Local

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

TONY BRITT
Thursday, November 4, 2021
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

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
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

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
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’

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
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’

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
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

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
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

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
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.
Christmas Dream Machine founder and director Meally Jenkins opens up boxes of giant bows as part of her preparations for this year’s event at 1445 SW Main Boulevard. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Christmas Dream Machine founder and director Meally Jenkins opens up boxes of giant bows as part of her preparations for this year’s event at 1445 SW Main Boulevard. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

A holly jolly dream machine

TONY BRITT
Monday, November 1, 2021
A large pair of red Christmas wreaths hanging days before Halloween may seem strange to some people, but to many local residents it’s a visual indicator that the Christmas Dream Machine is prepping for the holiday season.
Members of the Lake City Council listen to a speaker at the podium during Monday's meeting. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Members of the Lake City Council listen to a speaker at the podium during Monday's meeting. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

No seat for Coker either

TONY BRITT
Monday, November 1, 2021
The Lake City Council is down to its final strike. Twice, the council has held special meetings to appoint a District 14 representative, only to back out when it came time to swear the candidate in. Guess what? Another special city council meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m.

Jax man arrested for hitting jukebox

NEWS STAFF
Monday, November 1, 2021
Hitting on the jukebox at the Longbranch Saloon didn’t pay off for a Jacksonville man. After drinking at the bar on S. Marion Avenue on Friday night, 27-year-old Jared Kampmeyer wanted to hear a song around 2 a.m. Saturday, he told officers according to a Lake City Police Department report.