Gunfire in the Dark: Baker Man Charged After Targeting Juvenile Staff Reports March 24, 2026 1:59 pm Crime, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: A Baker man fired multiple shotgun rounds toward a juvenile he mistook for a trespasser Deputies say the suspect continued firing even after realizing the individual was a minor No injuries were reported, but the suspect now faces aggravated assault charges A Baker man is facing an aggravated assault charge after allegedly firing multiple shotgun rounds in the direction of a juvenile Monday night, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to reports of shots fired near Skeeter Lane around 8:30 p.m. in the Baker area. Investigators say the incident began when a juvenile was near the corner of his family’s property, building a fort and using a flashlight on his phone. A nearby neighbor, identified as 54-year-old James Knight, told deputies he believed the individual was an adult trespassing. Authorities say Knight ordered the juvenile to leave before firing a round from a 20-gauge shotgun in the person’s direction in an attempt to scare him away. According to the sheriff’s office, the juvenile yelled out in fear. Despite that, Knight continued firing additional rounds even after recognizing the individual as a juvenile and acknowledging that he was not on his property line. Knight told deputies he held the firearm at a 45-degree angle while firing. No injuries were reported. Investigators say Knight’s actions created a well-founded fear in the victim and demonstrated the... Read More

Stabbing at Walton Middle School leaves three in hospital Christopher Saul March 24, 2026 1:40 pm Crime, DeFuniak Springs, Walton County This is a developing story; check back here periodically for updates.  UPDATE: Charges Filed, Victims Still in Intensive Care, Officials Call Attack “Totally Random” Following further investigation and a review of surveillance footage, the suspect has been formally charged with attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, wearing a mask during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, and disrupting a school function, according to a statement posted on the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Sheriff Michael A Adkinson said investigators have now been able to reconstruct the attack from school surveillance video and stressed that the victims were chosen at random. “From all accounts, this appears to be totally random regarding victim selection,” Adkinson said. “There was no relationship between the victims and the suspect… as far as we understand, this is a completely random set of victims.”  Adkinson said the two student victims remain hospitalized in intensive care following emergency procedures. Both of the two children who were attacked are still in the hospital. “They’re still in intensive care and underwent procedures yesterday,” he said, emphasizing the importance of rapid, advanced life-saving care on scene. The paraprofessional injured in the attack has been released. “The paraprofessional is at home,” Adkinson said. State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden, whose office will ultimately decide how to proceed with prosecution, called the incident a “random act of violence” that... Read More

Saddle up for Westonwood Ranch’s Rodeo! Steven Saul March 24, 2026 10:55 am Charities and Nonprofits, Freeport Howdy Partner!  It’s Rodeo Time!  Load up Your Wagons and Head on Over to the Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo – Friday and Saturday This Friday and Saturday (March 27 and 28) is Rodeo Weekend in Freeport.  Everyone is invited to the 7th Annual Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo, to be held at the Freeport Regional Sports Complex.  Gates open at 6:00 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 each night.  Friday night, the headliner will be David Gautreau (singer/songwriter), who is well known for traditional country music and has performed at many venues, including the Houston Rodeo. Tickets for the Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo may only be purchased at the gate.  Admission is $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 12 and under.  Free admission for children 2 and under.  Parking is free. Lindy Wood, Founder of Westonwood Ranch, told Mid Bay News (MBN) that the history of this rodeo is one of “community support and excellence”.  In fact, this rodeo was awarded “Best 1,500 Added Professional Cowboy Association (PCA) Rodeo of the Year” in 2025.  Wood added, “The award was specifically directed to the Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo because contestants commended us because it (“our rodeo”) is an excellent, high-energy rodeo.”  She added, “Reviews stated that the Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo is one of ‘the favorites’ according to contestants.” What if I am new to rodeo? If this is your first rodeo, get... Read More