BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Clay County’s only dual-certified domestic violence and sexual abuse shelter said survivors of domestic violence spent nearly 9,500 nights in its facility this year. Quigley House Interim CEO Jackie Krug said its staff answered over 4,200 phone calls in 2025, marking a 20% increase over last year. “As Clay County continues…
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Clay Electric Cooperative’s leader for the last 17 years is retiring, and another co-op lifer is taking over Florida’s largest electric cooperative this month. Ricky Davis started his career with the Keystone Heights-based utility in September 1973 as a pole inspector trainee. For the next three years, he worked his way…
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The 3rd Annual Keystone Heights Christmas Tree Lighting was a lively celebration and a display of community spirit, with close to 300 attendees gathered to enjoy festive Christmas music, while children crafted colorful ornaments. Many warmed up with steaming mugs of rich hot cocoa, funnel cakes from Lake Area Regions Kiwanis.…
BY JENN SAMSEL [email protected] The night was to be remembered, as everyone was stunning in their best outfits for Friends of Keystone’s 2nd Annual Centennial Mayor’s Ball. The event took place at the Keystone Heights RV Resort on Saturday, November 15th. Dave Rodenroth opened the evening, followed by a heartfelt speech from Nina Rodenroth, the…
Christine Blackwelder Christine Doloris Blackwelder of Lake City passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at Christian Health Center Hospice, Lynden, Washington. She was born to Myrtle Scarborough on Oct. 17, 1943, in Lake Butler. Her younger years were spent with her mother, Myrtle, brother, Kenneth, and sister, Linda, on the home farm assisting with…
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Four Keystone Heights High School soccer teams returned from the Thanksgiving break with wins, including the varsity boys and girls teams defeating visiting Branford 4-1 and 8-0, respectively, on Dec. 1. Nathan Benson, Luke Buchanan, Trenton Noble and Sammy Wacha each scored a goal in the varsity boys match, with Wacha’s…
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Garrison Smith made six three-pointers, finishing with a game-high 24 points and helping the Union County High School boys basketball team win its season opener 72-41 over visiting Keystone Heights. The Tigers got big second-half performances from Smith (11 points), Montreal Woods (11 points) and Tyrese Chandler (nine points) in turning…
The following individuals were arrested recently by local law enforcement officers in Bradford, Union, or Clay (Keystone Heights-area) counties. All defendants are considered innocent until convicted in a court or until pleading guilty or no contest. Information in this report is from law enforcement agencies and court documents, which are public records. Bradford Danielle Nicole…
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Daisy Hubbard and Kadence Massey combined for 11 second-half points as the Keystone Heights High School girls basketball team outscored host Union County 19-9 for a 37-18 win that improved the Indians to 2-0. Consecutive baskets by Iamorieah Williams gave the Tigers (0-2) an early 6-4 lead, but the Indians tied…
The following individuals were arrested recently by local law enforcement officers in Bradford, Union, or Clay (Keystone Heights-area) counties. All defendants are considered innocent until convicted in a court or until pleading guilty or no contest. Information in this report is from law enforcement agencies and court documents, which are public records. Bradford Eddie John…
