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State to step up testing for deer disease

Jim Turner News Service of Florida Some deer killed during two popular hunting days in December must be tested for a contagious disease fatal to the animals as the state expands efforts to limit the spread of the disease. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said on Tuesday, Sept. 19, that deer killed on…

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Holmes County looks to pull out of 79 Corridor project

NAN [email protected] During the Sept. 19 meeting of the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners, District 1 Commissioner Jeff Good said that Washington County was in agreement with Holmes County relinquishing control of their interest of the 79 Corridor project to the City of Bonifay. At the 79 Corridor budget meeting on Sept. 13, in…

Collin Breaux to lead News, Advertiser as editor
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Collin Breaux to lead News, Advertiser as editor

News veteran Collin Breaux has returned to the Florida Panhandle to oversee news coverage in Holmes and Washington counties.  Breaux was named the new editor for the Washington County News and Holmes County Advertiser in an announcement from parent company Kent Smith Group earlier today. Born and raised in the suburbs of New Orleans, Breaux…

Bonifay officials continue to receive backlash from public
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Bonifay officials continue to receive backlash from public

Bonifay City Council and staff were the recipients of ongoing criticisms from the community during a public meeting on Monday, Sept. 11. Tensions have run high in town following the termination of former Police Chief Jimmy Macon’s contract, as announced by Mayor Larry Cook during a Sept. 5 meeting. The announcement during a Sept. 7…

Bonifay attorney resigns, public hearing held for former PD chief
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Bonifay attorney resigns, public hearing held for former PD chief

  Bonifay City Council Attorney Michelle Jordan submitted her 60 days resignation notice when the council met in regular session on Sep. 11.   Jordan did not cite a reason for her resignation. The council approved moving ahead with the process to hire a new attorney.   A public hearing was held for former Police…

Pensacola man arrested by HCSO after chase
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Pensacola man arrested by HCSO after chase

An attempted traffic stop in Bonifay turned into a vehicle pursuit by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office that went across Highway 90 and ended in an arrest.   Bobby Swisher of Pensacola was charged with attempted burglary, trespassing, and resisting an officer without violence.    HCSO deputies went to stop a vehicle Fisher was traveling…

Bonifay sets tentative millage and budget
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Bonifay sets tentative millage and budget

Bonifay City Council met in special session Sep. 7, to set the tentative millage and budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.   For the first time in more than five decades, Bonifay City Council set a millage rate to collect Ad Valorem taxes. The tentative millage rate was set at 3 mils which will bring…

Bonifay: Mayor resigns, police chief terminated
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Bonifay: Mayor resigns, police chief terminated

The Bonifay City Council held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, September 5, to address the resignation of Mayor Dr. Emily McCann and the termination of Police Chief Jimmy Macon.   McCann resigned on Tuesday afternoon in a brief letter citing safety concerns.  “The constant and recent threats against the safety of my council, employees and…