Jackie Clemens Contributor At the Dec. 9 meeting of Triple-L at First Baptist Church Monticello, the program featured first graders from Aucilla Christian Academy. The children recited scriptures, sang Christmas songs and…
PHOTO FEATURE: American Legion Post 49 attends Wreaths Across America
On Saturday, Dec. 13 Wreaths Across America took place at the Tallahassee National Cemetery (TNC). Monticello’s American Legion Post 49 attended the annual event and donated funds for the wreaths, which were…
Apalachee Center to partner with Scouts to support youth mental health
Apalachee Center Contributor Apalachee Center, the leading provider of behavioral health services in Florida’s Big Bend region, and the Suwannee River Area Council (SRAC) are teaming up to expand access to behavioral…
The Grinch, Rudolph and the miracle
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist The Grinch’s plan is simple. He figures that if he takes away all the Christmas “stuff” the Who’s won’t be able to celebrate Christmas. But the Grinch…
Florida drivers face new penalties for covered plates
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. HB 253 bans license plate covers and obscuring devices starting Oct. 1. Florida drivers should take a closer look at their license plates. Beginning Oct. 1., House…
Christ, the firstborn
Carlton McPeak Guest Columnist After identifying the Christ as being the one who has rescued people and transferred them into His kingdom, Paul gives evidence to identify Him. Paul begins by saying…
Proposed legislation again aims at developing rural land
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Two bills newly filed in the Florida Legislature for the coming 2026 session seek to sideline local governments and the public when it comes to growth management…
From prosecutor to circuit judge: Jones Returns to his first courtroom
Paula Wright (Watkins) Chief Deputy Court Administrator Second Judicial Circuit The Second Judicial Circuit is pleased to announce that Judge Jason L. Jones has been assigned to serve as the Circuit Judge…
Read local, support local: Support community journalism
Emerald Greene ECB Publishing, Inc. Local news plays an indispensable role in American civic life as a trusted source of critical information. It is a fact that local newspapers serve a vital…
Headstone dedication honors World War I soldier
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. On behalf of the Cemetery Restoration and Preservation Society of North Florida, Inc., a headstone dedication ceremony was held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. at New…
Mulch in the forest and in the garden
Jennifer Mason Contributor Throughout this dry fall, I find myself kicking around the woods observing the shrubs and trees that are stressed from this prolonged drought. Many trees didn’t really have much…
Step by step
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…