Florida’s annual Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday will return this year, offering shoppers a four‑month break on sales tax for a wide range of outdoor supplies. The exemption period runs September 1 through December 31, according to the Florida Department of Revenue. The tax holiday was authorized by the Legislature as part of […]
County Oaks Volunteer Fire Department (COVFD) was recently awarded a $10,000 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program grant from State Farm. The department says the funding will be used to upgrade communications equipment and improve coordination and safety during emergency responses. COVFD thanked State Farm for the award and for investing in community safety. Department staff […]
In celebration of Senior Appreciation Day, the Washington County Council on Aging hosted a special lunch and Ice Cream Social on Friday, August 21. Seniors gathered at the center for fellowship, a hot meal, and a cool treat as part of the council’s ongoing efforts to support and celebrate the county’s senior community.
A Washington County man wanted on felony charges was taken into custody August 23 following a joint operation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Task Force. Deputies apprehended 49-year-old Rex Allan Creamer after receiving information about his whereabouts. Creamer was being sought on charges of providing false identification to a law enforcement officer, […]
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners (WCBOCC) is inviting local citizens to apply for an open seat on the County’s Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The VAB is a quasi‑judicial body that hears appeals from property owners regarding property tax assessments and exemption denials. This is an unpaid volunteer position appointed by the WCBOCC. This […]
The Vernon City Council met for regular business on Monday, August 17, and addressed fire department coordination, water system concerns, the new tennis courts, and city projects. Mayor Angel LeCompte reported receiving continued concerns involving the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department and Washington County officials over response protocols and territorial control. Council members expressed a desire […]
A Washington County man wanted on felony charges was taken into custody August 23 following a joint operation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Task Force. Deputies apprehended 49-year-old Rex Allan Creamer after receiving information about his whereabouts. Creamer was being sought on charges of providing false identification to a law enforcement officer, […]
Two correctional officers from Northwest Florida Reception Center in Chipley were arrested Monday, August 17, in connection with a series of thefts at Walmart locations in Bay County. According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Walmart in Callaway regarding a reported theft. Witnesses said the suspects fled in a white Hyundai […]
On Wednesday, August 5, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force after receiving information about the possible location of a wanted felon in Washington County. Deputies assigned to the U.S. Marshals Task Force located the fugitive at a residence in Vernon, Florida. Everette Kirchbabum was taken into custody […]
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a sexual battery case involving a minor following allegations reported on Friday, July 24. After an investigation, probable cause was established, and arrest warrants were obtained for Michael Thomas Mekara, 39, of Chipley. Mekara is charged with sexual battery on a victim 12 years of age or older […]
Thirteen individuals are facing felony drug charges following an extensive investigation conducted by the Washington County Drug Task Force. The investigation was led by the Washington County Drug Task Force, a joint effort between the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and the Chipley Police Department, targeting individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illegal […]
The Chipley Police Department (CPD) has announced that six people have been arrested following an investigation into a shots‑fired incident that occurred on June 2. Officers responded after receiving multiple calls reporting shots fired throughout the city. Although an initial search by officers yielded no evidence of a shooting, further analysis the next day revealed the […]
The Florida Elections Canvassing Commission on Thursday certified the results of the Aug. 18 primary elections, setting the stage for the November general election. The commission, made up of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, met briefly by phone to certify the results. The midterm general election will be […]
The state of Florida wants to remove four immunizations from entry requirements for PreK-12 public and private schools. The Florida Department of Health is proposing a rule to remove hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines from school attendance requirements, a move that has been in the works for […]
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
Ali Moreland
SKYLA CARTER