Local

Crystal Hair, a Lake City native, played Barbie at Walt Disney World in the 1990s. (COURTESY)

Crystal Hair, a Lake City native, played Barbie at Walt Disney World in the 1990s. (COURTESY)

Hair, former Disney doll, enjoys new motion pic

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
There was little doubt that Crystal Hair was going to see the summer blockbuster “Barbie” when it hit theaters. After all, the Lake City native has a close connection to the famous doll, portraying Barbie at Walt Disney World nearly 30 years ago.

School board looking into maintenance hire

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Columbia school district officials approved a job description for a maintenance supervisor who could potentially  be tasked with overseeing the day-to-day activities of the school district’s ambitious maintenance and construction projects list.
United Way of Suwannee Valley Executive Director Jennifer Anchors looks over some of the items that the organization will sell at its community yard sale Friday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

United Way of Suwannee Valley Executive Director Jennifer Anchors looks over some of the items that the organization will sell at its community yard sale Friday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

United Way yard sale features goods, food

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Everything from school supplies and clothing to office equipment and even some recreation equipment will be up for sale at the United Way of Suwannee Valley’s second  community yard sale. The yard sale will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lake City man charged in fatal 2021 wreck

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
A Lake City man faces vehicular manslaughter and DUI manslaughter charges for a fatal crash in December 2021. John Michael Amaro Santiago, 28, was arrested Monday for those charges and driving while his license was suspended and failing to register his motor vehicle. On Dec.
The ATM stolen from the Ameris Bank near the Lake City Mall was left behind the utility truck when suspects fled from authorities Friday. The investigation into the theft continues. (COURTESY LAKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT)

The ATM stolen from the Ameris Bank near the Lake City Mall was left behind the utility truck when suspects fled from authorities Friday. The investigation into the theft continues. (COURTESY LAKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT)

Investigation into ATM theft continues

NEWS STAFF
Monday, July 24, 2023
Three days after an ATM was stolen from a Lake City bank, the investigation into the robbers continues. Greg Burnsed, a spokesman for the Lake City Police Department, said Monday that officers are waiting for video surveillance from the Ameris Bank on U.S.
Tylie Davis looks to make a play during a ‘Connect 4’ game with Tyrice Baynard as Katie McGowan looks on Friday during the Summer Nights program at Melrose Park Elementary School. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Tylie Davis looks to make a play during a ‘Connect 4’ game with Tyrice Baynard as Katie McGowan looks on Friday during the Summer Nights program at Melrose Park Elementary School. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Deputies, community enjoy Summer Nights program

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, July 21, 2023
Melrose Park Elementary was abuzz with the sounds of pop music, a whirring snow cone machine and children’s laughter. And with good reason.
The Columbia County School District is waiting to adjust the start time for Columbia High School to comply with new state laws until consolidating elementary schools as well. (FILE)

The Columbia County School District is waiting to adjust the start time for Columbia High School to comply with new state laws until consolidating elementary schools as well. (FILE)

No changes to CCS start times

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, July 21, 2023
There won’t be extra time to be saved by the bell in Columbia County. When the 2023-24 academic year begins Aug. 10, all 14 schools in the Columbia County School District will have the same start times as a year ago.
NW Bascom Norris Drive near Lowe’s is closed as authorities search for suspects who stole an ATM.

NW Bascom Norris Drive near Lowe’s is closed as authorities search for suspects who stole an ATM.

Pair of suspects flee into woods after stealing ATM

NEWS STAFF
Friday, July 21, 2023
A pair of suspects remain on the loose after making a large withdrawal from a Lake City bank Friday morning. Responding to an alarm at the Ameris Bank on U.S. Highway 90 near the Lake City Mall at 4:52 a.m.