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The Graceville News
Serving the local community since 1905
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Graceville City Commission Highlights Growth, Grants and Community Momentum at February’s Regular Meeting
The Graceville City Commission opened its regular February meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before addressing a full agenda that reflected both steady progress and growing community investment. City Manager Michelle Watkins requested two modifications to the agenda, including Resolution 26-0210 related to a Municipal SCOP application and canvassing board appointments for the upcoming election. The commission unanimously approved the amended agenda. One of the
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Mar 24 min read


Planning Commission Recommends Rezoning for Tiger Wash Expansion
The Graceville Planning Commission met Tuesday, February 10, at City Hall, where members unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning request that would allow for the expansion of an existing local business. The meeting opened with the appointment of a new chairperson following the resignation of longtime chairman Lee Miller. Arthur OBar was nominated by Chris Jernigan, seconded by Logan Chappell, and approved unanimously. OBar accepted the role and presided over the remai
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Mar 22 min read


Jackson County BOCC February 10th Regular Meeting Highlights
On February 10, 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. The meeting began with recognition of an employee’s years of service. The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners has recognized the dedicated service of its employees by awarding "Years of Service" awards to those who have shown commitment and loyalty to the county through their tenure.
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Feb 224 min read


Angerbrandt Announces Candidacy For Graceville City Commission Group 4
Samantha Reed Angerbrandt announces her candidacy for Graceville City Commission Group 4, marking a new chapter in a lifetime of service to the community she proudly calls home. “This decision was not made lightly,” Angerbrandt said. “After much prayer, reflection, and listening, I believe this is where God is leading me at this moment in my life.” A lifelong resident of Graceville, Angerbrandt represents generations of family roots in the area. Her great grandfather, Eddie
gvnews7
Feb 223 min read


Recollections - Legends of Yesterday: Sanders Harvey Watford
This is a reprint of original articles by Hugh Woolley, a longtime resident and community leader of Graceville. Woolley published these articles in The Graceville News more than 20 years ago. Originally published in the February 13, 2003 edition of The Graceville News. Family of Sanders Harvey Watford Sanders and Ammie Watford Sanders Harvey Watford was born to Dempsey D. and Rachel (Williams) Watford on August 7th, 1877 in Jackson County, FL. He married Ammie Annie Mille
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Feb 165 min read


Danny Exum of Chipley, Florida Announces His Candidacy For Election as West Florida Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees District 6 Seat
“As your WFEC Board Member, I will apply my years of cooperative management experience to provide reliable and economical power for your home and business. Thank you for your vote and support.” Danny Exum Danny and his wife, Gail, have been proud members of West Florida Electric Cooperative for twenty-four years. Danny holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy University. He retired as Chief Information Officer of Wiregrass El
gvnews7
Feb 162 min read


Jackson County Tourism Achieves Record-Breaking Growth In 2024-25
Visit Florida has released its latest Economic Impact Report, and Jackson County’s visitor economy continues to demonstrate exceptional growth, marking its third consecutive year of record-breaking performance. According to the 2024 report, visitor spending in Jackson County reached nearly $223 million, an increase of $23 million over the previous year. Since the appointment of the current Tourist Development Council (TDC) Executive Director, visitor spending has increased b
gvnews7
Feb 12 min read


Jackson County BOCC January 20th Special Meeting Highlights
On January 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM, 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 report was given by Waste Pro with a transition update. The Board received an update on the solid waste service transition from Loyd Childree, Director of Governmental Affairs and Municipal Marketing Manager, and Rebecca Dodson, Division Manager, with Waste Pro. They reported that new Waste P
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Feb 12 min read


Jackson County BOCC January 13 Regular Meeting Highlights
On January 13, 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. The meeting began with recognition of employees years of service. The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners has recognized the dedicated service of its employees by awarding "Years of Service" awards to those who have shown commitment and loyalty to the county through their tenure. This
gvnews7
Jan 264 min read


Graceville City Commission Reviews Projects, Community Updates at January Meeting
The Graceville City Commission held its regular January meeting on Tuesday, January 13, at Graceville City Hall, opening with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before unanimously approving the agenda. City Manager Michelle Watkins provided an extensive update on ongoing and upcoming city projects. She reported that the new fire department facility is expected to be fully operational within the next 30 days. An invoice for a grant-funded fire truck has been submitted to the
gvnews7
Jan 263 min read


Recollections - Legends of Yesterday: The Polstons of Holmes and Jackson County
This is a reprint of original articles by Hugh Woolley, a longtime resident and community leader of Graceville. Woolley published these articles in The Graceville News more than 20 years ago. Originally published in the January 16, 2003 edition of The Graceville News. I am beginning to know what it is to be old. Some say that you are as old as you act. I became an octogenarian a little over a year ago and I have felt the years past. First, there is glasses, then hearing ai
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Jan 194 min read


Recollections - Legends of Yesterday: Green Berry Joseph Yawn
This is a reprint of original articles by Hugh Woolley, a longtime resident and community leader of Graceville. Woolley published these articles in The Graceville News more than 20 years ago. Originally published in the January 9, 2003 edition of The Graceville News. Submitted by Gerald Cecil Yawn San Antonio, TX 78251 Before telling the story about the portrait of my great-grandfather Green Berry Joseph Yawn, I would like to provide some background information about my im
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Jan 124 min read


County Commissioners Interview Candidates for County Attorney
The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting Tuesday, Jan. 6, to conduct interviews for the county attorney position. The meeting began at 1 p.m. CST in the Ernie Padgett Board Room at the Jackson County Administration Building on Madison Street. According to the posted meeting notice, the purpose of the special session was to interview applicants for county attorney, with the possibility that other matters could be addressed as necessary. Six can
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Jan 122 min read


Recollections:Legends of Yesterday - E.D. Patterson
This is a reprint of original articles by Hugh Woolley, a longtime resident and community leader of Graceville. Woolley published these articles in The Graceville News more than 20 years ago. Originally published in the January 2, 2003 edition of The Graceville News. Well, 2003 is about upon us and so is the final deadline for the County Heritage Book. If you haven’t started to write your family or favorite legend story chances are you will miss out on this free offer. We
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Jan 55 min read


Jackson County BOCC December 17th Regular Meeting Highlights
On December 17, 2025, at 8:00 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. The meeting began with recognition of Employee of the Month. The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners proudly recognized Jordan Gassett, Transition Coach for NextStep Academy, as the December 2025 Employee of the Month. Since joining the County in November 2023, Jordan has consistently
gvnews7
Jan 53 min read


Graceville City Commission Meeting Concludes With Message of Unity, Forgiveness, and Faith
The Graceville City Commission addressed a full agenda at its recent meeting, approving several key administrative and infrastructure items while closing the evening with a powerful reminder of faith, reconciliation, and community unity. Among the actions taken, commissioners unanimously approved amendments to the previous fiscal year budget as part of the city’s annual audit requirements, noting that no major changes were necessary. The commission also approved the city’s 2
gvnews7
Jan 53 min read


Recollections: Legends of Yesterday - Wade & Nannie Williams
This is a reprint of original articles by Hugh Woolley, a longtime resident and community leader of Graceville. Woolley published these articles in The Graceville News more than 20 years ago. Originally published in the December 12, 2002 edition of The Graceville News. “Mr. Wade” Wade and Nannie Williams Robert Wade Williams, (1893-1979) was the son of a pioneering Jackson and Washington County family and the continuation, along with his sisters, and brother, of a heri
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Dec 15, 20253 min read


Graceville City Commission Advances Infrastructure Projects, Honors Fire Chief
The Graceville City Commission convened for its regular November meeting on Tuesday, November 18. with a full agenda focused on city infrastructure, grant-funded improvements, and recognition of long-serving public safety personnel. After approving an amended agenda, commissioners quickly moved into discussions beginning with the annual volunteer fire department bonus list. City Manager Michelle Watkins and Fire Chief Tommy Dennis explained the long-standing 35% call-response
gvnews7
Dec 8, 20253 min read


Recollections: Legends of Yesterday - The Kirklands
This is a reprint of original articles by Hugh Woolley, a longtime resident and community leader of Graceville. Woolley published these articles in The Graceville News more than 20 years ago. Originally published in the November 28, 2002 edition of The Graceville News. The following story was written by Katherine Kirkland Keplinger of Bridgewater, Virginia to be included in the Jackson County Heritage Book. Pioneer Spirit When I received a notice that my Graceville High S
gvnews7
Dec 1, 20254 min read


Recollections: Legends of Yesterday - The Jason Junior Miles Family
This is a reprint of original articles by Hugh Woolley, a longtime resident and community leader of Graceville. Woolley published these articles in The Graceville News more than 20 years ago. Originally published in the October 17 and November 14, 2002 editions of The Graceville News. The Heritage Book is coming alive, several stories are coming in this month. Ruth Miles Alsobrooks brought me five stories about five Miles families. Thanks to Ruth, today I will devote my
gvnews7
Nov 17, 20257 min read
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