New hardware store provides opportunities for local students

Being assigned a project in school can be a daunting task. This assignment can appear even more difficult when living in a rural area. It can often be hard to find all the supplies needed to put together a great project when a student lives in a small area.

This will no longer be a problem of the citizens of Wewahitchka, Fla., because the new Ace Hardware store opened Nov. 28. The opening of a hardware store may seem like a small ordeal especially to students, but once it is more closely examined it can be seen why Ace will be a tremendous asset to students in the community.

Throughout high school and college, students are required to showcase their knowledge through projects. While most of these projects come in the form of PowerPoints or Word Documents, there are still plenty of assignments that require real tactile props.

If a student lives in a large area that offers resources like Walmart or Home Depot, these projects may seem like an easy A, but if a student resides in a small, rural area a whole new level of difficulty can be added.

Other than a couple of Dollar Stores, the resources of the students of Wewahitchka were slim before Ace came along. Now, however, students have more at their disposal than ever before. If they need spray paint, poster boards or pipe cleaners, there will be no shortage at Ace.  

This is why the opening of a local hardware store is more than that; it is the opening of a business that gives a community more opportunities. The kind of opportunities a town like Wewahitchka has never had. Whether it be a diorama or a nicely put together poster board, Ace is the place for students in Wewahitchka.

For any questions or help, Ace is at 702 Highway 71 in Wewahitchka. The phone number for the store is (850) 639-4000.

— Micah Lister

contributing writer

Wild Thang showcases nature's excitement

Are you bored? Looking for something exciting to do? Experience swift turns, high speeds, and maybe a little splash when venturing to Wild Thang Air Boat Tours.

Located in West Bay at Panama City Beach, Wild Thang offers airboat tours at numerous times throughout the day, allowing for flexible schedules. The experienced staff at Wild Thang are more than pleased to educate you on the habitat that you are surrounded by while simultaneously swiftly sliding across West Bay. Since airboats do not use under water propellers, they can go farther upstream than other vessels, providing an unseen perspective of Panama City Beach and the creatures that inhabit the area.

There are many inhabitants to view; a few include alligators, dolphins, ducks, mullet and various bird species. After numerous encounters with humans over the years, the wildlife are no strangers to the boat and the cameras that come with it. There is an unwritten guarantee that when out you will see at least one of the above listed. When returning to dock after skipping across the bay for an hour, the excitement does not rest.

Once back on land the staff introduce Smores, the farm-bred and Wild Thang-managed alligator that is kept in his own special habitat in the Wild Thang check-in area. Wild Thang is a firm believer in humanely treating animals, and only bind Smores’ mouth with small soft hair ties, as to not cause any discomfort to Smores while allowing you to safely hold and engage Smores.

All who experience Wild Thang are happy with the adventure are many return to experience the thrill again. I suggest taking trips at different times to see all that the nature has to offer at West Bay.

— Tevis Page

contributing writer

PC’s only live escape game!

If you’ve been dying to get out to try something new and bold, now is your chance. Grab your friends, partner and/or family members to join the action at Escape Manor. Located on 430 Harrison Ave., Panama City, Escape Manor is a live and interactive hour full of fun recommended for anyone ages 12 and up.

For those 60 minutes, you and your group are trapped inside a room with its own story to tell. You’ll be forced to work together to solve puzzles, clues and riddles all tied to a certain theme to make your escape from the room. The clock is always visible, and your goal is to get out of there before it zeroes out.

This fast-paced experience is unlike any other after-school/work activity in our area. Escape games take more brains than brawn, so be prepared to use your noggin and only come if you think you’re ready for the challenge. Visit their page to schedule your game today.

— Shayli Tharp

contributing writer