BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County lost its second match to Branford in less than a week, with the latest a 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-16) sweep on Sept. 22 in Branford. Stats were unavailable by deadline. The Tigers (12-6), who’ve now dropped three in a row, hosted Branford on Sept. 16, losing 3-1 (25-17, 25-23, … 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] Lamar Waters, a Union County native and the head football coach for the Union County High School Fightin’ Tigers, spoke to the Lake Butler Rotary Club on September 16. Waters, who previously coached baseball and served as an assistant football coach at Union County, expressed his deep connection to the community … 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
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 … Read more
In Memory Sept 18 2025 In Memory of Cindy Sammons Born Sept. 16, 1971 We Miss You Cousin Jeremy Faith and Melanie
Albert Andrews Albert Jefferson Andrews, 79, was called home Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Born and raised in Lake Butler, he embarked on a journey that would see him wear many hats. A man of many talents, he dedicated himself to many ventures, ranging from chicken houses to owning and operating a bar and even establishing … Read more
