State declares Union school district in financial emergency

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Florida State Board of Education declared the Union County and Glades County school districts in a state of financial emergency during an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 31, voting unanimously to appoint a three-member oversight board to guide both districts toward recovery. Deputy Commissioner of Education for Finance and Operations … Read more

Against the odds – How Lake Butler Hospital has survived and thrived as one of Florida’s last rural independent hospitals

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Paula Webb was 19 years old, studying accounting in Gainesville, when a roommate mentioned that a physician who had just purchased a bankrupt hospital an hour north was looking for help with the books. That was 1984. Four decades later, Webb is no longer the young accounting coordinator trying to make … Read more

Physician assistant briefs senior group on colorectal cancer

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Lake Butler Hospital recognized Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with a presentation during its monthly “Let’s Thrive” seniors’ meeting on March 12. Physician Assistant Angelica Kraus, PA-C, noted that incidence rates among adults under 50 have been climbing for decades, while the disease remains one of the most preventable and treatable cancers … Read more

Teen Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on State Road 121 in Union County

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A 17-year-old Lake Butler boy was killed Friday afternoon, February 27, in a three-vehicle crash on State Road 121 in Union County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. near Southwest 79th Trail when a green Ford pickup truck traveling southbound rear-ended a black Ford SUV … Read more

Cardiologist to Lake Butler seniors: Early detection saves lives

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A board-certified interventional cardiologist who recently joined the Ibrahim Heart Clinic is working to bring advanced cardiac, vascular, and valve procedures to the local community — and his message to residents is clear: early detection saves lives. Dr. Yashwant Agrawal, who goes by Dr. Yash, introduced himself and his specialties during … Read more

Union impact meeting focuses on senior health

BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected]  The October 1 meeting of the Union County Impact Initiative focused on senior health issues with a panel of health providers from Lake Butler Hospital and Lake Butler Family and Pediatric Clinic. Noel Braseth, MD, Holly Garver, APRN-BC, Christy Thomas, RDN, LD/N, and Angelica Kraus, PA. discussed nutrition, diabetes, end-of-life planning … Read more

Lake Butler Hospital highlights cancer survivors and fighters – 4th annual breast cancer awareness luncheon Oct. 16

Lake Butler Hospital invites the community to join its 4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from Noon to 1 PM at 850 E Main St., Lake Butler. The event is free and open to the public. This year’s luncheon features voices of courage and hope, including Jennifer Woodard, MPH, RN, … Read more