Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County is looking more and more festive the closer we get to America’s 250th Independence Day! Encouragement to decorate porches, yards and business fronts has made…
Ode to Lucky O. Henry
O. Henry was found abandoned at John Stretch Park. He was such a lovable dog that those who found him didn’t want to send him to animal control. Enter a search for…
Duke Energy Florida implements third rate reduction to lower residential bills
Aly Raschid Contributor Duke Energy Florida will implement its third rate reduction of 2026 from June through September, lowering residential customer bills by approximately $50, or 25%, for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)…
From the Sunny Side: Little things
I’m not quite sure exactly when the change occurred. In fact, it has only recently dawned on me that any change at all had happened. But it certainly has happened. I remember…
New county manager now on the job
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Newly-hired County Manager Douglas Baber officially took over the reins of the office on Monday, June 22, per the employment contract that the Jefferson County Board of…
Jefferson County residents donate big for Big Bend Hospice nutrition drink drive
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Big Bend Hospice (BBH) reports that during their recent Ensure drive they received an incredible outpouring of support from the Jefferson County community. “The response was overwhelming,…
Correction to “Building and planning permit fees may increase”
Correction: The Monticello News erred in the story posted online on June 27, regarding the Jefferson County Commission approving a proposal to hire a consultant to conduct a study of the current…
Bowler Chrissy Lastinger is bound for Junior Gold Championships
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. You might know Chrissy Lastinger as the local girl who was recently crowned Miss Watermelon Queen 2026. What you probably didn’t know is that Lastinger is also…
County-sponsored ceremony honors veterans
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials recently pulled out all the stops to honor local veterans, thanks to the efforts of Interim Manager Ron Russo, staff and others in the community,…
County considers moratorium on data centers
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Like many other communities across Florida that have declared bans or moratoriums on data centers in keeping with a new state law, Jefferson County is in the…
It’s Insurance Awareness Day!
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. National Insurance Awareness Day is observed on June 28 to encourage us to review our insurance policies to ensure we have protections for ourselves and our property….
Monticello to join 1,000 cities for America Prays 250 event
Story Submitted Open to the community, Transforming Life Church will host the America Prays 250 prayer event locally on July 4 from 9 to 10 a.m. More than 1,000 cities will unite…
Outlaws
They’re outlaws at the Church that don’t have badges to get in If they sat right down beside you, would you think it was a sin? I thought the goal we’re seeking…
Gallup poll shows increase in church attendance
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Gallup’s most recent poll on church attendance in America has widely-held stereotypes running for cover. It has often been believed that women usually have to drag their…
Boston Highway set for improvement
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Another county road is set for improvement. This time it’s a section of CR-149 or the Boston Highway, a primary rural corridor that runs from U.S. 19…
Property Taxes: The Cash Cow (Part 2)
I read about the projected loss of property tax revenue in the 6/24/26 paper. What I did not read was how property tax revenue has climbed 96 percent here since 2019, from…
Wild Adventures to honor America 250 with Celebrate America Fireworks Spectacular
Story Submitted Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga., will be celebrating Independence Day with the Celebrate America Fireworks Spectacular. The fireworks take place during the park’s Celebrate America Festival powered by Georgia Power, a patriotic three-week…
Jefferson County’s oldest community: Waukeenah
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Monticello may be Jefferson County’s seat and only incorporated city, but it is by no means the oldest. Did you know that the county’s oldest community is…
Area baseball players named to All-Big Bend Team
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. Several area baseball players have received post-season honors by being named to the Tallahassee Democrat All-Big Bend Baseball Team. Athletes from Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA), Jefferson County…
When we’re humbled by God’s mercy
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Everyone felt it – especially the woman standing half-dressed before the condemning crowd. Her eyes frantically scanned every angle of the temple court, seeking an escape. Even…