Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. The state attorney’s office has now formally filed charges against Kurt Mackiewicz, Monticello’s former city manager. Court records show that the state filed the information formally charging…
Category: Front Page
Property Appraiser certifies preliminary tax roll
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Property Appraiser Angela Gray certified the preliminary tax roll to the Florida Department of Revenue and all taxing authorities effective July 1, officially beginning the Truth in…
County seeking $2M to extend sewer/water infrastructure into industrial park
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County is seeking $2 million in funding from the FloridaCommerce, formerly the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO), to finance public infrastructure improvements at the Jefferson…
Council approves charter revisions for voters’ consideration
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. When Monticello voters go to the polls in November, they will have an opportunity to change the city charter. This is because the Monticello City Council recently…
Duke Energy representative gives company update
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Robert Scott Mixon, Duke Energy public affairs and communications professional, provided an update of the company’s doings to the Jefferson County Commission on Thursday morning, July 2….
Jefferson County property taxes set to increase slightly
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. For the time being at least, the Jefferson County Commission has set the millage rate for the coming fiscal year at 7.5261 mills, which represents a 2.16%…
New county manager makes an impression
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. In his first budget presentation to the Jefferson County Commission on Thursday morning, July 2, newly-appointed County Manager Douglas Baber impressed with his overall knowledge of the…
Local candidates to speak at political forum July 21
Story Submitted Three local races will be determined this autumn, as candidates contest for positions as County Commissioners and on the School Board. Preceding the Primary Election on Aug. 18, a political…
Lightning strike results in residential fire
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County Fire Rescue (JCFR) responded to an incident in Ashville on July 6, following a lightning strike which resulted in the burning of a workshop building…
Florida Spectrum Alert now in effect
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Though the Florida Spectrum Alert was established in 2025, it didn’t go into effect until Wednesday, July 1. The new alert is intended to enhance the safety…
SCAM ALERT: Think twice before you give out your info to a “deputy”
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) recently shared a warning on social media regarding persistent scammer activity in our area. If someone contacts you and identifies themselves…
Several local public offices up for election already decided
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Nine local public offices are up for election this year, with 13 candidates remaining on the field after the qualification period, which ran June 8-12. Of the…
Jefferson K-12 regains its B
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. It was all smiles from School Superintendent Jackie Pons and Principal Yolanda Smith-Davis last week. That’s when Jefferson K-12 Community Partnership School received a grade of B…
Second Chance Act takes effect, bringing proactive cardiac screenings to Florida student athletes
Story submitted July 1, the Second Chance Act officially took effect across Florida, requiring all high school student athletes to receive a medical evaluation, including an electrocardiogram (EKG), before participating in school-sanctioned…
Commission honors longtime first responder
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. A Jefferson County Fire Rescue (JCFR) first responder who retired recently received recognition for his long service and devotion to the public. Captain Daniel “Dexter” Walker, who…
Two county department heads resign in quick succession
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Barely a week into office, County Manager Douglas Baber has had to deal with the replacement of two department heads who resigned their positions in recent weeks….
Meet Chrissy Lastinger, Watermelon Queen 2026
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The results are in from the annual Watermelon Queen Pageants! Out of five locals vying for the title of 2026’s Miss Watermelon Queen on June 6, Chrissy…
Meet the 2026 Teen Miss Watermelon Queen, Riley Kate Denton
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The Watermelon Pageants for 2026 were held at the Kilpatrick Civic Auditorium on June 6, ushering in new royalty just in time for the 75th Watermelon Festival….
Trulieve found ineligible for agricultural exemptions
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. After a review of Trulieve’s operation, the legislative history of the state’s medical marijuana program and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Best Management…
Congratulations to the 2026 Watermelon Royalty!
The 2026 Watermelon Royalty are, left to right: (back row) Miss Watermelon Queen Chrissy Lastinger, Teen Miss Watermelon Queen Riley Kate Denton, Junior Miss Watermelon Queen Hallie Conklin, (front row) Tiny Mister…