Local

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.
Keith Couey, pictured sitting in his office at the Columbia County School District administration building as he transitions into becoming the district’s superintendent in November, aims to remain visible at school sites. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Keith Couey, pictured sitting in his office at the Columbia County School District administration building as he transitions into becoming the district’s superintendent in November, aims to remain visible at school sites. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Couey aims to remain ‘kid-oriented’

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Monday’s start to the school year was much different and tough for Keith Couey. After 13 years as the principal at Fort White High School, Couey wasn’t there to open the gates Monday. There was no senior breakfast either.
Gunner Statham, 5, a kindergarten student at Five Points Elementary School, flashes a tearful first day of school look as he’s hugged by Gracey Hudson on Monday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Gunner Statham, 5, a kindergarten student at Five Points Elementary School, flashes a tearful first day of school look as he’s hugged by Gracey Hudson on Monday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

CCS enjoys ‘very smooth’ open to school year

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Whether it was youngsters crossing streets with backpacks, parents walking inside schools holding their child’s hand, or school buses making frequent stops on local roadways and thoroughfares, all the signs of a new school year were visible and present Monday morning.
The City of Lake City is interested in the main Lake Shore Hospital building as a new city hall and civic center. (FILE)

The City of Lake City is interested in the main Lake Shore Hospital building as a new city hall and civic center. (FILE)

Hospital eyed as city hall, center

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Lake City’s new manager has pitched a new vision for a new city hall. During the Lake Shore Hospital Authority’s meeting Monday, City Manager Don Rosenthal pitched the idea for a civic center in the old Lake Shore Hospital building on the banks of Lake DeSoto that would include a city hall.