Dr. Glyndell B. Presley Contributor The Spirit of the People Committee invites the Jefferson County community to celebrate 100 years of Black history on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon in…
County looks to update its transportation fleet
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County officials may enter a partnership with Enterprise Mobility (formerly Enterprise Holdings, and best known for its car-rental program), to manage the county’s transportation fleet. Consideration…
Animal control officer arrested for animal cruelty
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Monticello Police Department (MPD) reports that Jefferson County Animal Control Officer Alexander Lake Burdick has been arrested for the offense of misdemeanor animal cruelty for impounding/confining…
Planners to hear request for large land-use change in Lloyd area
(Hearing set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12) Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. One of the issues that the Jefferson County Planning Commission will be taking up when it meets this Thursday…
Celebrating Monticello’s African American Past & Present: E-Commerce Strategist & Marketing Innovator Tomara Watkins
Frequita Barrington Contributor Monticello native Tomara Watkins grew up along the Florida-Georgia line in Jefferson County, surrounded by generations of women whose strength, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shaped her life. Raised in…
“God, please send us a hot water bottle today”
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. It was National Prayer Breakfast Day on Thursday, Feb. 5, when the Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast took place at its regular time, the first Thursday of the…
Ceremony marks 34th anniversary of trooper’s death
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…