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Macy Sirard (from left), Sadie Breeden, Rylee Lupton and Amira Estrada work on building a tower using K’NEX parts on Thursday morning while attending the STEAM summer program at Summers Elementary School. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Macy Sirard (from left), Sadie Breeden, Rylee Lupton and Amira Estrada work on building a tower using K’NEX parts on Thursday morning while attending the STEAM summer program at Summers Elementary School. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Building sciences: Summers Elementary hosts students for STEAM workshops

TONY BRITT
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Whether it was constructing towers with K’NEX pieces, exercising, racing robotic cars are learning about the polarity of electricity, there was lots of fun activities taking place at Summers Elementary School Thursday morning in the pursuit of education.
The fashion show at Richardson Community Center set for this Saturday will feature a pair of DJs as well as fashions from around the region and the world. (FILE)

The fashion show at Richardson Community Center set for this Saturday will feature a pair of DJs as well as fashions from around the region and the world. (FILE)

Fashion show, ‘Pop Up Shop’ coming to RCC

TONY BRITT
Thursday, June 9, 2022
The Richardson Community Center will be brimming with activity this weekend as a pair of small business and fashion-related events showcase local entrepreneurs. The Summer Extravaganza Pop Up Shop and Fashion Show will take place Saturday at the Richardson Community Center.
Fort White High School FFA advisor and agri-science teacher Jill Huesman is retiring after two-plus decades of leading the program at Fort White. Her impact is sown in the hundreds of trophies and plaques that adorn the walls in her classroom. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White High School FFA advisor and agri-science teacher Jill Huesman is retiring after two-plus decades of leading the program at Fort White. Her impact is sown in the hundreds of trophies and plaques that adorn the walls in her classroom. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Huesman retires after restarting, leading FWHS FFA program

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
FORT WHITE — Growing up on a farm in Marion County, surrounded by cattle for nearly as far as the eye could see, it’s no wonder that Jill Huesman would seek a career in the agriculture.
Kidnapping suspect James Bell Jr. was apprehended Wednesday afternoon following an hours-long search in northwestern Lake City. (COURTESY)

Kidnapping suspect James Bell Jr. was apprehended Wednesday afternoon following an hours-long search in northwestern Lake City. (COURTESY)

Manhunt turns up kidnapping suspect

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
For hours, authorities combed through northwest Lake City on Wednesday for a kidnapping suspect. Shortly after calling off the perimeter search near NE Annie Mattox Street and NE Gurley Avenue on Wednesday afternoon, Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies had their man: 36-year-old James Bell Jr.

House, vehicle hit by gunfire overnight

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
A Lake City residence as well as a vehicle were struck by overnight gunfire, according to the Lake City Police Department. According to an LCPD release, three victims heard gunfire coming from the road outside their residence on NW Oakland Avenue around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday.
Columbia County Public Library Youth Services Librarian Kate Duong shows off the rod and reel, donated by Fish Florida, that children can receive at the June 24 adventure at Alligator Lake Park. (COURTESY)

Columbia County Public Library Youth Services Librarian Kate Duong shows off the rod and reel, donated by Fish Florida, that children can receive at the June 24 adventure at Alligator Lake Park. (COURTESY)

Library casting out lines for summer workshops

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
The high seas are coming inland over the summer. The Columbia County Public Library will host a plethora of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities over the next few months, with most coming with a fun nautical theme.
Austin Thomas, a Lake City Fire Department driver/engineer, lays roses on the Columbia County Public Safety Memorial on Tuesday in honor of fallen Columbia County public safety workers. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Austin Thomas, a Lake City Fire Department driver/engineer, lays roses on the Columbia County Public Safety Memorial on Tuesday in honor of fallen Columbia County public safety workers. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Remembering Columbia’s heroes

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Eighteen black picture frames sat on a table in the First Baptist Church sanctuary Tuesday evening  where small LED electronic tea lights gave the frames a distinctive glow. The frames contained pictures of public service workers who died in the line of duty while serving Columbia County residents.

Weapons checks next on council agenda

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
A new layer of security will be added to meetings that are held in Lake City Hall. During Monday night’s Lake City Council meeting, Mayor Stephen Witt announced that the Lake City Police Department will begin conducting weapons screenings for people attending city council meetings.

DJs hosting blood drive

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
DJs from area radio stations are looking to do more than keep the music flowing. On Saturday, at LifeSouth Donor Centers — as well as the bloodmobile — the second DJs Unite for LifeSouth blood drive is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.