Staff Report
Skyla Carter
AMBER PATINO
ANDREA WATERS
GARETT VALCOURT
HCSO pursuit leads to DUI arrest across state line
On Saturday, April 18, a Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Alfredo Bonillas on Highway 79 in Esto. The vehicle refused to stop…
Local News
Ponce de Leon High student wins state debate championship, Earns $50,000 scholarship
A student from Ponce de Leon High School has claimed top honors at one of Florida’s most competitive academic events, earning a state championship title and a substantial scholarship award. Gavyn Purvis…
Holmes County Public Library receives increased state grant support
The Holmes County Board of County Commissioners recently announced new funding support for the Holmes County Public Library through a state grant program. According to information shared by the county,…
Crime
Jury recommends death sentence in Calhoun resentencing trial
A Holmes County jury on Friday, April 17, 2026, recommended by a 9-3 vote that Johnny Mack “Skeeto” Calhoun be sentenced to death for the 2010 kidnapping and murder of Mia Brown,…
Calhoun resentencing hearing underway following changes to Florida Death Penalty Law
A resentencing hearing is underway for Johnny Mack Calhoun, the man convicted in the 2010 kidnapping and murder of Mia Chay Brown, as a jury considers whether he should remain…
Fugitive in custody after pursuit in Holmes County
On Tuesday, April 7, investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office observed a black Nissan Altima near the Dollar General on Highway 160 that matched the description of a vehicle…
State News
Senate passes bill preparing for penny’s parting
Florida is preparing for the end of the penny. A bill, SB 1074, that would allow retailers to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel…
State issues clarification on license plate frame law
State officials have issued clarification on Florida’s new license plate law in response to questions from motorists regarding the legality of license plate frames. The…
Muslim rights group challenges DeSantis order
The Council on American-Islamic Relations has filed a federal lawsuit challenging an executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis that labeled the group a “terrorist”…
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Community & Faith
Holmes County honors dispatchers during national recognition week
In Holmes County, the impact of 911 dispatchers was front and center as the community observed National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week from April 12–18. This…
Tri‑County After Hours Elevate brings regional business leaders together
Business and community leaders from across Washington, Holmes, and Jackson counties gathered at the Tri‑County Airport in Bonifay on Thursday, April 16, for the Tri‑County After…
PDL Council reviews rising utility costs, approves planning efforts, raises safety concerns
During the Ponce de Leon Town Council’s April 16 meeting, the council conducted routine business while addressing infrastructure planning, public safety concerns, and ongoing operational…
