Local

County Manager David Kraus said addressing infrastructure needs at the North Florida Mega industrial Park would likely draw more interest from projects looking to relocate to Columbia County. (FILE)

County Manager David Kraus said addressing infrastructure needs at the North Florida Mega industrial Park would likely draw more interest from projects looking to relocate to Columbia County. (FILE)

Calling their shot: County expects banner year for economic development in 2022

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
The new year is bringing new optimism for increased economic development in along the Bell Road corridor and the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. “I think you’ll see a lot interest and activity going on,” County Manager David Kraus said Wednesday afternoon.

CHS art teacher charged with assault

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
A Columbia High School art teacher was arrested Tuesday on domestic violence charges. The charges against Chester Norcross, 44, stem from an argument in which he threatened to harm someone in the dwelling. Norcross was charged with simple assault (domestic violence).
A security footage still from Baya Pharmacy shows the masked suspect. (COURTESY)

A security footage still from Baya Pharmacy shows the masked suspect. (COURTESY)

Armed robber swipes drugs from Baya

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
When a masked man entered Baya Pharmacy West on Wednesday afternoon, staff didn’t think much of it. But the white male had an unusual prescription request: a handgun pointed at the pharmacy tech.
Both Suwannee and Columbia counties have already set new records for real estate sales in their respective markets with a month to spare. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Both Suwannee and Columbia counties have already set new records for real estate sales in their respective markets with a month to spare. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Record-setting housing market

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
It’s been a record-setting year for the housing market. And that’s not even counting December.
The Earthworks Trail at Suwannee River State Park will be the site of a First Day Hike event Saturday morning. (COURTESY)

The Earthworks Trail at Suwannee River State Park will be the site of a First Day Hike event Saturday morning. (COURTESY)

DEP: Take a hike to start the year

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
For those looking to open the new year outdoors, the Florida Park Service is looking to provide the destination. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the park service are hosting First Day Hikes statewide on Saturday at Florida State Parks.
Lake City Police Department vehicles cordone off a stretch of road on U.S. Highway 90 west of Interstate 75 on Tuesday afternoon. One pedestrian was killed while no other injuries were reported. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Police Department vehicles cordone off a stretch of road on U.S. Highway 90 west of Interstate 75 on Tuesday afternoon. One pedestrian was killed while no other injuries were reported. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

One dead in afternoon crash

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
A Lake City pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle Tuesday afternoon. According to Sgt. Mike Lee with the Lake City Police Department, a 60-year-old white man was attempting to cross U.S. Highway 90 just west of Interstate 75 near Waffle House.

County to meet at new times in 2022

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
County officials plan to implement a new meeting schedule for 2022 with the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners holding morning commission meetings. The Board of County Commissioners will hold their first 9:30 a.m. meeting on Thursday, Jan.

Cyclist killed in Monday night collision

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
A 39-year-old Lake City man was killed Monday night while riding his bicycle on a major Lake City thoroughfare when the bicycle was struck by a vehicle. Authorities did not release the name of the victim. According to preliminary Florida Highway Patrol reports, the accident occurred around 6:50 p.
Construction workers pour and level cement near the Florida Gateway College’s Teacher Academy Building Monday afternoon. Pedestrian walkways around campus are being improved as part of a $380,000 construction project. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Construction workers pour and level cement near the Florida Gateway College’s Teacher Academy Building Monday afternoon. Pedestrian walkways around campus are being improved as part of a $380,000 construction project. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC changes to landscape begin with new pavement

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
The look of the landscape at Florida Gateway College is going through a transformation as construction crews alter the scenery that has been place for more than a decade. The construction work began when FGC classes concluded on Dec.

LCPD: Dog threatened at gunpoint

NEWS STAFF
Monday, December 27, 2021
Threatening to get more done, a Lake City man pointed a gun at a victim and their dog Friday at The Home Depot. According to the Lake City Police Department, officers responded to the home improvement store around 11:17 a.m. Friday to report of an armed suspect, who was leaving the store.