Local News

In the wake of mid-year projected budget cuts of $1.9 million, the School Board of Levy County needs to lay off 50 employees, according to Director of Finance Robert Clemons.

"We should have reduced our staff levels by at least 25 at the beginning of this school year," Clemons wrote in a letter to the Board dated Nov. 26. "Now that half of the year is gone we need to reduce our staff levels by 50 to achieve the same results."

The U.S. Census Bureau is looking for a few good people to work in the 2010 Census and at least one Chiefland official is hoping the count gets done accurately.

Project and Finance Director Laurie Copeland says Chiefland's population in the 2000 Census fell two people short of qualifying for more federal grant money.

"We're two recorded people between the 650,000 category and 700,000 category" for Community Development Block Grant, she said.

"The federal government is using the 2000 data. . . and there is no way to change it."

Marilyn L. Keels, 76, of Chiefland, died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, at Seven Rivers Regional Hospital in Crystal River.

Born in Newark, Ohio, she moved to Chiefland from Bradenton 11 years ago. She was a retired dental office manager, enjoyed making dolls, was an avid quilter and member of the Suwannee Quilting Club.

Robert Hastings was sworn in as Levy County School Superintendent Tuesday morning, becoming one of the first Republicans elected to countywide office in Levy County.

"We keep in mind in all we do that we are bettering our system, thereby helping our children," Hastings said. "We need to remember that we are working with our students so that they can have a good and healthy and productive future."

Judge Joseph E. Smith administered the oath for Hastings, as well as Board members Paige Brookins and Beth Davis who ran for re-election unopposed.