Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. For Wiley Barfield, son of Zane and Kristen Barfield, August of 2025 will be a month he will remember, possibly for the rest of his days. He…
City once again without a city clerk
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. For the second time in just over a year, the City of Monticello finds itself once again without a city clerk. Barely a year after her appointment…
Get ready with the disaster preparedness expo on Aug. 16
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst! It’s more relevant than ever as we’re knee deep into the hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to…
The First is now The Renasant Bank
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Monticello residents will soon see an old bank sporting a new sign, emblematic of an ever-changing corporate culture and rebranding trend. What once was Farmers &…
Is Benadryl the best choice?
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. Next time something is blooming that makes you feel itchy and bothers your sinuses, you may consider getting something other than Benadryl to give you a little…
KFRW celebrates seven years
Story Submitted The Keystone Federated Republican Women (KFRW) celebrated their seven-year anniversary on July 26, 2025, at a member’s home. The KFRW formed as a non-profit political organization on July 26, 2018,…
Air conditioning across history
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The dog days of summer have drawn to a close, but that doesn’t mean the hot weather is anywhere near lightening, especially not for us Floridians. Did…
Arborist Consultation Information
UF/IFAS Contributor Homeowners are generally unaware of many of the various circumstances that can make their trees hazardous. If time is taken to look, most people can see obvious structural problems as…
Register for Rec Park fall sports!
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s time to sign up for fall sports teams at the Jefferson County Recreation Park, “where everybody plays.” Registration starts Friday, Aug. 15, for the Tackle Football,…
ECB Publishing celebrates its Annual Media Awards
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. At the 2025 Florida Media Conference, ECB Publishing, Inc. received many accolades for work during 2024 by the reporters and graphic designers who create the Monticello News…
Paintball whiz heads to France
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. Warren Barker, son of locals Kenny and Joanne Barker and a 15-year-old tenth-grader at Florida High, is regularly on the road to Lakeland, Fla., with his dad…
County to audit employees’ health insurance
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,…