Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The winter holidays are full of traditions, some dating back centuries and others just starting to take root. It seems that the Christmas party for the Monticello-Jefferson…
Flakes, flurries and blizzards, oh my!
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Florida isn’t exactly known for being a winter wonderland. Instances of significant snowfall are few and far between, but when something beyond a flurry does happen to…
ARI ends a productive year of educational outreach
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. As 2025 comes to a close, the Aucilla Research Institute (ARI) is celebrating another year of research and educational outreach in the Big Bend. Each year, ARI…
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1897)
In 1897, Dr. Philip O’Hanlon, a coroner’s assistant on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, was asked a question by his then eight-year-old daughter, Virginia, which many a parent has been asked before: whether…
Gordon Scott shares thoughts on Islam at Christmas prayer breakfast
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The fellowship hall of St. Margaret Catholic Church was bedecked beautifully for the Christmas season on Dec. 4, when they took their turn hosting the Monticello Community…
Caring for mental health during holiday gatherings
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. The holiday season often brings joy, connection and tradition. It can also bring stress, pressure and emotional overload – and that’s okay. Preparing ahead can ease anxiety…
Andrew Tillman selected as District Teacher of the Year
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Andrew Tillman has been selected as the District Teacher of the Year for Jefferson County Schools, following his recognition as Jefferson County K-12 Community Partnership School’s (JCS)…
FL Cares and Post 49 repair walkway for local veteran
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Saturday, Dec. 13 was a busy day for the volunteers of FL Cares and Monticello’s American Legion Post 49. The groups collaborated to provide free repairs to…
Events for Dec. 18-22
DECEMBER 18 (Thursday) Second Harvest offers free food distribution from 10 a.m. to noon at 379 Bethpage Rd. in Wacissa (Bethpage M.B. Church). Story time with read-alouds, activities and crafts for preschoolers…
First graders sing at LLL
Jackie Clemens Contributor At the Dec. 9 meeting of Triple-L at First Baptist Church Monticello, the program featured first graders from Aucilla Christian Academy. The children recited scriptures, sang Christmas songs and…
PHOTO FEATURE: American Legion Post 49 attends Wreaths Across America
On Saturday, Dec. 13 Wreaths Across America took place at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC). Monticello’s American Legion Post 49 attended the annual event and donated funds for the wreaths, which were…
Apalachee Center to partner with Scouts to support youth mental health
Apalachee Center Contributor Apalachee Center, the leading provider of behavioral health services in Florida’s Big Bend region, and the Suwannee River Area Council (SRAC) are teaming up to expand access to behavioral…
The Grinch, Rudolph and the miracle
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist The Grinch’s plan is simple. He figures that if he takes away all the Christmas “stuff” the Who’s won’t be able to celebrate Christmas. But the Grinch…
Florida drivers face new penalties for covered plates
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. HB 253 bans license plate covers and obscuring devices starting Oct. 1. Florida drivers should take a closer look at their license plates. Beginning Oct. 1., House…
Christ, the firstborn
Carlton McPeak Guest Columnist After identifying the Christ as being the one who has rescued people and transferred them into His kingdom, Paul gives evidence to identify Him. Paul begins by saying…
Proposed legislation again aims at developing rural land
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Two bills newly filed in the Florida Legislature for the coming 2026 session seek to sideline local governments and the public when it comes to growth management…
From prosecutor to circuit judge: Jones Returns to his first courtroom
Paula Wright (Watkins) Chief Deputy Court Administrator Second Judicial Circuit The Second Judicial Circuit is pleased to announce that Judge Jason L. Jones has been assigned to serve as the Circuit Judge…
Read local, support local: Support community journalism
Emerald Greene ECB Publishing, Inc. Local news plays an indispensable role in American civic life as a trusted source of critical information. It is a fact that local newspapers serve a vital…
Headstone dedication honors World War I soldier
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. On behalf of the Cemetery Restoration and Preservation Society of North Florida, Inc., a headstone dedication ceremony was held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. at New…
Mulch in the forest and in the garden
Jennifer Mason Contributor Throughout this dry fall, I find myself kicking around the woods observing the shrubs and trees that are stressed from this prolonged drought. Many trees didn’t really have much…