Local

Vaccine rates have dropped 50% in past month locally.

Vaccine rates have dropped 50% in past month locally.

Covid cases, vaccinations both falling

NEWS STAFF
Friday, September 3, 2021
For the third straight week, the number of new covid-19 cases has fallen in Columbia County. For the third straight week, the number of vaccinations for covid has also fallen in Columbia County.

County looks to trash solid waste increase

TONY BRITT
Thursday, September 2, 2021
County officials are not happy with the possibility of lowering taxes, while then collecting more money for a non ad valorem assessment for solid waste collection and disposal fees. Officials plan to address issue during the county’s meeting and budget hearing next week.
Three former Columbia High standouts —Demetric Jackson, Kayli Kvistad and Shayne Edge were among Florida Gator greats that joined with the Florida Department of Transportation to provide safety messages to UF students this week. (COURTESY)

Three former Columbia High standouts —Demetric Jackson, Kayli Kvistad and Shayne Edge were among Florida Gator greats that joined with the Florida Department of Transportation to provide safety messages to UF students this week. (COURTESY)

CHS greats assist FDOT in safety outreach

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, September 2, 2021
GAINESVILLE — Legendary football coaches. A Heisman winner. National champions and award winners. What do they all have in common? They all call the University of Florida home, and they are coming together to remind motorists and pedestrians to be safe on the road.
The ownership transfer of the Richardson Community Center is currently on hold as title work and research for the property continues. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The ownership transfer of the Richardson Community Center is currently on hold as title work and research for the property continues. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Waiting game: Transfer of Richardson’s ownership currently on hold

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Columbia County officials want to improve the Richardson Community Center, but they would like to own the property first. “The county has been working with the city on the acquisition of the Richardson Community Center for a couple of years,” County Manager David Kraus said.

County garbage costs rise

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
County residents were able to avoid solid waste assessment fees lasts year, but they are returning this year — with a slight vengeance. The fees are increased based on the new contract the county is negotiating with Waste Pro.
A work by Shane Douberly displaying his skill in painting still life. Douberly said he feels, as an artist, that there are 'different avenues to tell different types of stories.' (COURTESY)

A work by Shane Douberly displaying his skill in painting still life. Douberly said he feels, as an artist, that there are 'different avenues to tell different types of stories.' (COURTESY)

Gateway Art Gallery taps Douberly as featured artist for Sept.

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
An illustrator and animator by day, Shane Douberly doubles in the fine arts at night. That side work will now be on display at the Gateway Art Gallery in downtown Lake City. Douberly is the gallery’s featured artist for September, starting with an open house and exhibition Friday from 5-7 p.m.

LCPD: More gunfire incidents reported

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
The Lake City Police Department responded to two more incidents of reported gunfire Tuesday. According to an LCPD release, officers were dispatched to the NE Lake Drive area around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday due to gunfire before another a report came in moments later.
The Columbia County Health Department will be administering free covid-19 vaccines Thursday at the Richardson Community Center.

The Columbia County Health Department will be administering free covid-19 vaccines Thursday at the Richardson Community Center.

Free covid-19 vaccines offered at Richardson

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
The Columbia County Health Department will be administering free covid-19 vaccines Thursday at the Richardson Community Center. In conjunction with the NorthStar Family Resource Center, the health department will be at Richardson, 255 NE Coach Anders Lane in Lake City, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Columbia County Public Library Programming Specialist Emma Miles looks for a spot to display a piece of art. So far, 17 works have been submitted to this year’s Youth Art Contest. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Public Library Programming Specialist Emma Miles looks for a spot to display a piece of art. So far, 17 works have been submitted to this year’s Youth Art Contest. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Youth artists showcase works for contest

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
The Columbia County Public Library’s main branch has a growing exhibit featuring colorful, original and unique displays.