Local News for Jackson County Floridan

Tornado watch in effect for Jackson, adjoining areas

Sun, 11 May 2008 05:50:00 CDT

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Jackson County and the surrounding area until 12 p.m. CDT (Noon) today.

Postal price changes start today

Sat, 10 May 2008 19:06:01 CDT

That little sticky thing that ensures your letter will be mailed is going up by a penny Monday morning.

Windy weather, rain expected on Mother’s Day

Sat, 10 May 2008 18:40:00 CDT

It might be a good idea to bring the Mother’s Day festivities inside during the first half of the day.

Family copes with loss, follows investigation of daughter’s death

Sat, 10 May 2008 18:12:00 CDT

Scot Black couldn’t get past four letters: M-a-r-y.

Gulf Coast Triathlon Death

Sat, 10 May 2008 17:48:01 CDT

Panama City Beach—A competitor in Saturday’s Gulf Coast Triathlon is rushed to the hospital during the swim portion of the race.

Arrest made in bomb threat,manufacture

Sat, 10 May 2008 13:24:00 CDT

Charges made in investigation after the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a bomb threat made by a thirteen-year-old male student attending the Graduation Assistance Program.

Road work on US 90

Fri, 09 May 2008 16:11:00 CDT

Construction Begins Soon on US 90 between Marianna and Grand Ridge.

Florida congressman suggests splitting tanker contract

Fri, 09 May 2008 15:56:00 CDT

WASHINGTON – An influential member of Congress from Florida has asked the Air Force to consider splitting its controversial $35 billion contract for new refueling tankers in two.

Life is getting better at Hope School

Fri, 09 May 2008 12:44:01 CDT

Life just keeps getting better at Hope School where the students learn to help themselves and others when they can.

Home-building plant going to Chipley

Fri, 09 May 2008 12:41:01 CDT

Jackson County has lost out as the site for a new home-building plant, but the chosen location is near enough that local residents might seek employment there.

Marianna sign ordinance may be ‘tweaked’

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:52:00 CDT

There may be some tweaking in the near future to Marianna’s sign ordinance, according to city officials.

Once Upon a Time”

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:49:00 CDT

Kevin Russell puts on a show as the Morale of the story during an American Idol parody in the Chipola College play “Once Upon a Time” Wednesday. There will be another performance tonight at 7 p.m. at the Chipola Theater.

Leash issue dogs city

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:38:00 CDT

A resident appeared before the Marianna City Commission Tuesday night to inform them of a problem that has been dogging him for some time.

Funding of new health facility comes as surprise

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:36:00 CDT

In one of Florida’s worst budget years the fact that a new Jackson County Health Department is set to be funded, after being stricken from the list for so long, is in the words of the department’s director “just shocking.”

City gives share of property toward new health department

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:34:00 CDT

The Jackson County Health Department is one step closer to being located at the current location of the old Sykes building at the entrance to the Marianna-Jackson County Industrial Park.

Segways help injured veterans regain mobility

Wed, 07 May 2008 16:43:00 CDT

ARLINGTON, Va. - As his wife tells it, Jimmy Kinsey is strong-willed. Kinsey, a native of Foley, Ala., fought to hang onto his left leg for a year and a half after he was injured in an IED blast in Iraq. The 23-year-old’s left leg was amputated below the knee in July.

Grand Ridge man charged in bank robbery

Wed, 07 May 2008 15:13:00 CDT

A Grand Ridge man, who was under federal probation supervision, has been charged with robbery in connection with the Wednesday afternoon robbery of Superior Bank on Florida Highway 71 in Marianna.

Marissa’s bill signed by Crist

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:07:00 CDT

Gov. Charlie Crist has signed a bill that gives a 9-year-old disabled girl $1.2 million for injuries she sustained due to the state’s negligence.

Dueling GI Bills face showdown in Congress

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:14:01 CDT

WASHINGTON - Two approaches at expanding and modernizing educational benefits to military veterans through a new GI bill are clashing in both the U.S. House and Senate.

Gulf Coast lawmakers want changes to national flood bill

Wed, 07 May 2008 11:22:00 CDT

WASHINGTON - A Senate bill to renew the national flood insurance program is expected to reach a final vote this week, but not before lawmakers from Florida and other Gulf Coast states try to rewrite it.

City gives share of property toward new health department

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:02:00 CDT

The Jackson County Health Department is one step closer to being located at the current location of the Sykes building at the entrance to the Marianna-Jackson County Industrial Park.

Seamless admission idea draws fire from AU faculty

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:08:00 CDT

A number of Auburn University faculty members expressed concern, and even displeasure, Tuesday with a new program that would allow Auburn Montgomery students to attend classes on the main campus.

Ancient canoe found in Florida

Wed, 07 May 2008 07:55:00 CDT

ST. PETERSBURG — Stuck somewhere in the millennial muck of Weedon Island is a significant piece of history.

Lawson announces millions of dollars for Jackson County

Tue, 06 May 2008 19:02:00 CDT

Jackson County may be getting more than expected after hearing about the Legislature’s desperate struggle with declining revenue in the amount of $6 billion.

Florida DOT not part of connector project

Tue, 06 May 2008 18:56:00 CDT

A limited-access road other than U.S. 231, that would connect from the north to Interstate 10 in the Panhandle, is a possible state project but not in the near future, according to Florida Department of Transportation District 3 public information officer Tommie Speights.

Alabama connector could affect Campbellton

Tue, 06 May 2008 18:51:00 CDT

CAMPBELLTON – Of interest to townsfolk here on Tuesday was the long discussed Southeast Alabama connector to Interstate 10 in Northwest Florida, a proposal that resurfaced Monday in Dothan.

Marianna Commission meets Tuesday night

Tue, 06 May 2008 11:11:01 CDT

A regular meeting of the City of Marianna Commission is Tuesday at 6 p.m at Marianna City Hall.

Chipola’s ‘Once Upon A Time’ is May 8

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:34:00 CDT

“Once Upon a Time” tells the story of Oscar who is having trouble finding her own story, as she travels through other fairytales in search of her happy ending.

Wildflower Field Day announced

Tue, 06 May 2008 09:39:00 CDT

Gardening with native wildflowers will be the focus of a Wildflower Field Day being held on Saturday, May 17.

Border Patrol steps up checks on buses, trains

Mon, 05 May 2008 17:18:00 CDT

TAMPA, Fla. - It’s barely sunrise. The shadows under the passengers’ eyelids show it.
“Morning, everybody,” says a man in green, Jeremy Farner, standing between them and the moment they’re longing for: getting off this Greyhound bus, packed 55 bodies full.

VA: Current patients need have patience; clinic will serve 4,000

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:32:00 CDT

The first vets to get their primary health care at the new VA clinic in Marianna will be those not currently enrolled.

Baptist College of Florida to dedicate 24/7 prayer chapel at Graceville

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:27:00 CDT

The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville will dedicate its newly constructed Prayer Chapel during a special service on Friday at 10 a.m.

Population growing at some Jackson County schools

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:23:00 CDT

Portable buildings will play a big role in giving the room that’s needed for more children at county schools next year.

Connector road called economic ‘foyer’ for Florida, Alabama

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:02:00 CDT

Birmingham attorney Luther Strange, who was hired to represent private investors, said the I-10 connector has been on the drawing board for more than 25 years. He said it is not just a toll road, but an economic development “foyer.”

Florida revival attracting national attention

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:15:00 CDT

LAKELAND, Fla. - Dale Borgelt brought no X-rays to the Lakeland Center stage on Tuesday night - just pain, faith and a sheet of paper listing his date with a surgeon. He stood before Todd Bentley, 32, a tattooed, body-pierced, T-shirt-wearing evangelist from British Columbia who is drawing crowds and international attention to Polk County.

Traffic stop yields marijuana, arrests of Alabama men

Mon, 05 May 2008 10:38:00 CDT

A stop for speeding in Holmes County led to two subjects from Alabama being charged with possession of marijuana in excess of 20 grams and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony.

Marianna men charged in connection with copper theft

Sat, 03 May 2008 20:44:00 CDT

Two Marianna men have been arrested Friday after the theft of copper wire from a business in Marianna.

Grand Ridge announces annual cleanup day

Sat, 03 May 2008 20:42:00 CDT

Grand Ridge will be having its annual Spring Cleanup from Monday, May 5 through May 8, Thursday.

Jackson Hospital’s HVAC systems up for review

Sat, 03 May 2008 20:41:00 CDT

Jackson Hospital is looking to get its heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in line for future demands.

Professor outlines problems leading to economic concerns

Sat, 03 May 2008 20:39:00 CDT

As tension builds over the state of the American economy, a professor of economics visiting Marianna Friday offered two pieces of advice.

No injuries in crash on Hwy. 71

Fri, 02 May 2008 16:03:00 CDT

Although a pickup truck landed partially over a car, no one was seriously injured in a double-vehicle crash on Highway 71 North on Friday afternoon, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Stampede of sea cows keeps zoo rehab center busy

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:55:00 CDT

TAMPA — The rehab center at Lowry Park Zoo is flush with sea cows, all there for the care that may help them survive nasty propeller cuts, shivering cold stress or the loss of a parent.
Some are soon to be released.

Congressman wants help for transferred service members’ mortgages

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:50:00 CDT

WASHINGTON - Transfers from the Tampa Bay area and other slumping housing markets nationwide are forcing military members to sell homes for thousands of dollars less than they owe on their mortgage, says a Florida congressman.

Toll road proposal still in play

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:30:01 CDT

CHIPLEY - Officials at a Chipley City Council meeting Thursday night confirmed that a toll road between Montgomery and Panama City, Fla., was being considered by public and private entities in Alabama and Florida.

Is your mom No. 1?

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:21:00 CDT

Do you have the No. 1 mom?

New VA clinic to open in Marianna mid-June

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:18:00 CDT

Veterans in need of medical care will soon be able to get their government-funded privilege closer to home.

Chipola graduation speaker found his calling at an early age

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:16:00 CDT

A well-known Marianna native delivered the address to the Class of 2008 at Chipola College’s commencement Thursday night.

Alabama man indicted for first-degree murder, attempted murder

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:15:00 CDT

A Jackson County Grand Jury on Thursday returned a first-degree murder indictment against Danny T. Jackson in the death of Greenwood resident Lonnie Baxter.

2 fires in Calhoun County; arson arrest in one

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:14:00 CDT

Two Calhoun County homes were heavily damaged by fire late Wednesday night, including a trailer on Northwest Willow Bend Road in Altha where Lisa Vaughn lived until recently.

Finger food: Braille menus made for the blind

Thu, 01 May 2008 17:25:00 CDT

SEFFNER, Fla. - In 1993. Husband and wife Lou and Joyce Fioritto sat down for dinner at their local Chi-Chi’s Mexican food franchise in Cleveland. A waitress brought menus to the table. Included in the batch: a Braille version for Lou, who is blind. He was ecstatic. Usually someone had to read him the menu.

Legislature approves climate-change energy reforms

Thu, 01 May 2008 14:39:00 CDT

TALLAHASSEE — The way electric utilities generate power and retailers sell gasoline in Florida would change under a comprehensive energy bill the Florida Senate approved Wednesday in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Traffic lights key to reducing fuel use, researcher says

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:12:00 CDT

A University of Virginia researcher believes he has found a way to curtail automobile fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Obama, Clinton focus on NAFTA, less on trade with China

Thu, 01 May 2008 11:00:00 CDT

WASHINGTON—To court blue-collar workers, Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have spent months bashing NAFTA, the landmark trade deal that dropped barriers between Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Baptist College of Florida to dedicate 24/7 prayer chapel

Thu, 01 May 2008 09:17:00 CDT

The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville will dedicate its newly constructed Prayer Chapel during a special service on May 9 at 10 a.m.

Chipola graduation speaker found his calling at an early age

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:13:00 CDT

A well-known Marianna native will deliver the address to the Class of 2008 at Chipola College’s Commencement tonight.

2 motorists killed in Walton

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:28:00 CDT

Two men were killed in a Walton County traffic crash late Tuesday night, according to a press release from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Coley’s state service bill sent to governor

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:26:00 CDT

A bill that will strengthen standards for state employees and help with their retention and appeals is on the way to Gov. Charlie Crist.

2 get maximum sentences for drug charges

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:24:00 CDT

Two local men were sentenced to 15 years in prison Tuesday after being convicted on drug charges early last month.

Florida Latinos protest over delgate flap

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:44:00 CDT

WASHINGTON - About 250 Floridians - most of them Latino - who are upset with the stalemate over the state’s presidential delegates demonstrated outside of Democratic National Committee headquarters Wednesday.

Fraud alert issued

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:28:00 CDT

Washington County authorities released the following fraud alert Wednesday morning:
Many Florida residents are receiving a call from a con artist attempting to get their checking account numbers. The individual claims to be working with all of our area banks to change all checking account numbers nationwide.

FEMA eases hurricane shelter rules for Florida

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:04:00 CDT

WASHINGTON - Federal emergency management officials are assuring that Florida will get a break on tougher rules requiring hurricane shelters to be tornado-proof, three Florida members of Congress say.

Sen. Webb’s GI Bill Moving Forward

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:30:00 CDT

WASHINGTON-Promising to “leave no veteran behind,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday she hopes the House will take up a new GI bill “in the next couple of weeks.”

Chipola coach charged with DUI won’t lose contract

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:40:00 CDT

Chipola College officials don’t plan to change the contractual status of the school’s head basketball coach after he was arrested for DUI Tuesday.

Jackson County horse positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:32:00 CDT

The Jackson County Health Department received positive laboratory results from a horse located East of Alford in Jackson County, according to officials at JCHD.

Woman enlists attorney in wake of accused Calhoun officer’s firing, arrest

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:52:00 CDT

An attorney is now advising the woman who appeared in a videotape which had a role in the firing and subsequent arrest of former Calhoun County correctional officer William “Billy” Strawn.

Fire destroys century-old home, heirlooms

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:42:00 CDT

A century-old home in Sneads was destroyed by fire Saturday night.

‘Ray of hope’ turns into cloud

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:37:00 CDT

The 2004 hurricanes downed trees, tore holes in the roof of the Gables’ mobile home, and rotted flooring and walls. They applied to FEMA for help and got $21,000 in grants. Later, FEMA decided it wanted about a third of the money back.

Incident at Golson Elementary involved family members; no arrests

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:32:01 CDT

A physical altercation at Golson Elementary School Monday was apparently a family affair.

Jackson County officials involved in economic development trip

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:22:00 CDT

Houston County officials left the Dothan Regional Airport shortly after noon today on an economic development trip with other county officials from nearby Geneva County and Jackson County, Fla.

Red-flag warning in effect for Floridan Panhandle

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:16:00 CDT

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee reports that a red-flag warning will be in effect this afternoon and early evening for all of the Floridan Panhandle due to long durations of relative humidity below 35 percent.

Medicare audit bad news for Campbellton-Graceville Hospital, new equipment good

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:33:00 CDT

Campbellton-Graceville Hospital is doing okay with its patient numbers and income, but suffering because of Medicare.

Jackson County schools getting new facilities director

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:30:00 CDT

In a county school system, who makes sure the water is safe to drink, the septic system doesn’t back up, and the roof doesn’t leak on the books?

Jacob water project front and center

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:06:00 CDT

JACOB CITY – Major issues before the Jacob City Council are progress on its water project and the hiring of two employees.
Another matter concerns something from the past.

Speaker announced for First Friday

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:56:00 CDT

This month’s First Friday Power Breakfast will feature Dr. Malcolm Gillis, a scholar and economist of international acclaim, as the keynote speaker, according to a news release from the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

Jacob City catching up on its affairs

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:14:01 CDT

JACOB CITY: Business before the Jacob City Council at a special meeting Friday could not have gone more smoothly.

Improvements needed in controls over high school diplomas: Audit report

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:11:00 CDT

A state audit of the Jackson County School Board finds that it needs to improve internal controls over high school diplomas; develop a cell phone policy for employees; add to its disaster recovery and security controls for information technology, and strengthen accountability for food service collection.

Plans filed to restore Blue Hole to natural state at Florida Caverns

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:08:00 CDT

Three state agencies have filed plans to fill in part of Blue Hole at Florida Caverns State Park and do away with the small beach that surrounds the popular but currently closed swimming hole.

Marianna Football Signing

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:21:00 CDT

Marianna High School running back Ren Williams signed with Kentucky Christian University Friday. The long time fixture on the Bulldogs squad will be also be a running back for the college.

Pull!!!!!

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:17:00 CDT

Melinda Carpenter’s class pull their way to a first place finish in the second grade tug of war competition Friday during Sneads Elementary School field days

Petraeus gets broader command

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:27:00 CDT

WASHINGTON - The choice of Gen. David Petraeus to lead Tampa-based U.S. Central Command will provide a larger playing field for the general who has become the face of the war in Iraq.
Military analysts say the move signals the Bush Administration’s intentions to keep a significant number of troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and continue its hard-line approach on Iran.
Less certain is how it will directly impact Centcom operations at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

Marianna man arrested on sex charge

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:44:00 CDT

Marianna man Jonathan Edgar Quinlin has been charged with sexual battery on an 11-year-old girl, according to a press release from the Marianna Police Department.

Paving work to delay traffic in Chipley Saturday

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:17:00 CDT

Motorists traveling state Road 77 northbound at the Publix store in Lynn Haven, on Saturday will encounter temporary delays, from 6 a.m. until noon.

Bulldogs are District Champs

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:36:01 CDT

The Marianna High School Bulldogs celebrate their 6-5 district championship win over Chipley Thursday.

Chamber meets goal for teachers’ trip to raise high school reading level

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:12:00 CDT

Five Marianna High School reading teachers will be going to a conference courtesy of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

29 teams compete for top spot in AA ball

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:53:00 CDT

Hot and heavy describes the action at Optimist Park with 29 teams competing four nights of the week for the top spot in their league.

Tour set for Marianna homes with history

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:37:00 CDT

With some residents enthusiastic about preserving the history of their old homes, Jackson County glitters with gems of the past in a variety of architectural styles and periods.

Florida lottery winner dies penniless

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:21:00 CDT

TAMPA - Former lottery multimillionaire Alex Toth, who was broke and facing tax fraud charges, has died at the age of 60. Toth was scheduled to go on trial in June, accused of filing fake tax returns with his wife, Rhoda, who has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Suspect in string of Panhandle crimes arrested in Mississippi

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:24:01 CDT

On Sunday, April 20, Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a burglary at the Deltona Corporation in Sunny Hills. Deputies arrived on scene and found a glass door broken and an office door that had been kicked in.

Memorial service will focus on tragic deaths of young people

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:10:00 CDT

On Saturday Evening, April 26th at 6 p.m. at Citizens Lodge, a Candlelight Memorial Awareness Service will be held to remember young people in the Jackson County area who in recent years died tragically.

Morning crash on Hwy. 90

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:29:00 CDT

A double-vehicle crash on Highway 90 near Marianna caused a slow-down in traffic Thursday morning.

Wilmington Court gets nod for paving from county

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:36:01 CDT

A dirt road near Campbellton will get paved with funding from the state. That’s good news for residents and the Jackson County Board of Commissioners as the county has many unpaved roads.

County submitting road list to state

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:31:00 CDT

A list of roads to be resurfaced two years out will be submitted to the state for consideration in the Small County Outreach Program.

Third phase of Kelson project starts Monday

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:27:00 CDT

Drivers who plan on using Kelson Avenue to enter College Street in Marianna next week might have to find a different route.

Case against former Marianna wrestling coach dismissed

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:25:00 CDT

The case against former Marianna wrestling coach Stuart Mahler has been dismissed.

Southern states lauded for investment in pre-kindergarten

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:14:00 CDT

WASHINGTON - With state governments pressed for money, many Southeast governors are drawing praise from an education advocacy organization for setting aside more money for pre-kindergarten programs.

Monkey pack flees wildlife preserve

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:33:00 CDT

LAKELAND — A dozen monkeys that escaped from a wildlife preserve during the weekend have all the ingredients to start a successful colony in the wild, including mature males, reproducing females and a dominant troop leader.

State service bill moves to full House

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:41:01 CDT

A bill sponsored by District 7 Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, known as the “Career Service System” bill, has moved forward for consideration in the full House

Driver who hit girl at bus stop charged

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:39:00 CDT

The driver whose vehicle struck a 6-year-old girl near her bus stop last March has been charged in the incident, and plans to enter a plea in Jackson County court Thursday.

Armed robbery, attempted murder plea leads to 25-year-sentence

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:11:00 CDT

On Tuesday, Tyler Daniels shook hands with the man who shot him in the face last year.

Clark to replace Circuit Judge Hess

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:38:00 CDT

Brantley Clark has been named to replace Circuit Judge Glenn Hess, who resigned from the post to run for the office of state’s attorney.