Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s the last day of classes, and for Twynetta Howard, it’s also the last day of a teaching career that has, by all accounts, been exceptional, inspirational…
JCEF presents IMPACT awards
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County Educational Foundation (JCEF) held a special reception on Thursday evening, May 14, to honor educators and supporters of local public education with IMPACT awards….
Events for May 23-30
MAY 23 (Saturday) A Second Harvest food sharing takes place at New Bethel A.M.E. Church (6496 Ashville Hwy.) from 7 to 8 a.m. or until the food is gone. This is a…
ARI looks back on a spring full of activity
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The spring semester was bustling with activity for the Aucilla Research Institute (ARI). Their educational outreach program brought interactive experiences in history and archaeology across North Florida,…
Gabriel Starling graduates Flagler College
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Gabriel Starling of Monticello is among more than 600 graduates in the Flagler College Class of 2026. Starling has earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He…
NFC celebrates Commencement 2026
North Florida College Contributor North Florida College (NFC) celebrated a historic Spring 2026 Commencement on Thursday, May 7, honoring graduates across three commencement ceremonies held at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5…
Watermelon Pickleball Tournament draws 115 players to Monticello
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Since its introduction just a few years ago, the Pickleball Tournament has become a popular addition to the lineup of annual Watermelon Festival events. This year was…
Community honors 161st Florida Emancipation Day
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Old Howard Academy filled with activity on the afternoon of May 20, as visitors bustled about the lawn for a lively Emancipation Day event. Since 2025, the…
Masons award two scholarships
Roy Faglie Contributor Hiram Lodge No. 5 Free and Accepted Masons of Monticello is proud to announce our 2026 scholarship recipients. is this year’s Fred Wuerffel Scholarship winner. Gabriella is the daughter…
FSU partners with TMH to build integrated academic health system
Florida State University Contributor Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee have completed the legal transfer of city-owned hospital assets, marking a historic milestone for FSU Health, the university’s academic health…
Recognizing America’s deadliest conflicts
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Many civilians consider all military service personnel as heroes. However, ask any veteran, regardless of their accomplishments, who deserves to be considered a hero and their answers…
Jefferson County Animal Services celebrates National Rescue Dog Day
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Featured Image: Cassie Griesheimer is the director of the new Jefferson County Animal Services Department. She is pictured with Bulldozer, one of JCAS’s dogs who was adopted…
Play-Doh’s accidental success was child’s play
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. After recently learning about the accidental creation of potato chips, I began searching for other mishaps that eventually made millions of dollars. I didn’t look long before…
Kenneth and Carolyn Hudson celebrate 70th anniversary
Kenneth and Carolyn Hudson celebrate their 70th anniversary on May 20, 2026. They are formerly of Monticello and Tallahassee. They were married on May 20, 1956, at Monticello Church of God by…
Cold Case: The girl who disappeared – and the questions that never followed
Patricia Smith Contributor More than 20 years after Portesha Morris vanished from Jefferson County, her case remains unsolved, largely unknown – and increasingly difficult to explain in an era of advanced technology….
Economic development committee reports progress
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials recently got an update from the Jefferson County Economic Development Committee (JCEDC) on the state of economic affairs in Jefferson County during the period from…
Trump seeks rare suspension of the federal gas tax
The Center Square President Donald Trump recently said he will move to suspend the federal gasoline tax as the national average price of a gallon remains above $4.50 amid ongoing conflict between…
Monticello City Manager Kurt Mackiewicz arrested for alleged possession and distribution of child pornography
Submitted by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office recently became aware of a Jefferson County citizen, Monticello City Manager Kurt Mackiewicz, who may have been in possession of Child…
Aucilla Christian Academy students recognized in Farm Bureau contest
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. Students at Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) recently celebrated their hard work and creativity during a special pizza and awards party sponsored by the Jefferson County Farm Bureau….
Was the chip off the old block, or did it fall off the table?
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Some inventors have all the luck, while others aren’t even referred to by their correct names. Such is the case for George Speck, who is credited by…