Local

City budget, millage set for final approval

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, September 17, 2022
The Lake City Council is one vote away from locking in its $77.9 million budget for the next year, and the tax rate city residents will be paying. The council meets at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 205 N. Marion Ave.
A number of veteran teachers in the Columbia County School District, and supporters, voiced their displeasure with pay at the Columbia County School Board meeting Tuesday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A number of veteran teachers in the Columbia County School District, and supporters, voiced their displeasure with pay at the Columbia County School Board meeting Tuesday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Veteran teachers want ‘livable wage’, voice displeasure to school board

TONY BRITT
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Veteran teachers in the Columbia County Schools are looking for a little respect. And higher wages along with it.
An artist’s rendering of the flatfields and ‘hub’ at the 500-acre park. (COURTESY)

An artist’s rendering of the flatfields and ‘hub’ at the 500-acre park. (COURTESY)

Grand vision unveiled: Master plan released on $95.5M rec park

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
A “unique” and “beautiful” vision for the future of recreation in Columbia County was shared with the community Wednesday. The Tourist Development Council and TBG Partners unveiled the master plan for the county’s 500-acre flat field facility and park to the public at a meeting Wednesday afternoon.
Columbia County is considering using 19.5 acres off State Road 100 as an incentive for a cold storage distribution company. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County is considering using 19.5 acres off State Road 100 as an incentive for a cold storage distribution company. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Property may land project

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Columbia County is hoping land can lure a new business to town. The county’s Economic Development Advisory Board authorized staff Wednesday to move forward with an economic development agreement on Project #21-30, incentivizing 19.
A map shows the detour routes for motorists traveling between Interstate-75 and Interstate-10. (COURTESY)

A map shows the detour routes for motorists traveling between Interstate-75 and Interstate-10. (COURTESY)

Interstate traffic detoured for maintenance

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Some interstate traffic will get a detour back into Suwannee County tonight. The ramp from southbound Interstate 75 to Interstate 10 east will be closed temporarily for maintenance, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. The maintenance on the ramp is scheduled from 8 p.m.
Osmund Johnson (left) shares a laugh with Sarah Stephens, the VA’s creative arts therapist, during Monday night’s veterans art exhibit award ceremony at the Gateway Art Gallery. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Osmund Johnson (left) shares a laugh with Sarah Stephens, the VA’s creative arts therapist, during Monday night’s veterans art exhibit award ceremony at the Gateway Art Gallery. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

National competition seeking top artwork from vets

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Art pieces created by veterans fueled a Monday night festive atmosphere in the Gateway Art Gallery as veterans were celebrated for their artistic creations during a celebration for the Veterans National Creative Arts Competition.
Columbia County Resources Inc. Vice President Mike Nelson makes his case to the Lake Shore Hospital Authority board to donate to the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Resources Inc. Vice President Mike Nelson makes his case to the Lake Shore Hospital Authority board to donate to the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

LSHA tough enough to back breast cancer group

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Even though the Lake Shore Hospital Authority isn’t willing to spend on potential suitors for its campus space quite yet, the board did commit to using some money in the meantime. The LSHA board formally approved a donation on top of passing its 2022-23 budget during Monday’s board meeting.
Cadets with the Columbia High School JROTC march the American flag through the school’s commons area Monday morning in a ceremony honoring the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Cadets with the Columbia High School JROTC march the American flag through the school’s commons area Monday morning in a ceremony honoring the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Patriotism on display: Columbia JROTC honors 9/11 victims

TONY BRITT
Monday, September 12, 2022
A group of Columbia High School JROTC cadets solemnly marched the American flag through the school’s commons area Monday morning, honoring and paying respect to victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.