Local

Doused fee won’t impact protection

TONY BRITT
Saturday, September 3, 2022
An outdated study and legislative changes meant the cost of Columbia County’s fire service was bound to increase. However, county administration doused the heat proposed in the initial rate during a special meeting Tuesday, offering a smaller increase on county residents.
A group of Florida Gateway College graduates celebrate during the college’s graduation ceremony on May 6. (FILE)

A group of Florida Gateway College graduates celebrate during the college’s graduation ceremony on May 6. (FILE)

FGC named on best colleges in U.S. list

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Florida Gateway College has found its “nice.” Niche.com recently ranked FGC among the Best Community Colleges in America as well as earning recognition for Best Online Colleges in America. Out of the more than 900 community colleges listed in the country, Niche.com ranked FGC as No. 56.
The Columbia County Tax Collector’s office was honored with a 2022 legacy finance award by the Florida Tax Collector’s Association. The award is earned for outstanding finance operations and clean annual audit reports. La Gina Dow, (left) Columbia County Tax Collector Finance Director, and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keen (right) accepted the honors from Florida Tax Collector’s Association President Rhonda Skipper during a recent state event. (COURTESY)

The Columbia County Tax Collector’s office was honored with a 2022 legacy finance award by the Florida Tax Collector’s Association. The award is earned for outstanding finance operations and clean annual audit reports. La Gina Dow, (left) Columbia County Tax Collector Finance Director, and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keen (right) accepted the honors from Florida Tax Collector’s Association President Rhonda Skipper during a recent state event. (COURTESY)

Tax office lauded for financial operations

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, September 3, 2022
The Columbia County Tax Collector’s office was recognized recently for a clean annual audit plus years of exceptional financial operation. The honors were presented to Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keen during a recent state convention.

Clay rates rising again

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, September 3, 2022
For a fifth time in a year, Clay Electric Cooperative is raising its rates. Clay announced the rate change this week, citing it had “no choice” due to the natural gas market “still being in a state of crisis.

Dispatcher saves neighbor’s life

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, September 3, 2022
A 911 dispatcher proved first responders are always on the job when an emergency broke out just over her yard’s fence. According to a Columbia County release, Bethany Duffany, a dispatcher with the Columbia County Combined Communications Center, was at home Monday when, around 10:38 a.m.
A line of cars wait to fill up at the Circle K gas station at the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and Baya Drive Thursday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A line of cars wait to fill up at the Circle K gas station at the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and Baya Drive Thursday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Motorists pumped for ‘Fuel Day’

TONY BRITT
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Congestion at the Baya Drive and Duval Street intersection is nothing new. However, Thursday afternoon the traffic backed up on Baya Drive to the traffic signal at SW McFarlane Avenue had little interest in turning on to Duval Street.
Columbia County Fire Rescue employee Olivia Ward renders aid to a rescued puppy Tuesday. (COURTESY CCFR)

Columbia County Fire Rescue employee Olivia Ward renders aid to a rescued puppy Tuesday. (COURTESY CCFR)

Puppies saved from burning building

TONY BRITT
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Columbia County Fire Rescue firefighters were able to save the lives of three puppies that were trapped in a home during a structure fire on Tuesday afternoon. The fire occurred around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday at a residence on Smith Road.
Skylar Beichner’s ladybug-shaped pillow project benefitting the Guardian ad Litem program has her on the doorstep of becoming Columbia County’s first female Eagle Scout. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Skylar Beichner’s ladybug-shaped pillow project benefitting the Guardian ad Litem program has her on the doorstep of becoming Columbia County’s first female Eagle Scout. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Sewing up Eagle Scout: Pillow project has Beichner on verge of history

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
A Columbia County teen has an Eagle Scout rank all but sewn up. When Skylar Beichner walked into the local Guardian ad Litem office Monday morning with bags of pillows for children in foster care, she was only a few minor steps away from reaching her historic goal.

Woman charged for threats with plate

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Authorities say after striking an elderly victim Tuesday, a Lake City woman turned her attention — and a broken plate — on deputies. Responding to a NW Kobie Ray residence around 1 p.m.
ACV Health cuts the ribbon to launch its rebrand Aug. 25 at Advent Christian VIllage’s Copeland Medical Center along with Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce and county officials. (COURTESY)

ACV Health cuts the ribbon to launch its rebrand Aug. 25 at Advent Christian VIllage’s Copeland Medical Center along with Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce and county officials. (COURTESY)

Services rebranded as ACV Health

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
DOWLING PARK — There’s a new name but the same convenient, compassionate healthcare services provided at Advent Christian Village. ACV has announced many of its healthcare services have been rebranded as ACV Health, an outreach of the village.