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 […]
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 […]
Chipley’s Third Annual Blues & Brews Festival filled the Historic Chipley Train Depot with music, food, and community spirit on Saturday, April 18. The free event drew crowds for an evening of live blues performances, craft beer tastings, artisan vendors, and family‑friendly activities. This year’s festival featured a signature craft beer garden in collaboration with Chipley […]
Business and community leaders from across Washington, Holmes, and Jackson counties gathered at the Tri‑County Airport in Bonifay on Thursday, April 16, for the Tri‑County After Hours Elevate networking event. Hosted collaboratively by the three county chambers of commerce, the event offered an opportunity for regional professionals to connect with one another and with public officials, […]
Washington County officials have announced the first major development at the Washington County Industrial Rail Park, marking a step forward in the county’s ongoing economic growth efforts. American Civil Contractors, Inc. will serve as the park’s inaugural industry partner, with plans to establish a facility expected to create up to 65 jobs for local residents. […]
Students in Rachel Yates’ first‑grade class at Vernon Elementary School (VES) recently surpassed an impressive milestone in the school’s Accelerated Reader program, becoming VES’s first class this school year to collectively read 5,000 books. The 17‑student class exceeded that goal by finishing 5,700 books, with the top reader completing more than 600 books on his […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
A man who shot and killed a Chipley mother and severely injured her daughter in a road rage incident last year will serve the rest of his life in prison. Georgann Baker, 48, was celebrating her birthday and leaving a Mardi Gras celebration on February 22, 2025, when she was shot and killed while sitting […]
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 […]
Some Florida high school students could be sitting in new college-level American history classes next year, as the state creates its own alternative to Advanced Placement courses. A Department of Education memo issued April 10 states the agency will begin a pilot program for accelerated U.S. history classes that would allow high school students to […]
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 […]
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 […]
Staff Report
SKYLA CARTER