Local

Combined dispatch center likely

TONY BRITT
Friday, January 14, 2022
The desire to work together may soon lead to a combined communications center for the Lake City Police Department and Columbia County Sherif’s Office.

Thomas to meet public Tuesday

NEWS STAFF
Friday, January 14, 2022
Lake City officials will take their next step to getting a new city manager next week when the city hosts a meet and greet reception for Thomas Thomas, a city manager finalist. The meet and greet reception will take place from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Meggs

Meggs

Lake City car GM charged with sedition

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, January 13, 2022
WASHINGTON — The former general manager of a Lake City car dealership was among 11 members of the Oath Keepers charged with seditious conspiracy in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol last January.

County keeps deal with humane society

TONY BRITT
Thursday, January 13, 2022
The Lake City Humane Society will continue to provide animal control services for Columbia County. At least for the remainder of the fiscal year, the Columbia County Board of County Commission decided Thursday night.

Peeler seeking school board seat

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Four years ago, Hunter Peeler campaigned for a seat on the Columbia County School Board on the promise of change. That hasn’t changed. Peeler filed to run for the District 5 seat on the school board Thursday, citing change is still needed.
A Lake City man died in a vehicle fire in the parking lot of the Daytona Beach Police Department early Wednesday morning. (COURTESY)

A Lake City man died in a vehicle fire in the parking lot of the Daytona Beach Police Department early Wednesday morning. (COURTESY)

Lake City man dies in van fire

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
DAYTONA BEACH — A Lake City man died early Wednesday morning in the Daytona Beach Police Department parking lot after being covered in flames. According to the DBPD, a gray 2003 Ford van pulled into the parking lot near the front lobby entrance to the police station headquarters at 2:19 a.m.
People congregate outside the Lake City Humane Society adoption center during an adoption event in April 2019. County officials will discuss options that would refine animal control services. (FILE)

People congregate outside the Lake City Humane Society adoption center during an adoption event in April 2019. County officials will discuss options that would refine animal control services. (FILE)

Hunter: ‘Open’ to sheriff’s office helping with animal control

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Who handles animal control in Columbia County could be decided by the County Commission today. County officials are scheduled to discuss their options — including the possibility of assigning that task to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office — during a special meeting that will take place 5:30 p.m.
2022 Southside Idol contestants: Nathan Elwood (from left), Allison Harvison, Katryna Allexis, Nevia Claire, Cai’Liana Mobley, Brianna Frazier, Kian Sanchez, Claira Williams, Jayden Burch, Alexa Meriweather, Danyelle Bliffin and Willie Mae Walker. Each will compete for a first prize of $1,500. (COURTESY)

2022 Southside Idol contestants: Nathan Elwood (from left), Allison Harvison, Katryna Allexis, Nevia Claire, Cai’Liana Mobley, Brianna Frazier, Kian Sanchez, Claira Williams, Jayden Burch, Alexa Meriweather, Danyelle Bliffin and Willie Mae Walker. Each will compete for a first prize of $1,500. (COURTESY)

‘Idol’ event to host singers on Saturday

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Some of the most promising young singers in North Central Florida are hoping to capitalize on their vocal talents this weekend. The singers will be competing for a $1,500 top prize during the 12th annual Southside Idol competition. This year’s contest will take place 6 p.m.

Hill running for District 3 seat on school board

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
With more than three decades of experience already in education within Columbia County, Cherie Hill is looking to add even more. Hill has announced her candidacy for the District 3 seat on the Columbia County School Board.