Reading the November 12 article regarding the numerous property tax proposals, a common theme appears in nearly every one: “Non-school Property Tax”. In fact, none, not one, of these proposals would truly eliminate allhomestead property…
The “Jeffecello” school days of 1949
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. What was it like to go to Monticello High School (MHS) in 1949? Turn the pages of the 1949 issue of the “Jeffecello” year book to get…
Repent – and clean out the “freezer”
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist I love ice cream. But every time I eat a bowl in the evening, I regret it the next morning when I step on the bathroom scales….
Local schools celebrate fall festivals with games, treats and community fun
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. Autumn spirit swept through Jefferson County as families gathered at Aucilla Christian Academy and Jefferson K-12 for annual fall festivals, where games, sweet treats and fellowship turned…
Drought intensifies for Jefferson County – state of emergency declared
Updated Nov. 23, 2025 Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County has declared a Local State of Emergency and issued a temporary countywide burn ban due to ongoing exceptional drought conditions. This…
Multiple changes proposed to county’s local land development regulations
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Commission recently approved the scheduling and advertising of public hearings to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Land Development Code (LDC)….
Local writer turns The Blasting Company’s “A History of Public Relations Dilemmae” album into a musical show
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Jason Q. Brookins, who grew up in Monticello, is directing a musical play he wrote that features selected songs from The Blasting Company’s album, “A History of…
Events for Nov. 21-24
NOVEMBER 21 (Friday) Christ Episcopal Church Food Pantry (425 N. Cherry St.) opens at 7:15 a.m. and distributes until the food is gone. The Rotary Club meets at 11:45 a.m. at 420…
Help Jefferson County bundle up this winter
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Do you have unneeded gently used or new winter essentials, like coats or scarves, gathering dust in your closet? You can help your community keep warm this…
Fire Chief issues ban on outdoor burning
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. A large swath of the Big Bend has received only 1.53 inches of rain since Sept. 1, an amount that is 8.24 inches below normal. The most…
VFW Post 251 hosts district conference
Mary Madison Contributor The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts and auxiliaries of District 2 joined the local VFW Post and Auxiliary 251 as it hosted the District 2 Conference this month…
City eyes use of AI to transcribe certain meeting minutes
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Not altogether uncritically, City of Monticello officials are contemplating climbing aboard the artificial intelligence (AI) bandwagon, if on a limited, trial basis. On Tuesday evening, Nov. 4,…
Jefferson Farm Bureau celebrates Farm-City Week with Kiwanis Club
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Farm Bureau, in collaboration with the Monticello Kiwanis Club, hosted another successful Farm-City Week Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The annual event brought together…
Mayor joins newly-formed economic development committee
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. The Monticello City Council recently selected Mayor Gloria Cox to be the city’s representative on the Jefferson County Economic Development Committee, a newly-formed group whose chief purpose…
SRWMD Hydrologic Conditions Report for October is now available
Suwannee River Water Management District Contributor To help enhance public awareness of water levels and the impact rainfall has on current conditions in North Florida, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District)…
Meet Your Neighbor: Audrey Andrews
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. Aspiring archaeologist with a heart for home. At just 19 years old, Audrey Andrews has lived in Jefferson County her entire life – and she wouldn’t have…
Property appraiser offers analysis of tax-relief bills
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Given her expertise and thoroughness, it’s not surprising that Property Appraiser Angela Gray would come up with a thoughtful, objective analysis of the potential impacts locally of…
It’s not good to be a turkey
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Turkey is the star of many Thanksgiving feasts and a staple in many holiday food celebrations. As delicious as they are, turkeys have a set of slang…
Golden-handed tamarins add their sparkle to the Wildlife Center
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. On a pleasant fall morning, rays of sunshine angle through the picture window of the new home for two golden-handed tamarins. Their paws gleam like polished metal…
Constitutional officers return nearly $200,000 in unused funds to county coffers
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. This is a time of year that commissioners particularly appreciate, when the books close for the previous fiscal year and certain constitutional officers return unspent monies from…