If the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast is correct, residents along the Chipola River need to brace for more rising water.
Jody Daniels of the Calhoun County Emergency Management office says the Chipola River is currently at 16.73 feet, but the NWS has predicted it will rise to just over 26 feet in the coming days.
Daniels is hoping the forecast is wrong, but preparing for the worst. “It falls until this afternoon, then it all of a sudden takes off Jan. 1 and 2, getting up to 26.1 feet,” he remarks. “Our main problem is Scotts Ferry, the Dead Lakes area, and around Chipola Park. The Chipola River is already backed up because of the Apalachicola River being high. There’s areas there close to homes and almost in fish camps. If it jumps like they say, we’re looking at major problems. It has nowhere to go.”
Daniels says those living in the Lamb Eddy area should also prepare for rising waters that will limit access to homes.
The Apalachicola River has crested at 25.6 feet and is on a gradual fall, but still high. It should hit 20.5 feet Jan. 5.
Sandbags are available at the Calhoun County Road Department. Staff will be there until 3 p.m. today. Call the Emergency Management office at 674-8075 if you need sandbags after hours or over the holiday weekend.
Shelter and fresh drinking water are also available. Contact the Emergency Management office at 674-8075 for either of those needs. Phones will be manned throughout the weekend.
Road closures include:
Don O’Bryan Road
Parrish Lake Road East
John Redd Road
M.G. Holley Road
Lands Store Road
Ocheesee Landing
Blon Carter Road
Oak Street and Park Avenue in the Chipola Park Area (closed to thru traffic)
Mason Road has reopened.
The County Record has an hour-by-hour weather forecast and radar available on our website by clicking the “current weather” link at the top of our home page.
Entries from December 2015
NEWS ALERT: State of Emergency, Shelter Open, Water Available
Calhoun County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency. According to Jody Daniels of the Emergency Management Office, heavy rains are forecast tonight and could impact local rivers. The Chipola River in Scott's Ferry is of particular concern. Daniels says a public shelter is open. Call 674-8075 for shelter details. Also, fresh drinking water is available at the courthouse for anyone in need. The Calhoun County Emergency Management Center is being staffed around the clock. Call 674-8075 if you have any questions or concerns. Daniels urges everyone to stay off flooded roads. An updated list of road closures will be announced soon. More details as they become available.
OBITUARY - Harris
Patricia Ann Harris, 80, of Blountstown, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2015 in Panama City.
Born in DeQuincy, Louisiana, January 30, 1935, Pat was the daughter of the late Albert and Jewel (Bass) Coward. She operated a day care for many years and was a member of Blountstown First Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Harris, and two sisters, Glenda Bozeman and Rita Musgrove.
Survivors include her son, Clay Harris, of Blountstown; daughter, Traci Powell, of Panama City; five grandchildren, Shayla Harris, Katelyn Harris, Jamie Harris, Lylly Kate Powell and Anna Powell; and a brother, Jerry Coward, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, in the Chapel of Adams Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Bud Guilford officiating. Interment will be in Boggs Cemetery in Blountstown.
Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements (ph. 674-5449). You may offer the family condolences online at adamsfh.com.
[Full Story »]
Born in DeQuincy, Louisiana, January 30, 1935, Pat was the daughter of the late Albert and Jewel (Bass) Coward. She operated a day care for many years and was a member of Blountstown First Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Harris, and two sisters, Glenda Bozeman and Rita Musgrove.
Survivors include her son, Clay Harris, of Blountstown; daughter, Traci Powell, of Panama City; five grandchildren, Shayla Harris, Katelyn Harris, Jamie Harris, Lylly Kate Powell and Anna Powell; and a brother, Jerry Coward, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, in the Chapel of Adams Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Bud Guilford officiating. Interment will be in Boggs Cemetery in Blountstown.
Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements (ph. 674-5449). You may offer the family condolences online at adamsfh.com.
[Full Story »]
NEWS ALERT: Rising Rivers Result in Road Closures
The rivers are rising in Calhoun County, resulting in a few road closures. According to Emergency Management Director Angie Smith’s office, the Apalachicola River is at 24.49 and rising slightly. It is expected to crest at 24.8 on Tuesday. The Chipola River is at 16.61 and expected to crest Tuesday at 18.5. Road closures include:
Don O’Bryan Road
Parrish Lake Road East
John Redd Road
M.G. Holley Road
Lands Store Road
Ocheesee Landing
For more information, call the Emergency Management office at 674-8075.
Don O’Bryan Road
Parrish Lake Road East
John Redd Road
M.G. Holley Road
Lands Store Road
Ocheesee Landing
For more information, call the Emergency Management office at 674-8075.
OBITUARY - Stewart
James Stewart, 47, of Blountstown, passed away in Blountstown Thursday, December 24, 2015.
Born in Grand Ridge, Florida, April 4, 1968, James was the son of Ellis Dick Stewart and Lucille (Adkins) Stewart. He was a dredge boat operator for many years and attended Blountstown Community Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ellis Dick Stewart.
Survivors include his mother, Lucille Stewart, of Blountstown; wife, Sherrie Stewart, also of Blountstown; three sons, Justin Stewart of Marianna, Levi Lovett and Sammy Lovett, both of Bushnell, Florida; three brothers, Rubin Stewart and his wife, Belle, of Blountstown, Jeff Stewart and his wife, Joann, also of Blountstown, and Daniel Stewart and his wife, April, of Altha; a sister, Sissy Caughran, and her husband, Ross, of Marianna; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family; and his beloved dog, Chicken.
The family will receive friends from 3:00-4:00 p.m., Monday, December 28, at Blountstown Community Church. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the church with Reverend Larry Rogers officiating.
Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements (ph. 674-5449). You may offer the family condolences online at adamsfh.com. [Full Story »]
Born in Grand Ridge, Florida, April 4, 1968, James was the son of Ellis Dick Stewart and Lucille (Adkins) Stewart. He was a dredge boat operator for many years and attended Blountstown Community Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ellis Dick Stewart.
Survivors include his mother, Lucille Stewart, of Blountstown; wife, Sherrie Stewart, also of Blountstown; three sons, Justin Stewart of Marianna, Levi Lovett and Sammy Lovett, both of Bushnell, Florida; three brothers, Rubin Stewart and his wife, Belle, of Blountstown, Jeff Stewart and his wife, Joann, also of Blountstown, and Daniel Stewart and his wife, April, of Altha; a sister, Sissy Caughran, and her husband, Ross, of Marianna; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family; and his beloved dog, Chicken.
The family will receive friends from 3:00-4:00 p.m., Monday, December 28, at Blountstown Community Church. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the church with Reverend Larry Rogers officiating.
Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements (ph. 674-5449). You may offer the family condolences online at adamsfh.com. [Full Story »]
Briana Davis to cheer in London January 1
Briana Davis, the daughter of Greta Jackson and the granddaughter of Christell Jackson, is headed to London, England, later this week to cheer in the New Year’s Parade.
[Full Story »]
Altha seniors entertain students and faculty with a Christmas play
Altha seniors had a blast presenting their final school Christmas play last week.
[Full Story »]
Woman dies after being forced to leave hospital
The County Record had already gone to press Tuesday morning when news of Barbara Dawson's sudden death at Calhoun Liberty Hospital was reported.
Dawson, 57, had been forcibly removed from the facility Monday after being treated. [Full Story »]
Dawson, 57, had been forcibly removed from the facility Monday after being treated. [Full Story »]
THREE HOUR DEBATE Proposed fracking ban doesn’t pass
Calhoun County Commissioners spent three hours listening to arguments for and against fracking last Thursday night during a standing room only special meeting held in the courtroom. By meeting’s end, the board voted not to sign a resolution banning fracking in our area.
[Full Story »]
Calhoun Co. ambulance service issues discussed
The Calhoun County Ambulance Service was back on the agenda Thursday night at a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]
Legals for 12-24-15
Legal Notice
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]
Sheriff's Log for 12-24-15
CALHOUN COUNTY
Dec. 14: Keenda Dewayne Jenkins, failure to appear
Dec. 15: Deana Kay Chastain, neglect of child, sale of meth; Davarrious Winbush, sale of meth, neglect of child
Dec. 16: James W. Porter, poss. meth/out of county warrant
Dec. 18: Wilsie Shiloh Hart, DUI; Dannyelle Mari White, sale of methamphetamine
[Full Story »]
Dec. 14: Keenda Dewayne Jenkins, failure to appear
Dec. 15: Deana Kay Chastain, neglect of child, sale of meth; Davarrious Winbush, sale of meth, neglect of child
Dec. 16: James W. Porter, poss. meth/out of county warrant
Dec. 18: Wilsie Shiloh Hart, DUI; Dannyelle Mari White, sale of methamphetamine
[Full Story »]
OBITUARY - Lane

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Clarksville; five children, Christopher Lane, Shawn Lane, Eric Lane, Dustin Lane and Savannah Lane; three step-children, Ashley Whitehurst, Frankie Whitehurst, and James Whitehurst, Jr.; his father, James Claunch; siblings, Daniel Powell, Alton Fender, Tommy Claunch and Marti Claunch.
Mr. Lane will be cremated. A memorial service is planned January 2. All family and friends are invited to gather that day at the family’s home in Clarksville.
[Full Story »]
NEWS ALERT: Autopsy Results Released in Dawson's Death
PRESS STATEMENT
From Blountstown Police Chief Mark Mallory, Blountstown, FL
First and foremost, our deepest condolences go out to the family of Ms. Barbara Dawson. As law enforcement officers we are frequently, and in fact, perhaps daily, called to the emergency room to ensure the safety of patients, staff, family members and visitors. During the early morning hours of December 21, 2015 at approx. 4:46 A.M. the Blountstown Police Department was called to the emergency department (ED) at Calhoun Liberty Hospital due to patient that refused to leave the ED after being discharged by a doctor.
A single officer from our department arrived at the ED at approx. 4:48 A.M. Upon arrival, medical staff at the ED notified our officer that the discharged patient, Ms. Barbara Dawson, had indeed been discharged by their physician and was refusing to leave her room. Our officer proceeded to this room where he greeted the patient and requested that she voluntarily cooperate and leave the premises. The officer made multiple requests for Dawson to leave the facility. Our officer asked an aunt, who was present in the room, if she could take her home. Ms. Dawson continued to refuse to cooperate at this time, and the officer took her into custody. Dawson was being charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.
The patient walked out of the ED under her own power, escorted by our officer. Upon arrival at the patrol car, our officer went to open the back door at which time Ms. Dawson collapsed and our officer attempted to control her fall to the ground. This occurred at approx. 4:59 A.M. Our officer tried to get Ms. Dawson to respond to his verbal commands. Our officer asked for help once he realized the patient did indeed appear to be unresponsive and had medical staff respond to Ms. Dawson at approx. 5:00 A.M.
Medical staff came to the patrol car and took Ms. Dawson’s vital signs. Ms. Dawson had a pulse and appeared to be breathing. Medical staff remained with Ms. Dawson and checked her vital signs on several occasions. During this time the right side handcuff was removed from Mrs. Dawson, while she was being monitored. A few moments later the ED physician came outside and instructed his team to bring Ms. Dawson back inside the ED. At this time, the care of Ms. Dawson was transferred to the ED staff. Our officer asked the doctor present with Ms. Dawson if she was being readmitted into the hospital and he advised that she was. Ms. Dawson was quickly transported back inside the ED.
According to interviews conducted with medical staff and the available audio from the officer’s in car camera, Ms. Dawson had a pulse and was alive when transferred back to the care of the doctor and hospital. Ms. Dawson expired while being attended to by a doctor in the ED, and was pronounced dead at approx. 6:24 A.M.
I have been briefed by our District 14 Medical Examiner out of Panama City, Florida as to the cause of death. The Medical Examiner indicated that the death had been ruled a natural death and that the cause of death was due to pulmonary saddle embolus due to thrombophlebitis, due to morbid obesity. This is commonly referred to as blood clot in the lungs.
The Blountstown Police Department will continue to investigate the events surrounding the death of Ms. Dawson. I have also requested that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) open their own independent investigation into this matter. The Blountstown Police Department will cooperate fully with FDLE during their investigation.
Blountstown is a small, close-knit community, we look after each other, and we care for each other. When our officers report to someone’s home, the scene of an accident, or the emergency department, the safety of all involved is our top concern. I am not a physician and cannot address the medical condition of Ms. Dawson. What I can say is that we all grieve when we lose a community member. Losing someone to a car accident or an existing medical condition, the loss is still the same.
From Blountstown Police Chief Mark Mallory, Blountstown, FL
First and foremost, our deepest condolences go out to the family of Ms. Barbara Dawson. As law enforcement officers we are frequently, and in fact, perhaps daily, called to the emergency room to ensure the safety of patients, staff, family members and visitors. During the early morning hours of December 21, 2015 at approx. 4:46 A.M. the Blountstown Police Department was called to the emergency department (ED) at Calhoun Liberty Hospital due to patient that refused to leave the ED after being discharged by a doctor.
A single officer from our department arrived at the ED at approx. 4:48 A.M. Upon arrival, medical staff at the ED notified our officer that the discharged patient, Ms. Barbara Dawson, had indeed been discharged by their physician and was refusing to leave her room. Our officer proceeded to this room where he greeted the patient and requested that she voluntarily cooperate and leave the premises. The officer made multiple requests for Dawson to leave the facility. Our officer asked an aunt, who was present in the room, if she could take her home. Ms. Dawson continued to refuse to cooperate at this time, and the officer took her into custody. Dawson was being charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.
The patient walked out of the ED under her own power, escorted by our officer. Upon arrival at the patrol car, our officer went to open the back door at which time Ms. Dawson collapsed and our officer attempted to control her fall to the ground. This occurred at approx. 4:59 A.M. Our officer tried to get Ms. Dawson to respond to his verbal commands. Our officer asked for help once he realized the patient did indeed appear to be unresponsive and had medical staff respond to Ms. Dawson at approx. 5:00 A.M.
Medical staff came to the patrol car and took Ms. Dawson’s vital signs. Ms. Dawson had a pulse and appeared to be breathing. Medical staff remained with Ms. Dawson and checked her vital signs on several occasions. During this time the right side handcuff was removed from Mrs. Dawson, while she was being monitored. A few moments later the ED physician came outside and instructed his team to bring Ms. Dawson back inside the ED. At this time, the care of Ms. Dawson was transferred to the ED staff. Our officer asked the doctor present with Ms. Dawson if she was being readmitted into the hospital and he advised that she was. Ms. Dawson was quickly transported back inside the ED.
According to interviews conducted with medical staff and the available audio from the officer’s in car camera, Ms. Dawson had a pulse and was alive when transferred back to the care of the doctor and hospital. Ms. Dawson expired while being attended to by a doctor in the ED, and was pronounced dead at approx. 6:24 A.M.
I have been briefed by our District 14 Medical Examiner out of Panama City, Florida as to the cause of death. The Medical Examiner indicated that the death had been ruled a natural death and that the cause of death was due to pulmonary saddle embolus due to thrombophlebitis, due to morbid obesity. This is commonly referred to as blood clot in the lungs.
The Blountstown Police Department will continue to investigate the events surrounding the death of Ms. Dawson. I have also requested that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) open their own independent investigation into this matter. The Blountstown Police Department will cooperate fully with FDLE during their investigation.
Blountstown is a small, close-knit community, we look after each other, and we care for each other. When our officers report to someone’s home, the scene of an accident, or the emergency department, the safety of all involved is our top concern. I am not a physician and cannot address the medical condition of Ms. Dawson. What I can say is that we all grieve when we lose a community member. Losing someone to a car accident or an existing medical condition, the loss is still the same.
COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING THURSDAY AT 5:30
Fracking and ambulance service to be discussed
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]
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