Local

Thomas Henry (right) stands with his son, Josh, and wife, Zola, at his retirement party on Tuesday. Henry was recently hired by the City of High Springs as the Director of Public Works. (COURTESY)

Thomas Henry (right) stands with his son, Josh, and wife, Zola, at his retirement party on Tuesday. Henry was recently hired by the City of High Springs as the Director of Public Works. (COURTESY)

City not in hurry to fill public works position

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
There’s no hurry to fill the city’s latest vacant administrative position. Thomas Henry recently retired as Lake City’s public works director, with his last day being Monday.
In this 2014 file photo, Jeffrey Hill poses with the rusty pipe at the heart of his dispute. (FILE)

In this 2014 file photo, Jeffrey Hill poses with the rusty pipe at the heart of his dispute. (FILE)

County, water management nearing deal on Hill land dispute

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
After 16 years, the fight may finally be over. The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners will be discussing Thursday morningduring its 9:30 meeting an agreement with the Suwannee River Water Management District that would settle the years-long dispute between property owner Jeffrey Hill Sr.
Emma Sanders rehearses her performance for the upcoming Columbia’s Top Talent. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Emma Sanders rehearses her performance for the upcoming Columbia’s Top Talent. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

On the lookout for Columbia’s Top Talent

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
A slew of young vocalists from around Columbia County will rely on their voices to wow the crowd, please the judges and earn them a spot in the final of Columbia’s Top Talent. The next round of competition for Columbia’s Top Talent will take place 7 p.

LCPD successfully receives reaccreditation

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
As the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office awaits the status of its reaccreditation, one local law enforcement agency has secured its own for the next three years. The Lake City Police Department successfully received its reaccreditation on Thursday at a ceremony in St.
Lelia Williams (from left) is hugged by Rev. Herman Grant as Philip Mobley looks on during the Richardson Historic Marker celebration. Grant presented Williams with a plaque of appreciation for her support in helping get the historic marker for Richardson High School. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lelia Williams (from left) is hugged by Rev. Herman Grant as Philip Mobley looks on during the Richardson Historic Marker celebration. Grant presented Williams with a plaque of appreciation for her support in helping get the historic marker for Richardson High School. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Living history: Alumni, guests celebrate Richardson historic marker

TONY BRITT
Monday, February 28, 2022
Richardson High School’s stint as the area’s segregated high school for African-American students ended several decades ago, but that wasn’t evident on Saturday. What was evident was pride in the school all these many years later.
Volunteers sit at a makeshift desk at Wilson Park during a Florida drivers license restoration event. (COURTESY)

Volunteers sit at a makeshift desk at Wilson Park during a Florida drivers license restoration event. (COURTESY)

50 served at license restoration clinic

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, February 28, 2022
Revving up support and resources, there was no stopping several Columbia County residents from getting back behind the wheel.

Brannan 99.9% for your right to know

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, February 28, 2022
TALLAHASSEE — Legislation that attacks the public’s right to know will be heard on the Florida House of Representatives floor today. Chuck Brannan, the Republican representative from District 10 that includes Columbia, Suwannee and Hamilton counties, said Monday he expects to vote against HB 7049.