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Outgoing United Way of Suwannee Valley President Blake Kuykendall (left) is awarded a ceremonial gavel by President-Elect Lindsey Covington. (COURTESY)

Outgoing United Way of Suwannee Valley President Blake Kuykendall (left) is awarded a ceremonial gavel by President-Elect Lindsey Covington. (COURTESY)

Covington chosen as next UWSV President

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The United Way of Suwannee Valley has a new president for its Board of Directors. The organization announced in a release sent out Wednesday that Lindsey Covington will succeed Blake Kuykendall as the UWSV Board President.
Lake City Police Sergeant Mike Lee (left) and First Sergeant Kevin Johns (right) stand with LCPD Chief Gerald Butler after earning their certificates at the Florida Leadership Academy. (COURTESY)

Lake City Police Sergeant Mike Lee (left) and First Sergeant Kevin Johns (right) stand with LCPD Chief Gerald Butler after earning their certificates at the Florida Leadership Academy. (COURTESY)

Johns, Lee earn recognition after state leadership training

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
A pair of Lake City Police Department supervisors have completed a significant statewide training initiative.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Sean Sikes (center) receives his certificate after graduating from the Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy from FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan (left) and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, the FSA vice president. (COURTESY)

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Sean Sikes (center) receives his certificate after graduating from the Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy from FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan (left) and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, the FSA vice president. (COURTESY)

Sikes graduates with certificate from Academy

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
A Columbia County Sheriff’s Office sergeant has earned recognition for his completion of a rigorous leadership course. Sergeant Sean Sikes of the CCSO was issued his certificate after graduating from the Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy in Tallahassee last week.
The former Harveys Supermarket on the west side of Lake City will be officially unveiled as a Winn-Dixie on Saturday. The branding on the store changed two weeks ago. (TODD WILSON/Lake City Reporter)

The former Harveys Supermarket on the west side of Lake City will be officially unveiled as a Winn-Dixie on Saturday. The branding on the store changed two weeks ago. (TODD WILSON/Lake City Reporter)

Second Winn-Dixie grand opening set for Saturday

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Lake City’s second Winn-Dixie store will be officially unveiled to the public Saturday.A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the former Haveys Supermarket location in the Shoppes at Heritage Oaks shopping plaza, 4506 SW Heritage Oaks Circle.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office collected more than 145 pounds of unused medications as part of Drug Take Back Day. The Lake City Police Department collected 18 more pounds. (COURTESY)

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office collected more than 145 pounds of unused medications as part of Drug Take Back Day. The Lake City Police Department collected 18 more pounds. (COURTESY)

160-plus pounds of drugs collected locally for national takeback

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
More than 160 pounds of old, unused medication were collected locally as part of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday.
HCA Florida Lake City Hospital colleagues shopped for nonperishable food items to donate to Love INC. (COURTESY)

HCA Florida Lake City Hospital colleagues shopped for nonperishable food items to donate to Love INC. (COURTESY)

HCA Lake City donates to Love INC

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
LAKE CITY — HCA Florida Healthcare is celebrating April as National Volunteer Month through its continued commitment to helping people live healthier lives in Suwannee County and the surrounding communities.
Local walkers cross the finish line in downtown Lake City on Tuesday morning after completing the eight-mile Lauren’s Kids Walk in My Shoes event. It’s the first time the statewide walk has made a stop in Lake City. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Local walkers cross the finish line in downtown Lake City on Tuesday morning after completing the eight-mile Lauren’s Kids Walk in My Shoes event. It’s the first time the statewide walk has made a stop in Lake City. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Walking for a cause

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
A statewide walk meant to raise awareness about child sexual abuse made its first stop in Lake City.
Benton Graham (left) and Lundee Graham play in a pile of sand during last year’s Kiwanis Kids Day. (FILE)

Benton Graham (left) and Lundee Graham play in a pile of sand during last year’s Kiwanis Kids Day. (FILE)

Kids Day offers fun time, education

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
A somewhat new venue will allow the Kiwanis Kids Day to continue to grow and expand.The 11th annual Kids Day is scheduled for Saturday at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds.
Columbia County Director of Safe Schools Mike Paphides told the Columbia County School Board that the district’s safety is in ‘good shape.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Director of Safe Schools Mike Paphides told the Columbia County School Board that the district’s safety is in ‘good shape.’ (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County schools reported safe

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
As the school year winds down, the Columbia County Schools remain safe according to the district’s top safety official.