Local

Parkview Baptist Church's two buses were damaged in a fire Wednesday night. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Parkview Baptist Church's two buses were damaged in a fire Wednesday night. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Parkview buses damaged in fire

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, August 24, 2023
A fire Wednesday night on Parkview Baptist Church damaged a carport and two church buses, but not the church itself or any individuals. The fire is being investigated by the state fire marshal’s office.

City brings Young back to growth management

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
A major hole in the Lake City government has been filled. Two, actually, by the same person. During Monday’s Lake City Council meeting, Assistant City Manager Dee Johnson gave various updates about staffing within the city.

CCS engages bond counsel for construction

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
The next step in constructing new elementary schools in Columbia County is underway. At Tuesday’s Columbia County School Board meeting, the board unanimously approved its consent agenda, including engaging with Greenberg Traurig as bond counsel for the half-cent sales tax funds.
George Hudson, a resident along Lake Montgomery, addressed concerns about the project to place a new pier on the lake with the Lake City Council at Monday's meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

George Hudson, a resident along Lake Montgomery, addressed concerns about the project to place a new pier on the lake with the Lake City Council at Monday's meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake Montgomery pier project raises concerns

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Lake Montgomery is back to the forefront of the Lake City Council’s mind. During Monday’s council meeting, George Hudson, a resident along the banks of Lake Montgomery, voiced his concerns about what he said was the continuation of slights against residents around the lake.

Emery convicted of child pornography charges

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
A Lake City man was convicted Wednesday on 10 counts of possession of child pornography. Ross David Emery, Jr., 33, will be sentenced Oct. 11. Judge Melissa Olin ordered the Department of Corrections to complete a pre-sentence investigation prior to that sentencing date.
Lake City Councilors Chevella Young and Todd Sampson disagreed on whether to use additional funds at Annie Mattox Park. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Councilors Chevella Young and Todd Sampson disagreed on whether to use additional funds at Annie Mattox Park. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Annie Mattox fountain funding funnels discord

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Projects at Annie Mattox Park are projected to be completed under budget. What to do with the remaining funds is now a subject of contention for the Lake City Council.
Sandy Kishton, a Lake City Realtor, is now a board certified professional from the Florida Realtors. (COURTESY)

Sandy Kishton, a Lake City Realtor, is now a board certified professional from the Florida Realtors. (COURTESY)

Kishton recognized as board certified Realtor

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
For a milestone anniversary, Lake City Realtor Sandy Kishton got herself a nice present. Celebrating 20 years in real estate, Kishton became one of the first 20 Realtors across the state to earn the designation of Florida Realtors Board Certified Professional.
Eric McKenzie, who escaped from the work release center Monday afternoon, was captured in the wooded area near there within an hour. (COURTESY)

Eric McKenzie, who escaped from the work release center Monday afternoon, was captured in the wooded area near there within an hour. (COURTESY)

Escaped prisoner captured quickly

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
An escaped prisoner didn’t get far Monday afternoon. Shortly after lunchtime, 38-year-old Eric McKenzie escaped the work release facility near Lake Jeffery Road. Within an house, McKenzie was apprehended in the wooded area near the work release center near NW Cluster Drive.
Students walk on the Florida Gateway College campus Monday as the fall semester began. (COURTESY FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE)

Students walk on the Florida Gateway College campus Monday as the fall semester began. (COURTESY FLORIDA GATEWAY COLLEGE)

FGC enrollment increases 2%

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Another year has started at Florida Gateway College. The college, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, started the fall term Monday. “It’s has been a tremendous first day,” said Tony Cardenas, the college’s Vice President for student affairs and public information.

LCPD hosting Citizen’s Police Academy

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
The Lake City Police Department is giving more than two dozen people an inside look at local law enforcement operations, procedures and training during its annual Citizen’s Police Academy which begins later this week. The Lake City Police Department will begin its Citizen’s Police Academy 6 p.m.