Sheryl Boldt Guest Columnist At twenty years old, Jenny felt like giving up. She had maintained a solid B average during her first year of college, but last summer, her life started…
City plans removal of downtown ornamental tree
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. The City of Monticello is planning to remove one of the iconic Bradford pear trees that grace the downtown area. At the request of Ashley and Jason…
Commission to hold discussion about broadband connectivity on Nov. 20
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. For residents interested in learning about the status of Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s (TCEC) initiative to expand broadband connectivity across the county, the Jefferson County Commission is expected…
Veterans Day Breakfast draws overflowing crowd
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Otto M. Walker American Legion Post #49 offered a Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 11, and despite sub-freezing temperatures, more than 130 people are estimated to…
Florida laws that took effect Oct. 1 (Part Two)
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. Nearly 30 new state laws took effect across Florida on Oct.1, shaping policies on everything from public safety and education to housing and digital privacy. These legislative…
Teen writing contest announced; deadline is Dec. 19
Writers Alliance of Gainesville Contributor The Writers Alliance of Gainesville, Fla., is pleased to announce the annual Teen Lit Contest, part of the 2026 Sunshine State Book Festival, offering Florida students the…
Fields of Faith to take place Nov. 19
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is holding a Fields of Faith event that includes students from Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties on Wednesday evening, Nov. 19, beginning…
Don’t mess with stress
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist There were two mountain boys who spotted a bobcat up a tree and decided to have some fun. One said, “I’ll shinny up that tree and chase…
Pet Adoption Spotlight: Harley
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. Meet Harley! She’s a beautiful 6-year-old black and white pointer with a heart full of love and energy. Harley is wonderful with children, great with other dogs…
Community supports ongoing food drive to benefit JCS students
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. According to the USDA, nearly 14 million, or one in five children in the United States experienced food insecurity in 2023. Not knowing where one’s next meal…
“House of David” returns to Amazon
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. The hit series “House of David” returned to Amazon Prime in October, with David slowly beginning his march to take the throne from King Saul. Watching the…
Feeling jolly for holly? Don’t deck the halls just yet!
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. Now that Halloween has come and gone, it is time for homeowners everywhere to undertake an aesthetic transformation to their home décor. The time has come to…
Emerald Greene named Newsperson of the Year
Shelby Martin Florida Farm Bureau Emerald Greene, owner of Greene Publishing, Inc. and ECB Publishing, Inc., has been named the 2025 Florida Farm Bureau Newsperson of the Year. This announcement was made…
First-generation blueberry grower named state award winner
Florida Farm Bureau Contributor Tyler Shadrick, of Shadrick Farms in Madison County, has been named the 2025 Florida Farm Bureau Achievement in Agriculture award winner. His announcement came at Florida Farm…
Florida Farm Bureau Federation holds 84th Annual Meeting
Florida Farm Bureau Contributor More than 450 grassroots members gathered in Daytona Beach Oct. 27-29 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort for Florida Farm Bureau’s 84th State Annual Meeting. Voting delegates discussed and approved policy resolutions that were adopted as the organization’s policy…
Local Kiwanis Clubs help fund an upcoming ACA student mission trip
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Two North Floridian Kiwanis Clubs recently made a donation to Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) to help fund a student mission trip. The donations, which were given by…
A short history of America’s conflicts
Christian Peterson ECB Publishing, Inc. The United States of America has been a military power across the globe for a long time. Still, our history with the military and that of our…
Events for Nov. 11-13
NOVEMBER 11 (Tuesday) Otto M. Walker Post #49 (1065 S. Water St.)hosts a free Veterans Day Breakfast starting at 8:30 a.m., with meal, guest speaker and raffle drawings. The Woman’s Club meets…
Bill would make E-Verify a requirement for all businesses
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. A bill recently introduced in the Florida House of Representatives would force every private business in the state – whether a small shop or a large chain-type…
Local neighborhood food market is relocating
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s been confirmed that Bob and Jeff’s Neighborhood Market will be moving to a new location in town. Rumors about the local food store’s potential relocation had…