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Lake City Fire Chief Josh Wehinger said the city needed to ‘get ahead of the game’ and order a new ladder truck to replace its current model, which is 18 years old. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Fire Chief Josh Wehinger said the city needed to ‘get ahead of the game’ and order a new ladder truck to replace its current model, which is 18 years old. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

City stalls purchasing ladder truck

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
A decision on whether or not to finance a new fire truck with federal money has been stalled again. The Lake City Council discussed the matter at its Monday meeting, debating on whether it should use leftover funds from its American Rescue Plan Act pot to cover a $1.
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 of Homes showcase returns April 27-28

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
The premier North Florida home industry showcase that offers an in-depth and unfiltered view of modern homes will return during the final weekend of April. The 2024 Parade of Homes will take place from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturday April 27, and from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28.

Officials, attorneys aim to get drivers back on the road

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
If some elected officials and law offices can help it, additional Columbia County residents will soon be able to “Get on the Road.” The third annual “Get on the Road” driver’s license reinstatement clinic is scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lake City Mayor Stephen Witt holds up the NE Presley Lane sign next to Bernice Presley (middle) and Sharyn Presley (left) after the Lake City Council agreed to rename NE Railroad Street in honor of the Presley family. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Mayor Stephen Witt holds up the NE Presley Lane sign next to Bernice Presley (middle) and Sharyn Presley (left) after the Lake City Council agreed to rename NE Railroad Street in honor of the Presley family. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Presley family honored with road designation

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
A Lake City family’s long impact on the community will be forever honored with a new street name. During Monday’s Lake City Council meeting, the council approved renaming NE Railroad Street to NE Presley Lane in honor of the Presley family.
Two SUVs and a camper are engulfed in flames after a crash on State Road 136 near the State Farmer’s Market in White Springs on March 22. (COURTESY OF GLENN ALLEN)

Two SUVs and a camper are engulfed in flames after a crash on State Road 136 near the State Farmer’s Market in White Springs on March 22. (COURTESY OF GLENN ALLEN)

Ag officers honored for actions after crash

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
WHITE SPRINGS — Three Florida agriculture law enforcement officers were honored Friday for their “heroic actions” following a fiery Suwannee County crash a week earlier.
Ethan Humphries (center), a Branford High School student, uses gloves while getting tips from Eric Crawford, a Clay Electric line supervisor, during 2021's Build My Future event. (FILE)

Ethan Humphries (center), a Branford High School student, uses gloves while getting tips from Eric Crawford, a Clay Electric line supervisor, during 2021's Build My Future event. (FILE)

Build My Future pushed back

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Area high school students’ hands-on look at trade professions will have to wait. The 2024 Build My Future event, designed to showcase professions in the building and construction and trade industry to area high school student, has been postponed to May 8, due to the threat of inclement weather.
CHS welders Karsyn Sims (left) and Madison Bailey became the first female students at CHS to earn their welding certificates after passing their tests Tuesday. (COURTESY)

CHS welders Karsyn Sims (left) and Madison Bailey became the first female students at CHS to earn their welding certificates after passing their tests Tuesday. (COURTESY)

Welded together in CHS history

TONY BRITT
Friday, March 29, 2024
Working in helmets designed to protect their eyesight, wearing gloves sturdy enough to protect their hands from a lifetime of scars, a pair of Columbia High School girls have proven they can conquer welding at the top level.

Dicks Realty among best in country

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, March 29, 2024
A Lake City real estate office is one of the best in the nation. Dicks Realty was honored last week at the United Country Real Estate training and awards convention in Texas as one of the brands’ top 20 selling offices in the country.
Sean Dietrich will perform Saturday, April 6, at Florida Gateway College. (FILE)

Sean Dietrich will perform Saturday, April 6, at Florida Gateway College. (FILE)

Tickets scarce for Sean of the South

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, March 29, 2024
When the Sean of the South returns to Lake City next week, he will be greeted by a sellout at the Levy Performing Arts Center. As of late Friday morning, fewer than 10 tickets remained for the “Florida Gateway College presents Sean of the South LIVE” show Saturday, April 6, at the Levy PAC.
Karyss Butler (from left) and Christopher Hardman, two Columbia High seniors, get recruitment and career tips from Mary Sharpelletti, Chief Petty Officer with the USCG recruiting office in Jacksonville during the Columbia High School College and Career Fair on Thursday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Karyss Butler (from left) and Christopher Hardman, two Columbia High seniors, get recruitment and career tips from Mary Sharpelletti, Chief Petty Officer with the USCG recruiting office in Jacksonville during the Columbia High School College and Career Fair on Thursday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

CHS students learn about opportunities at Career Fair

TONY BRITT
Friday, March 29, 2024
A large contingent of Columbia High School students spent a huge chunk of their time studying in the gymnasium Thursday.