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Lake City Councilman Jake Hill supported the city reviewing severance payments being made to former City Manager Paul Dyal. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Councilman Jake Hill supported the city reviewing severance payments being made to former City Manager Paul Dyal. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Council looking into severance, not raises

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
A severance package being paid to Lake City’s former manager will be examined further, while significant raises to select city employees will not be.
Rorie Lee, a Columbia FFA student, writes a list of prices for the fireworks tent. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Rorie Lee, a Columbia FFA student, writes a list of prices for the fireworks tent. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FFA eyes bucks for their bang

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Columbia FFA students are making the most of their Christmas and holiday break by helping to raise funds for the school FFA chapters. Wednesday afternoon close to a dozen students spent the afternoon unboxing, taking inventory and setting up firework displays for the Columbia FFA fireworks tent.

Sampson resigns council seat

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
The Lake City Council will begin the new year one council member short. Todd Sampson submitted his letter of resignation to City Clerk Audrey Sikes following Wednesday’s council meeting, effective Saturday.
The Lake City Council is set to host a special called meeting tonight regarding raises given out by former city manager Paul Dyal to city employees the day before he submitted his letter of resignation. (FILE)

The Lake City Council is set to host a special called meeting tonight regarding raises given out by former city manager Paul Dyal to city employees the day before he submitted his letter of resignation. (FILE)

Council eyes raises, Dyal severance pay

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
More than $65,000 in raises to seven employees handed out by the City of Lake City’s former manager will be scrutinized by the Lake City Council tonight. Councilman Todd Sampson addressed the raises at the council’s Dec.
Jeffrey Moore (standing), a Gateway Art Gallery member, instructs Junior Youth Art League class students during a recent session. (COURTESY)

Jeffrey Moore (standing), a Gateway Art Gallery member, instructs Junior Youth Art League class students during a recent session. (COURTESY)

Gallery setting up for 2024

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
From working with water colors, acrylics, pencils or charcoals, local youngsters who are interested in expressing their imagination through art have an opportunity to push their boundaries with classes at the Gateway Art Gallery.
Sen. Jennifer Bradley, speaking at the Columbia County legislative delegation hearing in October, has requested more than $22 million for projects in the county. (FILE)

Sen. Jennifer Bradley, speaking at the Columbia County legislative delegation hearing in October, has requested more than $22 million for projects in the county. (FILE)

Senators seeking $55M in local projects

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
When the Florida Legislature convenes next month, legislators will consider more than $55 million in local projects. Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) has submitted requests for $22.65 million for eight projects in Columbia County, while Sen.

Tennessee man killed in fiery Christmas crash

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
A Tennessee man was killed early Christmas morning in a fiery crash on Interstate 75. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, both a sedan and a van were headed north on I-75 around 4:45 a.m. Monday when the car ran into the back of the van, which was pulling a trailer, just south of the U.S.
Chris Samson (from left), Exalted Ruler of Lake City Elks Lodge #893, gets help from Brandy Meeks as the two add toys for the Elks Lodge Childrens Christmas Party which will take place Sunday at the building. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Chris Samson (from left), Exalted Ruler of Lake City Elks Lodge #893, gets help from Brandy Meeks as the two add toys for the Elks Lodge Childrens Christmas Party which will take place Sunday at the building. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Elks Christmas tradition continues

TONY BRITT
Friday, December 22, 2023
Christmas is one of the periods of the year where traditions often define a person’s perspective of not just the day, but of the entire season and events associated with the holiday.

Court consolidation plan nixed

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, December 22, 2023
No changes are coming to the state’s judicial circuits after all. The Florida Supreme Court, which has the authority to make recommendations to the Legislature about changing judicial circuits, issued a unanimous decision Thursday to not alter the current makeup.