BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A Raiford woman who has been tending to her parents’ graves for 29 years, this year discovered that honoring those who have gone before is her calling and has cleaned 238 gravestones, 113 of which have belonged to veterans, since April. Mendy Whitaker said her mother died 29 years ago and … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Palms Medical Group in Starke is relocating its clinic from to a new site at 922 E. Call Street, Suite 100, set to open in mid- to late October. This new location occupies the same site as the HCA Florida Starke Emergency Room, providing greater space for the clinic to … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Lake Butler City Commission unanimously approved a proclamation on September 16, designating October 2025 as American Pharmacist Month, recognizing the vital role pharmacists play in community health. The proclamation, requested by William Garst of the Florida Pharmacy Association, was endorsed by Mayor Melissa Hendrix and the commission, urging residents to … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Lake Butler Hospital is redeveloping the Main Street building that formerly housed furniture retailer Badcock. In a news release, the hospital said its new professional center will host hospital office staff, creating more space on the main campus for patient care and medical services. In addition, the new facility will become … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] State Representative Chuck Brannan spent 10 hours over two days with President Donald Trump and other officials at the White House. As the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, the former Chief Detective of the Baker County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy U.S. Marshal was invited to Washington, along with other Florida … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Union County School Board discussed a preliminary agreement for leasing electric school buses during its September 9 meeting, focusing on a mileage restriction clause that raised concerns. The board, led by Superintendent Mike Ripplinger, reviewed the proposal with input from Transportation Director Tony Raish and a representative from the bus … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] During the September 9 Union County School Board meeting, State Representative Chuck Brannan displayed a ceremonial check for $29.5 million for the first phase of a new elementary school in Lake Butler. The funding is part of a broader $55.9 million secured for Union County over the past two and a … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] At a recent community meeting, Interim City Manager Jamie Booth introduced himself and shared updates on Keystone Heights’ ongoing and upcoming initiatives, emphasizing community engagement, infrastructure improvements, and events to boost local commerce and tourism. Booth, a Lake Region native and retired Army Corps of Engineers colonel, has served as interim … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Keystone Heights Airport Authority Board approved contracts to proceed with a new bulk hangar project during its September 9, 2025, meeting, committing to cover a $119,115 funding shortfall using airport resources or loans. The decision came amid discussions on audits, board vacancies, and economic development opportunities, highlighting the airport’s push … Read more
