ECB Publishing, Inc. Applications are now available for the inaugural Miss Jefferson County Pageant, and excitement is already building for the debut event in 2026. The Miss Jefferson County Pageants will be…
County continues improving recreation park
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Expect to see access and parking upgrades at the Jefferson County Recreation Park on Mamie Scott Drive in the northeast part of the city as part of…
Jefferson County children can get free books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Since 1995, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library has been providing children with a monthly free book from birth to age 5. Thirty-one years later, this program is…
Artist Darlene Burns on her first exhibit, art as therapy and branching out
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Guests at the Starling Musings gallery get a change of pace at the start of each month, as the gallery’s rotating exhibit model ushers in new pieces…
Warriors defeated by Marauders
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. On Friday, Sept. 4, the Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) Warriors varsity football team hosted the Marauders of Maclay School, from Tallahassee. The Warriors fell behind early and…
Mayo man killed in Hwy. 19 rollover crash
Danny Federico ECB Publishing, Inc. A 73-year-old Mayo man was pronounced deceased following a single-vehicle crash in Jefferson County early Friday morning, Sept. 4. According to a press release from the Florida…
Flea Across Florida returns to Jefferson County
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. Flea Across Florida will return to Jefferson County on Friday-Saturday, Sept. 11-12, giving local residents and visitors a fun afternoon of shopping, selling and exploring along U.S….
A perspective on labor for Labor Day
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Bert and I were saddened to learn that our friend Wallace had only weeks to live due to advanced leukemia. Six months later, although he never went…
Vice Mayor Katrina Richardson receives Bronze Certificate of Merit
Florida League of Cities Contributor The Florida League of Cities announced that Monticello Vice Mayor Katrina Richardson recently received the Bronze Certificate of Merit from the Certificate Program for Elected Municipal Officials…
Eliza Freeman earns Dean’s List recognition
Merit Pages News Contributor Valdosta State University (VSU) congratulates Eliza Freeman of Monticello for earning a spot on the Summer 2026 Dean’s List. Dean’s List honors are reserved for the highest achieving…
‘Riding along in God’s caboose’
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast began its 2026-27 season on Sept. 3. First Methodist Church of Monticello hosted the gathering, with a blessing by the pastor, Jonathan…
Make your home more secure
Metro Media A home should be a place of comfort and security. But homes can be targeted by thieves who are eager to make off with people’s hard-earned possessions. Securing a home…
Get the Flock out
I was very pleased this week to get a call from our most excellent Sheriff McNeill, who told me ALL of the Flock cameras in the county were being removed. Our most…
Healthcare Hero: Melissa Taylor Ridenhour
Autumn Raulerson ECB Publishing, Inc. Melissa Taylor Ridenhour is the director of the medical team at Sanctuary Clinics Christian Treatment & Recovery Program in Monticello. She has been a registered nurse (RN)…
Solid waste department undergoing evaluation
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials have decided to put on hold, at least for the time being, the idea of privatizing the collection and disposal of solid waste. The Jefferson…
Charlie Reichert embraces year 101
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. World War II Navy Veteran Charlie Reichert celebrated his 101st birthday this summer and, while mindful of the heat, is enjoying an active life on the same…
A tale of two bagpipes: part two
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Following the exploits of Bill Millins, who marched upon the bloody shores of Sword Island playing his bagpipe, yet another British soldier, Jack “Mad Jack” Churchill made…
FDOT makes big change to LPR placements
Christian Peterson ECB Publishing, Inc. On Monday, Aug. 31, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that local law enforcement agencies will have to remove automated license plate recognition systems (LPRs) within…
Oak trees planted at Big Bend Hospice to honor the Moodys
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Over many years to come, the front lawn of Big Bend Hospice (BBH) of Jefferson County will slowly become cool and shady as two young oak trees…
EPA ends summer gas rules early to lower U.S. pump prices
Alton Wallace The Center Square The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday issued a temporary emergency waiver that allows nationwide sales of winter-grade gasoline two weeks early in an effort to increase…
From the Sunny Side: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Rick Patrick Columnist As you probably surmise from the title, this will be a little bit of a departure from our usual weekly visits. I’m sure you won’t mind too much. September…