GARETT VALCOURT
AMBER PATINO
Staff Report
ANDREA WATERS
Skyla Carter
Esto Town Council appoints new member to fill seat 3 vacancy
The Esto Town Council has filled a vacant seat on the board following action taken during its July 21 meeting. During the meeting’s public comment period, Esto residents Paul Holman…
Local News
Holmes Council on Aging set to open doors of newly renovated center
The Holmes County Council on Aging is preparing to move into its newly renovated building at 210 W. Kansas Avenue in Bonifay, with a tentative transition date of September 1…
House fire on Lily Drive prompts multi‑agency response in Holmes County
An early morning residential structure fire on Lily Drive in Holmes County prompted a multi-agency response Thursday, July 30, with Holmes County Fire Rescue crews from the Gritney, Ponce de…
Crime
Welfare check leads to animal cruelty and drug charges in Holmes County
According to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), on Wednesday, July 29, deputies responded to a residence on Highway 179‑A to conduct a welfare check on John Hoover, which led to animal cruelty…
Johnny Mack Calhoun again sentenced to death for 2010 murder of Mia Chay Brown
For the second time, Johnny Mack “Skeeto” Calhoun has been sentenced to death for the 2010 murder of Holmes County resident Mia Chay Brown, following a resentencing hearing held on Friday, July 24, more than a decade…
Authorities investigate fatal officer‑involved shooting in Holmes County
Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 58‑year‑old Bonifay man by a Holmes County deputy late July 23 after deputies responded to a disturbance call on Alex Brown Road. Holmes County Sheriff…
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…
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Community & Faith
Washington County Fire Services completes landing zone training with Walton Air Rescue
Washington County Fire Services recently partnered with Walton Air Rescue to complete landing zone training aimed at strengthening regional emergency response. The joint session allowed…
Arc consumers enjoy hands‑on visit to Triple H Ranch
Consumers with The Arc of Washington–Holmes Counties recently spent the day at Triple H Ranch in Bonifay, where they enjoyed an up‑close learning experience with…
FWC recognizes landowners across the Panhandle for wildlife conservation efforts
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is recognizing several individuals for their outstanding wildlife habitat management in northwest Florida. To show appreciation for…
