Local

Christopher Smith Jr., a 17-year-old Fort White High student, was arrested Monday after posting this school threat on his Instagram account. (COURTESY)

Christopher Smith Jr., a 17-year-old Fort White High student, was arrested Monday after posting this school threat on his Instagram account. (COURTESY)

FWHS student charged with school threat

NEWS STAFF
Monday, September 9, 2024
FORT WHITE — A Fort White High School student was arrested Monday for posting a school threat on social media. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office charged 17-year-old Christopher Smith Jr. with a second-degree felony for posting the threat.
The City of Lake City has tentatively approved a tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year even though property values continue to rise and bring additional revenue to the city without a tax hike. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The City of Lake City has tentatively approved a tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year even though property values continue to rise and bring additional revenue to the city without a tax hike. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Why is city hiking taxes?

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, September 7, 2024
The new Lake City manager said a proposed tax increase is “absolutely” needed for infrastructure work and to move the city away from its history of deficit spending.
Charyll Bradley requested the County Commission not provide a rate increase for Michael Smallridge’s Lance Water System, noting issues the company has had in providing adequate service. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Charyll Bradley requested the County Commission not provide a rate increase for Michael Smallridge’s Lance Water System, noting issues the company has had in providing adequate service. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County seeks end to private utility problems

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, September 7, 2024
A private water utility’s request to the Columbia County Commission for a rate increase could instead end up costing the provider. Not only did the commission unanimously deny the request from Michael Smallridge for a price index rate adjustment on the Lance Water System of 2.
A pavillion is being added at Annie Mattox Park with the hopes of attracting additional events to the park. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A pavillion is being added at Annie Mattox Park with the hopes of attracting additional events to the park. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Community pavilion nears completion at Annie Mattox

TONY BRITT
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Local youths and adults attending services, programs and participating in activities at Annie Mattox Park will soon have an outdoor structure providing shelter from the elements.
Columbia County Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth said on-call employees shouldn’t have to pay to take a work vehicle home with them. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Robby Hollingsworth said on-call employees shouldn’t have to pay to take a work vehicle home with them. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County eyes way around company-vehicle tax

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Columbia County is working to steer around a federally-mandated tax on on-call employees taking county vehicles home.

Columbia School Board voting on reduced millage, budget

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, September 7, 2024
The Columbia County School Board is looking to finalize its budget and millage rate next week. At the board’s Tuesday meeting, 6 p.m. at the Columbia County Schools Keith Hudson Auditorium at the district administration building, 372 W.
County Commission Chairman Ron Williams said even with the slight increase in the fire assessment, the county is still subsidizing the Columbia County Fire Rescue from the general fund. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County Commission Chairman Ron Williams said even with the slight increase in the fire assessment, the county is still subsidizing the Columbia County Fire Rescue from the general fund. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County raising fire fee slightly; others remain flat

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Fire protection in Columbia County is going up slightly. The tax rate, though, will likely not be. During its Thursday meeting, the Columbia County Commission set the final fire and solid waste assessments, while also approving the preliminary millage rate.
The Lake Shore Hospital Authority, which is still trying to finalize a deal to occupy the Lake Shore Hospital building, is proposing the lowest possible millage rate for a fourth straight year. (FILE)

The Lake Shore Hospital Authority, which is still trying to finalize a deal to occupy the Lake Shore Hospital building, is proposing the lowest possible millage rate for a fourth straight year. (FILE)

LSHA considering lowest millage rate

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, September 7, 2024
The lowest possible millage rate will likely once again be charged by the Lake Shore Hospital Authority. The authority’s first budget hearing for the 2024-25 fiscal year is set for Monday night at 5:15 at the LSHA Administrative Complex at 259 NE Franklin St., Suite 102.
Young Women of Excellence members Lanashia Peterson (from left), Janaisha Peterson, Graciela Gerard, Mrs. Thayla Mullins (Assistant Principal, Lake City Middle School), and Bonnie McKerley pose for a photograph following a recent event. (COURTESY)

Young Women of Excellence members Lanashia Peterson (from left), Janaisha Peterson, Graciela Gerard, Mrs. Thayla Mullins (Assistant Principal, Lake City Middle School), and Bonnie McKerley pose for a photograph following a recent event. (COURTESY)

Young women mentoring program seeks new members

TONY BRITT
Saturday, September 7, 2024
A local mentorship program catered toward helping young women navigate life’s challenges and develop the skills, mentality and self confidence to address issues is seeking new members.
Lance Jones with Jones Engineering goes over the plan for Penelope Place, a mixed-use development that would include single-family houses, apartments and a commercial element, during Tuesday’s planning and zoning board meeting about the proposal. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lance Jones with Jones Engineering goes over the plan for Penelope Place, a mixed-use development that would include single-family houses, apartments and a commercial element, during Tuesday’s planning and zoning board meeting about the proposal. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Housing plan draws huge crowd, denied request

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
After nearly three hours of hearing concerns, a Columbia County advisory board voted against a zoning change for a multi-use development on the north side of Lake City.