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Local News

  • Hard part isn't winning, it's entering

    Krystina Thompson, daughter of Poultry and Rabbit Superintendent Thelma Thompson, was checking a rabbit over before writing its number in one ear and sending the owner on her way to the cage area.

    Over the sound of roosters crowing in the neighboring "Poultry" area, she was directing entries to cages for chickens, ducks, turkeys and rabbits.

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  • Cloverbuds, 4-H bring best bunnies, birds to show

    Dozens of youth showed off their knowledge and hard work Friday evening as their rabbits and birds took the spotlight at the Suwannee River Livestock Show and Sale.

    The Cloverbuds went first, showing their rabbits for the experience rather than judging. Next year, they will bring their rabbits to compete with others of the same breed.

    After teaching the 5- to 7-year-olds about the process, Dr. T.L. Andrews had the responsibility of judging thirteen different breeds of rabbits, with anywhere from two to six (or more) of each kind.

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  • Traffic deaths, wrecks lead to driving classes

    In light of the tragedies that have occurred in recent months due to traffic crash injuries and fatalities, the Levy County Sheriff's Office Community Relation Division is offering a no cost Realities of Driving presentation to drivers of all ages.  

    At times drivers can become complacent in the driving habits and this reality based presentation is designed as a wake up call for every driver.  Everyone can use a refresher on safe driving habits, so please join the Sheriff's Office for this free two-hour presentation.

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  • The Suwannee River Fair Heifer Show

    Erin Jones, of Trenton, was selected as the Grand Champion in the heifer show last Saturday during the Suwannee River Fair Livestock Show and Sale in Fanning Springs.

    Jones, of Wilcox 4-H, won the even with her 1,225-pound heifer, which was raised on the faimly farm in Trenton.

    Cory Jerrels, of Kountry Kids 4-H, won the Grand Reserve Champion award with his 1,405-pound heifer.

    Several dozen area youth competed in the competition, which was divided into 10 different weight classes.

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  • Local rancher speaks up for agriculture

    With the recent sour economy, agriculture has become Florida’s number one moneymaker ahead of construction and tourism.

    Robert “Bo” Hobby, a rancher himself and president of Florida Animal Care Trust (FACT) and former president of Florida Cattleman’s Association  isn’t surprised.

    The agrarian way has long been Florida’s lifestyle, Hobby told Williston Rotary members Tuesday.

    Statistically, 1 in 20 people live near something to do with horses, he said, and in Levy County that ratio narrows.

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  • Federal grant funds transportation to work

    Finding a way to work just got easier.

    Levy County Transit, formerly Nature Coast Transit, has gotten a federal grant through the Job Access Commute Program  (JARC) that gives people, who meet income guidelines, a way to their jobs when they don’t have transportation of their own.

    The low-cost bus, at only $1 each way, provides a ride to work and any work-related activity, according to Connie Conley, operation manager.

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  • Fair Blog: Saturday at the Suwannee River Youth Livestock Show and Fair

    The Suwannee River Youth Livestock Show and Sale got underway on Saturday with swine entries and some competitors went away disappointed because of this frigid winter.

    A number of hogs did not make the minimum weight and were disqualified from competition.

    At mid-morning the stands of the show coliseum looked a little bare and quite young for this area's popular fair, but that was because the parents and fans were not in attendance.

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  • New regs on driver IDs cause for headaches

    There was a time when passing written, eye and driving tests were all you needed to be a legal Florida driver. These days, you have to have concrete proof of who you are.

    As of Jan. 1, new requirements went into effect for anyone renewing or getting a new driver’s license, and it’s caused a few headaches for those who issue the licenses.

    “I’ve been chewed out and cussed at,” Linda Fugate, Levy County Tax Collector, told Williston Rotary Club members last week as she explained what’s needed to be a legal driver.

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  • Suwanne River Fair Livestock Show & Sale Opens

    The Suwannee River Youth Livestock Show and Sale, operated by the Suwannee River Fair Association, may just be the year's biggest entertainment bargain.

    The fair, show and sale is in its 58th year and it shows no signs of slowing, having grown to cover two weekends — nine days in all. It opens on Thursday, March 18 at 3 p.m. with the poultry and rabbit entries arrival, and takes a break after the last animal is released on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. The first weekend features poultry, rabbits, goat, dairy cows, heifers and horses.

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  • Skill-a-Thon tests equine knowledge

    Do you know the horse grooming process? Can you explain life cycles and prevention of external parasites?

    Then you may be a perfect contestant for the Suwannee River Youth Livestock Show and Sale's Horse Skill-a-Thon Contest.

    The Skill-a-Thon is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 20. It is open to participants in the livestock show.

    The individual exam tests knowledge ranging from horse health and coat markings to anatomy and equipment.

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