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ALACHUA COUNTY - The Alachua County Clerk's Office can help those needing information on their fines and fees and whether the fines need to be paid to restore their voting rights.

Those needing this information can find out more information and fill out a request online.

Requests are processed in the order that they are received, with most completed within three to five business days. This information is only available for Alachua County cases. Information about cases in other counties is available at that county's Clerk's Office.

For more information, contact the Alachua County Clerk of the Court's Office at 352-374-3636.

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GAINESVILLE – Literary heir Rick Smith will bring his father’s novel “A Land Remembered” to life with a multimedia expedition through Florida’s past at three Alachua County Library District branches on Wednesday, Feb. 26 and Thursday, Feb. 27.

In this program, Rick Smith will introduce you to his father and the life experiences that prepared him to chronicle the world of Florida pioneers. His show incorporates photos, videos, paintings, and music to enliven Florida history while telling Patrick Smith’s story. Rick Smith’s program titled “Florida is A Land Remembered” will be held as follows:

• 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Millhopper Branch, 3145 NW 43^rd, Gainesville
• 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Hawthorne Branch, 6640 SE 221st St, Hawthorne
• 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Newberry Branch, 10 South Seaboard Drive, Newberry

Patrick Smith’s best-selling novel spans the modern state’s formative years from 1858 through 1968. The acclaimed book follows the MacIvey family’s struggle from poverty to wealth over three generations as the family grapples with Florida’s untamed landscape. Often called “Florida’s favorite book,” the novel remains Patrick Smith’s crowning work. He passed away in 2014.

This program for teens and adults is free and open to the public. Rick Smith will take questions following the presentation and sign books.

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WALDO – Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers were called to the scene of a crash at 3:35 a.m., Feb. 12. Waldo resident 34-year-old Daniel Joe Russell was traveling south on U.S. Highway 301 when his Harley Davidson left the roadway.

The Sportster became airborne and came to a final stop in the southern entrance of Mugshots Bar. Russell was located in the ditch north of the southern entrance to the bar. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.

Routine blood tests are underway to determine if alcohol may have played a part in this incident.

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Newberry High School Varsity Volleyball Team players and Coach Sherrod Moseley accepted a presentation from Mayor Jordan Marlowe recognizing the team’s outstanding 2019 season,

NEWBERRY – Most people would agree that the Newberry High School Varsity Volleyball Team had an amazing season ending on a high note with a District win of 9 – 0. Under the leadership of Coach Sherrod Moseley, the team achieved various awards and milestones as they represented themselves, their parents and the school with poise and good sportsmanship.

City of Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlow congratulated team members during the Jan. 27 City Commission meeting and highlighted a few of the players with details about their year.

Grace Oelrich was second runner-up for Player of the Year honors and First Team All-Area team. She led the team in 254 kills and 102 blocks, is fourth in 1A and 27^th in the state.

Abby Pace was First Team All-Area, led the team in 541 digs and was second in 1A and eighth in the state. This is a record at Newberry High School for a season.

Sarah Miller was First Team All-Area and first ever Newberry Volleyball Player of the Week in the state of Florida. She provided 43 assists in the Regional Championship game and is Max Prep Player of the Year for the 2019 season.

Rylee Coleman was Scholar Athlete of the Week on TV 20 and Second Team All-Area. She led the team in assists 529 times, was third in 1A and 83^rd in the state.

Kalen Bennett was Second Team All-Area and a three-year starter. She never lost a District game.

Paige Dinges was Second Team All-Area, had 228 kills and had 13 kills in the State Championship game.

Nicole Everson was Second Team All-Area for the entire year with 169 kills and 60 blocks.

Lily Haugh was HM (Honorable Mention) All-Area, led the team in Aces, was seventh in 1A and 100^th in the state.

Katie Oxer was HM All-Area.

“Additionally,” said Marlowe, “we wish the two seniors [Bennett and Coleman] good luck in all future endeavors. We will miss you next year, but know you are doing well and enjoying life after high school, whatever path you may choose.”

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HIGH SPRINGS – Sometimes what seems like a logical and responsible decision can go horribly wrong and have a profound effect on a person’s life. 

The evening of Jan. 25 began on a festive note as Jessica and Rickey Haslam went to a party at a friend’s house. They had some drinks and to get a ride home with someone else and pick up their car the next day. They hitched a ride with a friend of a friend who they did not know but was heading their direction.
They climbed into the backseat of her truck and headed out. The Haslams describe themselves as headed down CR 138 at up to 80 miles per hour, and they both repeatedly asked the driver to slow down. As the driver came into an S curve on the road, both the Haslams knew that this curve had been the site of multiple accidents.
The driver did not negotiate the curve and lost control, slamming head on to trees and flipping the vehicle on its side. Amazingly, despite the massive damage to the car, both front seat passengers escaped major injury due to the air bags. The Haslams were not so lucky. Without seat belts or airbags, they were slammed around the back seat.
Jessica was the worst. Her liver was bleeding; she had head injuries and at least four broken vertebrae in her neck and back. Rickey broke his right wrist and hand. Both were taken to intensive care where Jessica remained for several days with Rickey sleeping by her bedside.
Jessica had to be put in a full body brace unable to sit up and is expected to wear the brace for at least two months. Her husband will need major surgery on his right hand and will be unable to work as a mechanic. The Haslams are in their 30s with three children. Both parents will be unable to work for several months to support the family, and they face major medical bills. Jessica's parents, Andy and Terry Phelan, are helping as much as they can with the kids and meals, but monetary resources are limited with no prospects for either of the Haslams to work, and the immediate future looks grim.
High Springs is a small community with many people who are willing to help when their neighbors need support. As word spread of the accident and the dire situation, the community pitched in.
“Not only did people we knew help out, but strangers also stepped up to offer support,” Andy Phelan said. “I was amazed at the huge outpouring of support that materialized in the community.” Within a week, a bank account was set up at Ameris Bank in the Haslam’s name to raise funds. Mike Loveday, who works at the bank and runs the High Springs Music in the Park series, provided funding from both sources and other people came by to add donations.
A Go Fund Me Account was set up by Sharon Yeago, which has raised $1410 so far. Other people organized a meal train for volunteers to take hot meals to the family since neither parent is able to cook. Volunteers have offered to do house cleaning and yard upkeep while they recover. Currently enough people have offered meals that the family is covered for several weeks.
Both the Santa Fe Bar and Rum 138 also offered support and will be holding fund raising concerts with the musicians at both locations donating their performances for free to benefit the family.
For anyone who would like to offer support, monetary donations can be made at Ameris Bank in High Springs in the Haslam's name or on the Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/jessica-phelan-and-rickey-haslam. Those interested in volunteering to cook for the family can go to Mealtrain.com and sign up under the Haslam's name. On Feb. 16, the Santa Fe Bar will host a fundraising event with a raffle, live auction, food, and music provided by In The Moment. The event will start at 2 p.m. A week later on Feb. 22, Rum 138 Canoe Outpost and Gallery will hold a second benefit concert starting at 7 p.m. featuring music by In The Moment and Quartermoon. This event will have a $10 entry fee with all proceeds going to the family.
The accident was a heavy blow to the Haslam family, but the community has shown its compassion by coming together to help a young family in need. “There have been so many people who have come forward and offered to help and it's great to see that no one has to face trying times like these alone,” said Andy Phelan. “We are so grateful to everyone for helping this young couple.”

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