Team USA Women’s Hockey Is Dominating The 2026 Olympic Games Women’s hockey made its Winter Olympic debut in 1998. Since then, only Team USA and Canada have won gold medals. In fact, six of the seven Olympics have featured Canada and the USA in the gold medal match, so the two countries have faced off […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

HAZMAT Emergency Causes Hours of Gridlock on Highway 98 Staff Reports February 11, 2026 1:18 pm Public Safety, South Walton, Walton County In Brief: Who: South Walton Fire District, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Emergency Management What: Hazardous materials spill involving an unknown liquid chemical When: Wednesday morning, Feb. 11, 2026 Where: Thompson Road and U.S. Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach Why: A chemical reportedly spilled from a truck that left the scene SANTA ROSA BEACH — A hazardous materials spill temporarily shut down a portion of U.S. Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach on Wednesday morning, prompting a multi-agency emergency response and hours of traffic disruption, according to a post on The South Walton Fire District’s Facebook Page. Emergency crews were dispatched around 9:15 a.m. after 911 callers reported an unknown liquid chemical spilling onto the roadway, producing visible plumes of smoke near Thompson Road and U.S. Highway 98. The vehicle believed to be responsible for the spill was no longer on scene when first responders arrived. The South Walton Fire District, working alongside the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Walton County Emergency Management, secured the area and temporarily shut down eastbound traffic while the hazard was assessed and contained. Officials also coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure the roadway could be safely reopened. Fire officials confirmed the chemical spill was contained to the immediate area and did not pose an ongoing threat to nearby residents or property. The primary impact, officials... Read More

Ryan Cabaniss State Farm Niceville Good Neighbor: Jonathan Laird Christopher Saul February 11, 2026 10:41 am Niceville Jonathan Laird is the latest Niceville Good Neighbor, brought to you by the Folks at Ryan Cabaniss State Farm.    Laird, the Public Works director at the City of Niceville, supervises city employees who ensure roads are paved, toilets flush, and water is clean.    “Jonathan is an amazing leader in the [Public] Works department – he always ensures his people get the credit,” the anonymous nominator said about Laird, “He knows how to work well with other organizations like the county and ensures we are updated with the latest info on roads and issues.”   True to form, Laird gave the credit for the award to his teammates at the City of Niceville.    “I couldn’t do what I do without the 65 Public Works employees that I got – that work hard every day and do what they’re supposed to do. It’s just such a blessing,” Laird said. He also thanked City Manager David Deitch.    Laird has been with the city for more than 15 years and has worked to manage public properties while also working to make Niceville a good place to live and conduct business. He started in municipal public works 25 years ago.    “I don’t need an award for all I do,” Laird said, “It’s just from the heart. I love Niceville, our residents and our team that I work with. It’s a great honor to... Read More