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Shea Harrell, Christian Service Center’s operations manager, and Chris Walter, its executive director, put Christmas basket items into the truck of a client’s car during the annual Christmas Basket Distribution. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Shea Harrell, Christian Service Center’s operations manager, and Chris Walter, its executive director, put Christmas basket items into the truck of a client’s car during the annual Christmas Basket Distribution. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

CSC gives back during Christmas Basket event

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Colder temperatures were right at home Monday and ushered in the spirit of Christmas gift giving as the Christian Service Center distributed Christmas baskets to several of its clients.
A Lake City firefighter holds Chase after the dog was rescued from a house fire Monday. (COURTESY)

A Lake City firefighter holds Chase after the dog was rescued from a house fire Monday. (COURTESY)

Dog saved from house fire Monday

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Units from the Lake City Fire Department were dispatched to a structure fire Monday evening where they were able to save canine. According to LCFD reports, at 7:10 p.m. on Monday, units were dispatched to a fire in a two-story residence off of Southwest Gator Ct.
NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts takes notes during a prior board meeting. (FILE)

NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts takes notes during a prior board meeting. (FILE)

Utility group sets $8 bulk water rate

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The Town of Fort White now knows what water would cost should it decide to handle its water system itself moving forward. During Monday’s North Florida Water Utilities Authority meeting, the NFWUA board unanimously agreed to set a bulk water rate for the town at $8 per 1,000 gallons.

Child killed falling off pickup

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
A 5-year-old girl was killed Saturday night when she fell off a pickup, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. An FHP release said a pickup was being driven around 6:27 p.m. Saturday on private property off of NW Brook Loop when the child — Avery Michelle Lunde — fell from the truck.
NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts said he was unaware of problems at Ellisville and Suwannee County water plants prior to his June hiring. (FILE)

NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts said he was unaware of problems at Ellisville and Suwannee County water plants prior to his June hiring. (FILE)

County fined by DEP for Ellisville plant

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, December 12, 2025
The Ellisville wastewater treatment plant’s problems with properly treating the water has cost Columbia County. More state fines could be coming if the issue with meeting permit standards aren’t met.

CRA considers façade grant expansion

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, December 12, 2025
The City of Lake City is hoping to set a strong foundation for future Community Redevelopment Agency projects. The CRA, which consists of the Lake City Council members as well as Mayor Noah Walker, is slated to host a meeting Monday at 5 p.m. at Lake City Hall, 205 N.
Cadets with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office graduated Wednesday from the police academy at Florida Gateway College. Graduates were Jesse Braden (from left), Jarrod Spurlock and Anthony Cortese, Jr. Sheriff Wallace Kitchings is pictured with the graduates. (COURTESY)

Cadets with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office graduated Wednesday from the police academy at Florida Gateway College. Graduates were Jesse Braden (from left), Jarrod Spurlock and Anthony Cortese, Jr. Sheriff Wallace Kitchings is pictured with the graduates. (COURTESY)

CCSO cadets graduate from academy

NEWS STAFF
Friday, December 12, 2025
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office hired three deputy sheriff cadets into its sponsorship program in October. The program includes a tuition-paid academy and a starting salary of $45,625 with the CCSO while in training.
The Lake City Columbia County Tennis Association raised money and collected toys for the Christmas Dream Machine at a Mistletoe Tennis Social event Tuesday. (COURTESY)

The Lake City Columbia County Tennis Association raised money and collected toys for the Christmas Dream Machine at a Mistletoe Tennis Social event Tuesday. (COURTESY)

Tennis group gives back to Dream Machine

NEWS STAFF
Friday, December 12, 2025
Tennis players of all ages from the community participated in the Lake City Columbia County Tennis Association’s Mistletoe Tennis Social event Tuesday afternoon.
Florida Gateway College graduates turn their tassels after graduating during the college’s commencement ceremony Tuesday evening at the Howard Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Florida Gateway College graduates turn their tassels after graduating during the college’s commencement ceremony Tuesday evening at the Howard Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Christmas comes early at FGC, graduating largest class

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Just weeks before Christmas 2025, more than 300 Florida Gateway College students added a college certificate or diploma to their list of holiday heirlooms.