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Students and staff at Belmont Academy pose for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during Monday’s debut of their new playground equipment. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Students and staff at Belmont Academy pose for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during Monday’s debut of their new playground equipment. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

New playground equipment debuts to Belmont students

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Students attending Belmont Academy’s VPK, kindergarten and first grade classes will add a new level to their love of recess after the school recently installed new playground equipment.
The Altrusa Girls Summit, attended by 18 sixth-graders, gave information to students regarding finances as well as being ‘intentional’ with one’s thoughts. (COURTESY)

The Altrusa Girls Summit, attended by 18 sixth-graders, gave information to students regarding finances as well as being ‘intentional’ with one’s thoughts. (COURTESY)

Girls Summit offers leadership to students

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A group of sixth grade female students were given different aspects to becoming adults through financial, emotional and educational decisions during a weekend girls summit. The annual Altrusa Girls Summit took place from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Pedestrian killed in early morning crash

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A Lakeland man was killed early Sunday morning while lying down on Interstate 75. The Florida Highway Patrol said a Madison teenage girl was headed north on I-75 at 12:34 a.m. Sunday when her car hit the man. An FHP release said the incident happened in between the U.S.
Richardson Community Center Board of Directors Treasurer Tammy Magstadt said the RCC will welcome various members of the community to speak during Sunday’s Black History Celebration. (FILE)

Richardson Community Center Board of Directors Treasurer Tammy Magstadt said the RCC will welcome various members of the community to speak during Sunday’s Black History Celebration. (FILE)

Richardson to host Black History Celebration

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A Black History Month celebration featuring the tales, details, memories and eye witness accounts of Columbia County residents who took part in the local fight for civil rights will take place this weekend. The event is part of local Black History Month festivities and feature area residents.

National rural expo lands in Columbia County

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A national convention aimed at highlighting rural America is coming to Lake City. The Stand Up Rural America Summit, held annually for 10 years, will be attracting rural leaders from across the country to Columbia County this summer.
Fort White Middle School science teacher Wayne Oelfke holds his plaque after being named the University of Florida Chapter Sigma Xi Teacher of the Year Award winner (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White Middle School science teacher Wayne Oelfke holds his plaque after being named the University of Florida Chapter Sigma Xi Teacher of the Year Award winner (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FWMS science teacher takes top award from Sigma Xi

TONY BRITT
Friday, February 6, 2026
FORT WHITE — A veteran Fort White Middle School educator was named Teacher of the Year by a University of Florida scientific organization during a reception Thursday night.
Columbia County Fire Chief Jeff Crawford said there were 39 brush fires in the county in January. The normal average is 18 per month. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Fire Chief Jeff Crawford said there were 39 brush fires in the county in January. The normal average is 18 per month. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Burn ban in place for county

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 6, 2026
A burn ban is in effect for at least 10 days in Columbia County.