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The 37 graduates from the FDC’s Second Chance Pell program display their diplomas from Florida Gateway College on Dec. 15. (COURTESY)

The 37 graduates from the FDC’s Second Chance Pell program display their diplomas from Florida Gateway College on Dec. 15. (COURTESY)

Inmates capitalize on Second Chance program

NEWS STAFF
Monday, December 27, 2021
Nearly 40 state prisoners recently graduated through the Florida Department of Corrections’ Second Chance Pell program through a partnership with Florida Gateway College. The inmates’ graduation was held at the Columbia Correctional Institution Annex in Lake City on Dec. 15 with 37 graduating.
Columbia High School FFA students Logan Russ (from left), Kenzie Dungan, Kaylen Dungan, Cayden Hall and Emili Jones hold two TNT fireworks signs while promoting fireworks sales for the Columbia High School FFA fundraiser. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia High School FFA students Logan Russ (from left), Kenzie Dungan, Kaylen Dungan, Cayden Hall and Emili Jones hold two TNT fireworks signs while promoting fireworks sales for the Columbia High School FFA fundraiser. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Sixth annual fireworks sale aims to pay for FFA chapters

TONY BRITT
Monday, December 27, 2021
Folks looking to commemorate the beginning of 2022 with a crack, sparkle or pop will be able to help generate funds for a local high school organization in the process.
The Christmas edition of the weekly Lake City Citizen-Reporter on Dec. 15, 1916, featured a full-color drawing of Santa Claus readying to deliver some toys to children. The full-page color drawing was sponsored by the East Coast Lumber Company, one of the largest employers in the community at the time.

The Christmas edition of the weekly Lake City Citizen-Reporter on Dec. 15, 1916, featured a full-color drawing of Santa Claus readying to deliver some toys to children. The full-page color drawing was sponsored by the East Coast Lumber Company, one of the largest employers in the community at the time.

Recalling Christmases of yore

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season and the uncertainty that another variant of covid brings, it is easy to overlook the joys Christmas, but even during our darkest hours and amidst our most chaotic days, we find ways to come together.
Skip Johns’ gold-adorned custom Gibson banjo arrived in Florida on Christmas Eve 1971. Fifty years later, Johns still is playing the instrument. (COURTESY)

Skip Johns’ gold-adorned custom Gibson banjo arrived in Florida on Christmas Eve 1971. Fifty years later, Johns still is playing the instrument. (COURTESY)

A man and his banjo: Johns’ custom Gibson arrived 50 years ago

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, December 23, 2021
A half century ago, Skip Johns’ long wait was over. On Christmas Eve 1971, Johns received the call he had been waiting on. His custom-built Gibson banjo had arrived at a Greyhound bus station in Jacksonville. Just one problem.

90 years of delivering Christmas

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, December 23, 2021
It began as the brainchild of a reporter with the Lake City Reporter. Ninety years later, the Lake City Elks Lodge #893’s Christmas program is still going strong. This year’s visit from Santa Claus and toy giveaway at the Lodge will take place today at 6 p.m.

LifeSouth seeks donors

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, December 23, 2021
The blood supply in the United States is dangerously low with covid-19 continuing to impact donor turnout and recent tragedies and increased demands adding additional strain to the national supply. Locally, there is also a severe blood shortage, and blood donors are asked to donate soon.
Adams and Thomas are the final candidates for the open city manager position.

Adams and Thomas are the final candidates for the open city manager position.

Council is down to 2

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
And then there were two. Following virtual interviews Wednesday morning, the Lake City Council narrowed its search for a new full-time city manager to two candidates: Glen Adams and Thomas Thomas.
CHS FFA Alumni president Kelly Trimble (center) helps unload supplies with FFA members in Kentucky. (COURTESY)

CHS FFA Alumni president Kelly Trimble (center) helps unload supplies with FFA members in Kentucky. (COURTESY)

Good tidings: CHS FFA delivers supplies to tornado victims in Kentucky

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
A trio of Columbia High School FFA officials were able to bundle up some of the Christmas spirit in Lake City and carry it up the road to Kentucky to aid tornado victims in their recovery efforts.
The Lake City ABC Fine Wine & Spirits employees Evelyn Alexander (from left), Sharde Chairs, Teresa Sullivan, Annettee Baker, Tom Stauffer and Chris Moll stand near the toys they purchased for the Toys For Tots program after a recent toy drive. (COURTESY)

The Lake City ABC Fine Wine & Spirits employees Evelyn Alexander (from left), Sharde Chairs, Teresa Sullivan, Annettee Baker, Tom Stauffer and Chris Moll stand near the toys they purchased for the Toys For Tots program after a recent toy drive. (COURTESY)

ABC gathers donations for Toys for Tots

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Receiving a hand up, a former Toys for Tots program client extended that good fortune forward.