Local

Walker seeking mayoral seat

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
There’s a new name in the race for Lake City mayor. Noah Walker announced his candidacy for the seat Tuesday after filing his initial campaign form with the City Clerk’s office earlier this month. Qualifying for the city elections runs from noon on June 10 to noon on June 14.
Two individuals are detained following the crash Wednesday afternoon. A suspect was taken into custody but their name was not released Wednesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Two individuals are detained following the crash Wednesday afternoon. A suspect was taken into custody but their name was not released Wednesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Suspect crashes fleeing from traffic stop

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
A vehicle fleeing from an attempted traffic stop crashed in downtown Lake City on Wednesday afternoon. First Responders from the Lake City Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Century Ambulance respond to a traffic crash that occurred shortly after 3 p.m.

FGC Foundation hosting .4ishK run

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Whether you like to run or not, The Foundation of Florida Gateway College has an event that could be just your speed. A fringe benefit of participating is enjoying delicious refreshments from local businesses. Oh, people can actually run if they’d like, too. On Feb.
Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in Lake City is now a member of The Global Methodist Church. (COURTESY)

Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in Lake City is now a member of The Global Methodist Church. (COURTESY)

Wesley Memorial joins The Global Methodist Church

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Wesley Memorial Methodist Church of Lake City is now a member church of The Global Methodist Church. The church announced this week that it joined GMC on Dec. 15.
Konnie Patke is Columbia County’s new Tourist Development Council director, charged with attracting visitors to the county. She said she also aims for the department to become a better resource for local residents as well. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Konnie Patke is Columbia County’s new Tourist Development Council director, charged with attracting visitors to the county. She said she also aims for the department to become a better resource for local residents as well. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Patke aims for TDC to become a resource for visitors, residents

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
The person in charge of trying to attract visitors to Columbia County likes the welcome mat laid out for her upon her arrival. Konnie Patke, the import from Texas tasked with heading up the county’s Tourist Development Council, moved to the area a couple weeks ago.

AgroLiquid taking root at mega site

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
The first company is about to plants its roots at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. AgroLiquid, a Michigan-based liquid fertilizer company, is expected to close on the purchase of approximately 20 acres at the site this week.
Lake City Garden Club members Kathy Smith (from left), Bonnie Taylor, Martha Ann Ronsonet, Jan Wheeler, Carol Stevens, Dorothy Colvin, Nora Riley, Arline Craft, Sandra Foreman, Carole Robertson, Carole Brown, Diane Feagle, Julie Schwartz and President Cheryl Libbert attended a 100th Arbor Day anniversary celebration Friday with Columbia County Forester Pierce Tolar at the Suwannee Valley Care Center. (COURTESY)

Lake City Garden Club members Kathy Smith (from left), Bonnie Taylor, Martha Ann Ronsonet, Jan Wheeler, Carol Stevens, Dorothy Colvin, Nora Riley, Arline Craft, Sandra Foreman, Carole Robertson, Carole Brown, Diane Feagle, Julie Schwartz and President Cheryl Libbert attended a 100th Arbor Day anniversary celebration Friday with Columbia County Forester Pierce Tolar at the Suwannee Valley Care Center. (COURTESY)

Garden Club takes part in celebrating Arbor Day

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Keeping with tradition, the Lake City Garden Club celebrated the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs’ 100th Arbor Day anniversary last week. Open to the public, the event was held on January 19th at the Suwannee Valley Care Center (more commonly known as Haven Hospice).
Rev. Dr. Pamela Green shares her thoughts on the Mariah Fund during Monday’s Lake City Council workshop held to hear public input on the $200,000 in funds meant to go toward gun violence prevention programs. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Rev. Dr. Pamela Green shares her thoughts on the Mariah Fund during Monday’s Lake City Council workshop held to hear public input on the $200,000 in funds meant to go toward gun violence prevention programs. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

City hears ideas on Mariah Fund

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Local officials and the public are still trying to hash out how to spend $200,000 to prevent future gun violence. The Lake City Council hosted an informational workshop Monday, asking for public input on how the $200,000 — originally part of a $4.