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Sunny Hills residents voice concerns over water system, MSBU, and fire safety at community meeting

BySKYLA CARTER 05/12/202605/12/2026

Sunny Hills residents gathered at the Sunny Hills Library and Community Center on Saturday, May 9, to discuss ongoing concerns involving U.S. Water, the Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU), and fears surrounding fire protection within the community. The meeting was led by Larry Lomax and Ken Attard, with Washington County Commissioner David Corbin and County […]

Read More Sunny Hills residents voice concerns over water system, MSBU, and fire safety at community meeting
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County approves temporary funding for Sheriff’s Office to acquire biometric identification equipment

ByAMBER PATINO 05/12/202605/12/2026

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted during a Thursday, May 7 emergency special meeting to temporarily fund more than half a million dollars in biometric identification equipment for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). The purchase is tied to the state’s SBIE Immigration Grant Program, which will reimburse the county once the equipment […]

Read More County approves temporary funding for Sheriff’s Office to acquire biometric identification equipment
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Former corrections officer sentenced to state prison

ByStaff Report 05/08/202605/08/2026

On Wednesday, April 29, Tina Marie Wallace, a former correctional officer at Northwest Florida Reception Center in Washington County, was sentenced to 48 months in the Florida Department of Corrections following her convictions for Unlawful Compensation or Reward for Official Behavior and Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device, announced State Attorney Larry Basford. A […]

Read More Former corrections officer sentenced to state prison
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Officials confirm no changes to District 2 after congressional map approval

ByAMBER PATINO 05/07/202605/07/2026

As discussion continues statewide about Florida’s newly approved congressional map, local election officials are assuring residents that nothing will change for voters in Washington or Holmes counties. Washington County Supervisor of Elections Deidra Pettis said District 2 remains intact despite major boundary shifts elsewhere. “Congressional district lines were updated in parts of Florida, but the changes […]

Read More Officials confirm no changes to District 2 after congressional map approval
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VHS senior earns bronze medal in high hurdles at State Championships

ByAMBER PATINO 05/07/202605/07/2026

Vernon High School (VHS) senior Corissa Peterson recently capped off her track and field career with a bronze medal in the 100‑meter high hurdles at the State Championships in Jacksonville. Seeded fourth going into the event, Peterson powered her way to a third‑place finish, representing an impressive leap from her seventh‑place medal last year. This win […]

Read More VHS senior earns bronze medal in high hurdles at State Championships
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Vernon City Council holds workshop discussing policy and operations

ByAli Moreland 05/05/202605/05/2026

Vernon City Council met Monday, May 4, for a workshop to review personnel policies, council procedures, and ordinance updates. No formal action was taken during the workshop, but several items are expected to return for consideration at the next regular meeting. Council members discussed proposed revisions to the city’s personnel policy and hiring process, including […]

Read More Vernon City Council holds workshop discussing policy and operations

Crime

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Former corrections officer sentenced to state prison

ByStaff Report 05/08/202605/08/2026

On Wednesday, April 29, Tina Marie Wallace, a former correctional officer at Northwest Florida Reception Center in Washington County, was sentenced to 48 months in the Florida Department of Corrections following her convictions for Unlawful Compensation or Reward for Official Behavior and Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device, announced State Attorney Larry Basford. A […]

Read More Former corrections officer sentenced to state prison
Crime | Local News | News | Staff Report | Top Stories

Traffic stop leads to drug arrests

ByStaff Report 04/30/202604/30/2026

A deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop April 29 on a vehicle committing a violation on St. Mary’s Road in Caryville. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Chad Bruce, and a passenger, identified as Natalie Hillis. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, deputies located methamphetamine, […]

Read More Traffic stop leads to drug arrests
Crime | News

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
Crime | Local News | News | Top Stories

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

State News

Staff Report | State News | Top Stories

Immigration enforcement costs climb to $460m for year

ByStaff Report 05/12/202605/12/2026

The Florida Division of Emergency Management spent another $45.3 million on immigration enforcement-related costs, bringing the total spent this year to nearly $460 million. According to Transparency Florida, a government accountability website operated through the governor’s office, FDEM filed a budget amendment May 6 notifying lawmakers it would use $45.3 million from the Emergency Preparedness […]

Read More Immigration enforcement costs climb to $460m for year
Staff Report | State News | Top Stories

State issues advisories for hurricane season

ByStaff Report 05/07/202605/07/2026

State officials are ramping up warnings for residents to prepare supplies and organize insurance paperwork as the six-month hurricane season approaches. “Hopefully, we will go through another year of not having any storms like we did last year. That is the most optimal and beneficial for the people of the state of Florida,” Chief Financial […]

Read More State issues advisories for hurricane season

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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