Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. By the ’80s, the former Howard Academy campus had become Howard Middle School (HMS), the public junior high for Jefferson County. Featuring 8th, 7th, 6th and 5th…
Help your family get a healthy start
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. For those starting a family in Jefferson County, the Florida Department of Health – Jefferson (DOH – Jefferson) offers resources to help your family get a healthy…
Officials contemplate use of RESTORE Act funds for local projects
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County staff are seeking direction from elected officials on how the county should proceed in terms of the acquisition and use of some $12 million in…
The holy hush of ordinary
Rev. Cheryl Cruce Columnist They were just ordinary people, carving out a place on the outskirts of town where neighbors were few and gardens generous. A wooded area was cleared carefully, yet…
Vendors and parade entries sought for MLK Day events
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Plans are well underway for Monticello’s 45th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. peace walk/parade and celebration, which will take place on Monday, Jan. 19. This year’s themes…
Meet Your Neighbor: Ramsey Revell Wheeler
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Meet Ramsey Revell Wheeler! An alum of Aucilla Christian Academy, she was raised in Jefferson County, which she continues to call her home today. She grew up…
Celebrate Florida Arbor Day at local tree giveaway event
Jimmy McQuigg Jefferson County Forester Florida Arbor Day is right around the corner, and this year, the Florida Forest Service (FFS) is making it extra special. To honor this important day, FFS…
See Jupiter, Saturn, Sirius and more: Celestial events in January
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. For those who like to keep eyes on the skies, January has some interesting celestial events in store. • On Jan. 1, Sirius will reach its highest…
Read the Bible in a year
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. Many people make a goal for themselves to read the Bible in the course of a year. Achieving this takes a large commitment, requiring a person to…
Quit Your Way can help you snuff out the cigarettes
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. If you’re trying to quit smoking, you’re not alone. With many well-studied detrimental effects on health caused by smoking, not to the mention economic, social and mental…
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…
FWC releases results of 2025 black bear hunt
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Contributor After FWC staff presented options on highly regulated black bear hunting and the public provided their comments at the August and November 2025 Commission meetings,…
Local 4-H kids see success at the North Florida Fair
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Many Jefferson County 4-H youth participated in the North Florida Fair and brought home team and individual awards across three age divisions (junior, intermediate and senior )…
Pet Adoption Spotlight: River
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. At the Jefferson County Humane Society’s Wolf Creek Pet Adoption Center (JCHS), many sweet animals are hoping to find their forever home. River, an affectionate bob-tailed kitten,…
State tries to clear confusion over new license plate law
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Confusion continues to exist over a new state law that makes it a criminal offense to cover any part of a vehicle’s license plate, whether the obstruction…
How New Years traditions took root in North Florida
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. Long before midnight countdowns, fireworks and televised celebrations, the arrival of New Year celebrations in North Florida was marked quietly, shaped by survival, faith and the rhythms…
The 12th day of Christmas
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Christmas Day was last week. The New Year begins tomorrow. However, we are still in the 12 days of Christmas, which started the day after Christmas and…
New Year’s superstitions around the world
Ady Hammock ECB Publishing, Inc. Many people have odd superstitions when it comes to New Years’ celebrations. From avoiding certain foods and chores to throwing furniture out of the window, several cultures…
Pet Adoption Spotlight: Oreo
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Humane Society’s Wolf Creek Pet Adoption Center cares for many animals who are eagerly awaiting their new home. Oreo, a tuxedo kitty with a…
Furry friends from JCHS find new homes
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. During a generally chilly and gray time of year, newly adopted furry friends from the Wolf Creek Pet Adoption Center are helping brighten the homes of their…