Local

Wallace Kitchings hugs his daughter Brittany Kitchings-Roberts outside the Supervisor of Elections Office on Tuesday after being elected sheriff. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Wallace Kitchings hugs his daughter Brittany Kitchings-Roberts outside the Supervisor of Elections Office on Tuesday after being elected sheriff. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Kitchings elected sheriff

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Columbia County has elected a new sheriff. Wallace Kitchings, who served more than 30 years in the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and advanced to becoming the chief deputy, defeated Sheriff Mark Hunter in a universal primary on Tuesday. Kitchings received 6,915 votes or 52.
Tammy Harris and her husband, Michael, are all smiles as they celebrate her victory in the City Council District 12 race on Tuesday night at Gators Dockside. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Tammy Harris and her husband, Michael, are all smiles as they celebrate her victory in the City Council District 12 race on Tuesday night at Gators Dockside. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Harris edges Hill in City District 12

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Six votes determined the next Lake City Councilor in District 12. Tuesday night, political upstart Tammy Harris defeated incumbent Jake Hill to capture the Lake City City Council District 12 post in a tight race.
Dino Casterline draws a caricature of Chans Barner on Monday afternoon during Florida Gateway College’s first day of classes for the fall semester. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Dino Casterline draws a caricature of Chans Barner on Monday afternoon during Florida Gateway College’s first day of classes for the fall semester. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Students excited about new year at FGC

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Standing in line for a student identification card, getting a free T-shirt, learning about the student government association or taking part in an ice cream social — in addition to attending classes — were common activities on the Florida Gateway College campus Monday.
Campbell Park and access to Lake Montgomery were closed Tuesday as construction is set to begin on a new fishing pier on the lake near downtown Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Campbell Park and access to Lake Montgomery were closed Tuesday as construction is set to begin on a new fishing pier on the lake near downtown Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Hudson casts concerns over pier project

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Hours before metal barricades and orange construction fencing were erected at Campbell Park for the construction of a new fishing pier at Lake Montgomery, Lake City Council members were getting an earful of concerns from a home owner at the lake.
Karley Scott Collins, a Lake City native and Nashville recording artist, will return home to perform at the Florida Gateway Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26. (COURTESY)

Karley Scott Collins, a Lake City native and Nashville recording artist, will return home to perform at the Florida Gateway Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26. (COURTESY)

Collins making ‘Fair’ return

TONY BRITT
Saturday, August 17, 2024
The Florida Gateway Fair will feature a special blend of home cooking this year as Karley Scott Collins, a Lake City native and Nashville recording artist, will be one of the headlining performers. The 70th annual Florida Gateway Fair will take place from Oct. 25-Nov. 3.
A digital sign sits in the parking lot at Campbell Park and Lake Mongtomery alerting residents that the park will be closed beginning Tuesday for construction of a new fishing pier on the lake. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A digital sign sits in the parking lot at Campbell Park and Lake Mongtomery alerting residents that the park will be closed beginning Tuesday for construction of a new fishing pier on the lake. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Park closing for pier install

TONY BRITT
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Campbell Park, which houses Lake Montgomery, is scheduled to close Tuesday as work is scheduled to begin on a new pier for the lake.
Columbia County Fire Chief Jeff Crawford addresses the Board of County Commissioners about a proposed floating lantern festival. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Fire Chief Jeff Crawford addresses the Board of County Commissioners about a proposed floating lantern festival. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Flying lantern festival grounded

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Floating lanterns won’t be flying in Columbia County this fall. The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners unanimously rejected a request from The Lights Fest to hold a sky lantern event at the North Florida Speedway in October.
Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby said immediate action was needed on wastewater infrastructure concerns in Ellisville. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Assistant County Manager Kevin Kirby said immediate action was needed on wastewater infrastructure concerns in Ellisville. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Ellisville sewer on ‘top burner’

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 17, 2024
The urgent need for expanded wastewater infrastructure in southern Columbia County was the main concern for the Board of County Commissioners during a brief workshop Thursday.