Local

Richardson Sixth Grade Academy student Chase Bryant is returning to the National Archery in the Schools Program national championship. (COURTESY)

Richardson Sixth Grade Academy student Chase Bryant is returning to the National Archery in the Schools Program national championship. (COURTESY)

3 locals take aim at archery nationals

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
A trio of the best local middle school archers are heading to Kentucky this weekend to compete in a national archery competition. The students are headed to Louisville, Kentucky, this weekend where they will be competing in the 2024 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

Bell man injured in dump truck crash

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
A Bell man was injured when his dump truck wrecked in southwestern Columbia County after a tire blew out. According to the Florida Highway Patrol the 1995 Ford dump truck was traveling south near the Columbia and Suwannee county line on State Road 247 at 1:15 p.m.
The Lake City Fire Department should soon receive a new 100-foot ladder truck, shown here, after the Lake City Council voted Monday to approve the purchase. The council is using $2.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to secure the truck. (COURTESY)

The Lake City Fire Department should soon receive a new 100-foot ladder truck, shown here, after the Lake City Council voted Monday to approve the purchase. The council is using $2.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to secure the truck. (COURTESY)

Trucking right along: City using $2.2M in ARPA money to fund fire truck

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Public safety in Lake City received a $2.2 million boost Monday night in the form of a new ladder truck for the Lake City Fire Department.

Witt not running for mayoral seat again

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
The City of Lake City will elect a new mayor this year. Following the Lake City Council’s meeting Monday, Stephen Witt said he will not be seeking re-election. “I’m going to wrap it up,” Witt said. “Nineteen years, my family is ready for me to do some other things.
Elizabeth Carroll, a Suwannee County resident and Florida Gateway College education professor, has published her first book, ‘Oh, Henry!’ (COURTESY FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE)

Elizabeth Carroll, a Suwannee County resident and Florida Gateway College education professor, has published her first book, ‘Oh, Henry!’ (COURTESY FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE)

FGC professor publishes first book

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
The seed to Elizabeth Carroll’s first book was planted several years ago. That’s when the educator from Suwannee County was approached by one of her grandsons, who was having a hard time as it seemed like he couldn’t stay out of trouble. “He was like, ‘Grandma, I’m always getting into trouble.
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.