Embedded Files
Next Meeting: 11/10/25, 7 PM, Ozark-Dale Library
Dale Co. Courthouse
Dale Co. Courthouse
Fort Rucker
Fort Rucker
Focus on Ozark & Dale County (Post 2024 Election):
City of Enterprise to waive utility late fees during government shutdown
https://www.wtvy.com/2025/10/28/city-enterprise-waive-utility-late-fees-during-government-shutdown/
Comment: "The City of Enterprise has announced that late fees for city utility bills, including water, sewer, and sanitation services, will be waived during the ongoing federal government shutdown."
Comment: "Residents should note that the city does not control electric or gas bills."
Comment: Please note that portions of the City of Enterprise are located in Dale County.
Vaccinate your pets for $15 at Pinckard Town Hall event
https://www.wdhn.com/news/vaccinate-your-pets-for-15-at-pinckard-town-hall-event/
Comment: "On Sunday, November 2nd, Westwood Pet Care will host a rabies vaccination clinic."
"From 2 to 4 p.m., you can bring your pets to the Pinckard Town Hall to get vaccinated for $15."
Wiregrass Military Families Face Unpaid Paychecks
https://wiregrassdailynews.com/featured-news/2025-10-26/32217/
SNAP benefits could end for millions in coming weeks
https://www.wtvy.com/2025/10/21/snap-benefits-could-end-millions-coming-weeks/
Comment: "Millions rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP or sometimes referred to as food stamps, to keep food on their table, but things for them are getting dicey. "
"Statistics show that about 15 percent of Alabamians receive assistance to purchase groceries."
"Whether you receive benefits or not, rising food prices are taking a chunk out of all budgets."
"Kelly Turner of Dothan said meat has become unaffordable."
" 'Yeah, a lot of meats are off the table for me. So, I’ve gone down to a mostly vegetarian diet. And sometimes even that’s hard,' Turner said."
Democrat Clyde Jones announces bid for Alabama’s First Congressional seat
Comment: This is the U.S. House seat, currently held by Barry Moore, that covers Dale County.
Comment: "Community leader and decorated U.S. Army combat veteran Clyde Jones of Daphne announced his candidacy to represent Alabama’s First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jones, a Democrat, is a decorated military combat veteran, serving tours in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Mr. Jones is also a recipient of the U.S. Army’s Bronze Star, which represents distinguished service in combat."
" 'Like many Americans, I am troubled by the direction of our country and the continued divisive rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C.,' Jones stated. 'We are facing the very real threat of serious economic consequences, including skyrocketing healthcare costs, if the enhanced premium tax credits currently in place within the Affordable Care Act are not renewed,' Jones said."
Comment: "Jones is a graduate of Excelsior University in Albany, New York and spent nearly two decades in business operations, safety and training working for DuPont, a multinational chemical manufacturing company. In addition to his business career and distinguished military service, Jones is a nonprofit executive leader and community activist, serving as the former president of the Board of Directors for Alabama Arise and as the former president of SEEDS, an educational enrichment nonprofit whose mission is focused on providing targeted financial support for the Daphne Public Schools. Jones is also the associate minister for Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Daphne, a role he said he cherishes for 'the opportunity to open hearts and minds as well as provide much needed community leadership and support.' "
"Alabama’s First Congressional District seat will be an open contest in 2026 as Representative Barry Moore is seeking the seat vacated by Senator Tommy Tuberville. The primary election for the Democratic Party will be held on May 19, 2026, and the general election is set for Nov. 3, 2026."
Washington leaders throw money behind GOP opponents running for open Alabama US House seat
Comment: Battle for the bucks in a GOP race for our (Dale County's) U.S. House seat. Wonder what the special interests will want for their contributions?
Troops, families use credit card relief at commissaries amid shutdown
Comment: "Service members and their families are taking advantage of a new 90-day, zero-interest offer on the Military Star card when used at military grocery stores, officials said."
"The offer was announced Oct. 6 to provide financial relief during the government shutdown."
Tricare warns government shutdown could stall claims payments
Comment: Does this impact local military retirees, and/or their medical providers?
‘All In Credit Union’ in the Wiregrass offering government shutdown assistance
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/credit-union-wiregrass-offering-government-171319639.html
WDHN: Government shutdown impacts Fort Rucker
https://www.wdhn.com/news/local-news/fort-rucker/government-shutdown-impacts-fort-rucker/
Comment: "See the list below for the open and closed services on Fort Rucker:"
Comment: Consult article, please. List is subject to change as shutdown continues.
Pastor linked to Lutheran church group also linked to neo-Confederate movement
Comment: The information in this article is related to an earlier article listed on this page dated September 4th: https://www.alreporter.com/2025/09/04/lutheran-church-in-ozark-hosts-neo-confederate-group/ . Please see earlier comments for that entry.
New Comment: Please read this new linked article, in its entirety, from the Guardian, a widely read international news source based in Great Britain and having a U.S. edition.
The situation in Ozark is mentioned briefly, but most of the article deals with other leaders, here in Alabama and elsewhere, having a more prominent role. However, given the worldwide distribution of the Guardian, any mention of Ozark in the context of a discussion of the neo-Confederate movement, reflects poorly on this area, impacts our reputation, and may adversely impact future economic development.
Comment: The two articles are troubling, but they raise more questions than answers. We need to monitor the situation to evaluate the degree of the threat. We need to identify the perpetrators, but not jump to conclusions about any group or congregation. Chances are the congregation and church hierarchy do not support a racist agenda and they should not be ostracized without evidence. We need to get Ozark elected leaders involved, and ask for their help in insuring that no physical violence or threats of violence occur. At this time, there is no evidence of any illegal actions, and law enforcement hands may be tied. However, citizens and civic leadership need to make clear that racism and racist organizations are not welcome in Ozark and the Wiregrass.
Claybank Jamboree returns to downtown OZARK October 4 - Wiregrass Daily News
Comment: The Dale Co. Democratic Party will host an information booth at Claybank. Booth location has not been assigned yet (check back). Please come by and say hello.
Horse in Coffee County Reportedly Tests Positive for Rabies
Wallace Community College Students Hired by Michelin Through Wiregrass FAME Program - Wiregrass Daily News
Comment: "Two Wallace Community College-Dothan students have been hired by Michelin North America as part of the Wiregrass Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program."
"Students Hendrick Sanchez and William Bryan were selected to join Michelin’s US4 facility in Midland City following a competitive interview and selection process. Both will serve as Michelin Tech Scholars and train as Advanced Manufacturing Technicians while pursuing their associate degrees."
"The hires are part of the second cohort of the Wiregrass FAME program, which combines classroom instruction with paid work experience in industrial settings. Students spend two days a week in classes and three days on the job, earning wages while developing hands-on technical skills."
Army to cut 6,500 active-duty aviation jobs over next 2 years
Comment: "The U.S. Army plans to cut 6,500 aviation jobs from the active duty ranks, starting in the coming months, service officials confirmed Friday."
"The move aims to realign the force toward the use of unmanned drones instead of manned aviation platforms and will occur over fiscal years 2026 and 2027, according to Army spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell."
"There are about 30,000 aviation branch soldiers in the ranks, including flight crews, maintainers and pilots, Russell said."
"Talent panels will determine which officers and warrant officers will remain in aviation and which will be transferred to other Army branches, beginning in October, according to Russell."
Comment: How will this impact Fort Rucker and the aviation & maintenance support contractors in the area?
Military Times: Pentagon takes step toward potentially privatizing commissaries
Comment: This article may be of interest to military personnel and retirees who shop at Fort Rucker.
Natalie Weiss Performs Oct. 8 At Wallace Community College - Wiregrass Daily News
Ozark Seeks Bids for Beer Sales at Civic Center Events
Ozark City Schools superintendent announces resignation
https://www.wtvy.com/2025/09/08/ozark-city-schools-superintendent-announces-resignation/
Comment: "In a statement released on Monday, Ozark City Schools superintendent Reeivice Girtman announced that he has notified the school board of his resignation at the end of the school year."
Comment: "The school board has not indicated any immediate plans at this time as it relates to a new superintendent search, but they expect to have someone in place well before the 2026-27 school year, per the release sent out from the superintendents office."
Comment: Although his resignation will be a loss to the community, there should be plenty of time to find a suitable replacement. He gave plenty of notice of his intentions.
Lutheran church in Ozark hosts Neo-confederate group
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/09/04/lutheran-church-in-ozark-hosts-neo-confederate-group/
Comment: "A Neo-confederate group with a controversial mission held monthly meetings at an Ozark Lutheran church, despite the Lutheran Church’s clear stance against racism."
Comment: "A recent Facebook post by the Southern Cultural Center, a Neo-confederate group based in Wetumpka, revealed that the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ozark hosts monthly meetings for members in its region."
"Pastor Chad Ingle confirmed to APR that he is aware of the monthly meetings taking place in his church. When asked whether he was aware of the group’s recent interest in an all-white settlement and how the SCC mission aligned with church doctrine, Ingle insisted APR come meet face-to-face at the church to discuss the matter. Ingle did not respond to multiple requests for a video call instead."
Comment: " 'The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod condemns racism and asks its members to combat it in the Church and in society, as recorded in eight convention resolutions,' the church’s official website states."
"The Southern Cultural Center does not profess itself to be a racist entity, but just last month invited as its featured speaker Eric Orwoll, the man building an all-white community in Arkansas with hopes to bring a similar settlement here to Alabama."
"Its 'national conferences' have also featured an array of speakers who have openly espoused views that white people are either superior to Black people, or that the two races cannot coexist in a peaceful state."
Comment: "A recap of its most recent national conference last year says that every group is protected by the federal government except for the 'Southern white Christian' and added 'REMEMBER THAT OUR ANCESTORS WERE NOT ONLY HERE IN THE SOUTH BUT ALSO IN GREAT BRITAIN, AND WERE CAUCASIAN.'
"Neo-confederate pastor John Weaver was a speaker as the group’s inaugural national conference in 2022. A profile on Weaver by the Southern Poverty Law Center states 'Weaver was a leading member of the Council of Conservative Citizens, a hate group that opposes interracial marriage and has described black people as a ‘retrograde species of humanity. He also long served as chaplain to the Southern heritage group Sons of Confederate Veterans at a time when its leadership was largely controlled by racist extremists.' ”
Comment: Please note that many of the inflammatory statements in this article are attributed to the Southern Cultural Center leadership, which to our knowledge, is not meeting in Dale County. However, the presence of this group in our county, in any capacity, is alarming. However, before drawing any conclusions, please read the linked article in its entirety, and consider that any use of the physical church building probably does not indicate support from the local congregation. One can be vigilant against racism, but please don't react based solely on this article content, without further investigation and consideration.
Contentious Ozark mayor loses big in reelection bid
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/08/27/contentious-ozark-mayor-loses-big-in-reelection-bid/
WDHN: South Alabama Pro Rodeo rides back Into Ozark August 15–16
https://www.wdhn.com/news/local-news/south-alabama-pro-rodeo-rides-back-into-ozark-august-15-16/
Dothan Municipal Election Results
https://www.wtvy.com/politics/election-results/
Comment: A small portion of southern Dale Co. is inside the Dothan city limits. Here are the Dothan municipal election results from the election held on August 5, 2025. Municipal elections in the rest of Dale Co. will occur on August 26. Please be sure to register and vote if you live in a Dale Co. town or city.
Dothan Voter Deadline Is July 21 – Check Registration Now
Comment: There is a small portion of Dale Co. that resides in the Dothan city limits. Unlike towns in the rest of Dale Co., Dothan's municipal elections will be held on Aug. 5th, 2025, and the last day to register is July 21, 2025.
Comment: For other towns in Dale Co., the municipal elections will be held on Aug. 26th, 2025 and the last day to register is Aug 11th, 2025. For any questions, please contact the city/town clerk in your municipality.
Fort Who? Republicans join House Dems to bar Hegseth's military base name changes
Comment: "The House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment to its annual defense policy bill barring the Pentagon from using any of the funds from next year's defense budget to rename Defense Department installations in honor of Confederate figures."
Comment: What does this mean for Fort Rucker (Fort Novosel?)?
AL.com: Alabama military base redesignation ceremony set for this week after Hegseth orders renaming
Comment: "Fort Rucker is making its name change official Thursday - its second in two years’ time."
Comment: "Fort Rucker was originally named for Confederate Col. Edmund W. Rucker, a brigade commander during the Civil War who fought at Chickamauga, Franklin and Nashville."
Comment: "Then in 2023, the name was changed to Fort Novosel after Enterprise resident Michael Novosel Sr."
Comment: "Novosel was a military aviator for more than 40 years and received the highest military honor for his service in Vietnam. He died in 2006."
Comment: "The base’s new namesake is Capt. Edward W. Rucker, a Missouri native who was called into service in 1916 and saw action in France during World War I."
Comment: "A descendent of Edmund Rucker has spoken out against the renaming."
" 'Rucker family members support naming Army bases for individuals who fought for the United States….we don’t want our name back on an Alabama base,' K. Denise Rucker Krepp, a former House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee senior counsel, posted to X on Tuesday."
" 'Novosel is a Medal of Honor recipient,' Rucker Krepp said in another post to X."
" 'His name should remain on an Alabama base.' "
Dothan Eagle: Meet the candidates for Mayor of Ozark
https://dothaneagle.com/elections/article_4c362ea3-4bf2-4d2b-9d23-9fbfb218b7b2.html
Dothan Eagle: Meet the candidates for mayor of Daleville
https://dothaneagle.com/elections/article_e3e3bf6f-90dc-4681-a5be-dc7f7b171d70.html
Dothan Eagle: 2025 Municipal Elections: Everything you need to know to vote in Coffee and Dale counties
Ward appointed to Alabama Court of the Judiciary | The Southern Star
https://www.ozarkal.news/ward-appointed-alabama-court-judiciary
Comment: "Ozark Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Charles Ward has been appointed to the Alabama Court of the Judiciary by Governor Kay Ivey. His four-year appointment, which required confirmation by the Alabama Senate, places him among a select group of individuals tasked with maintaining the integrity of the state’s judicial system."
WTVY: Dale County Sheriff’s Office to hold DUI checkpoint over holiday weekend
Dothan Eagle: Here is who is on the municipal election ballots in Dale County
WTVY: Houston and Dale County Sheriff’s offices latest to roll out app for residents
https://www.wtvy.com/2025/06/21/houston-dale-county-sheriffs-offices-latest-roll-out-app-residents/
Juneteenth fest takes Ozark by storm
Alabama military base carrying out Trump’s order to change its name - al.com
Comment: "Officials at Fort Novosel in southeast Alabama say they have already started the process of changing its name less than a week after President Donald Trump announced the base will once again be named Fort Rucker."
“No Kings” protest held in Downtown Dothan | WDHN - wdhn.com
https://www.wdhn.com/news/local-news/no-kings-protest-held-in-downtown-dothan/
Comment: Saw at least a half dozen Dale County residents in the hundreds of peaceful protesters outside the Houston Co. courthouse, along with attendees from throughout the Wiregrass and southeast Alabama.
AL.com: Trump reversing Biden name changes at 7 military bases, including this Alabama post
Comment: "President Donald Trump announced he will reverse the Biden administration decision changing the name of the Alabama military base from Fort Novosel to Fort Rucker."
Half of Alabama public schools will see teacher unit cuts from Foundation Program - Alabama Daily News
Comment: "The districts facing the largest proportional losses are small city and rural systems, including many in Alabama’s Black Belt region:
Selma City, down 10%, from 143 to 128 teacher units
Sumter County, down 9%, from 54 to 50
Linden City, down 9%, from 23 to 21
Ozark City, down 7%, from 113 to 105 [Emphasis added]
Lowndes County, down 7%, from 67 to 62"
Daleville Launches Revitalization Plan to Tackle Longtime Eyesores and Community Concerns
Ozark Director of Department of Public Safety puts in a leave of absence to run for mayor
https://share.newsbreak.com/d9v6y1go
Breaking Defense: Army general says deep aviation cuts aren’t set in stone, might ‘walk something back’
Comment: "Army aviation cuts were deeper than anticipated but are not necessarily final, and some programs may be saved after further analysis, according to the commanding general of the Army Aviation Center of Excellence Maj. Gen. Clair Gill."
Comment: Statements may be significant to Dale County because Maj. Gen. Gill is the current commander at Fort Novosel.
Official: Army’s Aviation Cuts ‘Deeper’ Than Expected, Still Working Details On Planned Divestments - Defense Daily
MG Gill Urges Aviation Branch to Embrace Change at AAAA Summit
https://www.army.mil/article/285557/mg_gill_urges_aviation_branch_to_embrace_change_at_aaaa_summit
Comment: " A key component of this transformation, Gill explained, is the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS)."
WTVY: New president selected at Wallace Community College
https://www.wtvy.com/2025/05/15/wallace-community-college-announces-new-president/
Army Vice to aviation community: Cuts hurt, but 'not making them would hurt more’ - Breaking Defense
Comment: " 'We are moving through a generational shift between manned and unmanned systems and from platform-centered to sensor and network-connected,' the four-star general said in prepared remarks for his keynote speech before the Army Aviation Association of America’s annual conference in Nashville, Tenn."
Comment: Any long term impact to Fort Novosel?
U.S. Army Leader: Aviation Cuts Hurt, But Are Necessary | Aviation Week Network
Fort Novosel volunteers support soldiers and Alabama’s Wiregrass - Alabama News Center
Military Family Housing Renovations Underway at Army’s Fort Novosel
https://share.newsbreak.com/d0kqoy39
AL.com: Where are Alabama’s federal workers? These 5 counties have the highest share
Comment: As a percentage of the overall county population, Coffee County is #1 and Dale County is #3, indicating the importance of Fort Novosel and other federal activities. According to the Washington Post, the Ozark metro area has the highest percentage in the state and is the the 8th highest percentage in the country.
For News Articles links from before May 1st, 2025, please go to:
https://sites.google.com/view/dem2oldnews/home/old2-dale-county
There you will find a continuation of the news links & comments from the period prior to May 1, 2025 (Including article links prior to the November 2024 election, found by clicking a second google sites website link at the end of the site referenced immediately above). The article history can be viewed as follows:
www.dalecodemocrats.com (latest)
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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