Florida Fish and Wildlife Contributor The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proudly highlights the significant milestones achieved in 2024, as Florida solidifies its reputation as a national leader in conservation…
Cold-hardy citrus selection
Citrus production is one of Florida’s largest agricultural industries due to its warmer climate that is suitable for most citrus varieties. When we think of North Florida agriculture production, we usually do…
Socializing your dog
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. Every pet owner wants a well-socialized pet. No one wants Fido to jump all over guests who come to the house, pull incessantly on his leash, or…
Lawmakers come to town to hear local issues
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. With the 2025 spring session of the Florida Legislature set to begin on March 4, the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation made its annual trip to Monticello on…
Christmas time is here…everywhere around the world
Christian Peterson ECB Publishing, Inc. “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them,…
A true Christmas story
Halie Wetherington ECB Publishing, Inc. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful…
Still searching for the perfect gift to give?
Are you still searching for the perfect gift to give? The one that will fit perfectly, meet expectations, work without fixing, not have to be returned in its original packing material? That…
Joe Biden, Mr. Consistency
Our soon to be former president has been much maligned on any number of things, but I’d like to commend him for his consistency on just one issue – guns and gun…
Ponderings…Will you be eaten by the Yule Cat?
The Winter Solstice has officially come and gone. I’ve rambled about the significance of this time in the past, but for those who don’t know, the word “solstice” is derived from two…
Backpack Buddies come through for Christmas
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. This Thanksgiving, the Backpack Buddies of Jefferson County delivered gifts, blankets, food and turkeys for the children and families in their program. This Christmas, the spirit of…
American Legion reflects on active year at Christmas party
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Otto M. Walker American Legion Post 49 celebrated Christmas together with a potluck dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Members and guests shared a bountiful feast, and…
Home by the holidays
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. Animals in the rescue system live a life of uncertainty. There is no guarantee that they will ever enjoy the comforts of their very own home, or…
Protecting your pipes
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. With the temperamental weather fluctuations that often come with living in Florida, many homeowners may face the concern of having pipe damage, and this can become an…
Housing scholarship opportunities available for students
Jason Futch ECB Publishing, Inc. Housing scholarship opportunities are now available for high school students in the local area through the Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF). Students who are planning to attend Florida…
Teacher Spotlight – Dave Gray
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The art of teaching is arguably the most important in the world. When we are very young, we rely on our parents or guardians to teach us…
Retired educators conduct annual book giveaway
Mary Madison Contributor On Dec. 10, three members of the Jefferson County Retired Educators (JCRE) – Marilyn Hasley, Gloria Norton and Mary Madison (the group’s secretary) – visited Jefferson County K-12 School…
O Come All Ye Faithful
CHRISTMASTIME 1942. As the story goes, a young boy named Bruce was to be the Wise Man from the East in a Christmas pageant at a rural church in the Pocono Mountains…
Experiencing joy in the new year – in the midst of sorrow
Has the loss of someone dear to you left a perpetual hole in your heart? Have the consequences of your poor choices convinced you that you’re a hopeless loser? If so, I…
What about Christmas songs?
At my previous congregation, one rather faithful member always let it be known she was irked that we only sang “Christmas” songs in late December. That did not stop our song leader…
Date changed for January prayer breakfast
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The January date for the Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast has been changed to the second Thursday of the month, Jan. 9. The time remains 7-8 a.m., and…