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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 […]

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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, […]

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Lady Tigers claw their way to District Title

ByGARRETT VALCOURT 04/30/202604/30/2026

Chipley Lady Tigers took home the District Championship on Wednesday 29 April with a 6-2 win over the Holmes County Blue Devils. The Tigers will now await placement in the Regional Playoffs.

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Five Chipley student athletes sign to compete at the Collegiate level

ByGARRETT VALCOURT 04/30/202604/30/2026

Five Chipley High School student-athletes signed to continue their academic and athletic careers during a ceremony held April 29 in the school auditorium. Ashlin Granger (band, Troy University), Audrey Stephens (colorguard, Florida State University), Callen Scurlock (baseball, Baptist University of Florida), Zaria Nedd (basketball, Florida State College at Jacksonville), and Jakobe McKinnie (football, Florida Memorial […]

Read More Five Chipley student athletes sign to compete at the Collegiate level
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2nd annual Vernon Heritage Festival brings community together

ByAli Moreland 04/28/202604/28/2026

The Vernon Heritage Festival returned to downtown Vernon on Saturday, April 25, for its second year, bringing together living history reenactors, local vendors, and programming focused on the area’s history, and drawing a strong turnout despite a steady light rain. The free event marked 200 years of local history alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary, giving […]

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Community rallies after New Hope house fire

ByAMBER PATINO 04/25/202604/25/2026

A Washington County family is beginning the difficult process of rebuilding after losing their home in a devastating fire early Friday morning, April 24, off Highway 79 near New Hope. According to reports, homeowners Marcus Bland and Ammie Pearse were at work when the fire broke out, completely destroying their residence and all belongings inside. The couple lost clothing, important […]

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Crime

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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 […]

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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
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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.

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State News

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DeSantis signs new Congressional district map

ByStaff Report 05/05/202605/05/2026

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Monday a new congressional map — drawn by his staff and passed by the Legislature last week — that could help Republicans retain control of the U.S. House. “Signed, sealed, and delivered,” DeSantis wrote in a post on X. The new map makes significant changes to 21 of Florida’s […]

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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, […]

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Community & Faith

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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 […]

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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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