Local

Registration deadline approaches for voters

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The deadline for Columbia County residents to register to vote is fast approaching. Monday is the last day for residents to make any changes — such as updating names or addresses — or switch parties in order to vote in next month’s primary election.

Candidates invited to speak at forum

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
As this year’s political season continues to ramp up, local voters will have the opportunity to meet several of the the candidates vying in Columbia County and Lake City political and judicial races this weekend.The 2026 Candidate Forum Day will take place 5-7 p.m. on Saturday at New Mt.
Paulette Tomlinson (from left), a Columbia County Extension Service employee, takes the hook out of a catfish for Madelyn Bullock, 13, with help from Paola Ortiz, a 4-H summer camp volunteer. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Paulette Tomlinson (from left), a Columbia County Extension Service employee, takes the hook out of a catfish for Madelyn Bullock, 13, with help from Paola Ortiz, a 4-H summer camp volunteer. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Fishing for knowledge: 4-H campers get lessons in fish, other wildlife

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
More than a dozen local youngsters took to the great outdoors this week, while attending the Columbia County 4-H Outdoor Adventure Camp.
NFWUA Director Shannon Roberts gave a brief overview of the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. (FILE)

NFWUA Director Shannon Roberts gave a brief overview of the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. (FILE)

Bigger budget potentially on deck for NFWUA

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
LIVE OAK — The North Florida Water Utilities Authority met for more than an hour discussing and reviewing its proposed 2026-27 fiscal year budget, during a public budget workshop on Monday morning, which included a special called meeting to discuss and review proposed rate increases.The $4.
Henry Thomas and Matthew Ori of Faftelis Financial Consultants walk North Florida Water Utilities Authority board members through a series of rate increases during Monday’s meeting. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Henry Thomas and Matthew Ori of Faftelis Financial Consultants walk North Florida Water Utilities Authority board members through a series of rate increases during Monday’s meeting. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Consultants pitch increased water rates

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
LIVE OAK — The North Florida Water Utilities Authority is looking at changing its rates as it heads to a new fiscal year.