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BY KELLI PEACOCK DUNN
News Editor

Alleged gunman Chris Melton of Blountstown was apprehended this morning in Shelton's Corner. Melton is accused of shooting Devon Sherrod Tuesday afternoon outside Melton's home on Juniper Avenue.

Melton immediately went on the run. Authorities searched throughout the night and located him earlier today at a home off Hwy. 73 B at the end of Tyler Lane. He was reportedly staying there with a female known as Cassey Marks. Authorities are looking for the individual who gave him a ride to Marks' residence.

Meanwhile, Sherrod underwent surgery last night at Bay Medical Center and remains stable in Surgical ICU. Sources indicate he was shot in the pelvic area. He was able to give investigators a statement.

Melton was just booked into the Calhoun County Jail. The gun allegedly used in the shooting was just found hidden at the Juniper Avenue residence.

Melton's girlfriend of Bristol was taken into custody yesterday afternoon on outstanding warrants, but has not been charged with any crime related to the shooting. Sherrod is reportedly the father of her child, but sources say she recently started dating Melton, who was a mutual friend.

Special thanks to Blountstown Police Chief Kipper Mallory and his team for keeping us informed throughout this incident so we could keep our readers posted! More details as they become available.

Blountstown residents are urged to lock their doors as an armed gunman remains at large. Christopher Melton, a white male clad in blue shorts and no shirt, allegedly shot someone on Juniper Avenue (the neighborhood behind Burger King) this afternoon. According to Blountstown Police Chief Kipper Mallory, the victim is currently stable at Bay Medical. Melton is believed to be armed with a .357 Magnum. If you see him, call 911. Do not attempt to make contact with him. Helicopters are searching from above and armed officers from both the BPD and Calhoun County Sheriff's Office are stationed around the area from Gaskin Street to Juniper.

Local churches united Sunday to sponsor the God & Country Community Celebration at the Tri-County Agriculture Pavilion inside the Calhoun County Industrial Park. [Full Story »] 

We will soon be celebrating Independence Day on the Fourth of July. In the spirit of celebration of the freedoms we have as a Christian nation, the churches and businesses in Calhoun and Liberty counties are coordinating a community God & Country Celebration. [Full Story »] 

Five candidates have qualified for two seats on the Blountstown City Council.
Ward 1 incumbent, Ronnie Williams, Sr., has opposition from former Councilman Clifford Jackson, along with newcomer Bill Riley. Ward 2 incumbent Janie Boyd will face Richard Armstrong on the ballot. Election day is set for Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Over in Altha, there will be no election as Carol Anderson was the only candidate to step forward. She will automatically fill one of the vacant Council seats, leaving another one still open. The Altha Town Council will now decide on appointing someone to fill the second seat. More details as they become available.

BY KELLI PEACOCK DUNN
News Editor

A correctional officer from Bristol, who also serves as a part-time deputy for the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday, then arrested.
Corry B. Fletcher, 43, along with Correctional Officer William J. Ray, 40, of Carrabelle, have been accused of physically assaulting an inmate at Franklin Correctional Institution without justification and causing the inmate bodily injury. The incident reportedly occurred last summer. Fletcher was additionally charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly misleading FBI and FDLE agents through false statements.
Fletcher was transferred to Calhoun Correctional Institution in September where he served as a captain. He was terminated this week by the Florida Department of Corrections and suspended by the LCSO.
Check out the full story in this week’s print edition of The County Record.

BY POWELL COBB
The Post-Searchlight,
Bainbridge, Georgia

Anthony Patterson was traveling up East River Road Tuesday afternoon when he saw a pillar of dark smoke rising about a mile up the road. [Full Story »] 

Those who gave all for our freedom were remembered Monday at the Calhoun County Courthouse. [Full Story »] 

Jeff Atwater, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/State Fire Marshall, for the State of Florida, stopped by the Calhoun County Commission meeting last Tuesday night. [Full Story »]