BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County High School outscored visiting Baker County 6-2 in the final minute, but it wasn’t enough for the Tigers to overtake the Wildcats in a 64-60 loss in a boys basketball game on Jan. 15. It was the Tigers’ third loss in four games, with two coming against schools in … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Union County commissioners voted unanimously to place a half-cent sales tax referendum on the November ballot, giving voters the final say on providing additional funding for local schools facing mounting financial pressures. Superintendent Mike Ripplinger appeared before the Board of County Commissioners to request the ballot measure, which would generate an … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Pastor Patrick Maxwell delivered a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the January 19 county commission meeting, urging attendees to view the holiday as more than just a day off work or shopping sales. “MLK is more than just a day to enjoy a day off. It’s more … 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 Liz … 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 Eva Whitehead was named the Gainesville Sun’s Girls Swimmer of the Year after winning her second straight state championship in the 200-yard individual medley. It was also the second straight year that Whitehead earned the Sun’s top honor. Whitehead, who’s going to swim at the University … Read more
Jean Ball Mrs. Jean Louise Ball, 78, of Keystone Heights died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at HCA Hospital in Gainesville. She was born Oct. 8, 1947, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to the late John and Ruth (McCabe) Greer. Survivors are her husband of 41 years, Thomas “Tom” Ball; children, Brenda David and John David; stepson, David … Read more
Editor’s note: The information presented is from a press release received from Union County Superintendent of Schools Mike Ripplinger. The Union County High School Football Program has joined several other schools in transitioning from the Florida High School Athletic Association Rural Classification to the Sunshine State Athletic Association Atlantic League. This decision was made … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County High School dropped its second straight game, losing 57-50 to host Fort White in a Jan. 8 boys basketball game. The Tigers (7-3) got 15 points from Garrison Smith and 12 from Montrell Woods. Also scoring were Tyrese Chandler with eight points, R.J. Odom with seven points, Adrian Manns … Read more
BY CLIFF SMELLEY [email protected] Union County High School outscored host Hope Christian 26-6 in the third quarter en route to a 45-30 girls basketball win on Jan. 8. Iamorieah Williams poured in 21 points as the Tigers (1-10) earned their first win. Union also got nine points from Latoya Hampton, seven from Tessa Warren, four … Read more
