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Fort White Middle School’s Tucker Ayers competes in the preliminary round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. this past week. (COURTESY SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE)

Fort White Middle School’s Tucker Ayers competes in the preliminary round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. this past week. (COURTESY SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE)

Ayers advances to fourth round at national bee

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 29, 2026
WASHINGTON — A Fort White Middle School student advanced to the fourth round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee this week.At the national bee in Washington D.C.

Clay Electric bills set for increase

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 29, 2026
Clay Electric Cooperative members will see an increase in their bills, starting in June.The Power Cost Adjustment, or PCA, on Clay members’ bills will rise beginning with June billing statements due to higher wholesale power costs, the co-op announced Thursday.
American Legion Post 57 Honor Guard members and members of the Liberty Division Sea Cadets, raise a new flag at the Best Western Plus hotel in Lake City on Friday morning in front of a group of onlookers such as other Post 57 members, hotel staff and hotel guests. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

American Legion Post 57 Honor Guard members and members of the Liberty Division Sea Cadets, raise a new flag at the Best Western Plus hotel in Lake City on Friday morning in front of a group of onlookers such as other Post 57 members, hotel staff and hotel guests. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Honor Guard replaces tattered flag

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 29, 2026
The American Legion Post 57 Honor Guard has a natural distain for torn and tattered American flags.As veterans, Honor Guard members often participate in flag disposal services, but the unit is gaining additional recognition by raising new flags for businesses and organizations in the community.
Columbia County Manager David Kraus talks to the County Commission about Municipal Service Taxing Units during a workshop May 21. (FILE)

Columbia County Manager David Kraus talks to the County Commission about Municipal Service Taxing Units during a workshop May 21. (FILE)

Lake City Council to consider county pitch on law enforcement, EMS taxes

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 29, 2026
The Lake City Council will hear about, and consider taking part in, Municipal Service Taxing Units to cover law enforcement and emergency medical services moving forward.Columbia County administration will make a presentation to the Council at its regular meeting Monday, 6 p.m., at City Hall, 205 N.
First Federal President and CEO John Medina (right) is joined by former First Federal CEO Keith Leibfried (left) and Johnny Flood, the son of previous CEO John Flood as the bank dedicated its main Live Oak branch to John Flood. (COURTESY)

First Federal President and CEO John Medina (right) is joined by former First Federal CEO Keith Leibfried (left) and Johnny Flood, the son of previous CEO John Flood as the bank dedicated its main Live Oak branch to John Flood. (COURTESY)

First Federal honors its past

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 29, 2026
First Federal Bank celebrated its legacy of service and continued commitment to the communities it calls home with two building rededication ceremonies in Live Oak and Lake City.
Trish Webb (from left), Roseanna Lee, Tanzania Williams and Bonnie Page prepare to-go plates for veterans who reside in the Lake City Cabins for Veterans on Friday afternoon. The Columbia County Executive Committee provides the lunches, free, on the last Friday of every month. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Trish Webb (from left), Roseanna Lee, Tanzania Williams and Bonnie Page prepare to-go plates for veterans who reside in the Lake City Cabins for Veterans on Friday afternoon. The Columbia County Executive Committee provides the lunches, free, on the last Friday of every month. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Serving up a good meal for veterans

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 29, 2026
More than 20 local veterans and members of their families were treated to a homemade lunch by members of the Columbia Columbia Republican Party Executive Committee on Friday afternoon.

Nearly 400 CHS seniors ready for commencement

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Close to 400 students will cap their career as high school students this weekend when Columbia High School holds commencement exercises.The 2026 CHS graduation ceremony will take place 8 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium, 469 Fighting Tiger Drive. The gates open at 6 p.m.
Fort White Middle School student Maverick Williams won a state essay contest on ‘Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America’ for his entry on Dr. James Cade, the founder of Gatorade. Williams won a two-year scholarship as well as a picture of Cade from Gov. Ron DeSantis in the contest. (COURTESY)

Fort White Middle School student Maverick Williams won a state essay contest on ‘Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America’ for his entry on Dr. James Cade, the founder of Gatorade. Williams won a two-year scholarship as well as a picture of Cade from Gov. Ron DeSantis in the contest. (COURTESY)

Fort White’s Williams wins scholarship for essay

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
FORT WHITE — A local middle school student athlete, who was already fond of Gatorade, probably now loves the sports drink even more after his essay on its founder won him a two-year scholarship.