JANUARY 6 (Tuesday) Lego Club meets at 4 p.m. at the library (375 S. Water St.). For more information, call 850-342-0205. Shepherd’s Hands Free Health Clinic is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m….
Health officials track H3N2 subclade K as flu activity climbs in Florida and nationwide
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. As influenza activity continues to rise across the United States this winter, health officials are closely monitoring a variant of the seasonal flu virus known as H3N2…
Bill aims to reduce cost of inmate health care in Jefferson County
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Acting on the request of Sheriff Mac McNeill, House Representative Allison Tant has introduced legislation for the coming session that seeks to cap the compensation that the…
Pet Adoption Spotlight – Sunrise
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. Sunrise, an orange tabby cat,…
FDC enhances public safety through innovation and accountability in 2025
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…