Florida Dept. of Corrections Contributor In 2025, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) continued to advance Florida’s public safety mission through strategic investments in staffing, institutional security, officer safety, training and technology,…
Laura’s Garden Notes: To sow a seed “we must open our hands”
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. In the depths of winter, many people who kindle hopes for “Peace on Earth” carry those forward into positive new year actions toward peace of mind, peace…
Transforming Life Church to offer special services for miracles, healing and prophetic gifts
Story Submitted Prophetic Evangelists Russ and Kim Kline of Shatter the Darkness ministries will be holding special services at Transforming Life Church in the Lloyd area. This is an amazing, life-changing opportunity…
“Candy Jones” and his house on the hill
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Mulberry Street includes a stretch of many of Monticello’s historical houses from the late 19th and early 20th century. Among them is a two-story house referred to…
Domestic violence can affect anyone
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Did you know that over 10 million people are affected by domestic violence every year? According to Break the Cycle, nearly one in four women and two…
Opponents of SB 180 see glimmer of hope in newly proposed legislation
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Opponents of the controversial Senate Bill 180, which became law in June 2025 and essentially restricts counties and municipalities from amending their comprehensive plans or land-development regulations…
“A fine student body and a staff of high caliber”
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. By the ’80s, the former Howard Academy campus had become Howard Middle School (HMS), the public junior high for Jefferson County. Featuring 8th, 7th, 6th and 5th…
Help your family get a healthy start
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. For those starting a family in Jefferson County, the Florida Department of Health – Jefferson (DOH – Jefferson) offers resources to help your family get a healthy…
Officials contemplate use of RESTORE Act funds for local projects
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County staff are seeking direction from elected officials on how the county should proceed in terms of the acquisition and use of some $12 million in…
The holy hush of ordinary
Rev. Cheryl Cruce Columnist They were just ordinary people, carving out a place on the outskirts of town where neighbors were few and gardens generous. A wooded area was cleared carefully, yet…
Vendors and parade entries sought for MLK Day events
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Plans are well underway for Monticello’s 45th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. peace walk/parade and celebration, which will take place on Monday, Jan. 19. This year’s themes…
Meet Your Neighbor: Ramsey Revell Wheeler
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Meet Ramsey Revell Wheeler! An alum of Aucilla Christian Academy, she was raised in Jefferson County, which she continues to call her home today. She grew up…
Celebrate Florida Arbor Day at local tree giveaway event
Jimmy McQuigg Jefferson County Forester Florida Arbor Day is right around the corner, and this year, the Florida Forest Service (FFS) is making it extra special. To honor this important day, FFS…
See Jupiter, Saturn, Sirius and more: Celestial events in January
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. For those who like to keep eyes on the skies, January has some interesting celestial events in store. • On Jan. 1, Sirius will reach its highest…
Read the Bible in a year
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. Many people make a goal for themselves to read the Bible in the course of a year. Achieving this takes a large commitment, requiring a person to…
Quit Your Way can help you snuff out the cigarettes
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. If you’re trying to quit smoking, you’re not alone. With many well-studied detrimental effects on health caused by smoking, not to the mention economic, social and mental…
From the Sunny Side: New Year
Rick Patrick Columnist Well, how about that. Here we are, about to replace the calendars on the wall already. It seems like only a month ago that I flipped the calendar to…
FWC releases results of 2025 black bear hunt
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Contributor After FWC staff presented options on highly regulated black bear hunting and the public provided their comments at the August and November 2025 Commission meetings,…
Local 4-H kids see success at the North Florida Fair
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Many Jefferson County 4-H youth participated in the North Florida Fair and brought home team and individual awards across three age divisions (junior, intermediate and senior )…
Pet Adoption Spotlight: River
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. At the Jefferson County Humane Society’s Wolf Creek Pet Adoption Center (JCHS), many sweet animals are hoping to find their forever home. River, an affectionate bob-tailed kitten,…