Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. In the wake of the deputy manager/human resources director allegedly misrepresenting dependents on her health insurance coverage, county officials are taking steps to avoid the repeat of…
County officials approve Duke’s solar farm near Waukeenah
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Based on the recommendations of the planning official and planning commission, the Jefferson County Commission recently approved Duke Energy’s large-scale solar facility off U.S. 27 in the…
North Florida College leads state in graduation rates
North Florida College Contributor When Caroline Wynn first stepped onto the campus of North Florida College (NFC), she brought more than determination. She brought generations of rural resilience. A graduate of James…
From the Sunny Side: Kindergarten
Rick Patrick Columnist In my old home town of Perry, Fla. almost everyone fell into one of two categories. You were either an alum of Kiddie College or Happytime kindergarten. I was…
Thoughts from the past and present: A sincere thanks to the Holliers
Hailey Heseltine Columnist At the Florida Media Conference’s annual weekly newspaper awards luncheon on Aug. 1, we (the family of ECB Publishing, Greene Publishing, and the Riverbend News, which are all owned…
Teen Center Youth Camp celebrates 10 years
Justice Barrington Teen Center Youth Camp The Teen Center Youth Camp recently reached a remarkable milestone by celebrating its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of dedication to the development and enrichment of…
Finding wisdom and gaining understanding
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist According to the Scriptures, those with “advanced years should teach wisdom” (Job 32:7). As a young boy, I gleaned much sitting at the feet of my great-grandfather…
A powerful verse when you’re overwhelmed
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist What’s your favorite verse? The one you go to when your insides scream, “Father, help me handle this!”? I love Psalm 18. It’s a powerful passage with…
Childhood reflections with a touch of grace: The thirst trap
Mickey Starling Columnist In my youth, a hot summer day would bring out a craving for a Fanta grape soda. Nothing quenched my thirst and sugar craving quite like that soft drink,…
Good health goes hand in hand with faith
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. If there was ever an expression that does not hold water, it is the one that declares, “Only the good die young.” Despite the popularity of this…
Eaten out of house and home
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. The majority of homes in America are constructed using a blend of different materials – mostly brick, concrete, stone, vinyl and drywall, but no matter what your…
Household bliss in a zap
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Usually, our home articles focus on things like replacing gutters, installing lighting or planting gardens. However, living in the south presents some pressing issues that should also…
How heat affects your house
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. If you find yourself unable to answer the question, “How are you?” with anything other than the word “hot,” you are not alone. Everyone feels the same…
EcoWatch: Time for a good and bad news report as season warms up
Delores Savas Contributor “The good news is that bad news can be turned into good news when you change your attitude.” – Robert H. Schuller, American television evangelist, author Sorry to say,…
Senior center found lacking in some aspects
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. A regional agency that subcontracts with area service providers to deliver direct care to the elderly through such services as home delivered meals, homemaking, and personal care…
County’s proposed budget exceeds $37M
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Budget Officer Gus Rojas recently presented a summary of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to the Jefferson County Commission, ostensibly his last budget summation, as he has…
New state law targets super speeders
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Drivers caught speeding excessively in Florida now face criminal charges with stepped-up penalties. Florida’s “Super Speeder Law,” which went into effect on July 1, targets drivers…
Sheriff’s Office gets $435,068 for officers’ salary increases
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials recently ratified an agreement with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) that will infuse a significant amount of dollars into the sheriff’s office for…
Commissioner Hall joins national convening for county leaders
Story Submitted Jefferson County District 2 Commissioner Gene Hall last week attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in Philadelphia. The event drew thousands of county leaders from across the…
Red Cross Shelter training available August 19
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The public is invited to sign up for training about how to volunteer at an emergency shelter during a disaster. “This is your chance to learn how…