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Jul 10, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Garrett Valcourt |Natalie Holton |Carol Kent
The Country Oaks Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Firefighter Day Camp on Saturday, June 21. The event, designed to engage children and families in various firefighter-related activities, featured opportunities for participants to try on firefighter gear, decorate firefighting-themed cookies, break through walls with axes, and play a variety of games. Additionally, attendees had the chance to experience the thrill of using fire hoses.
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Jul 10, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Natalie Holton |Carol Kent |Garrett Valcourt
Washington County local, Leah Pettis, is preparing for Southern Lights, a talent search event held in Marianna, FL. Pettis, a resident of Chipley, FL, and current employee at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, has been singing since she was 2 years old.
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Jul 9, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Garrett Valcourt |Carol Kent |Natalie Holton
At approximately 11:30 p.m., WCSO deputies responded to a residence where the caller reported he had returned home from work and discovered an abandoned vehicle in his front yard. When the victim entered his home, a Hispanic male was standing in the living room. He commanded the male subject to get out of his house, at which time the subject stated he was “Security” and exited the residence quickly. Deputies arrive on scene and make contact with the victim.
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Jul 5, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Carol Kent |Natalie Holton |Garrett Valcourt
Like many employers, the Town of Wausau has struggled to hire and retain qualified employees, notably to serve in the position of maintenance, a key role in keeping Wausau’s infrastructure operations running smoothly. The Town has hired – and lost – two maintenance personnel over the past nine months, leaving many tasks such as mowing and small repairs at the risk of being delayed until Town officials could find help.
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Jun 19, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Garett Valcourt |Carol Kent
WASHINGTON COUNTY, FL – In a significant boost to law enforcement safety, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit has received a new addition to their protective gear. K9 Hannibal, a valuable member of the team, is now equipped with a bullet and stab protective vest, generously donated by the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest, custom-fitted and certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
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Jun 19, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Garett Valcourt |Collin Breaux |Carol Kent
Florida Highway Patrol has reported a vehicle wreck on State Road 79 around 10:25 pm on June 18, 2024. The vehicle was traveling in the inside northbound lane of State Road 79 when it veered to the left, traveling into the grass, median on State Road 79. The Driver counter-steered to the right, re-entering the northbound lanes of State Road 79. The vehicle rotated in a counterclockwise manner, traveling in a northeasterly direction onto the east shoulder of State Road 79.
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Jun 18, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Collin Breaux |Carol Kent
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington County School District received state and federal funding to help buy school supplies for students. That funding, which lasted for the past five years, is now expiring–meaning the District will no longer be able to provide supplies. “We’ve been very grateful we’ve been able to do that,” District Director of Federal Programs Jiranda White said. Parents, too, have reportedly been grateful for the assistance.
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Jun 17, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Carol Kent |Garett Valcourt
What began in 1956 as a small gathering at Ross Deal’s watermelon and loading shed in Chipley to celebrate and recognize the impact of watermelon as a local cash crop has grown into to the county’s largest – and arguably most iconic – event: the Panhandle Watermelon Festival. Now in its 68th year, the festival and two of its most prolific leaders are being honored by a local winery with the launch of a watermelon wine.
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Jun 13, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Garett Valcourt |Carol Kent
Chipley, FL – In a decisive move aimed at enhancing the city’s governance, the Chipley City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance proposing significant amendments to the city charter. This landmark decision will alter the election cycles and terms of office for council members, marking a new era in local administration. The newly approved ordinance transitions the election cycles from an annual occurrence to a biennial schedule.
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Jun 13, 2024 | 
washingtoncounty.news | Garett Valcourt |Carol Kent
CHIPLEY, FL – Concerns over excessive speeding took center stage at the Chipley City Council meeting on Tuesday night, as residents voiced their growing unease about the rampant disregard for speed limits and safety on local roads. In a series of heartfelt and impassioned statements, community members painted a vivid picture of the dangers they face daily.
