Tue. Feb 11th, 2025

Local News

Local News | Top Stories

Chipley ranked as one of Florida’s most beautiful cities

HANNAH COLLINS | The News An article by Frances Carruthers, a writer for the travel website Love Exploring, listed Chipley as one of the most beautiful cities in Florida. Chipley, ranked at #30, was credited by Carruthers for its vibrant cultural life and natural beauty.  “One of the biggest draws is Main Street Market, a […]

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Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches receives donation

Sheriff Kevin Crews and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office expressed their gratitude to long-time resident Dr. John Savage for his donation to the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches (FSYR)  in a release on February 6 Monday, February 3, FSYR representative Joanne Thomas was presented with the donation, made in honor of Investigator Duran Harrison’s daughter. Dr. […]

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WCFS receives pet O2 mask donation

Washington County Fire Services (WCFS) has received a donation of pet oxygen masks. According to a press release by WCFS, these are specialized masks that are a much-needed addition to their department, as they allow first responders to assist pets suffering from smoke inhalation- whether they are conscious or in need of resuscitation after exposure […]

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Washington County could see lower gas prices

Motorists in Holmes and Washington Counties may experience slight relief at the pump in the coming year despite ongoing global and domestic pressures on fuel markets. According to a report released Monday, factors such as geopolitical tensions, potential tariffs, and shifts in U.S. energy policies could influence gasoline prices in the months ahead. As of […]

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City of Chipley moves forward with Mongoven

The City of Chipley is moving forward with the Mongoven Building Project, receiving final engineering designs in December 2024. The bidding phase for construction began shortly thereafter, with interested contractors required to submit bids by January 16. The City Council will review the bids and potentially approve a contractor during its February 11, meeting. The […]

Crime

Crime | Top Stories

Woman sentenced to 15 years for stealing hundreds of thousands from employer

A woman whose victims say stole more than $1 million from their business over nearly a decade was sentenced to 15 years in prison Friday, State Attorney Larry Basford announced. Pamela Lynn Wilson, 66, of Panama City, previously entered an “open plea” of No Contest to Grand Theft over $100,000 and Organized Scheme to Defraud […]

Crime | Top Stories

WCSO investigation leads to arrest of Lakeland man 

A 31 year old man has been arrested in Polk County this morning after reports of alleged sexual misconduct with a child under the age of 12. Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) began an investigation once a report was filed alleging Christopher Thomas Johnson had coerced the child in a lewd and lascivious manner. Investigators […]

Crime | News

Second suspect apprehended in 2021 Vernon drugstore burglary

Authorities have confirmed that both suspects involved in the 2021 Vernon Discount Drug Store burglary have been apprehended. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) announced that Chakell Lamar Walker has been taken into custody in Birmingham, Alabama, and is currently being held at the Jefferson County Detention Center. Previously, Shelton Deante Reddick, a 36-year-old resident […]

Crime | News

Scammers target Washington County Sheriff’s Office followers

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is issuing a public advisory regarding a phone scam targeting residents in the Washington County area. According to WCSO, scammers are making fraudulent phone calls while falsely identifying themselves as deputies. During these calls, individuals are informed of an alleged subpoena and are instructed to remain on the phone. […]

Crime | News

WCSO SWAT and drone teams respond to barricade situation

A Washington County man was taken into custody following a barricade situation that required the response of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) SWAT and Drone Teams. On February 1, WCSO deputies arrived at a residence on McMillion Lane to serve a civil process ex parte order on Rykem Gabrielle McKenzie, 28. Upon making contact, […]

Crime | News

High-speed chase from Bonifay ends in Washington county arrests

A high-speed pursuit that began in Bonifay early Tuesday morning January 28, concluded in Washington County with the arrest of two individuals. Devin Payton Davidson, 21, and Chance Layfield, 28, both of Panama City, were taken into custody following the incident. The Bonifay Police Department initiated the chase at approximately 2:37 a.m., notifying the Washington […]


State News

Government | Local News | News | State News | Statewide | Top Stories

Abortion rights amendment defeated 

TALLAHASSEE — A ballot proposal that would have enshrined abortion rights in the Florida Constitution failed Tuesday, giving a major political victory to Gov. Ron DeSantis — and dealing a huge blow to abortion-rights supporters. The measure, which appeared on the ballot as Amendment 4, received support from 57 percent of voters, short of the […]

Government | Local News | News | State News | Statewide | Top Stories

Recreational pot proposal falls short

A $150 million-plus effort to allow recreational use of marijuana in Florida fizzled out Tuesday, falling short of the needed 60 percent voter approval and delivering a major victory for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trulieve, the state’s largest medical-marijuana operator, pumped nearly $144.6 million into the proposed constitutional amendment. The Quincy-based company’s contributions made up more […]

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 […]