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Columbia County economic development specialist Jennifer Daniels said the county is close to a breakthrough at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. (FILE)

Columbia County economic development specialist Jennifer Daniels said the county is close to a breakthrough at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. (FILE)

Daniels: ‘amazing’ year for biz

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, January 9, 2023
Columbia County’s business development is expecting big things for 2023. “I think 2023 is going to be an amazing year,” said Jennifer Daniels, the county’s economic development specialist. “Very excited about the things that are right there.
Florida Gateway College President Lawrence Barrett (right) and Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II signed five articulation agreements Friday that will allow students at the colleges to continue their education at the other institution. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Florida Gateway College President Lawrence Barrett (right) and Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II signed five articulation agreements Friday that will allow students at the colleges to continue their education at the other institution. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC, Santa Fe agreements first of their kind

TONY BRITT
Saturday, January 7, 2023
With a few pen strokes, history was made Friday at Florida Gateway College. FGC and Santa Fe College now have signed agreements where the two colleges will partner to pool their resources on five courses to benefit students in selected areas of study.
Richardson Community Center, which was set to be transferred to Columbia County, will now remain City of Lake City property after the County Commission terminated the interlocal agreement Thursday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Richardson Community Center, which was set to be transferred to Columbia County, will now remain City of Lake City property after the County Commission terminated the interlocal agreement Thursday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Richardson’s return surprises city

TONY BRITT
Saturday, January 7, 2023
The return of Richardson Community Center led to differing reactions from Lake City councilors Friday. But they agreed on one aspect: the Columbia County Commission’s decision was a surprise.

Shots fired over cell phone chip

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, January 7, 2023
An argument over a cell phone chip turned to gunfire Thursday evening, landing one Lake City man behind bars. Justin Take Fulton, 27, was arrested Thursday night after authorities say he shot off five rounds from a 9mm firearm in the parking lot of a Lake City motel.
The new fire station in Baker County that Columbia County is hoping to use as model for a new station off Lake Jeffery Road. The county is seeking a legislative appropriation for the fire station. (COURTESY)

The new fire station in Baker County that Columbia County is hoping to use as model for a new station off Lake Jeffery Road. The county is seeking a legislative appropriation for the fire station. (COURTESY)

County seeking new fire station

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, January 6, 2023
Columbia County is looking to build a new fire station and is hoping the Florida Legislature will help.
Columbia County and the City of Lake City have contested the ownership of Richardson Community Center for nearly a year. County commissioners voted Thursday to hand control back to the city. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County and the City of Lake City have contested the ownership of Richardson Community Center for nearly a year. County commissioners voted Thursday to hand control back to the city. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

County gives back RCC

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, January 5, 2023
The ball is fully back in the City of Lake City’s court now at Richardson Community Center.
The original Iche Nippy Dipper, Earl Kinard, smiles at the 2020 Iche Nippy Dip Day celebration. Dippers this year will make a toast in Kinard’s honor after he passed away in March. (FILE)

The original Iche Nippy Dipper, Earl Kinard, smiles at the 2020 Iche Nippy Dip Day celebration. Dippers this year will make a toast in Kinard’s honor after he passed away in March. (FILE)

Ichetucknee hosting ‘Dip Day’ Saturday

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Ichetucknee Springs State Park will once again invite everyone to “dip” into the new year. The annual Iche Nippy Dip Day, a yearly plunge into the Ichetucknee River, will commence Saturday, Jan. 7, beginning at 9 a.m.