Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials recently approved two measures that aim to better prepare the community to mitigate hazards in the event of a disaster. The Jefferson County Board of…
Fulford Family Farms honored with CARES award
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Nine North Florida farmers and ranchers were honored for their environmental stewardship with a County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) award on Thursday, May 7, at…
A modern-day mystery for the record books
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. The year was 1991, two years before the release of the film, “Groundhog Day.” In a small village in Romania, a true script was unfolding that would…
Tammy Brookins named 2026 Friend of 4-H for Florida
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Each year the Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents presents a “Friend of 4-H” Award to people or organizations that provide exceptional support to 4-H youth programs….
NFC students named to Spring Dean’s List
North Florida College Contributor North Florida College is recognizing the outstanding academic achievement of students named to the Spring 2026 Academic Dean’s List, celebrating those who demonstrated exceptional dedication in the classroom…
City manager remains in jail, investigation ongoing
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Monticello City Manager Kurt Mackiewicz remained in the county jail as of Monday, May 25, while the investigation into his alleged possession of child pornography continued. Mackiewicz…
Key features for an outdoor TV room
Metro Media An outdoor living area can provide a welcome space for residents and guests to gather on beautiful days and nights. The appeal of outdoor living is undeniable, and homeowners working…
Church provides truckload of food to Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Story Submitted As part of a nationwide service initiative, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered a truckload (approximately 35,875 lbs.) of shelf-stable food to Second Harvest of the Big…
Going squirrely
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist It happened last Sunday in our Sunday School Class. One moment we are talking about God’s comfort in times of trouble and our responsibility to share that…
May America resound with the prayers of future generations
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist What would happen if we taught our children and grandchildren to pray for our nation? How different might our future generations be if more of us earnestly prayed for…
Dakshaben Pankajkumar Patel named to Trine University President’s List
Merit Pages News Contributor Dakshaben Pankajkumar Patel of Monticello, a Trine University student, was named to the President’s List for the Spring 2026 semester. Patel is pursuing a bachelor of science degree…
JCS teacher Twynetta Howard retires after 37 years
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s the last day of classes, and for Twynetta Howard, it’s also the last day of a teaching career that has, by all accounts, been exceptional, inspirational…
JCEF presents IMPACT awards
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Educational Foundation (JCEF) held a special reception on Thursday evening, May 14, to honor educators and supporters of local public education with IMPACT awards….
Events for May 23-30
MAY 23 (Saturday) A Second Harvest food sharing takes place at New Bethel A.M.E. Church (6496 Ashville Hwy.) from 7 to 8 a.m. or until the food is gone. This is a…
ARI looks back on a spring full of activity
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The spring semester was bustling with activity for the Aucilla Research Institute (ARI). Their educational outreach program brought interactive experiences in history and archaeology across North Florida,…
Gabriel Starling graduates Flagler College
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Gabriel Starling of Monticello is among more than 600 graduates in the Flagler College Class of 2026. Starling has earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He…
NFC celebrates Commencement 2026
North Florida College Contributor North Florida College (NFC) celebrated a historic Spring 2026 Commencement on Thursday, May 7, honoring graduates across three commencement ceremonies held at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5…
Watermelon Pickleball Tournament draws 115 players to Monticello
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Since its introduction just a few years ago, the Pickleball Tournament has become a popular addition to the lineup of annual Watermelon Festival events. This year was…
Community honors 161st Florida Emancipation Day
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Old Howard Academy filled with activity on the afternoon of May 20, as visitors bustled about the lawn for a lively Emancipation Day event. Since 2025, the…
Masons award two scholarships
Roy Faglie Contributor Hiram Lodge No. 5 Free and Accepted Masons of Monticello is proud to announce our 2026 scholarship recipients. is this year’s Fred Wuerffel Scholarship winner. Gabriella is the daughter…