Local

Avalyn Hunter’s newest book, ‘The Kentucky Oaks: 150 Years of Running for the Lilies’ was released in March. (COURTESY)

Avalyn Hunter’s newest book, ‘The Kentucky Oaks: 150 Years of Running for the Lilies’ was released in March. (COURTESY)

Hunter horsing around with new book

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, May 3, 2024
As far back as she can remember, Avalyn Hunter has loved horses. She recalls living in Louisville, Kentucky, as a 3-year-old child when she and her family were on a road trip. Her father stopped the car, presumably for everyone to stretch their legs for a bit.

Cops: Naked woman broke into neighbor’s house

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 3, 2024
A bleeding naked woman was arrested late Wednesday night after breaking into a neighbor’s house. According to the Lake City Police Department, a resident on NW Huntsboro Street called for assistance as someone continued to knock on the door but not respond when asked who was there.
Some shoppers check out golf clubs at a previous United Way of Suwannee Valley community yard sale. (FILE)

Some shoppers check out golf clubs at a previous United Way of Suwannee Valley community yard sale. (FILE)

United Way community yard sale offers deals

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 3, 2024
Anyone looking for deep discounts on furniture, office or yard equipment, home decor, or sporting good items, the United Way of Suwannee Valley is hosting a community yard sale as a fundraiser next week. The United Way of Suwannee Valley will hold its annual community yard sale from 8 a.m. -2 p.m.

Remains found in August identified

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 3, 2024
The human remains found in a wooded lot last August have been identified. According to the Lake City Police Department, the remains found on SW Commerce Drive on Aug. 9 have been identified as Brett Holcombe. Holcombe’s next of kin has been notified. The LCPD has not released the cause of death.
Lake City Fire Chief Josh Wehinger addresses the crowd as local and religious leaders listen during Thursday’s National Day of Prayer. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Fire Chief Josh Wehinger addresses the crowd as local and religious leaders listen during Thursday’s National Day of Prayer. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Day of Prayer draws pastors, local officials

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, May 3, 2024
Local religious and public service officials gathered on a sweltering afternoon to offer up prayers to everything from national leaders to local homeless populations. Lake City hosted its National Day of Prayer services on the lawn of Olustee Park on Thursday afternoon.
Pete Herrick, surrounded by friends and family, reacts after firing a breath-powered .308 rifle to set off a stack of cakes filled with Tannerite binary explosives Saturday during his ‘Alive Party.’ Herrick, a Fort White man, was seriously injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom 20 years ago today. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Pete Herrick, surrounded by friends and family, reacts after firing a breath-powered .308 rifle to set off a stack of cakes filled with Tannerite binary explosives Saturday during his ‘Alive Party.’ Herrick, a Fort White man, was seriously injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom 20 years ago today. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Herrick continues to celebrate his ‘second life’

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
FORT WHITE — For the last 17 years, Pete Herrick has hosted a party every spring. The Navy veteran, who served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, describes the party as “humbling.
David Young and Marshall Sova with the City of Lake City cardon off The Club House on Lake Isabella after closing the building Wednesday due to broken girders and trusses in the building’s attic. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

David Young and Marshall Sova with the City of Lake City cardon off The Club House on Lake Isabella after closing the building Wednesday due to broken girders and trusses in the building’s attic. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Safety concerns close historic site

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
The Club House on Lake Isabella, a historic building utilized by the Garden Club and Lake City Woman’s Club, has been closed due to safety concerns.
CHS Assistant Principal Mike Paphides (from left) and First Sergeant Trena Dettmer (Army Instructor), pose with Cadet Charli Lanfair (Team Captain), Cadet Kamden Spaziani, Cadet Ashley Mitchell, Cadet Chase Peisel, Cadet Justin Cranford, Cadet Timothy Bird, Cadet Wyatt Santos, Cadet Sigel Delsasso, Cadet Dakota Beichner, Cadet Elijah Deese, Cadet Caden Vreatt, CHS Principal Trey Hosford and Lieutenant Colonel Austin Akers (Senior Army Instructor). Not pictured is Cadet Joseph Hassett. (COURTESY)

CHS Assistant Principal Mike Paphides (from left) and First Sergeant Trena Dettmer (Army Instructor), pose with Cadet Charli Lanfair (Team Captain), Cadet Kamden Spaziani, Cadet Ashley Mitchell, Cadet Chase Peisel, Cadet Justin Cranford, Cadet Timothy Bird, Cadet Wyatt Santos, Cadet Sigel Delsasso, Cadet Dakota Beichner, Cadet Elijah Deese, Cadet Caden Vreatt, CHS Principal Trey Hosford and Lieutenant Colonel Austin Akers (Senior Army Instructor). Not pictured is Cadet Joseph Hassett. (COURTESY)

CHS JROTC takes aim at archery program

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Nearly 50 years after Columbia High School began its Army JROTC program, the school is starting up another outlet for cadets. The CHS archery team is officially off the ground with its inaugural class of 12 cadets.
Columbia County Manager David Kraus received mostly high marks from the county commissioners during his annual evaluation with will be presented at today’s meeting. (FILE)

Columbia County Manager David Kraus received mostly high marks from the county commissioners during his annual evaluation with will be presented at today’s meeting. (FILE)

Kraus’ work pleases commission

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
David Kraus is getting better as Columbia County’s manager, at least according to the county commissioners. The commissioners, per the county charter, have to evaluate Kraus’ performance at its first May meeting annually.