Local News

HIGH SPRINGS - A man whose fund-raising quest was to travel from Williston to California in a wagon behind two horses ended tragically in High Springs when one of his horses died early Thursday, May 1, after being hit by a car.

Rodney Burnett, 51, left Williston earlier in the week with much fanfare. He had planned on taking a trip all the way to the Pacific Ocean, raising money along the way for Ladder H Farms, an organization that, once it had enough money, would provide therapeutic experiences for disabled people through the use of horses.

Williston's City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday evening to determine how to go about selecting a new city manager to replace Jim Coleman, who was fired last week on a 4-1 vote.

The panel's initial task was to confirm the appointment of Mark Schiefer, currently the city's finance director, as interim city manager. Schiefer has indicated that he is not interested in taking on the position on a permanent basis.

Williston High School will hold a Parent Night on Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Williston High School for all Williston Middle School 8th grade parents/students to present information and answer questions you may have about your child's entrance into the 9th grade for next school year.

Eighth grade students will bring home information on April 30 for the pre-registration process that should aid you in making important decisions about your child's future.

About 15 minutes after Tuesday's City Council meeting started, City Manager Jim Coleman picked up his notebook and his dark glasses and walked out of the community center.

He had just been fired by the Williston council.

Later in the meeting finance director Mark Schiefer was named interim city manager. Final terms of his new position will be discussed at a special meeting and workshop next Tuesday, April 29, at 7 p.m. The council will also discuss how they want to proceed to fill the permanent position.