News Update for 5/23/18

Highlands County officials say EMS Director Rich Barnes has been terminated. Barnes had been employed since January of last year when he was hired to replace former EMS Director Harvey Craven.
County officials say Barnes was separated from employment, as he was “not a good fit,” and they had decided to “go in another direction.”
This is National EMS Week.

Improvements soon are coming to the intersection of Highway 27 and State Road 64 in Avon Park. Officials of the Florida Department of Transportation will be in town this evening to discuss the project – and associated detours which will be in effect while they occur.
It will be held in the Avon Park city council chambers tonight from 5-7pm. There will be displays and a public question & answer session.
Meanwhile, motorists are advised to use caution while driving in the City of Charm, as the new stoplights at Shop 16 Road now are in service.

Hot on the heels of a successful fund raiser, officials from Meals on Wheels say they now are in search of drivers. Many of the winter residents who have helped to deliver hot lunches to the homebound, shut-ins and elderly now have gone north for the summer – depleting their ranks.
Officials say they need a few new volunteers with good driving records for the 2-3 hour run. Orientation will be provided. Those wanting additional information may call Meals on Wheels at 402-1818.