Local

Georgia trucker killed in I-75 crash

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
A Georgia truck driver was killed early Tuesday morning when his tractor trailer drove off Interstate 75 and struck several trees. According to a Florida Highway Patrol release, the truck was traveling south on I-75 when it ran off the road onto the western shoulder around 12:47 a.m. Tuesday.

Woman charged for neglect in dogs’ deaths

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
A Lake City woman faces a pair of animal cruelty charges four months after a pair of dogs died from neglect and starvation. Destane’e Thomas, 28, was arrested Friday on the animal cruelty charges, stemming from the July incident.

LCPD investigating fatal shooting

NEWS STAFF
Sunday, November 26, 2023
The Lake City Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting in northwest Lake City early Sunday morning. According to an LCPD release, officers responded to NW Long Street at 3:42 a.m. Sunday when its gunshot detection system reported gunfire.
Mark Wiencek dresses as Santa next to a Cessna and a box of presents for Toys for Tots. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Mark Wiencek dresses as Santa next to a Cessna and a box of presents for Toys for Tots. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Santa flying in with gifts

TONY BRITT
Friday, November 24, 2023
Santa is looking to make a new type of trip to Columbia County for the 2023 Christmas season, potentially flying in to Lake City on a passenger plane for a new event to give toys to local youngsters.
Philip Mobley (left), NorthStar Family Resource Center executive director, hangs clothing at the facility in January with help from Christen Lancaster, NorthStar Community Center Community Research Coordinator. (FILE)

Philip Mobley (left), NorthStar Family Resource Center executive director, hangs clothing at the facility in January with help from Christen Lancaster, NorthStar Community Center Community Research Coordinator. (FILE)

NorthStar bringing in FSU players

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, November 24, 2023
The annual football rivalry between the University of Florida and Florida State University may feel a bit closer to home thanks to a planned visit to Lake City by some FSU players. The NorthStar Family Resource Center is set to host a group of Seminoles players on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 4-5 p.m.
Nilda Soto, a family support specialist with the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway, delivers a meal to Maria Alexander, a Season of Giving recipient, earlier this month. (COURTESY)

Nilda Soto, a family support specialist with the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway, delivers a meal to Maria Alexander, a Season of Giving recipient, earlier this month. (COURTESY)

Early Learning Coalition hands out meals to families

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 24, 2023
With support from the community, the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway helped provide meals to 12 families in time for Thanksgiving. The coalition, in a release, thanked everyone who volunteered time, donated food, and gave money to make the Season of Giving initiative a success.
Brad and Lorrie Wheeler finish setting up a nativity scene in their yard Monday. The Wheelers’ Christmas display has become a community draw for the past 27 years at 197 NW Brookside Court. The display officially begins every year on Thanksgiving night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Brad and Lorrie Wheeler finish setting up a nativity scene in their yard Monday. The Wheelers’ Christmas display has become a community draw for the past 27 years at 197 NW Brookside Court. The display officially begins every year on Thanksgiving night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Wheelers lighting way to Christmas

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
While most families are preparing for their Thanksgiving Day traditions, one local family is nearing the end of its month-long Christmas decorating tradition. Brad and Lorrie Wheeler, and other friends and family members, have spent close to four weeks setting up Christmas decorations and displays.
President John F. Kennedy (back left), Jacqueline Kennedy (back right), begin the motorcade from Love Field to downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. Texas Gov. John Connally is waving. (TOM DILLARD/Dallas Morning News/TNS/file)

President John F. Kennedy (back left), Jacqueline Kennedy (back right), begin the motorcade from Love Field to downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. Texas Gov. John Connally is waving. (TOM DILLARD/Dallas Morning News/TNS/file)

JFK’s death recalled 60 years later

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Sixty years later, Marlin Feagle can recall it all like it happened yesterday. It was shortly after lunchtime and he was sitting in typing class at Columbia High School when Principal S.W. Rayburn came over the public address system with an announcement on Nov. 22, 1963.
Interim City Manager Dee Johnson will receive a $135,000 salary while he handles the managerial duties. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Interim City Manager Dee Johnson will receive a $135,000 salary while he handles the managerial duties. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Council OK’s $135K salary for Johnson

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
As the Lake City Council looks for a permanent fixture in the city manager position, its interim got a better idea of how much he’ll be making running the show in the meantime. Council members voted to give Interim City Manager Dee Johnson a $135,000 salary, a bump of $10,000 from his current rate.

Makerspace hosting free repair clinic

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
If it’s broken, they will fix it. The Columbia County Makerspace is holding a free community repair clinic on Saturday in partnership with the Columbia County Economic Development Department, the City of Lake City, the Lake City Rotary Club and numerous other community sponsors.