Local

County Manager David Kraus told the Columbia County Commission on Thursday that a consolidated dispatch center is likely several months away. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County Manager David Kraus told the Columbia County Commission on Thursday that a consolidated dispatch center is likely several months away. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Consolidated dispatch still months away

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, January 5, 2024
A combined Columbia County dispatch center is still progressing, although it is still months away from reality.

Branford woman killed in crash

NEWS STAFF
Friday, January 5, 2024
A Branford woman was killed after pulling out in front of a vehicle on U.S. Highway 90 in western Columbia County late Thursday morning. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 83-year-old was driving her van south down NW Noegel Road around 11:48 a.m.
Todd Kennon submitted his resignation as the City of Lake City attorney on Tuesday, providing a 60-day notice. (FILE)

Todd Kennon submitted his resignation as the City of Lake City attorney on Tuesday, providing a 60-day notice. (FILE)

Kennon resigns as city attorney

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
In addition to a council member and manager, the City of Lake City is also now searching for an attorney. But that search may not take long or go far. Todd Kennon submitted his resignation letter to the city on Tuesday, providing a 60-day notice.
The Columbia High School track resurfacing was completed late last month. However a new issue has surfaced: birds flocking to the track and leaving their droppings behind. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The Columbia High School track resurfacing was completed late last month. However a new issue has surfaced: birds flocking to the track and leaving their droppings behind. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

CHS track hits new hurdle

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
The dream of having a top- notch track at Columbia High School has come up against an unexpected hurdle — a feathered flock of poopers depositing their droppings on the new running surface. The renovated CHS track was completed Dec.

Brannan seeks $3.5M for Meridian at Lakeshore

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Helping develop a psychiatric hospital at the Lakeshore Hospital campus is among the local projects that could receive state funding when the Florida Legislature begins its session next week. Among the appropriation requests filed by Rep. Chuck Brannan (R-Macclenny) is a $3.

Clay raising rates in new year

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Clay Electric Cooperative members will pay more for power in 2024. The cooperative announced Tuesday that it is implement- ing a rate increase during the January billing cycle through a power cost adjustment.
Michael Ferrell is new director of the Richardson Community Center, overseeing the facility’s activities and events. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Michael Ferrell is new director of the Richardson Community Center, overseeing the facility’s activities and events. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Ferrell named director of Richardson Community Center

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
The Richardson Community Center, a community hub for years, has been the focal point of a transformation for the past year through its programming, leadership and goals. Now a new leader has been installed to continue the facility’s path.
Councilman Ricky Jernigan said he’d like to see the Lake City Council find a different procedure to fill the empty seat. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Councilman Ricky Jernigan said he’d like to see the Lake City Council find a different procedure to fill the empty seat. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Council seeks candidates for seat

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
The process to fill the Lake City Council’s vacant seat is underway. The council decided at its meeting Tuesday night to advertise the vacancy for 30 days to receive notices of interest from qualified residents in order to attempt to appoint a member to fill out Todd Sampson’s unexpired term.