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Columbia County Manager David Kraus said he and county attorney Joel Foreman met with city officials to discuss the next steps regarding Richardson Community Center. (FILE)

Columbia County Manager David Kraus said he and county attorney Joel Foreman met with city officials to discuss the next steps regarding Richardson Community Center. (FILE)

County vacating Richardson within 90 days

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
The countdown is on to the Columbia County’s exit from Richardson Community Center. In a letter hand delivered to City Manager Paul Dyal on Friday, County Manager David Kraus indicated the county planned to have its resources out of the facility effective 90 days from Friday, or by April 6.
Lake City Fire Station #2 sits waiting to be opened for services on Tuesday. The $2.7 million station is still waiting on an electrical panel that has caused a delay in its opening. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Fire Station #2 sits waiting to be opened for services on Tuesday. The $2.7 million station is still waiting on an electrical panel that has caused a delay in its opening. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Station on standby: Opening of Fire Station #2 delayed by supply chain issue

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
The opening of Lake City Fire Station #2 is currently in a holding pattern. Construction of the $2.7 million new city fire station on the west side of Lake City began April 7, 2022, and the station was expected to open on yesterday (Jan.

Carswell not seeking re-election

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
The Columbia School Board may be under new leadership after elections next year. Lex Carswell, Columbia Schools’ Superintendent, announced he would not seek re-election in 2024 during Tuesday’s school board meeting.
Chris Wynn, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regional Director, releases a rehabilitated bald eagle into the wild on Tuesday morning at Alligator Lake Public Recreation area. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Chris Wynn, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regional Director, releases a rehabilitated bald eagle into the wild on Tuesday morning at Alligator Lake Public Recreation area. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Injured bald eagle released back into wild

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
A bald eagle, injured in a territorial battle with another bald eagle in early November during the stormy weather of Hurricane Nicole, was released back into the wild Tuesday morning at the Alligator Lake Public Recreation Area.

Former CCI guard arrested after drugs found inside jacket

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Bringing drugs into Columbia Correctional Institution Annex landed a former prison guard in jail last month. According to a Florida Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General report released Friday, 21-year-old William Connor, of Lake City, was searched upon entering the prison on Dec.
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.