Local News

BRONSON - A recent workers' compensation claim by Bronson Fire Chief Rick Lombardo has town officials wondering if he is healthy enough to perform his duties.

Plus it has brought about the question, would a possible merger with Otter Creek put an added burden on his physical condition and affect the best interests of all concerned?

The quandary surfaced at the July 7 monthly meeting when Town Lawyer Stephen Warm surprised council members when he revealed Lombardo's compensation claim history over the past couple of years.

City finance director Mark Schiefer has declined the city council appeal that he become the new city manager. Schiefer has served as interim city manager since the council summarily fired James Coleman in early April.

Council members have been unanimous in their praise for Schiefer's performance. When Schiefer accepted the interim appointment, the premise was that he would explore the responsibilities of the position and determine whether he thought he could successfully fulfill the city manager position, as well as whether he felt that the job was right for him.

BRONSON - The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Or in the case of the ongoing talks of a Bronson-Otter Creek fire department merger, the closer it seems to becoming reality, the light at the end of the end of the tunnel still seems dim.

Already having the green light from Levy County and Otter Creek, the merger only needs the OK from the town of Bronson.

Dale Bowen, the publisher of the Chiefland Citizen, has accepted a new role with the publishing company and will give up his leadership post at the Levy County papers.

Bowen was named advertising sales manager for the Citrus County Chronicle, the daily newspaper based in Crystal River.

The Florida native has spent 24 years in sales and management with Landmark Community newspapers, the owner of the Citizen and the Chronicle.

Bowen moved to Levy County in 1999 to take over the leadership of the Chiefland Citizen.