It’s shopping season!

November 18, 2008

Ebony Horton

Although some see the economy in shambles and pennies are getting tight for others, nothing will change the fact Christmas is right around the corner and folks are ready to shop.
Here are a few suggestions from Ozark residents on how to prepare and shop this season:
Price-shop - many people start looking early, likely between August and October, so they can be ready to buy for the best possible value when it’s time
Check coupons - Web sites including http://www.DealTaker.com have some excellent coupon and deal offers you might not find elsewhere
Change focus - for whatever reason you celebrate Christmas, some might want to use this year to focus on more important things than gifts. Spend some time making some presents, or reflecting on why Christmas is important to you

Are there any other suggestions out there for holiday shopping?

Ozark robbery under investigation

November 13, 2008

Ebony Horton

From staff reports

Ozark police are still investigating a Martindale Plaza robbery from early Thursday.
Colortyme was robbed at gunpoint around 9 a.m. after a 5’10” dark-complexed man in a black hoodie walked around before demanding money from the store’s clerk, according to Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey.
Spivey said the man fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money.
There had been no arrests as of 4:20 p.m. Thursday but there were at least two suspects, Spivey said.

Ozark City Council meets tonight on budget

November 12, 2008

Ebony Horton

Don’t forget! Ozark City Council will meet tonight on the budget at 5 p.m. If there’s a story in advance, it’ll print on Friday. 

Man charged with sex abuse

November 11, 2008

Ebony Horton

From Dale County Sheriff’s Department:
Rodrick Lamont Linder, 34, of Newton was arrested on November 6, 2008 at the Dale County Sheriff’s Office on two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.
Linder’s alleged victim was 3 at the time of the alleged abuse.  The Dale County District Attorney’s Office after review of the investigation of the case issue two warrants for Linder’s arrest.
Linder was booked into the Dale County Jail on $60,000 bond.  The Dale County Sheriff’s Office has an on-going investigation into the case.

Meeting on City of Ozark budget next Wednesday, what appropriations will there be?

November 06, 2008

Ebony Horton

There will be a working meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the city of Ozark’s budget. This will be an opportunity for city leaders to discuss the budget before it is approved, likely later this month.
This is also a time (if it’s anything like last year), to discuss which organizations will be appropriated monies for the upcoming year.
Appropriations have been an issue tackled by cities like Dothan recently. Some people believe it’s not the government’s job to take taxpayer’s money and give it to organizations. They believe it’s a person’s job to decide what that person will donate to, if the person chooses to do so.
Others believe it is a government obligation and huge money saver to donate to organizations like a Family Services Center or rescue mission or school, because the small donations of maybe a few thousand dollars eventually save even more thousands for what the city would pay for, say police security, if such organizations weren’t available to help people back on their feet.
There are also other appropriations officials list like a contract with Dothan by Design, which Ozark leaders say is far more valuable in connections and services than the amount the city pays for the service.
Other appropriations to be discussed could be to Vivian B Adams School, Ozark City Schools and the Chamber of Commerce.
Appropriations are some things that tend to fly by most citizens during budget hearings because they tend to be such a small part of such a huge budget.
In today’s economy, though, city leaders and residents have acknowledged that every cent counts, and how much the city gives to organizations that rely so heavily on the contributions will be interesting.