."
"The program features an online component covering safety and general knowledge, followed by hands-on training in carpentry, electrical and plumbing, according to Joe Johnson, director of workforce development at Wallace Community College."
"The hybrid approach allows students to learn fundamentals online before gaining real experience in the lab."
" 'It’s a wonderful partnership between the college, the RSX Foundation, and the Izell Reese Community Center, being able to bring free electrical, plumbing, and carpenter-helper training to the community,' said Johnson."
Comment: "Classes start in July. Registration is open."
Video: Dale County and Ozark City Schools team up on career tech training - June 19, 2026
Fort Rucker hosts ‘Hiring Our Heroes’ for transitioning military and veterans - 6/19
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/fort-rucker-hosts-hiring-heroes-170225043.html
Comment: "Fort Rucker will hold an annual job fair next month, which aims to help military families and veterans prepare for and apply to jobs."
Comment: "Hiring Our Heroes will take place July 9 at The Landing (113 Novosel Street). There will be job seekers workshops from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hiring fair will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m."
Celebrate America250 this 4th of July with Level Plains ‘Fireworks in the Park’ - 6/17
Comment: "On July 4, Level Plains Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department will host their Fireworks in the Park celebration at Level Plains Community Park."
"Event organizers say attendees can look forward to 'a day full of fireworks, food and fun,' with the following:
Food
Sales vendors
Music
Inflatables
a dunk booth
static displays
Fireworks"
Auburn University Raptor Show Coming to Ozark Civic Center - 6/13
Comment: "Residents will have a chance to see live birds of prey up close when the Auburn University Raptor Show comes to the Ozark Civic Center later this month."
"According to event organizers, the Dale County Farmer’s Federation, Farm-City Committee, Dale County Extension and Dale County 4-H are bringing the educational program to Ozark for one day only on June 26."
"The show will feature a variety of live raptors, including owls, hawks and eagles. Organizers say the presentation is educational in nature and will last approximately one hour."
"Two shows are scheduled, with the first beginning at 9 a.m. and a second presentation at 10 a.m. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The arena will be cleared between shows."
Comment: "The event will be held June 26 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Ozark Civic Center. Those planning to attend are encouraged to register in advance."
FlightWerx launches in Daleville as first-of-its-kind drone innovation hub - 4/21
Comment: "A new facility in Daleville is putting southeast Alabama at the center of the military’s push to modernize warfare."
"FlightWerx officially launched on Monday, connecting soldiers, students and local innovators with the technology shaping the future of defense."
Comment: "The facility is not just for soldiers. You don’t need a uniform to get inside, just an idea."
"The facility will expand into STEM education, coding and 3D printing, funded by Grow Southeast Alabama and Innovate Alabama."
Comment: " 'Innovation should not be only located in large cities, at major universities. At Fort Rucker and in the local community, we have Rhodes Scholars, Harvard graduates, other things that are here. They have as many ideas as anybody else. We’re simply giving them the opportunity to see those ideas come to fruition,' he said."
"Gourgues said he hopes FlightWerx will be fully integrated with local colleges within three years."
MV-75 Cheyenne II: Wiregrass, Fort Rucker welcomes next-generation aircraft - 4/16
Debrief: Army Aviation Left Out Of Pentagon Budget Boost - 4/15
Comment: Will this fact impact Fort Rucker?
Mastery Under Pressure: Fort Rucker Pilot Honored with Broken Wing Award - 4/13
What’s Happening Wiregrass?: Dale County Launches Senior Outreach Program - 4/10
Fort Rucker to dedicate Soldier Service Center in honor of CWO Novosel - 4/02
https://www.wtvy.com/2026/04/02/fort-rucker-dedicate-soldier-service-center-honor-cwo-novosel/
20th Annual Ozark Crawdad Festival coming to Downtown - 4/02
‘I got it!’: Ozark’s new superintendent reacts to board’s unanimous selection - 4/01
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/got-ozark-superintendent-reacts-board-020829826.html
Video: Ozark City Schools makes an offer for superintendent position - March 31, 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XscZ6TjWH9E
Dale County hires Garner as team’s newest head coach - 3/10
https://www.wdhn.com/sports/local-sports/dale-county-hires-garner-as-teams-newest-head-coach/
Comment: Linked article includes video.
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Fort Rucker suspends traveler program in response to ‘current events’, base says
Comment: Linked article includes video.
Ozark schools to announce finalists for superintendent
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ozark-schools-announce-finalists-superintendent-212022613.html
Ozark ‘Coffee & Conversation’ with Mayor Ward
https://www.wdhn.com/news/ozark-coffee-conversation-with-mayor-ward/
Comment: "Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a “coffee and conversation” event where residents can get a cup of coffee and hear insights from Mayor Charles Ward."
Comment: "The event will take place Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Holman House (285 E. Broad Street)."
"Residents can RSVP by texting 334-774-9321."
Dale County Sheriff’s Office rodeo this March
https://www.wdhn.com/news/dale-county-sheriffs-office-rodeo-this-march/
Comment: "Tickets are now on pre-sale at a discount for a rodeo in Dale County."
"The Dale County Sheriff’s Office PCA Pro Rodeo will feature classic rodeo competitions including bull riding, barrel racing and team roping. The contestants will be competing in these challenges for prize money."
Comment: "The rodeo will take place on March 6 and 7 at 5:00 p.m. at the Dale County Ag Plex – Jerry Byrd Arena."
Comment: "Pre-sale tickets are $12. Kids aged five and under get in free."
"The show on Friday, March 6 is Military Night when military members and veterans can present their military ID and get a discounted ticket at $10."
Daleville Public Safety officials warn residents of new ‘Cash App’ scam
State officials to share updates at Ozark breakfast panel
https://www.wdhn.com/news/state-officials-to-share-insights-at-ozark-breakfast-panel/
Ozark Vet to hold haul-in clinic in Midland City
https://www.wdhn.com/news/ozark-vet-to-hold-haul-in-clinic-in-midland-city/
Comment: "Ozark Veterinary Clinic and Wiregrass Horse Rescue and Sanctuary will hold a haul-in clinic for horses, dogs and cats in Midland City this Spring."
"The clinic will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to noon at 2140 Bethlehem Road."
Ozark Updates Burn Policy, Effective Immediately
Comment: "City officials have announced a new burn permit policy is now in effect within the city limits of Ozark."
"According to the Ozark Fire Department, residents who live inside the city limits are required to obtain a burn permit before conducting any open burning. Permits can be obtained in person at any of the city’s three fire stations daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m."
Comment: "More information about the updated burn permit policy is available at ozarkal.gov/fire-department. "
Mayor of Daleville to address city concerns in upcoming speech
https://www.wdhn.com/news/mayor-of-daleville-to-address-city-concerns-in-upcoming-speech/
Comment: "Mayor of Dalveville Jayme Stayton will hold a State of the City address where he will talk about recent concerns of the city and hear from citizens."
Comment: "The address will be at the Cultural and Convention Center (750 S. Daleville Ave., Daleville, AL) on February 12, 2026 at 6 p.m."
Gov. Ivey awards grant to build store in Daleville
https://www.wdhn.com/news/gov-ivey-awards-grant-to-build-store-in-daleville/
Ivey pledges to convenience store chain expanding to Daleville
https://www.wtvy.com/2025/12/29/ivey-pledges-convenience-store-chain-expanding-daleville/
Judge hears disturbing testimony in Daleville daycare abuse case
Video: Alabama Rep. Steve Clouse outlines 2026 legislative priorities - December 03, 2025
Comment: While realizing that the interview length was short, are you disappointed that Representative Clouse spoke of legislative challenges rather than suggested solutions? Since Rep. Clause is "one of Alabama’s longest-serving representatives" do you think that a Dale Co. lodging tax increase is a major accomplishment for last year? While Rep. Clause says that the extra money "is expected to increase industry, jobs, retail and quality of life in the Wiregrass region," it would be helpful if he could explain how this would occur, or how he is coordinating with local and county officials to see that the extra funds would be used wisely to achieve these promised benefits.
Houston, Dale counties join lawsuit over Alabama online tax system
https://www.wtvy.com/2025/11/25/houston-dale-counties-join-lawsuit-over-alabama-online-tax-system/
Army Aviation Soldiers Begin Training With Stalker UAS at Fort Rucker
Comment: "Army aviation soldiers began training with the VXE30 Stalker uncrewed aircraft system at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Nov. 18, in preparation for equipment fielding next month."
"This system incorporates observations from the modern battlefield, including reduced noise and visual signature, vertical takeoff capability and cost-saving munitions technology — underscoring the Army's push to integrate cutting-edge systems into training at Fort Rucker and Fort Huachuca, Arizona."
Ozark Fire Department’s Jason Maertens takes oath as fire chief
https://www.wdhn.com/news/local-news/ozark-fire-departments-ason-maertens-takes-oath-as-fire-chief/
Dale County Schools achieves highest county system score in state history
Pinckard designated as ‘Purple Heart’ city
https://www.wdhn.com/news/pinckard-designated-as-purple-heart-city/
Exclusive: US Army to buy 1 million drones, in major acquisition ramp-up
Comment: Will the Army's new emphasis on unmanned drones impact its need for helicopters and helicopter training at Fort Rucker. Will contracted helicopter instructor and maintenance personnel employment in Dale Co. (short term & long term) be impacted by this new emphasis? Does Fort Rucker offer any geographic (or other) advantages for training of Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) operators? Would any drones operating at Fort Rucker require maintenance that could be provided by existing local maintenance contractors?
[Video] Ozark City Councilman's goals for next 4 years - November 6, 2025
https://share.newsbreak.com/fsx3zm0k
Comment: Bryan Macario
Ozark swears in new mayor, city council members
https://www.wtvy.com/2025/11/03/ozark-swears-new-mayor-city-council-members/
For News Articles links from before November 1st, 2025, please go to one of the following, depending on the article date:
https://sites.google.com/view/dem3oldnews/home/old3-dale-county
https://sites.google.com/view/dem2oldnews/home/old2-dale-county
OR
https://sites.google.com/view/demoldnews/home/old-dale-county
There you will find a continuation of the news links & comments from the period prior to November 1, 2025. The article history can be viewed as follows:
www.dalecodemocrats.com (latest)
sites.google.com/view/dem3oldnews/home/ (May 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025)
sites.google.com/view/dem2oldnews/home/ (Nov 2024 election - April 30, 2025)
sites.google.com/view/demoldnews/home/ (Prior to 2024 election)
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