Local

Lake City Councilman James Carter said he believed it was ‘madness’ for the city to pay out more than $202,000 in severance and unused vacation and sick time to former City Manager Paul Dyal after he resigned last October. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Councilman James Carter said he believed it was ‘madness’ for the city to pay out more than $202,000 in severance and unused vacation and sick time to former City Manager Paul Dyal after he resigned last October. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

City wants guidance on Dyal severance package

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
The Lake City Council wants another look at the payout given to its former city manager.

Top Talent set for Mother’s Day weekend

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
The vocal talents of several local singers will be featured this weekend as competitors compete in final round and possibly the final edition of Columbia’s Top Talent. The final round of the 20th Annual Columbia’s Top Talent will take place 7 p.m. on Friday at the Norman R.
Jennifer Chaplin (from left) and her daughter Chloe Chaplin take a selfie with Chloe’s cell phone after Chloe graduated from Florida Gateway College on Friday morning at the Howard Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Jennifer Chaplin (from left) and her daughter Chloe Chaplin take a selfie with Chloe’s cell phone after Chloe graduated from Florida Gateway College on Friday morning at the Howard Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC graduates urged to do their best, but have the grace to fail

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 3, 2024
As she looked out over her fellow graduates Friday at Florida Gateway College, Zoey Isabelle Nettles delivered a simple, three-pronged message.
Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said the county’s goal should be to gives its employees raises in next year’s budget at the same rate state workers are getting pay increases. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said the county’s goal should be to gives its employees raises in next year’s budget at the same rate state workers are getting pay increases. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County eyes raises for employees

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 3, 2024
Columbia County employees can expect to see raises in next year’s budget.
Avalyn Hunter’s newest book, ‘The Kentucky Oaks: 150 Years of Running for the Lilies’ was released in March. (COURTESY)

Avalyn Hunter’s newest book, ‘The Kentucky Oaks: 150 Years of Running for the Lilies’ was released in March. (COURTESY)

Hunter horsing around with new book

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, May 3, 2024
As far back as she can remember, Avalyn Hunter has loved horses. She recalls living in Louisville, Kentucky, as a 3-year-old child when she and her family were on a road trip. Her father stopped the car, presumably for everyone to stretch their legs for a bit.

Cops: Naked woman broke into neighbor’s house

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 3, 2024
A bleeding naked woman was arrested late Wednesday night after breaking into a neighbor’s house. According to the Lake City Police Department, a resident on NW Huntsboro Street called for assistance as someone continued to knock on the door but not respond when asked who was there.
Some shoppers check out golf clubs at a previous United Way of Suwannee Valley community yard sale. (FILE)

Some shoppers check out golf clubs at a previous United Way of Suwannee Valley community yard sale. (FILE)

United Way community yard sale offers deals

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 3, 2024
Anyone looking for deep discounts on furniture, office or yard equipment, home decor, or sporting good items, the United Way of Suwannee Valley is hosting a community yard sale as a fundraiser next week. The United Way of Suwannee Valley will hold its annual community yard sale from 8 a.m. -2 p.m.

Remains found in August identified

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 3, 2024
The human remains found in a wooded lot last August have been identified. According to the Lake City Police Department, the remains found on SW Commerce Drive on Aug. 9 have been identified as Brett Holcombe. Holcombe’s next of kin has been notified. The LCPD has not released the cause of death.
Lake City Fire Chief Josh Wehinger addresses the crowd as local and religious leaders listen during Thursday’s National Day of Prayer. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Fire Chief Josh Wehinger addresses the crowd as local and religious leaders listen during Thursday’s National Day of Prayer. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Day of Prayer draws pastors, local officials

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, May 3, 2024
Local religious and public service officials gathered on a sweltering afternoon to offer up prayers to everything from national leaders to local homeless populations. Lake City hosted its National Day of Prayer services on the lawn of Olustee Park on Thursday afternoon.