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Hunter retires as econ chief

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 11, 2022
Columbia County is in the market for a new economic development director. Glenn Hunter let county officials know Friday he intends to retire before the end of the year, according to a prepared statement from County Manager David Kraus.
City services moving into the new City Hall have been put on hold while the council searches for a permanent manager. (FILE)

City services moving into the new City Hall have been put on hold while the council searches for a permanent manager. (FILE)

City hall move put on hold

TONY BRITT
Friday, February 11, 2022
The relocation of Lake City Hall remains on hold. Lake City officials were hoping to install a new city manager before deciding the fate of city departments housed in the old city hall building on North Marion Avenue.
Late astrophotographer Steve Speck sets up his camera and telescope in the night hours. (COURTESY)

Late astrophotographer Steve Speck sets up his camera and telescope in the night hours. (COURTESY)

Astrophotography exhibits open at Gateway Art Gallery

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 11, 2022
Photographs by the late Steve Speck, formerly of Florida’s Space Coast, are on exhibit at the Gateway Art Gallery in historic downtown Lake City. Speck was a nature photographer most of his life. When struck with cancer, his chemotherapy mandated that he stay out of the sun.
Lake City Humane Society’s adoption counselor Roy Armstrong speaks during Thursday morning’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Humane Society’s adoption counselor Roy Armstrong speaks during Thursday morning’s meeting. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County funds animal care, control

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Despite concerns about the Lake City-Columbia County Humane Society, Columbia County will continue to utilize the agency for animal control. At least for the next seven-plus months.
Wayne Levy, a keyboardist and singer, will play a set with the Wayne Levy Jazz Soul Trio on Saturday in Lake City. (COURTESY)

Wayne Levy, a keyboardist and singer, will play a set with the Wayne Levy Jazz Soul Trio on Saturday in Lake City. (COURTESY)

Musician with LC ties makes return

TONY BRITT
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Wayne Levy grew up as the son of a locally renowned  musician and spent the formative years of his life playing music and developing a stage presence under his father.

$9,500 reward offered in fatal 2019 shooting

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Information in a 2019 shooting death could be worth up to $9,500. The Crime Stopper of Columbia County is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the shooter in the Aug. 17, 2019, death of 18-year-old Jordan Dartice Freeman, of Lake City.

Bascom Norris closing overnight for road work

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Drainage work for the U.S. Highway 41 roundabout will lead to Bascom Norris Drive closing overnight next week. The Florida Department of Transportation announced Thursday that Bascom Norris Drive between Lake Jeffery Road and U.S. 41 will be closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Exectuvie Director of the Blue-Grey Army Faye Warren said that while a parade and skirmish are off the table in Lake City, the Olustee Historic State Park in Baker County will still host a re-enactment. (FILE)

Exectuvie Director of the Blue-Grey Army Faye Warren said that while a parade and skirmish are off the table in Lake City, the Olustee Historic State Park in Baker County will still host a re-enactment. (FILE)

New-look Olustee: Parade, skirmish, cemetery service not planned for this year

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
The grounds surrounding Wilson Park will come alive with activity in the next few days as a portion of Lake City’s downtown area plays host to the 43rd annual Olustee Festival.
Tomi Brown, Columbia County’s supervisor of elections, looks over construction work for the addition of a 35-foot window that will allow voters to see into the canvassing room. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Tomi Brown, Columbia County’s supervisor of elections, looks over construction work for the addition of a 35-foot window that will allow voters to see into the canvassing room. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Elections office gets makeover

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
With the 2022 election season quickly approaching, the Columbia County Supervisor of Elections Office is get ready with a new look.
LaKesia Hendon shows off a poster of MiKhiya Hendon in her hospital room at Shands. (COURTESY)

LaKesia Hendon shows off a poster of MiKhiya Hendon in her hospital room at Shands. (COURTESY)

Bone marrow transplant recipient to get community party in her honor

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Over a year ago, MiKhiya Hendon received an escort usually reserved for big-time sports teams and rock stars. She was part of a convoy led by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office that took MiKhiya from UF Health Shands Hospital to her home north of Lake City. She spent nearly two months — from Nov.