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ALACHUA ‒ The Once-a-Month Potluck Bunch had their gathering last week at the Hathcock Community Center. Roughly 40 local seniors contributed a dish for whoever wanted to attend.

Following their weekly bingo event, local resident and active community member and lifelong resident Ella Thomas suggested a great way for a gathering for family and friends to break bread and meet for a monthly potluck. She requested each member of the Hathcock Community Senior Center provide a different dish, leading to a wide array of delights and opportunities to try new things.

Many of the members often bring their signature dish to showcase their culinary skills. Sharing meals is a powerful way to connect with neighbors, strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging. The next potluck event will be July 30 at the City of Alachua’s Hathcock Community Center at 15818 N.W. 140^th Street, Alachua. Everyone is invited. Those interested in participating should connect with Ella Thomas at Ellathomas26@yahoo.com.

Legacy Adventure Summer Camp is off and running. Roughly 200 kids from the Alachua area have been participating in many fun activities such as creating sublimation keychains, making clear snap pouches and learning to play the guitar. Other activities were provided like kickball, flag football and walks in the Legacy Park Nature Trail.

Coming up are a visit to the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost Catfish Hole, creative sewing by Crafty Gemini, acting classes by Vice Mayor of High Springs Andrew Miller and his production company I am Production, dance instructions being taught by our local Momentum Arts Academy, and disc golf lessons hosted by the Gainesville/Alachua Chain Hawks.

The City of Alachua Recreation and Culture Department is still accepting applications. For more information, contact the department at 386-462-1540.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

Faith, Service and Fellowship in High Springs

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ St. Madeline Catholic Church commemorated its centennial on May 25 with a celebratory Mass and luncheon that honored a century of spiritual service, growth, and resilience in the heart of the High Springs community.

More than 175 parishioners and guests gathered for the occasion, which featured the return of former pastors and a special appearance by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine, who joined in leading the anniversary Mass. A reception in the parish hall followed, with over 225 attendees enjoying a catered meal and reflecting on the church’s rich history.

“St. Madeline’s has been a beacon of hope, compassion and charity,” said High Springs City Commissioner Katherine Weitz during the celebration, as she read a proclamation officially designating May 25, 2025, as a day of recognition in honor of the church’s legacy. “The parish has committed to the mission of spreading the Good News for generations to come.”

Attendees received a commemorative pamphlet detailing the church’s historical journey, which began in 1925 when local resident John Paul Banks donated land at 140 2^nd Avenue for the original church site. The church’s early congregation hand-built much of the interior, including pews and kneelers, while stained-glass windows—funded through community donations—still grace the sanctuary today.

The first Mass was held on May 25, 1925, with music provided by a choir from St. Patrick Catholic Church in Gainesville. At the time, only 35 parishioners were in attendance. For decades, the church functioned as a mission, supported by visiting priests from Gainesville, until 1968 when Father Richard Allenbaugh became the first resident pastor. Initially living in rented rooms, Allenbaugh later oversaw the purchase of a rectory and managed additional mission churches in Marion, Dixie, and Levy counties.

By 1973, the congregation had grown to 140, prompting discussions about the church’s future. In 1975, a new location was selected at 117155 NW U.S. Highway 441—then home to the Dragon Drive-In, an adult movie theater. The unusual transition attracted widespread media attention. When the church building was relocated to the new site in 1979, national and local outlets covered the story.

Despite the controversy, parishioners embraced the move. The theater was soon closed to make way for a parking lot and a multipurpose building that temporarily served as the church. Over the years, the parish grew rapidly, eventually tripling in size.

Father Sebastian K. George, appointed pastor in 2008, oversaw the construction of a new parish hall, a memorial garden and cemetery, and a Knights of Columbus pavilion. In 2011, the multipurpose building was officially consecrated as the parish’s main worship space.

On Dec. 5, 2015, St. Madeline Chapel was designated a shrine to Our Lady of La Leche, honoring the Virgin Mary. Thousands of pilgrims have since visited the site annually. After a brief reassignment, Father Sebastian returned in 2023 and was warmly welcomed back by the parish.

The May 25 centennial celebration concluded with remarks by Deacon Henry Zmuda and a blessing by Bishop Pohlmeier. Guests then enjoyed a Southern-style luncheon featuring roasted pork, Chicken Florentine, seasonal vegetables, and classic banana pudding.

The event marked not only the church’s historical milestones but also its enduring role as a center of faith, service, and fellowship in High Springs.

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Consensus on leadership overshadowed by Sunshine Law concerns and emotional debate

ALACHUA ‒ In a charged meeting that laid bare rising tensions on the Alachua City Commission, the board voted Monday, June 9, to appoint Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares as interim city manager, following the resignation of Mike DaRoza. The decision, while passing 4–1, was less a debate over Valladares’s qualifications and more a public rebuke of Commissioner Jacob Fletcher for an email he sent to fellow commissioners, which many viewed as improper and possibly unlawful.

Commissioner Dayna Williams introduced the motion to appoint Valladares and immediately launched into a detailed condemnation of Fletcher’s conduct. “Since I've been on boards with this city, I have never seen a sitting Commissioner blind-copy email the other Commissioners with their intention of how they're going to vote on a future agenda item,” Williams said. “That is not transparency in any way, shape or form.”

Williams accused Fletcher of undermining the commission, impugning the integrity of the city attorney, and slandering fellow commissioners. She also rejected Fletcher's suggestion that the appointment process had involved secretive polling or backroom dealing.

“Appointing an interim city manager is basic Commission 101,” she said. “Mr. Valladares is a man of faith, a man of conviction, and an extremely dedicated employee.”

Fletcher defended his actions, saying the email was intended to protect the commission from a possible Sunshine Law violation. Fletcher reiterated that his objection was based on Valladares's oversight of departments linked to the ongoing solar farm and Tara development controversies, which he argued raised a conflict of interest. “I think we need somebody who is not a part of this investigation,” Fletcher said.

Williams, unswayed, fired back. “You're blatantly having him be guilty before proven innocent,” she said, reminding the commission and the public that Valladares had not been accused of any wrongdoing. She urged unity and warned against allowing political division to paralyze the city's governance. “This is the first time since 2018 that I’ve seen this commission so torn up,” she said. “If we want to continue with the investigation, fine. But in the meantime, we need continuity.”

Commissioner Jennifer Ringerson voiced emotional support for Valladares, calling him the most consistent and professional person she had encountered in her time on the commission. “He truly listens, reflects back, and answers the questions. He has never spoken ill, never been unprofessional,” she said. Ringerson said she was hurt by the accusations against him and described feeling compelled to confide in others just to process the emotional weight of the situation.

Vice-Mayor Shirley Green Brown, who has served on the commission since 2012, also denounced the tone and substance of Fletcher’s letter. “I was appalled, disappointed, and disturbed,” she said. “This is ludicrous.” Brown defended her own commitment to the city and described Valladares as “one of the most professional, kind, compassionate” individuals on staff. “It would be the best transition for Mr. Valladares to take the reins as interim,” she said.

Mayor Walter Welch, weighing in after a lengthy exchange among commissioners, spoke to the need for healing and collaboration. “I ran this campaign in my hat. I live up to it. This hat say ‘We are Better Together,’ and that’s my goal—bringing unity and respect,” Welch said. “We cannot give the citizens a bad look at us like we all against one another. Comments like that plant bad seeds, and bad news can never be good news. We need to come together.”

Welch praised Valladares’s work ethic and composure, describing him as focused and dedicated. “He helped me a lot,” Welch said. “He’s a workaholic… focused on his job… and this is what the city needs. We need someone to step in, because we need to keep moving forward.”

During public comment, local businessman and volunteer chamber president Elliot Welker offered an emphatic endorsement of Valladares. “I’ve worked across from Mr. Valladares for four years now, and he’s always been a fair and honest broker,” Welker said. “He compounds us and what we bring to that table. He’s deeply committed to collaborating. He is the right person at the right time.” Welker’s remarks were met with applause from the audience.

With Monday’s vote, Valladares becomes acting city manager effective immediately. His interim contract is expected to be finalized at the commission's next meeting. Under the terms outlined by Williams, the agreement will run for up to 12 months or until a permanent city manager is selected, include a 10 percent salary increase, and allow Valladares to return to his former position when the interim term ends.

The fallout from Fletcher’s email remains unresolved. While no formal legal complaint has yet been filed, the incident has drawn sharp scrutiny. Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law prohibits public officials from discussing matters likely to come before them outside of public meetings. Fletcher’s email, by expressing a position and addressing other commissioners directly, may prompt a closer look by legal counsel or watchdog groups.

For now, the city has leadership continuity, but the episode has exposed deeper divides within the commission. Williams summed up the challenge ahead: “How can we move forward if all we’re doing is fighting each other?”

Her hope, echoed by several colleagues, is that the commission can return to its shared goal of serving the residents of Alachua. But the healing may take more than a unanimous vote. It may require trust and time.

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NEWBERRY ‒ Annah McGehee, an incoming junior at Newberry High School, appeared before the Newberry City Commission on June 23, 2025, to request the formal establishment of a Mayor’s Youth Council in Newberry.

McGehee’s presentation outlined the goals and purpose of the council, which would serve as a platform for civic engagement, leadership development, and increased involvement of local youth in municipal government. She also provided a sample ordinance for the Commission’s consideration, which was read into the record by title at the end of her presentation.

The idea to create a Mayor’s Youth Council was initially approved by the Commission in July 2024, but the timeline was delayed to allow for further planning and development. “The timeline was pushed back a year to fully flesh out the details,” McGehee explained.

The proposed council would consist of five members in grades 11 and 12, along with two alternates in grades 9 and 10. To be eligible, students must reside within Newberry city limits, have a Newberry address, and be enrolled in a public, private, or home education program (grades 9-12).

Initial appointments will be made by the City Commission, with two members serving one-year terms and three serving two-year terms. Subsequent appointments will occur annually. The mayor or a designated representative, along with City staff, will attend meetings and help coordinate council activities.

The Youth Council will elect a chair to lead meetings and a vice chair to serve in the chair’s absence. Elections will be held at the first regular meeting after annual appointments.

The council must hold at least five regular meetings during the school year. All meetings will comply with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine laws, ensuring public access and transparency. Public records related to the council will be maintained by the Office of the City Clerk.

A council member’s seat will be vacated if the member misses two consecutive meetings unless the absences are excused by a majority vote of the council. The vote and reasoning must be recorded in the meeting minutes.

Regular vacancies will be filled each May through a process set by resolution of the Youth Council. Irregular vacancies will be filled as they arise.

Each Youth Commissioner will have one vote per agenda item. Alternates in grades 9 and 10 will not have voting power.

McGehee also outlined potential responsibilities and projects for the Youth Council, and Mayor Tim Marden contributed additional suggestions. Four students will serve as summer interns with the City to gain firsthand experience in government operations.

The Commission voted unanimously to approve the sample ordinance on first reading. It will come back for a second reading and potential final adoption at the Commission’s next scheduled July meeting.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 2025-18 on first reading, advancing a proposal to create a new Agriculture Technology (AT) Zoning District aimed at supporting the city’s largest economic development initiative.

During the meeting, city staff presented the ordinance, which includes amendments to the Land Development Regulations that would formalize the AT Zoning District and enact the city’s Corporate Park Future Land Use designation. The zoning designation is intended to support development of the Agriculture Technology Park while ensuring compatibility with surrounding residential and commercial areas.

According to the ordinance, the new district will be added to Section 4.1 of the city’s Land Development Regulations, while Section 4.24 will define the intent, purpose, permitted uses, and design and development standards applicable to properties within the district.

“These efforts contribute to the broader goal of preserving property values and maintaining a strong tax base for Newberry,” city officials stated in the presentation. All permitted and special uses within the district must align with the mission and core activities of the Agriculture Technology Park and its affiliated operations.

The Planning and Zoning Board previously reviewed the proposed ordinance at its June 2 meeting and voted unanimously to recommend its adoption by the City Commission.

The ordinance is scheduled for a second reading and final vote at the Commission’s next meeting on June 23. If approved, the new zoning district will establish development guidelines intended to facilitate innovation, safeguard nearby communities, and advance Newberry’s position as a regional hub for agricultural technology.

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WALDO ‒ A Waldo woman was arrested early Saturday, June 28, and charged with two counts of child neglect and two counts of false imprisonment after authorities say she left her 5-year-old daughters sleeping in a shed secured from the outside with a brick.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy responded at 2:55 a.m. to a property in the 13600 block of Northeast U.S. Highway 301 after a caller reported finding two young girls inside the shed. The deputy observed that the shed, located roughly 100 feet from the highway, was closed off with a brick propped against the door—posing a risk that the children could have exited and wandered into the unlit roadway.

The children's mother, Tamara Stoiber, 37, was arrested and charged with child neglect for allegedly failing to provide adequate supervision, food, water, lighting or a method of communication. She also faces false imprisonment charges for reportedly confining the children to the shed.

Authorities said the shed had no electricity or running water, and the girls had no access to food or a phone. A large knife was also found within their reach, according to the deputy's report.

The caller told deputies that Stoiber, her boyfriend, and the two girls had arrived at the property unannounced Friday night, soaking wet and claiming they had walked from Gainesville to Waldo. The children were reportedly carrying bags. The caller said she offered them a foot-long sandwich, which Stoiber ate entirely without sharing with the children.

Stoiber allegedly left the property later that night with her boyfriend. The property owner told deputies that he did not give Stoiber permission to leave the children in the shed.

The children’s grandmother, Sabine Thrift, 59, was previously arrested in connection with the case and charged with two counts of child neglect without serious bodily harm. Stoiber had reportedly asked Thrift to watch the children, but Thrift allegedly left them alone after staying with them for about two hours.

The caller later encountered Thrift at the Waldo Train Station. Thrift allegedly said Stoiber had left the children with her while going to the store, but that she "was not going to babysit" and that Stoiber “needed to learn her lesson.”

A text message later obtained by deputies showed Thrift writing to Stoiber: “I am leaving, [they’re] your kids, like to know what store you went.”

Authorities reported that Thrift left the girls for approximately two hours before returning. She was arrested at 5:35 a.m.

According to the report, Stoiber did not return to the shed until 6:42 a.m. She later told deputies she had only been gone for about 30 to 60 minutes and denied placing a brick in front of the shed door. However, both the caller and property owner said they found the brick there when they discovered the children.

Stoiber has no prior criminal history in Alachua County. Her bond was set at $70,000 by Judge Jonathan Ramsey.

Her boyfriend, Matthew Earl Waldo, 47, is listed as a suspect in the case but had not been arrested as of press time.

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