
Goat Day Celebration
Saturday marked the 26th Annual Goat Day celebration in Calhoun County.
[Full Story »]

Smith drops out of race
Julie Leonard-Smith, candidate for Calhoun County School Superintendent, has dropped out of the race.
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]

Free booth spaces, candidate forum planned “Moonlight Market” is Thursday night in downtown Blountstown
Blountstown Main Street will be sponsoring another Moonlight Market on Thursday, Oct. 25, in downtown Blountstown. All booths will be set up on North Pear Street, the same as at the Fourth of July market. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.
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Spooktacular Events Ghost Walk Thursday night paranormal event Saturday
The Blountstown High School 2013 Project Graduation Committee is planning two spooktacular nights to get your scare on in Calhoun County!
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[Full Story »]

District tourney underway for Lady Cats
The Altha Lady Wildcats are hosting the district tournament this week.
[Full Story »]

Lady Tigers to battle for district title
The Blountstown Lady Tigers will go up against the Liberty County Lady Bulldogs Thursday at 7 p.m. in the BHS gym with the district title on the line.
[Full Story »]

“Champions” Program Off to a Great Start!
Do you like riding your bike, playing basketball, or running around your neighborhood? How would you like doing those things better? Imagine if you could ride further, run faster, and play longer! “Champions” is the program that can make that happen. “Champions” makes you better at what you do. And the best part… champions makes getting into shape fun!
[Full Story »]

BHS students donate to scholarship in memory of three Sneads students
Devan Roulhac, Blountstown High School SGA president, is shown above presenting the Sneads High School sophomore class president, Kent Alford, with a check for $750 to go towards the permanent memorial scholarship for the three 10th grade boys from Sneads who were killed in a recent wreck.
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Sheriff's Log for 10-25-12
CALHOUN COUNTY
Oct. 15: Charlesa Aldridge, petit theft; Vicki King, violation of conditional release; Jonathan Price, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, knowing providing false ownership of goods; John Paul Yon, domestic battery; Kevin Mabry Hill, domestic battery
Oct. 16: James Musgrove, listed chemicals; Benjamin Austin, VOP
Oct. 17: Teresa Rebollar, battery; Christopher Roeters, computer pornography
Oct. 18: Namun McClellan, lewd and lascivious molestation; Tracey Stacey, retail theft
Oct. 19: Lea Causey, VOP; James Wilson, VOP; Thomas Miller, VOP
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Oct. 15: Charlesa Aldridge, petit theft; Vicki King, violation of conditional release; Jonathan Price, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, knowing providing false ownership of goods; John Paul Yon, domestic battery; Kevin Mabry Hill, domestic battery
Oct. 16: James Musgrove, listed chemicals; Benjamin Austin, VOP
Oct. 17: Teresa Rebollar, battery; Christopher Roeters, computer pornography
Oct. 18: Namun McClellan, lewd and lascivious molestation; Tracey Stacey, retail theft
Oct. 19: Lea Causey, VOP; James Wilson, VOP; Thomas Miller, VOP
[Full Story »]
Marty Burke
Mr. Marty Burke, 51, of Southport, FL, passed away after a long illness Monday, October 15, 2012, at his home.
Marty was born on May 5, 1961, in Atlanta, GA, and was raised in Winter Haven, FL. He served in the United States Army and was a carpenter by trade. [Full Story »]
Marty was born on May 5, 1961, in Atlanta, GA, and was raised in Winter Haven, FL. He served in the United States Army and was a carpenter by trade. [Full Story »]
Willie Earl Gay
Willie Earl Gay, 79, of Dellwood died Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Jackson Hospital.
[Full Story »]
[Full Story »]
NEWS ALERT: Final Two Questions With Sheriff Candidates
Here are the final two questions in our interview with Calhoun County Sheriff candidates. Watch for more candidate interviews later this week!
4. The role of sheriff requires diverse responsibilities, ranging from operating 911, administering the civil process, running the county jail, plus maintaining law and order throughout the county. What specific experience or expertise do you have that has prepared you for these roles?
PONEY ADAMS: I have 31 years of administrative experience owning and operating my own business.
JIMMY BAGGETT: I have a little over 21 years combined law enforcement experience. I’ve worked in a criminal forensic unit in charge of some of the most violent criminals in the State of Florida. I’m in charge of ingress and degress of the buildings. I’m in charge of court orders. When different agencies throughout the State of Florida bring offenders in, I’m in charge of when they enter or leave that building, whether to another city or town, I have to make note of what they are wearing, what time they leave and return, transport, and all the details that must be entered in a database. I review all court orders and make sure they’re signed by the judges.
For eight and a half years, I’ve been Chief of Police for the Town of Altha. I’ve been in charge of criminal investigations, investigate traffic accidents, I’m E-Agent certified, Automatic Trans Management System certified, DAVIDS System (Driver And Vehicle Information Database) certified, and I’m certified in traffic crash reporting. I’ve also successfully completed several drug classes and been certified in how to properly maintain an evidence room and evidence logs. I maintain a budget for the Altha Police Department and I supervise other officers.
KEN FUTCH: The one thing that separates me from most of the candidates is my overall experience. Having been in law enforcement for nearly 30 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in almost every aspect a Sheriff’s Office requires. This includes corrections, patrol, administration, investigations and, most recently, jail administrator. I am the one candidate that has a formal education as a graduate from a law enforcement management program at North Carolina State University.
EARL HUNT: I feel like I can work the budget because when I was a county commissioner, the board set all the budget and tried to fund their budget.
GLENN KIMBREL: I’ve got 35 years of experience. I started at the bottom and worked my way to the top and held all positions from the bottom to the top which is investigating crimes, managing patrol officers, and ultimately chief of police where I ran and fully managed a 16-member department which includes budgeting. I also managed the fire department for the city, animal control, code enforcement. I know that when you receive a budget at the beginning of the budget year, that budget has to last 12 months. You have to manage that budget on a weekly basis to make sure you have funds in the 12th month. And I have that experience.
TOMASI MATAUTIA: With my 23 years with the Department of Corrections, being in a supervisory position, I’m able to make decisions anytime an incident occurs, whether it’s minor or major. Being certified in law enforcement since 1992, I have worked under the latest sheriffs, Buddy Smith and David Tatum, as a reserve deputy. I believe the knowledge and experience I have learned from the law enforcement family would give me the ability serve the people of Calhoun County. Any complaint I can listen to and make decisions to better serve their needs and provide protection of the community.
ADAM TERRY: I’ve been at the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years. Although I have not been the administrator of the jail or administering the money, I have fleet maintenance experience, and that has to be within a budget and I always take care of that. I’ve been around this jail being run and I am certified in corrections and law enforcement. I do have a large amount of supervisory experience over the law enforcement division. As far as the administrative part, there are people in this agency that are highly qualified and very good at taking care of the administrative part of this business. I will have to rely on them to help me learn everything I need to know about the administrative part of the Sheriff’s Office.
5. What sets you apart from your opponents?
PONEY ADAMS: Common sense.
JIMMY BAGGETT: I was born and raised here in Calhoun County. My heart is of Calhoun County. I’m running because I don’t just work here in Calhoun County, I live here, also, and I want to make a positive impact on the citizens of Calhoun County and to be recognized as the best Sheriff’s Department that’s ever been in Calhoun County. That’s my goal.
KEN FUTCH: The biggest thing is the willingness to identify the need for change. As your sheriff, I find it necessary to recognize when things fall short of the expectations of the people. The Sheriff’s Office belongs to the community. With my experience and maturity, I will work hard to make this Sheriff’s Office something the people are proud of.
EARL HUNT: All of them can do the job, but I feel like I would be available. I think I can run the Sheriff’s Office and be available as much as anybody.
GLENN KIMBREL: Experience. I have been involved in investigating all types of criminal activities whether it be the theft of a child’s bicycle or a death investigation. I’ve spent many years investigating drug activity. Also, it goes back to experience - 35 years. I started as a volunteer and ended up as chief of police managing a 16-person department. I do realize a police department does not perform all the tasks a county sheriff’s office does. There will be things I have to learn if elected, but I’m familiar with the things I do need to learn and it won’t take me long to learn them, such as seizing of property for banks, levying on property, the sale of property on the courthouse steps. Those are things I have to learn about. But, again, it won’t take me long to learn.
TOMASI MATAUTIA: I’m a family man and a close leader in my family that helps guide and bring my family together. That will help me serve people with the honesty and compassion I have, the respect I have for people in this community. I believe I will be the better candidate to serve in the Sheriff’s Office where people in our community can be served and treated in a way everybody needs to be treated with respect, honesty and integrity. I would also like to bring our Sheriff’s Office to a high level of respect and integrity to the law enforcement community. The staff under my supervision will be able to communicate well and perform their duties in a way the community will be proud of.
ADAM TERRY: I’ve got 20 years experience and I have not been in an office. I have been out in the communities, working the road, answering calls. I’m very aware of what’s going on in our communities. I know the people, the people know me. That will enable me to have the confidence of the people from day one.
4. The role of sheriff requires diverse responsibilities, ranging from operating 911, administering the civil process, running the county jail, plus maintaining law and order throughout the county. What specific experience or expertise do you have that has prepared you for these roles?
PONEY ADAMS: I have 31 years of administrative experience owning and operating my own business.
JIMMY BAGGETT: I have a little over 21 years combined law enforcement experience. I’ve worked in a criminal forensic unit in charge of some of the most violent criminals in the State of Florida. I’m in charge of ingress and degress of the buildings. I’m in charge of court orders. When different agencies throughout the State of Florida bring offenders in, I’m in charge of when they enter or leave that building, whether to another city or town, I have to make note of what they are wearing, what time they leave and return, transport, and all the details that must be entered in a database. I review all court orders and make sure they’re signed by the judges.
For eight and a half years, I’ve been Chief of Police for the Town of Altha. I’ve been in charge of criminal investigations, investigate traffic accidents, I’m E-Agent certified, Automatic Trans Management System certified, DAVIDS System (Driver And Vehicle Information Database) certified, and I’m certified in traffic crash reporting. I’ve also successfully completed several drug classes and been certified in how to properly maintain an evidence room and evidence logs. I maintain a budget for the Altha Police Department and I supervise other officers.
KEN FUTCH: The one thing that separates me from most of the candidates is my overall experience. Having been in law enforcement for nearly 30 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in almost every aspect a Sheriff’s Office requires. This includes corrections, patrol, administration, investigations and, most recently, jail administrator. I am the one candidate that has a formal education as a graduate from a law enforcement management program at North Carolina State University.
EARL HUNT: I feel like I can work the budget because when I was a county commissioner, the board set all the budget and tried to fund their budget.
GLENN KIMBREL: I’ve got 35 years of experience. I started at the bottom and worked my way to the top and held all positions from the bottom to the top which is investigating crimes, managing patrol officers, and ultimately chief of police where I ran and fully managed a 16-member department which includes budgeting. I also managed the fire department for the city, animal control, code enforcement. I know that when you receive a budget at the beginning of the budget year, that budget has to last 12 months. You have to manage that budget on a weekly basis to make sure you have funds in the 12th month. And I have that experience.
TOMASI MATAUTIA: With my 23 years with the Department of Corrections, being in a supervisory position, I’m able to make decisions anytime an incident occurs, whether it’s minor or major. Being certified in law enforcement since 1992, I have worked under the latest sheriffs, Buddy Smith and David Tatum, as a reserve deputy. I believe the knowledge and experience I have learned from the law enforcement family would give me the ability serve the people of Calhoun County. Any complaint I can listen to and make decisions to better serve their needs and provide protection of the community.
ADAM TERRY: I’ve been at the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years. Although I have not been the administrator of the jail or administering the money, I have fleet maintenance experience, and that has to be within a budget and I always take care of that. I’ve been around this jail being run and I am certified in corrections and law enforcement. I do have a large amount of supervisory experience over the law enforcement division. As far as the administrative part, there are people in this agency that are highly qualified and very good at taking care of the administrative part of this business. I will have to rely on them to help me learn everything I need to know about the administrative part of the Sheriff’s Office.
5. What sets you apart from your opponents?
PONEY ADAMS: Common sense.
JIMMY BAGGETT: I was born and raised here in Calhoun County. My heart is of Calhoun County. I’m running because I don’t just work here in Calhoun County, I live here, also, and I want to make a positive impact on the citizens of Calhoun County and to be recognized as the best Sheriff’s Department that’s ever been in Calhoun County. That’s my goal.
KEN FUTCH: The biggest thing is the willingness to identify the need for change. As your sheriff, I find it necessary to recognize when things fall short of the expectations of the people. The Sheriff’s Office belongs to the community. With my experience and maturity, I will work hard to make this Sheriff’s Office something the people are proud of.
EARL HUNT: All of them can do the job, but I feel like I would be available. I think I can run the Sheriff’s Office and be available as much as anybody.
GLENN KIMBREL: Experience. I have been involved in investigating all types of criminal activities whether it be the theft of a child’s bicycle or a death investigation. I’ve spent many years investigating drug activity. Also, it goes back to experience - 35 years. I started as a volunteer and ended up as chief of police managing a 16-person department. I do realize a police department does not perform all the tasks a county sheriff’s office does. There will be things I have to learn if elected, but I’m familiar with the things I do need to learn and it won’t take me long to learn them, such as seizing of property for banks, levying on property, the sale of property on the courthouse steps. Those are things I have to learn about. But, again, it won’t take me long to learn.
TOMASI MATAUTIA: I’m a family man and a close leader in my family that helps guide and bring my family together. That will help me serve people with the honesty and compassion I have, the respect I have for people in this community. I believe I will be the better candidate to serve in the Sheriff’s Office where people in our community can be served and treated in a way everybody needs to be treated with respect, honesty and integrity. I would also like to bring our Sheriff’s Office to a high level of respect and integrity to the law enforcement community. The staff under my supervision will be able to communicate well and perform their duties in a way the community will be proud of.
ADAM TERRY: I’ve got 20 years experience and I have not been in an office. I have been out in the communities, working the road, answering calls. I’m very aware of what’s going on in our communities. I know the people, the people know me. That will enable me to have the confidence of the people from day one.
NEWS ALERT: Q & A With Sheriff Candidates - Question 3
Our interview with County County sheriff candidates continues with question number 3.
3. What is something you think is not working at the Sheriff’s Office and what is your plan for improvement?
PONEY ADAMS: What is not working is the same stuff I’ve been going through for the past 23 years: Investigating old homicide cases. My plan is to do that - investigate old homicide cases.
JIMMY BAGGETT: If elected sheriff, I intend to make the sheriff’s department more accessible to the citizens. The sheriff’s department is going to be more accountable to the citizens. Every citizen of Calhoun County is going to be treated with dignity and respect. I intend to have an open door policy. I intend to have a sheriff’s web based site. This website will allow the citizens’ suggestions and concerns to be sent directly to my office. Those suggestions and concerns will be responded to within 48 hours. If a citizen or group of citizens want to speak to me personally, I will be available at all times.
KEN FUTCH: Currently, we have one position budgeted for drug investigations, part of which is paid through grants. Given it’s our number one issue as a community, I find it necessary to increase that number from one to possibly three. Given the current budget situations, rather than ask for new positions, I would simply realign some of my current staff to increase the overall effectiveness of our drug investigations.
EARL HUNT: I feel like we need to listen to concerns of the citizens more than what we’ve done. We need to listen to the citizens more.
GLENN KIMBREL: I think one of the biggest things I will be faced with if elected sheriff of Calhoun County is about providing calls for service on a timely basis. I intend to look through the system and see where most calls are originating from. That’s where I’m going to put my manpower. If we have more than one on duty, obviously I’m going to have them in separate areas of the county. That will improve response time when we do have a call for service.
TOMASI MATAUTIA: Leadership and training are main things I’ve observed that need to be improved so the staff and deputies can perform their duties and for better communication for serving the public.
ADAM TERRY: An area I would like to strengthen is our school resource program. I believe we need to step up the program to do more to prevent these children from getting on dope.
3. What is something you think is not working at the Sheriff’s Office and what is your plan for improvement?
PONEY ADAMS: What is not working is the same stuff I’ve been going through for the past 23 years: Investigating old homicide cases. My plan is to do that - investigate old homicide cases.
JIMMY BAGGETT: If elected sheriff, I intend to make the sheriff’s department more accessible to the citizens. The sheriff’s department is going to be more accountable to the citizens. Every citizen of Calhoun County is going to be treated with dignity and respect. I intend to have an open door policy. I intend to have a sheriff’s web based site. This website will allow the citizens’ suggestions and concerns to be sent directly to my office. Those suggestions and concerns will be responded to within 48 hours. If a citizen or group of citizens want to speak to me personally, I will be available at all times.
KEN FUTCH: Currently, we have one position budgeted for drug investigations, part of which is paid through grants. Given it’s our number one issue as a community, I find it necessary to increase that number from one to possibly three. Given the current budget situations, rather than ask for new positions, I would simply realign some of my current staff to increase the overall effectiveness of our drug investigations.
EARL HUNT: I feel like we need to listen to concerns of the citizens more than what we’ve done. We need to listen to the citizens more.
GLENN KIMBREL: I think one of the biggest things I will be faced with if elected sheriff of Calhoun County is about providing calls for service on a timely basis. I intend to look through the system and see where most calls are originating from. That’s where I’m going to put my manpower. If we have more than one on duty, obviously I’m going to have them in separate areas of the county. That will improve response time when we do have a call for service.
TOMASI MATAUTIA: Leadership and training are main things I’ve observed that need to be improved so the staff and deputies can perform their duties and for better communication for serving the public.
ADAM TERRY: An area I would like to strengthen is our school resource program. I believe we need to step up the program to do more to prevent these children from getting on dope.
NEWS ALERT: Candidate Drops Out Of Local Race
Julie Leonard Smith, candidate for Calhoun County School Superintendent, has just dropped out of the race. More details in next week's print edition.
NEWS ALERT: Q & A With Sheriff Candidates - Question 2
This is the second question in our interview series with Calhoun County Sheriff candidates.
QUESTION: Do you plan to operate the county jail? If not, what is your plan for the jail?
.......................................................................................................
RESPONSES (Candidates listed in reverse alphabetical order today)
ADAM TERRY: It is my belief it would not be cost effective for anybody other than the sheriff to run the jail.
TOMASI MATAUTIA: I would try to maintain and see what we have at the jail. I would like to get our jail to be more involved in housing our own inmates, including females, instead of spreading them out to some of the counties nearby. That would cut down on some of the costs to the Sheriff’s Office. Hopefully, I can try to get some certified female staff to help keep the female inmates in our jail.
GLENN KIMBREL: I do plan to operate the county jail. That is a secure facility. I think it would deem to be important for the chief law enforcement officer of the county to operate the jail for security reasons.
EARL HUNT: I am planning on operating the county jail just like it’s been run and planning on keeping all the employees.
KEN FUTCH: At this point, I see no reason not to maintain the jail under the current umbrella of the sheriff. To avoid any further burden on the taxpayers, it only seems reasonable that the sheriff continue to operate the jail. As your sheriff, it’s important that I maintain a strong working relationship with our other county officials to the extent I would research whether it’s feasible to bring back the female population, as well. Having been a previous jail administrator, I find myself separated from the other candidates, given my working knowledge of the jail.
JIMMY BAGGETT: If I’m elected sheriff, we’re still going to operate the county jail. When citizens of Calhoun County come to visit their loved ones at the Calhoun County Jail, they will be treated with dignity and respect.
PONEY ADAMS: My plan is to get a grant and build a new jail. Have the state prisoners to do the work, grant money to buy the materials and use the 2 to 3 acres behind the courthouse for the site.
QUESTION: Do you plan to operate the county jail? If not, what is your plan for the jail?
.......................................................................................................
RESPONSES (Candidates listed in reverse alphabetical order today)
ADAM TERRY: It is my belief it would not be cost effective for anybody other than the sheriff to run the jail.
TOMASI MATAUTIA: I would try to maintain and see what we have at the jail. I would like to get our jail to be more involved in housing our own inmates, including females, instead of spreading them out to some of the counties nearby. That would cut down on some of the costs to the Sheriff’s Office. Hopefully, I can try to get some certified female staff to help keep the female inmates in our jail.
GLENN KIMBREL: I do plan to operate the county jail. That is a secure facility. I think it would deem to be important for the chief law enforcement officer of the county to operate the jail for security reasons.
EARL HUNT: I am planning on operating the county jail just like it’s been run and planning on keeping all the employees.
KEN FUTCH: At this point, I see no reason not to maintain the jail under the current umbrella of the sheriff. To avoid any further burden on the taxpayers, it only seems reasonable that the sheriff continue to operate the jail. As your sheriff, it’s important that I maintain a strong working relationship with our other county officials to the extent I would research whether it’s feasible to bring back the female population, as well. Having been a previous jail administrator, I find myself separated from the other candidates, given my working knowledge of the jail.
JIMMY BAGGETT: If I’m elected sheriff, we’re still going to operate the county jail. When citizens of Calhoun County come to visit their loved ones at the Calhoun County Jail, they will be treated with dignity and respect.
PONEY ADAMS: My plan is to get a grant and build a new jail. Have the state prisoners to do the work, grant money to buy the materials and use the 2 to 3 acres behind the courthouse for the site.
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