Florida Wildlife Commission Contributor Governor Ron DeSantis announced his 2025-26 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommendations, solidifying Florida’s status as the nation’s leader in fish and wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. “Time…
2025 Youth Turkey Challenge registration now open
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Kings of Spring Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) hosts an annual Youth Turkey Hunt Challenge, and registration is now open for…
Hunting Heritage Banquet 2025
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Kings of Spring Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will be holding its annual Hunting Heritage Banquet on Saturday, March 1, at…
Man arrested under Second Degree Murder charges
Story submitted by JCSO On Saturday, Jan. 25, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) received a 911 call in reference to a shooting at 4205 St. Augustine Rd. The…
Monticello K-9 unit achieves certification
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. In early November, the Monticello Police Department (MPD) announced the launch of the city’s very first official K-9 drug detection unit, as it added K-9s Loretta and…
Will Florida see another bear hunt in 2025?
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is contemplating the authorization of another legal bear hunt this year and is asking for public input on the…
Lamont Truck Stop hearing reset for Feb. 20
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. The recent foul weather that brought freezing temperatures and snow to the region prompted the resetting of the hearing on the controversial truck stop that is proposed…
Aveline Boutique’s Giving Tree raises $300 plus donated items for local animal center
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. Throughout the 2024 holiday season, a special tree was erected inside of a local boutique shop in Monticello with the purpose of inspiring members of the community…
Florida Veterans’ history program seeks participants to share their stories
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Florida Legislature in its 2024 session honored the late Major John Leroy Haynes by passing a bill bearing his name to establish a veterans’ history program….
Words from the wise: Black voices through the ages
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. Black History Month is celebrated every year to recognize the contributions of Black Americans to our nation, despite a troubling history riddled with racism and oppression. It…
Local cub pack leader honored
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County Cub Scout Pack 803 was honored to have Assistant Cubmaster/Den Leader Amanda Fortunato presented with the District Award of Merit last year. The Suwannee River…
ACA honors senior basketball players
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. Aucilla Christian Academy recently celebrated several of this year’s senior basketball players during this year’s Senior Night. On Jan. 10, three seniors were escorted to the center…
ACA’s Ethan Bass scores 1000 career points in basketball
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) recently honored Ethan Bass, a senior on the varsity basketball team, as the fourth athlete in ACA history to score 1000 career points….
Homeschool robotics team headed for state
Falynne Miller Contributor A group of homeschoolers sponsored by JCHAI, the Jefferson County Homeschool Association, Inc., won Third Place Overall Champions (which marks excellence in Innovation, Robot Design, and Core Values) at…
Facing our giants
A teacher was giving an exam to identify notable figures of the Bible Old Testament. One of the questions was, “Who said, “Give me a man?” One student wrote down “Rahab, the…
A plan to jumpstart your quiet time
Do you remember how your heart ached when you were dating your husband or wife, and you had to go a whole day without talking to them? Circumstances kept you from connecting…
Mike Gresham counts the monthly prayer breakfast among his blessings
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The first gathering for the Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast in 2025 was hosted by Memorial Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday, Jan. 9. Dr. George Pittman, Sr. welcomed…
Casa Bianca M.B. Church has upcoming celebrations
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Casa Bianca Missionary Baptist Church has two special services planned this month to mark its 28th year with Pastor Tobbie Berrian as the church leader. “Reverend Berrian…
Florida “Run for the Fallen” will pass through Monticello on Feb. 7
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. On Friday, Feb. 7, a team of more than 20 marathon-trained athletes will embark on a 176-mile, three-day journey from Tallahassee to Jacksonville to honor every service…
MPD responds to suspicious incident
Monticello Police Department Contributor On Tuesday, Jan. 28, at approximately 10 a.m., the Monticello Police Department (MPD) responded to a local business in reference to a suspicious incident involving a juvenile and…