Local

Science teachers garner national honor

A pair of local science teachers will have the opportunity this year to embark on the same lessons they’re sharing with their students: studying, researching and collaborating with others.
Approximately 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and two ounces of fentanyl were seized last week by the Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force. The drugs were bound for Columbia County, according to a months-long investigation. (COURTESY COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

Approximately 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and two ounces of fentanyl were seized last week by the Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force. The drugs were bound for Columbia County, according to a months-long investigation. (COURTESY COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

Columbia County-bound meth, fentanyl seized by task force

Drugs bound for Columbia County were seized last week following a months-long investigation.
The Florida Sheriffs Association provided a mobile emergency shelter to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday to aid in response and deployments for natural disasters. (COURTESY COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

The Florida Sheriffs Association provided a mobile emergency shelter to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday to aid in response and deployments for natural disasters. (COURTESY COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

CCSO receives mobile emergency shelter

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has received equipment that will allow emergency personnel to eat, shower and have quality downtime during local emergencies and natural disasters.
Plans for the proposed Penelope Place development at the intersection of Lake Jeffery Road and Bascom Norris Drive includes single-family homes along Lake Jeffery Road, apartments along Bascom Norris Drive and a commercial aspect as well. (COURTESY)

Plans for the proposed Penelope Place development at the intersection of Lake Jeffery Road and Bascom Norris Drive includes single-family homes along Lake Jeffery Road, apartments along Bascom Norris Drive and a commercial aspect as well. (COURTESY)

Single-family sites, apartments planned for Lake Jeffery, Bascom Norris site

One project on the northwest side of Lake City is looking to fill three needs: new homes, additional apartments and a commercial element as well.
Lake City firefighters Hunter Anderson (from left), Chris Bethea and Gramby Croft look over the department’s new Electric Vehicle Plug Kit and its instruction manual. The newly purchased tool went into service for the department on Monday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City firefighters Hunter Anderson (from left), Chris Bethea and Gramby Croft look over the department’s new Electric Vehicle Plug Kit and its instruction manual. The newly purchased tool went into service for the department on Monday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

New tool boosts LCFD safety efforts with EVs

With the ever-increasing presence of electric vehicles traveling along local roadways, first responders have had to adopt new safety materials and procedures for both their safety as well as that of motorists involved in crashes with the new technology.
Samuel Jeter (from left) and Carlos Scippio collect information and school materials from Travis George at the Project Cope vendor booth during the inaugural Unity Community Day at Richardson Community Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Samuel Jeter (from left) and Carlos Scippio collect information and school materials from Travis George at the Project Cope vendor booth during the inaugural Unity Community Day at Richardson Community Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Unity Day brings crowd to Richardson

People from all across Columbia County gathered together at Richardson Community Center this weekend to celebrate the community with a variety of activities. The inaugural Unity Community Day was held Saturday at the facility and drew more than 100 people looking to celebrate their community.
Sheila Carr (from left), curator of the Gateway Art Gallery stands with Abbie Chasteen Rosner, owner of  All Things Abbie, and Jeanne Van Arsdall, chairman of the Gateway Art Gallery’s 10th anniversary celebration and creator of the Charcuterie and Chardonnay fundraiser event. Konnie Patke (not pictured), director of the Tourist Development Agency, was the wine sommelier for the event. (COURTESY)

Sheila Carr (from left), curator of the Gateway Art Gallery stands with Abbie Chasteen Rosner, owner of All Things Abbie, and Jeanne Van Arsdall, chairman of the Gateway Art Gallery’s 10th anniversary celebration and creator of the Charcuterie and Chardonnay fundraiser event. Konnie Patke (not pictured), director of the Tourist Development Agency, was the wine sommelier for the event. (COURTESY)

Gallery’s anniversary includes hit with Charcuterie and Chardonnay

The Gateway Art Gallery recently held an event where the patrons were wined and dined for the evening. The patrons also received tips and ideas where they can serve as the hosts for their own occasions.

Bradford man charged with kidnapping own child

A Bradford County man was arrested this weekend after turning a visit with his child into a kidnapping. According to the Lake City Police Department, a woman agreed to let 23-year-old Thomas Levasseur, of Hampton, meet his child in a public place, choosing the Olive Garden on U.S. Highway 90 west.