Local

Lake City man faces life sentence for 2020 murder

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
A Lake City man faces life in prison after being convicted Wednesday of first-degree murder. Christopher Dortly, 37, was found guilty of murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Wednesday after a two-day trial.
Fort White High School Principal Keith Couey (left) displays the championship belt alongside FDOT District Two Secretary Greg Evans. Fort White students increased their seatbelt wearing by 25% during the course of the competition. (COURTESY)

Fort White High School Principal Keith Couey (left) displays the championship belt alongside FDOT District Two Secretary Greg Evans. Fort White students increased their seatbelt wearing by 25% during the course of the competition. (COURTESY)

Fort White High defends title belt in ‘battle’ with CHS

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
A ‘battle’ between two local high school wasn’t settled on a field or court, but rather in cars and parking lots.

FGC new four-year business administration degree approved

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Florida Gateway College can now offer a new bachelor of science degree. After FGC President Larry Barrett made a presentation to the State Board of Education at its meeting Wednesday in Tallahassee, the board approved the college’s new Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Scott Samera (from left) and Danielle Samera talk home floor plans and options with Bryan Zecher during a previous Parade of Homes event. (FILE)

Scott Samera (from left) and Danielle Samera talk home floor plans and options with Bryan Zecher during a previous Parade of Homes event. (FILE)

Parade features 6 new homes, expands to Suwannee County

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
The 2024 Parade of Homes now includes six homes and has expanded its map to include eastern Suwannee County for the event that will take place on April 27-28. Premier new-home construction will be on display to the public during the weekend. The event runs from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Kids Feeding Kids Ag Expo participants line up for a turn on some farm equipment during last weekend’s event. (COURTESY)

Kids Feeding Kids Ag Expo participants line up for a turn on some farm equipment during last weekend’s event. (COURTESY)

Ag Expo educates kids on industry

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Several area students and residents got an inside look at local agriculture during the inaugural Kids Feeding Kids Ag Expo last weekend. The Columbia High School FFA program partnered for the event which served as a fundraiser for both organizations.

Who is filling their campaign coffers?

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Both candidates for Columbia County Sheriff are proving quite adept at tracking down funding. In the dash to collect the most campaign cash, Sheriff Mark Hunter has received more than $78,000 in monetary contributions for the 2024 election cycle.

Mother charged in baby’s death

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, April 13, 2024
WHITE SPRINGS — A Hamilton County woman faces aggravated manslaughter charges following the death last summer of her one-month-old child. Jasmine Williams, 32, was arrested April 5 for the manslaughter charges according to a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office report released Thursday.

Interstate interchange ramp closing temporarily

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Interstate 75 southbound ramp onto Interstate 10 east will be closed early this next week. The Florida Department of Transportation announced Thursday that the I-75 southbound exit to I-10 east will close Monday at 10 a.m. and reopen Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Lake City manager search pushing on with 2 finalists

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Lake City’s managerial search continues to have just a pair of finalists. After originally accepting an invitation to interview as a finalist last week, Michael Brillhart, a city administrator in Ohio, pulled himself out of consideration Tuesday.