Two hundred and forty years ago, on January 16, 1786, the Virginia General Assembly adopted Thomas Jefferson’s groundbreaking Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. This pivotal law disestablished the state church, declaring that…
God’s love transforms us
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Unresolved conflict has a way of consuming us. It occupies our minds, tightens our stomachs and sets our hearts racing. The longer disputes continue, the more resentment…
Dare to be a Barnabas
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Throughout history, the Church has been influenced by unsung heroes; ordinary men and women who were significant in the fulfillment of God’s purposes. One such individual found…
First Baptist Church of Lloyd to mark 50 years with jubilee homecoming
Story Submitted The Year of Jubilee: 50th Anniversary Homecoming at First Baptist Church of Lloyd promises to be a heartfelt celebration of faith, family and community. On March 1, 2026, the church…
Letter to the editor: Looking Forward
It has been a long and hard twenty-one days for all concerned. Ms. Metty has faced the difficulty of having her work publicly criticized; the board has fielded a constituency divided in…
Probiotics may provide a healthy boost
Metro Media It’s easy to view bacteria and yeasts through a particular lens, without realizing that these microorganisms serve various functions. Certainly, bacteria can lead to infections, but certain bacteria also are…
Multiple sclerosis: an unpredictable disease with growing awarenesss
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain…
Warnings Unheeded as Propane Risks Grow in Jefferson County
Lives at Risk: Residents Warn of Escalating Propane Dangers, Near-Misses, Inmate Safety, and Double Thermal Radiation Hazards Go Unaddressed Emergency management professionals often warn that the most devastating disasters are not caused…
Events for Feb. 10-13
FEBRUARY 10 (Tuesday) All Democrats in Jefferson County are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Democratic Executive Committee from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the library…
New Tennessee law may set example for Florida
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. A new law on domestic violence that went into effect in Tennessee on Jan. 1 may set a precedent for other states and possibly shift the conversation…
The Spirit of the People Committee to host Black History Month Celebration Feb.21
Dr. Glyndell B. Presley Contributor The Spirit of the People Committee invites the Jefferson County community to celebrate 100 years of Black history on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon in…
County looks to update its transportation fleet
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County officials may enter a partnership with Enterprise Mobility (formerly Enterprise Holdings, and best known for its car-rental program), to manage the county’s transportation fleet. Consideration…
Animal control officer arrested for animal cruelty
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Monticello Police Department (MPD) reports that Jefferson County Animal Control Officer Alexander Lake Burdick has been arrested for the offense of misdemeanor animal cruelty for impounding/confining…
Planners to hear request for large land-use change in Lloyd area
(Hearing set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12) Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. One of the issues that the Jefferson County Planning Commission will be taking up when it meets this Thursday…
Celebrating Monticello’s African American Past & Present: E-Commerce Strategist & Marketing Innovator Tomara Watkins
Frequita Barrington Contributor Monticello native Tomara Watkins grew up along the Florida-Georgia line in Jefferson County, surrounded by generations of women whose strength, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shaped her life. Raised in…
“God, please send us a hot water bottle today”
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. It was National Prayer Breakfast Day on Thursday, Feb. 5, when the Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast took place at its regular time, the first Thursday of the…
Ceremony marks 34th anniversary of trooper’s death
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Notwithstanding the frigid temperature on Sunday, Feb. 1, a group of about 30 active and retired law-enforcement officers and others from the community gathered at the Aucilla…
Proposed measure would allow criminal checks of county employees
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials are considering adoption of an ordinance that would require Level II criminal background checks on certain county employees and job applicants. The proposed ordinance, which…
Triple R Horse Rescue saddles up for its annual fundraiser: “Have a Heart for Horses”
Story Submitted The Big Bend region’s premier horse-rescue organization will hold its annual fundraiser and gala on Feb. 28, celebrating the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of more than 550 horses, donkeys and…
Laura’s Garden Notes: From seed to stovetop
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. “When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.” – Minnie Aumonier Over the past few weeks, we’ve had snow flurries, icy gales,…