Local

Real chicken, real burglary

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
A shirtless burglar was caught chicken-handed Wednesday morning at a Lake City restaurant. Three separate burglaries occurred early Wednesday at businesses along the U.S. Highway 90 commercial corridor, although the incidents were all related, according to a Lake City Police Department release.

Records requests may start costing

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
The city’s public records policy could be getting an update soon. Tuesday night’s Lake City Council meeting saw councilors debate the merits of a proposed new public records policy, one that City Clerk Audrey Sikes said is badly needed.
The Blanche Hotel will host the Brides and Bubbly Wedding Expo on Sunday to showcase different wedding vendors’ services to couples. (COURTESY OF HOLLY FRAZIER)

The Blanche Hotel will host the Brides and Bubbly Wedding Expo on Sunday to showcase different wedding vendors’ services to couples. (COURTESY OF HOLLY FRAZIER)

Blanche bridal expo ready to wow couples

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
The Blanche Hotel is set to host a unique fashion show and wedding planning exposition, and its inviting the public to kick it all off. The Brides and Bubbly Wedding Expo will be held at the hotel on Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Mother charged after leaving children alone all weekend

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
A weekend trip without her children is providing more time away for a Lake City woman. Jenay Burns, 35, was arrested Monday by the Lake City Police Department for child neglect after an officer was called late Sunday night about four children sitting outside the Save-A-Lot on E. Duval Street.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is coming soon to the South Town Square Plaza on SW Main Boulevard. Demolition and construction has begun on the project, which is expected to open later this summer. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is coming soon to the South Town Square Plaza on SW Main Boulevard. Demolition and construction has begun on the project, which is expected to open later this summer. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet planned for shopping plaza

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Lake City residents may soon be able to get “good stuff cheap.” Construction, as well as demolition work, is taking place in a local plaza as crews make space and accommodations for a new retail store — Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, which plans to open later this summer.
Lilianna Holman won the 8-9 age division at the Florida Elks Association Hoop Shoot state finals. (COURTESY)

Lilianna Holman won the 8-9 age division at the Florida Elks Association Hoop Shoot state finals. (COURTESY)

Holman shoots down state crown

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Lilianna Holman combated her nerves Saturday with a simple, constant reminder. As Holman, a Pinemount Elementary School fourth grader, stepped up to the line at the Florida Elks Association’s Hoop Shoot state finals, she just told herself her shot was going in.

City grants theater parking aid

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Downtown Lake City could soon have a new grass parking lot to help out a local theater. Schara Wilson, part of the family that owns the Henry Wilson Performing Arts Historic Theater at 348 N. Marion Ave.
James Foerster was arrested Monday after detectives found child pornography on his electronic devices. (COURTESY)

James Foerster was arrested Monday after detectives found child pornography on his electronic devices. (COURTESY)

Fort White man caught with child porn

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
FORT WHITE — A Fort White man is in custody after authorities found child pornography in his possession. James Foerster, 59, was arrested Monday by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office detectives with the Internet Crimes Against Children team.

Lewd act at halfway home ends in arrest

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
A Lake City man staying in a halfway home showed a little more than necessary. Johnny Davis, 42, was arrested Friday after police say he performed lewd acts on himself at the First Name Ministries building.