AMBER PATINO
GARETT VALCOURT
Skyla Carter
Staff Report
ANDREA WATERS
A century of service: Ocran “Rand” Humphreys celebrates 100 Years
There are some lives that are measured by the years they are given. Then there are lives measured by the countless others they forever change. As Ocran “Rand” Randolph Humphreys…
Local News
Holmes School District drops to overall ‘C’ grade; PDLHS earns ‘A’
Holmes District Schools received a “C” district grade from the Florida Department of Education for the 2025-26 school year, a decline from the “B” earned the previous year, according to recently released state accountability…
Ponce de Leon Fire Department joins Holmes County Fire Rescue
Holmes County Fire Rescue recently announced that the Ponce de Leon Fire Department will officially join the county’s fire rescue system following a unanimous vote by the Ponce de Leon…
Crime
Holmes County woman sentenced to seven years for crash that injured two children
A Holmes County woman has been sentenced to seven years in the Florida Department of Corrections after entering a no contest plea in connection with a Washington County crash that…
Arrest made following high-speed pursuit in Bonifay
According to a release from the Bonifay Police Department (BPD), on Saturday, July 11, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on an unregistered KTM dirt bike being operated without required…
Traffic stop leads to drug arrest, child neglect charges
On Sunday, July 5, a Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Highway 79 for traffic violations, leading to the arrest of…
State News
Desantis veto blocks raises for correctional officers
Correctional officers at Holmes Correctional Institution and Northwest Florida Reception Center will not receive a proposed pay increase after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed legislation that…
Florida rewrites the rules for AI data centers as rural communities weigh growth against local concerns
As artificial intelligence continues driving unprecedented demand for large-scale data centers across the United States, Florida lawmakers have dramatically reshaped how the state regulates the…
HCOA shares information on EHEAP transition
Florida’s Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) is undergoing a statewide administrative transition that will change how seniors access energy‑bill assistance, but…
Read More State News
Community & Faith
Deputy Turberville and K‑9 Kimber connect with kids at Canopy Behavioral Solutions
Deputy Frank Turberville and K‑9 Kimber of the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office recently visited the children and staff at Canopy Behavioral Solutions, spending time with students and…
HCSO conducts active shooter response training with School Board Guardians
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) conducted active shooter response training Friday, July 17, with members of the Holmes District School Board’s Guardian program. According to…
Tate announces candidacy for Holmes County Commission District 4 seat
Randon Tate recently announced his candidacy for the Holmes County Commissioner District 4 seat. A lifelong resident of Holmes County and a 2010 graduate of…
