Rev. Cheryl Cruce Columnist I’m sure it happened like this, though I don’t remember my first steps. Nonetheless, I imagine Mom there, her two fingers tucked safely in my little hands as…
What aging drivers can do to improve their driving skills
Metro Media Motor vehicles have come a long way since the days of the Model T. Safety features in particular have undergone significant enhancements over the last several decades. Improvements in airbags,…
Two arrested in Monticello drug bust
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Contributor On Dec. 12, 2025, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force executed a residential search warrant in the city of Monticello at 200 Florida St. The…
Monticello’s new mural is underway
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Work on Monticello’s latest mural began Monday, Dec. 15. The wildlife mural, which was funded by a grant from T-Mobile, is the work of Jason Tetlack of…
Bob and Jeff’s is now a WIC vendor
Florida Dept. of Health – Jefferson Contributor The Florida Department of Health in Jefferson County (DOH – Jefferson) is pleased to announce that Bob and Jeff’s Neighborhood Market is now approved as…
Don Condon presented with Diocesan Medal of Honor
Story submitted On Nov. 6, 2025, Don Condon of St. Margaret Catholic Church was presented with the Diocesan Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Founding of the Diocese…
County’s interest earnings exceed half a million in last fiscal year
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Effective cash management strategies employed by the clerk of court’s finance department have resulted in steady earnings throughout Fiscal Year 2024-2025. This was the bottom line of…
County to sell property formerly slated for shrimp-processing company
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials have declared a 10-acre parcel at the industrial park as surplus property, preparatory to selling it to the highest bidder. The 10-acre parcel, located on…
From my mom’s typewriter to my first children’s book
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist I’ve loved writing ever since I watched my mother – an aspiring author – peck away on her Royal manual typewriter. Her example sparked my own passion…
Local author pens children’s books
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. For many years, Mary Martha Santerfeit has worked with the written word. The former Postmaster in Lee, Fla. was also the Assistant Editor of the Mayo…
JCS honors its Teachers and Employee of the Year
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. On Nov. 20, three outstanding faculty members at Jefferson County K-12 Community Partnership School (JCS) were surprised with the honor of being chosen as The Teachers of…
“Peanuts” creator’s path to success paved with rejection
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia The “Peanuts” gang entertained generations of readers for almost 50 years. Their holiday specials continue to be a favorite with viewers today. Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Growing…
Sen. Simon reintroduces Rural Renaissance bill
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Florida Senator Corey Simon has reintroduced legislation for the 2026 session that seeks to provide more support and resources to rural areas in terms of healthcare, improved…
A second wildlife mural to go up on courthouse circle
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. It appears that a mural painting on a downtown building facing the courthouse circle will proceed, despite city planners recommending denial of the design. On Tuesday evening,…
Tips for safe, efficient energy use during the holidays
Laitin Sterling Duke Energy Florida As holiday lights fill homes across the country, consider these eight tips to enjoy the holiday displays while keeping energy usage low and safety top of mind….
Festive Animal Tales program delights families at library
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. The Animal Tales Holiday Edition welcomed 35 attendees on Saturday, Dec. 13, to the Jefferson County R.J. Bailar Public Library, offering families a festive and educational encounter…
NOAA looks back on 2025 hurricane season
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Now that the Atlantic hurricane season is officially over as of Nov. 30 (although hurricanes have been known to occur well into December in the past), the…
Pet adoption spotlight: Cannoli
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Looking for a new furry friend? The Jefferson County Humane Society’s Wolf Creek Pet Adoption Center has plenty of animals who are eagerly awaiting their new home….
Funeral home proposal advances two tentative steps
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. The ongoing effort of a local business to get a property on South Jefferson Street rezoned and its land-use designation changed on the Future Land Use Map…
Riverlyn Odiorne receives early gift from Jesus
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Five years ago, Adam and Haley Odiorne were doubly blessed as Haley gave birth to two vibrant twins, Baylor and Riverlyn. The joy of their arrival came…