By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
With temperatures dropping across Dale County this week, Ridgecrest Baptist Church is opening an overnight warming shelter to provide a safe, heated place for residents in need.
The shelter will be open Thursday, January 15, at 6 p.m., through Friday, January 16, at 8 a.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 1971 Deese Road in Ozark. It is available to all Ozark and Dale County residents who need a warm, safe place to stay overnight.
“As temperatures drop, I want to make sure everyone is aware that a warming shelter will be open for Ozark and Dale County residents at Ridgecrest Baptist Church,” Ozark City Councilman Bryan Macario stated in a social media post.
The church is also seeking community support. “If anyone is able to volunteer or donate food or snacks, please reach out to Ridgecrest Baptist Church,” Macario added.
Organizers expressed gratitude to those helping make the shelter possible. “I want to thank the city, local volunteers, and community members who stepped up to help make this possible, as well as Ridgecrest Baptist Church for opening their doors and serving our community in this way. This is a great example of what can happen when people come together to take care of one another,” Macario’s social media post stated.
Community members are encouraged to share the warming shelter information with anyone who may be vulnerable to the cold, including neighbors, friends, or individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Overnight warming shelters can be lifesaving during periods of extreme cold, offering protection from dangerous temperatures and exposure.
Cold Weather Outlook
The area is experiencing a series of cold days and nights this week, with overnight lows near or below freezing and daytime highs remaining cool. Residents are encouraged to take precautions such as bringing pets indoors, covering vulnerable plants, insulating exposed pipes, and checking on neighbors who may be especially vulnerable to the cold.
Dale County Daily Forecast
Thursday, Jan. 15: High 47°, Low 23° – Clear skies, very cold overnight
Friday, Jan. 16: High 60°, Low 45° – Partly cloudy with a slight chance of rain
Saturday, Jan. 17: High 54°, Low 31° – Cool, mostly cloudy with scattered rain
Sunday, Jan. 18: High 48°, Low 26° – Cold, possible mixed precipitation overnight
Monday, Jan. 19: High 57°, Low 29° – Mild during the day, cold overnight
Tuesday, Jan. 20: High 49°, Low 28° – Mostly clear with cool temperatures
Wednesday, Jan. 21: High 56°, Low 42° – Partly cloudy with mild conditions.
