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Local News

  • Dunn favors education back at local level

    By David Davis

    ddavis@chieflandcitizen.com

    A crowd of mostly educators applauded on three occasions when congressman Dr. Neal Dunn mentioned Congress’s commitment to doing away with Common Core, returning control of education to the local level and simplifying the tax code.

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  • Exercise caution; vigilance

    Williston is a safe community.

    Police Chief Dennis Strow wants to keep it that way and he's asking the city's residents for their help.

    In the last few weeks, there have been several vehicle break-ins within the city, and two cars were stolen. Both of those cars were found – one because it ran out of gas and the other abandoned.

    "Creepers", people who wander around looking for unlocked vehicles are most likely the suspects, the chief said.

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  • Nitrates contaminating springs' basin

    Five times more nitrates than should be present are destroying the Rainbow Springs Basin and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is taking steps to correct it.

    Tuesday night, the EPD's Mary Paulic told the Williston City Council that the nitrate concentration is too high and algal mats now cover vegetation and the river bottom. Those mats block sunlight and could be detrimental to marine life.

    Agriculture accounts for the largest percentage of nitrogen in the water, she said, but septic tanks also contribute.

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  • Puppy Love

    By the time the sun set Valentine's Day, 35 Florida canines had traveled over 1,210 miles to their new homes in Reading, Penn. via Williston Municipal Aiport.

    Lucky Puppy Rescue volunteer Jessica Quinn drove from Bonifay Tuesday morning with the dogs to put them on an airplane bound for their forever homes.

    FlyPups founder and volunteer pilot Matt Kiener loaded the dogs in his plane and by 11:30 was ready to take off to Reading where foster homes are ample and adoptions are already in progress.

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  • Black History Month Celebrated

    For two hours last Friday, the lives of 11 black Levy Countians who worked to make a difference in their communities were honored during the annual Black History Celebration at the Levy County Courthouse.

    Hosted by Chiefland’s Carolyn Cohens, the celebration in its 16th year, brought friends and families together to pay tribute to senior adults who forged pathways for new generations.

    Photos of the 11 were on display among Cohens’ original artwork that depicted scenes of black lives past and present.

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  • Block 12 could drain CRA's account

    It started with $163,000 and Monday night over $511,000 was added to it. If all comes to pass, it could cost the city of Williston more than $674,000.

    "It" is Block 12, the area between Main and NE 1st Streets and for the last three years, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has relentlessly pursued its purchase and reformation.

    Seeking ways to further economic development while creating useful parking space, the CRA purchased the property from the owners. All but two owners, John Patrick and Michael Pesso, were on board.

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  • Council reviews city hall proposals

    Members of Williston City Council are now reviewing four proposals for the design and construction of a new city hall. The council hopes to evaluate and score the applicants in time to make a decision at the next council meeting, Feb. 21.

    Those vying for the opportunity to modernize city hall include BBI Construction, TWC, Parrish-McCall Constructors and Oelrich Construction.

    Council had planned to discuss the proposals Tuesday night, but City Attorney Fred Koberlein reminded them that the RFP said each contender would be scored.

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  • Levy County ROCKS

    The death of a loved one may seem unbearable but thinking that loved one may not be remembered may be worse.

    Shari Raymond of Williston is doing something to ensure her brother, Boo, who died in December is not forgotten and she’s encouraging others to follow her lead.

    Levy County ROCKS, Raymond’s simple, yet poignant, project is rapidly covering Williston and before long, she hopes it encompasses all of Levy County.

    You may have encountered it but didn’t know it. That’s about to change.

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  • Pay raises dominate council meeting

    A resolution to bring the city of Williston's employees' salaries to a more competitive rate drew a myriad of emotions Tuesday that after an hour of discussion resulted in a split council vote.

    In a 2-3 vote with Councilmen Kori Lamb, Charles Goodman and Elihu Ross opposed to a blanket pay increase, the resolution died but not after almost everyone spoke his mind.

    City Clerk Fran Taylor and City Manager Scott Lippmann presented a salary comparison chart of 13 different municipalities.

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  • Bronson mayor wants to expand MLK festivities

    By Sean Arnold

    Staff Writer

    Bronson mayor Bruce Greenlee has a goal to expand on the town’s march and festivities for the Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, with a focus on getting more students involved.

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