Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. Downtown Monticello will sprinkle with lights, music and holiday cheer on Saturday, Dec. 6, as the community gathers for the annual Christmas celebration: this year’s theme is…
Jefferson County remains clear of CWD in deer population
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. With the recent confirmation of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Valdosta, Ga., area hunters have reason for caution as they enjoy deer season this year. So far,…
Planning Commission to hear comp plan amendment for major development
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Planning Commission is scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 9, to consider a request for a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment in the Lloyd area. The meeting…
December is Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The days grow shorter, temperatures drop and schedules settle into a busy hum. Wintertime isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. It’s fairly ordinary for the stress of the…
Firefighters respond to multiple blazes as fire danger remains high
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County Fire Rescue Chief Derrick Burrus says that rains predicted for this week will likely not be sufficient to lift the ban currently in place on…
Winter sports are well underway
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Around Thanksgiving every year, football season wraps up and the local sports scene shifts into a whirlwind of basketball and soccer games that keep families and fans…
Jungle Jingle offers one-of-a-kind holiday fun: Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Monticello’s own Santa, Jack Stevens, will be making a special appearance this holiday season during the Jungle Jingle event at the North Florida Wildlife Center, a nonprofit…
Florida black bear hunt is set to begin Saturday
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The first sanctioned hunting season for Florida black bears in a decade starts on Saturday, Dec. 6. During the season, which is planned to last until Dec….
The 1964 Bumblebee: Life at Howard Academy
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. With roots stretching back well into the 19th century, Howard Academy’s history is close to the hearts of many Monticello locals. When education was difficult to access…
Celestial events in December
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. For those who like to keep eyes on the skies, December has some exciting celestial events in store, including the biggest meteor shower of the year. •…
The sweetness of the season: Christmas cookies and the joy of holiday baking
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. Few traditions capture the magic of the holiday season quite like baking Christmas cookies. The warm aroma of cinnamon, sugar and vanilla drifting through the house instantly…
How to reduce your risk of being in an auto accident
Metro Media Driving a car or truck is part of daily life for most people. Commutes to work or school, leisure trips or time spent behind the wheel as part of a…
Things to consider before warming up next to your first fire this winter
Metro Media A warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter,…
TDC grants $3,000 to two local organizations
Lazaro Aleman ECB publishing, Inc. In keeping with the recommendation of the Tourist Development Council (TDC), the Jefferson County Commission recently awarded small grants to two local nonprofit organizations that serve the…
Give the gift of home: The importance of pet adoption during the holidays
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. Many families begin thinking about adding a new pet to their homes during the holidays. While Christmas is often filled with excitement, it’s also an important time…
Katrina Richardson earns place on Collette’s President’s List
Collette Travel Services Contributor Travels with Katrina announced today that owner and travel advisor Katrina Richardson has been named to Collette’s 2025–2026 President’s List, a distinction awarded to top-producing travel advisors across…
Supporting Monticello on Small Business Saturday: Why shopping small makes a big difference
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. With the holidays right around the corner, many choose to shop at major businesses and online, but it’s the small businesses that keep the economy going. Skip…
Welcome visitors using the five senses
Savannah Reams ECB Publishing, Inc. When I purchased and renovated my home several years back, I ran into a dilemma upon the project’s completion: now what? I had an empty shell and…
City officials approve two development projects
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. City officials recently green-lighted two development projects that will slightly alter the cityscape, one involving the remodeling of a commercial building and the second the construction of…
Keep the thanks in Thanksgiving
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s the time of year to start planning your Thanksgiving menu and make an escape plan if any irritating relatives show up to interrupt your football game…