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…
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…
A tale of two bagpipes: part one
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s common to use music to lighten stressful situations. Waiting rooms and dental offices have employed music to calm the nerves of anxious patients for many years….
Thinking of getting outdoor sport supplies? Right now, it’s tax-free in Florida
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. This time of year, many people start gearing up for a busy season of outdoor activities. Major hunting seasons, including for deer and waterfowl, are just around…
Jefferson County FFA announces 2026-2027 Officer Slate
Stefanie L. Prevatt ECB Publishing, Inc. The Jefferson County FFA Chapter is pleased to announce the slate of officer positions for the 2026-2027 school year. The FFA officer team plays an important…
Get pesticide training with Jefferson Extension Sept. 14-17
Stefanie L. Prevatt ECB Publishing, Inc. University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Jefferson County will host the Big Bend Pesticide Training Series Sept. 14 – 17, 2026 at…
Letter to the Editor: Thank You to the Lineworkers Who Power Our State
Every time you flip a switch and the lights come on, there are teams of lineworkers who make it possible. On August 26, we recognize Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day, a designation established…
Birch Benders pancakes please the palate
Mickey Starling Columnist I’ve always been a bit of a foodie, which is a polite way of saying I am quite picky about what my tastebuds entertain. Growing up, my mother’s pancakes…
Letter to the Editor: A Community That Shows Up for Students
As a new school year begins at Jefferson K-12, A Community Partnership School, we are reminded of a simple truth: student success is strongest when an entire community comes together on behalf…
Donna’s decision
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Twelve years ago last month, my cousin passed from cancer. Found among her possessions was this copy of a testimony she shared which I share with you….
Childhood reflections with a touch of grace: Bringing out your best
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. As a youngster, I quickly developed a love for practically all sports. I played Bitty Basketball in the third grade and eventually graduated to Little League baseball,…
ACA Warriors defeated by Blue Devils
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. It was a tough evening for the Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) Warriors on Friday, Aug. 28, when they traveled west to face the Blue Devils of Holmes…
MPD Dispatcher Debbie Abbot retires
Monticello Police Chief Fred Mosley presented a certificate of appreciation to longtime dispatcher Debbie Abbott at a recent city council meeting. Abbot is retiring after 19 years with the department. Pictured, from…