(L-R) Commissioner Danny Glidewell, Commissioner Brad Drake, Clerk of Court Crystal Sconiers, artist John Grice, Commissioner Dan Curry, Commissioner Donna Johns, and Supervisor of Elections Ryan Messer
Walton Officials Recognize County Namesake at Courthouse Ceremony
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners unveiled a portrait of the county’s namesake, George Walton, by artist John Grice at the Walton County Courthouse recently. Commission Chairman Brad Drake presided over the event and welcomed numerous county officials, staff and members of the public. Earlier this year, at the request of District 2 Commissioner Danny Glidewell, the Board voted to commission the artwork as part of Walton County’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Noted artist John Grice, a retired Northwest Florida State College instructor and Walton High School teacher, was asked to create the hand-drawn portrait.
At the ceremony, Commissioner Glidewell detailed the biographical history of George Walton, Sr., one of America’s founding fathers and one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Glidewell documented Walton’s incredible history as a soldier, Georgia governor and statesman. Just as nearby Washington County was named for our first president, George Walton is Walton County’s namesake, as he is for Walton County, Georgia.
Artist John Grice talked about his inspiration and research in creating the artwork, which depicts Walton during his military years, at a younger age than most other renderings. Grice also talked about various details in the portrait, which includes a recreation of Walton’s famous signature.
After the unveiling, Grice posed for photos next to the portrait along with many of the attendees, some of whom were former students. The portrait will be placed in the Courthouse where it can be viewed by the public.
Local Students Named to Furman University’s Spring 2026 Dean’s List
Thomas House of Freeport and Hannah Rose Paulson of Niceville have been named to Furman University’s dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester.
The dean’s list recognizes full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a four-point scale.
House and Paulson are among approximately 2,550 students at Furman, a private liberal arts and sciences university in Greenville, South Carolina.
Learn more at www.furman.edu.
