Police reports

May 19, 2008

Ebony Horton

Ozark Police charged the following with felony crimes between Friday, May 16, and Monday, May 19. None have been convicted. Information provided by the Ozark Police Department.
Dion Pitts, 43, of Glenwood Lane, possession of crack cocaine

Ozark Police charged the following with driving under the influence:

Zenaido Ixmatlahua, 22, of Highway 231 in Troy
Dion Pitts, 43, of Glenwood Lane

The following crimes/incidents were reported to the Ozark Police Department between Friday, May 16, and Monday, May 19:
1 Criminal Trespass in the first degree
4 Criminal Trespass in the third degree
6 Criminal Mischief in the third degree
1 Failure to Produce Title Within 10 Days
1 Theft of Property
1 Theft of Property in the second degree
5 Theft of Property in the third degree
1 Domestic Dispute
1 Leaving the Scene of an Accident
3 Harassment
2 Possession of Marijuana in the second degree
1 Violation of Protection Order
2 Assault in the third degree
2 Possession of Controlled Substance
1 Obstructing Justice Using False ID
1 Indecent Exposure
1 Harassing Communications

Dale County commission candidates answer questions

May 18, 2008

Ebony Horton

The Dothan Eagle asked three Republican candidates seeking the seat of Dale County Commission District 4 three questions. Their answers, submitted via e-mail, are printed below.
Candidate Heath Hughes could not be reached.
Whoever wins the primary on June 3 is expected to run against Democratic candidate Ken Walker in the general election on Nov. 4.
A run-off election is scheduled for July 15.

DE
What do you believe are the major issues facing Dale County?
Kurt McDaniel, 28, incumbent
“... funding to maintain, improve and add to current services of the county, from solid waste to road resurfacing in all aspects of the county without increasing taxes, (and) qualified employees.”
Eddy Parker, 48, owner, The Feed Store, and co-owner, Parker Brothers Landscaping and Tractor Service
“I believe the major issues facing Dale County are the lack of economic development and the need to bring employment opportunities to the citizens of Dale County. Another issue facing our county is illegal drug activity. ... The citizens of Dale County, District 4, are also concerned about road maintenance; however, the primary concern is definitely the lack of economic development which affects not only individuals who would benefit from job opportunities but also affects county revenue.  An increase in Dale County revenue would help funding for our schools, the Wiregrass Violent Crime and Drug Task Force, and increase funding for road and bridge maintenance.”
Kenneth Phillips, 54, crew leader, City of Ozark Department of Leisure Services
“I believe that the major issues facing Dale County are (a need) to be more efficient, accountable and responsive to the citizens it serves. We need to make Dale County more appealing to businesses to bring quality jobs and economic growth to our area.”

DE
How would you address these issues?
McDaniel
“I pledge to continue to work hard and continue involvement in being a honest steward of the citizens’ dollars. I will also continue to work with all representatives to assure this.”
Parker
“First, I would work diligently with all Dale County officials, state legislators, and all city of Ozark officials to garner strength in numbers. ... I would seek industry nationwide and work with all county, city and state branches of government to make sure Dale County is given the same opportunities as neighboring counties and communities. Dale County has much to offer a lot of industries looking for just the right geographic location. It is the responsibility of Dale County’s elected officials to find those companies and make sure they choose Dale County to locate their industry. When Dale County experiences a growth in economic development and county revenue, more funds will be available for the Wiregrass Violent Crime and Drug Task Force to combat the illegal drug activity in Dale County. Until that time, I would lobby all branches of government to try to obtain increased funding to provide more personnel and equipment to deter and ultimately alleviate the county’s drug problem. Regarding road construction and maintenance, I would exhaust all efforts to ensure Dale County receives all bond and grant monies available to our County and District. I would also review all existing county projects to ensure efficiency ... ”
Phillips
“I would address any and all issues with department heads and elected officials with increased communication, planning and evaluation to effectively recognize and resolve what course of action or inaction that the commission should take in order to come to a resolution.”

DE
What qualifications do you believe you have to address these issues?
McDaniel
“...Being heavily involved with the county budget for the past three years (and) becoming certified in county government helps me to be qualified. However, everyday I learn more about our operation budget and strive to improve it in any way I can to insure efficient operations.”
Parker
“Upon graduation from Carroll High School in 1978 I joined my father and grandfather as a part of R.R. Parker and Son Construction Co. The experience I gained during my many years of association building and constructing roads and maintaining upgrades gives me the experience and knowledge I need to address issues with road building and maintenance.  I also founded Parker Brothers Landscaping and Tractor Service in 1995 which I co-own with my brother, Bob Parker. ... I have owned and operated The Feed Store in Dothan since 1998. The Feed Store serves the tri-state area and has earned many outstanding performance awards from companies we represent nationwide. The extensive knowledge and experience I have attained from my business ownerships will be invaluable tools as I aggressively address economic development in Dale County.  With an increase in economic development and revenue, other issues such as the drug activity in Dale County can be more effectively managed because more funds will provide personnel and equipment to deter and alleviate these problems.”
Phillips
“I believe that my dedication, integrity and desire to serve the people, employees and appointed officials of Dale County qualify me to address any and all issues that may arise.”

Dale County superintendent candidates answer questions

Ebony Horton

The Dothan Eagle sent three questions to Dale County superintendent incumbent Phillip Parker and his opponent, Donny Bynum. Both will compete in the June 3 primary for the superintendent post.
Parker’s responses were retrieved via e-mail. Bynum’s responses were pulled from his Web site, http://www.donnybynum.com, at his request.

DE
What do you believe are the major issues facing Dale County?
Parker
“In the Dale County school system one major issue has to be our student dropout rate. Also, I would have to say that offering driver education back into our curriculum would be another major issue that is very important to our parents, students, the school board and myself because of the cost factor to parents for summer school and the importance of students learning to drive and drive safely.”
Bynum
“ ... I feel the most important issue facing our schools now is the uncertainty of finances for next school year. ... A major concern is the amount of debt we have in our Dale County Schools.
“...We need to ensure that our students are afforded the opportunity to be well rounded individuals when they leave Dale County Schools. ... Also, we need to bring back Drivers Education to our schools ... At the present time only those who can afford to pay for drivers education can receive this training.”

DE
How would you address these issues?
Parker
“I am addressing the issue of student dropouts by finding alternatives for those who are at risk of being a potential dropout. Such things (include) professional development for the administration and teachers, addressing issues with our eighth grade students before they become high school students, encouraging more parental involvement and requiring each of our schools to implement a continuous improvement plan. Also,  I will be recommending the reinstatement of driver education in all three high schools at the next school board meeting on May 20.”
Bynum
“... With our debt load, if proration turns out to be severe, borrowing to relieve budget shortfalls will not be an option.
“... We need to look seriously into dual type enrollment with Enterprise-Ozark Community College and/or Wallace Community College to give students the opportunity to enter a wide variety of programs.
“... When a student chooses not to follow the rules, there should be appropriate punishment.
“... We need to give all our 10th grade students the opportunity to be properly trained in how to operate an automobile safely.”

DE
What qualifications do you believe you have to address these issues?
Parker
“As superintendent for the last three and half years, I believe I have the knowledge and experience to continue leading the Dale County school system.”
Bynum
“I have been involved in public education all my life either as a student, teacher, coach, principal or administrator. I have over nine years (of) experience as a teacher/coach, and over ten years (of) experience as an assistant principal and principal. For the past four years, I have had the opportunity to work with school systems all over the state. I have seen ideas that have worked and ideas that have not.”

Police reports

May 16, 2008

Ebony Horton

Ozark police charged the following with felony crimes on Thursday, May 15. None of them have been convicted. Information provided by the Ozark Police Department.
Johnny Whigham, 25, of Mary McClendon Road, possession of marijuana in the first degree
Billy Jones, 33, of County Road 33, possession of marijuana in the first degree

The following crimes/incidents were reported to the Ozark Police Department:
2 Unlawful Possession of Marijuana in the first degree
1 Attempted Possession of Controlled Substance
1 Theft of Property in the third degree
1 Unlawful Possession of Forged Instrument in the second degree
1 Assault in the third degree
1 Theft of Property in the first degree
1 Harassment
1 Possession of Forged Instrument in the second degree
1 Criminal Mischief in the third degree
1 Criminal Trespass in the third degree
1 Possession of Marijuana in the second degree

Police reports

May 15, 2008

Ebony Horton

The Ozark Police Department charged the following with driving under the influence. The person has not been convicted. Information provided by the Ozark Police Department.
Joseph Lee, 42, of Lakeview Drive

The following crime/incidents were reported to the Ozark Police Department in reports from Thursday, May 15. Information provided by the Ozark Police Department.

2 Animal Cruelty
1 Cat Bite
1 Harassing Communications
2 Criminal Mischief in the third degree
1 Unlawful Breaking and Entering of a Vehicle
1 Theft of Property in the second degree
1 Domestic Menacing
2 Harassment
2 Criminal Trespass in the third degree
1 Domestic Harassment

Officials with the Dale County Sheriff’s Department, Ariton, Daleville, Midland City Police departments said there were no significant reports they knew of.
Level Plains, Newton and Pinckard Police departments were not reached.