DFS CITY COUNCIL JULY 9 MEETING Hears update on state grant program for improvements. _____ WALTON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD “Soft resignation” of SWHS athletic director draws controversy. _____ LOCAL TEEN TO AUDITION FOR “AMERICAN IDOL” Chance Byrd headed for New Orleans. _____ WHAT IT’S WORTH, CONT’D. A look at officials’ salaries, benefits. _____ COUNTY PROTECTIVE [...]

By REID TUCKER In the span of less than an hour, the DeFuniak Springs City Council got the details on a state grant project aimed at improving low-to-moderate income areas and approved a plethora of items requiring action.

Story and photos by DOTTY NIST Human habitation goes back over 4,000 years at Camp Helen State Park. Even when one knows the basics of the 183-acre property, it seems there is always something new to be learned.

By REID TUCKER At the time of this writing, Gabe Moore and Sam Morgan had just completed the biggest track meet of their young careers with superlative results.

By DOTTY NIST Sea turtles are among the most ancient creatures on earth, but all five sea turtle species found in the United States are listed by the federal government as either endangered or threatened. Four of those species have nested in Walton County, with loggerheads being the most numerous.

By ASHLEY AMASON “I’ve been singing my whole life,” Chance Byrd, a charismatic 16-year old with a knack for making people laugh, says. The 11-year veteran of the Chautauqua Theatre is now chasing his dream to perform on the big stage, auditioning for American Idol in New Orleans this month.