BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County High School senior Eva Whitehead had several Division I colleges to choose from, but in the end, the University of Alabama felt like the place she needed to take her swimming talent to. Whitehead, who recently won the Class 1A state championship in the 200-yard individual medley for the … Read more
David Canova Mr. David E. Canova, 85, of Starke and a former resident of over 50 years at Kingsley Lake passed away at HCA Hospital in Gainesville, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. He was born Sept. 14, 1940, in Gainesville, to the late Levy and Mona (Alderman) Canova. David lived a full and vibrant life, cherished … Read more
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released an updated version of its Avian Mortality Reporting App, making it easier than ever for the public to help monitor the health of Florida’s wild bird populations. Each year, FWC biologists investigate reports of bird deaths across the state to track diseases such as Highly … Read more
November is Manatee Awareness Month, highlighting a time when Florida’s manatees are starting their seasonal movements to warmer waters around the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is sharing the reminder that Floridians and visitors should be extra mindful this time of year to watch for manatees when on the water. “Manatees are … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Union County High School Band and JROTC battalion led a Veterans Day ceremony at the school’s auditorium, emphasizing the importance of service and the courage of veterans. Superintendent Mike Ripplinger said the event was broadcast to every classroom on campus. He added that the purpose of the ceremony was not … Read more
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 Nathaniel Harrison … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County High School’s football team, which will take part in the Florida Invitational Tournament, was originally scheduled to play at Bonifay Holmes County on Friday, Nov. 21. That game has now been moved up a night and will kick off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20. The Tigers (2-7) … Read more
Mary Anderson Mary Juanita Anderson, 92 and a beloved matriarch, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville. She was born May 18, 1933, in Starke to Percy and Rosa Griffis. She dedicated many years of her life to serving others, working tirelessly in the kitchen at Northeast Florida State Hospital until … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Age is just a number. Judy Benjamin believes that. As she likes to say, “You don’t have to curl up on the couch if you’re turning 65 or 70 or 75 or 80.” Yet at 81, Benjamin is doing something most of us wouldn’t attempt at any age — walking from … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County High School senior Eva Whitehead swam her way to her second straight state championship, winning the 200-yard individual medley at the Nov. 8 Class 1A Florida High School Athletic Association Finals, which were held in Ocala. “Very overwhelming,” Whitehead said when asked to describe her feelings. “I was coming … Read more
