Local

Woman found dead at restaurant

NEWS STAFF
Monday, May 9, 2022
First responders were summoned to the McDonald’s on U.S. Highway 90 West on Sunday after a woman was found unresponsive in her vehicle. Witnesses told authorities that the woman appeared to be dead and was slumped down in her vehicle. Sgt.

No injuries in Mother’s Day shooting

NEWS STAFF
Monday, May 9, 2022
Spotted in a vehicle believed to be involved in an early morning shooting Sunday, a Lake City man was arrested for drug and firearm possession Sunday night. According to a Lake City Police Department release, officers responded to the area of NE Martin Luther King St.
Florida Gateway College graduate Natalia Duarte shows off the decoration on her cap ahead of Friday’s commencement ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Florida Gateway College graduate Natalia Duarte shows off the decoration on her cap ahead of Friday’s commencement ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC grads look ahead

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 6, 2022
Friday’s commencement ceremonies at Florida Gateway College wasn’t the end fo the 300-plus graduates. Rather, “The Story Goes On” as Natalia Duarte’s cap proclaimed. Duarte, an 18-year-old dual enrollment student, was one of the youngest graduates in the two ceremonies at the Howard Center.
Crusaw (clockwise from top left), Flanagan, Lane, Steadman and Wickland.

Crusaw (clockwise from top left), Flanagan, Lane, Steadman and Wickland.

‘Teachers of a Lifetime’

TONY BRITT
Friday, May 6, 2022
Looking to expand its teacher appreciation efforts, the Columbia County School District now looks to honor their legacy as well.
County Manager David Kraus received high marks from most of the County Commissioners during his annual evaluation, which was announced Thursday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County Manager David Kraus received high marks from most of the County Commissioners during his annual evaluation, which was announced Thursday. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Kraus earns mostly good marks

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 6, 2022
How is David Kraus doing as Columbia County’s manager? It matters which county commissioner you’re asking. Per the county charter, the commission had to evaluate Kraus’ performance at its Thursday meeting.
Corporal James Maulden (left) and Detention Officer Mark Collins (right) received ‘Lifesaving Medals’ from Sheriff Mark Hunter on Wednesday. (COURTESY)

Corporal James Maulden (left) and Detention Officer Mark Collins (right) received ‘Lifesaving Medals’ from Sheriff Mark Hunter on Wednesday. (COURTESY)

CCSO officers earn awards for saving inmate’s life

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 6, 2022
A pair of Columbia County Sheriff’s Officers didn’t choke during a big moment back in January. And thanks to their actions, neither did one inmate.

Seacoast Bank buys Drummond

NEWS STAFF
Friday, May 6, 2022
Goodbye Drummond Community Bank. Hello Seacoast Bank. The two banks reached a deal this week for Seacoast, which is headquartered in Stuart, to purchase Drummond, which is based in Chiefland and has two branches in Lake City, one in Fort White and another in Mayo.
A City of Lake City contractor’s excavator is seen sitting on Ring Court without protection for the roadway. Work on the county road during a wastewater infrastructure project has Columbia County and Lake City officials bickering. (COURTESY)

A City of Lake City contractor’s excavator is seen sitting on Ring Court without protection for the roadway. Work on the county road during a wastewater infrastructure project has Columbia County and Lake City officials bickering. (COURTESY)

Another rough patch: City, county battling over ‘bovine feces’ road repair incident

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, May 5, 2022
A city infrastructure project — and the rocky, at times, relationship between the City of Lake City and Columbia County — has hit a bump in the road.