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…
County manager again under the gun
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County Manager Shannon Metty once again finds herself in the crosshairs of critics, her contract at stake. Listed on the agenda for the coming Jefferson County Board…
Leaves and Limestone: Landscaping for wildlife and other winter thoughts
Jennifer Mason Contributor The cold weather this winter is the test for what plants are going to survive and thrive in your yard/property. The blooming exotics such as Japanese magnolias and flowering…
Second Harvest and Florida Blue Foundation unite to end food insecurity
Ashleigh Kittrell Second Harvest of the Big Bend The Florida Blue Foundation has awarded Second Harvest of the Big Bend a grant to strengthen food access for families living in the region’s…
Out of the overflow of the heart
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist In computer programming, we had a term called GIGO: Garbage In, Garbage Out. The Scriptures put it this way, “Out of the overflow of the heart the…
Monticello gets a new City Clerk
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Monticello has a new city clerk-treasurer. He is Roosevelt Brooks, a certified public accountant and internal auditor with multiple years of experience, according to his resume. The…
Time for the Facts
On Thursday, an important decision will be made that impacts every resident of Jefferson County. I encourage you to forward this to neighbors and friends, and to stand up and be heard….
Charter review committee readies to submit recommendations to city council
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. After nine months of discussions and a deep dive into the city charter, the five-member Monticello Charter Review Committee is ready to present its product to the…
Events for Feb. 3-8
AA Meeting Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. at the Lloyd Woman’s Club (9109 Old Lloyd Rd.). Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m at the Christ Episcopal Church…
Big Bend Hospice dedicates office areas to key supporters
Story Submitted A dedication ceremony was held on Jan. 26 at the Big Bend Hospice (BBH) office in Monticello. Plaques in four areas of the office were dedicated in honor and memory…
Supporting Effective Leadership for Jefferson County
Dear Editor, I have lived in Jefferson County since 2014 and served as the County Budget Officer from April 2023 to July 2025 under County Manager Shannon Metty. I am compelled to…
Casa Bianca M. B. Church celebrates Pastor Tobbie Berrian III for 29 years of faithful service
Story Submitted Casa Bianca Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its pastor, Rev. Tobbie Berrian III, and also First Lady Sharon Berrian’s, 29th anniversary with a service this coming Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026,…
Memorial M.B. Church hosts mid-week Bible Study
Story Submitted Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, located at 780 Second St., is presently hosting a mid-week Bible Study each Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited to join…