Local

First Federal plans 60 days of giving

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 18, 2022
In recognition of its 60th anniversary, First Federal Bank is giving back to the community for 60 days. The bank announced this week 60 days of giving during which bank employees will nominate local non-profit organizations for a drawing with a winner selected each day for 60 days.

County: time tight in finding econ head

TONY BRITT
Thursday, February 17, 2022
The process of finding Columbia County’s next economic development director is underway and time is of the essence. Glenn Hunter, who has served as the county’s economic development director since May 2014, announced last week that he would be retiring this year.

Paulk running for school board seat

JAMIE WACHTER
Thursday, February 17, 2022
With a history of giving back to the youth of Lake City and Columbia County, Zack Paulk is eyeing a new avenue to continue that same mission. Paulk has announced his candidacy for the District 5 seat on the Columbia County School Board.
Students make their way through a hallway showcasing different science fair projects Thursday afternoon at Florida Gateway College. Students had a chance to look at each other’s projects as judges deliberated their decision. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Students make their way through a hallway showcasing different science fair projects Thursday afternoon at Florida Gateway College. Students had a chance to look at each other’s projects as judges deliberated their decision. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Science fair ‘stays with them for life’

TONY BRITT
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Several youngsters from area schools were at the Wilson S. Rivers Library on the Florida Gateway College Thursday wearing business casual clothing and speaking intellectually about science.
A pair of VA associates set up a table at American Legion Post No. 57 ahead of Thursday’s event. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A pair of VA associates set up a table at American Legion Post No. 57 ahead of Thursday’s event. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Career counseling, haircuts served to vets

TONY BRITT
Thursday, February 17, 2022
More than 50 veterans from around the area attended the Veteran Stand Down Event at American Legion Post No. 57 Thursday morning. The event, which was presented through a partnership with Career Source Florida Crown and Post 57, provided job opportunities, clothing, haircuts and food for veterans.
Construction workers continue working on the new STEM building on the Florida Gateway College campus Wednesday afternoon. The $12.8 million project is scheduled to be substantially complete by mid-April with hopes of opening in June. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Construction workers continue working on the new STEM building on the Florida Gateway College campus Wednesday afternoon. The $12.8 million project is scheduled to be substantially complete by mid-April with hopes of opening in June. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC STEM building scheduled to be finished within months

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Construction crews working on Florida Gateway College’s newest building, its STEM building, continue making progress on the new building on campus and plan to have building completed within the next few months.

Rail switch swap stalls spur

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
The gateway for goods into the North Florida Mega Industrial Park is finished and ready to go. Well, except for installing the rail switches to shift the track from the main line in the Osceola National Forest on to the rail for the park. And that is proving to be easier said than done.

Hunters, bank reach deal

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
A settlement agreement has been reached between a mortgage lender and a county official on a former printing company building in Lake City.

Science projects to be displayed at fair

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Approximately 30 students from surrounding counties have won their respective local school competition and advanced to higher level competition at the 2022 Suwannee Valley Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The projects will be on display to the public from 4-6 p.m.
Columbia County Manager David Kraus said the county is interested in using the rehabilitation facility at the Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center campus as a “one stop” permitting shop. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Manager David Kraus said the county is interested in using the rehabilitation facility at the Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center campus as a “one stop” permitting shop. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

County eyeing Lake Shore rehab facility for permitting shop

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Part of the Lake Shore hospital campus has piqued Columbia County’s interest.