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Vernon swears in new mayor, council members; addresses fire coordination and local ordinances

ByAli Moreland 04/23/202604/23/2026

On Monday, April 20, the Vernon City Council met to discuss updates from county leadership, the swearing-in of newly elected officials, approval of fire department equipment repairs, the introduction of animal control enforcement measures, the recognition of the queens of the Miss Vernon Pageant, and a reported incident involving the unauthorized use of a city-owned […]

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Caryville’s annual Worm Fiddlin’ Festival returns in May

ByAMBER PATINO 04/23/202604/23/2026

The Town of Caryville is gearing up for its 15th annual Worm Fiddlin’ Festival, set for Saturday, May 9, at the Caryville Civic Center Park, located at 866 Waits Avenue. Gates open at 9 a.m., with the festival’s signature Worm Fiddlin’ Competition beginning at 10 a.m. The long‑running community event will feature a full day […]

Read More Caryville’s annual Worm Fiddlin’ Festival returns in May
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DAR honors Chipley cadet with National Defense Medal

ByAMBER PATINO 04/23/202604/23/2026

The Chipola Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently presented the National Defense Medal to Chipley High School JROTC cadet Jaelyn Jordon. The award was presented by chapter representative Cheryl Gainer McCall. Jordon, a freshman, is currently participating in her second year of the JROTC program. Pictured left to right are SFC Jerrad Finn, JROTC cadet […]

Read More DAR honors Chipley cadet with National Defense Medal
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Job Fair and Career Expo set for April 28 at Washington County Agricultural Center

ByAMBER PATINO 04/21/202604/21/2026

Job seekers in Washington County will have the chance to connect directly with local employers during the Job Fair and Career Expo, scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Washington County Agricultural Center located at 1424 Jackson Avenue in Chipley. Hosted by Goodwill Industries Big Bend, Inc. Career Resource Center, the event will bring together area businesses and […]

Read More Job Fair and Career Expo set for April 28 at Washington County Agricultural Center
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Washington County celebrates Dispatchers Week

BySKYLA CARTER 04/20/202604/20/2026

In Washington County, community members, first responders, and local businesses came together last week to recognize the vital work of 911 dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18. The week serves as a nationwide tribute to dispatchers, often called the “first first responders,” who answer emergency calls, coordinate resources, and provide calm […]

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Sunny Hills residents speak out on water issues during commission meeting

BySKYLA CARTER 04/20/202604/20/2026

Residents filled the Washington County Commission meeting room on Thursday, April 16, to raise concerns about ongoing problems with the Sunny Hills water system, citing issues with water pressure, discoloration, and repeated outages. The system, which serves the Sunny Hills area, is a privately owned utility regulated by the Florida Public Service Commission. Several residents […]

Read More Sunny Hills residents speak out on water issues during commission meeting

Crime

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Student in custody following reported threat at Roulhac Middle School; No ongoing danger, Officials say

ByStaff Report 04/22/202604/22/2026

A student is in custody and an investigation remains ongoing after a potential threat involving Roulhac Middle School was reported Wednesday, according to releases from the Washington County School District and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. School district officials said the situation came to light after a tip was submitted through the Fortify Florida app, […]

Read More Student in custody following reported threat at Roulhac Middle School; No ongoing danger, Officials say
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Chipley man arrested in sexual battery investigation

ByStaff Report 04/16/202604/16/2026

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Chipley man on Wednesday following an investigation into a reported sexual offense involving a minor. Deputies responded on April 15 after receiving notification of the possible offense. Following an on‑scene investigation, 56‑year‑old Scott Eli Cowell of Chipley was taken into custody on charges of Sexual Battery – Victim 12 years or older […]

Read More Chipley man arrested in sexual battery investigation
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Brief pursuit on Highway 77 leads to meth arrest

ByStaff Report 04/14/202604/14/2026

On Sunday, April 12, a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation on Highway 77 near Finch Circle, leading to the arrest of a Chipley man. When the deputy activated emergency lights, the driver failed to yield, prompting a brief pursuit during which several baggies were thrown from […]

Read More Brief pursuit on Highway 77 leads to meth arrest
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Six taken into custody by WCSO after altercation in Caryville

ByStaff Report 04/10/202604/10/2026

On Friday, April 10, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) responded to a report of a physical altercation at 3909 Greenwood Drive in Caryville, leading to the arrest of six individuals. According to a release from WCSO, deputies arrived and spoke with the victim, who stated that Cameron Williams and two other subjects had threatened […]

Read More Six taken into custody by WCSO after altercation in Caryville
Crime | Mugshots | News | Staff Report | Top Stories

Work squad inmate reported missing in Sunny Hills area

ByStaff Report 03/23/202603/23/2026

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a state inmate who walked away from a work squad in the Sunny Hills area. Authorities advise the public not to approach the individual and to contact law enforcement with any information regarding his whereabouts.

Read More Work squad inmate reported missing in Sunny Hills area
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WCSO arrests Alabama woman on multiple charges following traffic stop in Ebro

ByStaff Report 03/10/202603/10/2026

A Washington County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop Monday, March 9, after observing a vehicle commit a traffic violation on Highway 79 in Ebro. The deputy pulled in behind the vehicle and activated emergency lights, making contact with the driver and sole occupant, 35‑year‑old Autumn Lauren Walker of Alabama. According to WCSO, the deputy […]

Read More WCSO arrests Alabama woman on multiple charges following traffic stop in Ebro

State News

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Agriculture ‘Enclave’ bill signed into law

ByStaff Report 04/21/202604/21/2026

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Monday night allowing single-family homes to be built on some property zoned for agriculture. The measure (SB 686) allows agricultural land bordered by development to be classified as an “agricultural enclave” and developed at the same density as adjacent parcels. Supporters said the bill is about protecting property rights, […]

Read More Agriculture ‘Enclave’ bill signed into law
Staff Report | State News | Top Stories

Florida seeks to bar undocumented immigrants from state colleges

ByStaff Report 04/17/202604/17/2026

Undocumented immigrants would be barred from admission to state colleges under a proposed rule by the Florida Department of Education. The rule would also give schools discretion to consider students’ past misconduct when making admission decisions. Under the proposal, each board of trustees in the Florida College System would be required to “ensure that all […]

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Community & Faith

Community | Faith | Faith Columns | Opinion

Let’s ‘fall on our knees’ this Christmas

BySheryl Boldt 12/18/202312/18/2023

As a little girl, I spent delightful moments singing about the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. I gazed at our small nativity scene. I loved looking at all the characters gathered devotedly around the newborn child: Mary and Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, the wise men – even the animals. The scene was […]

Read More Let’s ‘fall on our knees’ this Christmas
Community | Faith | Faith Columns | Opinion

Disagreeing without being disagreeable

ByWashington County News 12/18/202312/18/2023

Michael Brooks I was rendered speechless—highly unusual for a Baptist preacher. I was in college serving a church in the Birmingham area as interim pastor for what became an eight-month assignment. I enjoyed the experience immensely preaching three times a week, attending deacons meetings and visiting the sick. I learned a lot and had a […]

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