Union County businessman featured in statewide magazine

Avery Roberts, the President of the Florida Forestry Association, was featured on the cover of the October Florida Trend magazine. In its cover story, the monthly publication outlined the struggles of the state’s timber industry, beginning with Hurricane Michael in 2018 and the impact storms and adverse market conditions have had on rural communities. The … Read more

Non-stop fun at McRae fall festival

BY JENN SAMSEL Special to the Monitor The Fall Festival at McRae Elementary School unfolded into a spectacular event with non-stop fun. Families enjoyed activities, games, and prizes. The event featured a variety of attractions, including bounce houses, thrilling slides, and creative face painting. Attendees could participate in a silent auction, explore upscale resale treasures, … Read more

Mary Ann Clawson, painting Florida’s soul

BY JENN SAMSEL Special to the Monitor Mary Ann Clawson is an accomplished painter with over twenty years of experience. Her dedication and passion shine through in every piece of her artwork. This October, she was recognized as the featured artist at Mossman Hall in Melrose. “It’s just kind of like in my soul,” she … Read more

Teacher’s Facebook comment sparks outrage at school board meeting

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected]  Clay County School District officials defended their decision to reinstate a Lake Asbury Junior High School teacher after briefly suspending him for posting on Facebook that he wished unvaccinated people would “die quickly.” Evan Gould was named the school’s teacher of the year in 2018. However, during the school board’s October … Read more

Clay teachers call school board’s offer ‘a slap in the face’

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected]  Clay County teachers told school board members they considered the offer by the district in contract negotiations insulting during an October 2 school board meeting. Sharon Walsh shared a story of a 21-year veteran teacher grading papers until 7:25 p.m., netting just $40 more per week under the offer. “Teachers, we … Read more

Economic development meeting highlights strategy, international markets

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected]  The Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation held its annual meeting on Thursday, October 9, at the Keystone Heights RV Resort. The principal objectives of the corporation are to increase employment opportunities and expand business and industry in Bradford and Union Counties and portions of Clay, Putnam and Alachua Counties. During the … Read more

Bradford expands Paramedicine program with state-funded CORE initiative

BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] At the Oct. 7 meeting of the Bradford County Commission, Lt. David Weeks of Bradford County Fire Rescue presented an in-depth overview of the county’s opportunity to participate in the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) program CORE is a state-funded initiative aimed at combating substance use disorder through innovative, integrated care. … Read more

First properties removed from fire assessment roll

BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Bradford Commissioners approved multiple fire assessment roll adjustments and a handful of hardship exemptions Tuesday. Fire Chief Ben Carter explained during the assessment workshops held earlier this year that the assessment roll would need to be adjusted for individual property owners who found themselves charged a fee for structures that … Read more