Local

A conceptial rendering of the new Niblack Elementary School from Zyscovich Architects Inc. as seen from Bascom Norris Drive. The new school, which is expected to open in August 2025, would be a two-story building. (COURTESY COLUMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT)

Niblack plans taking shape, elementary school expected to be two stories

JAMIE WACHTER

Friday, January 19, 2024

Plans for the new Niblack Elementary School are taking shape and going vertical.

A rendering of the Big Chicken restaurant that is coming to NW Centurion Court in Lake City, replacing the Rib Crib originally planned for the site. Big Chicken is a company partially owned by Shaquille O’Neal. (COURTESY)

Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant opening in Lake City

TONY BRITT

Friday, January 19, 2024

Can you dig it? It looks like one of Lake City’s newest restaurant’s, Big Chicken, will come to the area bearing connections with NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

Warren’s trial for fracas at game set to begin

TONY BRITT

Friday, January 19, 2024

Sylvester Warren, an outspoken Lake City resident, appears to have a busy court calendar the next two weeks. Warren’s trial in Hamilton County for charges of trespassing on school property and resisting arrest without violence is this week.

Anthony Davis, a Lake City Fire Department employee, told the Columbia County Commission on Thursday that it needed to improve emergency medical services in the county after researching the increase in delayed responses over the past few years. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Ambulance services to get closer look

MORGAN MCMULLEN

Friday, January 19, 2024

The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners will take a closer look at ambulance services after concerns were voiced by a Lake City Fire Department employee.

Wanted man caught with counterfeit bills

NEWS STAFF

Friday, January 19, 2024

A wanted man was found with counterfeit bills and a weapon in a restaurant parking lot Wednesday. According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office release, a deputy made contact with two people in a vehicle in the Zaxby’s parking lot Wednesday evening.

There is currently no parking available for the Southside RC Raceway after other improvements at the Southside Sports Complex. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

RC track set to move

JAMIE WACHTER

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

With a desire to rev events back up, the Southside RC Raceway will be racing to a new location.

Lake City-based attorney Guy Norris points to a rendering of the proposed expansion at Circle K during a hearing with the Planning and Zoning Board last week. (FILE)

Circle K truck stop blocked

JAMIE WACHTER

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Circle K’s proposed mini truck stop at the Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 90 interchange hit a road block Wednesday.

CCS bus fleet may get electric additions

JAMIE WACHTER

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The Columbia County School District’s transportation department is ready to embark on a “new day” with electric buses. Earlier this month, Columbia County was one of 280 school districts in 37 states that were awarded grants through the U.S.

Cai’Liana Mobley was the 2024 Southside Idol winner on Saturday night. (COURTESY)

Mobley wins 2024 Southside Idol title

TONY BRITT

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Cai’Liana Mobley, a local 20-year-old songstress, enraptured the audience, her supporters and, more importantly, the judges with her vocal talents to capture the 2024 Southside Idol title on Saturday night.

Trafficker sentenced to 6+ years in prison

NEWS STAFF

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

JACKSONVILLE — A Lake City drug trafficker has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison on drugs and firearms charges. According to a U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida release, Kristofferson Farmer Jr., 24, was sentenced to six years and eight months by U.S.