Local

Suwannee County Fire Chief Eddie Hand (center) and Division Chief Matt Garbett present the Lake City Fire Department with a fire hose flag in memory of Chief Randy Burnham. (COURTESY)

Suwannee County Fire Chief Eddie Hand (center) and Division Chief Matt Garbett present the Lake City Fire Department with a fire hose flag in memory of Chief Randy Burnham. (COURTESY)

Burnham’s legacy honored

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, October 28, 2021
As Suwannee County Fire Rescue mourned the loss of its leader two years ago, a memorial token arrived from next door. Josh Wehinger, the assistant fire chief at the Lake City Fire Department, had a fire hose flag on his office wall.
A pair of riders take off with American flags waving during the American Legion Riders’ 2019 Toys for Tots run. (FILE)

A pair of riders take off with American flags waving during the American Legion Riders’ 2019 Toys for Tots run. (FILE)

Legion Riders hosting Toys for Tots run

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, October 28, 2021
The American Legion Riders’ third annual Toys for Tots run will be bigger than ever. In addition to the ride Nov.
Hannah (left) and Faith Turner share a laugh as they set up a food trailer Thursday afternoon in preparation for opening night of the 67th annual Florida Gateway Fair. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Hannah (left) and Faith Turner share a laugh as they set up a food trailer Thursday afternoon in preparation for opening night of the 67th annual Florida Gateway Fair. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fair affair: Food trucks, attractions set up for Gateway Fair

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, October 28, 2021
It’s time to crank up the tilt-o-whirl and breathe in the fried corndog batter. The 67th annual Florida Gateway Fair is scheduled to open today at 5 p.m. and will remain open to the public through Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds at 164 SW Mary Ethel Lane.
Stephen A. Douglas (left) reacts to being chosen for the District 14 seat at an Oct. 13 meeting. (FILE)

Stephen A. Douglas (left) reacts to being chosen for the District 14 seat at an Oct. 13 meeting. (FILE)

Douglas wants to see council changes after appointment yanked

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, October 28, 2021
How does it feel to gain an appointment to the Lake City Council and have it taken away less than two weeks later? It’s frustrating admits Stephen A. Douglas. “Very, very frustrated at the actions of our city leaders,” Douglas said Thursday afternoon.
Lake City Police Officer Remington ‘Cody’ Chauncey (left) accepts his Police Purple Heart, presented by Police Chief Argatha Gilmore, on Monday. (COURTESY)

Lake City Police Officer Remington ‘Cody’ Chauncey (left) accepts his Police Purple Heart, presented by Police Chief Argatha Gilmore, on Monday. (COURTESY)

Chauncey awarded Police Purple Heart

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Responding to a “shots fired” call 15 months ago, Lake City Police Officer Remington “Cody” Chauncey was shot while conducting a well-being check on a residence.
First responders hold potential customers outside at the Publix at 255 NW Commons Loop after a maintenance worker passed out and later died. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

First responders hold potential customers outside at the Publix at 255 NW Commons Loop after a maintenance worker passed out and later died. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Potential leak evacuates Publix

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
A possible freon gas leak forced the evacuation and temporary closure of Publix on Wednesday afternoon and could also be responsible for the death of an air conditioner repairman.

Teen shot, killed at Cedar Park

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
A Lake City teen died from a gunshot wound to the head Tuesday night at a local apartment complex, where another shooting victim was also rushed to the hospital. The deceased victim has been identified as 17-year-old Cameron Devores Minter.
Lake City Police Chief Argatha Gilmore (right) speaks during the National Night Out event on Oct. 5. (FILE)

Lake City Police Chief Argatha Gilmore (right) speaks during the National Night Out event on Oct. 5. (FILE)

Gilmore stepping down

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
The top law enforcement officer in the City of Lake City is leaving town. Chief Argatha Gilmore tendered her resignation to Interim City Manager Mike Williams in a meeting Tuesday afternoon, with her final day set for Nov. 8.
Several decorated pumpkins, including one that resembles Pennywise the Dancing Clown from the movie ‘It,’ sit in the lobby of the Columbia County Courthouse as Columbia County Judge Sara Carter (left) and Columbia County Clerk of Courts Jay Swisher examine entries. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Several decorated pumpkins, including one that resembles Pennywise the Dancing Clown from the movie ‘It,’ sit in the lobby of the Columbia County Courthouse as Columbia County Judge Sara Carter (left) and Columbia County Clerk of Courts Jay Swisher examine entries. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Pick of the patch: County courthouse holds pumpkin decorating contest

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
The historic Columbia County Courthouse is not immune to the creepy, scary and, at times, comical events surrounding Halloween and fall festivals. The building’s second floor is haven to several pumpkins on display in commemoration of the season of the year.
Befaithful Coker (right) stands with her two children, Victoria and Michael, in the council chambers. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Befaithful Coker (right) stands with her two children, Victoria and Michael, in the council chambers. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

City council goes with Coker

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
After five failed votes Tuesday night, the Lake City Council finally has its newest member: Befaithful Coker. “It’s exhilarating,” Coker said following the meeting. “I’m ready to get to work.