Local

Columbia ham operators participating in Field Day

NEWS STAFF
Friday, June 27, 2025
Ham radio operators from Columbia County’s two amateur radio clubs — Columbia Amateur Radio Society (NF4CQ) and Columbia Amateur Radio Emergency Services (NF4CA) — will be participating in the ARRL Field Day, a national amateur radio communications exercise, this weekend.
Columbia County Sheriff's Office and Columbia County Fire Rescue vehicles line the taped-off parking lot at Arby's on Thursday following a shooting at the restaurant. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Sheriff's Office and Columbia County Fire Rescue vehicles line the taped-off parking lot at Arby's on Thursday following a shooting at the restaurant. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

UPDATED (11:45 A.M. FRIDAY) Ongoing feud led to Arby's shooting

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, June 26, 2025
An ongoing feud from Jacksonville led to two Lake City Arby’s employees being shot Thursday morning. The two employees were shot inside the restaurant at the U.S. Highway 90 and Interstate 75 interchange around 11:30 a.m.
A painting is displayed at the West Branch Library during the 18th annual Wally Reichert Memorial Art Show. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

A painting is displayed at the West Branch Library during the 18th annual Wally Reichert Memorial Art Show. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Reichert Art Show returns

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Local artists are putting themselves out there, albeit anonymously for the time being. The 18th annual Wally Reichert Memorial Art Show officially kicked off Tuesday with more than 100 art pieces going on display at the West Branch Library in Lake City, located at 435 NW Hall of Fame Dr.

CCS cutting 50 positions to cover $3M shortfall

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Facing a projected $3 million budget shortfall, the Columbia County School District has cut nearly 50 positions. Superintendent Keith Couey said Wednesday that nobody has lost a job among the 47 positions eliminated. Instead the district has not replaced departing or retiring employees.
Lake City Assistant Fire Chief Ret Tompkins stops at a residence Tuesday to help install smoke detectors and provide disaster preparedness information. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Lake City Assistant Fire Chief Ret Tompkins stops at a residence Tuesday to help install smoke detectors and provide disaster preparedness information. (COURTESY LAKE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Detectors installed Tuesday alert of fire Wednesday

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
The value of a smoke detector was proven again Wednesday morning.
Volunteers from United Way Suwannee Valley helped revitalize a community garden at NorthStar Family Resource Center for a Day of Action service. (COURTESY UNITED WAY SUWANNEE VALLEY)

Volunteers from United Way Suwannee Valley helped revitalize a community garden at NorthStar Family Resource Center for a Day of Action service. (COURTESY UNITED WAY SUWANNEE VALLEY)

United Way takes part in Day of Action

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
United Way Suwannee Valley volunteers made a meaningful impact throughout the community on Friday for Day of Action, an annual event that unites neighbors to pitch in and create positive change in our communities.
Lake City Councilwoman Tammy Harris is hosting a town hall meeting Saturday at the Richardson Community Center as a way to hear from the public on ideas and concerns they have with the city. (FILE)

Lake City Councilwoman Tammy Harris is hosting a town hall meeting Saturday at the Richardson Community Center as a way to hear from the public on ideas and concerns they have with the city. (FILE)

Harris hosting town hall meeting Saturday

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Lake City residents will have an opportunity to voice their biggest concerns at an upcoming forum. Lake City Councilor Tammy Harris is hosting a town hall meeting on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Richardson Community Center.