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Columbia High’s welding program won two state titles, two runner-up finishes and two third-place finishes in the SkillsUSA state competition in Jacksonville last week. (COURTESY)

Columbia High’s welding program won two state titles, two runner-up finishes and two third-place finishes in the SkillsUSA state competition in Jacksonville last week. (COURTESY)

CHS welders win first state titles

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Columbia High’s welding program made the most of its second trip to the SkillsUSA state competition. After making its debut state appearance a year ago, the Tigers dominated on its return trip last week to the five-day competition in Jacksonville.
Firefighters utilize water to help extinguish heat within the root system of trees and the duff layer on the Sargent fire in order to reduce risk of rekindle and help fully contain the fire. The wildfire, which began in Baker County on Thursday and has spread to northeastern Columbia County is 50% contained. (COURTESY FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE)

Firefighters utilize water to help extinguish heat within the root system of trees and the duff layer on the Sargent fire in order to reduce risk of rekindle and help fully contain the fire. The wildfire, which began in Baker County on Thursday and has spread to northeastern Columbia County is 50% contained. (COURTESY FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE)

Sargent wildfire 50 percent contained near Ga. border

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
The Sargent wildfire is 50% contained in northeastern Columbia County as well as Baker County and Clinch County (Ga.) as of Tuesday morning. According to the Florida Forest Service, the fire which began Thursday in Baker County has covered 2,479 acres but has been 50% contained since Saturday.

Sanderson man arrested for waving firearm in crowd

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
A Sanderson man is in custody after Lake City Police say he brandished a weapon among a crowd of people following an Easter celebration. According to an LCPD release, Rasheem Saquan Gaskins, 30, was spotted by officers around 10:31 p.m.

Lake City police investigating Easter shooting

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Police are still on the hunt after one person was found shot Sunday night. According to a Lake City Police Department release, officers were dispatched to the Lake City VA Medical Center around 10:35 p.m. on Easter Sunday in reference to a person with a gunshot wound.
Columbia High’s Rylan Moses (left) and Kevin Windham won the SkillsUSA state competition gold medal for drones last week in Jacksonville. (COURTESY)

Columbia High’s Rylan Moses (left) and Kevin Windham won the SkillsUSA state competition gold medal for drones last week in Jacksonville. (COURTESY)

CHS drone team wins state gold

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Columbia High’s drone program’s first trip to a state competition wasn’t without its turbulence. However, one team’s misfortune turned into another duo’s title.

Hearing set ahead of Harrell recall election

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
A hearing has been set to decide if the Fort White recall election should go on. Third Circuit Judge Fred Koberlein ordered Monday that a Zoom hearing be held on Monday, April 13, at 4 p.m. to determine whether or not to grant Councilman Lonnie Harrell a temporary injunction.
Area students are able to apply to the Summer Youth Employment Program, a six-week employment opportunity, through April 24. (COURTESY)

Area students are able to apply to the Summer Youth Employment Program, a six-week employment opportunity, through April 24. (COURTESY)

Youth Employment Program accepting applications

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Local youths who want to earn some money during their school summer vacation are encouraged to participate in the local Summer Youth Employment Program, which could pay more than $2,000.
Cody Pridgeon, City of Lake City wastewater director, looks in on a tank of untreated wastewater at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park wastewater treatment plant last March shortly after it began operating. (FILE)

Cody Pridgeon, City of Lake City wastewater director, looks in on a tank of untreated wastewater at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park wastewater treatment plant last March shortly after it began operating. (FILE)

Hearing set on possible treatment plant sale

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, April 3, 2026
Columbia County is still moving forward with possibly selling its wastewater treatment plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. The county is also still seeking funding for an expanded sewer plant in Ellisville.
Fort White Councilman Lonnie Harrell speaks during a February council meeting. Harrell is seeking a court order to block a recall election against him. The election is currently set for April 14. (FILE)

Fort White Councilman Lonnie Harrell speaks during a February council meeting. Harrell is seeking a court order to block a recall election against him. The election is currently set for April 14. (FILE)

Harrell fighting recall election

NEWS STAFF
Friday, April 3, 2026
FORT WHITE — A Fort White town councilman is fighting efforts to have him recalled. Councilman Lonnie Harrell has filed a motion for an emergency injunction against a recall election set for April 14.
Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said the City of Lake City’s solution to the sewer vs. septic tank issue with AgroLiquid came under pressure after the Lake City Reporter reported on the problem. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said the City of Lake City’s solution to the sewer vs. septic tank issue with AgroLiquid came under pressure after the Lake City Reporter reported on the problem. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

City devises NFMIP sewer solution

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, April 3, 2026
A septic tank won’t be installed in the North Florida Mega Industrial park after all.