Local

Tampa rapper’s murder trial underway

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
The murder trial of a Tampa rap artist accused of killing the passenger in his car and dumping the body in a local neighborhood two years ago is underway at the Columbia County Courthouse. The trial, which began Tuesday, is expected to be completed by Thursday.
Richard Powell, the accountant for the Lake Shore Hospital Authority, said he saw no reason for the board to increase its millage rate. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Richard Powell, the accountant for the Lake Shore Hospital Authority, said he saw no reason for the board to increase its millage rate. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

LHSA keeps minimal tax rate

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
The Lake Shore Hospital Authority is keeping its millage set to the lowest rate possible for its upcoming fiscal year, but the move didn’t come without its share of debate. At its meeting Monday, the LSHA board voted unanimously to keep its millage rate at 0.

Pratt, suspect in weekend shooting, surrenders

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
A Live Oak man wanted in connection with a shooting turned himself in to authorities Monday morning. According to the Lake City Police Department, a victim had arranged to sell a firearm to 22-year-old Jaquary Pratt at the Cedar Park Apartments on Friday afternoon.

Suspect surrenders after weekend shooting

NEWS STAFF
Monday, July 10, 2023
A Live Oak man wanted in connection with a shooting turned himself into authorities Monday morning. According to the Lake City Police Department, a victim had arranged to sell a firearm 22-year-old Jaquary Pratt at the Cedar Park Apartments on Friday afternoon.
Wharton-Smith is constructing the wastewater treatment plant for the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. Lake City and Columbia County officials are working through a ‘misunderstanding’ over who will provide water at the facility. (COURTESY AERO PHOTO)

Wharton-Smith is constructing the wastewater treatment plant for the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. Lake City and Columbia County officials are working through a ‘misunderstanding’ over who will provide water at the facility. (COURTESY AERO PHOTO)

City willing to pump water to Mega Site

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, July 7, 2023
A “misunderstanding” over water service for a wastewater plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park may soon be water under the bridge.

Slater named Reporter’s Advertising Director

NEWS STAFF
Friday, July 7, 2023
Monja Slater has been promoted to Advertising Director of the Lake City Reporter, according to Publisher Todd Wilson. Previously, Slater has served as the Reporter’s Business Development Manager since 2021. She has worked in print and digital media sales in North Florida for the past 25 years.
Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler answers questions from the Columbia County Commission about consolidating dispatch Thursday as Sheriff Mark Hunter looks on. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler answers questions from the Columbia County Commission about consolidating dispatch Thursday as Sheriff Mark Hunter looks on. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County advances consolidated dispatch

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, July 7, 2023
Consolidated dispatch cleared another hurdle Thursday when the Columbia County Commission unanimously approved an agreement to combine Computer Assisted Dispatch systems.

Medina appointed to FGC Board of Trustees

NEWS STAFF
Friday, July 7, 2023
Florida Gateway College is getting a new member to fill its nine-member district board of trustees. Gov. Ron DeSantis, on Friday, announced the appointment of John Medina to the FGC Board of Trustees. State Rep. Chuck Brannan, John David Crawford, Suzanne Norris and Dr.

Regional utility authority moves ahead

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
A regional authority to oversee the utility services in Columbia County and Fort White got green lighted Wednesday. The Town of Fort White/Columbia County Utilities Committee unanimously authorized Grady Williams, the county’s utility attorney, to begin the process of devising a utility authority.

Clay lowering cost 5% in July

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
With natural gas prices falling, Clay Electric Cooperative members will pay less for power this month. Clay Electric announced Wednesday that it’s lowering the cost of power 5.3% in July, taking the industry average of 1,000 kWh from $130 to $123.