BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County High School’s Riley Gibson won her weight class at the Jan. 31 Region 3-1A girls weightlifting meet and will be one of three Tigers who’ll compete at state. Gibson had a first-place total of 245 pounds (115-pound clean and jerk, 130-pound bench press) in the 119-pound class, which tied … Read more
Richard Baleno Mr. Richard Baleno, 70, of Starke died Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at Windsor Health and Rehab in Starke. He was born on May 5, 1955, in Orlando to the late Samto and Ora (Sears) Baleno. There are no scheduled services per Richard’s request. Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Keystone Heights High School will have an additional 10 weightlifters each competing in the Olympic and traditional events at Region 3-1A meet, while Union County and Keystone have six and three additional qualifiers, respectively. The champions at the District 6 meet (see related post) automatically qualified for the region meet, which … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Union County officials said part of County Road 238 between Butler Lake and Swift Pond will close to traffic while workers replace culverts as part of a resurfacing project. County Coordinator Jimmy Williams said there are no houses along the closed portion of the road and that, after the culverts are … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Bella Johns, an 18-year-old senior at Union County High School, was crowned Miss UCHS 2025-2026 during the annual scholarship pageant held at the school auditorium. The event, themed “Hometown Crown,” showcased eight young women competing for the title. Johns, the daughter of Jason and Nancy Johns, impressed judges with her performances … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Lake Butler City Commission approved pursuing two state historic preservation grants during their regular meeting Monday evening, while also recognizing winners of the 2025 Christmas Parade float contest. Lake Butler Hospital took first place in the parade competition, receiving a certificate and $200 prize for their decorated float. Union County … Read more
The following individuals were recently arrested 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
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County High School senior Evan Christmas has put in a lot of work and time to get to this moment — signing a letter of intent to play baseball at the next level. Christmas, an outfielder/pitcher, took part in a signing ceremony on Jan. 16. He’ll be attending Southeastern Community … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County High School girls weightlifters Riley Gibson and Briena Haight won their weight classes in the traditional event at the District 6-1A meet, which was held Jan. 21 at Keystone Heights High School. The Tigers placed third as a team in the traditional event with a score of 31, finishing … Read more
Dave Alvarez Loren David “Dave” Alvarez, born on Sept. 28, 1955, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Barbara Barksdale The world lost a bright light on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, with the passing of our devoted mother, Barbara Barksdale. Barbara was born to James Wagner and Pearl (McAlhany) Horne on Sept. 29, 1927, in … Read more
