BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Clay County public school teachers staged a protest before the school board’s November 6 meeting and then complained to the board about its offer to pay instructors during the session at Fleming Island High School. They said the offer would give zero raises to 45% of teachers and leave veteran educators … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Union County School Board elected Chris Hodgson as its chair for 2026. Hodgson takes over for Curtis Clyatt. The board elected Russell Gordon as vice chair. Clyatt nominated both Hodgson and Gordon for the offices. “Thank you all for giving me the faith to do this,” the new chair said. … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Lake Butler city commissioners heard an update on Monday, November 18, on a potential buyer for the old public works property. Keller Williams realtor Brent Line told commissioners on a Zoom call that an underground utilities contractor in San Diego is looking to relocate its operations to Florida. He said the … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] A brush fire on a private island in Keystone Heights impacted residents surrounding Lake Geneva and traffic on State Road 21 on Friday, November 21. The blaze broke out near 1455 South Lawrence Blvd. at approximately 10:34 a.m. It rapidly spread across the island, significantly affecting residents, filling the area with … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The City Council of Keystone Heights bid farewell to Elston “Speedy” Kussler as he stepped down from his position as City Councilman and Vice Mayor. Kussler, a longtime resident of Keystone Heights, met his future wife a few years ago, and they recently purchased a home outside the city limits. Due … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Keystone Heights High School students participated in the school’s Reality Check on Thursday, November 20, in the school’s gym. The event simulates budgeting in adult life by assigning each student an occupation and income, then having them walk to stations throughout the gym floor to arrange other expenses. Event organizer … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The central drop-off team leader for Operation Christmas Child at Trinity Baptist Church in Keystone Heights said the number of gift boxes collected this year will likely exceed that of 2024. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization, that collects shoeboxes filled with gifts … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The 11th Annual Krawl’n For The Fallen event, held at the Keystone Heights Airport, honored fallen police officers, K-9s, fire, and military personnel. The event was a fun-filled weekend packed with action, featuring displays from various police and fire departments, motorcycles, boats, helicopters, and K-9 units. Participants enjoyed food, participated in … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Keystone Heights High School softball standout Amberlea Wagner signed a letter of intent with Santa Fe College during a ceremony in the high school cafeteria on Tuesday, November 18. Principal Laurie Burke said Wagner embodies the school’s values. “We love to have our students like this shine for us, and I’m … Read more
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] A vibrant room filled with eager attendees gathered together, united by the anticipation of homemade soup and bread, all in support of Lake Area Ministries. This spirit of community and generosity helped raise over $10,000 to assist with the food pantry. The 8th Annual Empty Bowls event took place on Tuesday, … Read more
