Local

Columbia County Manager David Kraus said some residents could be confused over exactly who runs the Richardson Community Center after the county moved the rec department to a different location. (FILE)

Columbia County Manager David Kraus said some residents could be confused over exactly who runs the Richardson Community Center after the county moved the rec department to a different location. (FILE)

What’s the plan for Richardson?

TONY BRITT
Friday, September 30, 2022
The future of the Richardson Community Center and its ties to Columbia County should become clearer Tuesday night.
Emergency Management Director Shayne Morgan (left) and county spokeswoman Paula Vann converse Wednesday at the county’s Combined Communications Center. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Emergency Management Director Shayne Morgan (left) and county spokeswoman Paula Vann converse Wednesday at the county’s Combined Communications Center. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

County emergency team thankful for slower workload

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, September 30, 2022
Some munched on an early dinner of pasta, salad and garlic bread. Others convened in small circles to discuss the latest information coming out south of the county.

Lewis murder trial begins Monday

TONY BRITT
Friday, September 30, 2022
The murder trial for Dashan R. Lewis is scheduled to begin Monday with jury selection. The court proceedings about Lewis’ role in the 2019 shooting death of Steven McGee were originally scheduled to take place in late August.
Long Vu, from Tampa, unpacks his vehicle at the Tru by Hilton hotel in Lake City as he evacuated due to threats from storm surge from Hurricane Ian. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Long Vu, from Tampa, unpacks his vehicle at the Tru by Hilton hotel in Lake City as he evacuated due to threats from storm surge from Hurricane Ian. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City hotels offer evacuees safe harbor

TONY BRITT
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Bobby and Lisa Hassman were expecting to enjoy the “sun and fun” of Florida on vacation. Then they got word about a storm that turned into powerful Hurricane Ian.
Rachel Orellana (from left), Cesar Aparicio and Mary Zrwalski, sit and unwind in the Pinemount Elementary School cafeteria that served as a Hurricane Ian shelter on Wednesday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Rachel Orellana (from left), Cesar Aparicio and Mary Zrwalski, sit and unwind in the Pinemount Elementary School cafeteria that served as a Hurricane Ian shelter on Wednesday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Residents seek safety at shelters

TONY BRITT
Thursday, September 29, 2022
With gusts of wind from Hurricane Ian continuing to push leaves and other debris through the parking lot at Pinemount Elementary School on Wednesday night, a meager collection of individuals were taking their initial steps to acclimate themselves to their safe harbor from the storm.
A tree hangs over power lines on County Road 240 just west of the State Road 47 intersection Thursday morning, causing power outages for hundreds in the area. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

A tree hangs over power lines on County Road 240 just west of the State Road 47 intersection Thursday morning, causing power outages for hundreds in the area. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Hundreds lose power in Columbia, Suwannnee from Hurricane Ian

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, September 29, 2022
While millions lost power across the state from Hurricane Ian, few here felt the storm’s wrath.