Local

The Lake City Police Department seized firearms, drugs and drug paraphernalia out of a vehicle at the Cedar Park apartments after someone reported individuals placing the firearms into the car’s trunk. (COURTESY LAKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT)

The Lake City Police Department seized firearms, drugs and drug paraphernalia out of a vehicle at the Cedar Park apartments after someone reported individuals placing the firearms into the car’s trunk. (COURTESY LAKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT)

Pair arrested for stolen firearm, drugs

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Two men were arrested after being spotted with a handful of firearms at the Cedar Park apartments late Saturday night. A Lake City Police Department report said someone reported seeing four males placing firearms into the trunk of a car at the apartment complex.
Robert Nelson, assembling a bed’s headboard, said the furniture has gotten heavier during the past five decades. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Robert Nelson, assembling a bed’s headboard, said the furniture has gotten heavier during the past five decades. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Badcock’s familiar face: Nelson marks 50 years at local furniture store

TONY BRITT
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Much has changed in the furniture business over the past 50 years. But there has been one constant at the Badcock Home Furniture and More store in Lake City in Robert Nelson.
Florida Gateway College is planning to expand its welding program thanks to $1M in state funding. (COURTESY FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE)

Florida Gateway College is planning to expand its welding program thanks to $1M in state funding. (COURTESY FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE)

FGC plans $1M welding expansion

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, October 26, 2024
State funding is providing a spark to the Florida Gateway College welding program. FGC received more than $1 million from the Florida Department of Education’s Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Program to expand its welding technology program.
Avery C. Roberts (right) accepts gavel from outgoing president Jimmy Bielling at the Florida Forestry Association 2024 annual meeting. (COURTESY)

Avery C. Roberts (right) accepts gavel from outgoing president Jimmy Bielling at the Florida Forestry Association 2024 annual meeting. (COURTESY)

Jones, Bielling and Roberts: A trifecta of forestry leadership

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, October 26, 2024
There’s an old saying that good things come in threes. That certainly seems to be the case when it comes to local leaders serving as president of the Florida Forestry Association.
Sergio Miguel Hernandez (from left) is congratulated by Susan Kroh, Columbia County Public Library volunteer and literacy coordinator, as he received his high school diploma in a graduation ceremony on Tuesday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Sergio Miguel Hernandez (from left) is congratulated by Susan Kroh, Columbia County Public Library volunteer and literacy coordinator, as he received his high school diploma in a graduation ceremony on Tuesday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

11 earn degrees through library program

TONY BRITT
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Education can facilitate a person’s dreams, paving the way for unlimited possibilities and offering infinite opportunities.
Judy Tatem, the Coordinator of Safe Schools with the Columbia County School District, said the district is ahead of the required level for mental health training for staff. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Judy Tatem, the Coordinator of Safe Schools with the Columbia County School District, said the district is ahead of the required level for mental health training for staff. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Tatem gives CCS passing grade for school safety

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Columbia County Schools are up to snuff in their safety practices, according to a recent report. Judy Tatem, the Coordinator of Safe Schools with the Columbia County School District, delivered a quarterly report to the school board at its Tuesday meeting.

Disaster food benefits open for area counties

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Disaster food assistance is now available to North Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. Florida’s application for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) was approved Friday by the Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris.
A six-point buck was tranquilized Wednesday by a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer after it crashed into the Gateway Art Gallery in downtown Lake City. (COURTESY)

A six-point buck was tranquilized Wednesday by a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer after it crashed into the Gateway Art Gallery in downtown Lake City. (COURTESY)

Oh, deer!: Surprise guest visits Gallery

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Wednesday provided a new spin on an old saying. A six-point buck made its way into the Gateway Art Gallery on Wednesday and wreaked havoc on some of the shop’s setups and displays. It also frightened a volunteer beyond her wits.