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The Graceville News
Serving the local community since 1905
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Jackson County Candidates Share Priorities During Chamber's Meet Your Candidates Forum
Residents from across Jackson County gathered Monday, July 20, at the Endeavor Convention Center for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce's "Meet Your Candidates" political forum. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, the nonpartisan event gave voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking local office before the upcoming primary election. Candidates for Jackson County Commission District 2 and the Jackson County School Board Districts 1 and 5 introduced thems
gvnews7
Aug 616 min read


Chephus Granberry Announces Re-Election Campaign For JCSB, District 1
At your service, Chephus Granberry Advanced Certified School Board Member Candidate for Re-Election, District 1 It is with great humility and enthusiasm that I, Chephus Dyvonn Granberry, announce my candidacy for re-election to the Jackson County School Board, District 1. My wife, Beverly Renea Granberry, and I are both native and lifelong residents of Jackson County, Florida. Both of us, along with our daughters, Brianna Rache’ an
gvnews7
Jul 262 min read


Jackson County BOCC July 14th Regular Meeting
On July 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. A presentation updating the commissioners on the Legislative Session started the meeting. Alan Suskey of Shumaker Advisors, the County's legislative consulting firm, presented an update on the 2026 Legislative Session, highlighting several funding successes for Jackson County. The update included
gvnews7
Jul 265 min read


Randon Tate Announces His Candidacy For Holmes County Commission, District 4
Randon Tate is proud to announce his candidacy for the Holmes County Commissioner District 4 seat. A lifelong resident of Holmes County and a 2010 graduate of Poplar Springs High School, Randon was raised in a community built on faith, family, hard work, and neighbors helping neighbors. He is running because he wants to preserve the Holmes County way of life that shaped him so his children, and future generations, have the same opportunity to grow up, raise their families, a
gvnews7
Jul 201 min read


Jackson County BOCC July 7 Special Meeting Highlights
On July 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Special Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. A presentation of responses to the 2526-10 Employee Health Plan was the start of the meeting. The Board reviewed proposals submitted in response to the County's Employee Health Insurance Request for Proposals (RFP), including presentations from the County's independent insurance consultant, Siver I
gvnews7
Jul 204 min read


Michael “MJ” Jackson Announces Re-Election Campaign for Jackson County School Board, District 5
Michael “MJ” Jackson Our Children. Our Community. Our Future. Michael “MJ” Jackson has officially announced his candidacy for re-election to the Jackson County School Board, District 5, reaffirming his commitment to serving every student, every educator, and every community throughout Jackson County. A lifelong resident of Jackson County and a proud graduate of Grand Ridge High School, Jackson has dedicated his life to serving
gvnews7
Jul 102 min read


David Cunningham Announces Candidacy For Holmes County Commissioner, District 4
David Cunningham is a lifelong Florida resident, proud Holmes County resident, and local business owner. He farms and grows timber on his land, giving him firsthand knowledge of the hard work, dedication, and responsibility that define the people of Holmes County. Holmes County is his home, and the Christian values of faith, hard work, honesty, personal responsibility, and service to others have guided his life. As a farmer, businessman, and landowner, David understands the
gvnews7
Jul 62 min read


Jackson County June 23rd BOCC Regular Meeting Highlights
On June 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. A request was made for a proclamation honoring Shira McKinnie, Sr. The Board adopted a proclamation honoring Shira McKinnie, Sr. in recognition of his upcoming 100th birthday on July 30, 2026, celebrating a century of service, dedication, and contributions to Jackson County. The proclamation highl
gvnews7
Jul 64 min read


Graceville Commission Organizes Leadership, Reviews Projects and Discusses Community Priorities
Current Commission and Administration - (from left) Commissioner Curtis Pinkard, C Commissioner John McClendon, Mayor Pro Tem Walter Olds, Mayor Terry Nichols, Commissioner Samantha Angerbrandt, City Manager Michelle Watkins, and City Attorney Nate Nolin. The
gvnews7
Jun 255 min read


Christopher B King is formally announcing his 2026 candidacy for Jackson County School Board Member District 1
Christopher King Candidate for Jackson County School Board District 1 “Rooted in Community, Focused on Students.” A lifelong resident of Jackson County and a graduate of its public schools, Christopher is deeply committed to maintaining strong educational standards while addressing the financial challenges facing our district. He believes every student deserves access to opportunity, support, and a quality education. Christop
gvnews7
Jun 252 min read


Jackson County BOCC June 9th Regular Meeting Highlights
On June 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. Recognition of the Employee of the Quarter was the start of the meeting. The Board recognized Jennifer Ham, Personnel Specialist, as the Employee of the Quarter for the Second Quarter of 2026. During the presentation, Human Resources Director Maile Ontiveros highlighted Ham’s exceptional dedication,
gvnews7
Jun 184 min read


Jackson County BOCC May 26th Regular Meeting Highlights
On May 26, 2026, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in those meetings. Discussion on approval of a 1-Year Moratorium on Data Center Development started the meeting. The Board began the meeting with discussion regarding development of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Jackson County. A large number of residents attended the meeting and addressed the Board d
gvnews7
Jun 76 min read


Graceville Commission Approves McDonald’s Rezoning, Hears Public Safety Concerns During May Meeting
The Graceville City Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12, covering a wide range of topics including the approval of rezoning tied to a proposed McDonald’s development, multiple infrastructure and grant updates, and lengthy public comments regarding law enforcement coverage and public safety concerns within the city. One of the evening’s most anticipated agenda items centered around a request to rezone property located at 5412 Brown Street, 5415 Brow
gvnews7
Jun 24 min read


Jackson County Board of County Commissioners May 12th Meeting Highlights
On May 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular and then a Special Meeting at 11:00 AM. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in those meetings. A request was made for Jackson County to lift the countywide Burn Ban. The Board voted to rescind the countywide burn ban previously enacted on April 28, 2026. The burn ban was originally implemented following recommendations from the Florida Forest Service and Jack
gvnews7
May 257 min read


Community Leaders and Businesses Come Together To Host Mother’s Day Event
Mother’s Day has long been recognized as a time to celebrate the women who shape families and communities through love, sacrifice, and unwavering support. On Sunday, May 10, members of the community joined with local businesses, churches, and volunteers to continue a tradition that has become a meaningful part of the Graceville community by hosting the annual Mother’s Day Celebration at the Graceville Civic Center. The event once again brought together mothers, grandmothers,
gvnews7
May 252 min read


Crutchfield Announces His Candidacy For Re-Election For District 2 Jackson County Commissioner
Hello everyone, my name is Edward Crutchfield. I am a lifelong resident of Jackson County and I am seeking re-election on the August 18, 2026 election for District 2. My time on the Board has been from November 2006 to November 2014 (eight years) and from November 2022 to the present time (4 years). With your approval and VOTE, I will continue to be your District 2 representative on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. I will continue serving you with my core values of
gvnews7
May 252 min read


Jackson County BOCC April 28 Regular Meeting Highlights
On April 28, 2026, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Workshop at 4:30 PM and Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in those meetings. A workshop was held for a presentation on EMS/Fire Assessment for Jackson County. The Board of County Commissioners received a workshop presentation from Accenture providing an overview of how fire and EMS assessments function as a funding mechanism for emergency services
gvnews7
May 86 min read


Graceville Commission Advances Stormwater Study, Park Grant Application, and Legal Transition
The Graceville City Commission met April 21, opening with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before unanimously approving the agenda with a late addition related to a Community Development Block Grant application. One of the first items approved by the commission was authorization to advertise for engineering services tied to a stormwater revitalization vulnerability study. City Manager Michelle Watkins explained the city has secured $246,500 to evaluate and address ongoing
gvnews7
May 83 min read


Jackson County BOCC April 14th Regular Meeting Highlights
On April 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. A request was made for an adoption of Proclamation Recognizing April as Fair Housing Month. The Board adopted a proclamation that was presented to Natalie Cayson and Jay Burkey of Central Panhandle Association of Realtors, recognizing April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in Jackson County, reaffirmin
gvnews7
Apr 276 min read


Commissioner Wilton Simpson Will Provide An Agricultural Inspection Station & FDACS Ag Law Enforcement Update April 27
Construction is underway for two new Agricultural Inspection Stations in Jackson County. One on Highway 231, at the Alabama border, and one on Highway 2, at the Georgia border. Agricultural Law Enforcement Officers have been hired and have begun patrolling the Panhandle. Many farmers, ranchers, horse owners, and landowners have been asking questions about the purpose and operating procedures for these officers and facilities, and what is required of agricultural trucks and
gvnews7
Apr 202 min read
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