Local

Former LCHS finance director acquitted

NEWS STAFF
Monday, July 25, 2022
The Lake City-Columbia County Humane Society’s former finance director was acquitted Friday of fraud charges stemming from his time with the non-profit organization. Brian Hogue-Pua’s one-day criminal trial for organized fraud of less than $20,000 ended with a jury finding him not guilty.
Employers involved with the CareerSource Florida Crown Summer Youth Employment Program pose with awards they received for participating in the program during the program’s banquet on Friday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Employers involved with the CareerSource Florida Crown Summer Youth Employment Program pose with awards they received for participating in the program during the program’s banquet on Friday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Crowning achievements: High schoolers celebrate successful summer jobs program

TONY BRITT
Friday, July 22, 2022
For the past few weeks, a select group of high school students participating in a CareerSource Florida Crown employment program were able to gain insight to become productive employees.
Derek Nelson (from left), of Woodchuck Hard Cider, pours a sample for Stacey Hentzelman, Britney Thrasher and Ava White at the 2021 Gateway City Craft Beer & Wine Festival. (FILE)

Derek Nelson (from left), of Woodchuck Hard Cider, pours a sample for Stacey Hentzelman, Britney Thrasher and Ava White at the 2021 Gateway City Craft Beer & Wine Festival. (FILE)

Craft Beer and Wine Festival to return

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, July 22, 2022
The brews — and success — are already flowing for the Gateway City Craft Beer & Wine Festival. Still, the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce are hoping the festival can tap into even bigger things. The festival, which is in its sixth year, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct.
Prospective buyers take a closer look at a pair of golf clubs at Friday’s United Way of Suwannee Valley community yard sale. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Prospective buyers take a closer look at a pair of golf clubs at Friday’s United Way of Suwannee Valley community yard sale. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

United Way hosts community yard sale fundraiser

TONY BRITT
Friday, July 22, 2022
Computer and office equipment, golfing and outdoor supplies and a variety of other items drew lots of area residents to the United Way of Suwannee Valley’s parking lot Friday morning.

‘Let’s Get Smarter’ programs airing on 107.9-FM

NEWS STAFF
Friday, July 22, 2022
Focused on raising awareness of programs and resources in Lake City and Columbia County, listeners to the Angel Radio Network can “get smarter” this summer. Presley EXCEL and Scholars Program Inc. Youth For Christ Ministry, Miracle Tabernacle Girls Of Distinction, Presley Learning Academy Inc.
A pair of riders take off with American flags waving during the American Legion Riders’ 2019 Toys for Tots run. (FILE)

A pair of riders take off with American flags waving during the American Legion Riders’ 2019 Toys for Tots run. (FILE)

Legion Riders to host day of fun for Toys for Tots

TONY BRITT
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Watermelon eating contests, watermelon seed spitting contests and running through water sprinklers sounds like Christmas in July for most youngsters.
Students attending the Columbia High School Theater Camp try on various costumes Wednesday morning. Approximately 50 students have been attending the week-long camp, which culminates with a production on Friday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Students attending the Columbia High School Theater Camp try on various costumes Wednesday morning. Approximately 50 students have been attending the week-long camp, which culminates with a production on Friday afternoon. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia theater camp opening new worlds

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Not only can theater transport audiences to different places, it also provides youth an opportunity to experience a new world. Crystal Free, the Columbia High theater teacher, is hoping this week’s CHS theater camp will open doors for the children taking part.