Local

Thomas Thomas answers a question from the Lake City Countil during an interview for the city manager position Wednesday morning. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Thomas Thomas answers a question from the Lake City Countil during an interview for the city manager position Wednesday morning. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Thomas is the pick for city manager

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
The “slight lean” in favor of Thomas was accumulated over 15 months more than 4,000 miles away.

County seeking director for utility services

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
For the past few months, Columbia County officials have been set on advancing the county’s utility services. Those plans now include someone to oversee the utility offerings. County officials are scheduled to discuss a utility director job description during the 5:30 p.m.
Cindy Kim (center) gets a hug from her sister, Arienna, alongside their mother, Ae-yun Shin. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Cindy Kim (center) gets a hug from her sister, Arienna, alongside their mother, Ae-yun Shin. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Kim is a spelling success

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
The first to spell a word Tuesday morning, Cindy Kim was the last student standing in the Columbia County Spelling Bee.

City to discuss utilities, ARPA funds in meeting

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
City officials plan to hold or participate in two meetings within the next three weeks that will address utility plans for the area as well discuss how the city’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds will be used in the city.
An estimated 40-60 people participated in the inaugural MLK Day 3K Walk/Run event in Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

An estimated 40-60 people participated in the inaugural MLK Day 3K Walk/Run event in Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.

TONY BRITT
Monday, January 17, 2022
While there was no parade streaming through the downtown, Columbia County residents still gathered for a community celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

Medical issue suspected in inmate death

NEWS STAFF
Monday, January 17, 2022
The weekend death of an inmate at the Columbia County Detention Facility remains under investigation. Joshua Bell-Farmer, 28, died Saturday morning at the jail from what is believed to be a medical issue, according to a release from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Foul play is not suspected.
Alexa Meriweather (center) is presented her tiara, sash and bouquet after winning the 2022 Southside Idol competition. (COURTESY)

Alexa Meriweather (center) is presented her tiara, sash and bouquet after winning the 2022 Southside Idol competition. (COURTESY)

Southside Idol 2022 brings out best in winner

TONY BRITT
Monday, January 17, 2022
As a young girl, Alexa Meriweather said that she could sing before she could talk and entered her first singing competition when she was in elementary school.
An armed man, wearing a mask, robbed the North Florida Pharmacy’s Fort White location Thursday. (COURTESY)

An armed man, wearing a mask, robbed the North Florida Pharmacy’s Fort White location Thursday. (COURTESY)

Armed robber hits Fort White pharmacy

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, January 14, 2022
FORT WHITE — It was a scene, unfortunately, that is becoming somewhat familiar in North Florida. An armed man, wearing a mask, entered the North Florida Pharmacy in Fort White on Thursday afternoon — shortly before 4 — and stole painkillers before exiting. Nobody was injured.
Sheriff Mark Hunter (right) and Lake City Interim Police Chief Gerald Butler have reached a deal to have the agencies work together more closely. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Sheriff Mark Hunter (right) and Lake City Interim Police Chief Gerald Butler have reached a deal to have the agencies work together more closely. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

LCPD, CCSO lock up deal on teamwork

TONY BRITT
Friday, January 14, 2022
The Lake City Police Department and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office have a new crime-fighting tool in their arsenal. It may look as harmless as a piece of paper, but the new tool carries the weight of a joint law enforcement agency.