Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Notwithstanding the frigid temperature on Sunday, Feb. 1, a group of about 30 active and retired law-enforcement officers and others from the community gathered at the Aucilla…
Proposed measure would allow criminal checks of county employees
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials are considering adoption of an ordinance that would require Level II criminal background checks on certain county employees and job applicants. The proposed ordinance, which…
Triple R Horse Rescue saddles up for its annual fundraiser: “Have a Heart for Horses”
Story Submitted The Big Bend region’s premier horse-rescue organization will hold its annual fundraiser and gala on Feb. 28, celebrating the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of more than 550 horses, donkeys and…
Laura’s Garden Notes: From seed to stovetop
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. “When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.” – Minnie Aumonier Over the past few weeks, we’ve had snow flurries, icy gales,…
VSU announces Fall 2025 graduates
Merit Pages News Contributor Valdosta State University is proud to announce the members of its graduating class of Fall 2025. This includes the following area residents: • Laura Armstrong of Monticello earned…
Anna Calvert named to UA Fall 2025 Presidents List
Merit Pages News Contributor Anna Calvert of Monticello was named to The University of Alabama Presidents List for Fall Semester 2025. A total of 15,388 students enrolled during Fall Semester 2025 at…
County manager resigns
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County Manager Shannon Metty this week tendered her resignation, effective June 12, a decision that the Jefferson County Commission accepted immediately and unanimously. Metty’s announcement came at…
Former Monticello police officer arrested for child porn
Updated Feb. 9, 2026 Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. According to information provided b the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), on Sunday, Feb. 1, the JCSO received a tip that a former…
KFRW donate to local veteran groups
Story Submitted The Keystone Federated Republican Women (KFRW) club is dedicated to conservative values, which also encompasses honoring and supporting our veterans. On Nov. 6, 2025, KFRW held their 4th Biennial American…
Love Birds event offers unique Valentine’s Day fun
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The North Florida Wildlife Center’s special Valentine’s Day event – Love Birds – takes place right on Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. What better…
County manager resigns office
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County Manager Shannon Metty tendered her resignation to the Jefferson County Commission on Thursday evening, Feb. 5, effective June 12 in order to allow time for an…
Library to begin holding weekly Senior Bingo
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. For seniors in search of a new way to spend their day, the Jefferson County R.J. Bailar Public Library has a new weekly event planned. Bingo for…
Library welcomes Emily Grosskopf as new director
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. At the Jefferson County R.J. Bailar Public Library, Emily Grosskopf has stepped into the role of library director, following the departure of the former director, Natalie Binder….
Bill would waive building permits on certain construction
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. A bill recently approved by a panel in the Florida House of Representative would bar local governments from requiring permits for work done on single-family homes if…
Casa Bianca M.B. Church to feature renowned storyteller and Highland Descendants Council during History and Heritage Sunday
Story Submitted Pastor Tobbie Berrian III and the congregation of Casa Bianca Missionary Baptist Church will be welcoming renowned Storyteller Sheila Arnold Jones and members of the Highland Descendants Council during a…
Grassroots members advocate in Tallahassee for Farm Bureau Day
Florida Farm Bureau Contributor More than 400 grassroots members spent a day in Tallahassee to meet with elected officials at the state level during Farm Bureau Day, held this year on Tuesday,…
Did You Know? Valentine’s Flowers Edition
Mandy Self Bloom Birdie Florals Locally Owned and Operated, Monticello, Fla. Roses are some of the thirstiest Valentine’s blooms. A fresh bouquet can drink nearly half its vase water in the first…
Lock it or lose it: Tips on how to avoid car robbery
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. There is no way to predict when a crime will be committed. What’s worse is that there is also no way to predict with 100 percent certainty…
Planning official’s report shows pace of development in county
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. In his latest report to the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, Planning Official David Wheeler provided updates on three major development projects in progress, as well…
Jefferson Tigers take on ACA Warriors for Basketball Senior Night
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. It was Senior Night on Jan. 22, when the Jefferson Tigers boys and girls basketball teams faced off against the Warriors of Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA). Seniors…