Local

The current projected path for invest 97L, which is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm as it approaches Florida this weekend. (NOAA)

The current projected path for invest 97L, which is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm as it approaches Florida this weekend. (NOAA)

Tropical storm warnings issued for portions of Florida

NEWS STAFF
Friday, August 2, 2024
The National Hurricane Center issued tropical storm warnings for portions of Florida on Friday morning as a potential tropical cyclone makes it way toward Florida.
Smokey Bear, waving during the Lafayette County Christmas parade last winter, will be celebrating his 80th birthday at Alligator Lake Park on Saturday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

Smokey Bear, waving during the Lafayette County Christmas parade last winter, will be celebrating his 80th birthday at Alligator Lake Park on Saturday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

‘Only you can sing Happy Birthday’: Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday bash set for Saturday

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Numerous prize giveaways, fishing, bounce houses and slices of birthday cake will all be on tap this weekend when a birthday party is thrown for one of the most famous mascots. The local birthday celebration for Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday will take place 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tax office offers license event for students

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
The Columbia County Tax Collector’s Office is hoping a new program will help local students cruise into the new school year. Prior to the Aug. 12 start of the academic year, the Tax Collector’s Office is hosting its inaugural “Drive into the School Year” program on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m.
Nikki Fried, who was running for governor, listens to Columbia County residents during a ‘Summer Fest’ rally at Richardson Community Center in 2022. Lawrence Davis, who helped set up that event, is organizing a candidate forum day at New Mt. Pisgah AME Church on Saturday. All local candidates have been invited to attend. (FILE)

Nikki Fried, who was running for governor, listens to Columbia County residents during a ‘Summer Fest’ rally at Richardson Community Center in 2022. Lawrence Davis, who helped set up that event, is organizing a candidate forum day at New Mt. Pisgah AME Church on Saturday. All local candidates have been invited to attend. (FILE)

Candidates invited to address community

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Local residents will have an opportunity to see and hear from several local candidates from Lake City and Columbia County during an upcoming candidate forum. Candidate Forum Day will begin 5 p.m. on Saturday at New Mt. Pisgah AME Church, 345 NE Washington Street in Lake City.

School board sets reduced millage

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
The Columbia County School District’s millage rate appears to be going down. During a brief meeting Tuesday night, the Columbia County School Board unanimously approved its tentative millage rates and budget. Board members Cherie Hill and Narrie Smith were not in attendance at the meeting.
Lake City’s new assistant fire chief Ret Tompkins (right) began his firefighting career as a high school senior nearly 20 years ago. At that time, Tompkins began riding along on shifts with Josh Wehinger, now Lake City’s fire chief. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City’s new assistant fire chief Ret Tompkins (right) began his firefighting career as a high school senior nearly 20 years ago. At that time, Tompkins began riding along on shifts with Josh Wehinger, now Lake City’s fire chief. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Tompkins returns home to LCFD

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
A high school senior that was enamored with the local fire department so much that his senior project was detailing work as a firefighter has been named the Lake City Fire Department’s new assistant fire chief.

Three nominated for county judge

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
The search for Columbia County’s next judge is down to three. The Third Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission spent several hours at the Columbia County Courthouse on Monday, including more than two hours of interviews before deliberating on potential county judge appointees.
The Lake City Police Department received the top traffic safety award at last week’s Traffic Safety Challenge Awards ceremony. Accepting the award for the LCPD were Sgt. Mike Lee (third from left), Traffic Officer Blake Craig, Assistant Chief Andy Miles and Lt. Robert Milligan. (COURTESY LAKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT)

The Lake City Police Department received the top traffic safety award at last week’s Traffic Safety Challenge Awards ceremony. Accepting the award for the LCPD were Sgt. Mike Lee (third from left), Traffic Officer Blake Craig, Assistant Chief Andy Miles and Lt. Robert Milligan. (COURTESY LAKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT)

LCPD secures traffic safety honor

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
The Lake City Police Department has been recognized with a statewide award for its traffic safety standards.

Lake City rapper arrested for fleeing fatal crash

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
GAINESVILLE — A Lake City rapper is facing multiple charges after fleeing the scene of a fatal crash in Gainesville on Friday. According to a Gainesville Police Department report, 21-year-old Eric Baker, who is also known as Raw Youngin, was stopped at 6:41 p.m.