Local

Columbia County Health Department Administrator Diana Duque talks to the Lake Shore Hospital Authority about the health department operating a primary care clinic in Lake City and Fort White. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Health Department Administrator Diana Duque talks to the Lake Shore Hospital Authority about the health department operating a primary care clinic in Lake City and Fort White. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Health department makes pitch to LSHA

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
The Lake Shore Hospital Authority heard Monday about the opportunity to bring in some local and state help to potentially occupy a different space on the downtown hospital campus.
Helena Powers celebrated her 109th birthday this weekend with a party with friends and family. Pictured with Powers during the celebration are Madeleine Johnson (bottom row, from left) and Claire Walsh; Everett Johnson (middle row, from left), Powers, Carson Powers and Allison Powers; and Jessica Johnson (back row, from  left), Frank Powers, Aspen Powers and John Walsh. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Helena Powers celebrated her 109th birthday this weekend with a party with friends and family. Pictured with Powers during the celebration are Madeleine Johnson (bottom row, from left) and Claire Walsh; Everett Johnson (middle row, from left), Powers, Carson Powers and Allison Powers; and Jessica Johnson (back row, from  left), Frank Powers, Aspen Powers and John Walsh. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Celebrating a century...and more

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Courtesy Sunday marked a monumental celebration for Helena Powers. The remarkable Lake City woman celebrated her 109th birthday. Born on Feb. 9, 1916, Powers has witnessed more than a century of change, progress, and history.
Lake City firefighter Christina Munro (left) flashes a big grin as she and Dustin Alford look over the fire department’s newest engine on Thursday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City firefighter Christina Munro (left) flashes a big grin as she and Dustin Alford look over the fire department’s newest engine on Thursday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

LCFD’s new truck

TONY BRITT
Friday, February 7, 2025
The Lake City Fire Department took ownership of its newest firefighting equipment on Thursday afternoon in a move that generated giddiness, wonder, astonishment and pride among local firefighters. The department’s newest fire engine arrived at the station around 3:30 p.m.

Child sex offender faces additional charges

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 7, 2025
A Live Oak man is facing additional child sex charges. The Lake City Police Department said Thursday that Herminio Monte Perez, 27, faces an additional 72 felony charges after his Dec. 7 arrest for attempts to lure and exploit children online.
Columbia County Manager David Kraus said the partnership with the City of Lake City on operating the sewer plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park will ‘take some of that burden off’ as the two will split revenues or losses for the next two years. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Manager David Kraus said the partnership with the City of Lake City on operating the sewer plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park will ‘take some of that burden off’ as the two will split revenues or losses for the next two years. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County OKs city operating NFMIP sewer plant

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 7, 2025
Columbia County’s wastewater plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park is nearing completion. When it comes online in the next few weeks, the City of Lake City will be operating the plant, which can potentially treat up to 1.5 million gallons per day.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrive at the scene on SW Washington Avenue in Fort White in response to an officer-involved shooting Wednesday morning. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrive at the scene on SW Washington Avenue in Fort White in response to an officer-involved shooting Wednesday morning. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Shots fired in Three Rivers

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
FORT WHITE — A scene that involved more than a dozen first responder vehicles — including a pair of Columbia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT trucks — resolved quickly Wednesday morning with one suspect injured and in custody.
Keaven Jones gives Kaden Jones a ride on his shoulders as the youngster points out wooden cars in a vendor’s booth at last year’s Olustee Festival. (FILE)

Keaven Jones gives Kaden Jones a ride on his shoulders as the youngster points out wooden cars in a vendor’s booth at last year’s Olustee Festival. (FILE)

46th Olustee Festival set for return

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Columbia County’s oldest and largest festival will make its return to the area next weekend with a variety of activities, events, sounds, emotions and food. The 46th Annual Olustee Festival will take place Feb. 14-15 along the banks of Lake DeSoto at Wilson Park.