HISTORY: The life and times of the fastest man ever: Baker’s Houston McTear
On October 31, 2015, the ‘World’s fastest man,’ and Baker-native Houston McTear lost his battle against lung cancer. But his life was so much more than his track career:
HISTORY: Union Volunteers from Walton County torch Marianna in bold raid
After months of lobbying, Hungarian revolutionary General Alexander Asboth was authorized to form the 1st Florida Cavalry, Union Volunteers in 1863. Leading European officers and local deserters through Northwest Florida, Asboth’s bold raid toward Marianna challenged Confederate defenses, culminating in a fierce clash and severe injuries for the general.
History: Vietnam War Claims Niceville Local
Niceville High School graduate Private First Class Larry Eugene Martin was killed in action on October 24 in Vietnam. Serving with B Company, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment, Martin was posthumously promoted to Corporal following an intense tank-assisted sweep in the Demilitarized Zone. He is interred in Dayton, Ohio.
Rare Doolittle Raider artifacts land at Northwest Florida State College
Northwest Florida State College has welcomed a permanent collection of Doolittle Raid artifacts, including mapping and navigation tools belonging to Lt. Col. Carl Wildner. Supported by community and military leaders, the college celebrated this historic addition during a special ceremony at Raider Arena.
HISTORY: Doolittle Raid diarist dies in tragic India crash
On October 18, 1942, Sergeant George Larkin took off on his final flight across the Himalayas. A veteran of the famed WWII Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, Larkin’s diary captured the courage and psyche of the Raiders before his bomber tragically crashed near Dinjan, India, leaving behind an enduring legacy of bravery.
Walton Commissioners talk hurricane cleanup post-Isaias. Here’s who’s getting help:
As Walton County ramps up hurricane recovery following Isaias, county commissioners have voted unanimously to fund clean-up across all local neighborhoods and public beaches. Emergency management reports over $4.5 million in projected debris removal costs as assessments continue across the region.
LATEST: Police release name of man killed in Monday’s horrendous wreck on John Sims
A morning traffic crash on John Sims Parkway in Niceville left one person dead and closed a major roadway for over five hours. Police are investigating reports of racing or road rage after a truck crashed into a tree near Partin Drive, prompting detours through local roads and Niceville High School.
Free estate planning summit coming to Niceville Oct. 22
A free educational seminar on estate, financial, and tax planning will be held on Thursday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at Northwest Florida State College’s Niceville campus. Hosted by the Estate Planning Council of the Emerald Coast, the public event offers expert guidance and practical planning checklists.
HISTORY: Baker Alum Dies in Afghanistan Combat
Baker High School graduate Preston Medley died in October 2008 in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan at age 23. Medley, a former Baker School football and broadcast student, left behind a young daughter and an unborn baby born two months later. His body was escorted to Crestview for services.
High School Football Playoff Bracketology Week 9
With eight weeks of play in the books, local high school football teams are making their final push for postseason positioning. From Walton and Choctawhatchee battling for first-round hosting rights to Niceville fighting to break into the regional playoff field, the race for November football is heating up across the region.
