Local

Thomas holds firm on $140K

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Lake City could have a new manager in less than a month. Thomas Thomas, the city council’s top choice for the vacant administrative position, agreed to a March 1 start date Wednesday afternoon in his latest response to the city’s contract terms.

CCSO: Nobody there during shooting

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Seeing someone in the closet of his apartment, a Lake City man opened fire Tuesday afternoon. Only problem? Columbia County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies say there was nobody in the apartment near Columbia High School.

Vehicle shot while driving

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
A Sunday afternoon drive took a turn on NW Wilson Street when gunfire broke out. According to the Lake City Police Department, a victim was driving on NW Wilson Street around 3 p.m. Sunday when they approached a vehicle near NW Texas Avenue.
Columbia County Schools Assistant Superintendent Hope Jernigan (center) was presented with new American flags for district schools by American Legion Post Commander Rick Cabrera (left) and Irma Wehrli, Auxiliary Board member. (COURTESY)

Columbia County Schools Assistant Superintendent Hope Jernigan (center) was presented with new American flags for district schools by American Legion Post Commander Rick Cabrera (left) and Irma Wehrli, Auxiliary Board member. (COURTESY)

Students awarded for Americanism

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Staff report The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 57 hosted its annual Americanism award program on Saturday, awarding 15 students certificates and cash prizes. The awards were based on essays about the topic, “How can we support families who provide care to their Veterans?
Kipp Walker (right) sings Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’ while accompanied by Todd Siff on the electric guitar at Florida Gateway College on Tuesday morning. The two performed at the FGC Black History Month kickoff ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Kipp Walker (right) sings Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’ while accompanied by Todd Siff on the electric guitar at Florida Gateway College on Tuesday morning. The two performed at the FGC Black History Month kickoff ceremony. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC kicks off Black History Month with ceremony

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
With a solemn address recognizing contributions from African-Americans, as well as a poem, a proclamation, and a local rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”, Florida Gateway College kicked-off it’s annual Black History Month observation with a 30-minute ceremony Tuesday morning.

County suspends Hunter

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
The foreclosure of the Columbia County economic development director’s commercial property has now led to some time off for bringing bad publicity to the county.

Columbia set to name top teacher, school employee

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
One teacher in Columbia County will drive away Thursday with the title of Teacher of the Year — and a brand new car. The Columbia County School District’s Teacher of the Year ceremony will be held Thursday at 5:15 p.m. at the Blanche Hotel.
The North Florida Mega Industrial Park was the main topic of discussion at Monday’s joint city-county meeting. (FILE)

The North Florida Mega Industrial Park was the main topic of discussion at Monday’s joint city-county meeting. (FILE)

Lot of talk, little action on industrial park

JAMIE WACHTER
Monday, January 31, 2022
Columbia County officials plan to keep moving forward with their plan to provide the utilities for the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. Except for natural gas and unless the county decides to try a concept that involves using Lake City’s wells for water use.
Lake City Utilities Director Paul Dyal (right) points to the crowd during the joint meeting Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Utilities Director Paul Dyal (right) points to the crowd during the joint meeting Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

City, county eye continued Bell Road corridor growth

TONY BRITT
Monday, January 31, 2022
Lake City and Columbia County officials both believe that the Bell Street area is a prime area that’s going to experience significant economic development within the next few years. And both groups want to be ready for whatever opportunities present themselves.