Harris buying defense contractor Exelis in $4.4 deal
MELBOURNE (AP) — Communications and information technology company Harris is buying Exelis in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $4.4 billion. The new company will have approximately 23,000 workers...
View ArticleDestin owner of seized goat speaks out
A Destin man whose goat was taken by authorities Jan. 28 has stepped up to tell his side of the story. Erick Brown said he loves his goat and that his alleged abuse of it was a “misconception.”...
View ArticlePolice: Woman arrested, 15 dogs saved from ‘puppy mill’
YOUNGSTOWN — A Youngstown woman operating a “puppy mill” will be facing numerous counts of animal cruelty after authorities found starving dogs and two dead puppies at her home, officials reported....
View ArticlePCBPD to auction seized property
PANAMA CITY BEACH — Seized property will be on the auction block this week, the Panama City Beach Police Department announced Thursday. PCBPD will hold its seized property auction Saturday in the...
View ArticlePolice: Woman skipped out on limo, catering bills
PANAMA CITY — A woman who allegedly ditched a large catering and limo service bill has been brought to Bay County for a grand theft charge, according to a Bay County Sheriff’s Office news release....
View ArticleObit: ‘We blame Seahawks lousy play call for Mike’s death’
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The family of a Seahawks fan who died after the Super Bowl says he would have enjoyed the dig at the team they put in the last line of his obituary: “We blame the Seahawks lousy...
View ArticleGulf Power to shut down coal units at local plant
SOUTHPORT — Gulf Power has announced plans to retire two of its coal-fired electricity generating units in Bay County by March 31, 2016. The Lansing Smith Plant in Southport will continue to operate...
View ArticleSome oppose senior housing on Frankford Avenue
PANAMA CITY — A proposal to build a senior affordable housing complex on Frankford Avenue is meeting opposition from a coalition of residents and property owners, including the manager of a nearby...
View ArticleUniting neighborhoods: P.C. native Lucas called to lead coalition
PANAMA CITY — By the time the playful sounds of the band’s brassy version of Pharell”s “Happy” song hummed across the room, each person was loosely frolicking to the tune. “When this becomes the...
View ArticleUPDATE: Officer crashes squad car in parking lot
PANAMA CITY — An officer totaled a patrol car Thursday while attempting to cut through parking spots at a local restaurant, according to Panama City Police Department crash reports. Officer Loretta...
View ArticleCourt ruling casts doubt on teen sexting law
PANAMA CITY — A recent appeals court decision determined a law prohibiting minors from sexting cannot be enforced because of how it was written. The 4th District Court of Appeal recently upheld a...
View ArticleFormer county aide ordered to repay $48,000
PANAMA CITY — A former Bay County employee has been ordered to repay her employer — the Bay County Commission — about $48,000 in restitution, according to court documents. Gina Rena Gainey, 43,...
View ArticleSlinging beads: Good times rolling in St. Andrews
PANAMA CITY — Mardi Gras festivities kicked off for Panama City Friday afternoon with the Kids and Pet Parade. Families were on the sidewalks waving their hands in hopes of catching beads and on the...
View ArticleCan Confederate vets qualify for Hall of Fame?
TAMPA — Could the Civil War be coming to the 2015 legislative session? The War Between the States emerged as an unlikely topic at a meeting of the Florida Cabinet on Thursday. Near the end of the...
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My Grammy hopes
5. Somebody makes a grand entrance. The Lady Gaga egg is still my favorite but Nicki Minaj and the pope is a strong second place. 4. Ridiculous outfits. The best thing about the Grammys is that it’s...
View ArticleBCSO arrest log (Jan. 28-Feb. 2)
Information is provided by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office on people arrested on charges Jan. 28 through Feb. 2. Those arrested can contact The News Herald if charges are dropped or if they are...
View ArticleFWC to host captive wildlife rule meeting
PANAMA CITY — If you’re making plans to start a zoo or you just want to find out how to own a pet tiger, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting an open house for you. The...
View ArticleJail is revolving door for mental health care
PANAMA CITY — Jails and prisons essentially have become modern-day asylums since mental health treatment was deinstitutionalized in the 1950s. Places of incarceration are treating and housing some of...
View Article‘Life is difficult enough’ Mother pleads for legislative change for mentally ill
PANAMA CITY — Linda Rivers’ blood ran cold when she saw the Nov. 30 news story about 46-year-old Michael David Watkins, a Mary Esther man who’d just confessed to a vicious homicide. “This issue needs...
View ArticleLand deal could cost county $1.6 million
PANAMA CITY BEACH — Bay County could lose $1.6 million on a land deal it made in 2010 to try and ensure the Navy base remained open. County commissioners accepted an offer last week for the state to...
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