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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 […]

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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
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Blues & Brews Festival draws crowds to downtown Chipley

ByAMBER PATINO 04/20/202604/20/2026

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 […]

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Tri‑County After Hours Elevate brings regional business leaders together

ByAMBER PATINO 04/20/202604/20/2026

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, […]

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Washington County announces first project at Industrial Rail Park

ByStaff Report 04/17/202604/17/2026

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. […]

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Crime

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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.

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 […]

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Two convicted in fatal Panama City road rage shooting of Chipley woman

ByWMBB 02/20/202602/20/2026

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 […]

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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, […]

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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

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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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