Crystal Goodwin ECB Publishing, Inc. Twinkling lights decorated the historic Monticello Opera House as Jefferson County Schools K-12, A Community Partnership School (JCS), celebrated prom 2026 on March 7. Crowns were presented…
Springfield A.M.E. announces Good Friday service
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Ministers’ Conference presents a Good Friday service on April 3 at 7 p.m., hosted by Pastor Annerane F. Wineglass and the congregation of Springfield…
What if God didn’t want a relationship with you?
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Imagine what life would be like if God didn’t want a relationship with us. Think how incredibly hard and lonely it would be. Here’s another thought: What…
Easter memories and butterfly lessons
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist This week before Easter Sunday brings back memories. For 18 plus years before retiring from pastoring a church, I raised butterflies for release on Easter Sunday morning…
ACA annual heart screenings honor ‘Koda
Crystal Goodwin ECB Publishing, Inc. There are some days that feel bigger than a calendar date. These days are rooted in memory, in love and the quiet determination to protect others. At…
Hurricane center implements new tools for 2026 season
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s never too early to begin thinking about the Atlantic hurricane scene, which is set to begin officially on June 1. At least it’s never too early…
Accounting firm to evaluate county’s internal control system
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Local officials have entered an agreement with an accountant firm to have it perform a one-time evaluation of certain aspects of the county’s system of internal controls…
Proposed measure would allow criminal checks of county employees
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials have scheduled a public hearing for adoption of an ordinance that will require Level II criminal background checks on certain county employees and job applicants….
Auditor General gives Jefferson County Schools a clean report
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The State of Florida Auditor General found no deficiencies when conducting its annual Financial and Federal Single Audit for Jefferson County Schools. None. Its report, just released…
New bill signed by governor further erodes home rule
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on March 27 House Bill 399, one of several bills in the recently concluded legislative session that aimed to further weaken…
County manager responds to earlier accusation of falsehood
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County Manager Shannon Metty recently returned to the issue of the $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that the county received from the federal…
Consultant discusses business take-aways from demographic “tapestry”
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon on March 3 featured Business Consultant Pamela Johnson. She works at Florida A&M University (FAMU) for the Small Business Development…
USPS proposes major stamp price increase amid financial struggles
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is proposing a significant increase in the cost of first-class stamps, a move that could impact millions of Americans who rely…
Smithsonian WWI exhibit coming to Monticello in April
Crystal Goodwin ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson Arts Gallery (JAG) welcomes the World War I: Lessons and Legacies exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in April. For a county rooted…
Vietnam War Veterans Day: A day to remember the ultimate sacrifices
Jason Futch ECB Publishing, Inc. The Vietnam War raged for decades and throughout the terms of four United States Presidents, as offensives raged, and the casualties of war continued to trickle in….
Cody Church announces Easter Weekend events
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Cody Church invites the public to celebrate Easter Weekend with them on April 4-5. On Saturday, April 4, fun activities last from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m….
Brookwood inducts 33 students into National Honor Society
Robin Richardson Contributor Brookwood School inducted 33 new members into the Louise Jeanes Hines Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) on March 24. Students in grades 11 and 12 who demonstrate…
Change filters in spring for peak performance
Monty Morgan Morgan’s Garage/Monticello CarQuest Auto Parts Spring is finally here, and now is a great time to think about making sure your vehicles are ready for peak performance. Here are some…
Tri-County Electric is offering a scholarship opportunity
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Applications are now open for the Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s (TCEC) Energizing Education Scholarship. Students from the Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties have the opportunity to receive up…
Transforming Life Church to host Good Friday night of worship
Story Submitted The community is invited to a special night of praise and worship on Good Friday, April 3, at 7 p.m., hosted by Transforming Life Church. Come and join area worshippers…