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…
Students prepare for their future by completing a financial literacy program
Crystal Goodwin ECB Publishing, Inc. Students at JCS had the opportunity to enroll in the Rural Youth Financial Literacy Program sponsored by the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce and CareerSource Capital…
Solomon Lodge #6 elects officers
Charles Gilley Contributor Solomon Lodge #6, (originally #7), is the oldest Black Masonic Lodge in the State of Florida, established in 1868, and has been widely recognized. The Lodge, which is a…
City/county joint animal control program possibly coming undone
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. The joint effort between the City of Monticello and Jefferson County relative to animal control may be unraveling, now that county officials have decided to put greater…
Did you know? Enjoying nature can positively affect your mental health
Metro Media Increasing time spent outdoors enjoying nature can positively affect mood and mental health. Generally speaking, outdoor enthusiasts tend to be happier overall. The American Psychological Association says spending time in…
Chamber recognizes graduates of its 2025-26 Student Leadership Academy
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The May 7 member luncheon for the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce featured the local high school seniors who have participated in the chamber’s Student Leadership Academy…
City again postpones abatement action against nuisance property
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. For the second time in as many months, Monticello officials last week gave a homeowner whose property has been found to be in violation of the city’s…
Commission to hear about Trulieve runoff problem from state agency (Hearing set for Thursday, May 21)
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Residents concerned about the water quality issues associated with the Trulieve medical marijuana growing facility on U.S. Highway 27 may want to monitor the Jefferson County Commission…
EMS Week celebrates those who answer the call
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. Every day and night, emergency medical professionals stand ready to respond when people need help most. During Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, take time to recognize the…
Clothes dryer ignites house fire
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. On Friday, May 15, at 11:07 p.m., Jefferson County Fire Rescue responded to 448 Sam Perry Rd. (between Greenville and Lamont), where an occupied dwelling was reportedly…
Macedonia Church announces giveaway and outreach schedule
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Pastor Jody Brown and the congregation of Macedonia Church offer a number of services and outreach ministries in the community. On the first and third Saturdays at…