Local

Griffeth named new Partnership for Strong Families CEO

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
The community-based care agency for North Florida has a new administrative head. Partnership for Strong Families — which serves 13 counties including Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette and Suwannee — announced Wednesday that Stephen Pennypacker was retiring as the agency’s chief executive officer.
The Quinn and Keith Leibfried STEM building at Florida Gateway College, shown in an artist rendering, will be officially opened during a June 30 ceremony that will also launch the college’s 75th anniversary celebration. (COURTESY)

The Quinn and Keith Leibfried STEM building at Florida Gateway College, shown in an artist rendering, will be officially opened during a June 30 ceremony that will also launch the college’s 75th anniversary celebration. (COURTESY)

FGC kicking off 75th anniversary with opening of STEM building

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Rather than just having a cake to celebrate, Florida Gateway College is going the extra mile and opening a building to commemorate its 75th anniversary. FGC will kick off the college’s 75th anniversary with the grand opening of the Quinn and Keith Leibfried STEM building at 9 a.m. on June 30.
Daniel Scott Mobley robbed a Dollar General near Beachville at gunpoint Tuesday afternoon. (COURTESY)

Daniel Scott Mobley robbed a Dollar General near Beachville at gunpoint Tuesday afternoon. (COURTESY)

Armed robber finds deal at Dollar General

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
FORT WHITE — Looking for a job earlier Tuesday, a Fort White man decided upon a different approach to obtaining some funds: armed robbery. Hours after visiting a Dollar General near Beachville and inquiring about employment, 55-year-old Daniel Scott Mobley Sr.

Hot dog Drago ‘well on way to recovery’

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
A Columbia County Sheriff’s Office K9 officer became one hot dog Tuesday afternoon. During recertification training, K9 Deputy Drago experienced a heat-related injury and was rushed to Addison Animal Hospital on the west side of Lake City.
Steven Hill, a former security guard at Fort White High School, addressed the Columbia County School Board on Tuesday about his resignation. Hill said he was forced to resign because of ‘false allegations, rumors, lies and gossip.’ (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Steven Hill, a former security guard at Fort White High School, addressed the Columbia County School Board on Tuesday about his resignation. Hill said he was forced to resign because of ‘false allegations, rumors, lies and gossip.’ (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

‘Rumors, lies, gossip’ cause FWHS guard’s exit

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
A former Fort White High School security guard is claiming rumor and innuendo is the reason that he has decided to resign from him post at Fort White High School.

Bell Road rings up $65K in grant funds

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
The development of the Bell Road corridor received a helping hand Tuesday. Columbia County was awarded a $65,000 grant from the state’s Community Planning Technical Assistance program for a pre-master plan for the Bell Road corridor.
Councilman Jake Hill Jr. was in favor of the City of Lake City trying to hire a grant writer for a commission-based role. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Councilman Jake Hill Jr. was in favor of the City of Lake City trying to hire a grant writer for a commission-based role. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

City eyes grant funding assistance

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
The City of Lake City is hoping it can be granted some additional funding opportunities. To do that and with the hope that the position will more than pay for itself, the city is looking to hire a grant writer.
The Lake City Council authorized Interim City Manager Paul Dyal at a workshop Monday to begin planning on vacating the current City Hall. (FILE)

The Lake City Council authorized Interim City Manager Paul Dyal at a workshop Monday to begin planning on vacating the current City Hall. (FILE)

Council ready to move on from city hall

TONY BRITT
Monday, June 13, 2022
One thing is for certain, the Lake City Council is ready to be finished with the current Lake City Hall.
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare Inc. CEO Don Savoie expands on an idea during the Lake Shore Hospital Authority’s Monday meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare Inc. CEO Don Savoie expands on an idea during the Lake Shore Hospital Authority’s Monday meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Meridian shares vision for hospital

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Monday, June 13, 2022
The Lake Shore Hospital Authority now has three complete proposals to pore through after its Monday evening meeting. All that’s left is to decide which organization, if any, is to receive what it asked for or something similar.
Essie Akins, a Straight From the Heart of North Florida committee member, arranges fruit during the organization’s inaugural community event on Saturday at the Fort White Community Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Essie Akins, a Straight From the Heart of North Florida committee member, arranges fruit during the organization’s inaugural community event on Saturday at the Fort White Community Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Healthcare focus of Fort White information fair

TONY BRITT
Monday, June 13, 2022
FORT WHITE — The Fort White Community Center was buzzing Saturday morning with people focusing on their healthcare needs.