Keeping with the spirit of the season, The Arc of Washington and Holmes Counties spread holiday warmth with blanket deliveries to local organizations. On Wednesday, December 10, blankets were delivered to the Holmes Council on Aging (HCOA), followed by a delivery to the Washington County Council on Aging (WCCOA) on Thursday, December 11, providing comfort […]
Two Dothan residents suffered life-threatening injuries Wednesday evening following a collision between an SUV and a motorcycle at the intersection of Clayton Road and State Road 277, according to a Florida Highway Patrol release. The crash occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. when troopers say an SUV traveling west on Clayton Road attempted to make a […]
The Caryville Town Council held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, December 9, addressing financial updates, RV park improvements, and preparations for the town’s upcoming Community Christmas Party. Elizabeth Baxley, manager of the Caryville Flea Market, reported $6,000 in town revenue from stall fees collected this year. She also requested permission to close the market December […]
The Spanish Trail Playhouse (STP) will present A Chipley Christmas, a festive holiday variety show, on December 13 at 7 p.m. This community production is offered as a holiday gift from STP, inviting families and residents of all ages to enjoy an evening filled with Christmas cheer. The show will feature a lively mix of music, comedy, storytelling, […]
On Saturday, December 6, the Chipley Hellfighters Motorcycle Club and Fantastic Futures, Inc. held their 3rd annual toy drive benefiting foster children in Washington, Holmes, and Calhoun counties. Even though the motorcycle ride portion was cancelled due to the cold, rainy weather, the Chipley Hellfighter’s Clubhouse provided a dry, warm atmosphere of Christmas giving. Fantastic […]
On Saturday, December 6, the Northwest Florida branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NWF NAACP) held a Christmas Cantata with the theme “One Voice, One Light.” The community was invited to enjoy an afternoon of celebration featuring performances by Kevin and Friends, in exchange for a donation of non-perishable goods […]
On December 9, while on patrol in Vernon, investigators with the Washington County Drug Task Force attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic infraction, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. A Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputy activated emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, at which point the suspect vehicle failed to […]
On December 2, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible sex offense involving a minor. After an investigation into the allegations, a warrant was issued for 38-year-old David Christopher Dirian of Chipley, Florida. On December 3, Dirian was arrested in Escambia County on Washington County charges for Sexual Battery victim under 12 […]
On November 19, 2025, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of possible sexualmisconduct involving a minor. After an investigation into the allegations, a warrant was issued for 41-year-old Ricky Ray Helt. On November 19, 2025, Helt was arrested in Bay County on a Washington County charge for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Victim […]
On November 11, Vernon City Council held a special meeting to address necessary gymnasium repairs following the break in and vandalism on May 13 when graphic images were spray-painted throughout the gym, damaging the walls, floor, scoreboard control panel, basketballs, and doors. Although the investigation was closed due to a lack of evidence, new cameras […]
On November 10, the Washington County Communications Center received a 911 call from a child who advised she was traveling with her parents and that they were fighting while driving down the road. The caller stated they were on Highway 79 and provided a description of the vehicle before the call was disconnected. Deputies responded […]
A 61-year-old Panama City woman was sentenced to 25 years in prison Friday for shooting and killing a 44-year-old Chipley man in a Holmes County hotel room 2 years ago, State Attorney Larry Basford announced. Lois K. Merkel was facing trial for the May 29, 2023 shooting death when she entered an open plea to […]
A Senate committee Wednesday unanimously approved a wide-ranging proposal dubbed the “rural renaissance” bill, setting it up to go to the full Senate during the first week of the 2026 legislative session. The bill (SB 250), sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, is a priority of Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula. It is aimed at […]
The Florida House on Tuesday released two wide-ranging health care bills that would eliminate certain regulations and seek to reduce prescription drug prices, with House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, saying the measures help advance President Donald Trump’s healthcare “vision” in Florida. “We are taking decisive action to cut red tape, grow our health care workforce, […]
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
AMBER PATINO