Local

Weiser named LCMC’s chief nursing officer

Lake City Medical Center has a new nursing head. HCA Healthcare North Florida Division announced this week Angie Weiser was appointed the chief nursing officer for the hospital, effective Monday.

FGC has second-best associate program in state

Florida Gateway College offers one of the best associate degree programs in the state. According to University HQ, an independent educational group that ranks college programs on a number of criteria, the FGC program is second best in Florida, trailing only Santa Fe College.
Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Member Services Director Missy Hartley (left) congratulates Brooklynn Lacey on her win for Best New Business at the 2021 chamber’s Business Excellence Awards ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Member Services Director Missy Hartley (left) congratulates Brooklynn Lacey on her win for Best New Business at the 2021 chamber’s Business Excellence Awards ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Wheeler named Citizen of the Year; Brooklyns Coffee top new business

For two decades, Sarah Wheeler has unassumingly helped different groups in the community through selfless efforts at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
A member of the Military Officers Association of America hands a flag to a child during the 2019 Veterans Day Parade in Lake City. (FILE)

A member of the Military Officers Association of America hands a flag to a child during the 2019 Veterans Day Parade in Lake City. (FILE)

Return of the veterans

Stars and stripes are expected to be a common scene along Marion Avenue next week when the annual Veterans Parade makes its return. The Veterans Day Parade will take place on Veterans Day, beginning at 11 a.m. Lineup for the parade begins at 10 a.m.
The current City Hall building at 205 N. Marion Ave. has had issues recently with mold. City officials bought property with plans to make it the new site of a future City Hall. (FILE)

The current City Hall building at 205 N. Marion Ave. has had issues recently with mold. City officials bought property with plans to make it the new site of a future City Hall. (FILE)

New city hall nearing move-in day

Traditional City Hall services could return — in a new city hall location — by the end of the month.
Initial reports on the structural integrity of Memorial Stadium say it only needs minor repairs. (FILE)

Initial reports on the structural integrity of Memorial Stadium say it only needs minor repairs. (FILE)

Memorial ‘not going to fall down’

The reports declaring the demise of Lake City’s Memorial Stadium appear to have been greatly exaggerated. It turns out the stadium may only need some repair work.

FHP looks to ‘Stuff the Charger’

The Florida Highway Patrol is hoping to crack down on hunger. Throughout November, FHP troopers are partnering with local food banks and non-profit agencies to feed the hungry through their annual “Stuff the Charger” food drive. The drive began Monday and runs through Nov. 30.
Dr. Tommy Randolph (from left), D’Andre Jefferson and Thomas Williams pose at last year’s clothing drive. (COURTESY)

Dr. Tommy Randolph (from left), D’Andre Jefferson and Thomas Williams pose at last year’s clothing drive. (COURTESY)

Teen-led clothing drive makes its return

When visiting a friend last year to drop off some clothes, D’Andre Jefferson and Thomas Williams didn’t know that act was about to change their lives. But when his friend Thomas Williams recounted seeing another friend crying, the two recent high school grads decided to make a difference.

BOCC considers kiosk for Rum Island Park

The honor system may soon be out at Rum Island Park. In its place could be a ParkingBoxx kiosk. At its 9 a.m. meeting Thursday, the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners will discuss approving the purchase of the kiosk to use at the entrance gate to the park near Fort White.