Patricia Smith Guest Columnist In communities across rural Florida, military service is remembered with pride. Flags adorn courthouses, picket fences and sidewalks. Names are honored, and gratitude is spoken in speeches and…
Category: Editorials
The fruit men would cry for: The ancient history behind Monticello’s favorite festival
Now that Monticello’s annual tradition is in the books, take a moment to reflect back at a time when the Israelites wept for a taste of melon Patricia Smith Guest Columnist June…
A heartfelt thank you to our community
As we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, the 250 County Celebration Committee extends our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s celebration a truly unforgettable day. The overwhelming support from our…
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…
When someone goes missing in Jefferson County: the silence before the alert
Patricia Smith Contributor Alert systems work, but the question remains about whether public awareness is keeping pace. In Jefferson County, a missing person’s case rarely begins with an emergency tone or a…
The quiet side of celebration in Jefferson County’s military community
Patricia Smith Guest Columnist Behind public events and national anniversaries are families navigating grief that does not follow a public schedule. In Jefferson County, Memorial Day arrives with familiar traditions. American flags…
Cold Case: The girl who disappeared – and the questions that never followed
Patricia Smith Contributor More than 20 years after Portesha Morris vanished from Jefferson County, her case remains unsolved, largely unknown – and increasingly difficult to explain in an era of advanced technology….
From the Sunny Side: Not my monkeys
Rick Patrick Columnist There are many times that inspiration for our weekly visits comes from unexpected sources and at unexpected times. For that reason, I find myself on a constant lookout for…
Waiting for a downtown downpour
Laura Young Columnist As our “exceptional” drought conditions have continued to persist, my yearning for rain has come to feel like a coat of dust on my skin that I can’t shake…
Ponderings … Ghost Gardens
Heather Ainsley Columnist I saw a video online the other day, as I was doomscrolling on my phone. The video was made by an online travelblogger, who frequents remote areas of the…
Letter to the Editor: The “No Kings” Demonstrations: Powerful Protest or Shallow Posturing?
The right to peaceably assemble and to hold public demonstrations is a cornerstone of American civic life, rooted in the freedoms afforded to us in the Bill of Rights, and protected by…
From the Sunny Side: Adventurous memories
Rick Patrick Columnist Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with my older sister. Since I am the youngest of three, perhaps I should clarify. I was visiting with my oldest sister,…
Spring has sprung!
Merry Ann Frisby Guest Columnist Despite the cold snap that froze us all recently, Spring has sprung! We have reached that amazing time of year when both the azaleas and camellias are…
Letter to the Editor: It is time for tough choices!
It is time for tough choices I empathize with Shannon Metty. To be at the center of such controversy must be extremely difficult. It’s unfortunate the Sunshine Act forces such a…
From the Sunny Side: “Squeaky shoe”
Rick Patrick Columnist Those of you who have seen me out and about at any point in time over the last few years may have noticed that I wear a brace on…
From the Sunny Side: A new year
Rick Patrick Columnist I recently saw something funny. Two aliens were talking and one said to the other, “They are celebrating their planet making another circle around their star; I told you…
From the Sunny Side: New Year
Rick Patrick Columnist Well, how about that. Here we are, about to replace the calendars on the wall already. It seems like only a month ago that I flipped the calendar to…
From the Sunny Side: Let the music play
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. I have never been one to pay much attention to what others say I should do in terms of when I should begin my annual yuletide celebration….
Keep the thanks in Thanksgiving
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s the time of year to start planning your Thanksgiving menu and make an escape plan if any irritating relatives show up to interrupt your football game…
Childhood reflections with a touch of grace: Are you truly thankful?
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s that sweet time of the year when the leaves begin to transform into a variety of bright colors that oddly signify their end until the spring…