Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The July 1, 2026, issue of the Monticello News includes a special B Section dedicated to celebrating America’s 250th Independence Day. Enjoy 12 full pages of information…
Enjoy lots of music, local fireworks and more for America’s 250th
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County is looking more and more festive the closer we get to America’s 250th Independence Day! Encouragement to decorate porches, yards and business fronts has made…
Celestial events in July
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. For those who like to keep eyes on the skies, here are some interesting celestial events happening this month. • All month: Get a great view of…
Fourth of July for Fido
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. As summer kicks into full-gear, Americans everywhere prepare to fire up their grills, stoke up their inner patriot, and get the fireworks ready for the Fourth of…
Celebrating America!
America is the most generous country in the world, helping other nations in times of crisis. At home, we are a land of endless opportunity, enabling hardworking citizens to pursue their dreams….
Ode to Lucky O. Henry
O. Henry was found abandoned at John Stretch Park. He was such a lovable dog that those who found him didn’t want to send him to animal control. Enter a search for…
Duke Energy Florida implements third rate reduction to lower residential bills
Aly Raschid Contributor Duke Energy Florida will implement its third rate reduction of 2026 from June through September, lowering residential customer bills by approximately $50, or 25%, for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)…
From the Sunny Side: Little things
I’m not quite sure exactly when the change occurred. In fact, it has only recently dawned on me that any change at all had happened. But it certainly has happened. I remember…
New county manager now on the job
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Newly-hired County Manager Douglas Baber officially took over the reins of the office on Monday, June 22, per the employment contract that the Jefferson County Board of…
Jefferson County residents donate big for Big Bend Hospice nutrition drink drive
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Big Bend Hospice (BBH) reports that during their recent Ensure drive they received an incredible outpouring of support from the Jefferson County community. “The response was overwhelming,…
Correction to “Building and planning permit fees may increase”
Correction: The Monticello News erred in the story posted online on June 27, regarding the Jefferson County Commission approving a proposal to hire a consultant to conduct a study of the current…
Bowler Chrissy Lastinger is bound for Junior Gold Championships
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. You might know Chrissy Lastinger as the local girl who was recently crowned Miss Watermelon Queen 2026. What you probably didn’t know is that Lastinger is also…
County-sponsored ceremony honors veterans
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. County officials recently pulled out all the stops to honor local veterans, thanks to the efforts of Interim Manager Ron Russo, staff and others in the community,…
County considers moratorium on data centers
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Like many other communities across Florida that have declared bans or moratoriums on data centers in keeping with a new state law, Jefferson County is in the…
It’s Insurance Awareness Day!
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. National Insurance Awareness Day is observed on June 28 to encourage us to review our insurance policies to ensure we have protections for ourselves and our property….
Monticello to join 1,000 cities for America Prays 250 event
Story Submitted Open to the community, Transforming Life Church will host the America Prays 250 prayer event locally on July 4 from 9 to 10 a.m. More than 1,000 cities will unite…
Outlaws
They’re outlaws at the Church that don’t have badges to get in If they sat right down beside you, would you think it was a sin? I thought the goal we’re seeking…
Gallup poll shows increase in church attendance
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Gallup’s most recent poll on church attendance in America has widely-held stereotypes running for cover. It has often been believed that women usually have to drag their…
Boston Highway set for improvement
Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Another county road is set for improvement. This time it’s a section of CR-149 or the Boston Highway, a primary rural corridor that runs from U.S. 19…
Property Taxes: The Cash Cow (Part 2)
I read about the projected loss of property tax revenue in the 6/24/26 paper. What I did not read was how property tax revenue has climbed 96 percent here since 2019, from…