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Roommate arrested after altercation sparked by accusation of removing dog’s eyelids
A Summerfield man was arrested after an altercation with his roommate he had accused of removing his dog’s eyelids. Brian Taylor, 55, was arrested Monday night on a charge of battery at his home on SE 179th Place after an argument with his female roommate, according to an arrest report from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Ocklawaha man arrested for aggravated battery, using a deadly weapon
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies arrested a man they say threatened someone with a shotgun Thursday morning. Deputies said they arrested 74-year-old Harold Kyzer of Ocklawaha after he allegedly approached his neighbor, who was playing loud music outside while working on vehicles. The victim...
United Way of Marion County hosts the Annual Giving Campaign Kickoff
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - United Way of Marion County highlighting those who have assisted with yet another successful year under their belt. At the annual meeting, groups with the city of Ocala, Belleview employees, and others were thanked for their hard work and proceeds to the organization. United Way Chairman...
Fire ignites under mobile home in Silver Springs
Marion County firefighters responded to a mobile home in Silver Springs early Wednesday morning after flames were spotted underneath the residence. At around 1:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a mobile home located in the 16500 block of NE 58th Street in Silver Springs. According to MCFR, a 911 caller had reported that flames were spreading underneath the home.
Marion County Fire Rescue completes emergency radio tower construction
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Friday, MCFR officials stated that the completed projects will increase radio clarity and coverage for 95% of Marion County. The two new radio tower projects, in Marion Oaks and on Sparr Road, will improve communications between Marion County Fire Rescue, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department, Ocala Fire Rescue, and the Marion County Public School bus system.
‘Thank a Teacher’ program highlights Marion County educators
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - A Marion County nonprofit is rewarding teachers for their work in the classroom through a new program. Leaders with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC), HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are partnering for the Thank a Teacher program. Students,...
College at Southeastern Launches Women’s Prison Program in Florida
On August 21, in the largest women’s prison in the state of Florida, the only Florida prison with inmates on death row, 20 new students of The College at Southeastern gathered for their first fall convocation. Following convocation, this coming Monday will mark both the beginning of classes and the launch of Southeastern’s third Field Minister Program, established at Lowell Correctional Institute in Marion County, FL.
MCFR firefighters put out Silver Springs mobile home fire
SILVER SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB) - Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) firefighters responded to a mobile home fire early Wednesday morning. According to MCFR officials, the fire was reported to be under the home and spreading around 1:30 a.m. Units arrived ten minutes later and established a water supply to attack...
Detectives try to identify more victims after Ocala man arrested for sex trafficking
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - A man from Ocala is facing more than 50 felony charges after deputies say he was arrested for sexually abusing teenage girls in a sex trafficking operation. Investigators believe he has more victims. Morani Hopkins, 21, was booked into Marion County Jail on 56 charges including...
The Three-Point Stance: The game and player you need to watch for Week 1 of high school football
This season, we’re taking a new stance on some of the Star Banner's high school football coverage, looking beyond the predictions to highlight different aspects of the game. There will be revolving topics throughout the season, but this new weekly feature, called the "Three-Point Stance," highlights players, coaches, and fan experiences that stoke...
Ocala Man Indicted On Federal Charges For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor
OCALA, Fla. – Jhon Astudillo, a 45-year-old man from Ocala, has been indicted on charges of attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. According to court documents, Astudillo initiated contact...
District introduces new alternative learning plan for 2024-25 school year
Students who are expelled, suspended or require accommodations will no longer attend the two alternative learning schools in Marion County, after the district dissolved the sites and instituted a new alternative learning plan. The district’s previous alternative learning schools, New Leaf and Silver River Mentoring & Instruction, were dissolved over the summer after the expiration […]
Marion County will get new circuit judge
Marion County resident, Barbara Kissner Kwatkosky defeated Ben Boylston for Group 20 Circuit Judge seat 105,690 votes to 97,737. Her term will begin Jan. 1 upon the retirement of Judge Gary Sanders at the end of the year. The judicial race was nonpartisan and all voters in the 5th judicial circuit had the choice on […]
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