In a sometimes pointed but largely collaborative discussion, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-1 at their July meeting to move forward with structural repairs to the historic "old cafeteria" building on the former Dozier School for Boys campus, intended to house the future Jackson County Endeavor Museum.

The Alford Community Center was bustling with excitement Thursday evening as the Alford Community Organization (ACO) hosted its much-anticipated annual Back-to-School Bash.

The Cottondale Community Center was bursting with joy last Saturday afternoon, filled with smiling children, grateful parents, and a sense of community spirit that could only come from one woman’s generous heart.

The Bascom City Hall was alive with excitement as children, parents, and volunteers came together for a successful back-to-school supply event hosted by the Town of Bascom and Bascom First Baptist Church.

In a groundbreaking announcement that promises to reshape the industrial landscape of Jackson County, PACKEX USA has officially confirmed its plans to open a state-of-the-art beverage manufacturing facility in Marianna. The company, which specializes in aluminum can and bottle filling, is investing more than $30 million into the project and expects to create at least 75 jobs, with the potential for more as operations scale.

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a full agenda during its latest meeting, highlighted by the approval of Waste Pro as the new county-wide garbage and debris collection vendor. Commissioners also moved forward on numerous road, bridge, and recreational projects throughout the county.

The banquet room was beautifully decorated for the occasion last week when the Chamber hosted their annual Chamber Party and Awards Presentation. The room was filled with inquiring minds anxious to hear the recipients of the various categories.

After considerable discussion and reflection, the Jackson County School Board voted unanimously at their July meeting not to reinstate a mandatory school uniform policy for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

Jackson County 4-H hosted four very successful summer camps in 2025.

During their first monthly meeting, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners (JCBOCC) unanimously approved a five-year contract with DRC Emergency Services for debris removal and disposal services, following a competitive bidding process.

The Marianna City Commission approved a full slate of grant-related requests during their recent meeting, unanimously passing each item aimed at supporting vital infrastructure and community projects throughout the city.

There were two 2025 Cottondale queens giving back to the community last Saturday with school starting back close on the horizon.

Dellwood Baptist Church is led by Reverend Gary Gable. The church is well-known throughout the community for the work their church does not just within their church but for the community at large. They are the first to respond to any need, any crisis they may arise. One of the many things they do is support education by assuring that children have the necessary school supplies when opening day arrives.

At their July meeting, the Jackson County School Board approved the continuation of its contract with CARE (Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort) through the ALPHA program, but only at Cottondale Elementary School, drawing concern from one board member about the lack of similar support at Marianna K-8.

At their July meeting, the Jackson County School Board unanimously approved the recognition of Veterans Day in 2025 as an official school observance. The motion was made by board member M.J. Jackson and seconded by Chephus Granberry, passing with a 5-0 vote.

At the Marianna Municipal Airport, a globally recognized name in aviation quietly operates from a hangar that buzzes with precision, expertise, and history.

It was a hot June day in 2025 and one of our Ponsse logging crews was busy loading log trucks out in the woods. It had been a long day, and they were loading the last load of the day.

Despite mounting public pressure and impassioned appeals from citizens, industry professionals, and even some commissioners, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners declined to revisit their controversial decision not to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the county’s insurance coverage.

At their July meeting, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners addressed two motions concerning Pooser Road, both tied to the construction of a new city street, Charlie’s Way, and a commercial development project by Chipola Nurseries.