Could Morgan Wallen Follow In His Pastor Father’s Footsteps? Upon hearing the word “casserole,” many things may come to mind. Mom’s home cooking may be the natural first inclination for many, with the need for a new belt hole coming shortly after. For comedian Theo Von, host of the podcast This Past Weekend with Theo […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Valpraiso Fires Fire Chief After Secret Session Christopher Saul December 8, 2025 2:13 pm Valparaiso In Brief:  Chief Fired: David Lanier is terminated as Valparaiso Fire Chief after just five months.  EEOC Catalyst: The chief’s firing was prompted by an EEOC complaint and settlement demands from Lt. Derrick Bryan, who was subsequently reinstated.  Second Termination: Firefighter David Rodriguez, who accused the chief of using a racial slur, was also fired for misconduct, a decision supported by an outside investigation. David Lanier is out as Valparaiso Fire Chief after just five months as the department’s leader.    The Valparaiso commission unanimously decided to fire Lanier in a meeting the week of Thanksgiving after a series of incidents that spanned the gamut from allegations of racial slurs as well as accusations that he allowed his lieutenants to terminate a firefighter with whistleblower protections.    The vote came after the City Commission held a secret deliberation in executive session. Florida Law allows city leaders to discuss legal strategies where the city is involved.    Commissioner Chris Wasdin was absent from the deliberations.    RELATED: What in the world is going on at Valpariso’s Fire Department? RELATED: What in the world is going on at Valpariso’s Fire Department?   Ultimately, it was neither of those allegations that prompted the motion to terminate the chief, but an Employment Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Complaint from Lt. Derrick Bryan that led to Lanier’s termination.    Bryan, a former and current department employee, was terminated during his probationary period as a... Read More

Niceville High Launches Future Ready Program for Teens Staff Reports December 8, 2025 1:46 pm Niceville, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Allison Aiken, Niceville High School students, guest professionals What: Launch of Future Ready, an after-school program teaching life skills for adulthood When: Currently ongoing; schedule updates available via Instagram and Google Classroom Where: Niceville High School, Niceville, Florida Why: To provide teens with practical knowledge and skills to navigate finances, college, careers, part-time jobs, and stress management Niceville – A new after-school program at Niceville High School is giving students the tools they need to navigate the world of adulthood. Created by Allison Aiken, a ten-year Girl Scout working toward her Gold Award, Future Ready aims to provide teens with practical guidance on finances, college, careers, part-time jobs, and stress management. The program brings in professionals to speak on each topic, offering students firsthand advice on everything from opening bank accounts and budgeting to finding a job and acing an interview. Classes are free and open to all Niceville High students, giving them a chance to learn directly from experts on subjects that aren’t always covered in the traditional classroom. Aiken said the goal of Future Ready is to prepare students for life beyond high school. “We want to give teens the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions as they move toward adulthood,” she said. Students and parents can stay updated on program events through the Future Ready Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/nhs_future_ready?igsh=bmFvcHc3dHJqc2p2 or by joining... Read More

Kelsea Ballerini Fires Back At Concert Attendee Who Called Out Her Ex-Husband’s Name Kelsea Ballerini was not having it when a heckler yelled her ex-husband’s name during her recent show in Australia. Ballerini was performing in Sydney, Australia. Her ex-husband, fellow country artist Morgan Evans, is Australian, so he has his fair share of fans […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Deputies Arrest Driver Accused of DUI, Hit-and-Run, and Child Neglect on Okaloosa Island Staff Reports December 8, 2025 11:25 am Crime, Destin, Okaloosa County In Brief: Deputies say a drunk driver caused two hit-and-run crashes and refused to stop while driving with a young child in the vehicle. Flock cameras helped deputies quickly identify and locate the suspect’s truck. The driver, Luis Montoya, is facing multiple charges, including DUI, child neglect, and resisting law enforcement. A 25-year-old man is facing multiple charges after deputies say he caused two hit-and-run crashes and was driving drunk with a child in the truck on Saturday night. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office says the incident began on Okaloosa Island when a driver reported that a white Ford F-150 struck his vehicle and then sped off. The victim captured the license plate number, and deputies used Flock Safety camera data to identify the truck quickly. An OCSO deputy spotted the pickup a short time later, traveling east on Highway 98 in Destin. The deputy reported clear signs of impairment while following the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver—later identified as Luis Montoya, 25—refused to pull over, continuing at just 23 mph before finally stopping in the middle lane near Indian Bayou Trail. Deputies say Montoya refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle. As they approached, a young child climbed out of the truck’s back seat and walked toward deputies. The child was not injured. Investigators later learned Montoya was also involved in a... Read More

Mayor Whitten Joins National Foreign Policy Summit Staff Reports December 8, 2025 11:08 am Crestview, Government, Okaloosa County, State Government In Brief: Mayor JB Whitten attended a national summit in Washington, D.C., focused on how global issues influence local communities. The event brought together more than 30 mayors to meet with policy leaders and members of Congress. Whitten said the summit offered valuable insight into how federal foreign policy decisions shape challenges and opportunities for Crestview. Crestview Mayor JB Whitten was one of more than 30 mayors from across the United States invited to Washington, D.C., this November to take part in the Mayors Foreign Policy Summit — a two-day event hosted jointly by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC). The summit is designed to connect local leaders with national and global policy experts, offering mayors a front-row look at how international issues — from trade and national security to immigration and emerging technologies — ultimately affect cities back home. Whitten said the experience was both informative and immediately relevant to Crestview.“I found this visit at the request and expense of the Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition to be extremely beneficial to me and to the city of Crestview,” he said. “I better understand the impact that our Federal Government’s relationship with foreign countries has on issues we face at the city level.” During the summit, participating mayors also visited the offices of members of Congress. Whitten said... Read More

News 13 and Peaden took a shopping trip to Walmart to buy toys for our Magical Christmas Toy Drive. These toys will join other collected toys in our toy vault and later distributed to children at the Boys & Girls Club of Bay County. Anyone wishing to contribute can bring unwrapped toys to any of the […] Read More

Scholarships Announced for Top Students in PR and Communications Staff Reports December 8, 2025 9:52 am Okaloosa County, Schools and Education, Walton County In Brief: Who: High school seniors in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties; sponsors Eglin Federal Credit Union, Sherry Harlow, APR; Linda Evanchyk; Carr Riggs & Ingram; Lisa Pitell Law Firm. What: Several $1,000 scholarships for students pursuing degrees in PR, communication, marketing, or journalism. When: Applications due March 16, 2026. Where: Available through local high school guidance offices and online at www.ecpro.org. Why: To support education and advancement in public relations and related communication fields. High school seniors across the Emerald Coast with dreams of studying public relations, marketing, journalism, or communication will have the chance to earn financial support this spring. The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation announced it will award several $1,000 scholarships to graduating students in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. The annual program—now a long-running investment in the future of local communicators—will once again be supported by a group of community sponsors. For 2026, Eglin Federal Credit Union is sponsoring one of the scholarships. Another is funded by Sherry Harlow, APR, and a third is backed by Linda Evanchyk, Carr Riggs & Ingram in Niceville, and the Lisa Pitell Law Firm. Last year, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to two local seniors: Macy Wanner of Rocky Bayou Christian School and Zachary Neconie of Freeport High School. Who Can Apply To qualify, students must: Be high school seniors living in Okaloosa, Walton,... Read More

Kemper Hodges Earns First QB Start For Air Force Academy Christopher Saul December 8, 2025 9:46 am 30a, South Walton, Sports, Walton County In Brief: Kemper Hodges’ First Start: Air Force Academy junior QB takes his first Division I snap against the New Mexico Lobos, showcasing his flexibility and determination in a new system. Cadet-Athlete Challenges: The piece highlights the strict discipline, lack of NIL, character-molding adversity, and the strong “Bolt Brotherhood” that forms a cohesive unit among players. Coach’s Pride & Future: Hodges’ high school coach expresses immense pride in his former player’s dedication and leadership, suggesting his qualities will lead to success as an Air Force officer. The Air Force Academy’s football team marches onto the field against the New Mexico Lobos.    It’s a mild day – no wind or rain in front of 20,000 cadets and fans in Colorado Springs.    The Lobos just finished a nine-play scoring drive to take an initial lead halfway through the first quarter. The Bolt Brotherhood at Air Force has had a tough year – they’ve taken gut-punch losses – by a combined total of six points – to the other service academies this year.    It’s time for a change. In the backfield stands the Bolts’ quarterback, Junior Kemper Hodges.    Hodges, a 2022 graduate of South Walton High School, prepares for the first-ever snap of his first-ever start at quarterback in a Division I football game.    The Falcons begin their 76-yard campaign to New Mexico’s end zone.... Read More

25 years have passed since the groundbreaking soundtrack for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” was released and Dan Tyminski’s life was changed. In 2000, the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” hit theaters. The storyline follows a trio of escaped convicts who form a band called The Soggy Bottom Boys. The accompanying soundtrack featured 19 […] More Country Music Nation  Read More