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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
Community | Local News | News | Top Stories

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 | 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
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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.

Read More Lady Tigers claw their way to District Title
Local News | News | Sports

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

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
Crime | Local News | News | Top Stories

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
Crime | News | Top Stories

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
Crime | Mugshots | News | Staff Report | Top Stories

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

State News

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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
Staff Report | State News | Top Stories

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 […]

Read More DeSantis signs new Congressional district map

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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