Local

Josh Garner (from left), Jenny Martinez, Mychelle Albury and Sierra McClain sing during a musical number while rehearing for the upcoming production of Peter and the Star Catcher at Florida Gateway College. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Josh Garner (from left), Jenny Martinez, Mychelle Albury and Sierra McClain sing during a musical number while rehearing for the upcoming production of Peter and the Star Catcher at Florida Gateway College. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Peter and the Star Catcher coming to FGC

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
The little boy that never grew up will hit the stage at Florida Gateway College this week when the college hosts its annal summer theater production. Peter and the Star Catcher will be performed at FGC in the Levy Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m.

LifeSouth has ‘emergency’ need for all blood types

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
With blood donations declining and blood usage at local hospitals increased, there is a blood shortage across North Central Florida. According to LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, there is currently an emergency need for all blood types to help patients in local hospitals.
Jessica Chewning, a school resource deputy at Westside Elementary School, prepares a snow cone for a kid during Friday’s Summer Nights activities at Five Points Elementary. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Jessica Chewning, a school resource deputy at Westside Elementary School, prepares a snow cone for a kid during Friday’s Summer Nights activities at Five Points Elementary. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Successful Summer Nights launch

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, June 21, 2024
The smells of buttery popcorn and hot dogs on the grill were a perfect backdrop to a summer evening of fun, music and games Friday night. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Division hosted the first of its three Summer Nights events at Five Points Elementary from 5-8 p.m.
Fort White High Principal Keith Couey walks on to the Arrowhead Stadium field last month for graduation. Couey is being moved to the district office as he prepares to be the district superintendent. (RAY CARPENTER/Special to the Reporter)

Fort White High Principal Keith Couey walks on to the Arrowhead Stadium field last month for graduation. Couey is being moved to the district office as he prepares to be the district superintendent. (RAY CARPENTER/Special to the Reporter)

Couey headed to district office

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, June 21, 2024
Unopposed in his pursuit for the superintendent’s position, Keith Couey’s time at the Columbia County School District office will begin prior to the election.
Stacy Brandon, the late Matt Brandon’s widow, and Deborah Freeman received the Servant’s Heart Award on Tuesday from Community Hospice & Palliative Care. Matt Brandon and Freeman were honored for their community service. (COURTESY)

Stacy Brandon, the late Matt Brandon’s widow, and Deborah Freeman received the Servant’s Heart Award on Tuesday from Community Hospice & Palliative Care. Matt Brandon and Freeman were honored for their community service. (COURTESY)

Community Hospice honors pair for community service

NEWS STAFF
Friday, June 21, 2024
Community Hospice & Palliative Care honored a pair of Lake City residents — one posthumously — for their community service this week.
Colin Maxwell, a 17-year-old from Jacksonville, competes in the long jump Thursday during an AAU regional championship at the Columbia High School track. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Colin Maxwell, a 17-year-old from Jacksonville, competes in the long jump Thursday during an AAU regional championship at the Columbia High School track. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

CHS track attracts hundreds for AAU event

TONY BRITT
Friday, June 21, 2024
The Columbia High School track was busy with activity this week with young athletes running, jumping, racing and competing. While the local schools are on summer break, a bunch of visitors are competing at the local track for the first Regional Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Championship.
Mayor Stephen Witt delivers a speech during Keith Williams’ retirement party Thursday at Marion Street Bistro. Witt also provided Williams with a proclamation celebrating his years of service. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Mayor Stephen Witt delivers a speech during Keith Williams’ retirement party Thursday at Marion Street Bistro. Witt also provided Williams with a proclamation celebrating his years of service. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Williams’ service at humane society celebrated

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Following four years of service as president at the Lake City Humane Society and many more on the board, Keith Williams is calling it a career.
Commissioner Tim Murphy, a former Lake Shore Hospital Authority board member, said Thursday that it’s time the taxpayers of Columbia County decide if the authority is still needed. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Commissioner Tim Murphy, a former Lake Shore Hospital Authority board member, said Thursday that it’s time the taxpayers of Columbia County decide if the authority is still needed. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Hospital Authority future could go to ballot

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Columbia County residents may be asked this fall if they want to see the Lake Shore Hospital Authority go away.
A Jeep is all decked out for the holiday at last year’s Fourth of July Celebration in Wilson Park. (FILE)

A Jeep is all decked out for the holiday at last year’s Fourth of July Celebration in Wilson Park. (FILE)

Rotary excited about July 4 celebration

TONY BRITT
Thursday, June 20, 2024
A bunch of patriotic scenes, themes, festivities and smiles are expected in a few days when the Rotary Club of Lake City hosts its annual event celebrating America’s 248th birthday.