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Assistant City Manager Dee Johnson said Tuesday’s Gwen Lake update was ‘positive.’ (FILE)

Assistant City Manager Dee Johnson said Tuesday’s Gwen Lake update was ‘positive.’ (FILE)

Gwen Lake project delayed

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Planned restoration work at Gwen Lake is trudging along slower than expected. But that didn’t stop the Lake City Council from receiving a “positive update” on the project.
The First Federal Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to Altrusa International of Lake City to support the organization’s community service, literacy and humanitarian programs. (COURTESY)

The First Federal Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to Altrusa International of Lake City to support the organization’s community service, literacy and humanitarian programs. (COURTESY)

Altrusa receives $5K First Federal grant

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Altrusa International of Lake City recently received a $5,000 grant from the First Federal Foundation, supporting the organization’s ongoing mission to improve lives through community service, literacy and humanitarian programs.
LaJoyce Ingraham (left) leads a song during the MLK Church service on Monday afternoon at New Mt. Pisgah AME Church. The service took place immediately following the MLK parade. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

LaJoyce Ingraham (left) leads a song during the MLK Church service on Monday afternoon at New Mt. Pisgah AME Church. The service took place immediately following the MLK parade. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Residents celebrate MLK Jr.’s message

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28, 1963, at the March on Washington in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Hundreds of local residents honored the legacy of the speech by participating in the annual MLK Jr.
Minnie J. Niblack Elementary students A’mari and Rylee try edamame for the first time during a taste test at the end of the Serving Up MyPlate lesson. (COURTESY UF/IFAS EXTENSION COLUMBIA COUNTY)

Minnie J. Niblack Elementary students A’mari and Rylee try edamame for the first time during a taste test at the end of the Serving Up MyPlate lesson. (COURTESY UF/IFAS EXTENSION COLUMBIA COUNTY)

From ‘Green Eggs’ to strong muscles

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Students at Niblack Elementary School kicked off the new year by learning about healthy eating during the January Serving Up MyPlate lesson, “Powerful Proteins! Building Strong Muscles for a Strong New Year.
Assistant City Manager Dee Johnson (left) accepts a plaque from Councilwoman Chevella Young during the inaugural MLK Celebration Brunch on Sunday at the Richardson Community Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Assistant City Manager Dee Johnson (left) accepts a plaque from Councilwoman Chevella Young during the inaugural MLK Celebration Brunch on Sunday at the Richardson Community Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

City officials honor MLK Jr.’s legacy at brunch event

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
More than 100 people gathered for a community brunch Sunday where they celebrated their diversity, ideologies and different thoughts while celebrating the works and achievements of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The City of Lake City hosted the “Honoring the Dream and the Legacy: MLK Jr.

First Federal grant extends United Way’s free tax help

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
A generous grant from the First Federal foundation will help the United Way serve citizens in the Suwannee Valley area with free tax assistance. Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a program offered by a partnership between UF/IFAS and United Way of Suwannee Valley.
Niblack Elementary School Principal Makeba Murphy adds dirt to the hole where a Shumard Oak tree was planted at the school on Friday for Florida Arbor Day. The tree was donated by the Lake City Garden Club. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Niblack Elementary School Principal Makeba Murphy adds dirt to the hole where a Shumard Oak tree was planted at the school on Friday for Florida Arbor Day. The tree was donated by the Lake City Garden Club. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Tree, ‘hope’ planted at Niblack

TONY BRITT
Friday, January 16, 2026
Whether it was learning about the history of Arbor Day or learning about the environmental benefits that trees provide humans, Niblack Elementary School students received a hands-on lesson Friday.
Columbia County Commission Chairman Tim Murphy wanted clarification on how a grant extension was needed due to a set of late drawings on improvements at Richardson Community Center. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commission Chairman Tim Murphy wanted clarification on how a grant extension was needed due to a set of late drawings on improvements at Richardson Community Center. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

County losing $400K on RCC grant

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, January 16, 2026
Columbia County commissioners gave their manager an earful after delays to a grant regarding improvements at Richardson Community Center have led to a decrease in the scope of work on the project.
Anne Tatem covers desserts that were provided with dinner during food preparation for the cold weather shelter at Parkview Baptist Church. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Anne Tatem covers desserts that were provided with dinner during food preparation for the cold weather shelter at Parkview Baptist Church. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Parkview opening cold shelter for ‘long stretch’

TONY BRITT
Friday, January 16, 2026
Forecasted frigid temperatures set to hit the area over the next few days have resulted in Parkview Baptist Church opening its cold weather shelter.