Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials are once again wrestling with what to do about the A-Building restoration, which has already absorbed nearly $4 million in costs, with at least one…
Ponderings… Most of what I know
The world can be an increasingly dark place, it seems. When the pandemic struck our little planet, five years ago, I felt a sinking sensation of dread as the world as we…
Letter to the Editor: Thank you from the Handley Family
Thank you to all who have prayed for Hunter and helped us through this difficult time. We have experienced so much love showered over us between GoFundMe, fundraisers and personally helping us…
💐 Happy 20th Anniversary, Ms. Shameka “Ms. Shekki” Geathers! 💐
Celebrating a Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Learning at Our Blessings Early Learning Center Twenty years ago, God planted a seed in the heart of a young woman named Shameka Geathers—better known…
Handley Benefit Barrel Race draws generous crowd
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. “The community really showed out,” said Monica Roberts after all was said and done at the Handley Benefit Barrel Race on Saturday, May 10. Despite stormy weather…
Max is looking for a family
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County is home to an incredible amount of animals, and a great number of them have amazing owners that care for them with dignity, care and…
Pickett Lake church camp registration opens
Leah Androski ECB Publishing, Inc. The Middle Florida Baptist Association and the Lake Pickett 2025 camp staff are excited to announce registration for E.C. Tyner Children’s camp at Pickett Lake, in Branford,…
Growing Through It: Faith in the fog
I’ve never related much to Peter in the Bible – you know, the one jumping out of boats and walking on water with wild, bold faith. Nope, a recent message at Church…
I appreciate the solemnity of Memorial Day
In the mid-1990s, when my son, Joshua, announced that he had enlisted in the Army, I felt nervous yet proud of his decision to serve his country. When Kuwait was becoming increasingly…
Childhood reflections with a touch of grace: Be careful what you hear
I recall a song for little ones that made the rounds when I was growing up. It said, “Be careful little ears what you hear.” There was plenty of other good advice…
Song of the week: “A Thousand Times”
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. At the risk of sounding cheesy, I’ve probably heard this week’s selection a thousand times. While that is surely an exaggeration, We are Messengers’ “A Thousand Times”…
Mental health matters Nonprofit provides confidential support for EMS workers’ mental health
LSF Health Systems Contributor National Emergency Medical Services Week, held this year from Sunday, May 18 through Saturday, May 24, recognizes the heroic work of EMS professionals who serve on the frontlines…
Warriors tennis teams complete season
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. The Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) Warriors have completed their season with a great deal of success. The Lady Warriors finished in second place in the district and…
Emma Conrad graduates from Flagler College
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Waukeenah native Emma Conrad recently graduated from Flagler College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Conrad graduated high school from Florida High. Afterward, she went to…
People, Purpose, Presence National Public Works Week 2025
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. If everything is running the way that it should be, most citizens never have to think about the systems and facilities that run behind the scenes in…
Keeping it cool with Jefferson Communities Water System, Inc.
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Water’s importance as the stuff of life is certainly not a secret. For some in Jefferson County’s more rural communities, however, water can be challenging to access….
Not a drop to waste: An inside look at Monticello’s Waste Water Treatment process
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. Most people don’t ponder about what happens to the water they use after it makes its way down the drain, but with every flush of the toilet,…
160th Emancipation Day celebration to be held at Howard Academy
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Next week marks the anniversary of Florida Emancipation Day. On May 20, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was read in Tallahassee, declaring enslaved people in the state to…
Are you being scammed by “ECB Publishing?”
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. During the summer months, anywhere from three to five lucky winners will earn free Wild Adventure tickets, as part of a promotion the park runs regularly with…
New city manager formally installed
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Kurt Mackiewicz is now officially Monticello city manager, per the employment agreement the council approved recently. The agreement, which the city council okayed on Tuesday, May 6,…