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Corie Register, an employee at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, tells Niblack Elementary School students about the American Lion Skull display at the park’s education center Wednesday morning. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Corie Register, an employee at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, tells Niblack Elementary School students about the American Lion Skull display at the park’s education center Wednesday morning. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Learning from nature: Children taught about water quality, conservation

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
The headspring at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, which generates roughly 96 million gallons of water daily, proved to be an unforgettable classroom scene for a group of Niblack Elementary School kindergarten students Wednesday morning.
A home in Forest Country off State Road 247 will be featured in this weekend’s Parade of Homes. (COURTESY)

A home in Forest Country off State Road 247 will be featured in this weekend’s Parade of Homes. (COURTESY)

Parade of Homes showcase set for this weekend

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
The premier new home-building event, the 2022 Parade of Homes, will showcase new construction and modern home designs in seven new homes open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. The event will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 25.

HiTone hosting Grace’s Race 5K

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
There is no better way to remember Grace Duncan than with a fitness event like Grace’s Race 5K. “Grace’s dream is fitness,” said HiTone Fitness Club Manager Lisa Powers, who is organizing Saturday’s race. “Health and wellness is what Grace thrived on. She was always in the gym every single day.
Westside Elementary school kindergarten teacher Argie Crusaw is congratulated after being honored as one of the Columbia County School District’s inaugural ‘Teacher of a Lifetime’ award winners Tuesday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Westside Elementary school kindergarten teacher Argie Crusaw is congratulated after being honored as one of the Columbia County School District’s inaugural ‘Teacher of a Lifetime’ award winners Tuesday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia’s top teachers: District honors inaugural class of lifetime educators

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
The Columbia County School District’s inaugural “Teacher of a Lifetime” class received more than recognition Tuesday night. The five honorees were also showered with honor, respect and love at the Columbia County School Administrative Complex Auditorium.
Paula Vann, the Columbia County Tourist Development Council’s executive director, was excited to share about the direction of tourism in the county at the agency’s luncheon Tuesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Paula Vann, the Columbia County Tourist Development Council’s executive director, was excited to share about the direction of tourism in the county at the agency’s luncheon Tuesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Welcome to ‘Florida’s Springlands’

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Florida’s gateway needs to make room for the springs. At its annual tourism celebration luncheon Tuesday afternoon, the Columbia County Tourist Development Council provided a glimpse into the new brand it plans to launch this summer: Florida’s Springlands.
The house at 114 SW Silver Palm Drive in the Preserve is one of the stops on this year’s Parade of Homes. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

The house at 114 SW Silver Palm Drive in the Preserve is one of the stops on this year’s Parade of Homes. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Parade of Homes set for this weekend

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
North Florida’s premier new home showcase returns this weekend. The annual Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Columbia County Builders Association and the Lake City Reporter will feature seven new homes open for tours on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Erica Turner (clockwise from left), a Westside Elementary School Art Educator, addresses the audience about the Student Art Exhibit in the Columbia County Courthouse on Tuesday as Clerk of Court Jay Swisher, Third Judicial Circuit judges Paul Bryan, Mark Feagle, Wes Douglas and Westside student Lucy Kate Turner look on. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Erica Turner (clockwise from left), a Westside Elementary School Art Educator, addresses the audience about the Student Art Exhibit in the Columbia County Courthouse on Tuesday as Clerk of Court Jay Swisher, Third Judicial Circuit judges Paul Bryan, Mark Feagle, Wes Douglas and Westside student Lucy Kate Turner look on. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Courting young artists: Student art exhibit unveiled at courthouse

TONY BRITT
Monday, May 9, 2022
The vibrant colors, themes and scenes associated with youth have been incorporated into the Columbia County Courthouse.
A memorial marker for those who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq is planned for Olustee Park. (COURTESY)

A memorial marker for those who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq is planned for Olustee Park. (COURTESY)

Donations sought for War on Terror memorial

NEWS STAFF
Monday, May 9, 2022
Looking to honor those who battled in the War on Terror, a Columbia County historian is seeking donations for a memorial marker. Christopher Esing will be accepting donations this week for a War on Terror Memorial planned for Olustee Park.