Local

A potential suspect is shown in video surveillance from a semi-tractor that had its tires punctured. (COURTESY)

A potential suspect is shown in video surveillance from a semi-tractor that had its tires punctured. (COURTESY)

FHP searching for suspect deflating tires

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
The Florida Highway Patrol is looking to deflate some criminal mischief on parked semi trucks. According to an FHP release, there have been at least six separate incidents where an unknown suspect has punctured tires on a semi-tractor or its trailer’s tires along Interstates 10 and 75.
Rountree Moore Ford General Manager Stephen Jones holds up the Ford Motor Company’s President’s Award, which the company earned for outstanding customer satisfaction. (COURTESY)

Rountree Moore Ford General Manager Stephen Jones holds up the Ford Motor Company’s President’s Award, which the company earned for outstanding customer satisfaction. (COURTESY)

Rountree Moore Ford claims national honor

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Rountree Moore Ford has been in the Lake City community for a while, nearly 100 years. But now, it can claim a new piece of hardware to add to its showcase. Rountree Moore recently received Ford Motor Company’s President’s Award for 2022, with the group earning the recognition back in March.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal shooting at a gas station Sunday afternoon. (COURTESY)

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal shooting at a gas station Sunday afternoon. (COURTESY)

Gas station shooting death investigation ongoing

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
A 47-year-old Lake City man was shot and killed Sunday afternoon at a Columbia County gas station. According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Kendrick Jerry was the victim of the shooting, which occurred around 1 p.m. Sunday at the Chevron gas station near the U.S. Highway 441 N.
Former Fort White FFA advisor Jill Huesman (middle) was inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame this week at the state convention. Huesman is pictured with FFA State President and Fort White High graduate Anelise Bullard (right) and FFA State Secretary Abby Kruse during the induction Tuesday. (COURTESY)

Former Fort White FFA advisor Jill Huesman (middle) was inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame this week at the state convention. Huesman is pictured with FFA State President and Fort White High graduate Anelise Bullard (right) and FFA State Secretary Abby Kruse during the induction Tuesday. (COURTESY)

Fort White’s Hall of Famer: Retired FFA advisor Huesman earns state honor

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, June 23, 2023
ORLANDO — It still doesn’t seem real. During Tuesday’s first session of the 95th Florida FFA State Convention and Expo, former Fort White FFA advisor Jill Huesman was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

Tourism director search reopened

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, June 23, 2023
Columbia County’s search for a new tourism development director continues. The county received two applications — none internal — for the open position to guide the Tourist Development Council by Tuesday’s deadline.
Tim Liguori (right) talks with Florida Department of Transporation’s Nick Hope about the state’s plans for the State Road 247 and County Road 240 intersection during an open house Thursday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Tim Liguori (right) talks with Florida Department of Transporation’s Nick Hope about the state’s plans for the State Road 247 and County Road 240 intersection during an open house Thursday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Intersection revamp concerns aired

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, June 23, 2023
Residents from Columbia and Suwannee counties tried to pump the brakes on an intersection reconfiguration Thursday evening.
Bethel United Methodist Church is celebrating its bicentennial. Believed to be the oldest church in Columbia County, the church moved to its current location in 1855 after first situated on the banks of Alligator Lake. (COURTESY)

Bethel United Methodist Church is celebrating its bicentennial. Believed to be the oldest church in Columbia County, the church moved to its current location in 1855 after first situated on the banks of Alligator Lake. (COURTESY)

Bethel celebrates its bicentennial

NEWS STAFF
Friday, June 23, 2023
Bethel United Methodist is believed to be the oldest church in Columbia County having been first organized in 1823. The church is holding its bicentennial celebration today, beginning at 11 a.m. at the church,  4843 U.S. Highway 441.
More than 1,000 pictures are now displayed at the Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum, which is reopening Saturday following an eight-month renovation project. The pictures aim to help tell the history of the county. (COURTESY)

More than 1,000 pictures are now displayed at the Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum, which is reopening Saturday following an eight-month renovation project. The pictures aim to help tell the history of the county. (COURTESY)

History back on display: Renovated museum reopening Saturday

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Closed eight months for renovations and updates, the Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum is reopening this week, putting a new and brighter light on Columbia County’s history. The Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum, 157 SE Hernando Ave.
Councilman Todd Sampson said it is ‘ludicrous’ to not require background checks for people around children. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Councilman Todd Sampson said it is ‘ludicrous’ to not require background checks for people around children. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Background screenings dismissed by council

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Background checks are no longer required for vendors or individuals associated with Annie Mattox Park. The Lake City Council approved by a 3-2 vote Tuesday night to amend its grant agreement with Annie Mattox Recreation Center Inc. to drop the Level 2 background screening requirement.
The Florida Department of Transportion is hosting an open house today to discuss and unveil the proposed intersection improvements for the State Road 247 and County Road 240 crossing in southwestern Columbia County. (COURTESY)

The Florida Department of Transportion is hosting an open house today to discuss and unveil the proposed intersection improvements for the State Road 247 and County Road 240 crossing in southwestern Columbia County. (COURTESY)

Intersection makeover open house Thursday

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
The Florida Department of Transportation will be unveiling — and discussing — the revamp of a southwestern Columbia County intersection at an open house today. DOT officials and engineers will be introducing the changes to the State Road 247 and County Road 240 crossing from 5-6 p.m.