Local News

Local News

Local Sheriff’s Offices and School Districts are working together to ensure school safety

After concerns rise about school safety following a nationwide increase in virtual and in person threats, local school boards are taking measures to ensure school safety. The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and Holmes District School Board (HDSB), as well as Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and the Washington County School District (WCSD)  have worked […]

Local News

A new cell tower project passes through Washington County Planning Commission  

Washington County is one step closer to receiving a new cell tower off Highway 77, near an intersection located at Carter Circle. The proposal comes from Vertical Bridge and property owner Glenda Sue Hooper.  The tower will be under AT&T with 5G service not being a proposed service for the tower. The structure will be […]

Community | Local News | News

Ringing in repairs: Church bell gets a major lift

The First Presbyterian Church in Chipley took a significant step in preserving a piece of its history on Wednesday, as it unveiled its historic church bell for the first time since 1938. The bell, which originally rang out in 1904, has been a longstanding symbol of the church’s heritage. It was moved to the new […]

Local News | News

A new cell tower project passes through Washington County Planning Commission

Washington County is one step closer to receiving a new cell tower off Highway 77, near an intersection located at Carter Circle. The proposal comes from Vertical Bridge and property owner Glenda Sue Hooper.  The tower will be under AT&T with 5G service not being a proposed service for the tower. The structure will be […]

Government | Local News

Chipley city election set for September 2024

The Chipley City election is scheduled for September 3, 2024, and will see three city council members running unopposed. The unopposed candidates are: Kevin Russell for City Council Member Ward No. 1 Linda Cain for City Council Member Ward No. 4 Leonard N. Blount for City Council Member-At-Large The Mayor and City Council members are […]

Local News | News

Washington County EMS purchases new lifesaving equipment

On June 28, Washington County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) enhanced its life-saving capabilities by incorporating three Defibtech automated chest compression devices, thanks to a grant from the Florida Department of Health. These cutting-edge devices are designed to assist paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in delivering consistent and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without interruptions. Immediately […]

Crime

Crime | Top Stories

Two juveniles arrested for multiple thefts and burglary

Investigators from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office have identified two juveniles in connection with a series of thefts in the Old Bonifay Road area. On September 10, deputies were dispatched to Old Bonifay Road regarding a theft. The complainant reported that she received a notification earlier that day about a package being delivered to her […]

Crime | News

Chipley Police Undercover Operation Leads to Narcotics Arrests

In a concerted effort to combat the sale of illegal narcotics, the Chipley Police Department successfully conducted an undercover operation, resulting in the arrest of two individuals for drug-related offenses. Ashleigh Hope Clark has been charged with the sale of barbiturates within 1,000 feet of a park and the use of a two-way communication device […]

Crime | News | Top Stories

Chipley Police swiftly capture armed robbery suspect

On August 30th, the Chipley Police Department received an urgent tip regarding a possible threat. The intelligence indicated that an individual was preparing to rob multiple convenience stores in the area. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Chipley PD promptly mobilized its resources, deploying patrol officers and investigators to identify the suspect and alert […]

Crime | News | Top Stories

Man arrested for aggravated battery and 5 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

One man is now facing several felony charges following a recent report of domestic violence in Washington County. At approximately 6:30 p.m., on August 27th, WCSO Telecommunication Center received a report of a physical disturbance at a residence on Pinewood Dr. in Chipley. The caller stated an older white male wearing dark-colored shorts and no […]

Crime | News | Top Stories

Former School Principal arrested for sexual assault on a minor

Aaron Michael McFatter, a 28-year-old former School Principal at Grace Fellowship Christian Academy (GFCA), has been arrested on charges of sexual assault following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct with a juvenile. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) initiated the investigation after receiving a report implicating McFatter, who was the principal of GFCA in […]

Crime | News | Top Stories

BREAKING NEWS: Shooting on Shell Point Road

UPDATE July 31 as of approximately 10:33 AM: The shooter, identified as Hueland Brown, was involved in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, who has not been named, and who resides with him. During the altercation, the girlfriend attempted to escape in a vehicle with her children and her mother. Brown fired eight shots into […]


State News

Education | Government | Local News | News | State News | Top Stories

School District receives nearly $400k in workforce development funding

Washington County School District is receiving grant funding from the state to assist programs focused on cloud computing and virtualization, management and entrepreneurial principles, welding technology and other additional programs, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office announced Feb. 21. WCSD is one of numerous school districts and colleges throughout Florida receiving portions of the funding, which comes […]

Education | Local News | News | State News | Top Stories

Washington County School Board member recognized by Florida School Boards Association

Due to her community work, Cindy Johnson Brown of the Washington County School Board has been recognized as an Emerging Leader by the Florida School Boards Association. The distinction is given to school board members who document a minimum of 48 hours of training in leadership, advocacy, and knowledge, a news release said. Brown is […]

Community & Faith

Community | Faith | Faith Columns | Opinion

Let’s ‘fall on our knees’ this Christmas

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 […]

Community | Faith | Faith Columns | Opinion

Disagreeing without being disagreeable

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 […]