John Reichard was belligerent, slurry and forgetful, all while disrespecting Vice Mayor Josie Strange. Reichard had the right to remain silent, but clearly not the ability. The Councilman wanted to stifle public comments as they were about to call an “emergency vote” to ban scooters. It was procedural trickery that was not on the agenda. Reichard has a history of … Read More
DILLINGER GETS HIS (the exclusive news story of the FBI shooting of John Dillinger
American journalism used to be great. Reporters took pride in their craft, and they were great writers. They paid attention to details, and wrote descriptive stories that were immensely gratifying to read. Here’s one of my favorites from July 1934: Dillinger gets his, by newspaperman Jack Lait. It’s real-life hardboiled fiction. From Wikipedia: “Lait was known as a taciturn, tireless … Read More
Commissioner asked deputy to arrest single mom over Facebook post and text messages
By Burnie Thompson May 21, 2020 PANAMA CITY BEACH – Bay County Commissioner Tommy Hamm asked a deputy sheriff to arrest a Nikki Higby and two members of her family on May 4 because she posted on Facebook that he ripped her off nearly $10,000. Hamm, a homebuilder, hired Higby Construction as a subcontractor for his company Winterfell Construction. Higby … Read More
BCSO Incident Report: Tommy Hamm
Bay County Commissioner Tommy Hamm asked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office to arrest a 26-year-old single mom for posting on Facebook that he ripped her off $10K for paint work she had done for him. Here is the incident report. Hamm’s company Winterfell Construction hired Higby Construction and refuses to pay for any of the work or supplies until some … Read More
Why the PCB Election was a tremendous victory for the City
Why the PCB Election was a tremendous victory for the City Mike Jarman is not representing Ward 4 now because he defeated Cherie Crim. Mark Sheldon is not the new Mayor now because he defeated Josie Strange. To view it that way is to start the story in the middle. Instead, let’s start the story at the beginning. Mike Jarman … Read More
Open Letter to Mark Sheldon
Open Letter to Mark Sheldon “In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man.” – Thomas Jefferson By Burnie Thompson 4-15-20 Dear Mark, I heard you on the radio expressing how much it bothers you when people question your motives as to why you’re running for mayor. “It’s one of those things I take personal,” … Read More
Local elected officials attended Joe Diffie event 12 days before he died
Local elected officials attended March 17 event with Joe Diffie By Burnie Thompson 3-30-20 PANAMA CITY BEACH – At least six local elected officials attended a private men’s event hosted by GAC Contractors March 17 featuring country music artist Joe Diffie. Diffie died Sunday of complications from Covid-19. He was hospitalized Thursday and confirmed that he had contracted coronavirus on … Read More
The Inquisition of PCB Clerk MJ Bossert
The Inquisition of PCB City Clerk MJ Bossert By Burnie Thompson March 29, 2020 PANAMA CITY BEACH – Like Joan of Arc, City Clerk Mary Jan Bossert was persecuted for heresy by sadistic men masquerading as virtuous leaders. The PCB City Council considers it heresy to provide public records as required by law. The Council conducted a virtual Inquisition at the … Read More