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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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Vernon Elementary first graders surpass 5,000‑book reading goal

ByAMBER PATINO 04/17/202604/17/2026

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 […]

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KMS fifth graders recognized in Florida Power & Light 4‑H Public Speaking Contest

ByAMBER PATINO 04/17/202604/17/2026

Kate M. Smith Elementary School recently announced its 5th Grade Florida Power & Light 4‑H Public Speaking Contest winners. Ashlynn Jenkins (left) earned first place, followed by River Dailey (center) in second and Carson Peel (right) in third. The contest encourages students to build confidence and communication skills through public speaking. [CONTRIBUTED]

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Ribbon cutting ceremony held at The Local Artisan in downtown Chipley

ByAMBER PATINO 04/17/202604/17/2026

Downtown Chipley business The Local Artisan celebrated its official ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 16, marking the storefront’s addition to the community. Although the shop has been open since late last year, the event served as a formal welcome, inviting residents to join in the celebration. Located at 831 Main Street, The Local Artisan features […]

Read More Ribbon cutting ceremony held at The Local Artisan in downtown Chipley
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Local teachers recognized for advancing arts education through CRAA mini-grants

ByAMBER PATINO 04/17/202604/17/2026

The Chipola Regional Arts Association (CRAA) honored recipients of its 2025–2026 mini-grants from Holmes and Washington Counties on Thursday, April 16, during a recognition luncheon at Jim’s Buffet & Grill in Marianna. The mini-grant recipients—teachers from Holmes and Washington counties who lead programs in art, music, and theater—shared how the funding enhances their classrooms and […]

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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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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 […]

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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 […]

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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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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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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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Florida creating high school U.S. History class for college credit

ByStaff Report 04/14/202604/14/2026

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 […]

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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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